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The Latest News, as of June 18th |
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Articles
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Lots of news about what's up in Christian/Gospel music; here it is from ChristianMusicDaily.com:
The Wrecking has announced an exclusive management agreement with Mark "Traa" Daniels of Ryot Entertainment Group. Based in southern California, Ryot Entertainment specializes in Production, Management, Grass roots promotions, Street Team/Fan Based Development, Image development, Song arrangement, Band and artist infrastructure, Internet and New Media Campaigns, Tour and Booking Assistance, Creative Marketing, and Consulting in all areas of music.
Daniels is one of the founding members of the platinum selling band P.O.D. With nine million albums sold, three worldwide tours, eight major label releases, and numerous motion picture soundtracks under his belt, he is very aware of what it takes to be successful. Daniels helped P.O.D sell almost 40,000 cds before getting signed to a major label, ensuring a strong fan base. Over the years, Traa has helped to build a large fan base consisting of over 200,000 members.
"I am honored to have the opportunity to work with this group of guys," says Daniels. "The music, drive, passion, and work ethic that these guys possess are rare traits in this industry. We are gearing up for an exciting 2009 and beyond."
In addition to his success as a musician, Daniels has been able to be in the studio with award-winning producers such as Glen Ballard, Travis Wyrick, Howard Benson, and Jay Baumgardner. Daniels has worked with acts such as The Dirty Heads, The Katinas, and Stars Go Dim, among others.
The Wrecking will release a Special Edition Digital version of their successful national debut entitled A New Abolition. In addition to the eleven original songs on their Chosen/Executive/Universal project, A New Abolition, the digital, repackage version will include three "live" versions of the songs as well as two cover tunes of Coldplay's "Lost" and U2's "Get On Your Boots." The Wrecking's video of "Get On Your Boots" was recently named one of the top 50 music videos on YouTube. As an exclusive bonus via iTunes, the Special Digital Repackage of A New Abolition will also include the music video of "You Remain." The digital repackage will retail for $9.99 and should be available June 2.
"You Remain," the current music video from The Wrecking, is being played nationwide on several video shows including Gospel Music Channel. The video is also featured on Interlinc's Spring Music Video Loop which is serviced to thousands of youth leaders across the country. The Wrecking continues to tour the country and is set to appear at several music festivals this summer including Cornerstone, Lifest, Icthus, Soul Fest, Rock the Light, SoulJam, Unity Fest, among others.
For more information, visit www.TheWrecking.net.
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Centricity Music is happy to announce the signing of worship artist, Matt Papa, to the label’s artist roster. The first project from Papa, Your Kingdom Come, will be released August 18, 2009 and will be distributed by Word Label Distribution Group.
Your Kingdom Come was produced Jason Hoard (Fee, John Waller) and Allan Salmon (Lanae’ Hale, This Beautiful Republic, Seabird). The project showcases songs that were written by Papa and takes this self-described “preacher with a guitar” to a whole new musical level. The first single, “Open Hands,” will be going for adds at AC and CHR radio on June 19th. Papa performed the song during GMA week at Centricity Music’s Monday night showcase and again at a private GMA press dinner in the Centricity suite. Each time the song reverberated with the audiences and delivered a powerful spiritual impact.
“From the moment I heard Matt's music I knew there was something special about what he does,” says Guy Zabka, Director of A&R, Centricity Music. “As I've gotten to work with Matt I've learned that every song he writes, every note he sings and every song he performs is done with complete passion and conviction. His ability to call and lead people to worship is unmistakable and the joy he finds in spreading the Gospel is truly inspiring. To get to work with an artist of Matt's caliber is an honor for us at Centricity and we're very excited about what lies ahead for him and his ministry.”
“With all my heart I want to be able to look back and say, when this career thing is over, is that the kingdom of God was advanced through this relationship...not the kingdom of Matt Papa,” explains the artist. “I want to see disciples made, churches started, missionaries sent out, and most of all the praise and the gospel of Jesus Christ to spread all across this broken planet. Hand in hand I pray that we (Centricity and myself) would make music that makes much of Jesus, makes people adore Him, and makes Satan really, really angry. And I also hope to beat John Mays in racquetball one day soon.”
Papa released his first self-titled project as an independent artist in 2006 that rapidly garnered the attention of the Christian music industry. ChristianMusicToday.com exclaims, “While other worship leaders have trouble making music that resonates with the church, sometimes allowing artistry or commercial appeal to get the best of them, Papa is able to balance it all without compromising the power of the song.” The album also received national radio airplay and distribution at CBA bookstores across the country. The first single from the album, “You Are Good,” was featured on Rick Warren’s “The Invitation” CD compilation which sold over one-million units. Another tune from the self-titled album, “Unto the One,” was featured on the 2007 WOW Worship multi-artist project. Papa has ministered and continues to minister with several organizations throughout the country that includes; Student Life, Georgia Baptist Convention, David Nasser Outreach. He currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia with his wife, Lauren, who is expecting their first child in June.
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Seattle, WA veteran singer/songwriter and Apple Hill Records recording artist, Phil Fischer will release his new project in the summer of 2009 titled, “New Believer” distributed through Bema Direct . The album Phil Fischer states, “is an inspirational voyage through the trials and tribulations of being a son of light in the Kingdom of God.”
“New Believer” has fantastic musicianship with vocals fronted by Phil’s unforgettable voice along with his tender ear for God’s amazing grace; he is able to combine the experiences of his life in the world with the new life given to him by Jesus Christ. The album is peppered with plenty of hooks to sing along with on this worship/rock flavored project. The lyrics on “New Believer” will touch and inspire your spirit as a believer while drawing you closer to God with every line. Phil has recently released “New Believer” in various overseas markets and is now ready to bring his dynamic ministry home with the American release of the album.
Phil Fischer spent the first 20 years of his life moving in and out of small native villages and wilderness towns, learning to survive the best way that he knew how growing up alone in the wilds of Canada’s rugged Yukon Territories and Northwest Alaska. Phil began playing guitar at a young age and started writing songs and practicing in the comforts of his room for years. Phil eventually moved to Seattle, WA and since then he has composed hundreds of songs selling many of his songs to some of the top recording artists in the industry today. He recorded his first album “Wounded soul” which was never released in the United States but still managed to sell almost 1.3 million copies world-wide in Asia, India, and South America. This makes Phil Fischer the first and only artist to go Gold and Platinum without radio play or label support. Within 6 months of its release in the foreign market two of the singles “Cobblestone Streets” and “Windey Road” pulled almost 200,000 downloads.
Phil Fischer is currently the Director of Worship and teaches at Amazing Grace Ministries which is a small ministry that reaches out to the homeless in downtown Seattle. He also leads worship at New Hope International Church which is an international church dedicated to discipleship and leadership training.
Over the last few years Phil Fischer has focused his music ministry overseas where his fan base is very large and they desperately need the Word of God. His ministry focus is performing concerts, and spreading the Word of God in a worship/rock style format to places around the globe where no one else dares to go.
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Vineyard Music is set to introduce the newest addition to its artist roster, 1000 Generations, with the release of the "Fail Us Not" EP on Tuesday, June 9. This digital only release will be exclusively available at www.vineyardresources.com.
As a preview of their highly anticipated August 4 album release, Turn Off the Lesser Lights, the EP includes their first single, "Fail Us Not," as well as two newly remastered tracks from the band's 2003 eclectic independent worship album, Prayers, and a live concert recording.
Already receiving critical acclaim from the music industry and positive feedback from radio stations across the country, "Fail Us Not" is a descriptive melody of God's love in the face of life's adversities. The EP's first remastered track, "He Is Yahweh," boasts African influences and shades of Paul Simon's "Graceland," while "Lily Of The Valley" is a celebration of God's miracles and is enriched by beautiful cello strains that fit perfectly with the message.
