The Superchick Prize Pack Giveaway contest is nearing to a close. If you have not entered your name for a chance to win. You can get all the details here.
“Superchick Loves You” Poster
Slap Bracelet
The prize pack will consists of one (1) Autographed Superchick “Movie” Fold Out Poster, one (1) Fold Out “Superchick Loves You” Poster, one (1) Superchick Snap Bracelet, and one (1) Superchick “Rock What You Got” CD. Winners will be randomly drawn from all entries containing the correct answer submitted by 5:00pm EDT on Friday, July 25th, 2008.
“Movie” Poster
Hurry up and enter. Also, check out Rock What You Got via this very cool e-card.
Chris Sligh Hits ‘idol Camp’ And Gears Up For Headlining Back To School Tour
Publish Date: Jul 24, 2008
As his debut CD Running Back To You garners its first top 10 single with “Empty Me” (#9 R&R AC Monitor – #5 Most Increased song), American Idol® finalist Chris Sligh is readying himself to hit the road to support both, as well as his next single, “Arise”. In addition, he will perform live on The 700 Club on Tuesday, July 29th.
Sligh’s first stop before launching his headlining Back to School Tour, will be “Idol Camp” in Southern California. Idol Camp was created for kids who want to be singer/songwriters, and enlists former “Idols” each summer to participate in teaching music classes, host open mic sessions, showcases, as well as extra curricular activities including arts and crafts, motor sports, paint-ball, soccer, archery, swimming and more.
With a desire to work directly with his friends at Christian radio, Sligh took it upon himself to reach out to stations across the country to partner with him on his Back to School Tour. Hitting about 30 cities, sponsor stations will share in the expense and any spoils directly with Sligh, something rarely done in the music industry on a regular basis. The tour will kick off on August 15th in Austin, TX and hit markets including Atlanta, Oklahoma City, Kansas City, Washington D.C. and more.
“From ‘Empty Me’ to ‘Arise’, we can’t wait to see Chris’ amazing music come to life on stage! WCQR is very thankful to play a part of such an incredible ministry.” commented Chalmer Harper, PD at WCQR in Johnson City, TN, who is bringing Sligh in on the Back to School tour.
Running Back To You jumped from #44 to #28 in the YMZ Top 50 Album Sales chart and is showing strong sales. Check out the album on Sligh’s YMZ artist page.
American heartland singer-songwriter and pianist Jon McLaughlin returns on October 7th with OK Now, his second album for Island Records.
Fans at mainstream radio are getting a sample with the release of a new single, “Beating My Heart”, which impacted at the Hot AC radio format on June 9th. In addition, McLaughlin was tapped to open for British sensation Duffy on June 19th at the El Rey in Los Angeles.
”’Beating My Heart’ is my ‘meaning of life’ song,” says McLaughlin. “All I need to keep in mind in life is that it’s not about the little things that get me all stressed out, which is easier said than done, obviously. My life should be about my faith, trying to react to situations and treat people the way Jesus did… living the way He lived. I think maybe this is the reason why I am here; to experience life the way Jesus experienced life.”
“Beating My Heart” was written by Jon McLaughlin and produced by John Fields, known for his recent chart-topping work with the Jonas Brothers, Lifehouse, and Switchfoot. The new album was mixed by Tom Lord-Alge and features the soon-to-be hit “Smack In To You”, written and produced by the Grammy® award-winning team of Tricky and The-Dream.
McLaughlin show-stopping live performance of “So Close” the Oscar®-nominated song from the Disney movie Enchanted, was seen world-wide during this year’s 80th annual Academy Awards ceremonies. Jon’s triumphant Oscar night performance ignited an astonishing spike in sales for his debut album Indiana. “Musically, the big winner of the night was Jon McLaughlin,” wrote FoxNews.com’s Roger Friedman in his Oscars coverage. “He sang one of the Enchanted songs. Talk about a break-out moment! That’s a phenomenal voice… McLaughlin could be the next big thing.”
Indiana, Jon McLaughlin’s first major label album, received maximum exposure on tours with Sara Bareilles last summer, Paolo Nutini in the fall, and was rounded out with the 24-city Kelly Clarkson North American tour, October through December 2007.
Named one of “The 10 Hot Guys of Summer” by US Weekly magazine last year, Jon was also seen performing on the CBS-TV daytime drama The Bold & The Beautiful, on NBC’s The Today Show and on NBC’s The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.
Stay tuned to YMZ as we will bring you updates on OK Now. Find out more about McLaughlin on his YMZ artist page.
The songs of Casting Crowns’s The Altar and The Door strike a bold chord that the Christian life can and should be so much more than that. “When we have an ongoing, developing relationship with Jesus, life is not about me, my wants and my needs,” says lead singer Mark Hall. “It’s about being the hands and feet of Jesus in other people’s lives.”
“Slow Fade” features vocals from Hall’s daughter Reagan and was “inspired by the spreading cancer of moral failure in the fathers of this generation,” Hall says. The video tells the story of a family slowly fading because of compromising decisions they have made. Hall adds, “As believers, we must guard our hearts and understand that no one crashes and burns, they just slowly fade away, one little compromise at a time.”
Krystal Meyers brand-new music video, “Make Some Noise”, is the title-track from her upcoming, September 9th release. “It’s about getting out there and making a positive impact,” shares Meyers, who has become a major pop star in Japan over the last couple of years. “Many people say that my generation is a dying generation; that we’re hopeless and have nowhere to go, but I don’t agree. I think people are more involved. We care about the environment, social justice, politics, those in need – we care about things that are making a difference in our world. It’s important for us to make an impact, but the only way to make an impact is if you are loud about it. You can’t just sit in a corner and be reserved. Live out loud! Make some noise!”
For their latest album The Heat, needtobreathe turned to Collective Soul mastermind Ed Roland. A genuine icon of modern Southern Rock, Roland encouraged the band’s melding of pop melodies and rock ‘n’ roll power. The Collective Soul frontman also gave the musicians free rein over his collection of vintage gear, allowing them to add classic colours to their developing sound.
Having grown up in church, the sounds of gospel are intrinsically woven into the Rineharts’ musical DNA. As needtobreathe reached inward, inspirational sounds began to inform their work, notably on “Washed By The Water”, which recasts an old time spiritual as rousing modern rock.
The album was mixed by Richard Chycki at Mixland Music & DVD in Wasaga Beach, Ontario.
“Already Over” is from GRAMMY®-nominated Red’s debut album, End of Silence. The song is led by a dark, lilting piano and relentless snare before exploding in pure metal fury. Lyrically it documents a downward spiral, a running or falling away from something good. Currently airing on MTV2, the song recently became the #1 Most Streamed music video at MTV2.com.
Sanctus Real filmed the music video for their song “Whatever You’re Doing (Something Heavenly)” at Retrospec Films studios in Tulsa, Okla. The song is taken from the band’s February release, We Need Each Other. Produced by Ash Greyson (BrightBulb Entertainment), the video premiered worldwide Saturday, June 21st on the Gospel Music Channel, and the song is currently Top 5 at Christian Hit Radio, according to Radio & Records.
Brooke Barrettsmith and Alvin Slaughter’s EPKs Now Online
Publish Date: Jul 24, 2008
Two new EPKs (Electronic Press Kits) have been posted in the Media section.
The 26 year-old Chicago native, Brooke Barrettsmith, has written a collection of uniquely crafted songs, melding her love of musical influences Jeremy Camp, Daughtry and Kelly Clarkson, with passionate lyrics reflecting messages of faith and encouragement.
Though only in her mid-twenties, Brooke has already dealt with her share of challenges including an early struggle with severe anxiety. As a teenager, she suffered from frequent panic attacks rendering her helpless at times. By renewing her mind in the Word of God daily and leaning on her parents for encouragement, Brooke was gradually able to overcome the attacks. This experience serves as one of the catalysts for writing her debut songs, and she speaks about it to teen and college women at regional events, including Unlimited Hope Women’s conferences. At home, Brooke is a youth group leader at her local church and studies at Moody Bible College.
In 2006, Brooke made it to the Top 40 contestants on Fox TV’s Season Five of American Idol® (Chris Daughtry, Mandisa, Katherine McPhee). Adept at guitar and piano, as well as a prolific writer, Brooke’s musical heritage runs deep. Both her grandmothers were performers in Chicago, one a Broadway singer and the other an Italian opera singer. Her father, now a non-denominational Bible church pastor, was a professional blues drummer and played venues with legends like Buddy Guy and B.B. King.
The CD will be specially priced at only $14.99 or less when it arrives at Canadian Christian retailers on August 19th.
Enriched with his own unique and uncompromising style, Alvin Slaughter hopes that Overcomer will bring life-changing principles and leadership skills that will inspire and motivate thousands across age, gender, and denominational lines.
As the former lead male vocalist of the multiple GRAMMY® Award winning Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir and frequent guest and host for TBN, Slaughter is best known for his cross-cultural songs and smooth blending of gospel and contemporary Christian music.
Each song on this release, including “We’re Destined To Win” and “Great Grace”, delivers passionate, enthusiastic and entertaining messages to both teach and encourage. His inspiring messages of hope in overcoming life’s obstacles are based on his own lessons learned and breakthrough journey. Slaughter is committed to helping others across the world apply these principles in their individual lives and relationships.
In addition to his EPK, we have several Overcomer video song stories available. The album is available now.
Head over to the YMZ Media section to view these EPKs.
Click on the artist name to read the bios. Keep track of all the new and upcoming releases via your own personal copy of the August New Music Tuesday poster.
The Ambassador’s “The Chop Chop: From Milk To Meat” Drops September 23rd
Publish Date: Jul 23, 2008
Are you ready for The Chop Chop? The what? The Chop Chop: From Milk To Meat is both an invitation and an exhortation from Christian hip hop pioneer The Ambassador to rally up with those who are hungry for truth and determined to mature.
As Hebrews 6:1 states, “we must progress beyond the elementary instructions about Christ and move on to maturity” The current trend in our culture-and sadly in the church-is to ‘dumb down’ almost everything, but it is possible to do this to a fault. Some things require a little more intensity, commitment, and grind, and our faith is certainly one of those jewels. As the hip hop generation, it is time to get our weight up. The Chop Chop calls all hearers to take the meat of God’s weighty truth and “chop it up,” chew it until it becomes a part of you.
Building on the success of his sophomore solo project The Thesis and his GRAMMY® and Stellar nominated release HIStory with group The Cross Movement, The Ambassador follows with The Chop Chop-a creatively crafted album with captivating production topped with an uncompromising message that will challenge listeners, while exposing the authenticity and supremacy of God.
The Chop Chop occurs when we take the meat of God’s word, break it down, and share it to impact the world as messengers and models of transforming truth. The title track, “The Chop Chop”, is a hip hop banger that challenges believers to grow and develop by gathering with other believers and “chopping up” the scriptures to integrate biblical nutrition into our system. Dramatic horns sound The Ambssador’s bleeding heart in “Anybody Hear Me?”, a sobering track that exposes the problems of a culture no longer drawn to the rapper’s words and message, but rather the seductiveness of his swagger. In the infectious “Gimme Dat”, The Ambassador cries out for the fulfillment of redeemed passions-an overdose of satisfaction found in Christ, who provides all things for his people to enjoy.
The Chop Chop also features guest appearances by Lecrae, Trip Lee and Da’ T.R.U.T.H. as well as production by J.R., Official, Tony Stone and Mac the doulos.
A graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary, William “Duce” Branch a.k.a The Ambassador is the co-pastor of Epiphany Fellowship in Philadelphia, PA. He has also served as the president of the non-profit organization Cross Movement Ministries and ministered the gospel through rap and preaching for nearly 15 years. With a passionate commitment to the kingdom of Christ as well as a firm belief that faith must integrate with culture, The Ambassador has become known for his devotion to proclaiming Jesus Christ to urban contexts, and through urban mediums.
Stay tuned to YMZ as we will bring you updates on The Chop Chop: From Milk To Meat. Find out more about The Ambassador on his YMZ artist page.
It’s Zidgel, Midgel, Fidgel and Kevin to the rescue in 3-2-1 Penguins!®: Save The Planets!, an all-new out-of-this-world adventure from Big Idea, Inc., an Entertainment Rights group company. Big Idea’s beloved flock of flightless fowl is back in action with 3 exciting new episodes on one DVD for the first time! Loaded with lots of family-friendly bonus features, this brand-new DVD lands in Christian retailers across Canada on August 30th.
Produced by Big Idea, the creators of the award-winning VeggieTales® series, 3-2-1 Penguins! follows the galactic adventures of two young kids and four space-travelling penguins dedicated to responding to distress calls from across the galaxy and learning important life lessons and values along the way.
“We are delighted to present these hilarious new episodes on DVD for the first time,” says Greg Fritz, SVP Marketing & Licensing, Big Idea. “With the new-found popularity of 3-2-1 Penguins! since its increased television exposure, we felt that this was an opportune time to launch these new episodes on DVD.”
3-2-1 Penguins!: Save The Planets! is part of the highly successful 3-2-1 Penguins! series, which has sold 1.5 million videos to date and has captured audiences everywhere as one of the top rated shows on “QUBO” airing weekly on NBC, ION and Telemundo. Combining faith, fun and flightless birds, 3-2-1 Penguins!: Save The Planets! features standout episodes “The Green-Eyed Monster”, “More Is More”, and “Give and Let Give”.
Synopsis:
Join Zidgel, Midgel, Fidgel and Kevin as they save the inhabitants of planets across the galaxy while learning lessons in contentment, sharing and over-indulgence. Buckle up for an intergalactic adventure like never before!
Christian Retailer Exclusive: Free Gift with Purchase!
Consumers who buy the Save The Planets! DVD will receive a free set of collectible bouncy balls at the time of purchase. This special promotion will run while supplies last.
Bonus Features:
Pearls of Wisdom
Make Your Own Planet
Animation Progression
Video Trivia
Studio Commentary
Discussion Guide
Fun Games: How to Draw Kevin and Chancellor Gutt, DVD-ROM Fun
Check out 3-2-1 Penguins!®: Save The Planets! on their YMZ page.
Big Daddy Weave Releases “What Life Would Be Like” Today
Publish Date: Jul 22, 2008
Celebrating a decade with all original members still intact, Fervent Records’ Big Daddy Weave releases its fifth album, What Life Would Be Like, today to critical acclaim.
Here’s what a few reviewers are saying:
“There’s no denying that What Life Would Be Like showcases Big Daddy Weave’s talent and versatility.” Christian Retailing
“What Life Would Be Like is a call to me and to everyone else who is sick and tired of same-old-same-old, to learn how to let Jesus live through us. It is that revelation, combined with the heightened amount of collaboration on the new songs, that makes What Life Would Be Like the climactic culmination of Big Daddy Weave’s first decade together.” ChristianMusicReview.org
While their previous album, Every Time I Breathe, was recorded to encourage people to view every moment as a chance to live in response to the greatness of God, What Life Would Be Like celebrates that response. What Life Would Be Like is produced by Big Daddy Weave member Jeremy Redmon, who also produced the band’s Fields Of Grace, What I Was Made For and the 2007 album, Every Time I Breathe.
Big Daddy Weave hit the spotlight in 2002 when One And Only debuted in SoundScan’s Christian Top 5, the highest debut for a new artist that year. Garnering its first CHR No. 1 at radio with “Audience of One”, the band’s other chart-topping songs include “You’re Worthy Of My Praise” (What I Was Made For) and title cut, “Every Time I Breathe”. Big Daddy Weave has additionally been featured on several special event albums such as Dove Hits, WoW Hits, WoW Worship, WoW Christmas and the Absolute series.
What Life Would Be Like is featured on HearItFirst.ca this week. Read about the story behind the album in the band’s YMZ artist page.
Catch Newworldson On TV And Experience A Revival By The River This Weekend
Publish Date: Jul 22, 2008
Those fun-loving Canadian lads Newworldson are being featured on July 25th’s episode of Gospel Music Channel’s “Front Row Live”.
Newworldson during their last visit to the Gospel Music Channel
If you are in the Atlanta, Georgia-area this Friday, you can be a part of the studio audience for FREE! Tickets are available and can be obtained here. Bring a Canadian flag and get ready to show some Canadian spirit in the American south.
