HM News Update: Week Ending 6-29

The Devil Wears Prada Signs To Ferret Music
The Devil Wears Prada have announced their signing to Ferret Music today. The band shared the good news from the stage while playing their first set on Warped Tour in Pomona, CA. The band will appear on Warped Tour for the rest of the summer. Speaking on the signing Jeremy DePoyster (guitar/vocals) of the band said “It’s the best situation we could ask for. Ferret is run like an independent label where you know everyone there and work with them but they have the resources of a major label. We’ve also become really good friends with Carl (Severson of Ferret) and everyone there really believes in what we are doing. It helps when the people you work with and who work for you are just as stoked on your music as you are.” Carl Severson of Ferret echoed the sentiment by saying “The band and I met over a year a ago and just clicked. It was the right vibe, reminiscent of the kinship I've felt with some of the long time ferret artists.” The Devil Wears Prada have been riding high over the last couple of years with their newest album Plagues scanning over 65,000 in the U.S. and their first album Dear Love… at over 50,000 copies. Multi page features have run recently in Alternative Press, Revolver and Metal Edge among other places. Most recently the band composed of DePoyster, Daniel Williams (drums), Mike Hranica (vocals), Chris Rubey (guitar), Andy Trick (bass) and James Baney (keys) have returned from a headlining run of the UK and a slot of the prestigious Download Festival. They plan to begin recording a new album at the end of the year for a 2009 release.

A Skylit Drive Films Three Videos in Three Days
Not content to just be progressive in their music, A Skylit Drive have announced that they will be filming three music videos in three days! The songs receiving videos will be This Isn’t The End, I’m Not A Thief, I’m A Treasure Hunter and Knights Of The Round. Director Robby Starbuck who has helmed videos for acts such as The Honorary Title and Landon is behind the camera on these. Speaking on the concept for multiple videos he said “Labels currently are having a hard time spending money on videos but the idea of filming multiple videos at once works because we can keep the crew working for a few days rather than one day and then another day in a few months, it's both time and cost efficient. I’ve known Jag (vocals for ASD) a while and I'm really proud of this band. They are dynamic individuals and I know that they will impress on every level through these three videos.” A positive band A Skylit Drive will be addressing the topic of depression and suicide prevention in the video for This Isn’t The End which they are making in association with non profit group, To Write Love On Her Arms. The video will feature people affected by or whose family where affected by suicide and depression. Jag comments on the song “I wrote the song about people who are fixated on theories like 2012 and when is the world going to end. I’d much rather write a song about being stoked to be alive and take about positive things that may happen. The lyrics do fit in with suicide prevention and how this isn’t the end.” The videos for I’m Not A Thief…. and Knights Of The Round will actually be connected by plot and will feature the band in a CSI, crime noir plot. Starbuck only offered that “One of the videos will play out like a forensic scene.” Following filming in Orange County and Riverside, CA the band will start their national tour with Sky Eats Airplane, Breathe Carolina and Emarosa which will go through the end of July. A Skylit Drive just released their full-length Wires and the Concept of Breathing on Tragic Hero Records. The album landed on The Billboard Top 200 on it’s first week and has been selling over 2,000 albums a week. The album is full of layered and dynamic rock with heavy arrangements, keyboards and uniquely melodic vocals that can belt as big as the singer from Styx. For album updates, tour dates, and band information, please check out: myspace.com/askylitdrive

Red Scores Fifth # 1 Radio Single
Dove Award-winning rock band Red is a remarkable five-for-five at Christian Rock radio, as “Lost,” the latest single from its debut album End of Silence (6/6/06), has reached the top mark on the format. “Lost” follows an impressive list of No. 1 radio singles from Red, including “Breathe Into Me,” “Already Over,” “Break Me Down” and “Let Go.” Red guitarist, Anthony Armstrong, on the accomplishment. “Speechless and thankful would begin to explain how we feel right now. We can’t convey enough thanks to Christian Rock radio, and everyone that supports us. God continually blesses this band, and it’s amazing to see it happen. One thing’s for sure - we’re just getting started.” Additionally, “Already Over,” also from Red’s End of Silence album, is currently No. 18 on the R&R Active Rock radio chart and No. 31 on the R&R Alternative radio chart. Since the June 6, 2006 release of its debut album, End of Silence (Essential Records), Red has toured non-stop (over 250 dates per year), collected five No. 1 radio singles at Christian Rock radio (“Breathe Into Me,” “Already Over,” “Break Me Down,” “Let Go” and “Lost”), won a Dove Award (Rock Recorded Song for “Breathe Into Me”), and received a GRAMMY nomination in the category Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album for End of Silence. The five-member band is: Michael Barnes, lead vocals; Anthony Armstrong, guitar; Randy Armstrong, bass; Jasen Rauch, guitar; and Hayden Lamb, drums. End of Silence was produced by Dove-nominated producer/songwriter Rob Graves and mixed by Ben Grosse (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Fuel, Sixpence None the Richer). Red will play multiple Christian music festivals throughout the summer. For all tour dates and information, visit:
myspace.com/dropofred
redmusiconline.com

