HM News Update: Week Ending 11-4

Still Remains Cooking Up
Young Michigan rockers Still Remains are set to tape an exclusive “Cooking With Church” series for national food chain Qdoba Mexican Grill in the band’s home state this weekend. The mock cooking show, which was created by the always energetic six-piece, showcases the band’s guitarist/vocalist Mike Church. Church, who is an avid chef, exposes his superior culinary skills with the help of his sous chefs (the Still Remains crew, naturally) and all of the shenanigans that go along with them. The band has been asked to tape 6 episodes of Cooking With Church, already a hit series on YouTube with over 71,000 views for Qdoba Mexican Grill. Church will be using Qdoba’s always fresh and tasty ingredients and work his magic to create one damn fine burrito. Still Remains are asking fans to come out and be a part of the taping during the taste test portion of the shoot. To get a FREE Qdoba burrito and be a part of cooking show history, fans will need to be one of the first 20 people to arrive at the store at 9:30pm on Saturday, November 3rd (address below). The 20 lucky fans will get to indulge in a one-of-a-kind burrito with a Church twist and will be filmed for the ‘taste test’ segment of the show. The exclusive series will air in the upcoming month on Qdoba’s and the band’s web properties. The seven-part first season of “Cooking With Church” can be viewed in its entirety at youtube.com/stillremains.
What: Qdoba “Cooking With Church” Taping
Where: Qdoba, 3225 Alpine Ave, Walker, MI 48544
When: Saturday, November 3rd @ 9:30pm

Skillet Joins Winter Jam Tour
The Winter Jam Tour Spectacular, Christian music’s largest annual musical tour, announced its 35 city itinerary for 2008, featuring one of its most prestigious artist line-ups ever. As of this month, all four of NewSong’s guests are currently in the top 40 national sales as reported by Neilson’s SoundScan. The 2008 line-up showcases musical styles ranging from worship to rock to pop featuring multi Platinum selling MercyMe, sibling rock trio BarlowGirl, seasoned rockers Skillet, American Idol’s Mandisa. The 10-week tour launches January 10, 2008 in Johnson City, TN, and will conclude at the Sommet Center in Nashville, TN on March 16th hitting 19 states along the way. Grammy-nominated and Dove Award-winning, NewSong will host the high-energy event for the 13th consecutive year, which will feature special guest speaker Tony Nolan and the Xtreme sports Real Encounter BMX/Skate Team. The Premier Group’s Roy Morgan, co-producer of the Winter Jam Tour Spectacular with Celerity Entertainment, comments, “Each year we’ve been pressed to outdo the previous tour, and we could not be more pleased with this amazing collection of today’s top Christian artists. We’re thrilled that all five of 2008’s ‘lights-down’ artists have had significant mainstream radio and media exposure, helping Winter Jam reach its goals of impacting the world through local church ministries.” Vince Wilcox, president of Celerity Entertainment, affirmed that Holt International, the world’s leader in child adoption and relocation services, will once again be a sponsor of Winter Jam 2008, along with the Wayne E. Bailey Produce Company. HearItFirst.com is back as a sponsor and will be giving out free download cards to the first 500 in line each night. Dave Ramsey's "Generation Change" student finance curriculum is also a new sponsor this year. Wilcox also announced a landmark partnership for 2008: “The Word Label Group Pre-Jam Party featuring pureNRG and Group 1 Crew.” Co-sponsored by media giants Fox Faith and Word Label Group, this event begins forty minutes before the official start of the show and will feature acclaimed pop trio Group 1 Crew and “tween” sensations pureNRG. For more information, please visit jamtour.com. Winter Jam 2008 follows the highly successful 2007 tour, which landed in Pollstar’s Top 10 Winter Tours surpassing artists like Nickelback, Red Hot Chili Peppers and John Mayer. WJ '07 averaged over 8,000 people each night with select shows having more than 10,000 in attendance. The 2007 Tour had total turnout of more than 275,000. Excited to reach the masses during Winter Jam 2008, BarlowGirl shares, “We are so excited about the ministry that will take place during the tour. Getting to be a part of this tour is such an honor for us girls. We have heard from so my of our friends that have been a part in the past saying that the crowds are truly awesome.” Also thrilled to be a part of the Winter Jam tour, Skillet lead singer John Cooper remarks, “We’ve heard great things about Winter Jam and are really excited to be a part of it this coming year. Skillet loves to rock, and look forward to having a blast with audiences throughout the country on this tour.”
Tour Schedule: (All dates subject to change)
January 10 Johnson City, TN Freedom Hall
January 11 Chattanooga, TN McKenzie Arena
January 12 Roanoke, VA Roanoke Civic Center
January 13 Charlotte, NC Bobcat Arena
January 18 Tampa, FL Sun Dome Arena
January 19 Orlando, FL UCF Arena
January 24 Normal, IL Redbird Arena
January 25 Columbus, OH Schottestein Center
January 26 Cincinnati, OH Cincinnati Gardens
January 27 St. Charles, MO Family Arena
January 31 Evansville, IN Roberts Stadium
February 1 Little Rock, AR Alltell Arena
February 2 Birmingham, AL BJCC Arena
February 7 Augusta, GA James Brown Arena
February 8 Jacksonville, FL Memorial Coliseum
February 9 Mobile, AL The Mitchell Center
February 10 Tupelo, MS Bancorp South Center
February 15 Greenville, SC The Bi-Lo Center
February 16 Greensboro, NC Greensboro Coliseum
February 17 Norfolk, VA Constant Convocation Center
February 22 Columbia, SC The Colonial Center
February 23 Jackson, MS MS Coliseum
February 24 Southaven, MS DeSoto Civic Center
February 28 Oklahoma City, OK The Ford Center
February 29 Tulsa, OK Mabee Center
March 1 Wichita, KS Charles Koch Arena
March 2 Colorado Springs, CO World Arena
March 6 Lexington, KY Rupp Arena
March 7 Ft. Wayne, IN Allen County Memorial Coliseum
March 8 Knoxville, TN Thompson Boling Arena
March 9 E. Lansing, MI The Breslin Center
March 13 Huntington, WV Big Sandy Superstore Arena
March 14 Fayetteville, NC Crown Coliseum
March 15 Atlanta, GA Phillips Arena
March 16 Nashville, TN The Sommet Center

