ChristianMusicDaily

Keith Lancaster started the group Acappella almost three decades ago, and while the line-up has changed over the years many times, he's still taking an active role in overseeing the group of young men who sing for the Lord at churches and events all over the USA. Interestingly, Anthony Lancaster, Keith's son, currently sings with the group, handling the baritone part. If you don't have an Acappella CD yet, get "Heaven and Earth" or "Radiance."

Slanted Records recording artists After Edmund performed alongside rock icons Linkin Park, Chris Cornell, The Bravery and others on August 3rd, at the Lakewood Amphitheater in Atlanta, Ga. The band, one of three winners of MTV2’s Rock the Revolution contest in the Atlanta area, was awarded a performance at the show which is part of the national Projekt Revolution Tour hitting over 20 cities this summer.

Nathan and Jenna Strong are a young married couple known in Christian music circles as After the Chase. With musical influences including Rich Mullins, Sara Groves, and Caedmon's Call, After The Chase makes inspirational folk-pop-rock music with a unique blend of husband-and-wife harmony.

Dove City recording artist Alice E recently made it to #5 on the Euro Christian Music Charts with her new CD, "Love In The Spirit." The album has been climbing the charts in Europe since September, aided by the strength of two radio singles, "Everything's Gonna Be Alright" and "Lord I Do Your Will."

Alice E's soulful, soothing urban sound has proven popular in several European countries, including Scotland, Germany, Ireland, England, Belgium, and The Netherlands, among others.

Alice E began her career as a commercial jingle and backup singer, recording with or behind Natalie Cole, Bryan Duncan, Nancy Wilson, Lionel Richie, Maurice White (Earth, Wind & Fire), and Curtis Mayfield. It was Curtis Mayfield and Jerry Butler who were the first celebrities in Chicago to notice Alice's vocal talent, giving her that "first big break" she needed in her career as a singer.

Ami Rushes shows no signs of slowing down. Did you get that play-on-words? Sorry, it had to be done. But seriously, folks, this anointed singer, who lives near the ocean in a peaceful California neighborhood with her three pet cats, is a star on the rise in the black Gospel world—and, somewhat ironically, she’s a blonde, white woman.

Singer/songwriter and Kingdom Bound Christian music festival favorite Anadara follows-up her critically acclaimed debut album Into The Unknown with A Little Closer, available for purchase on Anadara.com, iTunes, Rhapsody, Napster, and Amazon.com, just to name a few. You know how it is these days: everything's online, including Anadara's album. Does anyone even buy CDs anymore? :) Anyway, if you're looking for music to listen to at work, why not download an Anadara tune? She has a pleasant voice, coupled with pleasant melodies-- what's not to like?

As certain as the days get shorter and night falls sooner, we begin to prepare for the holidays with music that reflects the tradition that is Christmas.  With the release of Anne Murray’s Christmas Album, what better way to embrace the wonderment of the season than with the fireside warmth of this classic singer performing timeless classics. The classic collection is complete with the addition of magical duets with multi-Platinum artist Michael Bublé on “Baby It’s Cold Outside” and a bonus track of ‘Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas’, with Grammy Award winning jazz vocalist, Diana Krall. The latter was originally recorded for a CBC Television special in 2001. The day of the taping, Murray and Krall decided to sing the carol as a duet. The end result was a new classic by two of the most distinctive voices in music today.

Since Point of Grace is currently on the wane, what soccer mom girl group is going to take their place? Could it be Beloved?

For over twenty years Beverly Crawford has delivered hit after chart-topping hit in the Gospel music industry. 2008 has been a big year for the Gospel artist. This year she brought the house down at the Stellar Awards with the performance of her popular single He’s Done Enough from the album Beverly Crawford: Live in Los Angeles which has remained in the top 10 of the Billboard Singles Chart. For decades Gospel music fans have heard her life-changing lyrics and have seen her electrifying performances, but Beverly Crawford is not finished opening up to her fans. In an exclusive tell-all testimonial, Beverly shares the secret that almost caused her to end her life—her teenage struggle with illiteracy. Beverly Crawford reveals it all in Upscale Magazine’s education issue in September/October 2008.

Bishop Neil C. Ellis is known within ministry circles as one who can touch and change lives, influencing many within the Body of Christ all across the globe. Following the commandment of Psalm 149:1, “Sing unto the Lord a new song,” Bishop Ellis along with the Mount Tabor Praise & Worship Ministry presents “Wave of Glory,” (Tehillah Music Group/Light Records) in stores now.

Recorded live at the 2007 Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship National Convention in Atlanta, Georgia, Bishop Paul S. Morton presents a great new Gospel CD called The Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship: Embracing The Next Dimension (Tehillah Music Group/Light Records). 

Christian Music Daily: Bishop Paul S. Morton, along with the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship Mass Choir, won the award for Traditional Choir of the Year, announced at the 25th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards January 17, 2010. The golden Stellar statute represents the second consecutive year Morton and the Full Gospel choir were recognized for the inspiring performance captured in their latest release, CRY YOUR LAST TEAR (Tehillah Music/Light Records). While in Nashville, Bishop Morton joined the Gospel and CCM community to record the heart gripping song for Haiti, “A Song For Pain”, by Kirk Franklin. Morton’s voice will be heard throughout the track, first released the weekend of January 23rd. All of the proceeds will go to the relief efforts for Haiti. The Stellars remain a staple in the Gospel community as they congratulate those who share their musical talents with the world. The show is syndicated in over 100 markets as well as on the Gospel Music Channel, which will air it February 28th at 8pm ET/7pm CST.

From Bob Kilpatrick, via email (June 2008): The Rome Worship Conference and the Naples Worship Conference were both a smashing success! We expected 30 in each city; we had 300! We expected hundreds at the concerts; we had thousands! We expected to meet friendly people; we made friends for life.

