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.
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.
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.
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.
Superchick Boasts Biggest Debut Week Of Their Career
Publish Date: Jul 07, 2008
Inpop Records’ band Superchick made career history, posting its highest ever first week sales numbers. Consequently, Superchick claimed prime positioning on multiple retail sales charts.
Nabbing the No. 2 position on Nielson SoundScan’s Top Christian Albums chart, Superchick’s June 24th release, Rock What You Got, sold nearly 10,000 copies its first week, the band’s most impressive sales debut to date. Trailing the No. 1 title by 12 scans, Superchick is thrilled with the turnout in support of its latest release.
“Next to my salvation and my wedding, this has been one of the greatest weeks of my life,” says bassist Matt Dally. “I look forward to seeing how the charts shape up in the weeks to come.”
Additionally, Rock What You Got ranked No. 2 on the SoundScan Adult Contemporary Christian Albums chart and No. 3 on its Digital Christian Albums chart. The title fared well by Billboard as well, coming in at No. 3 on its Top Christian/Gospel Albums chart and No. 65 on the Top 200 chart.
“This incredible first-week number is a true indication of Superchick’s status as one of Christian music’s top-selling and touring artists,” says Dale Bray, president of Inpop Records. “The band has worked relentlessly over its career and after 300,000 scans of Beauty From Pain, this is an amazing follow-up release and will cement its career for many years to come. It’s proof that true quality does rise to the top, and we look forward to a long sales history of what is sure to be an award-winning album.”
Superchick’s first album in three years, Rock What You Got finds the band honing a “rock-o-tronic” sound, an electro-punk mash-up of slashing guitars, pulsing keyboards and grit-pop vocals. While Superchick’s 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, Superchick turned Rock What You Got, produced by the band’s own Max Hsu (tobyMac, newsboys), into a battle cry to charge onward.
In support of the new album, Superchick’s current radio singles “Hold” and “Hey Hey” are top 20 at CHR and Rock respectively. The band will also kick off the “Rock What You Got” fall tour this September with special guests Stellar Kart, Article One and Starlit Platoon.
Chicago-based Superchick comprises sisters Tricia Brock (vocals) and Melissa Brock (vocals, guitar), Matt Dally (bass, vocals), Dave Ghazarian (lead guitar, vocals), Brandon Estelle (drums, vocals), and Max Hsu (keyboards/DJ). With five projects to date, Superchick has sold upwards of 700,000 albums, and the group’s music has been heard in more than 70 different films and television shows. With literally hundreds of live performances on its resume, Superchick has developed a well-deserved reputation as an incandescent and charismatic pop/rock phenomenon.
Third Day’s “Call My Name” Remains at No. 1 Position Across Several Radio Charts
Publish Date: Jul 07, 2008
Atlanta based rock band, Third Day continues to rack up incredible statistics at radio by remaining No. 1 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 the band’s July 29th Revelation project, has garnered a total of 217,019,800 million cumulative impressions, according to the CRW radio-impressions chart. 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.
Tenth Avenue North Still No. 1 on CRW CHR Radio Chart
Publish Date: Jul 07, 2008
Reunion recording artist Tenth Avenue North holds its No. 1 at radio this week as it tops the Christian Radio Weekly (CRW) CHR radio-impressions chart with its debut single, “Love Is Here”.
The song, from its May 20th release, Over and Underneath, has garnered a total of 171,315,800 million impressions and is also ranked No. 6 on the R&R Christian AC Monitored chart and No. 3 on the R&R Christian CHR chart, a major achievement for a new band in any genre. The album has debut at no. 22 in the June Canadian Christian retail sales chart.
For more information, please visit Tenth Avenue North’s YMZ artist page.
Progressive rock band Leeland launched TheOppositeWay.com this week, an online home for all fans to share their stories about how they’re living life the opposite way, and to be encouraged to continue to do so.
Leeland Mooring shares, “It is our heart’s desire to help raise up a new generation of worshippers, who aren’t afraid to live different from the world; who aren’t afraid to live the opposite way. You aren’t going to look cool, and you’re not going to fit in when living the opposite way. However, the peace and contentment in the arms of Jesus, are worth everything, compared to the nothingness that this passing world will offer.”
The Opposite Way is the 12th best-selling album at Canadian Christian retailer for the month of June. Find out more about the album on the band’s YMZ artist page.
All four members of the GRAMMY®-nominated rock band Pillar have become solid leaders and mentors in the Christian Rock genre. Rob Beckley, Noah Henson, Kalel and Lester Estelle all expanded this impact a bit further this week, by teaching classes at Camp Electric, in Nashville, TN, where the Dove Award-winning band also rocked a full-set for camp attendees on Tuesday night, July 1st.
Pillar’s Rob Beckley teaches class
Students of the guys in Pillar were privileged to insights about just what it takes to make it in the music industry, and received specific instruction on the role each member plays in the band. Mr. Beckley taught about being a lead vocalist. Mr. Henson spoke about rocking the guitar. Mr. Wittig shared his wisdom about playing bass. Mr. Estelle wowed his students (continuously) with his expertise behind the drums.
Pillar’s current album, For The Love Of The Game, is in stores now. Camp Electric, presented by Air 1 and K-LOVE, brings together Christian musicians and teaches them band dynamics, the art of leading worship and performance skills.
Now for a limited time, download a $2 off coupon for any Pillar CD at the YMZ Saviings section.
For more info on Pillar, please visit the band’s YMZ artist page.
In a joint statement to fans, Delirious? has decided to take a break at the end of 2009:
The End of an Era…
We would like to address all our fans, our friends and people around the world who have faithfully supported Delirious?
After 14 albums, thousands of shows in front of millions of people, and many extraordinary memories, we have decided that at the end of 2009 we will take a break from recording and playing as a band.
Our decision was triggered by a request from Martin to be released from the band to pursue new projects including his work with CompassionArt and the desire to be at home more with Anna and his children. We have of course honoured this request and made a decision together that now is the time to end this chapter of our lives.
We will continue to play and be excited about our current tours and bookings but will not be adding many more over the coming 17 months..
We are all so deeply grateful to our incredible fans who have sung the songs and allowed Delirious? the privilege of providing the soundtrack to many lives over the years. From the school hall in Littlehampton to the stadiums of the world we have many stories to tell our children’s children. Delirious also would not be what it is without our amazing wives and families, and our gratitude to them is immense. We will now move forward to the next part of our lives where new challenges unfold and greater stories will be written.
We want to make it absolutely clear that although this decision has been extremely painful and difficult, we are still great friends and our respect for each other is unquestionable. We love playing in this band together and know that even though 2009 will bring an end to this current journey, there will be more adventures together in years to come.
We always used to say that we were ‘taking it wherever it goes’. The music ended up going further and deeper than we could ever have dreamed, yet we are now at a point where our creative futures will spread out and take on different journeys.
Thanks again for believing in us through all these years. We believe the best is yet to come.
Francesca Batistelli And Capital Lights Featured On HearItFirst.ca
Publish Date: Jul 04, 2008
This week’s premieres feature debut from two pop artists, one more piano-based while the other more alternative.
Francesca Battistelli is no stranger to the stage, having been raised by parents immersed in the arts and Broadway; she developed a love of music, theatre, and performance at a young age. But instead of using these talents for applause and accolades, Francesca prefers to point people much beyond herself – towards hope in Christ.
Battistelli’s soulful piano-pop sound resembles a blend of her music interests – jazz, rock, Gospel and R&B woven beautifully together with themes of trust and risk taking.
The first single, “I’m Letting Go”, displays Battistelli’s encouragement to others to not to settle for anything less than what God has planned for them, has already garnered the ears of radio stations nationwide with advanced adds on every format from CHR to AC to Inspirational.
The dozen tracks throughout Capital Light’sThis Is An Outrage range from pure bred alternative pop to assertive modern rock, wrapped around a topical plane that spans the palette of meaningful, whimsical and satirical.
The scalding “Kick It Off” is sure to be a fierce concert classic and “Worth As Much As a Counterfeit Dollar” possesses one of the most contagious choruses in recent memory. “Night Of Your Life Is When You’ll Die” is an anthem for anyone who embraces the straight-edge scene, suggesting the party hearty mentality isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be. The energy escalating “Return” is amongst the disc’s most inspirational, while the historically slanted “Frank Morris” provides a fictional account of the famed Alcatraz prison escape.
This Is An Outrage will be available at your local Canadian Christian retailer this Tuesday, July 8th. My Paper Heart will specially priced at $14.99 or less and will feature a $2 off coupon for the first 30 days of release when it arrives 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.
Alvin Slaughter will be a guest on Daystar TV’s “Celebration” program on Monday, July 7th at 11:00AM (CT). He’ll share his testimony, talk about the new album, Overcomer, and sing at least two songs. In addition, he will tape an interview and performance(s) for Daystar’s “Joni” show while he’s there. That program will air at a later date.
Ricky Skaggs & The Whites Join Forces In World Premiere Front Row Live Concert
Publish Date: Jul 03, 2008
An evening of compelling music from two of bluegrass and country music’s most beloved artists is in store when Front Row Live: Ricky Skaggs & The Whites world premieres on the Gospel Music Channel television network on Monday, July 7th at 9:00PM ET.