Kutless' To Know That You're Alive In Stores Now
On June 24th, rockers Kutless released their new studio album, To Know That You're Alive. This album follows the recent free single download, "The Feeling," which resulted in more than 22,400 downloads. To Know That You're Alive is the band's fifth full-length album following the hit records that have sold more than 1.5 million copies. The band partnered for the first time with producer Pete Kipley (The Afters, MercyMe, Phil Wickham) for this project. In addition, the album features strings recorded in London at Abbey Road Studios for several songs including the title track. Kutless also recently finished their 30+ acoustic tour this spring. After a summer of key music festivals, Kutless will headline the first ever Creation Festival: The Tour, which will be a rock replica on wheels of the 30-year-old summer festival.
For more information on Kutless, visit:
kutless.com

Capital Lights' debut out on July 8th
Newly signed to Tooth&Nail Records, Capital Lights is set to make noise on July 8th with their debut, This Is An Outrage. Their debut features songs that ranges from purebred alternative pop to assertive modern rock, wrapped around a topical plane that spans the palette of meaningful, whimsical and satirical. The scalding "Kick It Off" is sure to be a fierce concert classic and "Worth As Much As a Counterfeit Dollar" possesses one of the most contagious choruses in recent memory. "Night of Your Life Is When You Die" is an anthem for anyone who embraces the straight-edge scene, suggesting the party hearty mentality isn't all that it's cracked up to be. "We're really big proponents of writing about the experiences we deal with on a day to day basis," lead vocalist Bryson Phillips verifies of that varied songwriting swath. For more info:
myspace.com/capitallights

Leeland's Brighter Days used on Lifetime Network
Dove Award-nominated, progressive rock band Leeland's song "Brighter Days" was used on June 22nd's episode of Army Wives, on the Lifetime Television Network. "Brighter Days" is from the five member-band's sophomore project Opposite Way, which released on February 26, 2008 (Essential Records). Army Wives is one of Lifetime TV's most popular shows, and according to NielsenMedia.com, Army Wives was the second-highest viewed Cable TV Program for the week of June 9, 2008, with 4,196,000 viewers. Currently in its second season, Army Wives tells the story of a woman who is married to a soldier and moves her family onto an Army base, where she becomes friends with other women whose husbands are in the military. Music Supervisor for Army Wives, Frankie Pine, of Whirly Girls, shares, "We thought the use of "Brighter Days" in this episode of Army Wives was moving, and was the perfect fit for what we were looking for." The Baytown, Texas-based band has had its hands full since the release of its debut album, including collecting a 2007 GRAMMY Award nomination in the Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album category; non-stop touring across North America and even Japan, including a series of major festival appearances, headlining shows and opening for Casting Crowns on the entire Fall 2007 through Spring 2008 "The Altar and the Door" arena tour; four band Dove Award nominations (38th Annual) in categories as diverse as New Artist of the Year, Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year ("Sound of Melodies"), Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year (Sound of Melodies) and Praise and Worship Album of the Year (Sound of Melodies). Leeland and Jack Mooring (Leeland's brother) received two additional Dove Award nominations each, as songwriters, in the Worship Song category for "Yes You Have," and the Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song category for "Sound of Melodies." For more information on Leeland, please visit:
leelandonline.com