The band have been constantly on the road this summer. Just this month, they have appeared at the Cornerstone Festival in Bushnell, Illinois, the Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest in our nation’s capital and at BelieveFest in Drumheller, Alberta. This Sunday evening, they will be performing at a hometown event on the shores of the Henley River together the Torchmen Quartet in Port Dalhousie (St. Catharines), Ontario as part of the Henley Christian Festival.
The group’s sophomore release Salvation Station is specially priced at $12.99 or less at Christian retailers across Canada. Check out their music video for “Working Man” in the YMZ Media section.
P.O.D. will be on an upcoming episode of TLC’s American Chopper, P.O.D. is honoured to be the first band to have a concert in the new OCC building. The band would like as many Warriors attending as possible. Here is your personal invite from the band:
“If you live in the area, can hop in a car or catch the train to Newburgh, NY you need to head out to Orange County Choppers. The show is completely free and open to the public, but since this is being taped for an up coming episode we want to make sure that the Warriors are there to represent with us… you know how we do! So make your plans now and do not miss this opportunity. We will keep you posted on the air date of the show so that everyone who isn’t in the New York area can catch the show once it airs.”
Information on the taping is as follows:
Monday, July 27th @ 6:00 PM
OC Choppers
14 Crossroads Court
Newburgh, NY 12550
For more information on P.O.D.’s latest release When Angels And Serpents Dance, visit their YMZ artist page.
Nicole C. Mullen Releases “A Dream To Believe In, Vol. II” Today
Publish Date: Jul 22, 2008
The eagerly anticipated latest CD from Nicole C. Mullen, A Dream To Believe In, Vol. II releases today. The album is the second installment in Mullen’s thematic trilogy, with Sharecropper’s Seed, Vol. I the beginning of this three album project.
Produced by David Mullen, the songs on A Dream To Believe In, Vol. II were inspired by great moments in our national history that have significant importance to our faith. Musically, it features the range of this versatile artist that swings from soulful ballads to funky up-tempo rockers.
“This is music that celebrates the travels of life; where we’ve been, where we are and where we’re going,” Mullen says of her new collection. “I think ‘A Dream To Believe In, Vol. II’ says let me tell where I am and where I want to go. It’s definitely an album of celebration. It’s one you can dance to and in the midst of your dancing, hopefully you’ll hear the message of truth.”
Mullen wrote or co-wrote all songs on A Dream To Believe In, Vol. II. “I Have A Dream” opens the CD and was inspired Dr. Martin Luther King’s speech by the same name, along with the prayer of Christ that we would all be one. “Treat Her Like A Lady” was written for all the men out there on how to treat your wife or girlfriend in the proper way and the upbeat soulful “Brainwash” stresses the cleansing of our mind from earthly pollution. “Start Over Again” features the strong vocals of this talented songstress and “Forever You Reign” is what Mullen calls “a straight vertical praise & worship song.” The CD closes with the unique “Work With Me (Dance)”. Mullen’s fans have been asking her to do a workout album for years and she performs the song on her Women of Faith dates, which has the audience on their feet and dancing.
Besides her busy recording career, Mullen stays active with her many charitable endeavours. She established The Baby Girls Club, which mentors and encourages young women. She also supports the International Needs Network, an organization that works to free the Trokosi slaves in Ghana. Known for her unique fashion style, Mullen has started designing her own line of clothing that will soon be available online.
A Cincinnati native who got her start singing in church, Mullen has won multiple Gospel Music Association Dove Awards including Female Vocalist of the Year and Songwriter of the Year honours as well as Song of the Year awards for her hit “Redeemer” and the Jaci Velasquez hit “On My Knees”. She co-wrote the song with her husband David and Michael Ochs. Her acclaimed album Talk About It was recently certified gold by the RIAA, signifying sales over 500,000 copies.
A Dream To Believe In, Vol. II is featured on HearItFirst.ca this week. Head over there to hear more from this and other new releases.
New Credential Recordings band Seabird celebrates the release of its national debut, Til We See The Shore, in style on the Belle of Cincinnati, the city’s largest riverboat, June 27th. More than 500 fans and media were on board for a three hour long concert along the Ohio river.
Named “one of the year’s best” by HM Magazine, ‘Til We See The Shore is full of honest and vulnerable songs about real life struggles, relationships, losses, bittersweet goodbyes and having the courage to tell your childhood sweetheart you love her. A fusion of modern piano rock and Brit-pop, this album is an oasis for those who have been left thirsty by years of heartache.
Find out more about Seabird ad their new album on their YMZ artist page.
Click on images to enlarge [Photo credit: Jon Willis / willisphotoart.com]:
Agency For The Performing Arts Proudly Announces The Signing Of Ten Shekel Shirt
Publish Date: Jul 22, 2008
The Agency for the Performing Arts (APA) proudly announces the signing of Rounder Records’ recording band Ten Shekel Shirt to their Nashville based music division.
Ten Shekel Shirt’s album Jubilee will hit stores nationwide on August 19th. Lamont Hiebert, the lead singer and songwriter of Ten Shekel Shirt, describes himself as an artist and an abolitionist. As an artist, he’s a gifted singer, songwriter and bandleader who evokes comparisons from Snow Patrol to Coldplay to Peter Gabriel for his richly textured music, emotive singing and thoughtful lyrics and who’s already sold 150,000 copies of his first two albums. The band’s first single from Jubilee, “Spark”, is currently being worked to Christian CHR and A/C and in August will be taken to AAA as well.
Mark Guynn, Head of the Christian Division for APA states, “To have the opportunity to work with an artist of Lamont’s caliber while at the same time helping further the cause of his Love146 anti-human trafficking organization, is like a ‘perfect storm’ of career and spiritual gratification all at once!”
With major offices in Beverly Hills, New York and Nashville, APA is one of the largest full service talent/literary agencies in the U.S., representing top artists in all genres of music, as well as theater, movie, and literary clients.
Preview Ten Shekel Shirt’s upcoming release Jubliee on their YMZ artist page.
These titles are now available at your local Canadian Christian retailer. Keep track of all the new and upcoming releases via your own personal copy of the August New Music Tuesday poster. Also, visit the YMZ Music section to check out other upcoming releases.
Passion World Tour Stops In Vancouver On October 6th
Publish Date: Jul 21, 2008
The Passion World Tour, part of a vision to see university students live for the fame of Jesus, will make its thirteenth of seventeen stops in Vancouver, Canada, October 6th, 2008 at the GM Place. Uniting Canadian university students with millions of university students around the world who have experienced Passion events, the gathering will take place in Vancouver. Leading the worship, teaching and prayer gathering will be speaker Louie Giglio as well as artist-worshipers Chris Tomlin, David Crowder* Band and more.
Passion founder Louie Giglio, who believes the university to be the fulcrum by which the world is moved, says, “I want to see people do a 180° theologically, moving from a “me-centred” faith to a Christ-centred faith.”
This gathering is for University students, people aged 18-25, and their ministry leaders. Passion Vancouver will be free but seats need to be reserved at www.PassionWorldTour.com and click on “Vancouver”. Check-in will begin at 5:00pm October 6th with the main session at 7:00 PM. Doors will open at 6:00 PM.
[Click image to enlarge]
Thousands of students are expected from all over Canada and internationally. They will come to be a part of worship, some for the first time, with thousands of their peers. Being able to worship together in this way is part of Passion’s mission to unify Christians in their local communities and spark vision for what can happen in a city among university students when people work together for a common cause. Passion Conferences also aim to be purposeful servants helping to build up and support the established churches and ministries in each city they visit.
The Passion World Tour hopes to be a catalytic event that God can use to change the spiritual climate on the university campuses of the world. Beginning in May 2008, the tour has already cast this vision in Kyiv, Stockholm, São Paulo, Kampala, Paris, London, and continues this summer and fall to eleven more cities around the globe including Manila, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Mexico City, Vancouver, Seoul, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Sydney.
For more information about Passion and the World Tour, visit www.268generation.com and click on World Tour. Information on the various Passion recordings can be found on their YMZ page.
About The Passion Movement
Currently Based in Atlanta, GA, USA, The Passion movement began in 1995 with a stirring in the heart of Passion founder Louie Giglio. Born out of a desire to see the 13 million college students (over 16 million today) of the nation awaken to the reality of a glorious God, the vision took shape under the leadership of men like Giglio and the board of Choice Ministries, the non-profit umbrella for Passion Conferences. Since then, tens of thousands have connected with Passion through one of several gatherings, such as the OneDay gatherings, the Passion Experience Tour, Passion Regional events and many others. The domino effect has spawned a movement that continues to circle the globe.
Centred on Passion’s core scripture, Isaiah 26:8, the unique purpose of Passion is to gather college students from campuses and churches throughout the nation and the world, uniting them across ministry and denominational lines to seek the face of God together in worship and prayer. Affirming and valuing the work of local churches and campus ministries, Passion seeks to foster unity and connectivity among them, encouraging them to draw strength and encouragement from each other, resulting in a louder anthem of God’s renown.
Casting Crowns Ranks Strong in Pollstar’s Mid-Year Report of Highest Grossing Concerts
Publish Date: Jul 18, 2008
The phenomenal reach and impact of Christian music’s top-selling artist Casting Crowns is once again illustrated this week as Pollstar magazine releases its mid-year report of the Top 100 tours in the country.
Casting Crowns is the highest ranked Christian music artist at No. 54, with 6.3 million gross ticket sales in 2008, ahead of touring artists Chris Brown, George Michael, Sheryl Crow and Garth Brooks. On August 19th, the band’s Pollstar-ranked live show will be released in 5.1 surround sound on the band’s third LIVE DVD/CD release, The Altar and The Door Live.
Preview audio samples from The Altar and The Door Live at Casting Crowns’ YMZ artist page.
Tenth Avenue North Travels From From Sunny Florida To The Rocky Mountains
Publish Date: Jul 18, 2008
Tenth Avenue North spent the first part of this week in Orlando, Florida, where the band performed multiple times and participated in interviews during the annual ICRS (International Christian Retail Show ) Convention at the Orlando Convention Center. During the convention, the guys were able to spend time with CBA (Christian Booksellers’ Association) President, Bill Anderson, and also interviewed with media outlets including American Family Radio and USA Radio, among others.
[L-R]: Tenth Avenue North’s Jeff Owen, Mike Donehey, CBA President Bill Anderson and Tenth Avenue North’s Scott Sanders [Click image to enlarge]
Tenth Avenue North then departed sunny Florida and headed west to the Rocky Mountains, for a visit with their friends at Focus on the Family in Colorado Springs, Colorado. While there, the band led worship and performed a few songs for the monthly chapel service, which is attended by more than 1,500 Focus on the Family employees and their families.
For more info on Tenth Avenue North, please visit the band’s YMZ artist page.
Recently, GRAMMY®-nominated rock band Pillar was able to spend time at the ballpark with Paul Byrd, starting pitcher for the Cleveland Indians.
[L-R]: Rob Beckley, Pillar lead singer; Paul Byrd, Cleveland Indians; Noah Henson, Pillar lead guitarist [Click image to enlarge]
Pillar’s current album, For The Love Of The Game, is big, fun, infectious rock and roll that further solidifies Pillar’s position as fearless leaders in the Christian Rock world.
For more info on Pillar and the hard rocking For The Love Of The Game, please visit the band’s YMZ artist page.
Third Day And K-Love Announce Markets, Venue Details For Secret Show Promotion
Publish Date: Jul 18, 2008
Capping off a highly-publicized promotional campaign surrounding the anticipated July 29th release of GRAMMY® award-winning, multi-platinum-selling band Third Day’s tenth studio album, Revelation, K-LOVE has recently made a couple revelations of its own. The national music radio network has announced details to a pair of secret shows performed acoustically by Third Day in K-LOVE markets Phoenix and Denver during the week of Revelation’s release.
“The response was overwhelming,” says Mike Tedesco, Brand Manager for K-LOVE. “Thousands of listeners registered to win a trip to one of our Secret Shows and to receive a copy of the new CD Revelation. We are sure the listener response in Phoenix and Denver will be overwhelming. We just wish we could bring Third Day to more K-LOVE cities.”
Fresh off its performance the night before on NBC’s The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Third Day will spend the following morning, Wednesday, July 30th, in Phoenix, where K-LOVE’s Jon and Sherry Rivers will be the first to interview the band on their nationally broadcast morning show. The Rivers will be hosting the Phoenix secret show, featuring Third Day and chart-topping openers Tenth Avenue North, at the City of Grace Church in Mesa, AZ at 7:00 PM PT.
The second secret show performance will take place in Denver on August 1st at Crossroads Church of Denver in Wheat Ridge, CO. The concert begins at 8:00 PM MT and will be hosted by JD Chandler, host of K-LOVE’s national afternoon show.
In between secret show dates, Third Day is slated to headline the K-LOVE-sponsored music festival Spirit West Coast in Monterey, CA on July 31st. K-LOVE will be broadcasting live from the event.
Nicole C. Mullen And Big Daddy Weave Featured On HearItFirst.ca
Publish Date: Jul 18, 2008
This week’s premieres feature the second part of a trilogy and the latest from a “big” band.
A Dream To Believe In Vol. 2 is the second installment in Nicole C. Mullen’s thematic trilogy. While Sharecropper’s Seed Vol. 1 had an organically produced acoustic sound, A Dream To Believe In Vol. 2 leans strongly in the opposite direction, with a very contemporary pop sound, reminiscent of artists like Beyoncé Knowles and Janet Jackson.
Nicole’s songwriting talents that won her the Songwriter of the Year Dove Award are again evident on this her eighth studio album. Songs on the album were inspired by many great moments in history that have significant importance to our faith walk with God.
Big Daddy Weave has long been known for their poignant messages and words of encouragement through song and lyric. Songs like “Every Time I Breathe”, “Let It Rise”, and “Audience Of One” deeply resonate with audiences and have had a lasting impact on listeners.
Their latest release, What Life Would Be Like, dials up the intensity and asks the church body to step back and evaluate what a life with Jesus’ influence would look like in the full spectrum of living. Not that the members of Big Daddy Weave have it all together, but it’s an encouragement to step out together, to fail together, to link arms together and witness the masterpiece God desires to paint through each one of us.
Both albums will be arriving at your local Canadian Christian retailer on July 22nd. Keep track of all the new and upcoming releases via your own personal copy of the July New Music Tuesday poster. Head over to HearItFirst.ca to hear more from these new releases.
DecembeRadio Returns Satisfied With Sophomore Release
Publish Date: Jul 18, 2008
Virginia-based rockers DecembeRadio burst onto the national scene with their self-titled Slanted Records’ debut in 2006. The band was honoured with a GMA Dove Award for Rock Album of the Year, earned three additional Dove nominations (including Best New Artist and Song of the Year) and scored a GRAMMY® Award nomination for Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album.
Their winning streak continued at radio where “Love Found Me” and “Dangerous” heated up rock radio airwaves while “Drifter” and “Find You Waiting” became Top Five hits in the CHR format with “Find You Waiting” hitting the Top 10 at AC. DecembeRadio was named Breakout Band of the Year at the Rock Radio Summit and were the only Christian act touted among Billboard Magazine’s 2006 “Artists to Watch.” Christianity Today named them among their Best Band of the Year and Best New Artist picks. The band’s songs even turned up on network television, including the CBS drama series “Cane” and Discovery Channel’s popular series “Hazard Pay”, for which “Dangerous” became the theme song.
The band admits that there’s a heightened level of expectation surrounding their sophomore release Satisfied, which hits stores August 26th. “There’s definitely a lot of pressure,” admits lead guitarist Brian Bunn. “At the same time, we know we’re doing this for the right reasons and God’s going to take care of us. So we went into the studio, and we did what we love to do best. We just tried to make great music and have fun doing it. It’s as simple as that.”
Drummer Boone Daughdrill agrees. “God started to show us that He is working in all of us. New ideas, new lyrics, new riffs just started coming out of nowhere. All of a sudden we had a couple of really cool songs, and that got us really excited about this new album.”
DecembeRadio recorded Satisfied at Atlanta’s famed Southern Tracks Recording studios and once again turned to producer Scotty Wilbanks (NewSong, After Edmund). “It just goes so much deeper than just being a producer. Scotty is like a brother to us,” says Bunn. “He really is like the fifth member of the band you could say. He understands what we want to do and where we want to go musically. We grew up on a lot of the same things and listened to the same music; but at the same time, it’s nice because he’s a keyboard player and we’re a more guitar-driven band. It’s good to get that different perspective from somebody who’s not a guitar player. He brings us balance and helps us stay true to who we are.”