The hour-long concert, shot earlier this year in Atlanta, features music from Ricky Skaggs & The Whites’ GRAMMY® and Dove Award-winning The Salt of the Earth CD. The Front Row Live concert includes “Salt Of The Earth”, “Homesick For Heaven”, “This Old House”, “Wings Of A Dove”, “Blessed Assurance”, “The Solid Rock”, “Near The Cross”, “Farther Along”, and “Big Wheel” from The Salt of the Earth as well as two nostalgic traditional songs, “Children, Go Where I Send Thee” and “Family Bible”.
Skaggs, who plays mandolin, fiddle, guitar and banjo, is bluegrass music’s unofficial ambassador with 12 GRAMMY® Awards among his collection of musical trophies celebrating his excellence as a multi-instrumental virtuoso. The Whites, consisting of lead singer Sharon White, her sister Cheryl, and their father Buck, have scored numerous country hits and were part of bluegrass music’s revival with a song on the O Brother Where Art Thou soundtrack. Collaborating with The Whites on The Salt of the Earth CD and for the Front Row Live concert was a natural for Skaggs; he has been married to lead singer Sharon since 1982.
Prior to Front Row Live: Ricky Skaggs & The Whites at 7:30PM, Gospel Music Channel presents Faith & Fame: Ricky Skaggs, a biographical look at the musician’s life and career.
Gospel Music Channel will present additional presentations of Front Row Live: Ricky Skaggs & The Whites throughout July including on Sunday, July 13th at 4:00PM ET/PT. Visit www.gospelmusicchannel.com for complete listings.
Front Row Live is GMC’s original series featuring powerhouse artists hosting their own concert performances while sharing their musical inspirations in front of specially-invited audiences.
Gospel Music Channel is the fastest-growing network in television today and can be seen in nearly 40 million homes on various cable systems around the country and nationwide on DIRECTV.
Find out more about The Salt of the Earth on Ricky Skaggs & The Whites’ YMZ artist page. This multiple award-winning album is available at Christian retailers across Canada.
One of Christian music’s premiere rock bands, downhere, is poised to release a brand-new CD on September 23rd. The follow-up to the critically acclaimed, Wide Eyed & Mystified, features twelve new songs, plus the bonus track “How Many Kings” their 2007 hit. All of the songs on the CD were written by Marc Martel and Jason Germain and produced by Mark Hiemermann (dc Talk, MWS), Stephen Gause (Jars of Clay, Derek Webb) and downhere.
Ending Is Beginning takes the listener to a deeper place in their faith as downhere’s band members, Jason Germain, Marc Martel, Glenn Lavender, and Jeremy Thiessen, speak candidly about how they’re handling their struggles of life while also preparing for the triumph promised by their faith.
“The title reflects the idea of coming to the end of yourself, of letting what you can’t change be and letting God make His strength known in our weakness,” says downhere. “Those things that we all experience, things that don’t seem to run true, He often uses to achieve His ultimate aims for us. God uses us in our weakness. He is closest to us when we most need him. We want to capture that idea in the work we’re doing now, so Ending Is Beginning in many ways reflects of where we’re at.”
The CD tackles the tough issues of Christianity with “Hope Is Rising” focusing on losing your earthly optimism but gaining a sunrise for eternity, while “Cathedral Made Of People” talks about the tough road Christians sometimes have to face while standing up for their faith. “Live For You” talks about loving without fear and being faithful enough to see your mission clearly. “Here I Am” lyrics clearly outline the test of faith:
When setbacks and failures, and upset plans
Test my faith and leave me with empty hands
Are you not the closest when its hardest to stand?
I know that you will finish what you began
“We wanted to make an important record,” Martel emphasizes. “You get the sense in the world right now that maybe something really big is going to happen soon, that maybe the way of life we enjoy isn’t going to last much longer. We had that in mind as we wrote; we want to write songs that have meaning, no matter how things are going.”
downhere hails from Canada and immediately connected with fans and the industry on all three of their album projects, winning a Dove Award in 2003, two Juno Awards in 2002 and 2007, Vibe Award in 2002, two GMA Canada Covenant Awards in 2006 and two Prairie Music Awards in 2001. The band has toured with such artists as SonicFlood and Rebecca St. James and have performed at major festivals that include, Atlanta Fest, Inside/Out Soul Fest, and Kingdom Bound.
Stay tuned to YMZ as we will bring you updates on Ending Is Beginning.
Fervent Records’ sister rock trio BarlowGirl is excited to announce their Million Voices fall headlining tour with fellow Christian artists Jimmy Needham and Brooke Barrettsmith. Starting in Texas on September 10th, the tour will run through mid-November and focus on encouraging audiences to speak hope, truth and love to others.
BarlowGirl has also partnered with Mercy Ministries and will share about the organization at their live concert events, urging those in attendance to get involved and help support young women at Mercy who face life-controlling issues. The group plans on raising $1,000,000 to build a new house for Mercy Ministries, whose waiting list is in the hundreds. Each of the members of BarlowGirl has a heart that beats for the young people of this generation struggling with issues such as eating disorders, depression, etc. and is committed to ministering a message of hope to their audience. “We have such a heart for the broken and are honored to come alongside Mercy Ministries’ work in transforming the lives of young women from the inside out,” says BarlowGirl.
Since 1983, Mercy Ministries has provided life-changing services to young women who suffer from various debilitating conditions including drug and alcohol addiction, eating disorders, depression, physical and sexual abuse, self-harm and unplanned pregnancies. The residential program, which is free of charge, offers individualized programs, counseling, nutrition education, fitness instruction, life-skills training and educational opportunities to a diverse population of young women from various socio-economic backgrounds. It is Mercy Ministries’ goal to have each young woman discover purpose in her life and bring value to her community. Mercy Ministries is a global organization with locations in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Peru. For more information about Mercy Ministries, visit http://www.mercyministries.org” target=”_blank”>www.mercyministries.org.
The Million Voices tour is already scheduled to make a stop in the following cities (More dates to follow):
The Woodlands, TX
Waco, TX
Albuquerque, NM
Mesa, AZ
Oceanside, CA
Camarillo, CA
Bakersfield, CA
Redding, CA
Vancouver, WA
E. Wenatchee, WA
Spokane, WA
Kennewick, WA
Salt Lake City, UT
Clarksville, TN
Minneapolis, MN
Greencastle, PA
For more information on BarlowGirl, visit the group’s YMZ artist page.
This Beautiful Republic Declares It’s All About Perceptions
Publish Date: Jul 01, 2008
Following the critical and commercial success of its 2007 debut, Even Heroes Need a Parachute, Ohio rock band This Beautiful Republic returns August 19th with Perceptions, a new album that clearly showcases the act’s increasing creative and spiritual strengths.
Lead singer Ben Olin explains, “The title deals with the idea that there are at least two sides to every story. Things inevitably appear different to each individual based on their experiences, predispositions, prejudices, or vantage point. When we understand this – that what we see may not be the whole truth – we arrive where grace and love prevail.”
Perceptions is an effort that decidedly goes to the extremes of modern rock and timeless worship. It was produced by Allen Salmon (Mute Math) and comes in the storied wake of This Beautiful Republic’s first two years of touring together as a major label act. The band shared stages with headliners Sanctus Real and Family Force 5 among others and travelled overseas for shows in the United Kingdom, Germany, Denmark, and Sweden.
“I think the overall toll that being in a band takes was underestimated by us. Until you’re doing it and seeing how it affects your friendships, relationships, your bank account, your physical health, and your mental health, you can’t really get a true grasp on it,” says Olin. “Yet at the same time, we never knew it would be so good. We’re so proud that we’re being allowed to do what we are doing right now. Perceptions is a huge step for us and a better representation of where we’re at as musicians.”
This Beautiful Republic first made headlines when pioneering EMI-owned Christian rock label ForeFront Records (dc Talk, tobyMac) chose the act as its first new signing in five years. The band’s debut album, Even Heroes Need A Parachute, charted the singles “Jesus to the World” and “Casting Off” and earned glowing reviews. MusicFaith.com called TBR “my vote for New Artist of 2007” while Christianity Today compared the band to Foo Fighters and estimated it was “capable of improving from good to great.”
Perceptions makes good on that prediction.
Preview Perceptions on This Beautiful Republic’s YMZ artist page.
Joel Augé Releases Solo Debut In the U.S. This Week
Publish Date: Jul 01, 2008
Integrity Music’s Joel Augé (pronounced “O-jhay” ) released his solo debut album, On The Blue in the U.S. this week.
As reported last week, Canadian radio programmers have been incredibly enthusiastic about the single and the album. For the past month, the excitement in Canada has permeated across the border as the U.S. release date got closer and his single “So Deep In Love” was named “Single of the Week” on iTunes. Not only has On The Blue been released in North America, it will be distributed by Integrity International to 160 countries also.
On The Blue’s 12 songs are about life, faith and love, are vertically inspired and often introspective. All are delivered on a canvas of art-rock, folk and pop by Augé, with help from producer Stephen Leiweke, who has recently been getting acclaim for his work with American Idol® finalist Chris Sligh’s debut CD.