Vans Warped Tour To Rebuild Southwest Louisiana
It has been 33 months since the devastation of hurricanes Katrina and Rita hit the United States’ Gulf Coast region. Unfortunately, the communities in the Gulf Coast are still suffering and the rebuilding continues. Immediately following these natural disasters, there was a generous outpouring of both monetary donations and volunteer efforts, but those have greatly declined. While larger cities, such as New Orleans, have received much publicity, there are hundreds of smaller, communities throughout the region that have received little to no attention from volunteers or public aid. In June of 2006, the Vans Warped Tour® brought 400 volunteers to Cameron Parish, Louisiana to assist the residents in clearing over 7 tons of debris left from the devastation of hurricane Rita. Today the debris is mostly gone, but the communities are struggling to rebuild. There are many elderly and disabled residents who have little or no assistance to restore their homes, libraries and community centers. The Volunteer Center of Southwest Louisiana, and Cameron Community Action/Council on Aging have asked the Vans Warped Tour® to return this summer to lend a hand. On July 7th--a day off between shows--artists, crew members and tour sponsors will aid in the rebuilding of these small communities. If you wish to help in these ongoing efforts, contact unitetheunited@gmail.com for more info.

The Classic Crime Releases The Silver Cord on July 22nd
Alt-rockers The Classic Crime have recently emerged from the studio with producer Michael "Elvis" Baskette (Incubus, Story of the Year, Puddle of Mudd) and are ready to release their Recorded in February and March 2008, The Silver Cord is an album ripe with heavy, dense chords held buoyant with incredibly tight musicianship and infectious melodies. From the opening staccato guitars of "Just a Man" that break into intricate fretwork intertwining with Matt's seasoned vocals, it becomes readily apparent how much they've grown. "Elvis [producer] noted that we were a different band, and the vibe was totally different," recalls Matt. "We went about things completely different, recording the album like a 90's Alt record rather than a 2008 rock record. We didn't use click tracks or borrowed samples, we didn't quantize anything either... we can actually say that we played what you hear." The first single, "Abracadavers" is just one of many testaments to their strength as a band on this album, and proof to those who might have thought they have gone soft because of their acoustic EP. "We wanted to show that we enjoy and are capable of different styles of music," explains Matt. "You can't hear any folk on Albatross, but it's all over the Seattle Sessions EP. It may have been risky, but we'd rather have integrity musically than worry what people might think." The band has been pegged for the whole 2008 Vans Warped Tour this Summer and is ready to let go of the "silver cord". "We love what we do, and we just want to do it as best we can," he concludes. "It's hard to know what's ahead with the climate of the industry these days, but we're extremely excited for Warped Tour this summer. We can't wait to play these new songs out live." Check out the band here:
theclassiccrime.com

GIGANTOUR Is Over But Looks Forward To '09
Another GIGANTOUR is in the history books and plans for GIGANTOUR 2009 are already underway. Founded by MEGADETH frontman Dave Mustaine as a forum for heavy, guitar-oriented bands, the third installment of the traveling “mother of all shred fests” (Revolver magazine) recently wrapped up the 29-date trek. This year’s GIGANTOUR--the acclaimed traveling heavy music festival launched in 2005 by MUSTAINE--kicked off April 12 in Denver, CO with headliner MEGADETH, Scandinavian death metal band IN FLAMES, Finland’s CHILDREN OF BODOM, Arizona’s modern extreme JOB FOR A COWBOY and Oakland, CA heavy power trio HIGH ON FIRE. The 29-date trek criss-crossed North America and wrapped May 22 in Phoenix, AZ, and included many sell-outs. “Having a reasonable ticket price makes the audience feel respected," Mustaine told Billboard.Biz in a Q&A with him (4/11/08). "I want them to see great bands and be able to walk away with money in their pocket." GIGANTOUR features bands hand-picked by MUSTAINE with a sharp eye on true musicianship and a heavy focus on top-notch guitarists. The first incarnation in 2005 included Dream Theater, Fear Factory, Nevermore, Life of Agony, Symphony X, Dry Kill Logic and Bobaflex, while the 2006 trek included Lamb of God, Opeth, Arch Enemy, Overkill, Into Eternity, Sanctity and The Smashup. Both of those GIGANTOURs were captured on film and released as DVD/CD sets by Image Entertainment. “Our ultimate goal was to have bands that have guitar players in them that were guitarists that do solos,” Mustaine explained to Billboard.Biz. “So we got this together and we wanted it to be a guitar player's festival -- positive and encouraging for kids to go to so they're safe. Their mom's aren't going to say, ‘You know what? This isn't cool for you to go to. You have to wait until you're older. Any age can come to these concerts.” Summing it up, Mustaine told Revolver in an April cover story on the tour which always offers a strong connection between fans and musicians: “Gigantour is about celebration. When you enjoy what do you, it becomes effortless.” For developing info about GIGANTOUR 2009, go to:
gigantour.com
megadeth.com