In Nashville, Tennessee, there’s a label used for a select group of musicians, vocalists, and instrumentalists—“First Call.” These are the ones a producer calls first for a recording project. They’re able to make a living by playing, singing, arranging and performing. First callers comprise a sliver of those who come to New York, Chicago, Los Angeles or Nashville hoping to find a dream come true. With a great deal of fear and trembling, and a healthy dose of optimism Marty McCall, Melodie Tunney and myself named our trio “First Call” in hopes of getting those much prized phone calls for work. God blessed our naive, well-intentioned efforts.

Tyscot Records, headquartered in Indianapolis, is pleased to announce the release of a new CD/DVD from Brent Jones & The T.P. Mobb. Their new CD/DVD, The Ultimate Weekend, was recorded live at the historic Capitol Records studio in Hollywood, California, and features singing performances by Nysa Shenay and Orlando Wright.

Award-winning songwriter and worship leader Brenton Brown has written some of the most popular praise and worship songs in the church today.  Writing such modern worship classics as "Lord Reign in Me,” "Hallelujah (Your Love is Amazing)," "All Who Are Thirsty," "Holy" and "Humble King," Brown is a formidable figure within the worship music scene.  And now Brown is gearing up to release his sophomore album Because Of Your Love in July of 2008 through Survivor Records.

Two of the most talented and unique musicians in the Christian and mainstream genres, Dove nominated Burchfield Brothers, release their eleventh CD, Times and Seasons. The project features some of Jon and Ben Burchfield’s favorite songs from their previous albums and the CD is available on the duo’s website, www.burchfieldbrothers.com, and digitally online at iTunes.com.

“Times and Seasons can be compared to a diary spanning two decades,” explains Jon Burchfield. “The ‘times’ reflect life experiences and the ‘seasons’ are like the ever-changing chapters in our lives. Whether it’s ‘Wayfaring Stranger’ from Appalachia or ‘Laguna Lights’ from the west coast, each song evokes a memory from another time and place.” Times and Seasons showcases twelve eclectic selections that includes: “To Him Who Sits on the Throne,” “Amazing Grace,” “Be Thou My Vision,” “Doxology,” “Heart Of Mary” and “Sunset Coast.” Many of the songs were inspired by nature itself, being the perfect example of letting go of the old and embracing the new. The project is an instrumental collection of great hymns and timeless classics that features the multi-talented Burchfield Brothers playing guitar, marimba and Irish flutes.

Christian music’s newest Worship artist, Carmen D’Arcy, has signed with Brick Street Records of Indianapolis, Indiana and Martingale Music out of Nashville, Tennessee. Her debut project, A Place Called Grace, was produced by Bryan Lenox (Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, tobyMac, Sonic Flood, Sixpence None The Richer).

Charlie Daniels, the country music legend best known for his hit, “The Devil Went Down To Georgia,” may be around 70-years-old, but the spry singer-songwriter shows no signs of slowing down. Besides having an excellent bluegrass gospel album in stores entitled “Songs from the Longleaf Pines,” the bushy bearded icon continues to be outspoken about religion and politics.

While many bands are struggling on the road in a slumping economy, gospel reggae band Christafari has maintained a relentless worldwide tour schedule. In the last eight months alone, the 10-piece band (recognized as one of the Top 10 Reggae Artists in the World by Billboard Magazine) has performed over 80 shows in 20 countries, including concerts in the USA, Iceland, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Poland, Germany, The Netherlands, England, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Spain, Antigua, Trinidad and Brazil (where they performed to a crowd of 80,000 in February).

A) My sound is kind of an earthy pop. In that I mean that we have combined instruments like the dulcimer and dobro with piano and strings. The most important element of all is the song and that is what we try to make the focal point.

Answers by Denise Jones

Q) Point of Grace has been around a while and had many hits on Christian radio. A lot of people who come to your concerts are well-off, Bible-carrying white women from the suburbs who have kids and love the Lord. What role does your group's music and career play in these ladies' lives?

Tammy Trent lost her husband in a tragic diving accident in 2001, right around the time when terrorists blew up the World Trade Center buildings. Can you imagine what she must have felt like? She could have become bitter and written off her faith, but Trent bounced back and became better, with a stronger faith anchored in Christ. Here she talks about her music, her career, and her life…

Christian electronica-pop band Code of Ethics is releasing Lost In Egypt on September 9, 2008 as a free digital download.  

Christian Music Daily: Powerhouse vocalist Coko, whom many of you remember from the secular girl group SWV, unveiled her new music video for her popular hit song "The Winner In Me" on BET's Video Gospel this January.

BET Video Gospel airs nationwide Sunday mornings at 11:00am EST / 10:00am CST. Interestingly, the show is on when most of y'all are in church! But thank God for "DVR's" and old school "VCR's," plus reruns!

The awesome ballad is the title track from Coko's chart-topping sophomore release THE WINNER IN ME.  Coko has been able to move from the secular to Gospel music world and be accepted-- not an easy thing to do!

"The Winner In Me," is a song tailor made for today's times. Relating to everyone's circumstance, the song speaks encouragement and strength. By far it is Coko's most personal and favorite of songs. The song, written by Pastor Kerry A. Smith, Arthur Strong and her husband Michael Clemons, spoke exactly how she felt. 

"I remember when I left SWV, I didn't know where I fit in and didn't know how to move forward ... but something pushed me forward. I realized there is a winner inside of me and His Name is Jesus," says the star.

Cool Hand Luke is a punk rock band that got its start back in 1998 at Middle Tennessee State University. The band became known for playing with their backs to the crowd, employing lengthy, emotively expressive songs, along with deeply introspective lyrics. Today, Cool Hand Luke is gearing up for the release of their newest full-length album, "The Sleeping House", on Lujo Records. The album, produced by Matt Goldman and showing such diverse influences as Shudder to Think and Keane, is comprised of twelve piano-based songs of a depth, intensity, and relative darkness unseen before in Cool Hand Luke's work. The artwork-intensive album, complete with an enhanced CD, features comprehensive lyrics, explorations of each song, a music video, and in-depth exploration of the meanings contained within the decidedly cryptic artwork. The band has had an interesting journey-- their history reads like a good fiction novel.