Augé also recently signed with the management company brandWAVES. brandWAVES is an innovative partner for brand marketing, management, sponsorship, event and strategic development. Guided by J. David Huffman, an eighteen-year veteran of the entertainment and literary worlds, brandWAVES is based in Nashville, Tennessee.
With the album releasing, tour dates are rapidly getting booked for Joel. He has officially signed with CAA out of Nashville and his upcoming dates locked down include:
July 20th: Dallas, TX
July 21st-23rd: Worship Leader Conference, Austin, TX
July 24th Creation North, West George, WA
August 6th: Kingdom Bound, Darien Centre, NY
August 29th: Life Light Festival, Sioux Falls, SD
October 8th: Seminars IV Worship, Grand Rapids, MI
More dates to follow. Canadian tour dates will be posted in the YMZ Concert listings as they are announced.
If have not had a chance to check out On The Blue, visit on Augé’s YMZ artist page.
Family Force Five To Release New Album Dance Or Die August 19th On Tooth And Nail
Publish Date: Jul 01, 2008
There’s a delicate balance between the intertwining worlds of artistry, entertainment and humour, but for Atlanta’s best dressed alternative rockers Family Force 5 it’s an ecstatic equilibrium that remarkably illustrates all three elements, as proven after one listen to the group’s sophomore album Dance Or Die, to be released August 19th. This release is a strategic partnership between the Transparent Media Group founded by the Olds brothers, manager Chris Woltman and producer Joe Baldridge with EMI Music Marketing and Tooth & Nail Records.
“EMI has been involved with Family Force 5 since the beginning,” says Bill Gagnon, Senior Vice President of EMI Music. “We are very pleased to partner with the band and with Transparent Media Group for the release of Dance Or Die.”
Produced by Solomon “Soul Glow Activator” Olds and Baldridge (Beck, Jewel), Dance Or Die oozes with over the top illustrations, charging out of the gate with funky rhythms, percolating club grooves, undeniably infectious rock n’ roll hooks and instantaneous sing-alongs. Imagine an inventive evolution of the gang’s eye opening debut Business Up Front, Party in the Back mixed with Prince getting down at a Daft Punk concert where Michael Jackson busts out a moonwalk in the centre of the dance floor.
“The last record was a straight up party, but we always said the second would be a sweaty kind of rock n’ roll dance music,” says front man and guitarist Solomon “Soul Glow Activator” Olds.
Speaking of Rock n’ Roll music, the band is currently on the Vans Warped Tour 08 and will soon announce the dates for their fall solo headlining trek. With the tongue firmly planted in cheek, the Atlanta fivesome are just as likely to get the party started as they are a catalyst for allowing audiences to forget the problems around them, never compromising creativity and returning to the days of massive spectacles on tour.
“The really interesting part of the story is that we recorded Dance Or Die totally independently, paying for all of the studio time, meals and lodging by ourselves with the whole DIY mentality,” notes guitarist Derek “Chap Stique” Mount.
It didn’t take long for music industry executives to catch wind of this, and before they had even finished recording the band was fielding label offers, finding a new home with EMI Music Marketing and Tooth & Nail Records.
“This deal provides us the opportunity to drive our music to the next level and to work hand in hand with an organization that understands what we want to accomplished. We are thrilled to be a part of the EMI family for this release and look forward to this new business relationship and all that awaits the release of Dance Or Die,” says Family Force 5.
Family Force 5 is revitalized, road-tightened and ready for the future so let’s get the party started. Preview the album on Family Force 5’s YMZ artist page.
See them live on the Vans Warped Tour in Canada and border cities:
Ted Dekker, New York Times best-selling author, has extended his commitment with long-time publishing partner Thomas Nelson, according to his manager, Dan Raines, President of Creative Trust. The non-exclusive arrangement will extend Thomas Nelson releases to early 2012 and will span multiple projects and genres.
Dekker, who recently signed a two book deal with Hachette Book Group USA to further expand his General Fiction audience, is widely known for his ability to pen gripping suspense novels across multiple genres.
According to Raines, the move is strategic for Dekker, who has sold more than three million books and continues to expand his audience with each release. “Having two of the most influential publishers working co-operatively to grow one of today’s most prolific writers benefits everyone, especially Ted Dekker readers,” Raines said.
Dekker’s novel Thr3e was adapted into a screenplay and is available on DVD at Canadian Christian retailers. Find out more about Dekker on Dekker’s YMZ artist page.
Francesca Battistelli To Launch New Website with NYC Performance
Publish Date: Jun 30, 2008
Fervent Records’ new singer/songwriter Francesca Battistelli is slated to make her debut performance in New York, NY at For Your Imagination on July 8th as part of “Live at FYI”’s concert series, in conjunction with the launch of her new community-based website, www.francescamusic.com.
Battistelli will perform songs from her upcoming release My Paper Heart including the most-added song at AC radio from a new artist this year, “I’m Letting Go”, and the breakout song that challenges others to take action on issues that matter to them, “It’s Your Life”. “We’re excited to be working with our friends at Fervent Records and Warner Music Group to help break this incredible new artist, Francesca Battistelli,” said John Henkel, For Your Imagination’s VP of Artist and Industry Relations and the producer of . “We look forward to being a part of Francesca’s development into the star we all believe she is.” To catch a live video webcast of the performance, visit http://www.francescamusic.com at 5:00 p.m. EST on July 8th.
My Paper Heart is featured on HearItFirst.ca this week. For more information on Battistelli, visit her YMZ artist page.
Melinda Watts Wins Gospel Music Channel’s Gospel Dream 2008
Publish Date: Jun 30, 2008
Melinda Watts, a 29-year-old leader of two foundations that help support troubled young girls and their families from Fair Oaks, California, was crowned the winner of the American Idol®-inspired talent search series Gospel Dream 2008 Sunday night on the Gospel Music Channel television network.
Watts shared the stage of the Gospel Dream 2008 finals with Kymm Lowery of Beach Park, IL and John McKoy, Jr. of Monroe, NC in the dramatic season finale of GMC’s American Idol®-inspired talent search series, with all three performers offering outstanding and uplifting performances. Yet it was Watts who receives the grand prizes of Gospel Dream 2008 a record and music video deal and a Royal Caribbean Cruise and the potential for a career that she has dreamed since she began singing at the age of six.
“Every ten years or so you have an anointed superstar artist who graces us with the word of God in song, as CeCe Winans and Yolanda Adams have done. Now we have Melinda Watts,” said Alvin Williams, Senior Director of Music Development for the Gospel Music Channel.
Watts’ personal story is as compelling as her singing ability. She and her husband William are new parents to six-month old Lyric and live in the Sacramento area where Watts has been pursuing her other dream – that of helping teens and young women.
An English teacher by vocation, she has established a foundation called Project Sunday because of the great need for mentoring and ministering to young women in her community. She has also set-up Heaven’s House for Girls, created to provide research-based solutions for troubled teen girls and their families. Watts’ hope for both foundations is to develop the self-reliant attitude among girls and young women that manifests in their ambitions, assertiveness and individualism, she says.
Winning her Gospel Dream should only help to elevate both charities. A singer and songwriter, Watts hopes to write a substantial amount on her upcoming CD to be released through Gospel Music Channel in early 2009, and hopes people will feel compelled to the heart of God.
“I want people to listen to my music and want to draw closer to God,” she says. “I also want them to want to grow in the grace of God and to be bold in their faith, like a revival through music.”
Watts, who grew a large fan base as the series went on, was crowned as the new Gospel Dream winner by Gospel/Christian music’s version of Simon, Paula and Randy: GRAMMY® award-winning record producer/songwriter Big Jim Wright, Dove and Stellar award-winning cross-cultural worship music artist/songwriter Martha Munizzi and one of Gospel music’s most prolific talents and part of one of music’s hottest production companies (PAJAM) J Moss. They were equally impressed by Watts’ vocal talents and passion all through the competition but especially with her final performances of the contemporary praise song “You are Good” and the traditional hymn “Tis So Sweet”. “Tis So Sweet” is Melinda’s first single and has already been serviced to radio stations across the country. It can be heard here.
Watts’ Gospel Dream 2008 journey began nearly five months ago in Los Angeles when she tried out during the first round of auditions. She was chosen from among thousands of singing hopefuls all Gospel/Christian styles including rock, pop, country and soul at auditions in Los Angeles, Chicago, Phoenix, Miami and Atlanta. 16 contestants were selected and invited to Nashville, TN. to perform in five rounds of televised competitions.
Gospel Dream 2008 was hosted by popular artist/songwriter Matthew West with backstage reporting by GMC Insider’s Kelly Sutton. Celebrity musical mentors who coached the contestants throughout the series included PAJAM, Myron Butler, Bernie Herms, Lesley Moore and Darlene McCoy. The Gospel Dream series was created by Executive Producer Elvin Ross who is also the series’ executive producer and musical director.
The Gospel Dream 2008 series can be seen again Thursday nights at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT beginning July 31st.
Brooke Barrettsmith Performs At Both ALIVE And Atlantafest
Publish Date: Jun 30, 2008
Essential Records new pop/rock artist Brooke Barrettsmith performed at both ALIVE Festival in Canal Fulton, OH, and Atlantafest last week. Here she is in a photo op with Jeremy Camp at the ALIVE Festival
For more information on Brooke and to preview her debut album, please visit her YMZ artist page.
