HM News Update: Week Ending 4-20
Paramore Release New Video and Single
Fueled By Ramen recording group Paramore has released “That’s What You Get,” the latest single from their RIAA gold-certified second album, “RIOT!,” impacting now at Modern Rock and Top 40 radio outlets nationwide. The track’s companion video clip – directed by Marcos Siega (Weezer, All-American Rejects, Sara Bareilles) – had its all-day “Unleashed” premiere on MTV2 last week and premiered on MTV’s “TRL” on April 8th. The video has hit #1 on the iTunes Alternative Video Chart and #6 on iTunes overall Video Chart in less than one week. Paramore recently celebrated the single’s release with a high-profile concert appearance on ABC‘s Jimmy Kimmel Live on April 4th. MTV and mtvU will premiere its annual Spring Break extravaganza, taped in Panama City, Florida earlier this month (check local listings). Paramore also has a full-on touring itinerary which will see the Grammy Award-nominated punk-pop quartet traveling through the summer. First up, the band is currently on a major co-headline tour, sharing the bill with Jimmy Eat World. The tour kicked off April 1st in San Antonio, Texas, with shows continuing through early May. In addition, the Tennessee-based band will be among the headliners at 2008’s two Bamboozle festivals: the Bamboozle Left (a week and a half ago) on Saturday, April 5th in Irvine, California; and the Bamboozle on Saturday, May 3rd at the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey. From there, the band will cross the Atlantic to headline the UK’s annual Give It A Name festival, stated for May 10th and 11th in London and Sheffield, respectively. Paramore’s summer schedule will officially begin on June 30th with a headline show as part of Milwaukee’s yearly Summerfest celebrations. Next on the agenda will be an eagerly awaited slate of mainstage appearances on the upcoming Vans Warped Tour (July 1 – 6), the band’s fourth consecutive year on the tour. “RIOT!” made an explosive chart entry upon its June 2007 release. Boasting two top 5 Modern Rock radio hits in “Misery Business” and “Crushcrushcrush,” the album quickly went on to achieve RIAA gold certification, with sales now over 800,000. An array of accolades followed, including a “Best New Artist” nod at this year’s 50th Annual Grammy Awards and “Band of the Year” honors from Alternative Press. Having toured nearly non-stop since coming together in 2004, Paramore recently sold out every show of its 22-date North American headline trek.
For up-to-the-minute news and information, please visit paramore.net and fueledbyramen.com.
SPRING/SUMMER TOUR 2008
April 1st – May 2nd w/Jimmy Eat World
APRIL
16 Council Bluffs, IA Mid America Center
17 Springfield, MO The Shrine Mosque
18 Des Moines, IA Val Air Ballroom
19 DeKalb, IL Convocation Center
21 Grand Rapids, MI Deltaplex
22 Dayton, OH Hara Arena
24 Bloomsburg, PA Bloomsburg University
25 Rochester, NY Gordon Field House
26 Washington, DC Bender Arena
28 Albany, NY Washington Avenue Armory
30 Lowell, MA Paul E. Tsongas Arena
MAY
2 Atlantic City, NJ Taj Mahal Mark G. Etess Arena
3 E. Rutherford, NJ The Bamboozle @ Meadowlands Sports Complex
10 London, ENG Give It A Name @ Earls Court
11 Sheffield, ENG Give It A Name @ Sheffield Arena
12 Glasgow, SCT Glasgow Academy
16 Atlanta, GA Masquerade Music Park
17 Nashville, TN Riverfront Park
JUNE
2 Dublin, Ireland Dublin RDS Simmions Court
4 Portsmouth, ENG Portsmouth Guildhall
5 Nottingham, ENG Nottingham Rock City
7 Nürburgring, Germany Rock Am Ring
8 Nürnberg, Germany Rock Im Park
9 Brussels, Belgium Brussels AB
11 Denmark Copenhagen Pumpehuset
12 Sweden Hultsfred Festival
14 Norway Norwegian Wood Festival
15 Finland Provinssi Festival
17 Holland Amsterdam Melkweg
18 Paris, France Paris Bataclan
30 Milwaukee, WI Summerfest
JULY
1 St. Louis, MO Warped Tour
2 Kansas City, MO Warped Tour
3 Dallas, TX Warped Tour
5 San Antonio, TX Warped Tour
6 Houston, TX Warped Tour
Mike Knott Gets Heavy
This from Matt over at Knottheads.com: Jim Chaffin is recording drums for the new Lifesavers Underground record! "In your last (HMmag.com) online exclusive, Mr. Knott stated that the next LSU album would be the heaviest yet, and it is looking to be true. Jim Chaffin could make an Amy Grant album sound heavy!" Anyway, the bass player for LSU has a MySpace profile where he is blogging about his recording experiences, and had even posted some photos from the recording sessions: myspace.com/70165447
The Chariot Release New Video And Hit The Road
Atlanta’s The Chariot has released a music video They Drew Their Swords which will run on the band’s myspace page. The video was directed by vocalist Josh Scogin himself and myspace.com/thechariot filmed in stop time. It is performance based, and features the band in all of their wild live show glory, throwing their instruments around, with some weird David Lynchian segments interspersed. On the topic of the video concept Scogin says, “I wanted it to be really out there, with no boundaries or real structure. We really wanted it to show how chaotic the music was, and made that the main focus, even more than the video itself. I’d say the random segments are in the circus sideshow vein, but more realistic. Anything I wanted to shoot I did, and if it worked I kept it. A lot of it is random, like a scene with John’s beard growing: when he decided to cut his beard off after a year, pictures of and reversed it in film, and it came out nicely so we put it in.” Josh has been doing video stuff on his own, but this is the first thing that he has done publicly. The band’s first official music video for the song They Faced Each Other, off of their Solid State debut The Fiancée recently premiered nationally on Uranium on Fuse TV, and spent three weeks at #1 on Music Choice! The band has also been working on their own home video series for their Chariot-vision channel on Myspace TV and YouTube. There are now fifteen videos up, documenting the crazy antics of tour life, and all the pranks the band pull on each other, including a pair of shoes set on fire, a TV thrown from the top of an abandoned shack, and a homemade music video to Intergalactic by the Beastie Boys. The Chariot is currently out on tour with Alesana and having a blast, tells Scogin “The crowds have been really great, not our typical crowd but they seem really into us. We stand out amongst the bands but the kids are down with it.” They have been on impressive series of tours in support of The Fiancée over the past few months, with the likes of Poison The Well, The Human Abstract, Norma Jean, and A Life Once Lost, and have toured non-stop the last few years with such diverse groups as High On Fire, Underoath, Throwdown, Every Time I Die, As I Lay Dying and Gwar. The Fiancée has been receiving an overwhelming amount of national acclaim since its release last spring on Solid State Records. The band was on the cover of HM Magazine, and received feature coverage in Alternative Press, Decibel, Revolver, Hit Parader, and AMP. Chord praised the Chariot, saying, “The music on The Fiancée is a hulking chunk of nasty and gnarly noise that rips and snorts with the pugnaciousness of a pitbull….It’s full on, full bore from stem to stem, and sounds as if it is recorded live.” Look for the band’s appearance at this year’s Bamboozle Fest and keep checking myspace.com/thechariot for tour updates and video news.