The EP also features an exclusive live concert recording of "To Those Who Cry," a song from the band's second independent album released in 2006, which serves as an encouragement to those who are struggling with situations that may seem hopeless.
1000 Generations has gained a strong following, particularly among young listeners. ChristianityToday.com selected them as one of the top ten independent bands of the year, noting that their music "has everything you could ever want in a worship album: original songwriting, a relatively unique sound, breathtaking musicianship, and a passion for encouraging others to walk closer with the Lord."
Their self-produced Varietal Records debut showcases lead singers Steven and Amanda Potaczek on lead vocals and multiple instruments. With Lorin Lemme on the drums and Alain Picard on bass, the group strikes the perfect balance between creative edge and a profound worship experience. The pop-rock album leans heavily on both electric guitar and piano and features worship song arrangements that translate naturally to the live setting.
Turn Off the Lesser Lights will release August 4 nationwide through Word Distribution. For more information, please visit www.1000generations.com or www.varietalrecords.com.
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Young, talented artists from the United Kingdom are hitting the music industry with a new style and sharing their vibrant sounds with fans in the United States.
Ekklesia is an extraordinary vocal group, who reaches a broad audience, including Christians and non-Christians. Ekklesia, which means "the called out," has released its long awaited, new album "RAIN."
With powerful singles like, "Can't Be Hurt" and "Get to Know You," Ekklesia has stepped onto the gospel music scene with their astounding spiritual and vocal talents. "RAIN" is available in all Christian bookshops in the UK, Europe, and USA.
Sharon Rose is a new, amazing R&B singer giving a burst of fresh air to the industry. Her singles, "Shine," "Your Fire," and "You Give Me" exude her passion for music.
Rose has been blessed with a mother and father who have been her guiding light as life coaches and vocal trainers. Her one true love for Jesus Christ keeps her going.
Rose responds to her destiny by stating, "I'm knocking and waiting for the door to be opened to me."
Victoria Adexa is a talented, gospel singer who began singing and writing gospel music at the tender age of eight-years-old. Her latest album "The Prologue" displays her gift of singing and writing songs, which has been nurtured be staying active in the church choir and studying music.
"I am only the mouthpiece; it's the Lord who makes the sound you hear," Adexa states.
Adexa's single "Time to Pray" reached number 16 on the NCM Euro Charts and is also played on more than 300 radio stations around the world. The CAMFEST 2008 winner has worked with UK's leading worship leader Noel Robinson and has headlined numerous shows and supported leading gospel artists Muyiwa and Riversongz.
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Bema Media has announced the signings of singer-songwriter Lara Landon and Canadian rockers Manic Drive, whose upcoming album will be released through a partnership with Whiplash Records. With these new acquisitions, Bema Media is expanding beyond their current teen/tween roster that includes such popular acts as Mission Six, Jasmine, The Rubyz and the iShine Tour.
Manic Drive's latest release Blue will hit stores on August 18th, followed by Landon's debut album Beloved on September 22nd. Both releases will be distributed through Provident-Integrity Distribution, a unit of SONY Music Entertainment.
As one of Canada's most popular Christian bands, Manic Drive earned a record seven GMA Canada Covenant Award nominations this year, taking home two awards for Rock Album of the Year and Video of the Year. Their hit single “Blue” is the first single from the upcoming album, and the accompanying music video has climbed to #2 on Gospel Music Channel's rock video chart. Manic Drive will be touring throughout the summer, including main stage performances at Ichthus Festival, SoulFest, Uprise Festival, Unity Christian Music Festival, Rock the Desert and JoshuaFest.
Lara Landon's debut album was produced by multiple GRAMMY® Award winning producer Michael Omartian (Christopher Cross, Amy Grant, Whitney Houston, Rod Stewart). Landon's songs are full of life and meaning, and Omartian helped to find the right combination of sweeping string arrangements and quiet piano to create the perfect background for Landon's musings about the grandeur and the intimacy of a relationship with a loving God. With instant comparisons to artists like Plumb, Imogen Heap and Tori Amos, Landon's debut is certain to resonate with listeners looking for music that means something.
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Christian music’s favorite tween group, pureNRG, is scheduled to release their fourth studio album (including a Christmas album) on Fervent Records, July 14, 2009. The Real Thing was once again produced by the winning team of Rob Hawkins (Jackson Waters) and Mark Hammond (Everlife, Cheetah Girls, Ashley Tisdale).
“It’s unbelievable that we’re already releasing our fourth studio album this summer,” says pureNRG. “We had fun recording the new CD and think that our fans will like it. We can’t wait to start performing the new songs for everyone on our upcoming tour dates.”
The new project showcases upbeat dance numbers and ballads that spotlight the strong vocals of pureNRG, while also displaying a new maturity for the three members. (Jordan is now 16, Caroline, 14 and Carolyne, 13). The album has ten new songs with three sing-a-long versions of “Here We Go Again,” “Footloose,” and the new up-tempo, “Radio,” which explains how the airwaves brings Christ’s love through music and beams it across the world. The title track is a tribute to how Jesus is the real thing, the touching ballad, “Before The Sun Goes Down,” details how each of us should repent our sins before the day is done, with another ballad, “Sweet Jesus,” exalting Jesus as our refuge and friend. “Cover Of A Magazine,” tells the listener to put their self-worth in Christ instead of what’s popular in modern culture.
Fervent Records is offering exclusive pre-sale promotions in conjunction with The Real Thing. Fans can purchase advance autographed copies of the album at pureNRG’s website (www.pureNRGonline.com), or buy “The Real Thing” bundle that includes a t-shirt and poster along with the new CD. “The Real Thing” Summer Fun Pack is a must for any tween, besides the autographed CD, poster, and t-shirt, fans will receive a pureNRG multi-colored beach ball, beach towel and purple sunglasses.
pureNRG just returned from their first international tour in Norway and did four performances for the Soul Children’s Festival. It was an educational event with 1500 school age children from Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Ireland who were taught new music under several different conductors. pureNRG provided entertainment for the festival with three performances at the Konserthuset, which is similar to a performing arts center and once at Jernbanetorget, which is an outdoor mall. While in the country, pureNRG also got to do some sightseeing with a tour of the Royal Palace and a beautiful boat ride in the city of Oslo.
pureNRG has a busy schedule ahead of them that includes the Creation West Festival in July, a second appearance in August at the American Airlines Center in Dallas at a Ringling Brother’s Circus event and a missions trip to Mexico in October.
For all updates on pureNRG please visit their website, www.pureNRGonline.com, where fans can also register for a free clubNRG user account. The account offers exclusive videos, photos, giveaways and discounts to the pureNRG store while interacting with other fans on the website.
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In a bold move, the LeFevre Quartet announced their decision to retire the family name with the recent passing of matriarch Eva Mae LeFevre. The group will be known as "Priority".
A partnership, forged barely four years ago, established a sound and set in motion a number of unprecedented milestones. Within months of forming, fans voted them Horizon Group of the Year at the 2006 Singing News Fan Awards because of what they heard and saw in them. The following year came Breakthrough Artist of the Year Award. Next came television appearances on Dr. Charles Stanley's popular In Touch program, a 2009 Dove Award nomination and recordings along the way that simply raised the bar for an entire genre.
This move comes in response to a request by some LeFevre family members to discontinue the name when Eva Mae was no longer able to travel. In a statement, Priority (Stacy Bragg, Gus Gaches, Mike LeFevre, and David Staton) said: "We were able to honor a name that had such an influence on gospel music in America. On nearly every recording we’ve done, we re-recorded a classic LeFevre tune as a sort of tribute."
Recognizing that now is the time for them to impact this generation of gospel music fans and the twenty-first century church, the group hopes to solidly establish their identity as "Priority". The name is a reflection of who they are, what they're about, why they do what they do, where they're headed, and how they've gotten this far.
"Life is about relationships and priorities. God has blessed so much, and certainly not because we've done anything to deserve or earn His favor. So we want our relationships to take priority—with Him, our families, our churches, and each other."