The Power Of The Cross Festival Holds Its Second...
November 8, 2007 will be proclaimed Power of the Cross Festival Day by Austin, Texas Mayor, Will Wynn. How's that for cool publicity? For more information, go to the festival's website, here.

Phil Keaggy Inducted Into Gospel Music Hall Of Fame
Legendary guitarist and singer/songwriter Phil Keaggy joined the Statler Brothers, Larnelle Harris, the Winans and Joe Moscheo as the newest inductees into the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame at the October 29, 2007 ceremony in Nashville, Tenn. At the ceremony, Keaggy was recognized for his 30+ year career in music, with his friends and past collaborators on hand for special remembrances and tributes. Christian artists Scott Dente (Out of the Grey) and Wes King, along with Keaggy's son Ian, performed a special musical homage to Keaggy, while Tommy Coomes (guitarist/singer for the pioneer Christian rock band Love Song and frontman for the Tommy Coomes Band) and Jason Truby (former guitarist for P.O.D.) shared memories and stories about the guitar virtuoso. One of the world's and Christian music's most beloved master musicians, Phil Keaggy has enjoyed immense success over his career. Having first entered the music scene as the co-founder and guitarist for '70s power group Glass Harp, Keaggy has since released close to 50 albums and has made appearances on countless others. Widely recognized for his phenomenal guitar playing as well as his vocal and songwriting prowess, he has received numerous accolades and awards for his music, including seven Dove Awards and a GRAMMY nomination. Keaggy continues to sell out concerts all over the US with his ever-changing style, ranging from rock 'n' roll to fully orchestrated instrumental compositions. Keaggy is gearing up for the release of his newest instrumental project, The Song Within, releasing November 6, 2007, on Autumn Records. When it comes to expressing the song within, few musicians of any genre, age or instrument have been as true to themselves and their art as Keaggy. On The Song Within, Keaggy uses his command of his art to communicate rather than dazzle. The result is a project that is imminently accessible and radiantly brilliant. Keaggy consciously created songs with his considerable fan base in mind. Newer initiates will be amazed with the deft, apparently effortless, artistry of this 16-song collection, while older fans will be thrilled by the myriad of styles and influences that combine to make Keaggy's work impossible to categorize and equally impossible to mistake. Phil Keaggy's The Song Within will be available from Autumn Records/Christian Network International. For more information, visit autumnrecords.com.