Scream The Prayer Tour Unleash Heavy Lineup
Facedown Records is excited to announce our affiliation with the 1st Annual Scream The Prayer Tour. The Facedown camp is proudly sending Impending Doom, Sleeping Giant and War of Ages to take part in this 40-date US summer tour. War of Ages will be touring in support of their upcoming release produced by As I Lay Dying's Tim Lambesis; Sleeping Giant will be making their US tour debut in support of their Facedown release "Dread Champions of the Last Days; Co-headliner Impending Doom will be screaming the prayer in support of "Nailed. Dead. Risen." Please visit myspace.com/screamtheprayer for more information.
6/13-Bakersfield, CA @ The Dome
6/14-San Diego, CA @ Soma
6/15-San Bernardino, CA @ The Hudson Theatre
6/16-Scottsdale, AZ @ Vertical Venue
6/17-El Paso, TX @ Revolution
6/19-Tulsa, OK @ The Otherside
6/20-San Antonio, TX @ White Rabbit
6/21-Houston, TX @ Java Jazz
6/22-Dallas, TX @ Fat Daddy's
6/24-Pensacola, FL @ The Red Door
6/25-Tampa, FL @ The Cuban Club
6/26-Orlando, FL @ The Haven
6/27-Miami, FL @ Life Pointe Church
6/28-Jacksonville, FL @ Hill Theatre
6/29-Douglasville, GA @ The 7 Venue
6/30-Raleigh, NC @ Vintage 21
7/01-Nashville, TN @ Rockettown
7/02-Dayton, OH @ The Attic Club
7/03-CORNERSTONE
7/04-CORNERSTONE
7/05-Minneapolis, MN @ Barfly
7/06-Elgin, IL @ Judson College w/ LIVING SACRIFICE
7/07-Detroit, MI @ Magic Stick
7/08-Cleveland, OH @ Peabody's
7/09-Clinton, NJ @ The Aquifer
7/10-Worcester, MA @ The Palladium
7/11-Baltimore, MD @ Riva Trace Baptist Church
7/12-Virginia Beach, VA @ Club Relevant
7/13-Allentown, PA @ Crocodile Rock
7/14-Pittsburgh, PA
7/15-Louisville, KY
7/16-Joplin, MO @ The Foundry
7/18-Denver, CO @ Marquis Theatre
7/19-Salt Lake City, UT @ The Outer Rim
7/21-Fresno, CA
7/23-Seattle, WA @ Studio Seven
7/24-Spokane, WA @ Service Station
7/25-Boise, ID
7/26-Sacramento, CA @ Club Retro
myspace.com/warofages
myspace.com/sleepingxgiant
myspace.com/impending
Revelation Generation Music Festival Announces Lineup
Revelation Generation (revelationgeneration.org), the annual outdoor Labor Day Weekend music festival at Revelation Farms in Frenchtown, NJ, today announced a powerhouse lineup for the fourth consecutive year of the concert, taking place August 29-30, 2008. This year’s acts span a host of genres including rock, pop, hip hop, alternative, and acoustic. Revelation Generation 2008 will feature three stages named for cities that have produced countless musical talents: the New York Stage which perennial fan-favorite, newsboys, returns to headline; the Philadelphia Stage headlined by metalcore juggernaut As I Lay Dying; and the newly-named Nashville Stage featuring Bethany Dillon. Steeply-discounted pre-sale tickets are also now available to fans at iTickets.com. Revelation Generation kicks off on Friday night, August 29, with a trio of impressive acts including singer-songwriter Chris Tomlin, progressive rock band Leeland, and former American Idol finalist, Mandisa. To top off that lineup, newsboys front man, Paul Coleman, will emcee opening night. The music continues all day on Saturday, August 30. Joining newsboys on the New York Stage will be the captivating Grammy-nominated stage performer TobyMac, bringing his trademark brand of rock, funk, and hip hop; award-winning band Sixpence None the Richer who is reuniting and re-entering the pop music scene with a new album and tour; singer-songwriter Matt Wertz whose latest album, Everything In Between, has received shining reviews; Kutless, the Portland, Oregon-based band whose blend of rock and praise have led to hits like “Sea of Faces” and “Strong Tower”; and the Robbie Seay Band who brings a raw, edgy sound as heard on their most recent release, Give Yourself Away. Performing with As I Lay Dying on the Philadelphia Stage will be the powerfully infectious Flyleaf; gnarly rock quintet Norma Jean; MTV2’s Breakout contest champions, The Myriad; the metal-rock blend sound of The Devil Wears Prada; the talented-beyond-their-years August Burns Red; and the fan-favorite, genre-fusing Skillet returns for a second-straight year. The new tented Nashville Stage will feature some of the Music City’s finest acoustic group and solo acts as well as local bands and performers in an intimate, club-like setting. Eighteen-year-old Bethany Dillon will showcase her acoustic roots rock talents, pulling songs from all three of her albums, including her latest, Waking Up. Singer-songwriter Shawn MacDonald will captivate Nashville Stage audiences with his mesmerizing blend of folk and soul, and returning for a second year, Phil Keaggy will delight young and old with his mastery of the guitar. With this new stage, concert-goers will experience up-close-and-personal performances by their favorite artists, allowing for totally unique concert experience. The three stages – spread over 140-plus acres – will aim to provide festival attendees with a variety of fun and exciting experiences – not to mention one of the hottest lineups of musical acts to anchor the summer concert season. “We are thrilled to have such talented, high-profile musical performers on this year’s Revelation Generation bill,” said Robert Grom, co-founder of Revelation Generation with wife Kim Grom. “Showcasing artists that bring a positive message to fans through their music truly helps us spread the mission of Revelation Generation – and that is something we can all find inspiring.”