There are no personnel changes and no changes in musical style, just a new name. The group will still travel with a live band consisting of Jordan LeFevre and Trey Ivey. Audiences will continue to hear the trademark harmony and talented musicians.
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Mr. Del, former member of the multi-platinum, hardcore rap group Three 6 Mafia, will release his third solo album, THRILLA, on June 30th. The highly anticipated project will be the first release through Holy South's new major distribution partnership with Universal Music Christian Group.
The Memphis-based rapper is widely recognized as an innovator in the genre, both as an artist and a producer. Mr. Del's first solo effort, 2005's The Future (EMI Gospel), debuted at #15 on Billboard's Gospel Chart. In 2007, he followed it up with the equally successful Hope Dealer (Holy South), which featured a collaboration with jazz master Kirk Whalum.
In addition to his solo work, Mr. Del put together 2008's Gumbo Red, an extraordinary collaboration with Canton Jones, Lisa McClendon and newcomer Ramona Jones. He has also worked with multi-platinum artist Salt of Salt-n-Pepa and Dove Award-winning Christian pop group Out of Eden.
THRILLA is Mr. Del's most musically diverse project to date. The project includes a collaboration with rap mate Mali Music on the reggae-infused “Spread the Gospel,” as well as the high energy “Rock it Out,” which features performances by IroCc and Canton Jones.
“THRILLA shows more of a deeper, transparent side of me,” says Mr. Del. THRILLA, which is an acronym for THE REAL ANOINTING, allows the listener to submerge into the heart of an artist who has overcome weakness and insurmountable obstacles, and is now refined and stronger through Christ.
“Life motivates and inspires me to write,” says Mr. Del. “My lyrics aren't just for entertaining, but for piercing the heart of the listener and igniting life-changing actions.”
Mr. Del opens his personal journals on songs like “Don't Do It” and “My Life Rated ‘R' (Real),” using his lyrics to tell of life growing up with an abusive stepfather, life in the streets and living with a wounded soul.
“Beyond the beats and lyrics, God's grace is sufficient enough for your weakness,” reminds Mr. Del. “And through your weakness and pressing, out of that comes an anointing.”
With THRILLA, Mr. Del hopes to cross borders and break down barriers that still exist within the Christian community.
“I want this industry to not be so segregated,” he stresses. “What we see is that Christian represents Caucasian, and Gospel represents African-American. This isn't a true representation of the Kingdom.”
The Christian Hip Hop genre is still viewed with skepticism by many in the church, which can affect the promotion and visibility of the genre.
“The biggest misconception is that what we do is not of God,” states Mr. Del. “But I don't let those small hurdles limit my ministry and mission. I am not bound to the Christian and Gospel box. My orders are from God himself. With Him there is no limit. I didn't come here to lose.”
It's with that same tenacity and determination that Mr. Del has reached into his local community with a powerful ministry that far exceeds the confines of the “Christian rapper” title. He is known throughout the Memphis area as a powerful minister, serving as the pastor of the church he founded, City of Refuge. City of Refuge started as a Bible study on the campus of the University of Memphis and truly meets a generation where they are as a non-traditional, non-religious radical youth movement that empowers, uplifts and edifies the body.
When not tending to his pastoral duties at City of Refuge, Mr. Del will spend much of 2009 on the road promoting THRILLA. An aggressive touring schedule is in the works, as is a July/August media tour.
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A four day/three night praise party awaits as Xist Worldwide, Travel Network Group and Royal Caribbean International present the first "Xist Urban Gospel Cruise," scheduled to set sail September 17-20, 2010. Hosted by Edward Long, Jr., former host of INSP Network's Mixx Master's Lounge, this cruise is hitting the high seas with a sophisticated, sanctified swagger unlike any other.
The exciting performance lineup includes Gospel crooner Sean Simmonds; multi-GRAMMY nominee, Coko; 2008 Stellar Awards Male Vocalist of the Year, DeWayne Woods; multi-Stellar and Dove Award nominee, Lisa McClendon; Dove and multi-GRAMMY nominee producer/singer, J.R.; GRAMMY nominees and Stellar Award winners 21:03; Dove Award winning holy hip-hop artist T-Bone; Karima Kibble of the award-winning group Virtue; Juno Award winners Sharon Riley & Faith Chorale and rising stars Jamaal "Mali Music" Pollard and Viktory.
T Black, CEO of Xist Worldwide, says "This was a vision that God gave me, to create a cool platform for urban talent that provides an opportunity for young people who appreciate Gospel music to have a fun and praise-filled cruise experience."
Host Edward Long, Jr. says "This is going to be the event of the year! There are a lot of Gospel cruises out there, but this is the only one that will feature the unique appeal of holy hip hop and urban gospel artists. The performance lineup is crazy, and with all of the other events - not to mention the features of the cruise ship itself - there will never be a dull moment!"
In addition to live performances, the Xist Urban Gospel Cruise will feature a choir competition, with the winning choir receiving a studio recording package; daily praise and worship; a new artist showcase; Soul2Sole Dance Competition; a White-Out Singles Party, and much more.
The Urban Gospel Cruise will depart from Miami with port calls at Coco Cay and Nassau, Bahamas. Prices start at $484.00 which includes all meals and all activities. For more information, please visit www.xistgospelcruise.com.
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Uprise Festival (formerly Vertical Fest), the Cumberland Valley’s premier Christian music event, is pleased to announce several changes for 2009, including bigger name bands, two stages and a chance for attendees to join in the act with karaoke. Additionally, the event has moved from its usual date in late September to Saturday, August 1st at the Shippensburg Fairgrounds in Shippensburg, PA.
The lineup for the 6th Annual one-day event boasts the biggest names in Christian music today, including Newsboys, The Afters, Group 1 Crew, Manic Drive, Wavorly, Showbread, Phil Wickham and Jonny Diaz. Speakers include, nationally known, Bob Lenz, as well as local pastors, Tyree Sterling, Brad Mowery and Chris Clugh. The Roxtreme Showcase stage will also play host to up-and-comers, Failure to Excel, Sunday Obsession, The Safety of Routine, Skyhawk Drive and Noel McLeary to name a few.
“We changed the date to make it more of a summer festival that local youth who are involved in sports or may be going away to college could be a part of,” explains Scott Brown, festival administrator. “We also wanted to kick things up a notch this year by offering bigger name acts. We scaled back on the number of bands, but are thrilled to have the Newsboys, one of the best in the industry, along with The Afters, Group 1 Crew and the others. We’re very excited to have Bob Lenz as our key speaker as well.”
Aiming to be a family-friendly event with something for everyone, the festival also hosts a children’s program, Uprise Kidz, which will feature face painting, story telling, games and prizes, kids worship, clowns, snacks and much more. A Youth Leaders Lounge will also be available, providing resources, networking, encouragement from speakers and a place for youth leaders to hang out.
In addition to the music, the Festival also provides free activities and entertainment for all ages including inflatables, skate park, climbing wall, disc golf, volleyball and video game den. A few local companies will be providing free treats: Turkey Hill Ice Cream, Rita’s Italian Ice and Starbucks Coffee.
Tickets for Uprise Festival are $20 prior to July 24 and can be purchased at area LifeWay Christian bookstores or online at www.iTickets.com. After July 24, tickets will be available at the gate for $25.
For more information about Uprise Festival, to see the full lineup and to get up-to-the-minute information, please visit www.uprisefestival.com or call 717.491.1955.
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For the second consecutive year, "The Winter Jam Tour Spectacular,"--Christian music’s largest annual tour--ranked in the Top 5 largest tours in the world according to Pollstar's First Quarter Attendance Chart. Defying today’s challenging economy by notching yet another record-breaking year, Winter Jam 2009’s combined attendance increased by more than 7 percent over last year’s previous high, while the tour's average nightly attendance increased by more than 4 percent above 2008's record pace.