Fireflight Featured In Cover Story This Month For Brio & Beyond Magazine
Publish Date: Jun 30, 2008
Orlando’s breakout rock band Fireflight is the current subject of the July issue of Focus on the Family’s Brio & Beyond magazine, on stands now. Lead singer Dawn Richardson is featured on the young women’s lifestyle cover, and talks with the magazine about her unique style and the mission of Fireflight to encourage the broken and defeated to dream again with the group’s latest album Unbreakable.
For more information on Fireflight, please visit their YMZ artist page.
Free P.O.D. Show At The Los Angeles Convention Center Tonight
Publish Date: Jun 28, 2008
We received a message from P.O.D. early this morning. Other artists scheduled include Phil Wickham, Rebirth featuring Anointed S, Paul Ries and live painting from several artists.
# # #
If you live in So Cal we want to see you there! Invite everyone and anyone you know to come out. We really want the place to be packed, its not very often that we get to do a free show and we really want all Warriors to take advantage of this opportunity to invite all their friends, family, co-workers, neighbors etc. Even though this event is completely FREE, Exit is teaming up with the Salvation Army to collect non-perishable food items aka canned goods, boxed items, anything you can find in your cupboard or pantry. All the food gathered this weekend will go to those in need in the Los Angeles area. We know how the Warriors can come through when it comes to giving so please don’t forget to bring your food donations.
Saturday, June 28th
EXIT
Los Angeles Convention Center
1201 South Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90015
Pop-rock band Superchick is out in full-force this week to support the release of its fifth studio album, Rock What You Got. In stores this past Tuesday, Rock What You Got marks the biggest media launch in its career history, setting precedent for all future Superchick releases.
WAY-FM Brown Bag concert [Click image to enlarge]
Superchick was highly visible this week, making several live appearances in celebration of its album launch. Among those was a brown bag concert in Nashville on Monday, sponsored by major radio network WAY-FM. The event drew more than 2,300 attendees in ninety-degree weather. On street day, Superchick visited with radio hosts Jon and Sherry Rivers, performing live for K-LOVE’s hugely popular morning program that has four million listeners weekly. That afternoon, the band brought nearly 600 fans out to an in-store event at Skia in Bentonville, AR, hosted by local station KLRC-FM.
Superchick at K-LOVE [Click image to enlarge]
“It was a great opportunity to be able to host the Rock What You Got release party here in Northwest Arkansas,” says Mark Michaels, program director at KLRC. “The in-store event at Skia was incredible and completely surpassed all of our highest expectations!”
Even more impressive than Superchick’s live presence this week was its extraordinary media exposurethe biggest ever media launch in Superchick history. In anticipation of Rock What You Got, for the first time Superchick offered fans a free download of new song “Alive” at www.inpop.com/superchicklovesyou before street date. Available beginning early May, the song has already reached more than 15,000 downloads. “Alive” is also the current featured free download at iTickets.com.
On YouTube, Superchick is hosting a contest where fans can download the free “Alive” MP3 and create their own music video in hopes of winning the video game Rock Band. Additionally, Superchick was featured on HearItFirst.ca this past week, where fans could hear audio clips from the entire album.
At radio, Superchick’s three current singles, “Hold” (CHR), “Hey, Hey” (Rock), and “Crawl” (AC), are driving promotions, in-studio appearances, interviews and give-aways with more than 20 stations including KXOJ-FM (Tulsa), Yes-FM (Toledo), WORQ (Green Bay), WBVM (Tampa), RadioU (Columbus), WONU-FM (Chicago), Total Axxess and WAY-FM.
And in the world of print media, critics are infiltrating magazines and webzines with stellar reviews:
”... Rock What You Got pushes all the right buttons and sounds terrific on a high-end stereo and an iPod alike…” ChristianityToday.com
“Superchick is back… with an album so good it virtually demands listening. This project will surely become the band’s defining moment.” CCM Magazine
“For Superchick fans, this is a CD you don’t want to be without!” CBN.com
“Superchick knows how to rock, how to party, how to praise, and how to have fun. That makes for a good sound, and a good time, too.” hollywoodjesus.com
“Superchick fans have been waiting a long time for a new album, and Rock What You Got does not disappoint,” says Shara Katerberg, director of marketing for Inpop Records. “The fan response, media support and the unprecedented promotions that have surrounded this album have primed Rock What You Got for a fantastic first week!”
Superchick’s first album in three years, Rock What You Got finds the band honing a “rock-o-tronic” sound, an electro-punk mash-up of slashing guitars, pulsing keyboards and grit-pop vocals. While Superchick’s 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, Superchick turned Rock What You Got, produced by the band’s own Max Hsu (tobyMac, newsboys), into a battle cry to charge onward. In support of the new album, Superchick will kick off the “Rock What You Got” fall tour this September with special guests Stellar Kart, Article One and Starlit Platoon. For more information, visit Superchick’s YMZ artist page.
Rush Of Fools, Gears Up For Release Of Highly-Anticipated Sophomore Project, “Wonder Of The World”
Publish Date: Jun 27, 2008
Following on the heels of an unmatched debut year, Midas Records Band, Rush Of Fools is preparing for the release of its highly-anticipated project, Wonder Of The World. Slated to release nation-wide September 16th, the sophomore effort is reminiscent of the band’s debut release, filled with passionate lyrics and contemporary, hooky melodies, yet takes the band to a new level musically, personally and spiritually.
The Alabama-based group helped to introduce a new genre of worship music and the “progressive worship” trend into the music scene with its debut project last year. The band’s self-titled debut exploded at radio producing the Radio and Records 2007 Song of the Year with “Undo”, while garnering ASCAP’s Song of the Year Award for “Undo” in April 2008. The #1 single was also a featured song on CBA’s top-selling WOW Hits 2008 CD, while the record was the second best-selling new artist release of 2007. With unprecedented radio success, multiple Dove Award nominations, exclusive partnerships and national tours, Rush Of Fools has become one of Christian music’s hottest new bands.
With a compelling artistry that embodies progressive worship, Rush Of Fools’ evocative and engaging message of restoration and forgiveness has resonated deeply with today’s passionate generation. The combination of relevant lyrics and distinct sound has also contributed to the band’s growing fan base.
The core elevating factor of the band’s presence, much like its debut record, is the commitment to lyrical innovation that showcases that willingness to strip the artifice of success away and focus on the one, true Wonder of the World. The expansion of Rush of Fools’ musical vocabulary is evident throughout Wonder Of The World, with the pogo-ready rocker “Lose It All” lining up right alongside the hypnotic “Escape”, contrasting with the lullaby feel of “Tonight” and the piano ballad “The Only Thing that’s Beautiful in Me”.
Produced by Jason Ingram and Rusty Varenkamp, Wonder Of The World is a personal reflection of the band’s individual journeys and journey together as a whole. Lyrically and musically, Rush Of Fools showcases its progressive edge, while holding true its musical roots.
“It doesn’t matter what aspect of life you’re working on, you always have to learn how to recreate something,” says Wes Willis, lead vocalist/songwriter. “You always have to learn how to grow and change and from a musical aspect, that’s definitely what we’ve done with this album. There was a lot of growth, I think, but not too far away from worship, because that’s who we are.”
Just finishing up the national Newsboys “GO” tour, the band has been announced as part of the line-up for the 26th annual Night of Joy at Walt Disney World. One of the top Christian music festival events in the country, 2008’s Night of Joy will take place September 5th-6th, 2008 as Rush Of Fools joins stellar Contemporary Christian Music performers, including Casting Crowns, MercyMe, Chris Tomlin, tobyMac, Rebecca St. James, Aaron Shust, and Fred Hammond among others.
To support the upcoming album, Rush Of Fools will continue its aggressive national touring this fall with Big Daddy Weave. Tour details will be announced at a later date.
Rush Of Fools consists of Wes Willis (lead vocals, acoustic guitar), Kevin Huguley (vocals, keys, electric guitar), Jacob Chesnut (bass, vocals), Jamie Sharpe (drums) and JD Frazier (electric and acoustic guitar, keys, vocals).
For more information on Rush Of Fools, visit their YMZ artist page.
Mia Fieldes And Absolute Kids Featured On HearItFirst.ca
Publish Date: Jun 27, 2008
This week’s premieres feature a worship leader from Hillsong Church and a group of worshipful kids.
Mia Fieldes is a Singer/Songwriter from Hillsong Church, whose heart is to lead people to know intimacy with Jesus Christ, through Praise and Worship.
Fieldes’ passion is to write songs that express the heart of the church and inspire people to pursue a deeply personal relationship with Jesus Christ. While her focus is the local church, she has also co-written with songwriters such as Darlene Zschech,
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 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 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
CD-ROM
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 July New Music Tuesday poster. Also, visit the YMZ Music section to check out other upcoming releases.
« Return to Previous PageSuperchick Boasts Biggest Debut Week Of Their Career
Publish Date: Jul 07, 2008
Inpop Records’ band Superchick made career history, posting its highest ever first week sales numbers. Consequently, Superchick claimed prime positioning on multiple retail sales charts.