Christian Music Daily: In celebration of the 15th Anniversary of the L.A. DREAM CENTER, an outreach to the homeless and needy in L.A. & across the U.S., American Idol’s Danny Gokey performed at a special media event hosted by Jason Kennedy of E! News Daily, Suzanne Marques of Good Day L.A. 

At the event, Gokey announced along with Dream Center founder, Matthew Barnett, the naming of the Dream Center’s Youth Outreach Center after his late wife, Sophia, recognizing his commitment to the work of the inner-city relief organization, through his recently formed foundation, Sophia’s Heart, created in her memory.

Virginia-based rockers DecembeRadio burst onto the national scene with their self-titled Slanted Records’ debut in 2006. The band was honored 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.

Delirious’ lead singer, Martin Smith, in his own words, recounting his Asian touring experience during the summer of 2007:

It was the summer of 2007 and again we [Delirious? members] found ourselves at the airport. We had been asked to play at several events throughout Asia so we thought we'd combine work with our summer holiday, a great idea until we realized the monumental task of taking 5 wives, 16 children, 6 crew members and more suitcases than I've ever seen in one place. In fact, as usual, our family were guilty of the most and with 8 suitcases, a car seat, stroller, our nanny, 5 children and another one growing in Anna’s belly, we set off on the adventure of a lifetime.

One of Christian music's premiere rock bands, Downhere, is poised to release a brand-new CD on September 23, 2008, the follow-up to the critically acclaimed, "Wide Eyed & Mystified" The new album 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 & 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. If you visit their myspace page and hear "Here I Am," you'll hear a song ChristianMusicDaily.com calls, "a great song, reminding us of Rush of Fools 'Undo' and Building 429's 'Glory Defined.' Finally, Downhere has a song which could set them apart from all the other 4-piece white male Christian rock groups in Christian music. This 'Here I Am' song could easily become their signature song and up their status in the music industry. This band has been under-estimated for far too long. Their time is now."

Christian Music Daily: Red Hammer Records rock band Dreampilots fly into rock radio airspace this week with their debut single "Comedown" from the album of the same name. With the music video already generating attention at top outlets like Gospel Music Channel and JCTV, the radio single debuted at #28 this week on both the Billboard Christian Rock Chart and the CRW Signature Rock Chart.

Glowing reviews are touting Comedown as one of the top releases of the year:

“Dreampilots simply have far more talent than most groups currently on the scene and their debut is, easily, one of the best rock albums released in the Christian market this year.” - Shawn McLaughlin, Christian Musician Magazine

"Rock 'n' roll snuck across U.S. borders with a Norwegian swagger....Future headline: 'Dreampilots Make Rock 'n' Roll Fans Dream Again.'" - Rob Vischer, CBNmusic.com

“Beginning to end, the guys in Dreampilots have created a sound that not only defies the current Scandinavian scene but the Nashville one as well. And therein lies in the beauty of Comedown. This is one of the few purchases worth every penny this year.” – Matt Conner, Soul-Audio.com

“Rock and Roll!! These boys are about to show American bands how its done.” – Carl Johnson, Greater Than Magazine

If someone you loved was in the hospital, but you were seperated by a great distance, how could you still be there with them, to help them through their tough time? Piano player Dusty Knapp was miles away when he heard the news that his dad was in the hospital. Was it a heart attack? Dusty couldn't rush to his dad's side, since dad was in Upstate New York and Dusty was in Nashville. So he did the next best thing a piano playing son could do. He recorded a CD. If he couldn't be there in body, at least he could be there in spirit.

That CD, titled "Reflections of Worship," features Dusty's expressive, passionate piano playing. It's a beautifully arranged and performed mix of solo instrumental hymns, as well as praise and worship favorites, with a couple originals that will draw you closer to God, soothe your soul, and relax your mind. It helped Dusty's dad get out of the hospital sooner than expected, so if you know anyone who needs to relax and heal, "Reflections of Worship" will help them get through their toughest time.

Those of you who loved Switchfoot's massive hit rock singles, “Dare You To Move” and “Meant To Live,” would be in for a surprise if you listened to the band's frontman, Jon Foreman, on his new solo EP, Fall.

Toronto's Joy Creed, Winner of the 22nd Annual Canadian Reggae Music Award for "Top female Gospel reggae artist, Canada," recently released her album entitled “Destiny.” Joy brings to the stage the anointing and power of the Holy Spirit, with dynamic music featuring various styles of reggae, soca and R&B. There's plenty of toe tappin', hand clappin', head bobbin', and soul stirrin' music on "Destiny" for those who love to praise the Lord.

Canadian-based pop/rock band Hello Kelly released their highly anticipated full-length album on April 15th through 7 Spin Music. The self-titled album, which was produced by Adam Smith, follows the highly successful Green Things Grow EP, which was released in March 2007.

Who is Tre9? Here is what the intriguing rapper said, answering that question from ChristianMusicDaily.com:

"I'm a hip hop missionary from Houston, Texas who loves God and people. I grew up in the hip hop culture in an inner city neighborhood simply known as the Northside. I loved the hip hop culture so much as a youth that I tried break dancing and DJing, but eventually settled on being a rapper. I guess I should mention graffiti art was never my thing. I used to go in the stores and pick out rap CDs that had the coolest looking CD covers. I enjoyed the most violent and sexually explicit rap, as well as pop rap artists. My hip hop music shaped my attitude and character in so many ways. To make a long story short, I am very passionate about reaching the youth with the truth because I personally experienced how influential music can be on a young person's life. It makes me angry to know how Satan is using the most powerful evangelistic tool in existence, music, while Christianity places more emphasis on exposing sermons over the airwaves instead of youth oriented music such as hip hop. But, I will leave it at that for now."