Highlighted by the Greensboro, NC stop which boasted an unprecedented Winter Jam turnout of more than 20,000 fans, the tour's total paid attendance this year surpassed 335,000 people with an average nightly turnout of more than 9,500 fans. Comparatively, last year's record combined turnout was more than 311,000 people with average nightly attendance of more than 9,100 fans.
Winter Jam came in at No. 5 on Pollstar’s 2009 First Quarter Attendance Chart. Despite escalating prices due to the current economic climate, Winter Jam continued it’s commitment to the unique "no tickets" policy, which allowed fans to pay $10 at the door for admission. Hosted for the 14th consecutive year by Grammy-nominated and Dove Award-winning artist NewSong, Winter Jam 2009’s headliner was then-reigning "GMA Artist of the Year" tobyMac. The Spectacular also welcomed special guests Hawk Nelson, current "GMA Male Vocalist of the Year" Brandon Heath, Francesca Battistelli, pureNRG, Stephanie Smith and featured speaker Tony Nolan. The Afters, BarlowGirl and Family Force 5 also performed at select Winter Jam dates. The 35-city tour, which launched in early January, concluded in Nashville, TN in March.
Winter Jam's long-term success resulted in the Spectacular being named the recipient of this year's GMA Impact Award. According to the Gospel Music Association, this award is presented to "the non-artist individual or organization that has made the most significant impact on the gospel music industry over the last two or three years." Fans weighed in as well as "Winter Jam 2009" was voted both this year's "Concert of the Year" by Gospel Music Channel viewers and "Best Tour" in the CCMmagazine.com Readers' Choice Awards.
During last year’s tour, more than 53,000 Winter Jam attendees made either a first-time commitment to follow Christ or rededicated their lives to Him. This year, the tour welcomed 69,700 estimated first-time decisions and rededications. Winter Jam 2009 also resulted in the sponsorship of more than 4,600 orphaned children through Holt International, compared to about 4,300 sponsorships last year. As a world-leader in adoption and child welfare around the globe, Holt International has been a Winter Jam sponsor since 2006. To date, more than 17,000 Winter Jam attendees have volunteered monthly support for orphaned, abandoned and vulnerable children. Each of the child sponsorships provides food, shelter, clothing, medical treatment and personal care.
In addition to Holt International, corporate sponsors for Winter Jam 2009 included Tangle.com, Precious Girls Club, HearItFirst.com, Stuph Clothing, Creation Fest, Xtreme Conferences, MegaVoice, Wayne E. Bailey Produce Company, Camp Electric and Premier Christian Cruises. HearItFirst.com hosts the official Winter Jam site, which can be visited at JamTour.com.
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Integrity Music announces the debut solo release for songwriter, worship leader and Desperation Band’s Glenn Packiam. Rumors and Revelations will release on June 23 and will coincide with the publishing of his second book Secondhand Jesus…Trading Rumors of God for a Firsthand Faith.
Packiam is a worship pastor at New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colo. and also the director of its New Life School of Worship. And, as one of the founding leaders and songwriters for the Desperation Band, Packiam has been featured on several of their critically-acclaimed albums including Everyone Overcome, Who You Are and From The Rooftops. He also has been featured on New Life Worship’s albums such as Counting On God and the award-winning My Savior Lives.
With his first solo effort, Packiam offers up new worship songs and contemporary favorites in the 10-song CD, produced by Jeff Quimby (who has worked with Lincoln Brewster, Selah and Joel Augé). Included are two of Packiam’s most important worship music contributions “My Savior Lives” and “Your Name” as well as new songs “Burning in Me”, “For Love I Sing,” “Without You” and “My Hope,” the last being a personal message of hope offered to friends who experienced the stillbirth of their baby.
“Many of the songs were written over the last two years, during my own journey of wrestling with God,” says Packiam. “I had been coasting in my own walk with the Lord and allowed my view of God to devolve into a patchwork of rumors. I would never have said that I believed these half-truths about God-- things like ‘God will give me what I want’ or that ‘God shares my goal of success’ -- but I was living as if I did. There are no shortcuts to God. The way to God-- to life -- is vigorous and requires total attention. I pray these songs reflect that and ignite the heart on a journey to firsthand faith.”
The songlist for Rumors and Revelations:
1. “This Is Our God” (Packiam)
2. “My Savior Lives” (Packiam with Jon Egan)
3. “Burning In Me” (Packiam with Gregg Hampton)
4. “For Love I Sing” (Packiam)
5. “I Will Stand” (Packiam)
6. “Hold On” (Packiam)
7. “Without You” (Packiam)
8. “Your Name” (Packiam with Paul Baloche)
9. “God Has Come” (Packiam)
10. “ My Hope” (Packiam)
Rumors and Revelations’ 10 songs stand alone as a unified worship project, but the CD also provides context and perspective to Packiam’s new book. Secondhand Jesus…Trading Rumors of God for a Firsthand Faith, published by David C. Cook Publishing, which challenges readers to let go of mistakenly held rumors about God and enter into an authentic experience of Christ’s power, first-hand. Songs from Rumors and Revelations correspond to specific chapters in the book. This is Packiam’s second book – his first was Butterfly in Brazil: How Your Life Can Make a World of Difference (Tyndale House).
For more information on Packiam, visit http://glennpackiam.com
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America's largest Christian music and teaching festivals, the Creation Festivals, are pleased to announce the line up for Creation Northeast and Northwest. Consistently voted as the "favorite festival," by Christian music fans, Creation Festival has proved to be the hallmark summer event. In two incredible settings, the Creation Festivals host the best Christian artists, the most compelling speakers, and stellar entertainment for one low price - the past three decades have proven that Creation continues to provide amazing events for youth, adults and everyone in between.
The 31st annual, Creation Northeast will be held June 24th – 27th at the Agape Farm in the beautiful mountain ranges of Mount Union, PA., and Creation Northwest will be marking its 12th year at the amazing Gorge Amphitheater in George, WA July 22nd – 25th. Tickets are available now through www.creationfest.com.
The festivals boast a powerhouse artist lineup that includes Relient K, Casting Crowns, Third Day, Chris Tomlin, Skillet, Family Force 5, Hawk Nelson, David Crowder Band, Thousand Foot Krutch, Red and many more, not to mention world renowned speakers including Joyce Meyer, Greg Laurie, Reggie Dabbs, Will Graham, Bob Lenz and Ron Luce. The "Fringe Stage" will feature the best the in alternative Christian artists, including Spoken, Disciple, The Classic Crime, Stellar Kart, John Reuben, We as Human, Reilly and more.
After the lights go down on the main stage, the entertainment continues at the Late Night Café. Each festival has a Creation Exclusive for fans attending on both coasts – Creation Northeast features AA Talks, with Audio Adrenaline, while Creation Northwest teams up with Hawk Nelson for an exclusive live DVD shoot and house party for Hawk Nelson's highly anticipated new album. Also appearing at both festivals is critically acclaimed comedian Kerri Pomarolli, as well as Creation's National Talent Search winners.
Creation Festival Co-Founder and Director, Pastor Harry Thomas states, "Creation is more than just fun and entertainment – it is a spiritually rewarding and enriching experience. Nothing can compare to tens of thousands of people praising God together, being a part of the candle-lighting service, or even or watching young people being baptized. We have ensured that the Festival features more than music and speaking and provides an overall experience that challenges Christians to be vessels and on fire for Christ – what happens at Creation changes one's walk with their Savior."
Providing for an intimate time of worship is an important goal at Creation. In doing so, Creation will partner with Integrity Music to provide a deeply enriching time of praise and worship each afternoon. In addition, the worship tent will offer a training conference for worship leaders, musicians and writers each afternoon. With distinct seminar classes ranging from songwriting to hands-on training for bands, worship leaders and musicians will have a rare opportunity to come together for teaching and fellowship.