Nabbing the No. 2 position on Nielson SoundScan’s Top Christian Albums chart, Superchick’s June 24th release, Rock What You Got, sold nearly 10,000 copies its first week, the band’s most impressive sales debut to date. Trailing the No. 1 title by 12 scans, Superchick is thrilled with the turnout in support of its latest release.
“Next to my salvation and my wedding, this has been one of the greatest weeks of my life,” says bassist Matt Dally. “I look forward to seeing how the charts shape up in the weeks to come.”
Additionally, Rock What You Got ranked No. 2 on the SoundScan Adult Contemporary Christian Albums chart and No. 3 on its Digital Christian Albums chart. The title fared well by Billboard as well, coming in at No. 3 on its Top Christian/Gospel Albums chart and No. 65 on the Top 200 chart.
“This incredible first-week number is a true indication of Superchick’s status as one of Christian music’s top-selling and touring artists,” says Dale Bray, president of Inpop Records. “The band has worked relentlessly over its career and after 300,000 scans of Beauty From Pain, this is an amazing follow-up release and will cement its career for many years to come. It’s proof that true quality does rise to the top, and we look forward to a long sales history of what is sure to be an award-winning album.”
Superchick’s first album in three years, Rock What You Got finds the band honing a “rock-o-tronic” sound, an electro-punk mash-up of slashing guitars, pulsing keyboards and grit-pop vocals. While Superchick’s 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, Superchick turned Rock What You Got, produced by the band’s own Max Hsu (tobyMac, newsboys), into a battle cry to charge onward.
In support of the new album, Superchick’s current radio singles “Hold” and “Hey Hey” are top 20 at CHR and Rock respectively. The band will also kick off the “Rock What You Got” fall tour this September with special guests Stellar Kart, Article One and Starlit Platoon.
Chicago-based Superchick comprises sisters Tricia Brock (vocals) and Melissa Brock (vocals, guitar), Matt Dally (bass, vocals), Dave Ghazarian (lead guitar, vocals), Brandon Estelle (drums, vocals), and Max Hsu (keyboards/DJ). With five projects to date, Superchick has sold upwards of 700,000 albums, and the group’s music has been heard in more than 70 different films and television shows. With literally hundreds of live performances on its resume, Superchick has developed a well-deserved reputation as an incandescent and charismatic pop/rock phenomenon.
Rock What You Got is available now from your local Canadian Christian retailer. Check it out on Superchick’s YMZ artist page.
« Return to Previous PageThird Day’s “Call My Name” Remains at No. 1 Position Across Several Radio Charts
Publish Date: Jul 07, 2008
Atlanta based rock band, Third Day continues to rack up incredible statistics at radio by remaining No. 1 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 the band’s July 29th Revelation project, has garnered a total of 217,019,800 million cumulative impressions, according to the CRW radio-impressions chart. 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 PageTenth Avenue North Still No. 1 on CRW CHR Radio Chart
Publish Date: Jul 07, 2008
Reunion recording artist Tenth Avenue North holds its No. 1 at radio this week as it tops the Christian Radio Weekly (CRW) CHR radio-impressions chart with its debut single, “Love Is Here”.
The song, from its May 20th release, Over and Underneath, has garnered a total of 171,315,800 million impressions and is also ranked No. 6 on the R&R Christian AC Monitored chart and No. 3 on the R&R Christian CHR chart, a major achievement for a new band in any genre. The album has debut at no. 22 in the June Canadian Christian retail sales chart.
For more information, please visit Tenth Avenue North’s YMZ artist page.
« Return to Previous PageLeeland Launches TheOppositeWay.com
Publish Date: Jul 07, 2008
Progressive rock band Leeland launched TheOppositeWay.com this week, an online home for all fans to share their stories about how they’re living life the opposite way, and to be encouraged to continue to do so.
Leeland Mooring shares, “It is our heart’s desire to help raise up a new generation of worshippers, who aren’t afraid to live different from the world; who aren’t afraid to live the opposite way. You aren’t going to look cool, and you’re not going to fit in when living the opposite way. However, the peace and contentment in the arms of Jesus, are worth everything, compared to the nothingness that this passing world will offer.”
Join the movement at www.TheOppositeWay.com.
The Opposite Way is the 12th best-selling album at Canadian Christian retailer for the month of June. Find out more about the album on the band’s YMZ artist page.
« Return to Previous PagePillar: Leaders, Teachers, Rockers
Publish Date: Jul 07, 2008
All four members of the GRAMMY®-nominated rock band Pillar have become solid leaders and mentors in the Christian Rock genre. Rob Beckley, Noah Henson, Kalel and Lester Estelle all expanded this impact a bit further this week, by teaching classes at Camp Electric, in Nashville, TN, where the Dove Award-winning band also rocked a full-set for camp attendees on Tuesday night, July 1st.
Pillar’s Rob Beckley teaches class
Students of the guys in Pillar were privileged to insights about just what it takes to make it in the music industry, and received specific instruction on the role each member plays in the band. Mr. Beckley taught about being a lead vocalist. Mr. Henson spoke about rocking the guitar. Mr. Wittig shared his wisdom about playing bass. Mr. Estelle wowed his students (continuously) with his expertise behind the drums.
Pillar’s current album, For The Love Of The Game, is in stores now. Camp Electric, presented by Air 1 and K-LOVE, brings together Christian musicians and teaches them band dynamics, the art of leading worship and performance skills.
Now for a limited time, download a $2 off coupon for any Pillar CD at the YMZ Saviings section.
For more info on Pillar, please visit the band’s YMZ artist page.
« Return to Previous PageDelirious? To Take A Break
Publish Date: Jul 06, 2008
In a joint statement to fans, Delirious? has decided to take a break at the end of 2009:
The End of an Era…
We would like to address all our fans, our friends and people around the world who have faithfully supported Delirious?
After 14 albums, thousands of shows in front of millions of people, and many extraordinary memories, we have decided that at the end of 2009 we will take a break from recording and playing as a band.
Our decision was triggered by a request from Martin to be released from the band to pursue new projects including his work with CompassionArt and the desire to be at home more with Anna and his children. We have of course honoured this request and made a decision together that now is the time to end this chapter of our lives.
We will continue to play and be excited about our current tours and bookings but will not be adding many more over the coming 17 months..
We are all so deeply grateful to our incredible fans who have sung the songs and allowed Delirious? the privilege of providing the soundtrack to many lives over the years. From the school hall in Littlehampton to the stadiums of the world we have many stories to tell our children’s children. Delirious also would not be what it is without our amazing wives and families, and our gratitude to them is immense. We will now move forward to the next part of our lives where new challenges unfold and greater stories will be written.
We want to make it absolutely clear that although this decision has been extremely painful and difficult, we are still great friends and our respect for each other is unquestionable. We love playing in this band together and know that even though 2009 will bring an end to this current journey, there will be more adventures together in years to come.
We always used to say that we were ‘taking it wherever it goes’. The music ended up going further and deeper than we could ever have dreamed, yet we are now at a point where our creative futures will spread out and take on different journeys.
Thanks again for believing in us through all these years. We believe the best is yet to come.
Jon, Martin, Paul, Stu G and Tim
# # #
« Return to Previous PageFrancesca Batistelli And Capital Lights Featured On HearItFirst.ca
Publish Date: Jul 04, 2008
This week’s premieres feature debut from two pop artists, one more piano-based while the other more alternative.
Francesca Battistelli is no stranger to the stage, having been raised by parents immersed in the arts and Broadway; she developed a love of music, theatre, and performance at a young age. But instead of using these talents for applause and accolades, Francesca prefers to point people much beyond herself – towards hope in Christ.
Battistelli’s soulful piano-pop sound resembles a blend of her music interests – jazz, rock, Gospel and R&B woven beautifully together with themes of trust and risk taking.
The first single, “I’m Letting Go”, displays Battistelli’s encouragement to others to not to settle for anything less than what God has planned for them, has already garnered the ears of radio stations nationwide with advanced adds on every format from CHR to AC to Inspirational.
The dozen tracks throughout Capital Light’sThis Is An Outrage range from pure bred alternative pop to assertive modern rock, wrapped around a topical plane that spans the palette of meaningful, whimsical and satirical.
The scalding “Kick It Off” is sure to be a fierce concert classic and “Worth As Much As a Counterfeit Dollar” possesses one of the most contagious choruses in recent memory. “Night Of Your Life Is When You’ll Die” is an anthem for anyone who embraces the straight-edge scene, suggesting the party hearty mentality isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be. The energy escalating “Return” is amongst the disc’s most inspirational, while the historically slanted “Frank Morris” provides a fictional account of the famed Alcatraz prison escape.
This Is An Outrage will be available at your local Canadian Christian retailer this Tuesday, July 8th. My Paper Heart will specially priced at $14.99 or less and will feature a $2 off coupon for the first 30 days of release when it arrives 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 PageAlvin Slaughter on Daystar’s “Celebration”
Publish Date: Jul 03, 2008
Alvin Slaughter will be a guest on Daystar TV’s “Celebration” program on Monday, July 7th at 11:00AM (CT). He’ll share his testimony, talk about the new album, Overcomer, and sing at least two songs. In addition, he will tape an interview and performance(s) for Daystar’s “Joni” show while he’s there. That program will air at a later date.