As they began writing and recording their sophomore effort, the band felt a new sense of confidence in their musicianship and a feeling of creative freedom. “We were having the most fun that we’ve ever had in making this music and that’s the way it should be,” says lead vocalist/bassist Josh Reedy.
“DecembeRadio’s rock sensibilities and their nod to southern influences make them a refreshing sound in the Christian music landscape,” stated Mark Funderburg, president of Word Distribution. “With their 2006 GRAMMY® nomination and growing fan base, we are certain that their next record, Satisfied, will bring Eric, Josh, Brian and Boone even more attention as it promises to deliver great songs and the rockin’ enthusiasm we’ve come to expect from this hard-working band.”
DecembeRadio has toured relentlessly for the past two years, most recently opening for Third Day in the spring of 2008. The band will continue to tour throughout the year in support of the new album, taking their music directly to the fans with an energetic live show that combines music and ministry.
“People connect with how real you look them in the eye whether you’re rocking out or you’re getting them to sing along with you,” says Reedy. “When they feel they are a part of the show, a part of the band or just a part of that song, that is what we strive for when we step on that stage.”
Guitarist Eric Miker says their live show had considerable impact on how they made the new record. “We learned more about our fans and what they like,” he says. “We learned a lot about what works best live, and we wanted to make sure all the songs work great live. We just wanted to make music that the fans like.”
“We want to share with the world what Christ has done for us and for them,” says Daughdrill. “I feel like God calls us all to be a light – we have a choice in how we respond to that. Hopefully we can be an encouragement to others, letting them know the satisfaction we’ve found in Christ.”
The album will contain bonus material including a photo gallery, live performance video and a behind-the-scenes, making-of-the-album video. Fans will be happy to note that Satisfied also contains the recent hit “Find You Waiting”, which was not available on the original debut release.
The first single from the new release “For Your Glory” is currently going for adds at CHR radio and will be hitting AC stations later this month. “Better Man”, the first rock single, will be hitting stations later this month as well.
Take a sneak peek at this rocking new release by visiting DecembeRadio’s YMZ artist page.
Centricity Music Signs Veteran Singer/Songwriter, Andrew Peterson
Publish Date: Jul 17, 2008
Centricity Music is happy to announce the signing of one of Christian music’s most respected singer/songwriters, Andrew Peterson. Peterson will release his label debut, The Resurrection Letters, Vol. II on October 21st.
“When we discovered that Andrew was interested in partnering with a label again we were incredibly excited,” says Steve Ford, Centricity’s Vice President, Marketing. “Bringing to Centricity’s existing roster an artist with Andrew’s artistic vision and commercial appeal will be a great addition. He feels like family, he is like-minded in his desire to make the best art possible while impacting culture for Christ.”
“The people at Centricity have surprised me at every turn with their genuineness, their hard work and their commitment to doing things not the easy way or the old way but the best way. I’m really excited about this partnership,” says Peterson.
The Resurrection Letters, Vol. II was produced by Ben Shive and Andy Gullahorn and will once again showcase Peterson’s strong vocals and songwriting skills. “Whenever it’s time to put a new album together, I look for a common strand that connects all the songs. This time around, it was clear to me that the songs are mostly about resurrection, about the way God makes all things new,” explains Peterson.
Peterson’s own credits include the Top 10 radio hit “Nothing to Say” and a Dove Award nomination for his song “Family Man”. His previous releases Carried Along, Clear To Venus, Love And Thunder, Behold The Lamb Of God and The Far Country have led to many gracious words and accolades from fellow artists, writers and peers:
“Depth, clarity, intelligence, craft, emotion, honesty, humor, spirit, truth, life, hope, peace – that’s Andrew Peterson’s music. If you haven’t heard it you’re missing out on one of the best artists out there.” Ron Block, Alison Krauss and Union Station
“I can easily say that Andrew is one of my favorite artists of all time. He’s toured with us for years and aside from being a great friend of the band, we all think he’s just a phenomenal artist. Few songwriters can literally bring me to tears, but Andrew’s songs often do, even the ones that aren’t necessarily sad. I especially love some of his most recent work. The Far Country has become one of my desert island CDs… it’s definitely in my top 5. I’m looking forward to seeing what he does next!” Cliff Young, Caedmon’s Call
“Andrew Peterson packs a story in every song, that, no matter how unrelated it may be to my day to day, is a story I find myself in.” Donald Miller
“Andrew is a profound writer and a gift to Christian music. It’s really encouraging to me to see an artist stretch the boundaries and write/sing what God puts in their heart rather than trying to fit the mold. God never called us to fit the mold, but to be who He made us to be and Andrew is certainly that.” Ed Cash
“Andrew Peterson is probably the most underrated, or maybe just lesser known songwriters of our generation. I think those of us who are familiar with him all rate him very highly. His last record “The Far Country” is one of my favorite records. Period. I can’t wait for his new CD to come out.” Todd Agnew
“Andrew is one of the most gifted communicators and connectors I have ever met. He connects artists with artists and in his generosity in that regard, leaves friendships in his wake. He connects as easily with children as he does with adults through his album Slugs and Bugs, and his new book On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness. But most significantly, in every song he writes he connects us, his audience, with our story and with our part in God’s greater Story.” Sara Groves
“I’ve known Andrew for a long time. I feel like I knew when I first met him that he would certainly go on to become ‘Andrew Peterson.’ And it’s been a pleasure to watch him blossom into the fine artist that he is. He’s a good man, a good father and husband, and a tremendous musician. I would take him over any contemporary singer, songwriter, storyteller you can name.” Derek Webb
“Andrew Peterson is one of the most gifted songwriters that I have ever had the privilege of knowing. He somehow takes the simplest of things that most of us tend to overlook or pass by and he shows us with word and with melody that in those very things lays the profound presence and mystery of God.” Bebo Norman
“Andrew Peterson is a dear friend which makes it a little weird for me to be such a big fan of his. ‘The Far Country’ is one of my favorite records ever, and the song ‘The Silence of God’ has found its way into many hard prayers and long nights. I know that when I listen to his music I hear the voice of an honest man and it inspires me towards hope and faith, and it lets me know I’m not alone. Also, he makes me laugh.” Andy Osenga
“Andrew Peterson is the most gifted songwriter I have ever had the privilege to know. What you see is what you get. He lives out the truth of what he sings in his everyday life. When God gives a gift He wraps it in a person.” Michael Card
“Andrew Peterson communicates spiritual truths in a uniquely poetic way.” Phil Madeira
‘Andrew is one of the most gifted songwriters I have ever worked with. I had the privilege of doing a few tours with him and every night I was encouraged by Andy’s songs and the heart behind them.” Laura Story
For more information on Peterson, please visit his YMZ artist page.
Capital Lights Up The Charts With Debut On Billboard Top Heatseekers
Publish Date: Jul 17, 2008
Last week marked the label debut for power pop/rock band Capital Lights. Following their release of This Is An Outrage, Capital Lights finds the debut charting on the Billboard Top Heatseekers chart this week at No. 51. The project also landed on Billboard’s Christian Rock chart at No. 12 and Top Christian Albums at No. 34.
“It definitely feels great to actually be on the Billboard… charts,” exclaims vocalist Bryson Phillips. “God has really been blessing us! We are just glad people are actually buying our album and getting excited about what we are doing. We hope to continue this momentum as we keep touring like crazy the rest of the year.”
The media are also jumping on the Capital Lights bandwagon with top reviews and ratings:
“The album is nearly flawless in its aim and execution. Swept up in the excitement from the moment I heard the first song, I cannot think of an album that’s more fun so far this year. This Is An Outrage deserves to be on everyone’s ‘must own’ list.” Thealbumproject.net, 5 out of 5 stars
“This Is an Outrage is a fun album, offering provocative lyrics about relationships, quirky song titles, and a ridiculously catchy sound…. Capital Lights is clearly one of the more promising new bands in 2008.” ChristianMusicToday.com, 4 out of 5 stars
“This Tooth & Nail band has the earmarks of a group that could make some waves over the next few years. Hopefully, the band will stick with Capital Lights and keep working on their stuff. It’s a great place to start, and worth building on for the future.” HollywoodJesus.com
Capital Lights is composed of Brett Admire (guitar), Bryson Phillips (vocals), Michael Paul Phillips (drums), and Jonathan Williams (guitar). For more information, visit their YMZ artist page.
Avalon Pays Tribute To Sandi Patty And Wounded Warriors
Publish Date: Jul 16, 2008
GRAMMY® Award-winning vocal group Avalon greets legendary female recording artist Sandi Patty at the 2008 GRAMMY® Salute to Gospel Music held late last month at Lincoln Theatre in Washington D.C. The foursome performed “Another Time, Another Place” in tribute to Patty, who was among the evening’s honourees.
During their Washington, D.C. visit, Avalon is presented an appreciation plaque by chaplains Maj. William A. Jokela (far left) and Maj. Taz W. Randles (far right) at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. The group performed for the Warrior Transition Brigade, which services more than 700 wounded warriors who are in various stages of healing.
New at Canadian Christian retailers are the Avalon Two For One CDs. For just $17.99, you get two full albums in one package, for one great price. Check them out at Avalon’s YMZ artist page.
Salvador’s Nic Gonzales And Jaci Velasquez Visit Mission Outreach Sites In Honduras
Publish Date: Jul 16, 2008
Nic Gonzales, frontman of Word Records’ Dove Award-winning Latin/pop band Salvador, recently travelled to Honduras with his wife, Dove Award-winning recording artist Jaci Velasquez, to visit several sites supported by The Salvador Foundation.
The couple is pictured in the village of Lemon with students from a school the foundation helped build. In addition to the school, The Salvador Foundation also assisted in the construction of a tortilla manufacturing facility that employs single mothers, as well as a nutrition clinic in the village.
Known for their show-stopping, improvisational live performances, Salvador’s latest album, Aware, released in April and has drawn accolades for its musical diversity and lyrical maturity. Produced by Gonzales and Salvador’s Chris Bevins, along with Otto Price (dcTalk, GRITS), Aware features 11 selections, including the album’s title-cut and debut single.
For further information, visit Salvador and Jaci, please visit their respective YMZ artist pages.
New Beginnings For Bebo Norman With Release Of Self-Titled Project On September 16th
Publish Date: Jul 16, 2008
Starting fresh with a new label behind him, singer/songwriter Bebo Norman is set to release his seventh project on September 16th. Following the 2007 holiday Dove-nominated album, Christmas From The Realms of Glory, Bebo will release this self-titled, full-length project as a BEC Recordings artist. The forthcoming CD is co-produced by Norman, Jason Ingram and Rusty Varenkamp.
Bebo Norman is rooted in the tuneful sensibilities of comparable artists like James Taylor and John Mayer; all the while, he is confidently stretching the musical arrangements to his worshipful melodies.
“I ended up making a record that I’m really proud of because it is melodically simple in a refreshing way, with space, depth and pop-sensibility that makes it feel current and in line with what inspires me these days musically,” shares Bebo Norman of the upcoming album. “I like that we took the core of where I come from as a writer and made it feel new again.”
Thematically the new project communicates fresh beginnings. Each song is tied with the common thread of rebuilding from brokenness and realizing that faith is not about what is accumulated or accomplished spiritually, but rather a desperate clinging to Christ. The debut radio singles for AC (“Britney”) and CHR (“Pull Me Out”) tell the tales of such rebuilding.
”’Britney’ is a song about what our culture says and does to young women these days,” explains Norman of the August 1st AC single. “It’s about the lies we tell them about fame and money and what’s beautiful and what will give them life. It’s an apology for those lies. But more than that, it’s an invitation to the truth about a God who is bigger than the pain this world so often leaves them in.”
Radio stations are already being impacted by “Britney” weeks before the official add date. Bob Sloane of KVMV shared this after listening to the single, “I wasn’t sure what to expect, but by the end of the song, my wife and I were both moved to tears. (That happens to her all the time, but not me!) I told her that if that song wasn’t God inspired, nothing is and she agreed. “Britney” is exactly what Christian radio needs… songs that compassionately peer into our culture, address problems, and offer a Christ-centered solution. Definitely the most powerful and moving song of the year!”
Talking about the CHR single that was the most added song this week, “Pull Me Out”, Norman shares the background behind the lyrics, “I have silently walked the last four years or so with a building and recently diagnosed struggle with anxiety. The irony is that the struggle has been with the one thing I have always found comfort and consistency in – singing the songs that I so dearly love to sing. This song is about letting go of the earthly things that drag me down and holding tightly to the things of heaven that pull me out.”
To support the new record, Bebo Norman will head out this fall as a special guest with MercyMe, in addition to various headline dates throughout the fall followed by a Christmas tour.
Stay tuned to YMZ as we will bring you further updates on Norman’s new album in the next few weeks.
Superchick’s first album in three years finds the band honing a “rock-o-tronic” sound, an electro-punk mash-up of slashing guitars, pulsing keyboards and grit-pop vocals. While their last album, Beauty From Pain, sought to empathize with listeners’ pain, band members have since walked their own dark, lonely roads with relationship splits and cancer touching four of their families. Rather than expound upon these personal hardships, the band turned this album into a battle cry to charge onward. Fans have responded and the band has posted their highest ever first week sales numbers. As a thank you to Canadian fans, Superchick and YourMusicZone.com are now giving five (5) fans a chance to win a Superchick Prize Pack.
Click here and enter your name (full first and last name), street address, city, province and postal code and daytime phone number with area code and your age. A skill testing question must be answered correctly in order to win and you must be a resident of Canada.
The question is: What Canadian city is Superchick guitarist Dave Ghazarian originally from? Hint: look for the answer in Superchick’s YMZ artist page.
One (1) Superchick Prize Pack will be awarded to each winner. The prize pack will consists of one (1) Autographed Superchick “Movie” Fold Out Poster, one (1) Fold Out “Superchick Loves You” Poster, one (1) Superchick Snap Bracelet, and one (1) Superchick “Rock What You Got” CD. Winners will be randomly drawn from all entries containing the correct answer submitted by 5:00pm EDT on Friday, July 25th, 2008. For contest rules and regulations, click here.
Check out Rock What You Got via this very cool e-card.
Jay Rouse: Oasis: Cools Springs in the Desert [Folio/CD]
These titles are now available at your local Canadian Christian retailer. Keep track of all the new and upcoming releases via your own personal copy of the July New Music Tuesday poster. Also, visit the YMZ Music section to check out other upcoming releases.
Michael W. Smith To Release “A New Hallelujah” October 28th
Publish Date: Jul 14, 2008
On June 20th in Houston, Texas, along with more than 12,000 in attendance, Michael W. Smith recorded his third worship album, A New Hallelujah, which will be available at Canadian Christian retailer on October 28th. A choir of 250, along with special guests, The African Children’s Choir and worship leaders Israel Houghton and Coalo Zamorano, led a two-hour worship event, yielding A New Hallelujah.
More than 12,000 people gathered at Lakewood Church for the recording [Click image to enlarge]
The upcoming record, Smith’s 21st, will offer a unique, moving worship experience through songs like “Mighty to Save”, “Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone” and “I Surrender All”, (song list subject to change) along with several new songs that Michael wrote especially for the project. The title track was penned by Smith, his wife Debbie and friend Paul Baloche. The album was arranged and produced by Smith.
“Since my last world tour a few years ago, I’ve been looking forward to recording a live worship project that reflected something more global than I’ve ever done before; a collection of songs and voices to translate what I experienced that year. I had hoped for an evening of worship that reflected the corners of our nation, and the world; I think we captured that,” shares Smith. “My great friend Israel Houghton, the world renowned African Children’s Choir, an incredible young worship leader named Coalo Zamorano and a 250-voice choir elevated the songs to amazing moments of praise and worship. It was more than I could have hoped for.”
Smith’s first worship album, simply titled Worship, released on September 11th, 2001 and has sold more than a million-and-a half copies. Its follow up Worship Again released September 19th, 2002 and is nearing the 800,000 mark.
Throughout his 25-year career as a recording artist, Michael W. Smith has amassed an impressive catalogue of achievements. His 20 albums have garnered multiple honours including an American Music Award, three GRAMMY® Awards (from 13 nominations) and 42 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards and 33 No. 1 radio hits. In addition, he holds 16 Gold and 5 Platinum albums and career sales approaching 15 million.
Check out the various Worship projects from Smith including the Worship DualDisc which features the album remixed in 5.1 surround, and the Worship Box Set which includes the Worship CD, Worship Again CD and Worship DVD, on his YMZ artist page.