The Creation Festival also strives to provide resources that will make the event an even better learning tool. Every afternoon there are special seminars on a variety of topics from keynote speakers. Creation has once again teamed up with Interlinc to provide youth leaders with excellent seminars and other resources, including a daily afternoon seminar lead by various festival speakers, talkback sessions where Group Leaders can meet and have candid discussions with some of the most popular artists appearing at the Festival, and a "VIP Youth Leader Tent," where leaders can get out of the sun, enjoy free snacks, look through an assortment of free literature and resources, and share ideas with other Youth Leaders.
An event for the entire family, both Creation Northeast and Northwest also feature a "Kid's Tent," which will have a program geared especially for children, including PureNRG, the Donut Man, the Bigsby Show, Phredd, the Stephen Courtney Band and Ryan and Friends will be joined by the Forgotten Friend Reptile Rescue. Each afternoon, kids gather under the trees in the “Kids Grove” for a special craft time, puppets and access to the petting zoo.
Creation provides additional entertainment and special features for all in attendance, including extreme games with climbing walls, spider jumps and sumo wrestling, a Skateboard and BMX ministry, a Gear Giveaway and a vendor Exhibit area with almost 200 booths with an assortment of merchandise and apparel available for purchase and ministries and colleges offering free literature and information.
While Creation continues to add to its overall entertainment and artist line-up, the festival has not raised prices in over a year and continues to be one of the most affordable summer events. Advance tickets range from $46.00 – $99.00 per person for the entire four day festival, providing the attendees with jam-packed entertainment, lodging and more for about $20.00 per day. On top of deeper discounts offered thru Creation's group rates, Creation offers free tickets to kids under 5 and has also established the "Carpooling to Creation" contest and the "Ticket Payment Plan" to help families and groups spread their dollars even further.
Nick Kulb, Director of Marketing & Sales sates "We stand by our loyal fans and hope to provide them with a fun, safe and enjoyable summer vacation for one low price. We trust the measures we have taken to keep costs low, as well as the new ticketing options offered, will help make the trip a little easier for every attendee."
For more information about Creation Northeast and Northwest, to view the complete program, for information on purchasing tickets or volunteering as staff, log onto www.creationfest.com. Media and press outlets looking to cover the festival onsite as a part of the Creation Press Pool, log onto www.creationfestpress.com.
CHRISTIANMUSICDAILY.COM Tell your friends to visit this site and read the latest news here, like you just did! http://www.ChristianMusicDaily.com
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Nicole C. Mullen opens her own store! |
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 Christian music's Nicole C. Mullen, known for powerful hits like “Redeemer” and “On My Knees,” will have the grand opening of her Franklin, TN clothing store--Outta Nothin Wear--on May 29th, with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10am sharp. Nicole has brought Franklin a truly unique boutique where you can “build” your own perfect pair of jeans by yourself or throw parties and exchange ideas. Build a Better Jean is kind of like build-a-bear but better, because you wear what you create! Paint, patch, or bling-out your favorite jeans, or buy some in the shop. Mullen's store also stocks hoodies, sunglasses, Chuck-Taylor-like sneakers, t-shirts and more--most of it one-of-a-kind. Outta Nothin Wear is at 251 2nd Ave South in Historic Downtown Franklin, right next door to the Franklin Antique Mall. For more info, visit www.nicolecmullen.com. |
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International Songwriting Competition Winners |
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The International Songwriting Competition (ISC) is pleased to announce its 2008 winners. It is with great pleasure that ISC bestows its highest honor, the ISC Grand Prize, to Kate Miller-Heidke and Keir Nuttall of Brisbane, QLD, Australia for their song "Caught In The Crowd," a brilliantly quirky pop song with an emotional message about schoolyard bullying and peer pressure. The Grand Prize winner takes home $25,000 in cash (US) and over $20,000 in prizes - the largest Grand Prize of any songwriting competition.
With judges as diverse as Tom Waits, Rob Thomas (Matchbox 20), Ray Davies (The Kinks), Chaka Khan, McCoy Tyner, Jerry Lee Lewis, Robert Smith (The Cure) and many more, winning the ISC Grand Prize is an accomplishment that recognizes excellence in the craft of songwriting.
In its seventh year, ISC received over 15,500 songs from amateur and professional songwriters from 100 countries worldwide, confirming ISC's status as the leading global songwriting event. The New York Times called ISC, "the songwriting competition to take note of." In all, ISC bestows prizes on 62 winners, awarding more than $150,000 in cash and prizes.
For a complete list of 2008 ISC winners and to hear the winning songs, go to http://www.songwritingcompetition.com/winners.htm
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Amy Grant and Vince Gill in D.C. |
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 Amy Grant and Vince Gill recently announced plans to host an evening of music at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, on Monday, June 8, 2009, at 8 p.m., honoring wounded warriors and launching the nationwide Challenge America initiative. Challenge America will work with communities across America to support the development of recreational and occupational programs for returning injured military and their families.
Special musical guests slated to join Grant and Gill at the Monday night Kennedy Center launch event include Michael McDonald, Alison Krauss, Darius Rucker, Melinda Doolittle and Mac McAnally with NY Times bestselling author Stephen Mansfield. Tickets go on sale Saturday, May 2, and are priced at $50, $75 and $95 for general admission and $500 for Gold Circle Seating to include a post-show reception. Tickets are available at the Kennedy Center Box Office, via InstantCharge by calling (202) 467-4600, and online at www.kennedy-center.org.
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2009 Dove Awards |
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Every April, it's the Dove Awards-- this is Christian music's biggest night of the year when people dress up, go to the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, and either wait to be called up to the stage or secretly wish they were nominated for something. This year, 2009, it was the 40th Annual GMA Dove Awards with singer/songwriter Brandon Heath and worship band Casting Crowns earning the most awards. Steven Curtis Chapman was honored as Artist of the Year and Tenth Avenue North received the Dove Award for New Artist which for the first time were voted on by both the gospel/Christian music industry and its fans. Televised live on the Gospel Music Channel, this year's awards went to more than 75 artists, songwriters and producers. |
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"Deliverance" offers one theme, multiple styles |
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New York's Great Spirit Records brings together several of its artists to sing about a central theme on the aptly titled release, “Deliverance.” With a wide range of styles, “Deliverance” is aimed at an audience of lost and broken people who have wandered away from their formerly strong faith in God.
 Produced by the multi-faceted Rev. Allen Cuffey, who himself is a singer with a gritty, soulful voice like Seal, “Deliverance” offers ten songs that are all lyrically similar but done in totally different styles.
“Fire On The Mountain” is a sing-a-long anthem, the kind you'd expect to hear at an outdoor festival with several thousand people stretching their arms up toward heaven.
“His Kingdom Is At Hand” brings together a beautiful blend of female voices, to remind us that revival is coming.
Leah Cuffey shines on the inspirational "His Will," with its soothing blend of strings and elegant piano.
“His Love,” with vocals sounding like Lionel Richie, is a tender piano pop ballad about God's great love for people. Canadian singer Laurie Marks Vincent contributes to background vocals on this stand-out track.
For hip-hop fans, “I Heard A Knock” incorporates Jeff Germain rapping about how God is knocking at your door ready to help you make a new start in life.
After a spoken intro, “It's Time” comes to life with its male and female vocal harmonies over a country/disco beat.
Fans of Paul Baloche or Chris Tomlin will appreciate “The Call,” a guitar-based pop-rock song that could easily be sung in churches worldwide.
“The Wall” is a country-rock tune that asks the listener, “What wall is keeping you from God?”
With a bit of Middle Eastern flair, the gentle, relaxing ballad “There You Stand” sounds delightfully exotic.
And, finally, “What Will It Take,” featuring Charlie Ward on guitar, is pure country music all the way, complete with violins, and if you're a fan of Kenny Rogers, you'll appreciate this one for sure.