Overcomer is available at your local Canadian Christian retailers.
« Return to Previous PageRicky Skaggs & The Whites Join Forces In World Premiere Front Row Live Concert
Publish Date: Jul 03, 2008
An evening of compelling music from two of bluegrass and country music’s most beloved artists is in store when Front Row Live: Ricky Skaggs & The Whites world premieres on the Gospel Music Channel television network on Monday, July 7th at 9:00PM ET.
The hour-long concert, shot earlier this year in Atlanta, features music from Ricky Skaggs & The Whites’ GRAMMY® and Dove Award-winning The Salt of the Earth CD. The Front Row Live concert includes “Salt Of The Earth”, “Homesick For Heaven”, “This Old House”, “Wings Of A Dove”, “Blessed Assurance”, “The Solid Rock”, “Near The Cross”, “Farther Along”, and “Big Wheel” from The Salt of the Earth as well as two nostalgic traditional songs, “Children, Go Where I Send Thee” and “Family Bible”.
Skaggs, who plays mandolin, fiddle, guitar and banjo, is bluegrass music’s unofficial ambassador with 12 GRAMMY® Awards among his collection of musical trophies celebrating his excellence as a multi-instrumental virtuoso. The Whites, consisting of lead singer Sharon White, her sister Cheryl, and their father Buck, have scored numerous country hits and were part of bluegrass music’s revival with a song on the O Brother Where Art Thou soundtrack. Collaborating with The Whites on The Salt of the Earth CD and for the Front Row Live concert was a natural for Skaggs; he has been married to lead singer Sharon since 1982.
Prior to Front Row Live: Ricky Skaggs & The Whites at 7:30PM, Gospel Music Channel presents Faith & Fame: Ricky Skaggs, a biographical look at the musician’s life and career.
Gospel Music Channel will present additional presentations of Front Row Live: Ricky Skaggs & The Whites throughout July including on Sunday, July 13th at 4:00PM ET/PT. Visit www.gospelmusicchannel.com for complete listings.
Front Row Live is GMC’s original series featuring powerhouse artists hosting their own concert performances while sharing their musical inspirations in front of specially-invited audiences.
Gospel Music Channel is the fastest-growing network in television today and can be seen in nearly 40 million homes on various cable systems around the country and nationwide on DIRECTV.
Find out more about The Salt of the Earth on Ricky Skaggs & The Whites’ YMZ artist page. This multiple award-winning album is available at Christian retailers across Canada.
« Return to Previous Pagedownhere To Release “Ending Is Beginning”
Publish Date: Jul 03, 2008
One of Christian music’s premiere rock bands, downhere, is poised to release a brand-new CD on September 23rd. The follow-up to the critically acclaimed, Wide Eyed & Mystified, features twelve new songs, plus the bonus track “How Many Kings” their 2007 hit. All of the songs on the CD were written by Marc Martel and Jason Germain and produced by Mark Hiemermann (dc Talk, MWS), Stephen Gause (Jars of Clay, Derek Webb) and downhere.
Ending Is Beginning takes the listener to a deeper place in their faith as downhere’s band members, Jason Germain, Marc Martel, Glenn Lavender, and Jeremy Thiessen, speak candidly about how they’re handling their struggles of life while also preparing for the triumph promised by their faith.
“The title reflects the idea of coming to the end of yourself, of letting what you can’t change be and letting God make His strength known in our weakness,” says downhere. “Those things that we all experience, things that don’t seem to run true, He often uses to achieve His ultimate aims for us. God uses us in our weakness. He is closest to us when we most need him. We want to capture that idea in the work we’re doing now, so Ending Is Beginning in many ways reflects of where we’re at.”
The CD tackles the tough issues of Christianity with “Hope Is Rising” focusing on losing your earthly optimism but gaining a sunrise for eternity, while “Cathedral Made Of People” talks about the tough road Christians sometimes have to face while standing up for their faith. “Live For You” talks about loving without fear and being faithful enough to see your mission clearly. “Here I Am” lyrics clearly outline the test of faith:
When setbacks and failures, and upset plans
Test my faith and leave me with empty hands
Are you not the closest when its hardest to stand?
I know that you will finish what you began
“We wanted to make an important record,” Martel emphasizes. “You get the sense in the world right now that maybe something really big is going to happen soon, that maybe the way of life we enjoy isn’t going to last much longer. We had that in mind as we wrote; we want to write songs that have meaning, no matter how things are going.”
downhere hails from Canada and immediately connected with fans and the industry on all three of their album projects, winning a Dove Award in 2003, two Juno Awards in 2002 and 2007, Vibe Award in 2002, two GMA Canada Covenant Awards in 2006 and two Prairie Music Awards in 2001. The band has toured with such artists as SonicFlood and Rebecca St. James and have performed at major festivals that include, Atlanta Fest, Inside/Out Soul Fest, and Kingdom Bound.
Stay tuned to YMZ as we will bring you updates on Ending Is Beginning.
« Return to Previous PageBarlowGirl to Launch Million Voices Fall Tour
Publish Date: Jul 02, 2008
Fervent Records’ sister rock trio BarlowGirl is excited to announce their Million Voices fall headlining tour with fellow Christian artists Jimmy Needham and Brooke Barrettsmith. Starting in Texas on September 10th, the tour will run through mid-November and focus on encouraging audiences to speak hope, truth and love to others.
BarlowGirl has also partnered with Mercy Ministries and will share about the organization at their live concert events, urging those in attendance to get involved and help support young women at Mercy who face life-controlling issues. The group plans on raising $1,000,000 to build a new house for Mercy Ministries, whose waiting list is in the hundreds. Each of the members of BarlowGirl has a heart that beats for the young people of this generation struggling with issues such as eating disorders, depression, etc. and is committed to ministering a message of hope to their audience. “We have such a heart for the broken and are honored to come alongside Mercy Ministries’ work in transforming the lives of young women from the inside out,” says BarlowGirl.
Since 1983, Mercy Ministries has provided life-changing services to young women who suffer from various debilitating conditions including drug and alcohol addiction, eating disorders, depression, physical and sexual abuse, self-harm and unplanned pregnancies. The residential program, which is free of charge, offers individualized programs, counseling, nutrition education, fitness instruction, life-skills training and educational opportunities to a diverse population of young women from various socio-economic backgrounds. It is Mercy Ministries’ goal to have each young woman discover purpose in her life and bring value to her community. Mercy Ministries is a global organization with locations in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Peru. For more information about Mercy Ministries, visit http://www.mercyministries.org” target=”_blank”>www.mercyministries.org.
The Million Voices tour is already scheduled to make a stop in the following cities (More dates to follow):
For more information on BarlowGirl, visit the group’s YMZ artist page.
« Return to Previous PageThis Beautiful Republic Declares It’s All About Perceptions
Publish Date: Jul 01, 2008
Following the critical and commercial success of its 2007 debut, Even Heroes Need a Parachute, Ohio rock band This Beautiful Republic returns August 19th with Perceptions, a new album that clearly showcases the act’s increasing creative and spiritual strengths.
Lead singer Ben Olin explains, “The title deals with the idea that there are at least two sides to every story. Things inevitably appear different to each individual based on their experiences, predispositions, prejudices, or vantage point. When we understand this – that what we see may not be the whole truth – we arrive where grace and love prevail.”
Perceptions is an effort that decidedly goes to the extremes of modern rock and timeless worship. It was produced by Allen Salmon (Mute Math) and comes in the storied wake of This Beautiful Republic’s first two years of touring together as a major label act. The band shared stages with headliners Sanctus Real and Family Force 5 among others and travelled overseas for shows in the United Kingdom, Germany, Denmark, and Sweden.
“I think the overall toll that being in a band takes was underestimated by us. Until you’re doing it and seeing how it affects your friendships, relationships, your bank account, your physical health, and your mental health, you can’t really get a true grasp on it,” says Olin. “Yet at the same time, we never knew it would be so good. We’re so proud that we’re being allowed to do what we are doing right now. Perceptions is a huge step for us and a better representation of where we’re at as musicians.”
This Beautiful Republic first made headlines when pioneering EMI-owned Christian rock label ForeFront Records (dc Talk, tobyMac) chose the act as its first new signing in five years. The band’s debut album, Even Heroes Need A Parachute, charted the singles “Jesus to the World” and “Casting Off” and earned glowing reviews. MusicFaith.com called TBR “my vote for New Artist of 2007” while Christianity Today compared the band to Foo Fighters and estimated it was “capable of improving from good to great.”
Perceptions makes good on that prediction.
Preview Perceptions on This Beautiful Republic’s YMZ artist page.
« Return to Previous PageJoel Augé Releases Solo Debut In the U.S. This Week
Publish Date: Jul 01, 2008
Integrity Music’s Joel Augé (pronounced “O-jhay” ) released his solo debut album, On The Blue in the U.S. this week.
On The Blue’s 12 songs are about life, faith and love, are vertically inspired and often introspective. All are delivered on a canvas of art-rock, folk and pop by Augé, with help from producer Stephen Leiweke, who has recently been getting acclaim for his work with American Idol® finalist Chris Sligh’s debut CD.