Telecast To Spring Forth Again On April 29
Known as the band that keeps a simple approach, yet deeply rooted lyrics and production, Telecast will release a worship project on April 29th aptly titled Quiet Revolution. In an answer to their own questions raised from too much "noise" and clutter in life, Telecast embraces the simple joys of spending time alone with God in a life with many distractions. With such a perfect mix of theology and simplicity, Quiet Revolution gives the listener a balance of unhindered worship. Over the last couple of years, Telecast's singer/songwriter Josh White has had a crash course in embracing these simple joys. "I quickly realized that I allowed so much noise into my life that I lost sight of Christ in the process," White says. "There is a beautiful simplicity in a relationship with Jesus. It was just a matter of re-defining my priorities." With Telecast's third album on BEC Recordings, Quiet Revolution, White and his band accomplish that goal in spades with a beautifully crafted collection of 12 songs that serve as a call to holiness for believers. Like the band's previous two efforts, the atmospheric, Brit-rock ambience of songs like "The Message" and "All Around Me" tip their hat to Travis, The Doves and Coldplay yet with their own original flare. Since White is never content simply repeating what's already been done, his inner folkie a la Nick Drake, Bread and Simon & Garfunkel also provided much of the album's inspiration. "I like to push the envelope without losing everyone in the process," White says. "My goal was to write some really simple, beautiful melodies. This time, my producer Zach Hodges and I actually wrote most of the piano hooks before the guitar hooks, so that alone gave the project a whole new feel." Such a track and debut single is "Beautiful Mystery," where White was inspired to write in the lonely countryside of Iceland. "I was mediating on the mysteriousness of loving a God that I can't see, when it hit me that it is a far greater mystery that I believe so firmly not just in this unseen God's existence but in His Love for me," White shares. "Unseen realities do not cause me much discomfort, or even bring much skepticism into my mind, for the things that I love most about those I love is not what is seen." In support of their forthcoming release, Telecast will be hitting the road with Robbie Seay Band beginning in May. For tour dates updated daily, go to Telecast's MySpace . Telecast's story is such of a prodigal son with reuniting with God and challenging listeners to live a life worthy of His calling. Josh White was once a member of a popular mainstream band in Seattle, Man Ray, which was signed to Mercury Records in 1997. Despite modest success, however, the band was later dropped from the label, and White went on to form another band called Medicate. Before long that pursuit began feeling empty, and White began re-embracing a closer relationship with God. Now with Telecast, White has never been happier to write about his love for God. Of course, White's the first to admit that he doesn't always have everything together, considering he's a pastor and worship leader at Solid Rock Church and a professional musician. And while the juggling act is never easy, White's resolve certainly is single-minded: "I want to bring theology back to music and be as Jesus-focused as possible. Pure and simple." Telecast is composed of: Josh White, Bobby Love, Luke Stillar, Brook Mosser, Zach Hodges, John Mark Comer and Ashley Elder.
Chasen Debuts Tomorrow
Indie powerhouse pop/rock band Chasen will release its OMG Records debut Shine through the Stars on April 15, 2008. The project is the first from a newly announced relationship between EMI CMG Distribution and Greenville, S.C.-based OMG Records. The new long-term, worldwide distribution agreement gives EMI CMG exclusive rights to distribute all OMG Records artists to Christian and mainstream retail, and all digital and mobile outlets. “EMI CMG is pleased to work with OMG Records to launch such an exciting, fresh talent like Chasen to a worldwide market,” said Greg Bays, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for EMI CMG Distribution. “OMG’s multidimensional approach is an effective blueprint for success in today’s entertainment environment.” And... “OMG Music is resolute in taking a leading role in the growth and distribution of great music and based on the excitement building for Chasen’s debut release, we are on our way,” said Gene Krcelic, Principal Partner of OMG SportsEntertainmentMusic. “We could have chosen no better home in our music enterprise than EMI CMG. They have not only proven their success in the marketplace over many, many years, but they have demonstrated to us progressive and innovative ideas for the future.” Chasen, also based in Greenville, South Carolina, is the brain child of worship leader and lead singer Chasen Callahan. Callahan teamed with drummer Aaron Lord and together they played more than 250 shows in 2004. The two completed the band’s lineup with the addition of Evan Silver on guitar. After two years of development with OMG Records, Chasen has recorded their full length debut, Shine through the Stars, under the production helm of award-winning producer/engineer Noel Golden (Matchbox Twenty, Edwin McCain). The band has already impacted radio with 20 weeks of airplay for their first single, “Crazy Beautiful,” which reached #2 on CRW’s Christian Contemporary Hit Radio (CHR) chart. It is currently Top 10 on R&R’s CHR chart. In addition, Chasen has been extensively touring, including shows with artists such as Relient K, Sister Hazel, Edwin McCain and NEEDTOBREATHE. “I love watching a new generation of great musicians like Chasen move into the musical landscape,” said singer/songwriter and OMG investor Edwin McCain. “There are big things in store for this band, and I’m thrilled to have them as part of the OMG family.” OMG SportsEntertainmentMusic was founded in 1998 with a dedicated focus on developing sponsorship relationships between musicians, athletes, entertainers and corporate America. Since that time, they have grown into the multi-dimensional entertainment company known as OMG. OMG has negotiated music-related sponsorship and endorsement contracts with Coca-Cola, DASANI, Red Bull, Virgin Records, Boys Choir of Harlem, Verizon Wireless, Zip-It Wireless, BET and many others.
Facedown Records Sign My Epic
It is our great pleasure to announce the newest band to sign to Dreamt Music, My Epic. Charlotte, NC's My Epic has just signed with Dreamt Music and their debut full length "I Am Undone" will be released this summer. My Epic will be playing Cornerstone Festival and touring this summer in support of the album so keep an eye out for them coming to a town near you. Make sure to check out the band's myspace page and listen to the track "You Became I" which is a pre-production song for the new album. The soundtrack of a hopeful youth shimmers inside the unassuming three piece that is My Epic. Deliberately penning lyrics to subvert all basic human nature, My Epic have become the unforeseen antidote to apathy with song after song evoking raw emotion wrapped in a palpable tenderness. Soaring refrains and dynamic vocals breeze in and out of carefully sculpted songs with alternated softness and exuberance. The often heart rending melodies roll and rush around vocals that threaten to sweep you off your feet. Lyrically stunning, vital and rebellious in the most captivating way, My Epic has staked their claim on Beauty as certainly as they have taken their stand against the unremarkable. When inspiration comes from beauty the result is anything but ordinary, and for My Epic the results are unforgettable. My Epic self-released an EP "This Is Rescue" in 2006. They have shared the stage with such bands as Across Five Aprils, Chasing Victory and Cool Hand Luke. Currently they are writing a full length for Dreamt Music/Facedown Records to be released late in the summer of 2008.