Tomlin’s newest release Hello Love will arrive September 2nd which is also the street date of the brand new Underoath album Lost In The Sound Of Separation. Underoath’s latest new studio release entered the Billboard charts at #2 and sold 98,000 units in it’s first week. WoW is introducing a new mid-line priced compilation this summer with WoW Essentials featuring top tracks from the past 5 years including music by Casting Crowns, MercyMe, Steven Curtis Chapman, Chris Tomlin and more. Casting Crowns in the meantime will arrive August 19th with The Altar And The Door Live in a special CD and DVD package. 3-2-1 Penguins! brings there humour back with a brand new DVD called Save The Planets! Sure to be a favourite with kids of all ages this August 30th release re-launches the beloved series.
Be sure to check out all these titles and more in the YMZ Music section.
Hillsong United and Starfield continue to sit at #1 and #2 on the Christian retail charts in Canada. The two modern worship releases have held those positions since their release earlier this spring.
The top 10 sees some new action with both Robin Mark and tobyMac climbing into the higher reaches of the chart with their latest albums and Kutless entering the chart at #10 with To Know That You’re Alive. Other new entries on the top 50 chart including Maranatha! Music with Top 25 Praise Songs 2009 at #20, Tree63 with their new greatest hits package at #21 and newcomers Tenth Avenue North at #22. Superchic[k], Jon Foreman, Article One, Hillsong United member Brooke Fraser and Manafest also enter the charts with new releases.
Singer/Songwriter Charlie Hall Reflects On The Bright Sadness
Publish Date: Jul 11, 2008
sixstepsrecords and Passion worship leader/artist, Charlie Hall will release his fourth studio album, The Bright Sadness, on August 19th. The record conveys life amidst sorrow and brokenness, reminding listeners that the aching in this world is not detached from the bright, resurrecting hope in God.
A collection of songs that reflect his current journey, The Bright Sadness, according to Hall, “comes from me understanding my ordinary human condition and my deep love for Jesus and the life He brings. It is the accepting of my brokenness and that in the world around me while never losing sight of Christ’s closeness, His free fellowship, His redemption and compassion, His Brightness.”
Produced by band member Kendall Combes along with David Hodges (Evanescence), who also produced Hall’s Flying Into Daybreak (2006), The Bright Sadness delivers the band’s signature modern worship sound paired with earnest, often very personal, lyrics on songs like “My Brightness” which readily confesses:
Well I’ve been hit from every corner
I’ve been thrown from side to side
And I’m cracked up on the inside so I come to you for life
Similarly, “Knit My Heart” expresses Hall’s most heartfelt desire to be one with God:
Knit my heart to you
I’ll dream what you dream and see what you see
Knit my heart to you, I will move in you and you move in me
Hall explains, “The human experience can be really beautiful or really messy, sometimes at the same time. I try to take those experiences and put them into prayers or statements of faith in terms that don’t deny the experience, but views them through the constant reality of Jesus.”
Also on the album are a number of songs that Hall and his band debuted at the Passion Regional Events and select dates on the current Passion World Tour gatherings, including “Chainbreaker”, “Mystery”, “Walk the World” and “You Are God”. These and others fulfill his intent to “use music to connect people to God, to give them prayers to sing, and words to use in adoration.”
“Pushing the boundaries of what worship music is and can be, The Bright Sadness beautifully reflects the life-giver these songs applaud,” comments Louie Giglio, sixstepsrecords founder and director. “As the title vividly portrays, Charlie continues to write from that fragile space most of us have come to know as life in a broken world. Yet, in the reality of it all, Charlie always stretches us to lift our gaze and cling to the confidence that God’s love is shaping our steps and holding our hearts.”
“Charlie Hall’s refreshingly honest and compelling songs of worship have deeply connected once again with The Bright Sadness,” says EMI CMG Label Group President Peter York. “We at EMI CMG are blessed to partner in Charlie’s journey as he speaks to a generation with an inspiring transparency that is so rare in our industry.”
The debut single from The Bright Sadness, “My Brightness”, will go for adds at all Christian radio formats on July 25th. For more information on Charlie Hall, visit his YMZ artist page.
David Crowder*Band Releases Live Remedy Club Tour CD/DVD August 19th
Publish Date: Jul 11, 2008
sixstepsrecords’ David Crowder*Band will release the Remedy Club Tour CD/DVD to retail on August 19th. The band’s first ever full-length DVD features five and a half hours of content, including a behind the scenes tour documentary, song demonstrations hosted by each member of the Crowder band and chord/lyric subtitles in addition to 16 songs recorded live on last fall’s best-selling “Remedy Club Tour”.
“This tour was so amazing for us,” says David Crowder. “Many of our beliefs converged regarding music’s role in the church and the unexpected spaces our faith can function in. We believe that there is no space that is not sacred, that every second is lived in the very presence of God, and we wanted people to experience this reality, which, lead us to transporting these songs into places perhaps unexpected. The response was fantastic. To be in these historic Rock-and-Roll venues and watch the story of God come alive night after night was unbelievable. And then, to have captured that on tape, to have a document composed of these magical evenings is just ridiculous.”
The fall 2007 “Remedy Club Tour” boasted 19 sold-out dates, and its “Surely We Can Change Something” campaign collected thousands of towels and socks for local shelters, while encouraging attendees to “be the Remedy” in their local communities. Fans can now bring that experience home, enjoying a full 85-minute concert recorded at both the New York City and Atlanta tour stops. The concert will premier for one-night-only at select movie theatres nation-wide in partnership with AEG Network Live. Additional details are forthcoming.
“David Crowder*Band consistently delivers one of the best live shows in music,” says Leisa Byars, EMI CMG VP, Marketing & Artist Development. “The Remedy Club Tour Edition was created for the many people who love the live Crowder show experience. Partnering with AEG at a national level and radio in local markets, enables us to place this compelling show on the big screen across the country and allows the band’s music to continue to impact lives and communities.”
Shot with nine cameras in two cities, the DVD features 5.1 surround sound, a 15-minute exclusive tour documentary “On The Road With David Crowder*Band” as well as “Learning the Songs,” a section hosted by each band member showing fans their set-up and gear used in each song along with a how-to lesson on playing the songs exactly like the David Crowder*Band. Taking it even further, the DVD features the ability to display chord/lyric subtitles so that fans can test their skills and play along with the tour night.
Check out the Remedy Club Tour CD/DVD on the band’s YMZ artist page.
Randy Travis And Above The Golden State Featured On HearItFirst.ca
Publish Date: Jul 11, 2008
This week’s premieres feature a country music legend and a band from the left coast that is just getting started.
Randy Travis has recorded the perfect country album. There is not one out-of-place note nor one false emotion on his superb new Around The Bend collection. His vocals have never sounded more expressive, better phrased or more soulfully shaded. Backed by cool fiddle work, his voice eases into slippery highs and lows while toying with the bluesy tune of “Around the Bend”.
Few artists could be more convincing singing the stunning, cautionary lyric of the ballad “You Didn’t Have A Good Time”. “Faith In You”, the album’s debut single, is an extraordinarily emotive performance that alternates moments of meditation with flashes of passion. Each song seems tailored to suit one mood or another of his sublimely burnished baritone. The bopping “Every Head Bowed”, for instance, is one chuckle after another. And there’s the wryly amusing toe-tapper “Everything I Own (Has Got A Dent)”.
Also available as a Deluxe Edition (available on August 12th, 2008) which contains a bonus DVD featuring a CMT Unplugged performance at Studio 330 of the songs “Forever And Ever, Amen”, “Three Wooden Crosses”, “Faith In You”, “Diggin’ Up Bones”, and “You Didn’t Have A Good Time”; plus a six month free membership to Randy’s fan club.
Based out of Portland, Oregon, Above The Golden State’s self titled debut album is already gaining the attention of tastemakers and radio charts alike. The first single, “Sound Of Your Name”, is already a hit.
Crafting memorable pop melodies with sing-a-long hooks, Above The Golden State is sure to be acclaimed as one of the top debuts for 2008.
Above The Golden State will be specially priced at $12.99 or less when it arrives available at your local Canadian Christian retailer. Both releases will be available on July 22nd. Keep track of all the new and upcoming releases via your own personal copy of the July New Music Tuesday poster. Head over to HearItFirst.ca to hear more from these new releases.
VeggieTales: Tomato Sawyer and Huckleberry Larry’s Big River Rescue
Keep track of all the new and upcoming releases via your own personal copy of the July New Music Tuesday poster. Also, visit the YMZ Music section to check out other upcoming releases.
Third Day To Perform On The Tonight Show With Jay Leno July 29th
Publish Date: Jul 10, 2008
Having recently graced the cover of the June 7th edition of Billboard Magazine, Atlanta based rock band, Third Day, has been confirmed for a performance on NBC’s The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on Tuesday, July 29th, the street date of its highly anticipated tenth studio album Revelation. The Tonight Show with Jay Leno airs weeknights at 11:35/10:35 CT.
The band maintains its No. 1 position for the fifth consecutive week on the R&R Christian AC Monitored chart, the R&R Christian CHR and Christian Radio Weekly (CRW) AC charts this week. In addition, “Call My Name”, the first single from Revelation project, is nearing 25 million weekly impressions, according to the CRW radio-impressions chart. The single debuted at radio on April 4th.
Nevertheless Is Not “Sleeping In” During Its Current Radio Promotional Tour
Publish Date: Jul 09, 2008
Chattanooga, Tennessee-based rock quintet, Nevertheless, who will release its second album, In the Making…, on September 16th, is currently on a radio promo tour in support of its new radio single, “Sleeping In”. However, sleeping in is the last thing the guys are doing on the trip, as they are surprising some of their radio friends around the country, by literally camping on the station grounds, then surprising the radio staff with prepared breakfast when they arrive for work.
On Monday, July 7th, Nevertheless surprised the staff of RadioU in Columbus, Ohio. The next day, the band journeyed north to Saginaw, Michigan, to hang at The Fuse radio station and today, Wednesday, July 9th, they visited Shine.FM/WONU in Chicago, Ill. The guys are documenting the trek. Watch the video from Day One, Day Two, and Day Three.
In the Making…, the upcoming, 11 track record from Nevertheless, was produced by Rob Hawkins (Fireflight, Jackson Waters), and was recorded in Nashville, Tenn. between March and April of 2008.
While showing heart and expressing hope may not be new to Nevertheless’s lyrics, In The Making… is a different and more accessible approach of expression. “I would say the biggest difference, lyrically, is that we pulled even more from our own experiences on In the Making…,” shares lead singer, Joshua Pearson. “On this record, every single song has at least a few lines that hit very close to home. An example would be ‘Sleeping In,’ which was written from a place of insecurity, which I believe to be one of my ugliest opponents, from time to time.” And by highlighting such personal perspectives, In The Making… reeks of raw honesty and thus is the best tool to express its message.
Accepting that the band is young, yet strongly evolving, is the key inspiration for the album title. Pearson explains. “We titled the record In The Making… for two different reasons. First of all, we believe that every single day we are still in the making of becoming the kind of people that God wants us to be. This record is written from personal experiences that we know many people deal with in their everyday life. Every pain and trial, along with every good thing in our lives, pushes us in that direction, and we hope the lyrics convey that point. Second, Nevertheless, as a band, is still in the making of becoming who we want to be. We are constantly learning who we are musically, and as people. This album is a reflection of this point in our lives.”
“The goal for our music is to provide hope and inspire a desire to experience God’s glory,” says Cheek. “I hope people can learn from our songs that no matter what they are going through, and if they don’t know where to turn, just know that there is always hope through Jesus.”
Pearson adds, “I believe that we are called to write about both the light that shines in the darkness, and about the darkness that does not understand it. I believe that honesty always breaks down walls. Healing begins when we are able to, first of all, be honest before God. Secondly, be honest and vulnerable with one another. I hope that our songs reflect this idea, and that, when people listen to Nevertheless, they get a sense that God loves them, and wants to talk to them.”
In the Making… comprises the following eleven tracks (sequence subject to change):
Sleeping In
It’s True
Cross My Heart
It’s No Secret
Rest
I Needed This
Longshot
Augustine
Topics
When I’m Alone
Found My Way Back Again
Nevertheless is:
Joshua Pearson: lead vocals
AJ Cheek: guitar: piano and vocals
Brad Jones: guitar
Adam Rowe: drums
Adam Wann: bass
For additional information on Nevertheless, visit their YMZ artist page.
Phillips, Craig & Dean Finds Following At Texas Rangers’ Ballpark
Publish Date: Jul 09, 2008
As it continues to draw interest from fans, Texas Rangers’ Outfielder Josh Hamilton enters the Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, TX in front of nearly 25,000 people at each game to the sounds of Phillips, Craig and Deans’“Saved The Day” from their 2006 INO Records’ release Top of My Lungs.
Pegged as the Rangers’ “Miracle Man,” the Major League Baseball player opened up to the Fort Worth Star Telegram recently about his choice in music and the impact that it is having on the fans. “So many people have asked about it,” Hamilton said. “The Rangers get e-mails all the time asking ‘What song was that?’ I’ve had a lot of people say they love the song.”
Currently leading the Major Leagues in RBIs, Hamilton believes the song reflects his strong faith in Jesus Christ and in the transforming power of the gospel. “It’s one of those things,” Hamilton said. “A lot of guys want to listen to their song. What I want to do is I want everyone else to hear my song.”
A year ago, Hamilton shared his testimony with ESPN. You can read the full article here. This past week, the Texas Rangers web site also posted an article about Hamilton’s incredible year. He was batting .313 with 21 home runs and 93 RBIs before Saturday’s game.
Hamilton will be the starting centre fielder for the American League and will take part in the Home Run Derby at this Tuesday’s Major League Baseball All-Star game at Yankee Stadium.
Phillips, Craig & Dean continue to tour and have begun work on their 12th studio project titled When Grace Walks In set to release next year.
“Some things you do for the money. Some things you do out of obligation, responsibility or a sense of nobility. But some things you do simply because you love-love-LOVE it. You can’t imagine not doing it. It’s the joyous gift God has put in your heart that makes passionate living possible,” says the group. For Randy Phillips, Shawn Craig and Dan Dean, that thing is ministry through music. More succinctly put: These guys love-love-LOVE to sing about God. And way beyond the 10 albums, 18 No. 1 singles and over two million records sold in the past 17 years, the story of God’s grace in their lives just keeps getting bigger.
Their individual lives are steeped in local church ministry, but it’s the power of song that keeps them coming back to the studio and stage. “Most of our songs come from real life experiences,” Dan says. “We sing to reach out to people who are going through difficult places in their lives. We choose songs that will bring the reality of Christ into those places.”
This past Tuesday, two Phillips, Craig & Dean Two For One CDs were released to Canadian Christian retail. Each CD contains two full titles including Phillips, Craig & Dean/Lifeline and Let My Words Be Few/Restoration. Check them out at PCD’s YMZ artist page.
Integrity Music And Relevant Magazine Partner To Send Hillsong United Fan To Sydney, Australia
Publish Date: Jul 09, 2008
Integrity Music and RELEVANT Magazine offer the travel and worship opportunity of a lifetime for an American Hillsong United fan with the new online sweepstakes contest at http://www.RELEVANTmagazine.com. The I Heart Revolution Escape Down Under Giveaway will offer a Grand Prize of an all expense-paid trip for two to the Hillsong United Encounterfest Conference to be held in Sydney, Australia in October.
The seven-day/six-night Grand Prize trip includes airfare, hotel, transportation, meals and complimentary registration to the Encounterfest Conference, the event from which Hillsong United produces its live CDs.
In addition to the Grand Prize trip giveaway, a first place contest winner receives an autographed guitar and the complete Hillsong United catalogue of 8 CDs. 25 second place winners receive copies of both The I Heart Revolution CD and DVD.
The contest, which runs through August 21st, 2008, was created to promote Hillsong United’s upcoming DVD release of We’re All In This Together which hits stores on September 2.
We’re All In This Together is the second part of a three-part action plan for The I Heart Revolution (http://www.theiheartrevolution.com) that also included the April release of the With Hearts As One double-disc CD. Both the CD, which captures the “sound” of global worship, and the DVD, which captures the “visual”, are aimed at creating awareness for phase three – the development of an online community and social justice hub set to launch concurrently with the DVD release.