Augé also recently signed with the management company brandWAVES. brandWAVES is an innovative partner for brand marketing, management, sponsorship, event and strategic development. Guided by J. David Huffman, an eighteen-year veteran of the entertainment and literary worlds, brandWAVES is based in Nashville, Tennessee.
With the album releasing, tour dates are rapidly getting booked for Joel. He has officially signed with CAA out of Nashville and his upcoming dates locked down include:
July 20th: Dallas, TX
July 21st-23rd: Worship Leader Conference, Austin, TX
July 24th Creation North, West George, WA
August 6th: Kingdom Bound, Darien Centre, NY
August 29th: Life Light Festival, Sioux Falls, SD
October 8th: Seminars IV Worship, Grand Rapids, MI
More dates to follow. Canadian tour dates will be posted in the YMZ Concert listings as they are announced.
If have not had a chance to check out On The Blue, visit on Augé’s YMZ artist page.
« Return to Previous PageFamily Force Five To Release New Album Dance Or Die August 19th On Tooth And Nail
Publish Date: Jul 01, 2008
There’s a delicate balance between the intertwining worlds of artistry, entertainment and humour, but for Atlanta’s best dressed alternative rockers Family Force 5 it’s an ecstatic equilibrium that remarkably illustrates all three elements, as proven after one listen to the group’s sophomore album Dance Or Die, to be released August 19th. This release is a strategic partnership between the Transparent Media Group founded by the Olds brothers, manager Chris Woltman and producer Joe Baldridge with EMI Music Marketing and Tooth & Nail Records.
“EMI has been involved with Family Force 5 since the beginning,” says Bill Gagnon, Senior Vice President of EMI Music. “We are very pleased to partner with the band and with Transparent Media Group for the release of Dance Or Die.”
Produced by Solomon “Soul Glow Activator” Olds and Baldridge (Beck, Jewel), Dance Or Die oozes with over the top illustrations, charging out of the gate with funky rhythms, percolating club grooves, undeniably infectious rock n’ roll hooks and instantaneous sing-alongs. Imagine an inventive evolution of the gang’s eye opening debut Business Up Front, Party in the Back mixed with Prince getting down at a Daft Punk concert where Michael Jackson busts out a moonwalk in the centre of the dance floor.
“The last record was a straight up party, but we always said the second would be a sweaty kind of rock n’ roll dance music,” says front man and guitarist Solomon “Soul Glow Activator” Olds.
Speaking of Rock n’ Roll music, the band is currently on the Vans Warped Tour 08 and will soon announce the dates for their fall solo headlining trek. With the tongue firmly planted in cheek, the Atlanta fivesome are just as likely to get the party started as they are a catalyst for allowing audiences to forget the problems around them, never compromising creativity and returning to the days of massive spectacles on tour.
“The really interesting part of the story is that we recorded Dance Or Die totally independently, paying for all of the studio time, meals and lodging by ourselves with the whole DIY mentality,” notes guitarist Derek “Chap Stique” Mount.
It didn’t take long for music industry executives to catch wind of this, and before they had even finished recording the band was fielding label offers, finding a new home with EMI Music Marketing and Tooth & Nail Records.
“This deal provides us the opportunity to drive our music to the next level and to work hand in hand with an organization that understands what we want to accomplished. We are thrilled to be a part of the EMI family for this release and look forward to this new business relationship and all that awaits the release of Dance Or Die,” says Family Force 5.
Family Force 5 is revitalized, road-tightened and ready for the future so let’s get the party started. Preview the album on Family Force 5’s YMZ artist page.
See them live on the Vans Warped Tour in Canada and border cities:
Family Force 5 is:
- Solomon “Soul Glow Activator” Olds: vocals, guitar
- Jacob “Crouton” Olds: drums, vocals
- Joshua “Fatty” Olds: bass, vocals
- Derek “Chap Stique” Mount: guitar
- Nathan “Nadaddy” Currin: keyboards, turntables
« Return to Previous PageTed Dekker Extends Commitment With Thomas Nelson
Publish Date: Jul 01, 2008
Ted Dekker, New York Times best-selling author, has extended his commitment with long-time publishing partner Thomas Nelson, according to his manager, Dan Raines, President of Creative Trust. The non-exclusive arrangement will extend Thomas Nelson releases to early 2012 and will span multiple projects and genres.
Dekker, who recently signed a two book deal with Hachette Book Group USA to further expand his General Fiction audience, is widely known for his ability to pen gripping suspense novels across multiple genres.
According to Raines, the move is strategic for Dekker, who has sold more than three million books and continues to expand his audience with each release. “Having two of the most influential publishers working co-operatively to grow one of today’s most prolific writers benefits everyone, especially Ted Dekker readers,” Raines said.
Dekker’s novel Thr3e was adapted into a screenplay and is available on DVD at Canadian Christian retailers. Find out more about Dekker on Dekker’s YMZ artist page.
« Return to Previous PageNew Music Tuesday Fresh Releases
Publish Date: Jul 01, 2008
Francesca Battistelli To Launch New Website with NYC Performance
Publish Date: Jun 30, 2008
Fervent Records’ new singer/songwriter Francesca Battistelli is slated to make her debut performance in New York, NY at For Your Imagination on July 8th as part of “Live at FYI”’s concert series, in conjunction with the launch of her new community-based website, www.francescamusic.com.
Battistelli will perform songs from her upcoming release My Paper Heart including the most-added song at AC radio from a new artist this year, “I’m Letting Go”, and the breakout song that challenges others to take action on issues that matter to them, “It’s Your Life”. “We’re excited to be working with our friends at Fervent Records and Warner Music Group to help break this incredible new artist, Francesca Battistelli,” said John Henkel, For Your Imagination’s VP of Artist and Industry Relations and the producer of . “We look forward to being a part of Francesca’s development into the star we all believe she is.” To catch a live video webcast of the performance, visit http://www.francescamusic.com at 5:00 p.m. EST on July 8th.
My Paper Heart is featured on HearItFirst.ca this week. For more information on Battistelli, visit her YMZ artist page.
« Return to Previous PageMelinda Watts Wins Gospel Music Channel’s Gospel Dream 2008
Publish Date: Jun 30, 2008
Melinda Watts, a 29-year-old leader of two foundations that help support troubled young girls and their families from Fair Oaks, California, was crowned the winner of the American Idol®-inspired talent search series Gospel Dream 2008 Sunday night on the Gospel Music Channel television network.
Watts shared the stage of the Gospel Dream 2008 finals with Kymm Lowery of Beach Park, IL and John McKoy, Jr. of Monroe, NC in the dramatic season finale of GMC’s American Idol®-inspired talent search series, with all three performers offering outstanding and uplifting performances. Yet it was Watts who receives the grand prizes of Gospel Dream 2008 a record and music video deal and a Royal Caribbean Cruise and the potential for a career that she has dreamed since she began singing at the age of six.
“Every ten years or so you have an anointed superstar artist who graces us with the word of God in song, as CeCe Winans and Yolanda Adams have done. Now we have Melinda Watts,” said Alvin Williams, Senior Director of Music Development for the Gospel Music Channel.
Watts’ personal story is as compelling as her singing ability. She and her husband William are new parents to six-month old Lyric and live in the Sacramento area where Watts has been pursuing her other dream – that of helping teens and young women.
An English teacher by vocation, she has established a foundation called Project Sunday because of the great need for mentoring and ministering to young women in her community. She has also set-up Heaven’s House for Girls, created to provide research-based solutions for troubled teen girls and their families. Watts’ hope for both foundations is to develop the self-reliant attitude among girls and young women that manifests in their ambitions, assertiveness and individualism, she says.
Winning her Gospel Dream should only help to elevate both charities. A singer and songwriter, Watts hopes to write a substantial amount on her upcoming CD to be released through Gospel Music Channel in early 2009, and hopes people will feel compelled to the heart of God.
“I want people to listen to my music and want to draw closer to God,” she says. “I also want them to want to grow in the grace of God and to be bold in their faith, like a revival through music.”
Watts, who grew a large fan base as the series went on, was crowned as the new Gospel Dream winner by Gospel/Christian music’s version of Simon, Paula and Randy: GRAMMY® award-winning record producer/songwriter Big Jim Wright, Dove and Stellar award-winning cross-cultural worship music artist/songwriter Martha Munizzi and one of Gospel music’s most prolific talents and part of one of music’s hottest production companies (PAJAM) J Moss. They were equally impressed by Watts’ vocal talents and passion all through the competition but especially with her final performances of the contemporary praise song “You are Good” and the traditional hymn “Tis So Sweet”. “Tis So Sweet” is Melinda’s first single and has already been serviced to radio stations across the country. It can be heard here.
Watts’ Gospel Dream 2008 journey began nearly five months ago in Los Angeles when she tried out during the first round of auditions. She was chosen from among thousands of singing hopefuls all Gospel/Christian styles including rock, pop, country and soul at auditions in Los Angeles, Chicago, Phoenix, Miami and Atlanta. 16 contestants were selected and invited to Nashville, TN. to perform in five rounds of televised competitions.