Thrice Gets All Wizard-like
The much anticipated second installment of The Alchemy Index, Vols. III & IV: Earth & Air will be available tomorrow, April 15th, 2008, via Vagrant Records. On Earth & Air, the band channels a panorama of musical moods and soundscapes, creating a spectral beauty of inspiring sound. A departure from songwriting tactics used on all prior releases, The Alchemy Index was done in the band’s own studio and engineered by guitarist Teppei Teranishi, without the assistance of an outside producer. “Although we wrote and recorded all 4 discs in the same time period, there was definitely and different approach to each one,” says singer Dustin Kensrue. Armed with completely open minds and lacking any conceptions as to what this release would bring the newest collection of songs from Thrice is a passionate and beaming follow-up to their celebrated, Fire & Water. From the introductory notes of “Digging My Own Grave,” on the Earth disc, to the sprawling echoed chords of “Come All You Weary,” (which Thrice will be performing on Late Night with Conan O’Brien on May 5th) Thrice have ventured into and conquered a new land in paramount proportions. “Earth was defined in the sense that we knew we wanted it very stripped down, with few electrified instruments or full drums. We recorded almost all of it in an empty wood floored room, as opposed to the studio where the rest of the record was done. It was done much quicker than the rest of the records and was very informal” says Kensrue. “We wanted it to sound like the listener is in the room with us, like you're just sitting in a room with a few guys playing music. We used exclusively acoustic instruments like acoustic piano, acoustic guitar, upright bass, banjo and wind instruments (except for "Come All You Weary") and I think that made a big difference in the vibe of the disc. It's definitely some of my favorite songs we've ever written/recorded says Teranishi. The singer’s sophisticated song craft and soulful, soaring tenor breaks through on the powerful and touching “Broken Lungs.” The haunting choral-esque “Daedalus” and euphoric “Silver Wings” will also be featured on the Air disc. “The Air disc is almost like a conglomeration of all four EP’s. While the rest of the records are pretty intentional and focused as far as their instrumentation and dynamics, the Air disc seems to be a bit more all over the place. There's stuff on there that's super stripped down, just acoustic guitar and singing, there's a song that's fully electronic, there's more traditional rock stuff (guitar, bass, drums), and there's even some more use of horns, says Teranishi. “Finding what made something work for Air was somewhat more elusive, and that ended up being a defining factor in the final choice of songs for that record,” says Kensrue. Kensrue took the elemental theme still further by composing an original sonnet for each EP, set to music, yet organized in the traditional English structure and rhythmic fashion. These passages (“Child of Dust” on Earth; and “Silver Wings” for Air) offer powerful sentiments that serve as thought-provoking closers for each EP’s respective journey. “Each sonnet is written from the point of view of the personified element, speaking to mankind, and lamenting our various failings,” explains Kensrue. Thrice will be kicking off their headlining U.S. tour the day after the album release with good friends, Circa Survive and Pelican. Stayed tuned for updates and check out thrice.net for all your Thrice needs.
Tour Dates:
Apr 16: San Diego, CA @ House of Blues
Apr 18: Las Vegas, NV @ House of Blues
Apr 19: Tempe, AZ @ Marquee
Apr 21: Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live
Apr 22: Dallas, TX @ Palladium
Apr 23: Austin, TX @ Stubbs
Apr 25: Nashville, TN @ Rocketown
Apr 26: Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade
Apr 27: Orlando, FL @ House of Blues
Apr 29: Ft Lauderdale, FL @ Revolution
Apr 30: St Petersburg, FL @ Jannus Landing
May 2: Charlotte, NC @ Amos Southend
May 3: Richmond, VA @ The National
May 4: East Rutherford, NJ @ The Bamboozle Festival
May 6: Baltimore, MD @ Rams Head Live
May 7: Hartford, CT @ Webster Theatre
May 8: Allentown, PA @ Crocodile Rock Café
May 9: Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory
May 10: Worcester, MA @ Palladium
May 12: Clifton Park, NY @ Northern Lights
May 13: Buffalo, NY @ Club Infinity
May 14: Pittsburgh, PA @ Club Zoo
May 15: Pontiac, MI @ Clutch Cargo’s
May 16: Chicago, IL @ Metro
May 17: Chicago, IL @ Metro
May 18: Milwaukee, WI @ Rave
May 20: Denver, CO @ Ogden
May 21: Salt Lake City, UT @ In The Venue
May 23: Seattle, WA @ Showbox Sodo
May 24: Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater
May 25: San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore
May 27: Anaheim, CA @ House of Blues
May 28: Anaheim, CA @ House of Blues
May 29: Hollywood, CA @ Avalon
Delirious Get New Drummer
The UK-based, RIAA Certified Gold-selling, globally relevant band Delirious?, having released its most critically acclaimed album so far, Kingdom of Comfort, on April 1, announces its new drummer taking them forward, Paul Evans. After more than 12 years together as a band, Stew Smith let fans know in February that he would be leaving the quintet that includes lead vocalist Martin Smith, guitarist Stu G, keyboardist Tim Jupp, and bassist Jon Thatcher. Helping the band choose his replacement, Stew said, “Paul is, in my opinion, one of, if not the, best drummer in our scene. He has passion, sensitivity, finesse and power. Most of all I love Paul for his heart, and that is the thing that will be evident when you meet him. He always has time for you, always has time to laugh and joke and these are the qualities you need to survive on the road.” A natural choice for the band, Evans stepped in for Stew on the band’s tour of the U.S. in 2006, but his history with the band goes back even further. Evans explains, “My earliest memory of Delirious? was back in the days before they were even Delirious?. They used to do their Cutting Edge events in my school hall.” Evans grew up in Littlehampton [England], and went full time as a drummer in 2004. In just a few years, he has notched a solid resume that includes tracks on over 40 professional albums, including projects by Tim Hughes, Matt Redman, Ben Cantelon, Graham Kendrick, One Hundred Hours, Brenton Brown, Cathy Burton and more. “It’s a real privilege taking over for Stew,” Evans says. “He was a very big influence on me as I was learning; at one point I played exactly like him: the same fills and even buying the same Pearl piccolo snare! I’m going to have to get in shape to play with the same energy that Stew plays with, but I’ll probably stop short of the triathlons though!” And... “I’m so proud of the things that Paul has already achieved but I’m more excited about the fresh new dynamics he will bring to Delirious?,” adds Stew. “There’s nobody else we’d have covering our backs and beats,” says Stu G. “Evans has the skills, the passion and the heart to take us on. We’re looking forward to our future together.” And Delirious?, currently on tour in Australia, will be touring the world in support of its eleventh studio album, Kingdom of Comfort, an album that questions everything, from cancer to consumerism, “five star” dreams to slums and poverty. It is an album that calls for sacrifice, social justice and love. Having received acclaim from CCM Magazine, Lexington Herald-Leader, CMSpin, About.com, and many more, the raving reviews keep coming:
“Kingdom of Comfort is yet another homerun for Delirious, with amped up modern rock production, some challenging lyrics meant to inspire social action, and more stirring songs of worship.” – ChristianMusicToday.com (4.5 out of 5 star review)
“Not content with simply setting the standard for worship in the church world-wide, Delirious? continues to push us forward musically and spiritually with the Kingdom of Comfort……this album is as fiery and robust musically as it is lyrically.” – CMCentral.com (5 out of 5 star review)
“Most bands are fortunate to make one landmark record in their careers… with the release of Kingdom of Comfort, they have achieved a rare trifecta.” – Soul-Audio.com (9.5 out of 10 review)
“This disc is the sound of purpose resurrected and their best new disc for years. More importantly, if their influence continues as it has in the past, it could radically shake up the ‘praise and worship’ genre, giving it the practical, biblical earthing for which it is desperate. Welcome back, boys!” – tollbooth.org (4.5 out of 5 review)
"This album absolutely sucks!" - HM Magazine (just kidding! I just wanted to be funny and have everyone laugh. Nobody expected that one, did ya? It's a really good album, actually.)
