This week’s premiers include two young bands that have garnered a lot of critical acclaim.

Multiple Dove Award-nominated progressive rock band, Leeland, is releasing its second studio album, Opposite Way. The album was produced by Matt Bronleewe (Michael W. Smith, Natalie Imbruglia), mixed by Ben Grosse (Ben Folds, Red Hot Chili Peppers) and was recorded in Nashville, Tennessee at Smoak Stack Studios and Pentavarit Studios.

Leeland front man, Leeland Mooring, shares about the heart behind the band’s new album, “Opposite Way is a call to our generation to passionately walk the ‘opposite way’ of the world; that it’s ok to live the Christian life and be on fire for God, even if it makes us look different. We want to encourage, inspire and raise up a new generation of worshippers.”

The Baytown, Texas-based band has had its hands full since the release of its debut album, including a 2007 GRAMMY® Award nomination in the Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album category; non-stop touring across North America and even Japan, including a series of major festival appearances, headlining shows and opening for Casting Crowns on the entire Fall 2007 through Spring 2008 “The Altar and the Door” arena tour; four band Dove Award nominations (38th Annual) in categories as diverse as New Artist of the Year, Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year and Praise and Worship Album of the Year for Sound of Melodies. Leeland and Jack Mooring (Leeland’s brother) received two additional Dove Award nominations each, as songwriters, in the Worship Song category for “Yes You Have”, and the Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song category for “Sound of Melodies”.

This year, the band has been nominated for more Dove Awards. “Tears of the Saints” received a nomination in the Song of the Year category, with nominations going to songwriters, Leeland and Jack. The brothers were also recognized in the category of Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song also for “Tears of the Saints”. Leeland Mooring also received a nod, as songwriter of the Michael W. Smith-recorded “Be Lifted High” which is up in the Inspirational Recorded Song category. In total, the band received one nomination, Leeland Mooring received three nominations as a songwriter, while brother Jack received two as a songwriter.

Matching Opposite Way Collector’s Edition songbook also available and includes transposed chord charts, devotionals, pictures, fan testimonials and more.

Stellar Kart is back with a pop/rock tour de force (think modern pop/rock with an 80s arena rock flair) that includes the band’s most mature lyrics yet.

Produced and co-written with Ian EskelinThis new album is intentionally themed around topics most important to the turbulent lives of today’s teenagers, touching on subjects like friendship, loss, prayer and redemption.

The band received a 2007 Dove Award for Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song for “Me And Jesus” as well as numerous other nominations including Artist of the Year.

Both titles will be arriving on the shelves at your local Canadian Christian retailer this coming Tuesday, February 26th. Head over to HearItFirst.ca to hear more from these new releases.

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