The “Deliverance” CD, which will be available online in April, and in stores later this year, took almost a year to produce, at studios in both New York City and Las Vegas. Songwriter Scott Cuoco and the various singers have put together a collection of songs to reach all sorts of different people with the idea that God is calling them back to a relationship with their Creator. Because so many of the songs have vocalists who echo already established vocalists in both the Christian and mainstream markets, “Deliverance” is a disc that will appeal to the broadest audience possible. |
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Gospel Music Week's Hottest Ticket |
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So it turns out the hottest ticket for GMA (Gospel Music Association) Week this April is not a particular concert series or the Dove Awards, but, rather, the premiere of JESUS PEOPLE: THE MOVIE. The mid-April Tuesday night screening at Nashville's Belcourt Theatre is near-full capacity with just about every artist in the industry attending, not to mention press members, athletes, actors, and other celebrities. If you've been offered admission to this, you'd better RSVP now before the tickets are all gone, folks. The satirical movie, which started out as hilarious webisodes online, is full of top character actors from RENO 911, KNOCKED UP, WILL & GRACE, THE BRADY BUNCH MOVIE, and AUSTIN POWERS. While the screening is only open to industry professionals, it looks like its going to be an amazing night. The Christian music industry has never seen a film like this before, and it will be interesting to see their reaction to what amounts to a spot-on parody--done with love--about Christian pop music.
Just check out the film's trailer at JesusPeopleFilm.com -- the publicity firm for the film can be reached at
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. When this film comes out on DVD, I can't wait to add it to my collection. --Mark Weber, www.ChristianMusicDaily.com
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Michael Tait replaces Peter Furler as Newsboys lead singer |
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 After 22 years and more than 2000 shows, newsboys frontman Peter Furler will no longer front the band in concert. Michael Tait will be touring with the band as lead singer with Peter making special appearances throughout the year. Peter will continue with the band and his trademark songwriting and production will remain as he focuses his professional career toward future newsboys recordings. Michael has been on the road with the band over the past weeks working alongside Peter in what has been a positive and enjoyable experience for both parties. It has been a graceful process that both Peter and Michael have worked through as they prepare to make the change in the coming weeks. Peter states, “newsboys to me has always been a mission, and I entrust Mike, Jeff, Jody and Duncan to continue all that is in store for us as a band. I’m looking forward to focusing on the band’s studio career and spending time in my own bed after many years in a tour bus and hundreds of thousands of miles on the road.” Wes Campbell, newsboys manager, explains, “Whilst the decision to replace Peter on the road was a painstaking one, when the idea of dc Talk vocalist Michael Tait was presented, it was a no-brainer to all of us. No one can replace Peter, but we know Michael will bring a new attitude, energy and vocal style that will thrill our audience. To be able to continue a world class show and still have Peter behind the scenes guiding the career and making of newsboys music is a huge opportunity for all of us. It’s amazing that after many years of touring with dc Talk in the 1990’s, that in 2009 our paths would cross once again. It’s an exciting time for all of us.”  “For years dc Talk and newsboys have been family and thus shared the same loyal and adoring fans,” says Michael Tait. “When I received the initial call from newsboys to consider joining the band as lead singer, I was speechless! I immediately sought wise counsel and flooded the heavens with endless prayers for insight and vision, and I soon received a clear and definite peace. Last weekend, I had the opportunity to perform my first show as newsboys’ frontman to an audience of 12,000 people. I was completely wrapped in love and support by newsboys’ fans, who are clearly the best fans on the planet. Now I know this is exactly where I belong in this new and wonderful moment in my life’s history. This is a definite highlight of my career and for my 20+ years of walking with Jesus, and I am humbled, proud and privileged to call myself a newsboy.” In the coming days, Peter will be releasing a personal statement on the band’s website in more detail. The band has recently finished recording its new studio album, In The Hands of God, which features Peter as lead vocalist on the entire album. Street date for this record is May 5th. With five gold albums, sales exceeding six million units, more than 20 No.1 radio hits, and a mantle of Dove Awards as well as Grammy nominations, newsboys has achieved phenomenal success in its two decades together. Known for its amazing live performances and groundbreaking tours, the band continues to sell out festivals and concerts worldwide, satisfying diehard fans and winning new ones in the process. |
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Kingdom Bound 09: Aug 2-5 |
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Here's the latest Kingdom Bound news from BuffaloChristian.com:
The 23rd annual Kingdom Bound Christian music festival will again take place at Darien Lake Theme Park between Buffalo and Rochester, New York, August 2-5, welcoming 50,000+ from all over the US and Canada. Headliners will include Salvador, Casting Crowns, Israel Houghton, and Newsboys. First timers at KB09 will include Natalie Grant, Family Force 5, Israel Houghton, Phil Joel (solo; he used to be part of the Newsboys), Francesca Battistelli and Laura Story. Matthew West is coming back for the second year in a row. Pastor Jerry Gillis will be the keynote speaker on Sunday evening of the festival. Besides Salvador in the Performing Arts Center on Sunday night, there will be a simultaneous Urban Worship night in the Pavilion area. WDCX-FM will have an expanded presence at KB this year, broadcasting Neil Boron Live from the Amped Tent M-T-W 3-6pm. Ryan Loos, a financial expert in the Dave Ramsey-style, will offer financial seminars. Hip-hop returns with artists like Michael Peace and Toronto's Manafest at this year's KB. There will be a "Singles Track" of seminars offered. Brett Ullman from Canada returns to offer various seminars including one on "Cutting," which so many teens are doing these days. Dr. Matthew Sleeth, author of "Serve God, Save The Planet," will team up with his wife to talk about how they "went green" so for all of you who don't think it's possible to live a more environmentally-friendly lifestyle, don't miss it. Catholic artists Mitch McVicker, Ceili Rain, and Matt Maher will be at KB09 on Monday night, hosted by Fr. Bill. Rick Cua and friends, aka "Blues Counsel," will jam on Monday and Tuesday nights for 2 hours, so if you are a musician and appreciate cool jam sessions on hot summer nights, be there. If you're an unsigned Christian artist, enter this year's KB Talent Search by clicking here. If you want to purchase your KB tickets, click here. Kingdom Bound makes a great family vacation-- four days of faith, fun and fellowship, and it's nearby-- within a day's drive of the majority of Americans and Canadians! |
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STAR online Gospel radio debuts |
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There's a new online Gospel station, out of Buffalo, New York, called STAR Radio, making its debut. ChristianMusicDaily.com had some questions, and got some answers, so check it out:
Q) What is the name of your new online Gospel station, and where do people find it online?
A) The name of the station is STAR Radio and we can be found at www.STradio.org.
Q) Who runs the station?
A) Saints Tabernacle COGIC in Buffalo, NY.
Q) Does it depend on advertising, sponsors, or what other source of income to operate?
A) We totally depend on our sponsors and advertising. Other than that it comes from our pockets.
Q) What's the motivation behind starting this station?
A) We really needed a 24 hour gospel station that plays quality music and ministry without compromise.
Q) In these days and times, fewer people are listening to traditional over-the-air radio. Is "regular radio" dying?
A) In my opinion yes. People do everything over the internet now-- we can even listen to internet radio in our cars.
Q) Why do internet radio, rather than traditional radio? Can money be made from internet radio?
A) Well one reason is the FCC is no longer giving licenses for actual AM and FM stations so if you don’t hear quality now you never will! Yes, money can be made from anything if that is what you are in it for. We are not in it for the money. Our job as Christians is to build the body of Christ; With this station we plan to do that.
Q) There are other gospel stations online. Why should someone listen to and/or buy time on yours?
A) Yes there are other stations that are gospel. We believe that gospel music and ministry should be just that-- the good news of the Lord. It should not hurt your pockets to spread the word of God. Our station's sole purpose is for the promotion of God and His word.
Q) Describe the programming mix of the new station.