Fee Releases All Because Of Jesus On iTunes
Fee’s “All Because of Jesus Complete EP” is being sold exclusively on iTunes. Along with two versions of “All Because of Jesus” including an acoustic and radio mix, the EP will also contain a live performance video as well as words from lead singer Steve Fee. The complete EP from the INO Records’ band will be a worship resource kit. Known across worship circuits world wide, Fee released their debut INO project & GMA DOVE Nominated “We Shine” in September ’07. Endorsed by the likes of MercyMe’s Bart Millard, Casting Crown’s Mark Hall and author David Nasser, FEE has also received praise from visionary, architect & director of the Passion Conferences Louie Giglio saying “Steve Fee has a unique voice in the world of worship, effectively leading a new generation to live in a story so much bigger than their own … ‘We Shine’ is one of the best worship projects of the year.” As part of the Passion Conferences with Louie Giglio and Chris Tomlin, FEE has worshipped with and performed in front of thousands. Hailing from Atlanta, GA, Steve Fee still leads worship at the North Point Community Church.
For more information, visit:
myspace.com/stevefee

Code of Ethics To Release Albums Internationally
Go Global Entertainment, LLC and Barry Blaze are excited to announce an international distribution partnership for two new albums soon to release globally: Code of Ethics - Lost in Egypt and Barry Blaze - Patiently Waiting. After a decade of success in the Christian music industry as Code of Ethics, Barry Blaze transitioned from performing for the masses to a focus on playing for an audience of One. In 2001, Blaze put his touring and writing on hold to join a staff of a growing church in North Florida. Learning to lead worship revealed something Blaze knew all along—God had made him to be both, artist and worship leader. Three years ago, after a life-threatening motorcycle accident on his favorite Florida drive, Blaze found himself with head trauma that included permanent hearing and vision loss. The physical tragedy led to a series of surgeries to partially restore his sight and hearing. Inner healing came as he let fear and vulnerability develop his faith into a first hand experience of trusting God with the good and horribly bad. In the album, Patiently Waiting, Blaze lyrically invites listeners to join him in an exploration of reverence and thanks to a sovereign God who is faithful beyond all circumstance. The album’s contemporary melodies deliver an enjoyable blend of pop and praise sharing hope during a time of great difficulty. "When Barry first shared his testimony with me and shared his heart for doing a new Code of Ethics album and putting together his first international music tour, I knew we would work together.", says Nordhoff, "He has such a heart for ministry and impacting the world for Christ, it was a natural connection." Go Global Entertainment, LLC was started in January 2005 as Eric felt a strong need to better support sales of US product to licensees worldwide. As a natural byproduct, the company is involved in product and artist development worldwide. Go Global imports quality international product into the United States and exports quality US product into the rest of the world. Go Global Entertainment exists to bring the hope of the Gospel to all the world through the sale, marketing and promotion of quality Christian music and media. Go Global is daily guided by the biblical scripture in Mark 16:15 that says, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature."

“I am very exciting about the things God is aligning for Barry Blaze and Code of Ethics ministry globally. I see God’s hand in partnering with Go Global Entertainment to reach people around the world with the message of Christ’s love,” says Blaze. “I am excited to share my ‘God Story’ as we currently have plans to minister in Africa, the UK, China, the Philippines, as well as any other countries that God provides an open door to. We’re also working with a mission organization The Reckoning International to help in providing people with a way out of poverty. I am looking forward to the wonderful things God will do with this music ministry as we travel globally this year.” Razzbarry Records is a creative outlet for the projects by artist Barry Blaze and Code of Ethics. Razzbarry Records was founded in 2008 by Barry Blaze to be an avenue to take the "God Story" to the world through music. For more information:
barryblaze.com

Mike Farris Brings "Church" To Bonnaroo
INO Records’ Mike Farris brought Bonnaroo its “gospel shakedown” on June 13th as his “ ‘Salvation In Lights‘ gospel songs got things feeling like a fiery Sunday service, feet stomping, arms waving, voices calling back to the stage,” describes The Tennessean and also reprinted in USA Today. Farris appeared alongside more than 100 other legendary artists including all music genres at the world famous music festival in Manchester, TN last weekend performing in front of hundreds of crazed music fanatics. Check out the article here.
For all things Farris, please visit :
mikefarrismusic.net
myspace.com/mikefarrismusic

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