As the critics continue to rave, fans can receive an inside look at the new album as Delirious? members share music and video detailing their moving experiences that led to the Kingdom of Comfort recording in their newly designed Delirious? Media Player available at delirious_widget. Delirious? continues to circumvent the globe to inspire music lovers worldwide and carry on the tradition of spiritually challenging lyrics, while pointing people to see the wonders of what God has done for them. The band has closed for the Pope in front of a million people in Germany, played for 1.2 million in India, toured with Bon Jovi and Bryan Adams and more. Receiving its second Gospel Music Association International Award last year, Delirious? traveled to at least 25 countries in 2007 alone, and will travel to Australia, UK and France before coming back to the US May 15 in Kansas City. In addition to the music, Delirious? frontman Martin Smith founded Compassionart, a charity based in Littlehampton, England and dedicated to seeing works of art generate income for the poorest of the poor. (compassionart.co.uk/) More information about the band can be found at delirious.co.uk, with even more content available by joining the band’s “Living Room” at delirious.co.uk/livingroom
Broken Vessels Named Worship Artist of the Year
Mission of Mercy would like to congratulate Broken Vessels for being named Worship Artist of the Year at the 2008 Momentum Awards. Presented on March 29th, the Momentum Awards showcased the best in Independent Christian Music. The heart of the Momentum Awards is to celebrate the independent spirit. As the music industry changes and artists have more choices for their careers, The Momentum Awards acts not only to expose excellence in their craft, but allows like-minded artists to celebrate and encourage each other in their music missions. Keith Mohr, president of Indieheaven.com, raved about Broken Vessels. "Working with thousands of emerging artists for the past 11 years on Indieheaven.com, I rarely see an artist so committed to excellence in their art and heart. Broken Vessels is a group who understands the value of serving the church, bringing compelling content that impacts the lives of those they serve. We endorse the ministry of Broken Vessels 100%." The reaction? "Wow! What an honor,” explains Tory Dardar, vocalist for the band, “We as Broken Vessels feel this is much more than a trophy or a pat on the back from our peers for our work. We have truly been handed a key which will open more doors for us to share the message God has given us. A message of hope to a lost world; a message of encouragement to hurting believers; and a message spoken on behalf of hungry children. To God be the Glory!!" The Momentum Awards caps off the CIA Summit, a conference for anyone in the independent music world. This year’s conference was sponsored by Mission of Mercy, and supports the perfect mix of artistry and ministry. Broken Vessels has recently partnered with Mission of Mercy and has found it a perfect fit. Tory explains, "God had birthed in the heart of this ministry a desire to serve and minister abroad in other countries. We have been on six mission trips in an effort to meet the physical needs of folks in Brazil, Honduras, and Nicaragua which would then allow us to minister to their Spiritual needs as well. We have realized how limited we are in our efforts. However, by the grace of God, we have been given an opportunity through partnering Mission of Mercy, to do much more than we could ever do on our own.” Indieheaven.com is a Christian independent musician’s resource agency dedicated to the advancement of independent Christian musicians and the independent Christian music scene. Indieheaven.com partners with its members to help them increase the scope of their music missions, providing tools, distribution, mentoring, community and other services. For more information, visit indieheaven.com The CIAlliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to Christian musicians, singers, bands, songwriters, and others, who are impacting people with their music and message worldwide. For more information, visit cialliance.org Mission of Mercy was founded in 1954 with a missionary’s heart in Calcutta, India to serve among that city’s poor. Today, Mission of Mercy is headquartered in Colorado Springs, CO and is active in 21 nations around the world. Currently they are providing help and hope to more than 35,000 children through their primary and secondary schools, children’s homes and child sponsorship programs.
Canada Means It
Canada's Means are currently down in the States touring to promote their upcoming sophomore Facedown release "To Keep Me From Sinking."
This band is intentional in playing music that will encourage others and serve as a source of strength-not only for the members but for all those who listen. An intense live performance and a light-hearted attitude is what you can expect from these guys.
Be sure to check out the tour dates and catch them where you can. "To Keep Me From Sinking" will release on May 27th.
myspace.com/means_music
Tour Dates:
April 14 Tulsa, OK @ The Pinkeye
April 15 Springfield, MO @ Nu Brew
April 16 Cheyenne, WY @ The Warehouse
April 17 Salt Lake, UT @ The Outer Rim
April 18 Boise, ID @ The Venue
April 19 Tacoma, WA @ Viaduct
April 20 Spokane, WA @ Emryrean
April 22 Orangevale, CA @ Club Retro
April 23 Stockton, CA @ UOP(Raymond Great Hall)
April 25 Chino, CA @ The Stronghold
April 26 Bell, CA @ Bell Church
April 28 Amarillo, TX @ Westover Felloship Church
April 29 Fort Worth, TX @ The Door
April 30 Corpus Christ, TX @ The Compound
(May 2 - 29 w/ It Prevails and F2F)
May 2 - Warren, MI @ The Ritz
May 3 - Tinley Park, IL @ Mojoes Rock House
May 4 - Buffalo, MN @ The Vault
May 5 - Mankato, MN @ What's Up Lounge
May 6 - Rapid City, SD @ Imperial Inn
May 7 - WY, TBA
May 8 - Ogden, UT @ The Dungeon
May 9 - NV, TBA
May 10 - Bakersfield, CA @ The Dome
May 11 - Canoga Park, CA @ Cobalt CAfe
May 13 - Phoenix, AZ @ The Cell Block
May 14 - Albuquerque, NM @ The Compound
May 15 - Seminole, TX @ Tower Youth
May 16 - San Antonio, TX @The Underground
May 17 - Houston, TX W Fuel Cafe
May 18 - Baton Rouge, LA @ The Darkroom
May 19 - Mobile, AL @ City Church of Mobile
May 20 - Tampa, FL @ Transitions Art Gallery
May 21 - Jacksonville, FL @ The Pit
May 22 - Valdosta, GA @ CR's
May 23 - Thomasville, NC @ The Soundvent
May 24 - Virginia Beach, VA @ Club Relevant
May 25 - Knoxville, TN @ Kams Recreation Center
May 26 - Nashville, TN @ The Muse
May 27 - Hernando, MS @ Highter Ground
May 28 - Springfield, MO @ Billiards
May 29 - Hutchinson, KS @ TBA
©2008 HM Magazine - All Rights Reserved
More news from last week:
Five Iron Frenzy Songs Available As Downloads
The entire FIF catalog is now available on iTunes as of this week.
New Delirious? Album Released In USA
The new studio album Kingdom of Comfort is in stores across the USA. This is 2 weeks before the album releases in the rest of the world, so get yours first and pick up a copy today! Get it for just $10.77 at Musichristian.com. Or, download the entire album at iTunes for $11.99 and get a free digital booklet and behind the scenes video! Listen to the new album in its entirety at the JesusFreakHideout.com. Read the stories behind the songs on the new album as the band shares their vision for writing Kingdom of Comfort and the journey that began in Brazil in 2006 at crossrhythms.co.uk.
P.O.D. Offers All Access
P.O.D. is offering some virtual access via their website. Friday features a trivia tournament and live chat. Saturday "shows" dinner with the band and a live track-by-track discussion of the new album (This kind of discussion is cool). Sunday has hang time with all four guys, strolling down memory lane, etc. Monday features a live online concert from the Hard Rock Cafe in San Diego. See them before and during the show, with an up-close look at right before they go on stage. For info, go to payableondeath.com/allaccess.