New Orleans native Jake Smith has weathered many storms in his life, from Hurricane Katrina to several close relatives battling cancer—and winning. The young singer-songwriter offers his take on pressing on in life with his new CD, “Real.”

With the completion of her first full-length project and an upcoming nationwide tour, 22-year-old Jenn Weber kicks off the summer with the anticipated release of World of Wonder. The project is the follow-up release to the 2005 EP titled Incomplete, But Understood and features top Nashville producers Gary Sadler and Jeff Pardo. World of Wonder is being featured at select Family Christian Stores, which is supporting the release through an end-cap campaign and in-store performances featuring Weber. "Bride," the first single from World of Wonder, is currently going for adds on Christian radio.

When former Entertainment Tonight co-host John Tesh isn’t hosting his popular “John Tesh Radio Show: Music and Intelligence For Your Life,” currently heard on about 160 stations in the U.S. and Canada, or leading worship at a Messianic evangelical church he and his wife, actress Connie Selleca, attend, he keeps busy making Christian music. Tesh’s notable project, a double CD and DVD, “Live Worship At Red Rocks,” released ten years to the day since his original “Red Rocks” release.

With over 10,000 albums sold independently, a 5-star review from ChristianMusicToday.com, and a song on both Chris Tomlin’s See The Morning and Passion: Everything Glorious albums, singer/songwriter Jon Abel’s success story is quite apparent.  With his latest release Back To You, Abel continues to show why he is an artist to watch.  

Lead singer of the rock band Jonah33.

Q) Your sound could be described as "Foo Fighters-meets-Switchfoot." In the past, your sound was more Nickelback/Three Doors Down. When you worked with producers, what kind of input did you have for what the "sound" of Jonah33 would be/become?

With a passion for God and the desire to spread inspiration, hope, and love through his music, worship leader and songwriter Josh Lopez is set to release his highly anticipated new album Free To Live this year on KOCH Records. Featuring the hit single “My Savior, My God” by Aaron Shust, which Lopez sings in Spanish, “Mi Salvador, Mi Dios” is set to take its powerful message deep within the Latin American community and beyond.  

Christian Music Daily: Canadian Christian Music Artist Juanita Faas has released her new CD "HEALING WATERS." It's a joint project with AngelAID Foundation & Ministries out of Jacksonville, Florida. All tracks on the CD are Juanita's original compositions, with help from Kenny Levine of the Jacksonville Symphony on orchestral arrangements. The music was created to inspire all kinds of healing: physical, mental, abuse, addiction, disease etc. This CD contains an eclectic mix of jazz, Latin jazz, 21st classical, and easy listening styles. Digitally distributed worldwide through www.doodlebugms.com, it's also also available at www.juanitafaas.com. For more info, contact Wayne Faas at 403-580-1029.

Known for his ability to blend artistry, honesty and humor seamlessly though his music, highly respected singer/songwriter and speaker Justin McRoberts has a new  album, Deconstruction, out now.  Sold through most digital music stores including iTunes, CDBaby, Napster, and Rhapsody, McRoberts' CD helps him continue to carve an impressive niche for himself within the independent music scene.

Christian Music Daily: Phoenix-based singer/songwriter Kelly Mack releases her national debut album, Take Me With You, Oct. 14, 2008, on VSR Music Group and with EMI-CMG Distribution. Kelly's songs and soft, engaging voice have been compared to such musical icons as Sarah McLachlan, Dido and Enya.

Kevin Max's wife Amanda has given birth to their third child, Knightly Christobal Max, who came into the world at 9:23 p.m. on March 24, 2009, at Baptist Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee. Knightly, who joins big sister London and big brother Wilder, measured 20 inches long and weighed 8 lbs. 3 oz.

"We decided to name our third child, Knightly Christobal, after both of our affection for medieval art and history," said Kevin Max. "But all in all, he is looking to be the most modern of all our children, being of raven black hair and sharp blue eyes. I believe being a father is my greatest artistic accomplishment, and Amanda and I look forward to watching him grow and connect to his older brother and sister."

With dcTalk, Max accrued album sales exceeding 8 million, as well as numerous Grammy and Dove Awards. In recent years, Max has explored his art and his faith with several critically acclaimed solo projects, and live performances worldwide. His recently released EP, Crashing Gates, is available now at iTunes.

As gospel music artists gathered in Nashville, Tennessee to celebrate the biggest and brightest at the 25th Stellar Awards recently, they also came together for a higher purpose. With the recent tragic earthquake in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Kirk Franklin assembled numerous award-winning gospel music artists in Nashville’s Quad Studios to lend their voices to “Are You Listening,” a song they all hope will inspire those devastated as well as raise much needed funds for Haiti. All proceeds from the record will be donated to charities involved in relief efforts.

Artists United for Haiti includes (listed in alphabetical order) Yolanda Adams; Jeremy Camp; Shirley Caesar; Dorinda Clark-Cole; Natalie Grant; Fred Hammond; Tamela & David Mann; Mary Mary; Donnie McClurkin; Bishop Paul S. Morton; J. Moss; Smokie Norful; Marvin Sapp; Karen Clark-Sheard; Kiera "KiKi" Sheard; BeBe Winans; CeCe Winans and Marvin Winans along with other gospel artists featured in choir including Shari Addison; Kathy Taylor Brown; John Gray; Bishop Darryl Hines; Stephen Hurd; Karima Kibble; Judith McAllister; Nicole C. Mullen; Jessica Reedy; The Neville Sisters; Troy Sneed; Micah Stampley; Melinda Watts and Brian Courtney Wilson.

While Gospel music has always been about spreading the good news, what Haiti needs most are funds and resources to help them rebuild and restore their communities. “All the artists associated with the project donated their talent and gifts for this project,” says song and project producer Kirk Franklin. “This initiative is so important because while we are asking America to give we know that many are giving sacrificially. The people of Haiti are very spiritual people with an unwavering faith and belief in God and still count The Lord as the main source and provider. We will continue to pray and stand with them. We hope this song will bring much needed support and awareness in an effort to raise funds in the near and long-term future.”