A) We offer a very diversified look at gospel music and ministry; we have nationally syndicated shows like Turning Point with Dr. David Jeremiah and then we hove local shows like The Free Way Live which showcases new music and new talent from right here in Buffalo, NY.
Q) How is "the state of black Gospel music" these days? Dying? Thriving? Holding on?
A) With artists such as Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp and new to the Gospel scene Heather Headley going mainstream, I can gladly say that gospel music is on the rise. This is the best time for Christians, with America in a recession-- we can let our light shine even more as to what God can do.
Q) Who are the most famous black Gospel artists these days? Will your station play their music, or focus on lesser known artists?
A) The most famous are Yolanda Adams, Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp… too many to name. We will play their music. We will also play music from artists that are just starting out in gospel music as well as our local favorites.
Q) Gospel music either gets nickeled and dimed (little investment on the part of the people making and promoting it) or gets money thrown at it, lavishly (The Stellars, Bobby Jones). In other words, it seems to me that there are two extremes in the industry-- you've got the mom and pop old time record shops who feature local artists on consignment, the ones who have really bad graphic design and out of date beats on their recordings, or you have slick, over-the-top CDs by Kirk Franklin, Tye Tribbett, and Dietrick Haddon-- with budgets to help them sneak onto mainstream R&B stations and TV shows and such. How come there's not really a middle ground in Gospel music?
A) There are a lot of reasons for this. First and foremost is if you decide to do gospel music for money, go home! The gospel is the good news as I stated before, and when Jesus sent his disciples on the Great Commission he did not tell them they will be paid for what they did! Doing gospel music is a ministry to the utmost. All of the lavish and over-the-top CDs came from humble beginnings. I have a lot of local artists come and tell me this is what they want to do for a living, but they do not want to sacrifice anything. The Bible say "seek ye first the kingdom of God…and all these things will be added." If you ask most of the well known artists they will probably tell you this is not what they set out to be.
Q) Anything else you want people to know?
A) We would love for people to call in and request music that they like, whether it is Avalon or Commissioned, Dottie Rambo or Dottie Peoples. Call 1-877-711-8669 /STAR Radio. Also if they are a local band and want us to play their music send it to
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or for general information contact us at
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Light Records |
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In what is unquestionably the worst of times for the music business, Light Records has risen amongst the ranks of Gospel labels to be recognized as the fifth ranked label in Billboard's Year End Gospel Chart. With the top four spots being dominated by major labels, Light Records is the only independent label on the list earning it the title of #1 Independent Gospel Label in 2008.
Sticking with a formula of exceptional artists, inspired music and top drawer production, Light Records marketing strategy is one of focus, with limited releases and an extended commitment to each release.
Light Records began 2008 with a new project from the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship, presented by Bishop Paul S. Morton, entitled Praise & Worship: Embracing the Next Dimension, directed by Elder William Murphy. DVD’s were released by JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise, with their video debut of Exalted: Live in Baltimore, and Pastor Shirley Caesar’s After 40 Years: Still Sweeping Through the City. The fall was met with the solo debut of Christianaires front-man, Paul Porter with A New Day. Rounding out the year was Bishop Paul S. Morton & the Full Gospel Fellowship Mass Choir’s Cry Your Last Tear, Paul Morton’s Christmas, and A Coko Christmas.
Other highlights of 2008 included Bishop Morton’s Dove Nomination for Still Standing; Pastor Caesar’s Outreach Ministry Television Special hosting Feed the Children; and Stellar nods for Bishop Paul Morton, Pastor Shirley Caesar, and Youthful Praise.
Despite the dire predictions for the music business, 2009 looks to be a promising year for Light Records with new releases expected from Coko, JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise and Shirley Caesar.
Light Records, based in Nashville, TN, is a division of the Sheridan Square Entertainment and serves as a full service independent music company. Light Records is committed to releasing and offering quality Gospel music. Light Records is home to a diverse group of Gospel artists including Shirley Caesar, Bishop Paul S. Morton, Youthful Praise, Coko, and Paul Porter, among others. |
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Dolly Parton in the Gospel Music Hall of Fame |
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 The GMA Foundation (GMAF) will induct artists Michael W. Smith, Dolly Parton, Dr. Bobby Jones and The Dixie Hummingbirds along with music producer Lari Goss into the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame on Feb. 2, 2009, announced John W. Styll, president and CEO of the GMAF. The GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Dinner will be held on Monday, Feb. 2, 2009 at The Richland Country Club in Nashville. The evening will begin at 6:30pm with a medallion ceremony and reception, followed by the induction ceremony and dinner which will begin at 7:30pm. Tickets are $150, and they can be reserved by calling 615-277-1366 through January 23 (while available). The Imperials, featuring the original back-up singers for Elvis Presley and Hall of Fame members, will provide entertainment for the event.
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Jesus People Movie |
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ChristianMusicDaily is excited about a movie called "Jesus People" that chronicles the rise to fame of a fictional Christian dance pop foursome named "Cross My Heart." Playing around with and poking fun at just about every stereotype fanatical American Christians really do live up to, the "Jesus People" movie is something that's going to either really offend you or make you laugh out loud, depending on how uptight you are. The movie came after a series of webisodes that got tons of hits on the net, and all of it was the brainchild of two people, one of whom is Dan Ewald, with whom ChristianMusicDaily got to talk to about the movie and its potential impact on those who'll view it. |
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Who Wants To Cry At Christmas? |
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 There are so many upbeat, happy Christmas songs, but a lot of people feel very sad at Christmastime. Mark Weber's song, "Who Wants To Cry At Christmas?," acknowledges that, but offers a ray of hope with the line, "There's still a hope at Christmas, that God will find a way, to meet me in my sadness, and help it go away." To hear/download/purchase this song to add to your Christmas music collection, click here. |
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G-Fy-G |
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 What happens when a church gets its youth involved in a creative, artistic way? The kids use their God-given talents and giftings to bless others. In most cases, the blessings go to members of their particular faith community, or their neighborhood. Then, once in a great while, the fruit of young people's labor gets shared with the world at large-- such is the case with G-Fy-G, a high energy, urban contemporary Gospel singing group comprised of youth and young adults ages 16-25, mostly African-American and Caribbean-born, from the Greater New York City region. Vocal excellence, movement, precision, synchronization, versatility, and stage presence are the group’s strength-- other choirs will most likely be covering their tunes and trying to keep up with the vocal gymnastics of songs like "Let Everything That Has Breath" on G-Fy-G's Harambee Records' debut, "I Came To Glorify."
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MizT: Clean, Christian Comedienne |
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 Austin’s First Gospel Comedienne, MizT, released her debut comedy CD--Back at ‘Ya, Lord!--this year. You have never heard church bloopers and Bible stories told like this. MizT has been making audiences laugh with her fresh and original Christian comedy that’s rated “I” for the innocent. While comedy is her focus, she's also a worshiper and a singer, and often includes funny songs in her act. ChristianMusicDaily.com recently interviewed this one-of-a-kind lady.
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Nashville Choir's tribute to Michael W. Smith |
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 The Nashville Choir announces its third annual “A Light for the City” event will celebrate the 25-year-career of GRAMMY® award-winning and multi-Platinum selling artist Michael W. Smith. The star-studded tribute will take place on Saturday, Oct. 12 at 7:00 PM at Music City’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center.
The show which has been described as a cross between “This Is Your Life” and the “Kennedy Center Honors” will be open to the public and include special appearances by the Rev. Franklin Graham and author Max Lucado and performances by Amy Grant, Bill and Gloria Gaither, Jordin Sparks, Wynonna, Ricky Skaggs, Melinda Doolittle, Phil Stacey, Michael Tait and others.
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"Your Name" features brand new worship songs |
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 In the Bible, the writers of scripture revealed God’s character through his many different names. This fall, four of Christian music’s most prolific and respected songwriters offer their musical portraits of God’s character with the new Integrity Music CD-- Your Name.