“We created the I Heart Revolution Down Under Escape Giveaway contest as a fun way to put a spotlight on Hillsong United’s new movement – The I Heart Revolution,” said Chris Estes, Director of Digital Marketing & Sales. “RELEVANTmagazine.com was a great partner for this contest, because like RELEVANT, Hillsong United is a leading voice for the younger generation. Both the magazine and the band strive to show that the way to lead a revolution that brings changes in our culture is through a relationship with God.”
For more information about Hillsong United and the We’re All In This Together DVD, visit the band’s YMZ artist page.
The Superchick Prize Pack Giveaway contest is nearing to a close. If you have not entered your name for a chance to win. You can get all the details here.
“Superchick Loves You” Poster
Slap Bracelet
The prize pack will consists of one (1) Autographed Superchick “Movie” Fold Out Poster, one (1) Fold Out “Superchick Loves You” Poster, one (1) Superchick Snap Bracelet, and one (1) Superchick “Rock What You Got” CD. Winners will be randomly drawn from all entries containing the correct answer submitted by 5:00pm EDT on Friday, July 25th, 2008.
“Movie” Poster
Hurry up and enter. Also, check out Rock What You Got via this very cool e-card.
The album is now available at Christian retailers across Canada.
« Return to Previous PageChris Sligh Hits ‘idol Camp’ And Gears Up For Headlining Back To School Tour
Publish Date: Jul 24, 2008
As his debut CD Running Back To You garners its first top 10 single with “Empty Me” (#9 R&R AC Monitor – #5 Most Increased song), American Idol® finalist Chris Sligh is readying himself to hit the road to support both, as well as his next single, “Arise”. In addition, he will perform live on The 700 Club on Tuesday, July 29th.
Sligh’s first stop before launching his headlining Back to School Tour, will be “Idol Camp” in Southern California. Idol Camp was created for kids who want to be singer/songwriters, and enlists former “Idols” each summer to participate in teaching music classes, host open mic sessions, showcases, as well as extra curricular activities including arts and crafts, motor sports, paint-ball, soccer, archery, swimming and more.
With a desire to work directly with his friends at Christian radio, Sligh took it upon himself to reach out to stations across the country to partner with him on his Back to School Tour. Hitting about 30 cities, sponsor stations will share in the expense and any spoils directly with Sligh, something rarely done in the music industry on a regular basis. The tour will kick off on August 15th in Austin, TX and hit markets including Atlanta, Oklahoma City, Kansas City, Washington D.C. and more.
“From ‘Empty Me’ to ‘Arise’, we can’t wait to see Chris’ amazing music come to life on stage! WCQR is very thankful to play a part of such an incredible ministry.” commented Chalmer Harper, PD at WCQR in Johnson City, TN, who is bringing Sligh in on the Back to School tour.
Running Back To You jumped from #44 to #28 in the YMZ Top 50 Album Sales chart and is showing strong sales. Check out the album on Sligh’s YMZ artist page.
« Return to Previous PageJon McLaughlin Gears Up For “OK Now”
Publish Date: Jul 24, 2008
American heartland singer-songwriter and pianist Jon McLaughlin returns on October 7th with OK Now, his second album for Island Records.
Fans at mainstream radio are getting a sample with the release of a new single, “Beating My Heart”, which impacted at the Hot AC radio format on June 9th. In addition, McLaughlin was tapped to open for British sensation Duffy on June 19th at the El Rey in Los Angeles.
”’Beating My Heart’ is my ‘meaning of life’ song,” says McLaughlin. “All I need to keep in mind in life is that it’s not about the little things that get me all stressed out, which is easier said than done, obviously. My life should be about my faith, trying to react to situations and treat people the way Jesus did… living the way He lived. I think maybe this is the reason why I am here; to experience life the way Jesus experienced life.”
“Beating My Heart” was written by Jon McLaughlin and produced by John Fields, known for his recent chart-topping work with the Jonas Brothers, Lifehouse, and Switchfoot. The new album was mixed by Tom Lord-Alge and features the soon-to-be hit “Smack In To You”, written and produced by the Grammy® award-winning team of Tricky and The-Dream.
McLaughlin show-stopping live performance of “So Close” the Oscar®-nominated song from the Disney movie Enchanted, was seen world-wide during this year’s 80th annual Academy Awards ceremonies. Jon’s triumphant Oscar night performance ignited an astonishing spike in sales for his debut album Indiana. “Musically, the big winner of the night was Jon McLaughlin,” wrote FoxNews.com’s Roger Friedman in his Oscars coverage. “He sang one of the Enchanted songs. Talk about a break-out moment! That’s a phenomenal voice… McLaughlin could be the next big thing.”
Indiana, Jon McLaughlin’s first major label album, received maximum exposure on tours with Sara Bareilles last summer, Paolo Nutini in the fall, and was rounded out with the 24-city Kelly Clarkson North American tour, October through December 2007.
Named one of “The 10 Hot Guys of Summer” by US Weekly magazine last year, Jon was also seen performing on the CBS-TV daytime drama The Bold & The Beautiful, on NBC’s The Today Show and on NBC’s The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.
Stay tuned to YMZ as we will bring you updates on OK Now. Find out more about McLaughlin on his YMZ artist page.
« Return to Previous PageNew Videos In The YMZ Media Section
Publish Date: Jul 24, 2008
The latest music videos from Casting Crowns, Krystal Meyers, needtobreathe, Sanctus Real, and Red have been posted in the Media section.
The songs of Casting Crowns’s The Altar and The Door strike a bold chord that the Christian life can and should be so much more than that. “When we have an ongoing, developing relationship with Jesus, life is not about me, my wants and my needs,” says lead singer Mark Hall. “It’s about being the hands and feet of Jesus in other people’s lives.”
“Slow Fade” features vocals from Hall’s daughter Reagan and was “inspired by the spreading cancer of moral failure in the fathers of this generation,” Hall says. The video tells the story of a family slowly fading because of compromising decisions they have made. Hall adds, “As believers, we must guard our hearts and understand that no one crashes and burns, they just slowly fade away, one little compromise at a time.”
Krystal Meyers brand-new music video, “Make Some Noise”, is the title-track from her upcoming, September 9th release. “It’s about getting out there and making a positive impact,” shares Meyers, who has become a major pop star in Japan over the last couple of years. “Many people say that my generation is a dying generation; that we’re hopeless and have nowhere to go, but I don’t agree. I think people are more involved. We care about the environment, social justice, politics, those in need – we care about things that are making a difference in our world. It’s important for us to make an impact, but the only way to make an impact is if you are loud about it. You can’t just sit in a corner and be reserved. Live out loud! Make some noise!”
For their latest album The Heat, needtobreathe turned to Collective Soul mastermind Ed Roland. A genuine icon of modern Southern Rock, Roland encouraged the band’s melding of pop melodies and rock ‘n’ roll power. The Collective Soul frontman also gave the musicians free rein over his collection of vintage gear, allowing them to add classic colours to their developing sound.
Having grown up in church, the sounds of gospel are intrinsically woven into the Rineharts’ musical DNA. As needtobreathe reached inward, inspirational sounds began to inform their work, notably on “Washed By The Water”, which recasts an old time spiritual as rousing modern rock.
The album was mixed by Richard Chycki at Mixland Music & DVD in Wasaga Beach, Ontario.
“Already Over” is from GRAMMY®-nominated Red’s debut album, End of Silence. The song is led by a dark, lilting piano and relentless snare before exploding in pure metal fury. Lyrically it documents a downward spiral, a running or falling away from something good. Currently airing on MTV2, the song recently became the #1 Most Streamed music video at MTV2.com.
Sanctus Real filmed the music video for their song “Whatever You’re Doing (Something Heavenly)” at Retrospec Films studios in Tulsa, Okla. The song is taken from the band’s February release, We Need Each Other. Produced by Ash Greyson (BrightBulb Entertainment), the video premiered worldwide Saturday, June 21st on the Gospel Music Channel, and the song is currently Top 5 at Christian Hit Radio, according to Radio & Records.
« Return to Previous PageBrooke Barrettsmith and Alvin Slaughter’s EPKs Now Online
Publish Date: Jul 24, 2008
Two new EPKs (Electronic Press Kits) have been posted in the Media section.
The 26 year-old Chicago native, Brooke Barrettsmith, has written a collection of uniquely crafted songs, melding her love of musical influences Jeremy Camp, Daughtry and Kelly Clarkson, with passionate lyrics reflecting messages of faith and encouragement.
Though only in her mid-twenties, Brooke has already dealt with her share of challenges including an early struggle with severe anxiety. As a teenager, she suffered from frequent panic attacks rendering her helpless at times. By renewing her mind in the Word of God daily and leaning on her parents for encouragement, Brooke was gradually able to overcome the attacks. This experience serves as one of the catalysts for writing her debut songs, and she speaks about it to teen and college women at regional events, including Unlimited Hope Women’s conferences. At home, Brooke is a youth group leader at her local church and studies at Moody Bible College.
In 2006, Brooke made it to the Top 40 contestants on Fox TV’s Season Five of American Idol® (Chris Daughtry, Mandisa, Katherine McPhee). Adept at guitar and piano, as well as a prolific writer, Brooke’s musical heritage runs deep. Both her grandmothers were performers in Chicago, one a Broadway singer and the other an Italian opera singer. Her father, now a non-denominational Bible church pastor, was a professional blues drummer and played venues with legends like Buddy Guy and B.B. King.
The CD will be specially priced at only $14.99 or less when it arrives at Canadian Christian retailers on August 19th.
Enriched with his own unique and uncompromising style, Alvin Slaughter hopes that Overcomer will bring life-changing principles and leadership skills that will inspire and motivate thousands across age, gender, and denominational lines.
As the former lead male vocalist of the multiple GRAMMY® Award winning Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir and frequent guest and host for TBN, Slaughter is best known for his cross-cultural songs and smooth blending of gospel and contemporary Christian music.
Each song on this release, including “We’re Destined To Win” and “Great Grace”, delivers passionate, enthusiastic and entertaining messages to both teach and encourage. His inspiring messages of hope in overcoming life’s obstacles are based on his own lessons learned and breakthrough journey. Slaughter is committed to helping others across the world apply these principles in their individual lives and relationships.
In addition to his EPK, we have several Overcomer video song stories available. The album is available now.
Head over to the YMZ Media section to view these EPKs.
« Return to Previous PageNew Artist Bios Posted
Publish Date: Jul 23, 2008
Find out more about some new and upcoming projects and the artists behind them.
Click on the artist name to read the bios. Keep track of all the new and upcoming releases via your own personal copy of the August New Music Tuesday poster.
« Return to Previous PageThe Ambassador’s “The Chop Chop: From Milk To Meat” Drops September 23rd
Publish Date: Jul 23, 2008
Are you ready for The Chop Chop? The what? The Chop Chop: From Milk To Meat is both an invitation and an exhortation from Christian hip hop pioneer The Ambassador to rally up with those who are hungry for truth and determined to mature.
As Hebrews 6:1 states, “we must progress beyond the elementary instructions about Christ and move on to maturity” The current trend in our culture-and sadly in the church-is to ‘dumb down’ almost everything, but it is possible to do this to a fault. Some things require a little more intensity, commitment, and grind, and our faith is certainly one of those jewels. As the hip hop generation, it is time to get our weight up. The Chop Chop calls all hearers to take the meat of God’s weighty truth and “chop it up,” chew it until it becomes a part of you.
Building on the success of his sophomore solo project The Thesis and his GRAMMY® and Stellar nominated release HIStory with group The Cross Movement, The Ambassador follows with The Chop Chop-a creatively crafted album with captivating production topped with an uncompromising message that will challenge listeners, while exposing the authenticity and supremacy of God.
The Chop Chop occurs when we take the meat of God’s word, break it down, and share it to impact the world as messengers and models of transforming truth. The title track, “The Chop Chop”, is a hip hop banger that challenges believers to grow and develop by gathering with other believers and “chopping up” the scriptures to integrate biblical nutrition into our system. Dramatic horns sound The Ambssador’s bleeding heart in “Anybody Hear Me?”, a sobering track that exposes the problems of a culture no longer drawn to the rapper’s words and message, but rather the seductiveness of his swagger. In the infectious “Gimme Dat”, The Ambassador cries out for the fulfillment of redeemed passions-an overdose of satisfaction found in Christ, who provides all things for his people to enjoy.
The Chop Chop also features guest appearances by Lecrae, Trip Lee and Da’ T.R.U.T.H. as well as production by J.R., Official, Tony Stone and Mac the doulos.
A graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary, William “Duce” Branch a.k.a The Ambassador is the co-pastor of Epiphany Fellowship in Philadelphia, PA. He has also served as the president of the non-profit organization Cross Movement Ministries and ministered the gospel through rap and preaching for nearly 15 years. With a passionate commitment to the kingdom of Christ as well as a firm belief that faith must integrate with culture, The Ambassador has become known for his devotion to proclaiming Jesus Christ to urban contexts, and through urban mediums.
Stay tuned to YMZ as we will bring you updates on The Chop Chop: From Milk To Meat. Find out more about The Ambassador on his YMZ artist page.
« Return to Previous Page3-2-1 Penguins!® Blasts Off To Save The Planets!
Publish Date: Jul 23, 2008
It’s Zidgel, Midgel, Fidgel and Kevin to the rescue in 3-2-1 Penguins!®: Save The Planets!, an all-new out-of-this-world adventure from Big Idea, Inc., an Entertainment Rights group company. Big Idea’s beloved flock of flightless fowl is back in action with 3 exciting new episodes on one DVD for the first time! Loaded with lots of family-friendly bonus features, this brand-new DVD lands in Christian retailers across Canada on August 30th.
Produced by Big Idea, the creators of the award-winning VeggieTales® series, 3-2-1 Penguins! follows the galactic adventures of two young kids and four space-travelling penguins dedicated to responding to distress calls from across the galaxy and learning important life lessons and values along the way.
“We are delighted to present these hilarious new episodes on DVD for the first time,” says Greg Fritz, SVP Marketing & Licensing, Big Idea. “With the new-found popularity of 3-2-1 Penguins! since its increased television exposure, we felt that this was an opportune time to launch these new episodes on DVD.”
3-2-1 Penguins!: Save The Planets! is part of the highly successful 3-2-1 Penguins! series, which has sold 1.5 million videos to date and has captured audiences everywhere as one of the top rated shows on “QUBO” airing weekly on NBC, ION and Telemundo. Combining faith, fun and flightless birds, 3-2-1 Penguins!: Save The Planets! features standout episodes “The Green-Eyed Monster”, “More Is More”, and “Give and Let Give”.
Synopsis:
Join Zidgel, Midgel, Fidgel and Kevin as they save the inhabitants of planets across the galaxy while learning lessons in contentment, sharing and over-indulgence. Buckle up for an intergalactic adventure like never before!
Christian Retailer Exclusive: Free Gift with Purchase!
Consumers who buy the Save The Planets! DVD will receive a free set of collectible bouncy balls at the time of purchase. This special promotion will run while supplies last.
Bonus Features:
Check out 3-2-1 Penguins!®: Save The Planets! on their YMZ page.
« Return to Previous PageBig Daddy Weave Releases “What Life Would Be Like” Today
Publish Date: Jul 22, 2008
Celebrating a decade with all original members still intact, Fervent Records’ Big Daddy Weave releases its fifth album, What Life Would Be Like, today to critical acclaim.
Here’s what a few reviewers are saying:
Christian Retailing
ChristianMusicReview.org
While their previous album, Every Time I Breathe, was recorded to encourage people to view every moment as a chance to live in response to the greatness of God, What Life Would Be Like celebrates that response. What Life Would Be Like is produced by Big Daddy Weave member Jeremy Redmon, who also produced the band’s Fields Of Grace, What I Was Made For and the 2007 album, Every Time I Breathe.
Big Daddy Weave hit the spotlight in 2002 when One And Only debuted in SoundScan’s Christian Top 5, the highest debut for a new artist that year. Garnering its first CHR No. 1 at radio with “Audience of One”, the band’s other chart-topping songs include “You’re Worthy Of My Praise” (What I Was Made For) and title cut, “Every Time I Breathe”. Big Daddy Weave has additionally been featured on several special event albums such as Dove Hits, WoW Hits, WoW Worship, WoW Christmas and the Absolute series.
What Life Would Be Like is featured on HearItFirst.ca this week. Read about the story behind the album in the band’s YMZ artist page.