New Demon Hunter Album Hits Next Week
The new Demon Hunter album, "Storm The Gates Of Hell," is quite excellent. It's coming out in three formats: The Limited Deluxe Edition; The Special Edition; and the standard edition. The Limited Deluxe Edition features: DVD with extended footage apart from the Special Edition; Two bonus songs (“No Reason To Exist” & “Grand Finale”); Exclusive limited packaging including large format booklet with exclusive studio photos, lyrics, liner notes and more; Exclusive band postcard set; Rare Demon Hunter necklace with Skull Horn pendant; and a Demon Hunter sticker. The "Storm The Gates Of Hell" Special Edition features: DVD with extended footage apart from the special edition; Two bonus songs (“No Reason To Exist” & “Grand Finale”); and special packaging. As a consistent listen, I think it's this editor's favorite Demon Hunter album thus far. You can hear one of their new songs now on their myspace page. A video from the album, "Fading Away" is now airing on Headbanger's Ball. The band also has their own YouTube channel. Lots of cool DH stuff to check out, huh?

Inhabited Links Up With Indie Label 7 Spin Music
Female-fronted rock band Inhabited finds a new home at burgeoning indie label 7 Spin Music. The group is putting the finishing touches on its sophomore release, LOVE, releasing through 7 Spin Music on Feb. 26. Comprising Sara Acker (vocals), Marcus Acker (guitar), and Charlie Harper (drums), Houston-based Inhabited exploded onto the Christian music scene four years ago with its independent project Innerview. The band set a whole new standard for indie success, claiming a Top 20 Christian Hit Radio single with “Rescue Me.” The song also made Christian Rock radio’s Top 10. Inhabited released its debut label project, Revolution, with Fervent Records in 2005. Revolution earned rave reviews from media who hailed frontwoman Sara’s strong vocals, formidable stage presence and genuine heart for youth. The group steadily grew its loyal fan base, while touring alongside popular artists Todd Agnew, Starfield, By The Tree and Jonah33. Today Inhabited continues to re-invent itself, always on the cutting edge of sound and style. Peter Khosla, president of 7 Spin Music comments, “The quality that most impressed me about Inhabited is its sincere desire to impact youth. The group is also musically talented and works extremely hard at its ministry. The band is an excellent fit with what we’re trying to cultivate here at 7 Spin.” Sara Acker is also excited: “We are so happy to be at 7 Spin and are excited that they aren’t afraid to be bold and think outside the box. They have already been a blessing, and I’m stoked we’re teaming together to get LOVE to the masses!” Inhabited’s national sophomore project, LOVE, will be produced by industry veteran Monroe Jones (Jackson Browne, David Crosby, Third Day). In stores Feb. 26, the album’s first radio single, “Hush,” written and produced by Marcus and Sara Acker, is currently at No. 22 on Christian Hit Radio. Additional details on the record are forthcoming. Inhabited is also on the SHOUTfest tour this fall. For an updated tour itinerary or for more information on the band, visit: inhabitedtheband.com. Based out of Valparaiso, Ind., 7 Spin Music was formed in 2004 by Peter Khosla. The independent label is part of a family of music companies that includes booking, management, and publishing. Other 7 Spin Music artists include Red Umbrella, All Star United, Hello Kelly, Sevenglory, and Heath McNease. 7 Spin Music releases are distributed by Provident-Integrity Distribution and general market distribution is through Sony-BMG. For more information, visit 7spinmusic.com.