Gospel Dream 2008 was hosted by popular artist/songwriter Matthew West with backstage reporting by GMC Insider’s Kelly Sutton. Celebrity musical mentors who coached the contestants throughout the series included PAJAM, Myron Butler, Bernie Herms, Lesley Moore and Darlene McCoy. The Gospel Dream series was created by Executive Producer Elvin Ross who is also the series’ executive producer and musical director.
The Gospel Dream 2008 series can be seen again Thursday nights at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT beginning July 31st.
« Return to Previous PageBrooke Barrettsmith Performs At Both ALIVE And Atlantafest
Publish Date: Jun 30, 2008
Essential Records new pop/rock artist Brooke Barrettsmith performed at both ALIVE Festival in Canal Fulton, OH, and Atlantafest last week. Here she is in a photo op with Jeremy Camp at the ALIVE Festival
For more information on Brooke and to preview her debut album, please visit her YMZ artist page.
« Return to Previous PageFireflight Featured In Cover Story This Month For Brio & Beyond Magazine
Publish Date: Jun 30, 2008
Orlando’s breakout rock band Fireflight is the current subject of the July issue of Focus on the Family’s Brio & Beyond magazine, on stands now. Lead singer Dawn Richardson is featured on the young women’s lifestyle cover, and talks with the magazine about her unique style and the mission of Fireflight to encourage the broken and defeated to dream again with the group’s latest album Unbreakable.
For more information on Fireflight, please visit their YMZ artist page.
« Return to Previous PageFree P.O.D. Show At The Los Angeles Convention Center Tonight
Publish Date: Jun 28, 2008
We received a message from P.O.D. early this morning. Other artists scheduled include Phil Wickham, Rebirth featuring Anointed S, Paul Ries and live painting from several artists.
# # #
If you live in So Cal we want to see you there! Invite everyone and anyone you know to come out. We really want the place to be packed, its not very often that we get to do a free show and we really want all Warriors to take advantage of this opportunity to invite all their friends, family, co-workers, neighbors etc. Even though this event is completely FREE, Exit is teaming up with the Salvation Army to collect non-perishable food items aka canned goods, boxed items, anything you can find in your cupboard or pantry. All the food gathered this weekend will go to those in need in the Los Angeles area. We know how the Warriors can come through when it comes to giving so please don’t forget to bring your food donations.
Saturday, June 28th
EXIT
Los Angeles Convention Center
1201 South Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90015
« Return to Previous PageSuperchick Rocking What They Got
Publish Date: Jun 27, 2008
Pop-rock band Superchick is out in full-force this week to support the release of its fifth studio album, Rock What You Got. In stores this past Tuesday, Rock What You Got marks the biggest media launch in its career history, setting precedent for all future Superchick releases.
WAY-FM Brown Bag concert [Click image to enlarge]
Superchick was highly visible this week, making several live appearances in celebration of its album launch. Among those was a brown bag concert in Nashville on Monday, sponsored by major radio network WAY-FM. The event drew more than 2,300 attendees in ninety-degree weather. On street day, Superchick visited with radio hosts Jon and Sherry Rivers, performing live for K-LOVE’s hugely popular morning program that has four million listeners weekly. That afternoon, the band brought nearly 600 fans out to an in-store event at Skia in Bentonville, AR, hosted by local station KLRC-FM.
Superchick at K-LOVE [Click image to enlarge]
“It was a great opportunity to be able to host the Rock What You Got release party here in Northwest Arkansas,” says Mark Michaels, program director at KLRC. “The in-store event at Skia was incredible and completely surpassed all of our highest expectations!”
Even more impressive than Superchick’s live presence this week was its extraordinary media exposurethe biggest ever media launch in Superchick history. In anticipation of Rock What You Got, for the first time Superchick offered fans a free download of new song “Alive” at www.inpop.com/superchicklovesyou before street date. Available beginning early May, the song has already reached more than 15,000 downloads. “Alive” is also the current featured free download at iTickets.com.
On YouTube, Superchick is hosting a contest where fans can download the free “Alive” MP3 and create their own music video in hopes of winning the video game Rock Band. Additionally, Superchick was featured on HearItFirst.ca this past week, where fans could hear audio clips from the entire album.
At radio, Superchick’s three current singles, “Hold” (CHR), “Hey, Hey” (Rock), and “Crawl” (AC), are driving promotions, in-studio appearances, interviews and give-aways with more than 20 stations including KXOJ-FM (Tulsa), Yes-FM (Toledo), WORQ (Green Bay), WBVM (Tampa), RadioU (Columbus), WONU-FM (Chicago), Total Axxess and WAY-FM.
And in the world of print media, critics are infiltrating magazines and webzines with stellar reviews:
ChristianityToday.com
CCM Magazine
CBN.com
hollywoodjesus.com
“Superchick fans have been waiting a long time for a new album, and Rock What You Got does not disappoint,” says Shara Katerberg, director of marketing for Inpop Records. “The fan response, media support and the unprecedented promotions that have surrounded this album have primed Rock What You Got for a fantastic first week!”
Superchick’s first album in three years, Rock What You Got finds the band honing a “rock-o-tronic” sound, an electro-punk mash-up of slashing guitars, pulsing keyboards and grit-pop vocals. While Superchick’s 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, Superchick turned Rock What You Got, produced by the band’s own Max Hsu (tobyMac, newsboys), into a battle cry to charge onward. In support of the new album, Superchick will kick off the “Rock What You Got” fall tour this September with special guests Stellar Kart, Article One and Starlit Platoon. For more information, visit Superchick’s YMZ artist page.
« Return to Previous PageRush Of Fools, Gears Up For Release Of Highly-Anticipated Sophomore Project, “Wonder Of The World”
Publish Date: Jun 27, 2008
Following on the heels of an unmatched debut year, Midas Records Band, Rush Of Fools is preparing for the release of its highly-anticipated project, Wonder Of The World. Slated to release nation-wide September 16th, the sophomore effort is reminiscent of the band’s debut release, filled with passionate lyrics and contemporary, hooky melodies, yet takes the band to a new level musically, personally and spiritually.
The Alabama-based group helped to introduce a new genre of worship music and the “progressive worship” trend into the music scene with its debut project last year. The band’s self-titled debut exploded at radio producing the Radio and Records 2007 Song of the Year with “Undo”, while garnering ASCAP’s Song of the Year Award for “Undo” in April 2008. The #1 single was also a featured song on CBA’s top-selling WOW Hits 2008 CD, while the record was the second best-selling new artist release of 2007. With unprecedented radio success, multiple Dove Award nominations, exclusive partnerships and national tours, Rush Of Fools has become one of Christian music’s hottest new bands.
With a compelling artistry that embodies progressive worship, Rush Of Fools’ evocative and engaging message of restoration and forgiveness has resonated deeply with today’s passionate generation. The combination of relevant lyrics and distinct sound has also contributed to the band’s growing fan base.
The core elevating factor of the band’s presence, much like its debut record, is the commitment to lyrical innovation that showcases that willingness to strip the artifice of success away and focus on the one, true Wonder of the World. The expansion of Rush of Fools’ musical vocabulary is evident throughout Wonder Of The World, with the pogo-ready rocker “Lose It All” lining up right alongside the hypnotic “Escape”, contrasting with the lullaby feel of “Tonight” and the piano ballad “The Only Thing that’s Beautiful in Me”.
Produced by Jason Ingram and Rusty Varenkamp, Wonder Of The World is a personal reflection of the band’s individual journeys and journey together as a whole. Lyrically and musically, Rush Of Fools showcases its progressive edge, while holding true its musical roots.
“It doesn’t matter what aspect of life you’re working on, you always have to learn how to recreate something,” says Wes Willis, lead vocalist/songwriter. “You always have to learn how to grow and change and from a musical aspect, that’s definitely what we’ve done with this album. There was a lot of growth, I think, but not too far away from worship, because that’s who we are.”
Just finishing up the national Newsboys “GO” tour, the band has been announced as part of the line-up for the 26th annual Night of Joy at Walt Disney World. One of the top Christian music festival events in the country, 2008’s Night of Joy will take place September 5th-6th, 2008 as Rush Of Fools joins stellar Contemporary Christian Music performers, including Casting Crowns, MercyMe, Chris Tomlin, tobyMac, Rebecca St. James, Aaron Shust, and Fred Hammond among others.
To support the upcoming album, Rush Of Fools will continue its aggressive national touring this fall with Big Daddy Weave. Tour details will be announced at a later date.
Rush Of Fools consists of Wes Willis (lead vocals, acoustic guitar), Kevin Huguley (vocals, keys, electric guitar), Jacob Chesnut (bass, vocals), Jamie Sharpe (drums) and JD Frazier (electric and acoustic guitar, keys, vocals).
For more information on Rush Of Fools, visit their YMZ artist page.
« Return to Previous PageMia Fieldes And Absolute Kids Featured On HearItFirst.ca
Publish Date: Jun 27, 2008
This week’s premieres feature a worship leader from Hillsong Church and a group of worshipful kids.
Mia Fieldes is a Singer/Songwriter from Hillsong Church, whose heart is to lead people to know intimacy with Jesus Christ, through Praise and Worship.
Fieldes’ passion is to write songs that express the heart of the church and inspire people to pursue a deeply personal relationship with Jesus Christ. While her focus is the local church, she has also co-written with songwriters such as Darlene Zschech,