« Return to Previous PageCatch Newworldson On TV And Experience A Revival By The River This Weekend
Publish Date: Jul 22, 2008
Those fun-loving Canadian lads Newworldson are being featured on July 25th’s episode of Gospel Music Channel’s “Front Row Live”.
Newworldson during their last visit to the Gospel Music Channel
If you are in the Atlanta, Georgia-area this Friday, you can be a part of the studio audience for FREE! Tickets are available and can be obtained here. Bring a Canadian flag and get ready to show some Canadian spirit in the American south.
The band have been constantly on the road this summer. Just this month, they have appeared at the Cornerstone Festival in Bushnell, Illinois, the Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest in our nation’s capital and at BelieveFest in Drumheller, Alberta. This Sunday evening, they will be performing at a hometown event on the shores of the Henley River together the Torchmen Quartet in Port Dalhousie (St. Catharines), Ontario as part of the Henley Christian Festival.
The group’s sophomore release Salvation Station is specially priced at $12.99 or less at Christian retailers across Canada. Check out their music video for “Working Man” in the YMZ Media section.
« Return to Previous PageP.O.D. To Appear On American Chopper
Publish Date: Jul 22, 2008
P.O.D. will be on an upcoming episode of TLC’s American Chopper, P.O.D. is honoured to be the first band to have a concert in the new OCC building. The band would like as many Warriors attending as possible. Here is your personal invite from the band:
“If you live in the area, can hop in a car or catch the train to Newburgh, NY you need to head out to Orange County Choppers. The show is completely free and open to the public, but since this is being taped for an up coming episode we want to make sure that the Warriors are there to represent with us… you know how we do! So make your plans now and do not miss this opportunity. We will keep you posted on the air date of the show so that everyone who isn’t in the New York area can catch the show once it airs.”
Information on the taping is as follows:
Monday, July 27th @ 6:00 PM
OC Choppers
14 Crossroads Court
Newburgh, NY 12550
For more information on P.O.D.’s latest release When Angels And Serpents Dance, visit their YMZ artist page.
« Return to Previous PageNicole C. Mullen Releases “A Dream To Believe In, Vol. II” Today
Publish Date: Jul 22, 2008
The eagerly anticipated latest CD from Nicole C. Mullen, A Dream To Believe In, Vol. II releases today. The album is the second installment in Mullen’s thematic trilogy, with Sharecropper’s Seed, Vol. I the beginning of this three album project.
Produced by David Mullen, the songs on A Dream To Believe In, Vol. II were inspired by great moments in our national history that have significant importance to our faith. Musically, it features the range of this versatile artist that swings from soulful ballads to funky up-tempo rockers.
“This is music that celebrates the travels of life; where we’ve been, where we are and where we’re going,” Mullen says of her new collection. “I think ‘A Dream To Believe In, Vol. II’ says let me tell where I am and where I want to go. It’s definitely an album of celebration. It’s one you can dance to and in the midst of your dancing, hopefully you’ll hear the message of truth.”
Mullen wrote or co-wrote all songs on A Dream To Believe In, Vol. II. “I Have A Dream” opens the CD and was inspired Dr. Martin Luther King’s speech by the same name, along with the prayer of Christ that we would all be one. “Treat Her Like A Lady” was written for all the men out there on how to treat your wife or girlfriend in the proper way and the upbeat soulful “Brainwash” stresses the cleansing of our mind from earthly pollution. “Start Over Again” features the strong vocals of this talented songstress and “Forever You Reign” is what Mullen calls “a straight vertical praise & worship song.” The CD closes with the unique “Work With Me (Dance)”. Mullen’s fans have been asking her to do a workout album for years and she performs the song on her Women of Faith dates, which has the audience on their feet and dancing.
Besides her busy recording career, Mullen stays active with her many charitable endeavours. She established The Baby Girls Club, which mentors and encourages young women. She also supports the International Needs Network, an organization that works to free the Trokosi slaves in Ghana. Known for her unique fashion style, Mullen has started designing her own line of clothing that will soon be available online.
A Cincinnati native who got her start singing in church, Mullen has won multiple Gospel Music Association Dove Awards including Female Vocalist of the Year and Songwriter of the Year honours as well as Song of the Year awards for her hit “Redeemer” and the Jaci Velasquez hit “On My Knees”. She co-wrote the song with her husband David and Michael Ochs. Her acclaimed album Talk About It was recently certified gold by the RIAA, signifying sales over 500,000 copies.
A Dream To Believe In, Vol. II is featured on HearItFirst.ca this week. Head over there to hear more from this and other new releases.
« Return to Previous PageSeabird Releases “Til We See The Shore”
Publish Date: Jul 22, 2008
New Credential Recordings band Seabird celebrates the release of its national debut, Til We See The Shore, in style on the Belle of Cincinnati, the city’s largest riverboat, June 27th. More than 500 fans and media were on board for a three hour long concert along the Ohio river.
Named “one of the year’s best” by HM Magazine, ‘Til We See The Shore is full of honest and vulnerable songs about real life struggles, relationships, losses, bittersweet goodbyes and having the courage to tell your childhood sweetheart you love her. A fusion of modern piano rock and Brit-pop, this album is an oasis for those who have been left thirsty by years of heartache.
Find out more about Seabird ad their new album on their YMZ artist page.
Click on images to enlarge [Photo credit: Jon Willis / willisphotoart.com]:
« Return to Previous PageAgency For The Performing Arts Proudly Announces The Signing Of Ten Shekel Shirt
Publish Date: Jul 22, 2008
The Agency for the Performing Arts (APA) proudly announces the signing of Rounder Records’ recording band Ten Shekel Shirt to their Nashville based music division.
Ten Shekel Shirt’s album Jubilee will hit stores nationwide on August 19th. Lamont Hiebert, the lead singer and songwriter of Ten Shekel Shirt, describes himself as an artist and an abolitionist. As an artist, he’s a gifted singer, songwriter and bandleader who evokes comparisons from Snow Patrol to Coldplay to Peter Gabriel for his richly textured music, emotive singing and thoughtful lyrics and who’s already sold 150,000 copies of his first two albums. The band’s first single from Jubilee, “Spark”, is currently being worked to Christian CHR and A/C and in August will be taken to AAA as well.
Mark Guynn, Head of the Christian Division for APA states, “To have the opportunity to work with an artist of Lamont’s caliber while at the same time helping further the cause of his Love146 anti-human trafficking organization, is like a ‘perfect storm’ of career and spiritual gratification all at once!”
With major offices in Beverly Hills, New York and Nashville, APA is one of the largest full service talent/literary agencies in the U.S., representing top artists in all genres of music, as well as theater, movie, and literary clients.
Preview Ten Shekel Shirt’s upcoming releaseJubliee on their YMZ artist page.
« Return to Previous PageNew Music Tuesday Fresh Releases
Publish Date: Jul 22, 2008
Here are today’s new releases:
CDs
DVDs
Family Friendly
Songbooks
Books
These titles are now available at your local Canadian Christian retailer. Keep track of all the new and upcoming releases via your own personal copy of the August New Music Tuesday poster. Also, visit the YMZ Music section to check out other upcoming releases.
« Return to Previous PagePassion World Tour Stops In Vancouver On October 6th
Publish Date: Jul 21, 2008
The Passion World Tour, part of a vision to see university students live for the fame of Jesus, will make its thirteenth of seventeen stops in Vancouver, Canada, October 6th, 2008 at the GM Place. Uniting Canadian university students with millions of university students around the world who have experienced Passion events, the gathering will take place in Vancouver. Leading the worship, teaching and prayer gathering will be speaker Louie Giglio as well as artist-worshipers Chris Tomlin, David Crowder* Band and more.
Passion founder Louie Giglio, who believes the university to be the fulcrum by which the world is moved, says, “I want to see people do a 180° theologically, moving from a “me-centred” faith to a Christ-centred faith.”
This gathering is for University students, people aged 18-25, and their ministry leaders. Passion Vancouver will be free but seats need to be reserved at www.PassionWorldTour.com and click on “Vancouver”. Check-in will begin at 5:00pm October 6th with the main session at 7:00 PM. Doors will open at 6:00 PM.
[Click image to enlarge]
Thousands of students are expected from all over Canada and internationally. They will come to be a part of worship, some for the first time, with thousands of their peers. Being able to worship together in this way is part of Passion’s mission to unify Christians in their local communities and spark vision for what can happen in a city among university students when people work together for a common cause. Passion Conferences also aim to be purposeful servants helping to build up and support the established churches and ministries in each city they visit.
The Passion World Tour hopes to be a catalytic event that God can use to change the spiritual climate on the university campuses of the world. Beginning in May 2008, the tour has already cast this vision in Kyiv, Stockholm, São Paulo, Kampala, Paris, London, and continues this summer and fall to eleven more cities around the globe including Manila, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Mexico City, Vancouver, Seoul, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Sydney.
For more information about Passion and the World Tour, visit www.268generation.com and click on World Tour. Information on the various Passion recordings can be found on their YMZ page.
About The Passion Movement
Currently Based in Atlanta, GA, USA, The Passion movement began in 1995 with a stirring in the heart of Passion founder Louie Giglio. Born out of a desire to see the 13 million college students (over 16 million today) of the nation awaken to the reality of a glorious God, the vision took shape under the leadership of men like Giglio and the board of Choice Ministries, the non-profit umbrella for Passion Conferences. Since then, tens of thousands have connected with Passion through one of several gatherings, such as the OneDay gatherings, the Passion Experience Tour, Passion Regional events and many others. The domino effect has spawned a movement that continues to circle the globe.
Centred on Passion’s core scripture, Isaiah 26:8, the unique purpose of Passion is to gather college students from campuses and churches throughout the nation and the world, uniting them across ministry and denominational lines to seek the face of God together in worship and prayer. Affirming and valuing the work of local churches and campus ministries, Passion seeks to foster unity and connectivity among them, encouraging them to draw strength and encouragement from each other, resulting in a louder anthem of God’s renown.
« Return to Previous PageCasting Crowns Ranks Strong in Pollstar’s Mid-Year Report of Highest Grossing Concerts
Publish Date: Jul 18, 2008
The phenomenal reach and impact of Christian music’s top-selling artist Casting Crowns is once again illustrated this week as Pollstar magazine releases its mid-year report of the Top 100 tours in the country.
Casting Crowns is the highest ranked Christian music artist at No. 54, with 6.3 million gross ticket sales in 2008, ahead of touring artists Chris Brown, George Michael, Sheryl Crow and Garth Brooks. On August 19th, the band’s Pollstar-ranked live show will be released in 5.1 surround sound on the band’s third LIVE DVD/CD release, The Altar and The Door Live.
Preview audio samples from The Altar and The Door Live at Casting Crowns’ YMZ artist page.
« Return to Previous PageTenth Avenue North Travels From From Sunny Florida To The Rocky Mountains
Publish Date: Jul 18, 2008
Tenth Avenue North spent the first part of this week in Orlando, Florida, where the band performed multiple times and participated in interviews during the annual ICRS (International Christian Retail Show ) Convention at the Orlando Convention Center. During the convention, the guys were able to spend time with CBA (Christian Booksellers’ Association) President, Bill Anderson, and also interviewed with media outlets including American Family Radio and USA Radio, among others.
[L-R]: Tenth Avenue North’s Jeff Owen, Mike Donehey, CBA President Bill Anderson and Tenth Avenue North’s Scott Sanders [Click image to enlarge]
Tenth Avenue North then departed sunny Florida and headed west to the Rocky Mountains, for a visit with their friends at Focus on the Family in Colorado Springs, Colorado. While there, the band led worship and performed a few songs for the monthly chapel service, which is attended by more than 1,500 Focus on the Family employees and their families.
For more info on Tenth Avenue North, please visit the band’s YMZ artist page.
« Return to Previous PagePillar Hits The Major Leagues
Publish Date: Jul 18, 2008
Recently, GRAMMY®-nominated rock band Pillar was able to spend time at the ballpark with Paul Byrd, starting pitcher for the Cleveland Indians.
[L-R]: Rob Beckley, Pillar lead singer; Paul Byrd, Cleveland Indians; Noah Henson, Pillar lead guitarist [Click image to enlarge]
Pillar’s current album, For The Love Of The Game, is big, fun, infectious rock and roll that further solidifies Pillar’s position as fearless leaders in the Christian Rock world.
For more info on Pillar and the hard rocking For The Love Of The Game, please visit the band’s YMZ artist page.
« Return to Previous PageThird Day And K-Love Announce Markets, Venue Details For Secret Show Promotion
Publish Date: Jul 18, 2008
Capping off a highly-publicized promotional campaign surrounding the anticipated July 29th release of GRAMMY® award-winning, multi-platinum-selling band Third Day’s tenth studio album, Revelation, K-LOVE has recently made a couple revelations of its own. The national music radio network has announced details to a pair of secret shows performed acoustically by Third Day in K-LOVE markets Phoenix and Denver during the week of Revelation’s release.
“The response was overwhelming,” says Mike Tedesco, Brand Manager for K-LOVE. “Thousands of listeners registered to win a trip to one of our Secret Shows and to receive a copy of the new CD Revelation. We are sure the listener response in Phoenix and Denver will be overwhelming. We just wish we could bring Third Day to more K-LOVE cities.”
Fresh off its performance the night before on NBC’s The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Third Day will spend the following morning, Wednesday, July 30th, in Phoenix, where K-LOVE’s Jon and Sherry Rivers will be the first to interview the band on their nationally broadcast morning show. The Rivers will be hosting the Phoenix secret show, featuring Third Day and chart-topping openers Tenth Avenue North, at the City of Grace Church in Mesa, AZ at 7:00 PM PT.
The second secret show performance will take place in Denver on August 1st at Crossroads Church of Denver in Wheat Ridge, CO. The concert begins at 8:00 PM MT and will be hosted by JD Chandler, host of K-LOVE’s national afternoon show.
In between secret show dates, Third Day is slated to headline the K-LOVE-sponsored music festival Spirit West Coast in Monterey, CA on July 31st. K-LOVE will be broadcasting live from the event.
Following the release of Revelation, the band will hit the road for summer festival appearances and the highly anticipated Music Builds Tour with Switchfoot, Robert Randolph & the Family Band and Jars of Clay. Please visit www.musicbuildstour.com for updated information and preview Revelation at Third Day’s YMZ artist page.
« Return to Previous PageNicole C. Mullen And Big Daddy Weave Featured On HearItFirst.ca
Publish Date: Jul 18, 2008
This week’s premieres feature the second part of a trilogy and the latest from a “big” band.
A Dream To Believe In Vol. 2 is the second installment in Nicole C. Mullen’s thematic trilogy. While Sharecropper’s Seed Vol. 1 had an organically produced acoustic sound, A Dream To Believe In Vol. 2 leans strongly in the opposite direction, with a very contemporary pop sound, reminiscent of artists like Beyoncé Knowles and Janet Jackson.
Nicole’s songwriting talents that won her the Songwriter of the Year Dove Award are again evident on this her eighth studio album. Songs on the album were inspired by many great moments in history that have significant importance to our faith walk with God.
Big Daddy Weave has long been known for their poignant messages and words of encouragement through song and lyric. Songs like “Every Time I Breathe”, “Let It Rise”, and “Audience Of One” deeply resonate with audiences and have had a lasting impact on listeners.
Their latest release, What Life Would Be Like, dials up the intensity and asks the church body to step back and evaluate what a life with Jesus’ influence would look like in the full spectrum of living. Not that the members of Big Daddy Weave have it all together, but it’s an encouragement to step out together, to fail together, to link arms together and witness the masterpiece God desires to paint through each one of us.
Both albums will be arriving at your local Canadian Christian retailer on July 22nd. Keep track of all the new and upcoming releases via your own personal copy of the July New Music Tuesday poster. Head over to HearItFirst.ca to hear more from these new releases.
« Return to Previous PageDecembeRadio Returns Satisfied With Sophomore Release
Publish Date: Jul 18, 2008
Virginia-based rockers DecembeRadio burst onto the national scene with their self-titled Slanted Records’ debut in 2006. The band was honoured with a GMA Dove Award for Rock Album of the Year, earned three additional Dove nominations (including Best New Artist and Song of the Year) and scored a GRAMMY® Award nomination for Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album.