Andy Hunter Returns
After touring the world club scene with DJ Tiesto, composing music for movies such as The Matrix: Reloaded, The Italian Job, and upcoming major motion pictureExpelled: NoIntelligenceAllowed, showcasing songs for Microsoft commercials and video game soundtracks, ANDY HUNTER is finally ready to release his new full length, Colour. From first listen, Colour provides a steady stream of variety and unpredictable arrangements that standout. While there is plenty for longtime fans to sink their teeth into, the wide spread grooves are likely toappeal outside the club scene. Both the Christian community and secular fans will appreciate theremarkably uplifting elements. Writtenfrom an artist prospective opposed to a DJ prospective, Hunter foundharmonyin making music with his trademark break beats and up-tempo tunes while adding mid-tempo songs with a strong lyrical focus. This result is an eclectic album filled with bright "colours" and inspiration. Andy Hunter is set to release, "Colour" on APRIL8TH. To stream "Stars," go to: nettwerk.com
Ashley Cleveland Signed To Koch Records
KOCH Records announced today the signing of two major talents, this year's Grammy Winner for the Best Rock Gospel Album of the Year--Ashley Cleveland and one of American Idol's favorites from season three, George Huff. Each artist is working on a new album for KOCH Records to be released later this year and Cleveland will have her recent award-winning album available to retailers via KOCH on May 13th. "These artists are the kind of great talents we love to be involved with at our company," said KOCH Records President Bob Frank from New York. "We are thrilled to be adding award-winning artists to our expanding Christian roster." Ashley Cleveland is a three-time Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter from Nashville, Tennessee. As the Grammy Award's first female nominee in the Best Rock Gospel category, Ashley Cleveland won this award in 1996 for her album Lesson of Love, in 1999 for You Are There, and most recently, 2008 for Before the Daylight's Shot. She is the only artist to be nominated three times and to win three times in this category. As one of Nashville's most in-demand session singers, Ashley has performed on more than three hundred albums. The combination of her natural wonder of a voice and fierce songwriting talent has been thrilling listeners since her debut in 1991. Blending rock, blues, gospel, and folk with her distinct open-tuned guitar playing, she has forged an unmistakable sound that has won her 3 Grammy Awards, 3 Dove Awards, a place on countless year-end Top Ten lists, and a legion of devoted fans. Commenting on the new deal, Ashley said, "I have long admired KOCH as an-no, THE---independent label with integrity and muscle. This partnership bodes well for me and for my present and future recordings; I am absolutely thrilled!"
Listener Talking On The Road
"We are on tour right now....as per usual. We are blazing a trail through Canada as we speak. Check out the dates to the left and come out to a show. We have all new merch only offered on tour, and we're going to be taking a break from the road starting in May to make the new record so come see us before our break. We are touring with our friends Holy Eyes from the Netherlands starting April 10th in Brooklyn. They will be joining us on tour for 2 weeks. We've just got back from SXSW and had a great time....only a few days of rest at home before we hit the road again to do all the Eastern half of the US.
Tour Dates:
apr 04 - montreal, quebec - LA SALLA ROSA
apr 06 - albany, ny - BOGIES
apr 07 - long island, ny - HOUSE SHOW
apr 08 - rosendale, ny - ROSENDALE THEATER
apr 09 - boston, ma - MASSART
apr 10 - brooklyn, ny - THE LOFT
apr 11 - philadelphia, pa - THE EDGE
apr 12 - lebanon, pa - CAFE BERACAH
apr 14 - annapolis, md - THE ARTS COUNCIL
apr 15 - charlotte, nv - CRACK SOUP
apr 16 - columbia, sc - TOMMYS INTERACTIVE
apr 17 - charlotte, nc - PREVUE
apr 18 - roanoke, va - TBD
apr 19 - morgantown, wv - SO.ZO CAFE
apr 20 - pittsburgh, pa - TBD
apr 22 - clarion, pa - SHADY AVENUE
apr 23 - springfield, oh - UNMUNDO CAFE
apr 24 - cincinatti, oh - TBD
apr 25 - owensboro, ky - THE BROTHERS
apr 26 - st louis, mo - TBD
apr 27 - springfield, mo - TBD
Philmost Signs With Forefront
Pop punk/rock act PHILMONT recently signed with historic Christian Rock label Forefront Records, a division of EMI CMG Label Group. The Charlotte, North Carolina band grabbed the label’s attention during several shows at Cornerstone Festival last summer in Bushnell, Illinois. “It’s important in this genre to have an authentic and energetic stage show. Philmont certainly has that going for them,” EMI CMG Label Group president Peter York comments on what he saw in the band. “Likewise when signing bands to Forefront, their hearts and mission are of the utmost importance, we recognized in Philmont’s goals a heart for the youth of the Church that has been the hallmark of this label throughout the years.” Forefront Records is home to popular Christian artists dcTalk, Audio Adrenaline, TobyMac, Rebecca St. James and most recently added Dizmas to the roster. Philmont front man, Scott Taube says, “Everyone at Forefront is amazing. We could tell from the beginning that they all truly cared about the songs we write and who we are as a band.” Josiah Prince, Philmont guitarist, echoed this sentiment saying, “After spending a couple of days meeting with the staff at Forefront, we knew they understood where we wanted to go and would be a great partner in taking our music to a worldwide audience.” Philmont spent the early part of 2008 planning for the recording of their debut album. Producer Rob Hawkins (Fireflight, Jackson Waters) has been brought on board to produce the bands record. “Collaborating with Rob has been a great experience,” says Taube. “He has helped us reshape newly written songs as well as conceptualize new ideas and twists to songs we have been playing for a while.” The band plans to release summer tour dates soon and will continue touring in the fall. The yet to be named debut is tentatively slated for an early 2009 release.
To learn more about Philmont, visit myspace.com/philmontrock
Hawk Nelson Posts New Video
Have you had a chance to check out the new Hawk Nelson video "Friend Like That?" If not, head over to YouTube.com and get a peak. You can also get new Hawk Nelson Ringtones Now...
Directions:
1.Open a new txt message.
2. Type the code (such as HAWK1) of your selected ringtone.
3. Send to 66555.
4. You'll receive the ringtone in a new message sent back to you.
5. Open and Enjoy!
Text HAWK to 66555 for "Friend Like That "
Text HAWK1 to 66555 for "Lets Dance "
Text HAWK2 to 66555 for "Turn It On"
Text HAWK3 to 66555 for "Arms Around Me"
Text HAWK4 to 66555 for "One Little Miracle"
Leave a message for Hawk nelson!
Call Hawk Nelson at 615-673-4434 and leave a message and let them know what you think of the new album! Also, you will recieve messages from the guys as they are out and about on the road and get updates on all the happenings. Or visit saynow.com/hawknelson
AMERICAN IDOL CHOOSES SONG BY THE AFTERS FOR SHOW PROMO
As you’re watching TV over the next few weeks, watch out for AMERICAN IDOL commercials featuring The Afters’ song “We are the Sound” from their brand new CD, NEVER GOING BACK TO OK. Fox’s top-rated show picked the song to use with commercials and other promotional opportunities over the next few weeks. To listen to “We are the Sound” go to myspace.com/theafters. The Afters are touring across the country throughout 2008 including headlining their own dates this spring and hitting the major summer festivals.