If one of Christian music’s most popular musicians hadn’t followed his dreams, he might still be appearing on doorsteps with flowers in hand.

“I once worked as a flower delivery person,” says the man known as KJ-52. “Not really a career builder there,” he adds, laughing about his past before he began rapping his way onto stages across the U.S. with a full-time hip-hop music career.

If you like music that's a cross between ethereal folk and inspirational country, delivered by a guitar-playing Christian woman who grew up Jewish, then you should check out the unique sound of Kris Miller, whose video for "Inner Cell Phone To Jesus" just appeared on Gospel Music Channel's "The Kitchen Sink" show.

Kurt Carr, who has become one of the mainstays of modern gospel music, right up there with Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin and Yolanda Adams, is on a mission. Carr’s main musical aim is to bring people together of different colors and backgrounds. That’s always been in his plan, but now, more than ever, he is committed to the cause, going so far as to name one of his recent CDs, “One Church,” and listen to contemporary Christian music vocal group Avalon in order to influence his own music so it reaches outside of the often insular black community.

Christian Music Daily: Life just feels like a whirlwind when I think of all that has happened over the course of last year and this year so far. This February marked one year since my husband Scott started to show symptoms of a condition called Labyrinthitis (Vertigo). Doctors are still scratching their heads as to what caused it.

At the heart of the rock group Mainstay is lead singer and songwriter Justin Anderson, an amiable young guy with a great grin from Minneapolis, Minnesota, a city he says is like most other American cities, spiritually-speaking.

“The spiritual climate in Minneapolis, I suppose, is like any other city,” says Justin. “There are lost people and people who know Christ. People that are lost don’t know they’re lost. And the people who do know Christ, including myself, need to do more to reach out to those people.”

Powerhouse vocalist Mandisa, a bright light from the top 10 of the famous TV singing competition juggernaut that is American Idol, has made an exceptional album entitled True Beauty. Mandisa’s inner light shined through on Idol, and thankfully her producers helped capture her confident, positive spirit on True Beauty. A strong and skilled vocalist, Mandisa manages to evoke the sound and style of talents like CeCe Winans, Nicole C. Mullen, En Vogue, and India.Arie on her refreshingly eclectic debut. True Beauty is definitely above average and worth buying.

Martha Munizzi is a busy recording artist—and that’s something that keeps her and her husband Dan, who plays keyboards, away from home most weekends as they sing and minister at different churches around the country. Ever since the song "Glorious" skyrocketed up the Gospel charts a few years ago, Martha's been an in-demand singer and worshipper all over the world.

Christian Music Daily: Acclaimed singer/songwriter Matthew West is back with a new CD called Something To Say, his highly anticipated third studio recording and first project in more than two years. Produced by Brown Bannister, Ed Cash and Christopher Stevens, the album is West’s Sparrow Records debut and follows a life-changing year for the artist. 

Melinda Watts, the season three winner of Gospel Music Channel's popular reality talent search series, Gospel Dream, will fulfill HER life long dream as she is set to release her new debut album this summer.  Signed with Razor & Tie Entertainment for a worldwide multi-album deal, Watt's first project, PEOPLE GET READY, will be released nationwide on July 28th.
 
Born in New Jersey and hailing from Sacramento, CA, Watts began singing at the age of six.  Her powerhouse vocals and warm bravado have captured the hearts of millions of fans, when she won the American Idol-esque show.  Influenced by legends CeCe Winans, Natalie Grant and Shirley Caesar, Melinda shares a love of music and her church. 

PEOPLE GET READY is a bright and dynamic album that showcases Watts' vibrant vocals along with strong contemporary production. The celebratory first single, "So Good," has already made waves at Gospel radio and is upbeat pop track that absolutely defies you to get up and dance.
 
Slick grooves, hopeful lyrics, and an exuberant vibe are interwoven throughout PEOPLE GET READY, which recalls other leading ladies of urban gospel like Mary Mary and Kierra Sheard.  From the explosive, dance-friendly tracks of "Say Yes," and "Happy" to intimate worship songs like "Available To You," a duet with J. Moss, and wonderful rendition of "Faith," there is no doubt as to why Watts won over judges and audiences alike.
 
Watts will be set out on a promotional tour this summer in support of the release with stops in New York, Atlanta, Chicago and Philadelphia.  She's already been chosen to tape an upcoming episode BET's "LIFT EVERY VOICE," and will be a part of the Gospel Music Channel's Gospel Dream 2009 season set to start airing in June.

"I've always had a love of music and I have been singing in church my whole life," Watts explains. "God's grace brought me here.  A lot of faith in God and remembering that it's okay to dream even when you feel you can't."
 
Watts, a former high school English teacher and active member of her Sacramento community, started the nonprofit organizations Project Sunday and Heaven's House to address the great need for mentoring and ministering to young women in her community. 

Heralded by Billboard Magazine as of one 2008’s “Faces to Watch,” new female vocalist and worship leader Meredith Andrews is set to release her debut project, The Invitation, for Word Records on April 29. The project is produced by Jason Ingram and Rusty Varenkamp, and features a set of eleven songs either written or co-written by Andrews.

Christian Music Daily: The Mighty Clouds Of Joy, three-time Grammy winners and the #1-selling Gospel quartet of all time, are celebrating their 50th anniversary in Gospel music with the release of AT THE REVIVAL.  An all-new collection of studio tracks, the 10-song album marks their third effort on EMI Gospel and arrived in stores and online January 26, 2010.

"Rarely comes a time where an artist maintains relevance, let alone continues for half a century," says Larry Blackwell, Vice President/General Manager for EMI Gospel.  "We are honored and privileged to partner with Joe Ligon & the truly iconic Mighty Clouds Of Joy for their first release of the next 50 years."
 