Your Name, a concept CD with 10 brand new worship songs written by Ian Eskelin, Brian White, Tony Wood and Glenn Packiam, features an unprecedented collaboration of vocals by top artists like Phil Wickham, Paul Baloche, Aaron Shust, Lincoln Brewster, Vicky Beeching and Ayiesha Woods as well as vocalists from Leeland, Building 429, Rush of Fools, DecembeRadio and more. |
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Farewell, Delirious |
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 The UK-based, RIAA Certified Gold-selling, GRAMMY-nominated and Dove Award winning, globally relevant band Delirious? recently announced to its fans worldwide that it is taking a break from recording and touring after 2009. Known as one of the Christian music industry's best live bands, Delirious? will keep its commitments through 2009, continuing to inspire music lovers worldwide while carrying on its tradition of spiritually challenging lyrics and pointing people to see the wonders of what God has done for them.
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Bluegrass Worship |
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Star Song Music and Ivey Music International (IMI) are rolling out Bluegrass Worship, 30 worship standards in a 3-CD set arranged and recorded in the classic Bluegrass/Newgrass style by Billboard top-charting producer, Steve Ivey, who has sold well over a million records in his young career. |
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From Football to Music? |
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Former NFL Pittsburgh Steelers Ulish Booker, III, is embarking on major action off the field and the most important play of his career. August 2008 officially marked the launch of Booker’s BKS MUSIC GROUP. |
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pureNRG and Precious Girls Club |
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Christian music’s top-selling new act in 2007, pureNRG, is teaming up with Precious Moments® in the launch of their new property, Precious Girls Club, with the release of Here We Go Again Precious Girls Club Edition. |
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Johnny Juarez just walked 100 miles |
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 Johnny Juarez, a popular Canadian singer-songwriter currently living in Buffalo, New York, just walked 100 miles from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, to Buffalo. Juarez's "100 Mile Walk 4 Life: 3 days, 2 countries, 1 purpose,” was to help raise awareness about poverty's devastating effects on children around the world. Juarez has set-up online links at his website, http://www.johnnyjuarez.com/charity.html, for both Canadians and Americans to sponsor children in need through World Vision, a humanitarian organization providing relief to the poor worldwide. |
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Voices Rising |
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 ChildVoice International will be using a song from The Wrecking for their "Voices Rising" campaign. The song "Sights & Sounds" is from the CD, A NEW ABOLITION, set for release August 19 from Universal Music.
ChildVoice International is a global Christian non-governmental organization (NGO) that restores the voices of children silenced by war by raising awareness, promoting research, and creating effective, sustainable interventions. ChildVoice works in war-torn countries with local NGOs to assist children of war, restoring the voices of children who have been silenced by the horrors they have experienced. The children served by ChildVoice International and partnering grassroots NGOs include former child soldiers, children orphaned by war, and those left destitute by rebel activity.
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Christian Music Trivia |
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Articles
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If you attended an event where you received a sheet of paper with Christian Music Trivia questions on it, the answers are in this article. The Christian Music Trivia Test contains 100 questions about today's Christian and Gospel music artists-- their music, their lives, their accomplishments, and more. To purchase this is a download or actual book, click here. |
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I Am Terrified |
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 I Am Terrified, Gotee’s newest metal core band, will unveil their six-song EP next week on their launch tour. The tour begins with a July 18th hometown CD release event in Birmingham, Alabama (Life Church 1449 Court Place Pelham, AL) where fans can purchase the EP exclusively. The EP will be available for purchase at iTunes on July 29th or be pre-ordered at Zambooie.com. |
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Dianne Wilkinson: Southern Gospel Success |
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 Daywind Music Publishing songwriter Dianne Wilkinson is having a tremendous year and her amazing gift for writing Southern Gospel songs that people love just keeps on growing. Her song, “What We Needed,” recorded by the Kingdom Heirs, made its way to the #1 spot on the Singing News chart for July. |
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Hillsong Live! This Is Our God |
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News
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 Hillsong Music and Integrity Music will release Hillsong Live! This is Our God, the unprecedented 17th annual live worship CD on August 5, 2008, featuring Hillsong Church’s Reuben Morgan, Joel Houston, Darlene Zschech and Marty Sampson. A companion DVD will also be released that day. Every year since 1992, the Sydney, Australia mega-church has produced a live contemporary/modern worship CD during its annual Hillsong Conference, the dynamic worship event which draws up to 30 000 attendees each year. From the first release, The Power of Your Love, which was produced on cassette, up until this year’s This is Our God, the Hillsong worship team has created these albums based on its commitment to perpetually offering new songs for the church. |
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The Sanctuary Collection |
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News
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The Sanctuary Collection, a trilogy of thematic albums featuring chants and a variety of ambient instrumental and vocal selections, is now available at Christian retail and will release to mainstream outlets nationwide this summer. Created and produced by Johnny L. Bone, The Sanctuary Collection is comprised of Chants: Sacred Journeys, Heaven: The Eternal State, and Angels: In The Quietness. “It has been my desire to do a series of recordings like this for a long time,” said Bone. “With the Chants project, I wanted to capture the peaceful and intriguing sound of worship from the Middle Ages. And it is my hope that both the Heaven and Angels albums will be inspiring to people from all walks of life.”
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Performance Tips |
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If you ask most Christian singers, musicians, or bands what they do, they will almost always say, "I am not a performer and I did not come to entertain," followed by, "I am worshipper and I came to minister." While the latter may be true theoretically, the former definitely needs consideration, because you are indeed a performer and it's not a sin to be entertaining while you're up on that stage or altar. Too often, performances are, frankly, sub-par or boring these days. If you want to be the best, you need to read the tips that follow. |
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A Good Man Sndtrk |
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Articles
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Ladies know that a good man is hard to find. There's even a movie with that phrase as its title, and sure enough, there's a smokin' Gospel soundtrack to go along with it, so lots of black women will be buying one for themselves, and one for a friend-- the perfect gift! |
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Anointed Voices |
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Articles
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 Now you can preview Mark Weber's new book about Christian and Gospel music artists right here on ChristianMusicDaily.com! Click on 'Read more' to get a glimpse of this informative new book, which features BarlowGirl, Charlie Daniels, and many more established as well as up-and-coming artists!
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Compassionart |
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Articles
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Compassionart, a charity based in Littlehampton, England and dedicated to seeing works of art generate income for the poorest of the poor, has reserved the famous Abbey Road Studios in London, England this week to begin recording songs written collectively at a retreat in January by a team of internationally recognized songwriters. Several of these songwriters are re-grouping in the UK today for the recording, including: Paul Baloche, Stu G (Delirious?), Israel Houghton, Graham Kendrick, Matt Redman, Martin Smith (Delirious?) and Michael W. Smith. The resulting music will be for a Compassionart studio album being planned for a late fall release. |
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Paid In Full |
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Interviews
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Paid In Full is a rare Christian rock band because unlike the tight black shirt wearing Nashville-controlled Christian rock bands who expect upwards of $8,000 to play a concert to tell people about Jesus, the members of Paid In Full aren't in it to make money. The band took time to answer a few questions from ChristianMusicDaily.com's Mark Weber about their ministry-oriented praise/pop/rock band. |
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Project 86 |
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If you’re in love with the average, soft, slow-rhythmic sound of most Christian music, stop reading now. Project 86 brings a whole new beat to the scene with hard melodies and powerful vocals. Though not screaming the Christian message in their lyrics, each and every one of their songs has deep spiritual meaning and something to really connect with. |
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Hymns Are Hot |
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Articles
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Hymns are hot in contemporary Christian music, as many high profile artists-- Avalon, Amy Grant, Jars of Clay, Sandi Patty, Fernando Ortega, Beth Nielsen Chapman and Out of Eden, to name a few-- have re-interpreted old church classics from the 1800s in a fresh, modern style for today’s audiences. |
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