Search The city Debuts
Detroit, MI artists, Search The City have released their full-length A Fire So Big The Heavens Can See It on Tooth & Nail Records. Their sound is possessed by gorgeous pop melodies a mile thick and propelled by driving guitars that have obviously been influenced by the technical post-hardcore and punk of a wayward youth. Early reviews recognize this with a 9.5 out of 10 rating from SkylinePress.net who proclaimed “You will be listening to this CD a long time and you will love every second of it!” Restless in spirit and energized the band say of their live show “We’d rather jump around and have fun on stage like a hardcore band than stand around and sound like perfect pop but be bored.” Forming three years ago the group would play a ton of shows finding that they enjoyed playing hardcore and metal shows even though it meant being odd man out “Those kids in those scenes are there for the right reasons” vocalist Josh says “it’s not a fashion show, they came to dance.” Touring off of their first self-released EP for close to two years while unsigned the band began to feel the toil of all this work. Luckily three labels came calling late last year hoping to add the band to their roster. Jimmy Ryan, the band’s A&R for Tooth & Nail (and former front man for Haste The Day) says of his discovery of Search The City “From the first time I heard their music I knew I wanted to work with them, then I saw them live and it was all over, they are amazing! Some of the nicest dudes I have ever met.” Most recently the band was on tour with Scary Kids Scaring Kids and plan to announce new tour dates shortly. The debut album by Search The city, A Fire So Big The Heavens Can See It, is now available. Check out the band's ecard at: searchthecity/ecard
Tobymac To Perform For The Pope
Marking his third performance at an event with a Pope, TobyMac has been confirmed as a performer at a Youth Rally on April 19th at St. Joseph’s Seminary in Yonkers, NY which will be presided over by Pope Benedict XVI. DC Talk performed at such rallies in Denver (1993) and St. Louis (1999), both of which were presided over by the late Pope John Paul II. The 2008 rally’s purpose is to encourage youth to seek vocations within the church. On his inaugural visit to the United States Pope Benedict XVI is attending open-air masses in both Washington D.C. and New York City, and delivering an address to the United Nations and visit to the World Trade Center site. About being asked to perform before the Pope at the Rally, TobyMac commented, “It's an honor to participate in this Papal visit. Not too many artists are given this opportunity. We have great respect for the work he does.” TobyMac recently completed his “Boomin’ Beyond Measure Tour” with Jeremy Camp and is preparing for the release of his first Live CD and DVD as a solo artist, “Alive and Transported,” which hits the streets May 26th. In addition he is slated to headline numerous summer festivals including Spirit West Coast, Icthus, Atlantafest, Alive, Creation East and West, Sonshine, and more.
Stay updated with all things TobyMac at tobymac.com
Rock Journalist Brings The Rock
Award-winning author and journalist Lou Carlozo recently announced the release of his already highly-praised solo debut, “Stick Figure Soul” (Feedback Records/APART Arts). Winner of the the prestigious Bob Briner Impact Award from Biola University in 2007, Carlozo is also a features staff writer at the Chicago Tribune, where he works in the much-lauded Tempo section, and a critic for magazines ranging from Christian Century to Paste and CCM. Rated one of the Top 10 local releases in the Chicago area by the Illinois Entertainer, “Stick Figure Soul” is also garnering enthusiastic praise from tough critics ranging from Minty Fresh Records head Jim Powers (who besides discovering the Cardigans and Cowboy Junkies, volunteered lots of time to help Carlozo out on the project) to roots-rock hero Peter Himmelman (yes, Bob Dylan’s son-in-law) who emailed Carlozo to say:
“Thank God I love the CD. The record is in fact surprisingly good. A blend of the Kinks, Psychedelic Furs, Beatles, and Lou Carlozo. I really responded to your vocals. A nicely phrased and expressive baritone.”
Previous to the album’s release, a track from “Stick Figure Soul,” “Elvis In the Sky” was chosen for the climactic scene in the new indie film “Eden Court,” starring Thomas Lennon (“Reno 911”) and Kimberly Williams (“Father of the Bride”) and opened the Cinequest Film Festival in San Jose in March to warm reviews. “There’s no better way to end a movie than with Lou Carlozo’s ‘Elvis in the Sky,’” says director Paul Leurer of the artist and his song.
Play it backwards and you won’t hear the devil; play it forwards and you won’t hear angels. But you’ll hear one man—one mixed-up, funny, Italian-American, slightly balding man—sing about life from a Christian worldview, with a thinly veiled Jersey accent. To be sure, Carlozo remarks, “When Christ found me, I could never be the same. But I also wanted to make a record any music lover could bring to the party, crank up, and not ever have to apologize for—either because it was musically weak or spiritually brute. Shakespeare called music the food of love, to which I’d add that all love comes from God. (And all food, too, if you think about it.)”
At age 44, Carlozo has “come off the bench” to make a pop record (one influenced by Matthew Sweet, R.E.M., and Tom Petty), something some might question. In response to that question, he says, “Countless weekend warriors, like me, had to put their dreams aside, stop to make babies or build a career. But the fire never stopped burning, did it? As I recently told one high-flying music mogul: ‘God loves an impossible idea. If I can start making music again alongside the Arcade Fires and Brice Springsteens of the world, anyone can…’” On a side note of late, The Tribune musicians, led by Carlozo played one of the most outlandish journalism practical jokes of the Digital Age when the Chicago Tribune crashed a video contest held by its rival, the Chicago Sun-Times: The team of Tribune journalists captured a $1,000 first prize to write and record a song asking Tribune owner Sam Zell not to rename Wrigley Field, home of the Cubs. The group recorded the soundtrack at Lou’s Carma Studios in Chicago. Produced, engineered and mixed by Carlozo, the song, "We’re Not Gonna Change It," parodies Twisted Sister’s 80s hit "We’re Not Gonna Take It.”
For more information and to hear clips from “Stick Figure Soul.” go to: myspace.com/loucarlozo
New Red Video Hits Fuse.TV
Red’s brand-new music video, “Already Over,” Premiered on FUSE.TV, Today at 4 PM ET: GRAMMY-nominated, modern rock band, Red has a brand-new music video, “Already Over,” which premiered on FUSE.TV, today (April 4, 2008), at 4 PM ET. Additionally, Red’s “Let Go” has been selected by ActiVision to be used in the video game, “Baja 1000.” Red hits the road with 3 Doors Down this month, then is out with Seether and Flyleaf, in May.