At the Revival is sure to be an instant classic, as the Clouds apply their trademark harmonies to soulful R&B and rock rhythms.  The project was produced by celebrated soul-music producer/songwriters Raphael Saadiq (Mary J. Blige, John Legend) and DeVante Swing (Al Green, Usher).  Both men were huge fans of the Clouds and count the Gospel quartet tradition among their earliest musical influences.

Superhero is the debut album from Christian teen/tween band MISSION SIX. The band just returned from Los Angeles where they attended the Teen Choice Awards, and they can be heard currently on Radio Disney (as well as RadioDisney.com) as well as numerous Christian radio stations around the country. The group appeals to Christian music lovers, plus fans of some of today's hottest artists such as the Jonas Brothers and Miley Cyrus.

Christian Music Daily: Author, songwriter, poet. Mitch McVicker is all of these and dreams of more--like creating his own travel documentary and playing a tuba. Some of his dreams have come true. But, Mitch McVicker knows those dreams could have been stripped away in a single day in 1997 when his best friend, Rich Mullins, was killed in an automobile accident. McVicker's voice (in the same accident) was changed forever.

If you like Enya, that ethereal, best-selling Irish lass who continues to pump out disc after disc of lush, heavenly music that seems to connect with millions of souls worldwide, then check out her sister, Moya Brennan, who does a similar thing, but specifically directed toward the Christian music market.

Christian Music Daily: Gearing up for the release of his new album early next year, Byron Chambers, better known as “Mr. Talkbox,” is pleased to debut the first single, “Ground Zero,” currently playing on radio stations across the country and available for purchase on iTunes.

“I am overwhelmed by the response to my new single ‘Ground Zero,’” says Chambers. “Being outside the norm is sometimes scary, but the positive reaction shows that people in this day and age are looking for something different and unique! I’m up for the challenge! Just like the people today, I want something different as well! I AM STOKED!”

Christian Music Daily: EMI Gospel will release the all-new project REVEALED ... Live In Dallas from Myron Butler & Levi on March 30, 2010. Recorded live in his hometown of Dallas, TX, Butler and long time vocal group, Levi, take their signature brand of urban praise and worship to a whole new level.  
 
Butler's first live album features a balance of distinct urban contemporary praise songs with Sunday morning ready church songs. Butler presents REVEALED ... Live In Dallas as a way for listeners "to lyrically and spiritually connect to knowing who God is and to reveal God's character." The lead single and title track "Revealed" kick off the project in high-gear with excited energy. The song is a call to God for His glory and His presence.
 
REVEALED ... Live In Dallas is a musical experience that audiences can both participate in and enjoy. "I created this album to be something the church can touch; something praise & worship teams can duplicate and sing in their church every Sunday morning," said Butler. 

Christian music is, by far, the most difficult genre to understand and critique. In terms of a workable characterization, forget about it. When you have church choirs, Gospel songs, barbershop quartets, the southern rock of DecembeRadio and tobyMac’s hip-hop, it’s a style of music that’s beyond definition.

After the huge success of the Dove Award winning Song of the Year, “Redeemer,” singer-songwriter Nicole C. Mullen has become a star on the rise, but she probably doesn’t consider herself to be that. She’s a mother, a wife, and an artist, but star? That’s not really her thing. She loves people. She wants to hear what they have to say. She loves to dance and teach kids how to dance. And she loves Jesus, and wants to share that love with others.

The Newsboys are the elder statesmen of Christian rock, having toured for more than two decades now. They've had their share of ups and downs, and Lord knows they've had plenty of hit songs, like "Shine," which always manages to get people dancing on their feet. With an unusual mix of dance, techno, rock, disco, pop, and more, this band, which has always seemed like the Christian subculture's version of U2, has done pretty well for themselves over the years. It's a long way to the top when you want to rock'n'roll - and sometimes when you get there it's not quite what it seems. That's been the experience of Newsboys' frontman Peter Furler who told of how he had many times battled thoughts of wanting to do something else, despite achieving fame and fortune.

Christian Music Daily: Soldier Sound Records recording artist Pettidee is releasing his latest project, “Race 2 Nowhere,” January 26th at retailers nationwide. Come out and celebrate the new release from Pettidee Saturday, January 30th, from 4-6pm at a free event at Oasis Church 7533 Lords Chapel Drive, Nashville, TN 37211-7035; for more information or directions please visit www.oasisworship.com

Pettidee's “Race 2 Nowhere” is the sixth album from the Christian Hip Hop veteran and he is still bringing that dirty south sound that fans have come to expect from him; in addition to his original sound, he has also fused styles of jazz, rock, and digital into a new sound he calls “Quad-Rock.”  Pettidee speaks of the new style in this manner, “Quad-Rock will be the new sound for 2010 so get ready we are coming with a sound that will be unmistakable;  it’s not a fad we are the trendsetters this time because it’s all about making music with excellence for the Kingdom!”

Also, Pettidee just completed the new music video for the song, “Fly,” which is also on the new album and will be releasing to television networks across the country very soon. The first single, “The Ghetto” is being added on radio stations across the country and around the globe.

A couple years ago, Christian record labels got bought up by corporate conglomerates who saw another revenue stream and wanted to take advantage of that. Philmont is a rock band that exemplifies how much Christian rock has changed since the days when bands would give altar calls and explicitly say the name of Jesus in their songs. Though they're on a "Christian label," and playing "Christian music festivals" like Ichthus and Sonshine, this band looks and sounds "mainstream" rather than "Christian." But enough about labels...

I like Philmont. I like that song #2 on their new CD has the longest title of any song I've seen in a long time: "To Say They Hit It Off Would Be An Understatement." I like that they combine disco, pop, rock, punk, and harmony into a well-concocted mixture of music. They're a talented, energetic bunch of young guys who have a penchant for writing engaging songs appealing to teenagers and watchers of MTV reality shows.

Mark Weber of ChristianMusicDaily.com recently asked various Christian artists to answer this question: "What's the toughest thing about being a 'Christian' artist in today's society?" Scott Brownson from Pivitplex had this to say:

"I'm not sure if I can nail down one 'toughest' thing, but I can give you a few reasons why I find if tough.