Their winning streak continued at radio where “Love Found Me” and “Dangerous” heated up rock radio airwaves while “Drifter” and “Find You Waiting” became Top Five hits in the CHR format with “Find You Waiting” hitting the Top 10 at AC. DecembeRadio was named Breakout Band of the Year at the Rock Radio Summit and were the only Christian act touted among Billboard Magazine’s 2006 “Artists to Watch.” Christianity Today named them among their Best Band of the Year and Best New Artist picks. The band’s songs even turned up on network television, including the CBS drama series “Cane” and Discovery Channel’s popular series “Hazard Pay”, for which “Dangerous” became the theme song.
The band admits that there’s a heightened level of expectation surrounding their sophomore release Satisfied, which hits stores August 26th. “There’s definitely a lot of pressure,” admits lead guitarist Brian Bunn. “At the same time, we know we’re doing this for the right reasons and God’s going to take care of us. So we went into the studio, and we did what we love to do best. We just tried to make great music and have fun doing it. It’s as simple as that.”
Drummer Boone Daughdrill agrees. “God started to show us that He is working in all of us. New ideas, new lyrics, new riffs just started coming out of nowhere. All of a sudden we had a couple of really cool songs, and that got us really excited about this new album.”
DecembeRadio recorded Satisfied at Atlanta’s famed Southern Tracks Recording studios and once again turned to producer Scotty Wilbanks (NewSong, After Edmund). “It just goes so much deeper than just being a producer. Scotty is like a brother to us,” says Bunn. “He really is like the fifth member of the band you could say. He understands what we want to do and where we want to go musically. We grew up on a lot of the same things and listened to the same music; but at the same time, it’s nice because he’s a keyboard player and we’re a more guitar-driven band. It’s good to get that different perspective from somebody who’s not a guitar player. He brings us balance and helps us stay true to who we are.”
As they began writing and recording their sophomore effort, the band felt a new sense of confidence in their musicianship and a feeling of creative freedom. “We were having the most fun that we’ve ever had in making this music and that’s the way it should be,” says lead vocalist/bassist Josh Reedy.
“DecembeRadio’s rock sensibilities and their nod to southern influences make them a refreshing sound in the Christian music landscape,” stated Mark Funderburg, president of Word Distribution. “With their 2006 GRAMMY® nomination and growing fan base, we are certain that their next record, Satisfied, will bring Eric, Josh, Brian and Boone even more attention as it promises to deliver great songs and the rockin’ enthusiasm we’ve come to expect from this hard-working band.”
DecembeRadio has toured relentlessly for the past two years, most recently opening for Third Day in the spring of 2008. The band will continue to tour throughout the year in support of the new album, taking their music directly to the fans with an energetic live show that combines music and ministry.
“People connect with how real you look them in the eye whether you’re rocking out or you’re getting them to sing along with you,” says Reedy. “When they feel they are a part of the show, a part of the band or just a part of that song, that is what we strive for when we step on that stage.”
Guitarist Eric Miker says their live show had considerable impact on how they made the new record. “We learned more about our fans and what they like,” he says. “We learned a lot about what works best live, and we wanted to make sure all the songs work great live. We just wanted to make music that the fans like.”
“We want to share with the world what Christ has done for us and for them,” says Daughdrill. “I feel like God calls us all to be a light – we have a choice in how we respond to that. Hopefully we can be an encouragement to others, letting them know the satisfaction we’ve found in Christ.”
The album will contain bonus material including a photo gallery, live performance video and a behind-the-scenes, making-of-the-album video. Fans will be happy to note that Satisfied also contains the recent hit “Find You Waiting”, which was not available on the original debut release.
The first single from the new release “For Your Glory” is currently going for adds at CHR radio and will be hitting AC stations later this month. “Better Man”, the first rock single, will be hitting stations later this month as well.
Take a sneak peek at this rocking new release by visiting DecembeRadio’s YMZ artist page.
« Return to Previous PageCentricity Music Signs Veteran Singer/Songwriter, Andrew Peterson
Publish Date: Jul 17, 2008
Centricity Music is happy to announce the signing of one of Christian music’s most respected singer/songwriters, Andrew Peterson. Peterson will release his label debut, The Resurrection Letters, Vol. II on October 21st.
“When we discovered that Andrew was interested in partnering with a label again we were incredibly excited,” says Steve Ford, Centricity’s Vice President, Marketing. “Bringing to Centricity’s existing roster an artist with Andrew’s artistic vision and commercial appeal will be a great addition. He feels like family, he is like-minded in his desire to make the best art possible while impacting culture for Christ.”
“The people at Centricity have surprised me at every turn with their genuineness, their hard work and their commitment to doing things not the easy way or the old way but the best way. I’m really excited about this partnership,” says Peterson.
The Resurrection Letters, Vol. II was produced by Ben Shive and Andy Gullahorn and will once again showcase Peterson’s strong vocals and songwriting skills. “Whenever it’s time to put a new album together, I look for a common strand that connects all the songs. This time around, it was clear to me that the songs are mostly about resurrection, about the way God makes all things new,” explains Peterson.
Peterson’s own credits include the Top 10 radio hit “Nothing to Say” and a Dove Award nomination for his song “Family Man”. His previous releases Carried Along, Clear To Venus, Love And Thunder, Behold The Lamb Of God and The Far Country have led to many gracious words and accolades from fellow artists, writers and peers:
Ron Block, Alison Krauss and Union Station
Cliff Young, Caedmon’s Call
Donald Miller
Ed Cash
Todd Agnew
Sara Groves
Derek Webb
Bebo Norman
Andy Osenga
Michael Card
Phil Madeira
Laura Story
For more information on Peterson, please visit his YMZ artist page.
« Return to Previous PageCapital Lights Up The Charts With Debut On Billboard Top Heatseekers
Publish Date: Jul 17, 2008
Last week marked the label debut for power pop/rock band Capital Lights. Following their release of This Is An Outrage, Capital Lights finds the debut charting on the Billboard Top Heatseekers chart this week at No. 51. The project also landed on Billboard’s Christian Rock chart at No. 12 and Top Christian Albums at No. 34.
“It definitely feels great to actually be on the Billboard… charts,” exclaims vocalist Bryson Phillips. “God has really been blessing us! We are just glad people are actually buying our album and getting excited about what we are doing. We hope to continue this momentum as we keep touring like crazy the rest of the year.”
The media are also jumping on the Capital Lights bandwagon with top reviews and ratings:
Thealbumproject.net, 5 out of 5 stars
ChristianMusicToday.com, 4 out of 5 stars
HollywoodJesus.com
Capital Lights will be a part of the first Creation Festival: The Tour with Kutless, Thousand Foot Krutch, Pillar, KJ-52, Fireflight, Worth Dying For, RunKidRun and Esterlyn. For tour dates and more information, click here.
Capital Lights is composed of Brett Admire (guitar), Bryson Phillips (vocals), Michael Paul Phillips (drums), and Jonathan Williams (guitar). For more information, visit their YMZ artist page.
« Return to Previous PageAvalon Pays Tribute To Sandi Patty And Wounded Warriors
Publish Date: Jul 16, 2008
GRAMMY® Award-winning vocal group Avalon greets legendary female recording artist Sandi Patty at the 2008 GRAMMY® Salute to Gospel Music held late last month at Lincoln Theatre in Washington D.C. The foursome performed “Another Time, Another Place” in tribute to Patty, who was among the evening’s honourees.
During their Washington, D.C. visit, Avalon is presented an appreciation plaque by chaplains Maj. William A. Jokela (far left) and Maj. Taz W. Randles (far right) at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. The group performed for the Warrior Transition Brigade, which services more than 700 wounded warriors who are in various stages of healing.
New at Canadian Christian retailers are the Avalon Two For One CDs. For just $17.99, you get two full albums in one package, for one great price. Check them out at Avalon’s YMZ artist page.
« Return to Previous PageSalvador’s Nic Gonzales And Jaci Velasquez Visit Mission Outreach Sites In Honduras
Publish Date: Jul 16, 2008
Nic Gonzales, frontman of Word Records’ Dove Award-winning Latin/pop band Salvador, recently travelled to Honduras with his wife, Dove Award-winning recording artist Jaci Velasquez, to visit several sites supported by The Salvador Foundation.
The couple is pictured in the village of Lemon with students from a school the foundation helped build. In addition to the school, The Salvador Foundation also assisted in the construction of a tortilla manufacturing facility that employs single mothers, as well as a nutrition clinic in the village.
Known for their show-stopping, improvisational live performances, Salvador’s latest album, Aware, released in April and has drawn accolades for its musical diversity and lyrical maturity. Produced by Gonzales and Salvador’s Chris Bevins, along with Otto Price (dcTalk, GRITS), Aware features 11 selections, including the album’s title-cut and debut single.
For further information, visit Salvador and Jaci, please visit their respective YMZ artist pages.
« Return to Previous PageNew Beginnings For Bebo Norman With Release Of Self-Titled Project On September 16th
Publish Date: Jul 16, 2008
Starting fresh with a new label behind him, singer/songwriter Bebo Norman is set to release his seventh project on September 16th. Following the 2007 holiday Dove-nominated album, Christmas From The Realms of Glory, Bebo will release this self-titled, full-length project as a BEC Recordings artist. The forthcoming CD is co-produced by Norman, Jason Ingram and Rusty Varenkamp.
Bebo Norman is rooted in the tuneful sensibilities of comparable artists like James Taylor and John Mayer; all the while, he is confidently stretching the musical arrangements to his worshipful melodies.
“I ended up making a record that I’m really proud of because it is melodically simple in a refreshing way, with space, depth and pop-sensibility that makes it feel current and in line with what inspires me these days musically,” shares Bebo Norman of the upcoming album. “I like that we took the core of where I come from as a writer and made it feel new again.”
Thematically the new project communicates fresh beginnings. Each song is tied with the common thread of rebuilding from brokenness and realizing that faith is not about what is accumulated or accomplished spiritually, but rather a desperate clinging to Christ. The debut radio singles for AC (“Britney”) and CHR (“Pull Me Out”) tell the tales of such rebuilding.
”’Britney’ is a song about what our culture says and does to young women these days,” explains Norman of the August 1st AC single. “It’s about the lies we tell them about fame and money and what’s beautiful and what will give them life. It’s an apology for those lies. But more than that, it’s an invitation to the truth about a God who is bigger than the pain this world so often leaves them in.”
Radio stations are already being impacted by “Britney” weeks before the official add date. Bob Sloane of KVMV shared this after listening to the single, “I wasn’t sure what to expect, but by the end of the song, my wife and I were both moved to tears. (That happens to her all the time, but not me!) I told her that if that song wasn’t God inspired, nothing is and she agreed. “Britney” is exactly what Christian radio needs… songs that compassionately peer into our culture, address problems, and offer a Christ-centered solution. Definitely the most powerful and moving song of the year!”
Talking about the CHR single that was the most added song this week, “Pull Me Out”, Norman shares the background behind the lyrics, “I have silently walked the last four years or so with a building and recently diagnosed struggle with anxiety. The irony is that the struggle has been with the one thing I have always found comfort and consistency in – singing the songs that I so dearly love to sing. This song is about letting go of the earthly things that drag me down and holding tightly to the things of heaven that pull me out.”
To support the new record, Bebo Norman will head out this fall as a special guest with MercyMe, in addition to various headline dates throughout the fall followed by a Christmas tour.
Stay tuned to YMZ as we will bring you further updates on Norman’s new album in the next few weeks.
« Return to Previous PageSuperchick Prize Pack Giveaway
Publish Date: Jul 16, 2008
Superchick’s first album in three years finds the band honing a “rock-o-tronic” sound, an electro-punk mash-up of slashing guitars, pulsing keyboards and grit-pop vocals. While their last album, Beauty From Pain, sought to empathize with listeners’ pain, band members have since walked their own dark, lonely roads with relationship splits and cancer touching four of their families. Rather than expound upon these personal hardships, the band turned this album into a battle cry to charge onward. Fans have responded and the band has posted their highest ever first week sales numbers. As a thank you to Canadian fans, Superchick and YourMusicZone.com are now giving five (5) fans a chance to win a Superchick Prize Pack.
Click here and enter your name (full first and last name), street address, city, province and postal code and daytime phone number with area code and your age. A skill testing question must be answered correctly in order to win and you must be a resident of Canada.
The question is: What Canadian city is Superchick guitarist Dave Ghazarian originally from? Hint: look for the answer in Superchick’s YMZ artist page.
One (1) Superchick Prize Pack will be awarded to each winner. The prize pack will consists of one (1) Autographed Superchick “Movie” Fold Out Poster, one (1) Fold Out “Superchick Loves You” Poster, one (1) Superchick Snap Bracelet, and one (1) Superchick “Rock What You Got” CD. Winners will be randomly drawn from all entries containing the correct answer submitted by 5:00pm EDT on Friday, July 25th, 2008. For contest rules and regulations, click here.
Check out Rock What You Got via this very cool e-card.
« Return to Previous PageNew Music Tuesday Fresh Releases
Publish Date: Jul 15, 2008
Here are today’s new releases:
CDs
Songbooks
These titles are now available at your local Canadian Christian retailer. Keep track of all the new and upcoming releases via your own personal copy of the July New Music Tuesday poster. Also, visit the YMZ Music section to check out other upcoming releases.
« Return to Previous PageMichael W. Smith To Release “A New Hallelujah” October 28th
Publish Date: Jul 14, 2008
On June 20th in Houston, Texas, along with more than 12,000 in attendance, Michael W. Smith recorded his third worship album, A New Hallelujah, which will be available at Canadian Christian retailer on October 28th. A choir of 250, along with special guests, The African Children’s Choir and worship leaders Israel Houghton and Coalo Zamorano, led a two-hour worship event, yielding A New Hallelujah.
More than 12,000 people gathered at Lakewood Church for the recording [Click image to enlarge]
The upcoming record, Smith’s 21st, will offer a unique, moving worship experience through songs like “Mighty to Save”, “Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone” and “I Surrender All”, (song list subject to change) along with several new songs that Michael wrote especially for the project. The title track was penned by Smith, his wife Debbie and friend Paul Baloche. The album was arranged and produced by Smith.
“Since my last world tour a few years ago, I’ve been looking forward to recording a live worship project that reflected something more global than I’ve ever done before; a collection of songs and voices to translate what I experienced that year. I had hoped for an evening of worship that reflected the corners of our nation, and the world; I think we captured that,” shares Smith. “My great friend Israel Houghton, the world renowned African Children’s Choir, an incredible young worship leader named Coalo Zamorano and a 250-voice choir elevated the songs to amazing moments of praise and worship. It was more than I could have hoped for.”
Smith’s first worship album, simply titled Worship, released on September 11th, 2001 and has sold more than a million-and-a half copies. Its follow up Worship Again released September 19th, 2002 and is nearing the 800,000 mark.
Throughout his 25-year career as a recording artist, Michael W. Smith has amassed an impressive catalogue of achievements. His 20 albums have garnered multiple honours including an American Music Award, three GRAMMY® Awards (from 13 nominations) and 42 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards and 33 No. 1 radio hits. In addition, he holds 16 Gold and 5 Platinum albums and career sales approaching 15 million.
Check out the various Worship projects from Smith including the Worship DualDisc which features the album remixed in 5.1 surround, and the Worship Box Set which includes the Worship CD, Worship Again CD and Worship DVD, on his YMZ artist page.
« Return to Previous PageChris Tomlin, Underoath and WoW Releasing This Summer
Publish Date: Jul 14, 2008
Chris Tomlin, Underoath, WoW, Casting Crowns, Norma Jean, Family Force 5, 3-2-1 Penguins! and many more make late summer arrivals through August and September.
Tomlin’s newest release Hello Love will arrive September 2nd which is also the street date of the brand new Underoath album Lost In The Sound Of Separation. Underoath’s latest new studio release entered the Billboard charts at #2 and sold 98,000 units in it’s first week. WoW is introducing a new mid-line priced compilation this summer with WoW Essentials featuring top tracks from the past 5 years including music by Casting Crowns, MercyMe, Steven Curtis Chapman, Chris Tomlin and more. Casting Crowns in the meantime will arrive August 19th with The Altar And The Door Live in a special CD and DVD package. 3-2-1 Penguins! brings there humour back with a brand new DVD called Save The Planets! Sure to be a favourite with kids of all ages this August 30th release re-launches the beloved series.
Be sure to check out all these titles and more in the YMZ Music section.
« Return to Previous PageHillsong United Maintains Top Of Chart Position
Publish Date: Jul 14, 2008
Hillsong United and Starfield continue to sit at #1 and #2 on the Christian retail charts in Canada. The two modern worship releases have held those positions since their release earlier this spring.