High Flight Society Blogs At hmmag.com
As part of its place on the Southern Hospitality Tour with Disciple, Spoken, and The Wedding, High Flight Society has partnered with HM Magazine for an exclusive online tour contest (hfsrock.com/contest) and Tour Blog at hmmag.com. High Flight Society confirmed to cover the Southern Hospitality Tour with exclusive video blog series for HearItFirst.com. They've also got special features confirmed for band on MyCCM.org and CMCentral.com next month. Their music is to be distributed to youth pastors/workers at Youth Specialties' National Youth Workers Convention in Atlanta (Nov. 16-19)
Southern Hospitality Tour w/ Disciple, Spoken, and The Wedding
Nov. 2 - Joplin, MO
Nov. 3 - Broken Arrow, OK
Nov. 4 - Lafayette, LA
Nov. 6 - Jacksonville, FL
Nov. 8 - Homestead, FL
Nov. 9 - Lakeland, FL
Nov. 10 - Montgomery, AL
Nov. 13 - Linthicum, MD
Nov. 15 - Barnegat, NJ
Nov. 16 - Cleveland, OH
Nov. 17 - Lansdale, PA
Nov. 18 - Manheim, PA

The Devil Wears Prada Premiere Video For "Hey John..."
The Devil Wears Prada are continuing their media onslaught with the premiere of their new video for Hey John, What’s Your Name Again? The video will make it’s worldwide debut on the Headbangers Ball Blog on Friday, November 2nd at headbangersblog.mtv.com. The video will make its TV debut the following night on the Headbangers Ball TV program on MTV2. Produced by Endeavor Media who have also done videos for artists such as August Burns Red, Tokyo Rose and more, the video showcases the band’s live fury with members leaping across the stage, crossing each other in dizzying fashion and head banging to the nth degree. Having just released their sophomore full-length Plagues which quickly surpassed 30,000 scans in the U.S. buzz on the new album is blazing with a recent two page feature in Alternative Press and a full page feature in Revolver among others. The band’s music is possessed of equal parts slithering metal riffage meshed with plush rock passages, peppered with a barrage of synth sounds and harsh to melodic vocals. Plagues received a vocal assist by good friend Craig Owens of Chiodos who are taking The Devil Wears Prada through the month of November. Tour dates at: myspace.com/tdwp

Far-Less Get Praise
Brandon Welch, Jordan Powers, Mark Karsten, Joseph Powers, Elizabeth Pina, and Todd Turner - an innocent enough series of six random names; but when combined with each other, they represent the powerhouse rock and roll sextet from Virginia that is called Far-Less - true evidence that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. The band's sophomore album, A Toast To Bad Taste, boasts a complex sense of confidence, merging the dynamic elements of rock bands like Muse with the intelligence and finesse of Dredg and Brand New. Produced by Mike Green (Paramore, The Matches), A Toast To Bad Taste is the incisive testimony of a band reborn. With an astute knack for combining melody with crafty instrumentation and drawing inspiration from such 90's alternative bands such as Smashing Pumpkins and Soundgarden, Far-Less has yet again carved out its own unique place in the world of rock and roll. The end result is a seemingly timeless and artful album that will continue to distance the band from the dormant and unimaginative aesthetic of the vast majority of its peers. There is also a contest giving fans the opportunity to win prizes for spreading the word about the new record. Fans have the opportunity to score a Vestal Watch, a one-year subscription to AP Magazine or an autographed Far-Less poster from now until November 30, 2007. For more information on the contest, check out the Far-Less contest page at toothandnail.com

PRAISE FOR A TOAST TO BAD TASTE:
“Post-hardcore, indie rock, or whatever you’d like to call it, this band is on a mission to bring you relevant, powerful music...From humble beginnings in true DIY fashion, Far-Less has come into their own, pulling influences from the heyday of Smashing Pumpkins and Soundgarden, while drawing inspiration from Brand New, Muse and Dredge. Far-Less packs a punch of power, sensitivity, desperation, and hope into each track on this disc, it does nothing less than make you feel (and dance.)” - FMQB.com

“Building on the shoegazer foundation of stalwarts like Elliott and Hum and blending in the more active flair of Muse and the Receiving End Of Sirens, the group paint a moody and beautiful canvas of engaging atmospheric rock.” - Alternative Press

“Fan’s of epic guitar rock with obvious hardcore and metal underpinnings but no screaming will probably (bleep) themselves over this record. This isn’t a bloated disc of ‘one hit wonders’ but if you give it some quality face time there is wealth of truly stirring music to be discovered.” - Mammoth Press

“With sharp guitar work, drum work that will keep you tapping your feet, Brandon Welch’s unique vocals an the addition of Elizabeth Pina on the keyboards, Far-Less has gone above and beyond any expectations and creates an album that will keep growing on you with each listen.” - HM Magazine