Gotee Records Now Fully Independent Company
Gotee Records, known for their boutique approach to finding and nurturing musical talent, is now a fully independent company after purchasing the minority stake back from EMI Christian Music Group. Begun in 1994, Gotee Records is positioned to re-focus on artist development, while also becoming a hybrid publishing company via EMack Music. “Gotee Records and Emack Music are moving forward in a proactive and strategic fashion, and we plan to re-calibrate ourselves for the new consumer we’re now encountering in this business,” says co-founder and label President Joey Elwood, “Our next phase will obviously be heavily weighted on the digital market and how to engage that consumer.” Label co-founder and CEO Toby McKeehan, a hugely successful artist in his own right (dcTalk, TobyMac) adds, “Gotee was born of an artist heart, so we will continue to be an entity focused on arts and artists. Since our beginning with acts like Out of Eden, GRITS, Jennifer Knapp, SonicFlood; into the years of Relient K, Ayiesha Woods, and Family Force 5, we feel confident in our ability to bring relevant and moving art to the people. EMI CMG played a very strategic role in our company’s history and they will always be part of our roots as we move forward.” TobyMac and dcTalk will remain on EMI CMG’s Forefront roster as recording artists and EMI CMG Publishing will continue to administer their publishing catalogs. In addition, the two Relient K albums released on Gotee/Capitol Records, MMHMM and Five Score and Seven Years Ago, will remain as part of EMI’s catalog. One key element of this transition is a shift from configuration-based contracts to content-based contracts. The talent signed to the label will be constantly creating and releasing music, and in return the marketing will be ongoing. The family-oriented label has reached more than 70 million dollars in gross sales, selling nearly 8 million albums to date. Gotee Records has also racked up five albums as certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), as well as garnering four GRAMMY nods, 12 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards and over 60 Dove Award nominations. Moving forward in 2008 fans can anticipate new music from GRAMMY-nominated songstress Sarah Kelly (4/1), debut act Stephanie Smith, digital campaigns for rapper-extraordinaire John Reuben and House of Heroes (spring/summer), and music from both breakout artist Ayiesha Woods (July) and Family Force 5 (August). Gotee Records touts one of the most diverse artist rosters in the Christian music industry today. Launched in 1994 with their first signing, the sister-trio Out of Eden, Gotee is now home to Family Force 5, John Reuben, Sarah Kelly, Ayiesha Woods, Stephanie Smith, B-Reith, and Relient K. goteerecords.com
Sonshine Festival Expands HM Magazine Stage, Adds Talent Competition
Sonshine Festival, one of Christian music’s premier summer events, is pleased to announce its participation in the Christian Festival Association (CFA) 2008 National Talent Competition. In addition, Sonshine is excited to say that, in a time when concert attendance is on the decline, the Festival’s advance ticket sales are double what they we were at this time last year. Together with Provident Label Group and 12 other CFA-affiliated Festivals across the country, Sonshine will host a regional leg of the competition. Independent artists interested in participating in the contest can submit an online press kit through Sonicbids, via the Sonshine website at sonshinefestival.com/contest. A winner for the Sonshine region will be chosen by a panel comprised of festival administrators and Essential Records staff and will receive a 30-minute main stage performance slot on Thursday, July 17. All regional winners from the 12 participating festivals will then have the opportunity to compete in the final round in Nashville, TN in September, with the national winner receiving a development deal with Provident Label Group. The deadline for the Sonshine Festival competition entries is June 15. “One thing I have always loved about producing festivals is that it has given me the opportunity to help promote up and coming new talent,” says Michael Scanland, Sonshine Festival co-director. “That is the main reason why we wanted to get involved with this very organized talent search. We are excited to have Provident and the CFA be a part of Sonshine 08.” Another exciting development is the increase in ticket sales for the event. As gas prices go higher and concert ticket sales decrease industry-wide, Sonshine Festival is encouraged to see its advance ticket sales double where they were at this time last year. Scanland comments on the record sales: “I feel our focused internet push, an increased web presence and various other new media strategies, combined with what I would say is our best line up ever in the history of the event, are the driving force behind the increased sales.” With the goal of being an affordable, family-friendly event, Early Bird weekend passes will be available at a special rate until Monday, March 31. Adding a fourth night of entertainment to the already outstanding, three-day lineup of events, Sonshine Festival will be held July 16 – 19 at the Willmar Civic Center in Willmar, MN. The schedule boasts such acts as TobyMac, Third Day, Newsboys, David Crowder Band, Hawk Nelson, Thousand Foot Krutch, Pillar and John Reuben to name a few. Jars of Clay will perform a free concert open to the general public as well as ticket-holders on the newly-added Wednesday night concert. The HM Stage has expanded their programming, playing host to larger name bands, such as Project 86, Inhale Exhale, August Buns Red, The Chariot, O Sleeper, Maylene & the Sons of Disaster, As I Lay Dying and Haste the Day to highlight a few. The World Impact Wrestling Team has also been added to the schedule of events on the Sports Arena Stage. For more information about the Sonshine Festival, the Talent Competition or to view the complete program and information on purchasing tickets to the event please visit sonshinefestival.com.
Third Day To Also Perform For Pope
When Pope Benedict XVI arrives in the United States in April, he will visit several cities including New York City and Washington, D.C. He is scheduled to attend open-air masses, deliver an address to the United Nations and visit to the World Trade Center site.
One of the key stops will be an April 19 visit to St. Joseph’s Seminary in Yonkers, NY, where he will preside over a youth rally; encouraging youth to seek vocations within the church. Third Day, GRAMMY winning and multi-million selling rock band, was asked to perform at the youth rally by St. Joseph’s Seminary. “It’s not every day that you’re invited to perform for a crowd being presided over by Pope Benedict XVI,” shares lead vocalist, Mac Powell. “This is a great honor for us.”
Chris Wangro, event producer, notes, “Third Day was selected to perform because they’re recognized as a leader in Christian music and an important influence for today’s youth. We wanted to bring the most current sound to the rally and Third Day definitely fits this bill.”
Third Day is readying to release its 11th studio project Revelation on July 29. Produced by Howard Benson (Daughtry, P.O.D., Flyleaf and Hoobastank) the 13-song project reflects its Southern rock influences, but also delivers real, palpable vulnerability in both song matter and performance. With guest vocals by Chris Daughtry, Flyleaf’s Lacey Mosely and Robert Randolph the album is highly anticipated.
The albums first single, the aching love song “Call My Name” releases to Christian radio on April 4, and sets the stage for the album’s release on July 29, followed by a summer of festival appearances and an ambitious fall tour schedule together with Switchfoot and Robert Randolph & The Family Band.
Campbell Soup Team Up With Post Office To End Hunger
On Saturday, May 10, Campbell Soup Company will join forces with the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) to Stamp Out Hu
Return to Internet Exclusives
Comments
I wish the best and foremost blessings over the members of Still Remains!
This is the saddest day I of my metal core life,Still Remains breaking up!.
I was totally devastated by the news.Why? These guys freaking push metal to the freaking core!
I will still be a devoured fan of Still Remains.Man you guys ROCK the hardest.
Anyway, I wish you all the best in your individual paths and we'll be looking out for you all.
God bless direct your paths.
Nathan
In Papua New Guinea
Quit holding out on us! When does Lust Control play for the Pope?