The top 10 sees some new action with both Robin Mark and tobyMac climbing into the higher reaches of the chart with their latest albums and Kutless entering the chart at #10 with To Know That You’re Alive. Other new entries on the top 50 chart including Maranatha! Music with Top 25 Praise Songs 2009 at #20, Tree63 with their new greatest hits package at #21 and newcomers Tenth Avenue North at #22. Superchic[k], Jon Foreman, Article One, Hillsong United member Brooke Fraser and Manafest also enter the charts with new releases.
Statistics are based on sales at Christian retailers across Canada.
« Return to Previous PageSinger/Songwriter Charlie Hall Reflects On The Bright Sadness
Publish Date: Jul 11, 2008
sixstepsrecords and Passion worship leader/artist, Charlie Hall will release his fourth studio album, The Bright Sadness, on August 19th. The record conveys life amidst sorrow and brokenness, reminding listeners that the aching in this world is not detached from the bright, resurrecting hope in God.
A collection of songs that reflect his current journey, The Bright Sadness, according to Hall, “comes from me understanding my ordinary human condition and my deep love for Jesus and the life He brings. It is the accepting of my brokenness and that in the world around me while never losing sight of Christ’s closeness, His free fellowship, His redemption and compassion, His Brightness.”
Produced by band member Kendall Combes along with David Hodges (Evanescence), who also produced Hall’s Flying Into Daybreak (2006), The Bright Sadness delivers the band’s signature modern worship sound paired with earnest, often very personal, lyrics on songs like “My Brightness” which readily confesses:
Well I’ve been hit from every corner
I’ve been thrown from side to side
And I’m cracked up on the inside so I come to you for life
Similarly, “Knit My Heart” expresses Hall’s most heartfelt desire to be one with God:
Knit my heart to you
I’ll dream what you dream and see what you see
Knit my heart to you, I will move in you and you move in me
Hall explains, “The human experience can be really beautiful or really messy, sometimes at the same time. I try to take those experiences and put them into prayers or statements of faith in terms that don’t deny the experience, but views them through the constant reality of Jesus.”
Also on the album are a number of songs that Hall and his band debuted at the Passion Regional Events and select dates on the current Passion World Tour gatherings, including “Chainbreaker”, “Mystery”, “Walk the World” and “You Are God”. These and others fulfill his intent to “use music to connect people to God, to give them prayers to sing, and words to use in adoration.”
“Pushing the boundaries of what worship music is and can be, The Bright Sadness beautifully reflects the life-giver these songs applaud,” comments Louie Giglio, sixstepsrecords founder and director. “As the title vividly portrays, Charlie continues to write from that fragile space most of us have come to know as life in a broken world. Yet, in the reality of it all, Charlie always stretches us to lift our gaze and cling to the confidence that God’s love is shaping our steps and holding our hearts.”
“Charlie Hall’s refreshingly honest and compelling songs of worship have deeply connected once again with The Bright Sadness,” says EMI CMG Label Group President Peter York. “We at EMI CMG are blessed to partner in Charlie’s journey as he speaks to a generation with an inspiring transparency that is so rare in our industry.”
The debut single from The Bright Sadness, “My Brightness”, will go for adds at all Christian radio formats on July 25th. For more information on Charlie Hall, visit his YMZ artist page.
« Return to Previous PageDavid Crowder*Band Releases Live Remedy Club Tour CD/DVD August 19th
Publish Date: Jul 11, 2008
sixstepsrecords’ David Crowder*Band will release the Remedy Club Tour CD/DVD to retail on August 19th. The band’s first ever full-length DVD features five and a half hours of content, including a behind the scenes tour documentary, song demonstrations hosted by each member of the Crowder band and chord/lyric subtitles in addition to 16 songs recorded live on last fall’s best-selling “Remedy Club Tour”.
“This tour was so amazing for us,” says David Crowder. “Many of our beliefs converged regarding music’s role in the church and the unexpected spaces our faith can function in. We believe that there is no space that is not sacred, that every second is lived in the very presence of God, and we wanted people to experience this reality, which, lead us to transporting these songs into places perhaps unexpected. The response was fantastic. To be in these historic Rock-and-Roll venues and watch the story of God come alive night after night was unbelievable. And then, to have captured that on tape, to have a document composed of these magical evenings is just ridiculous.”
The fall 2007 “Remedy Club Tour” boasted 19 sold-out dates, and its “Surely We Can Change Something” campaign collected thousands of towels and socks for local shelters, while encouraging attendees to “be the Remedy” in their local communities. Fans can now bring that experience home, enjoying a full 85-minute concert recorded at both the New York City and Atlanta tour stops. The concert will premier for one-night-only at select movie theatres nation-wide in partnership with AEG Network Live. Additional details are forthcoming.
“David Crowder*Band consistently delivers one of the best live shows in music,” says Leisa Byars, EMI CMG VP, Marketing & Artist Development. “The Remedy Club Tour Edition was created for the many people who love the live Crowder show experience. Partnering with AEG at a national level and radio in local markets, enables us to place this compelling show on the big screen across the country and allows the band’s music to continue to impact lives and communities.”
Shot with nine cameras in two cities, the DVD features 5.1 surround sound, a 15-minute exclusive tour documentary “On The Road With David Crowder*Band” as well as “Learning the Songs,” a section hosted by each band member showing fans their set-up and gear used in each song along with a how-to lesson on playing the songs exactly like the David Crowder*Band. Taking it even further, the DVD features the ability to display chord/lyric subtitles so that fans can test their skills and play along with the tour night.
Check out the Remedy Club Tour CD/DVD on the band’s YMZ artist page.
« Return to Previous PageRandy Travis And Above The Golden State Featured On HearItFirst.ca
Publish Date: Jul 11, 2008
This week’s premieres feature a country music legend and a band from the left coast that is just getting started.
Randy Travis has recorded the perfect country album. There is not one out-of-place note nor one false emotion on his superb new Around The Bend collection. His vocals have never sounded more expressive, better phrased or more soulfully shaded. Backed by cool fiddle work, his voice eases into slippery highs and lows while toying with the bluesy tune of “Around the Bend”.
Few artists could be more convincing singing the stunning, cautionary lyric of the ballad “You Didn’t Have A Good Time”. “Faith In You”, the album’s debut single, is an extraordinarily emotive performance that alternates moments of meditation with flashes of passion. Each song seems tailored to suit one mood or another of his sublimely burnished baritone. The bopping “Every Head Bowed”, for instance, is one chuckle after another. And there’s the wryly amusing toe-tapper “Everything I Own (Has Got A Dent)”.
Also available as a Deluxe Edition (available on August 12th, 2008) which contains a bonus DVD featuring a CMT Unplugged performance at Studio 330 of the songs “Forever And Ever, Amen”, “Three Wooden Crosses”, “Faith In You”, “Diggin’ Up Bones”, and “You Didn’t Have A Good Time”; plus a six month free membership to Randy’s fan club.
Based out of Portland, Oregon, Above The Golden State’s self titled debut album is already gaining the attention of tastemakers and radio charts alike. The first single, “Sound Of Your Name”, is already a hit.
Crafting memorable pop melodies with sing-a-long hooks, Above The Golden State is sure to be acclaimed as one of the top debuts for 2008.
Above The Golden State will be specially priced at $12.99 or less when it arrives available at your local Canadian Christian retailer. Both releases will be available on July 22nd. Keep track of all the new and upcoming releases via your own personal copy of the July New Music Tuesday poster. Head over to HearItFirst.ca to hear more from these new releases.
« Return to Previous PageNew Video Saturday Fresh Releases
Publish Date: Jul 11, 2008
Some new animated DVDs will be available at Christian retailers across Canada tomorrow.
DVDs
Keep track of all the new and upcoming releases via your own personal copy of the July New Music Tuesday poster. Also, visit the YMZ Music section to check out other upcoming releases.
« Return to Previous PageThird Day To Perform On The Tonight Show With Jay Leno July 29th
Publish Date: Jul 10, 2008
Having recently graced the cover of the June 7th edition of Billboard Magazine, Atlanta based rock band, Third Day, has been confirmed for a performance on NBC’s The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on Tuesday, July 29th, the street date of its highly anticipated tenth studio album Revelation. The Tonight Show with Jay Leno airs weeknights at 11:35/10:35 CT.
The band maintains its No. 1 position for the fifth consecutive week on the R&R Christian AC Monitored chart, the R&R Christian CHR and Christian Radio Weekly (CRW) AC charts this week. In addition, “Call My Name”, the first single from Revelation project, is nearing 25 million weekly impressions, according to the CRW radio-impressions chart. The single debuted at radio on April 4th.
Following the release of Revelation, the band will hit the road for summer festival appearances and the highly anticipated Music Builds Tour with Switchfoot, Robert Randolph & the Family Band and Jars of Clay.
Please visit www.musicbuildstour.com for updated information and preview Revelation at Third Day’s YMZ artist page.
« Return to Previous PageNevertheless Is Not “Sleeping In” During Its Current Radio Promotional Tour
Publish Date: Jul 09, 2008
Chattanooga, Tennessee-based rock quintet, Nevertheless, who will release its second album, In the Making…, on September 16th, is currently on a radio promo tour in support of its new radio single, “Sleeping In”. However, sleeping in is the last thing the guys are doing on the trip, as they are surprising some of their radio friends around the country, by literally camping on the station grounds, then surprising the radio staff with prepared breakfast when they arrive for work.
On Monday, July 7th, Nevertheless surprised the staff of RadioU in Columbus, Ohio. The next day, the band journeyed north to Saginaw, Michigan, to hang at The Fuse radio station and today, Wednesday, July 9th, they visited Shine.FM/WONU in Chicago, Ill. The guys are documenting the trek. Watch the video from Day One, Day Two, and Day Three.
In the Making…, the upcoming, 11 track record from Nevertheless, was produced by Rob Hawkins (Fireflight, Jackson Waters), and was recorded in Nashville, Tenn. between March and April of 2008.
While showing heart and expressing hope may not be new to Nevertheless’s lyrics, In The Making… is a different and more accessible approach of expression. “I would say the biggest difference, lyrically, is that we pulled even more from our own experiences on In the Making…,” shares lead singer, Joshua Pearson. “On this record, every single song has at least a few lines that hit very close to home. An example would be ‘Sleeping In,’ which was written from a place of insecurity, which I believe to be one of my ugliest opponents, from time to time.” And by highlighting such personal perspectives, In The Making… reeks of raw honesty and thus is the best tool to express its message.
Accepting that the band is young, yet strongly evolving, is the key inspiration for the album title. Pearson explains. “We titled the record In The Making… for two different reasons. First of all, we believe that every single day we are still in the making of becoming the kind of people that God wants us to be. This record is written from personal experiences that we know many people deal with in their everyday life. Every pain and trial, along with every good thing in our lives, pushes us in that direction, and we hope the lyrics convey that point. Second, Nevertheless, as a band, is still in the making of becoming who we want to be. We are constantly learning who we are musically, and as people. This album is a reflection of this point in our lives.”
“The goal for our music is to provide hope and inspire a desire to experience God’s glory,” says Cheek. “I hope people can learn from our songs that no matter what they are going through, and if they don’t know where to turn, just know that there is always hope through Jesus.”
Pearson adds, “I believe that we are called to write about both the light that shines in the darkness, and about the darkness that does not understand it. I believe that honesty always breaks down walls. Healing begins when we are able to, first of all, be honest before God. Secondly, be honest and vulnerable with one another. I hope that our songs reflect this idea, and that, when people listen to Nevertheless, they get a sense that God loves them, and wants to talk to them.”
In the Making… comprises the following eleven tracks (sequence subject to change):
Nevertheless is:
For additional information on Nevertheless, visit their YMZ artist page.
« Return to Previous PagePhillips, Craig & Dean Finds Following At Texas Rangers’ Ballpark
Publish Date: Jul 09, 2008
As it continues to draw interest from fans, Texas Rangers’ Outfielder Josh Hamilton enters the Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, TX in front of nearly 25,000 people at each game to the sounds of Phillips, Craig and Deans’ “Saved The Day” from their 2006 INO Records’ release Top of My Lungs.
Pegged as the Rangers’ “Miracle Man,” the Major League Baseball player opened up to the Fort Worth Star Telegram recently about his choice in music and the impact that it is having on the fans. “So many people have asked about it,” Hamilton said. “The Rangers get e-mails all the time asking ‘What song was that?’ I’ve had a lot of people say they love the song.”
Currently leading the Major Leagues in RBIs, Hamilton believes the song reflects his strong faith in Jesus Christ and in the transforming power of the gospel. “It’s one of those things,” Hamilton said. “A lot of guys want to listen to their song. What I want to do is I want everyone else to hear my song.”
A year ago, Hamilton shared his testimony with ESPN. You can read the full article here. This past week, the Texas Rangers web site also posted an article about Hamilton’s incredible year. He was batting .313 with 21 home runs and 93 RBIs before Saturday’s game.
Hamilton will be the starting centre fielder for the American League and will take part in the Home Run Derby at this Tuesday’s Major League Baseball All-Star game at Yankee Stadium.
Phillips, Craig & Dean continue to tour and have begun work on their 12th studio project titled When Grace Walks In set to release next year.
“Some things you do for the money. Some things you do out of obligation, responsibility or a sense of nobility. But some things you do simply because you love-love-LOVE it. You can’t imagine not doing it. It’s the joyous gift God has put in your heart that makes passionate living possible,” says the group. For Randy Phillips, Shawn Craig and Dan Dean, that thing is ministry through music. More succinctly put: These guys love-love-LOVE to sing about God. And way beyond the 10 albums, 18 No. 1 singles and over two million records sold in the past 17 years, the story of God’s grace in their lives just keeps getting bigger.
Their individual lives are steeped in local church ministry, but it’s the power of song that keeps them coming back to the studio and stage. “Most of our songs come from real life experiences,” Dan says. “We sing to reach out to people who are going through difficult places in their lives. We choose songs that will bring the reality of Christ into those places.”
This past Tuesday, two Phillips, Craig & Dean Two For One CDs were released to Canadian Christian retail. Each CD contains two full titles including Phillips, Craig & Dean/Lifeline and Let My Words Be Few/Restoration. Check them out at PCD’s YMZ artist page.
« Return to Previous PageIntegrity Music And Relevant Magazine Partner To Send Hillsong United Fan To Sydney, Australia
Publish Date: Jul 09, 2008
Integrity Music and RELEVANT Magazine offer the travel and worship opportunity of a lifetime for an American Hillsong United fan with the new online sweepstakes contest at http://www.RELEVANTmagazine.com. The I Heart Revolution Escape Down Under Giveaway will offer a Grand Prize of an all expense-paid trip for two to the Hillsong United Encounterfest Conference to be held in Sydney, Australia in October.
The seven-day/six-night Grand Prize trip includes airfare, hotel, transportation, meals and complimentary registration to the Encounterfest Conference, the event from which Hillsong United produces its live CDs.
In addition to the Grand Prize trip giveaway, a first place contest winner receives an autographed guitar and the complete Hillsong United catalogue of 8 CDs. 25 second place winners receive copies of both The I Heart Revolution CD and DVD.
The contest, which runs through August 21st, 2008, was created to promote Hillsong United’s upcoming DVD release of We’re All In This Together which hits stores on September 2.
We’re All In This Together is the second part of a three-part action plan for The I Heart Revolution (http://www.theiheartrevolution.com) that also included the April release of the With Hearts As One double-disc CD. Both the CD, which captures the “sound” of global worship, and the DVD, which captures the “visual”, are aimed at creating awareness for phase three – the development of an online community and social justice hub set to launch concurrently with the DVD release.
“We created the I Heart Revolution Down Under Escape Giveaway contest as a fun way to put a spotlight on Hillsong United’s new movement – The I Heart Revolution,” said Chris Estes, Director of Digital Marketing & Sales. “RELEVANTmagazine.com was a great partner for this contest, because like RELEVANT, Hillsong United is a leading voice for the younger generation. Both the magazine and the band strive to show that the way to lead a revolution that brings changes in our culture is through a relationship with God.”
For more information about Hillsong United and the We’re All In This Together DVD, visit the band’s YMZ artist page.
« Return to Previous PageNew Music Tuesday Fresh Releases
Publish Date: Jul 08, 2008
Here are today’s new releases:
CDs