Fervent Records’ popular tween group, pureNRG, is scheduled to release their first Christmas project, A pureNRG Christmas, September 23, 2008. The CD showcases a wide variety of Christmas classics done “pureNRG style” and features such favorites as “All I Want For Christmas,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” and “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree.”  The group once again teams up with producers Rob Hawkins and Mark Hammond, who produced their self-titled debut and the latest top-selling and critically acclaimed album, “Here We Go Again.” In support of A pureNRG Christmas, the group will join Casting Crowns’ Christmas tour that kicks-off in Houston, TX on November 28 and ends December 13 in Reading, PA.  Also joining the tour are Natalie Grant, Avalon, Michael English, and Denver and the Mile High Orchestra.

Relevant Worship is an organic collective of musicians from various towns and cities scattered across Western New York who've come together to create modern Christian music appealing to teens and twentysomethings who love God and want to express that with honesty, fervency and passion. Known throughout the United States and Canada, Relevant Worship is actually the result of two former rock bands, Elektromat and Adelaide, deciding that worshiping God was more important to band members than just putting on a good rock show.

In the early 1980s, Syracuse, New York native Rick Cua was a member of the secular rock band The Outlaws. After giving his life to Jesus, he set out on his own as a solo Christian rocker, releasing several hit albums in the 1980s and 1990s. It has been about a decade since the last Cua release, “Like A Cool Drink,” and the bass-playing singer-songwriter, who had been helping manage other artists’ careers in the interim, decided it was time to return to his own active music ministry with the new CD, “Won’t Fade Away.”

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 nationwide September 16, 2008, 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.

Singer-songwriter Sarah Sadler's sophomore record, Where It Started, the follow-up release to her 2002 self-titled debut release on Nashville-based Essential Records, is now available from the independent label Audioluxe Records. You can find it online at CDBaby, and eventually on Amazon.com and iTunes, as well as select retail stores throughout the country.

Multi-Dove Award-winning and gold-selling Curb recording artist Selah recently celebrated 10 years of music and ministry with the release of Timeless: The Selah Collection, a box set of the group’s seminal recordings.  The retrospective contains three of Selah’s Dove Award-winning albums: Be Still My Soul, Press On, and Hiding Place, along with a bonus CD of selections from other Selah projects, previously unreleased cuts and new songs.    

ChristianMusicDaily.com gets letters!

From Pastor Chris Harris, Sr.-- As pastor of the Bright Star Church of God in Christ in Chicago, Illinois, I am proud to say that God has done it again and is about to do it again. I would like to congratulate Bright Star’s own anointed Evangelist Shari Addison who took 2nd Place two seasons ago in BET’s Sunday Best Gospel Competition. She just brought home a Gospel Music Stellar Award for “Best Traditional CD of the Year.” We here at Bright Star are so elated at what God has already done, and we believe it’s only a snapshot of what He is getting ready to do all over again. This year, my oldest daughter Chrystal Harris, a phenomenally gifted singer, has entered the Sunday Best competition. My personal request is that you please support my baby by visiting the following link http://www.sundaybestcasting.com/people/ChrystalHarris/videos/21 to watch a two minute video of her singing a marvelous rendition of “Oh How I Love Jesus.” I thank you in advance for your support and prayers. PLEASE NOTE....I need you to visit the website for her numbers to be up for her to be chosen. Each time the site is hit, her numbers rise. --Pastor Chris Harris, Sr. For more information on our church or Pastor, please visit our website--www.BrightStarCOGIC.com.

A CITY CALLED HEAVEN is simply great Gospel music that will stand the test of time. This body of work proves why classic lyrics about salvation, Heaven and Jesus-centered living will always win over trendy production and contemporary turns.  It has been Pastor Shirley Caesar who has been enthusiastically serving up this vintage brand of Gospel music for over 40 years and as one of the genre's true icons, Shirley Caesar exemplifies everything good in Gospel, while staying both timely and timeless. 

Passionate about helping others in need and using their platform to encourage others to do the same, Tooth and Nail band Showbread headed to Ecuador in January 2008 to spend two weeks at the Casa De Fe orphanage in Shell, Ecuador. This is part of a new partnership with the newly formed organization, Faceless International.

Sister duo Elissa and Becca Leander, better known as The Sonflowerz, began their musical collaboration in church, while leading worship for their youth group. Eleven years later, The Sonflowerz are one of the most promising acts in Christian music. Their latest single, My Heart is Alive, is available now at iTunes.

"My Heart is Alive came together in a non-traditional way," says Becca. "We were in Nashville recording an interview with a station that had flown in from Holland, and they challenged us to write a song in one hour from text messages that they had received live while on the air."

"We really were inspired by one particular title," continues Elissa, "that reminded me of how Christ coming into our lives is the beginning of something new, something that changes our whole lives, and it just makes us come alive. So we got into the back room and Becca and I put together the first version of our song, My Heart is Alive, and played it live for Holland."

The Chicago-based Blue Myrtle Records is pleased to introduce singer/songwriter Stephen Hinkle, whose debut album will be released on October 28, 2008 through a distribution agreement with Infinity Music Distribution. With an established fan base already in place, Hinkle is poised to be one of 2008's top worship leaders.

With a blend of energetic rhythms, colorfully textured vocals and Christ-centered lyrics, Hinkle delivers a solid performance on his self-titled national debut. The 12-song collection represents a diversity of worship styles ranging from adult contemporary to Gospel.

Integrity Music announces the October 14 release of Times of Refreshing, a live worship album featuring 40-year-old artist and songwriter Stephen Hurd. The CD, his third with Integrity, following the critically acclaimed My Destiny and A Call To Worship.

Times of Refreshing offers 20 tracks of energetic praise and intimate worship recorded live at First Baptist Church of Glenarden in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, where Hurd serves as Music Minister. 