CHECK OUT FAR-LESS ON TOUR:
11.02 Louisville, KY @ Uncle Pleasants *
11.03 Kent, OH @ The Barn *
11.04 Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg *
11.06 East Stroudsburg, PA @ Penn Monster Factory *
11.07 Lemoyne, PA @ The Championship *
11.08 Harrisonburg, VA @ Guzmans *
11.09 Danville, VA @ Plan B *
11.10 Arden, NC @ Graffiti Music Hall *
11.11 Columbia, SC @ New Brookland Tavern *
* with He Is Legend, Telescreen, Josh Moore

The Glorious Unseen Unleash Their Album
The Glorious Unseen has a fancy e-card to check out. You can listen to songs from the album, read up on the latest news, check out tour dates, download buddy icons, banners, watch the video and more! Check it out now here! They've also got something going on at YouTube, with a little video for "Hear our Prayers."

New Fireflight Song Debuts On NBC
Brand new music from female-led rock band Fireflight debuted last week on NBC with the band’s yet unreleased track “Unbreakable” selected to air in promotion for the network’s new hit show “Bionic Woman.” The high-impact new song is the title track for Fireflight’s forthcoming sophomore album releasing spring 2008. Although the album is months from release at retail, the title track is an instant hit with NBC executives. Janine Kerr, NBC/Universal Director of Promo Services, says, “Once I heard ‘Unbreakable’ by Fireflight, it just made sense that NBC should use this song in ‘Bionic Woman’ promos. In fact, the whole CD is great. Buy it!” The single is scheduled for digital download at iTunes and other select digital channels in November. Fronted by female vocalist Dawn Richardson, Fireflight’s music has been featured on E! Entertainment’s “Style Network,” “America’s Funniest Home Videos,” and in music-video reels at both American Eagle and Journey’s stores across the country. Fireflight is currently on tour playing 140 shows this year, and has delivered two No. 1 rock singles “You Decide” and “Waiting” off its debut album. For more on Fireflight, please visit fireflightrock.com and myspace.com/fireflight.

Project 86 To Release Digital EP
Andrew Schwab reports that P86 "have a digital EP coming out 11/27 on iTunes. It's called 'The Kane Mutiny EP.' It has our first cover song ("Lucretia My Reflection" by The Sisters of Mercy), Two new tracks and two remixes from ...and The Rest Will Follow."

Kevin Max and Joanne Cash To Perform At Johnny Cash Flower Pickin' Festival
This November, Starkville, Mississippi will hold its first annual Johnny Cash Flower Pickin’ Festival, featuring a symbolic posthumous pardon to Cash, and a line-up of musicians closely associated with the late singer and American icon. The event will be held November 2-4, 2007, and will feature performances by Joanne Cash and Kevin Max, as well as Marty Stuart & the Fabulous Superlatives and others. Johnny Cash fans from around the world are expected to participate in a fascinating part of the Cash story–his experience at the "Starkville City Jail" and his lifelong story of redemption. Johnny Cash was arrested in Starkville, Mississippi, on May 11, 1965, for public drunkeness following a performance at Mississippi State University. He wrote the song, “Starkville City Jail,” and performed it at his legendary San Quentin State Prison concert on Feb. 24, 1969. Cash played at MSU again in 1970 and gave many of the officers involved with his arrest front row tickets to the performance. The Starkville community decided that it's time to formally recognize the depth and humanity of the Man in Black. As a result, the city of Starkville will issue a posthumous pardon to Cash. Kathy Cash Tittle, the second oldest of the four Cash daughters, will accept the pardon on her father's behalf during the pardoning ceremony on November 3rd. The pardon doesn’t suggest that anyone condoned Cash’s behavior. It symbolically recognizes Cash as an imperfect human who made mistakes but gained insight and wisdom by learning from his indiscretions. It’s not about Johnny Cash getting arrested; it’s about what his life symbolized to so many people — that no matter what happens in life, you can redeem yourself. The festival will close with a Redemption Service on Sunday, November 4th at 10:00am, featuring performances by Kevin Max and Johnny Cash’s sister, Joanne Cash, singing gospel music that Johnny Cash enjoyed. The service will be held at Lee Hall Auditorium on the MSU campus, and is free to the public. For more information on the Johnny Cash Flower Pickin’ Festival, visit the official website at pardonjohnnycash.com

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