Hurd, who co-produced and arranged the album with Justin Savage, invited 250 worship leaders, music directors and musicians from around the country to join him for the recording. The result is an impactful musical offering that deliberately mixes hymns, contemporary worship and traditional Gospel to bring together generations, races and denominations.

When ChristianMusicDaily.com gets great music in the mail, you’ll know about it here online, and The Riverside Worship Project is one of those Christian bands well-worth sharing with you.

The Riverside Worship Project is a group of five college guys from Auburn University in Alabama. They make worship music that’s influenced musically by artists like John Mayer and Coldplay. What caught my eye in the band’s press release was this line: “The album opens with lead singer Steven Hale yelling at God ‘Are you here?’ and what follows can only be described as a musical tug-of-war between spirit and flesh, God and the devil.”

Don’t think all this group does is yell. Actually, there’s not too much yelling on their new release called “So Sing.” It’s not a hard rock album, and it’s not screamo. Instead, the sound would best be described as “what Jakob Dylan and The Wallflowers would sound like if they were worshipping the Lord with their music.” I especially like band member Andrew McQuaig’s keyboard/synth work on songs like “Freedom,” where nothing’s ever overdone but just right. And while many of the songs are pretty mild, musically, the band does rock out on some songs, like the anthemic “May Love Reclaim This World.” Drummer Jason Hermansdorfer keeps the beat intense and the crunchy guitars courtesy of Brian Alpizar and lead singer Steven Hale, along with the pounding bassline by Ryan Campagna, will get your shoulders shaking.

Bolstered by an upcoming music video in conjunction with the Love 146 organization, The Wrecking's first national release, A NEW ABOLITION, will also be helped by the band's upcoming tour schedule.  In addition to their current appearances on the One Shot Tour with hip hop artist Bobby Bishop, as well as summer festival appearances, The Wrecking is set to open shows for Jeremy Camp, Ten Shekel Shirt and EleventySeven this fall/winter. 

Much like Kutless and Sanctus Real, This Beautiful Republic is a band that combines modern rock sounds with lyrics expressing the need for a savior. On their ForeFront Records’ debut, Even Heroes Need A Parachute, the five-member band from Toledo, Ohio, captures both the questions and the feelings so many teens and twentysomethings have about where God fits into their lives.

Here's something you don't normally see in contemporary Christian music: a former opera singer crossing over to the adult contemporary/pop style. Tim Juillet used to sing with various opera companies in Los Angeles, but now the happily married husband and father of two little girls is singing songs about Jesus on his new inspirational CD, Give Me Words.

If you listened to Christian rock in the 1990s, dc Talk, a trio featuring Michael Tait, Kevin Max, and Toby McKeehan,  Since going their own separate ways in the year 2000, each member has done their own thing, musically, with McKeehan, now known as tobyMac, having had the most success.

While his driver’s license would indicate he’s over 40, if you listen to tobyMac’s new CD, Portable Sounds, you might think you’re listening to music made by someone in their twenties. It’s a blend of potent pop, rock, rap, and dance, as if Justin Timberlake, Kid Rock, and OutKast morphed into one skinny, blue-eyed bundle of stylishly dressed energy known as tobyMac.

Q) Your sound could be described as "Newsboys-meets-U2." When you worked (and work) with producers, what kind of input did and do you have for what the "sound" of Tree63 would be/is?

Trin-I-Tee 5:7 knows about facing the storms of life. The group, comprised of Chanelle Haynes, Angel Taylor and Adrian Anderson, had to hold on to their faith as two of the girls' native city of New Orleans was submerged in 2005 due to the ravaging effects of Hurricane Katrina.

Vicki Yohe decided to record the song “He’s Been Faithful” after adopting her first child in March 2005. When she and her husband, Troy Hodges, were trying to decide what to name her recent CD, they agreed that “He’s Been Faithful” would be the perfect title.

“After being married for 9 years—no children—praying desperately that God would give us a baby,” she says, “my friend Darlene Bishop, from Ohio, who works with teen mothers, called me and said she’d have a baby for us in one week.”

The Hardest Working Woman in Gospel, Vickie Winans, has overcome a lot since her last studio CD was released in 2006. Since that time, Winans’ beloved mother Mattie Bowman passed away and Winans departed from her longtime label Verity Records to launch her own Destiny Joy recording label. After surviving those trying times, Winans has rebounded triumphantly. “God has been good to me,” says the seven-time Grammy nominated singer. “I give Him all the praise. He’s stayed with me and held me up when I couldn’t hold up myself. There are so many great things happening that I just have to say that it’s because of God that I made it over.” Winans is back with new music, and fans couldn't be happier.

Wanda Nero Butler screams and shouts her way through most of No Failure, her pretty intense new CD on Motor City Praise Records. Traditional Gospel enthusiasts as well as dance club goers will appreciate this wide variety of songs, which every now and then coincide with the beats and sounds we've come to love from contemporaries Kirk Franklin and Mary Mary.

Butler is best known as a stage actress, performing in a slew of productions over the years, including Evolution of the Blues, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Black Nativity, Why Good Girls Like Bad Boyz, and Angels in the House, among other plays and musicals. With such a dramatic voice-- the kind that could sing the phonebook and people would offer a standing ovation-- then it's no wonder and about time she offered music lovers an original CD to play in our houses, cars, workplaces, and churches.

Splitting her homebase between Detroit and Atlanta, Butler oftentimes has worked with and performed with other artists, like John P. Kee, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Vickie Winans, Angie Stone, The Clark Sisters, and Daryl Coley. In the black Gospel world, she's well respected and loved, but outside of that world, her name is not well known. Could No Failure change that? Possibly. A lot of her new material has crossover potential.

Our God Saves, the seventh Integrity Music recording from Dove Award-winning singer/songwriter Paul Baloche, is, as usual, providing new songs for American churches to sing during services. Produced by Baloche and Austin Deptula, Our God Saves was recorded live at Community Christian Fellowship in Lindale, Texas, where Baloche has served as worship leader for 18 years.