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Kalel Steps Down From Pillar
Taken from Kalel's (Michael Wittig) myspace page:
Hello everybody. First off I just want you all to know that I love you and appreciate very much all your encouragement and support through the years. Its meant so much to me and my family.
I wanted to tell you, some of my closest friends first before rumors started flying around. As of a few days ago I have officially stepped out of Pillar. Its been an amazing 10 years of my life that I will never forget thanks to many of you. There are many reasons why, but it is just the right time. I have a real peace in my heart about the decision. Lester leaving Pillar was part of it. He is one of my closest friends and it would just be hard to continue on without Tuga. Another big reason is my family. I just wasn't looking forward to leaving them, especially Kaden and Kyler, for this upcoming Creation Tour. Shows here and there are fine, but leaving for weeks on end was getting too hard. Not to mention my old back and knees starting to give me trouble. I am just old lol. I know God has some big plans for me still.
I wish Rob, Noah, and Pillar the absolute best. They are going to continue on with a few new dudes. We've all been through a lot in the last 10 years and I am going to miss them dearly. I feel very blessed to have had the opportunity to be apart of something that has changed so many lives.
What will I be up to now???? Well, I will be spending a lot more time with the kids. Instead of going to daycare they will probably be hanging with dad everyday. I will continue managing and consulting Christian artists with my friend Joey Avalos (jmamusic.com). We are working with two great bands right now: One Minute Halo (myspace.com/oneminutehalo) and A Road Less Traveled (myspace.com/aroadlesstraveled). Both of these groups will be doing big things in the near future. Besides playing bass, the business/marketing/artist development side of things has always been a gift of mine. I am really excited to give back to these younger groups and help them to be their best. Then I will be jamming with Lester, Joey, and our friend Chris in our group Stars Go Dim- myspace.com/starsgodim. I like all styles of music so its been fun doing something different. Sometimes Lester cannot make these shows because he is so busy (he is in demand) and when that happens Lester's buddy Tony fills-in for him. Lester has been working hard to finish up our full length record "Love Gone Mad" (he is producing) around all his session work and gigs. We just posted up new SGD music and you can pre-order our new EP coming out October 21. Tour dates throughout the midwest are being booked now and will soon posted on our myspace.com/starsgodim. Hopefully we will see some of you soon at these shows.
I know this is sad news for some of you. Though I have a peace it is still very hard. Change is hard. God is in control and sees the bigger picture. Please keep Pillar, Rob, Noah, Lester, myself, and all our families in your prayers. Don't forget I won't be disappearing. I will be right here for you all. Hit me up anytime.
Love you guys,
Michael "Kalel" Wittig




The Becoming's Debut Is In Stores Now
The Becoming's new album "Vol. 1" is in stores and online now! The album is available at Best Buy, FYE or any of your other favorite music retailers! You can also get it for only $7.99 at iTunes! If you haven't already, check out the "Vol. 1" e-card for news, tour dates and other fun stuff here.




Jon Foreman Releases Limbs And Branches On Oct 28th
Acclaimed Switchfoot frontman Jon Foreman releases Limbs and Branches Oct. 28 on lowercase people records / Credential Recordings / EMI CMG. The full length, 12-song recording features two new tunes, "Broken From the Start" and "Over the River," as well as the most popular hits from his widely acclaimed Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer solo EPs that have sold the equivalent of 150,000 copies to date. Each EP serves as a chapter of Foreman's stripped down, intimate and direct vision. It is one that begins with a foray into death and decay, but eventually transforms into reflections on growth and rebirth. All four discs were produced by Foreman with GRAMMY-nominated Charlie Peacock serving as the executive producer. The EPs have been heralded as "Brilliant Sonic Works of Art," "Impassioned," "Brutally Honest" and "Fresh, New Sounding" in reviews covering a wide media spectrum from MTV, Performing Songwriter, and Plugged In to PopMatters, The Album Project and Relix, to Philadelphia Daily News, San Diego Union Tribune and Orlando Sentinel. In addition to the critical acclaim, Foreman has developed a unique following with the best-selling EPs beyond his role as the lead vocalist for the multi-platinum selling rock band Switchfoot. Gathering over 1.4 million spins on his MySpace page, fans also helped select the songs for Limbs and Branches through jonforeman.com including the current radio single, "The Cure For Pain," from Fall. This song was also used in the season finale of Grey's Anatomy. "For the past few tours we've done as a band [Switchfoot], I've made a habit of playing a set after the show," said Foreman prior to the release of Fall. "Many of these 'after shows' have been incredible experiences, a chance for spontaneous acoustic music that is completely juxtaposed to the rock band environment: no booking agent, no light show, no amps or guitar techs – just Dylan covers, some sing-a-longs, and honest stories. These projects are an attempt to create a musical conversation that mirrors that experience." What began as impromptu solo performances by Foreman at coffee shops, bars, café's and alleys around Switchfoot's touring worldwide has continued following the release of the EPs and expanded into noteworthy performances at SXSW, New York City's Central Park, Koffeehouse 2008 "Evening of Independence" Music Festival, Tribeca Film Festival (NY), Fishmouth Live Event and more. Inspired by his frequent, impromptu solo sets, Foreman is a man still journeying towards self-discovery, unafraid of questioning anything in his path. Some people write songs to get famous or gain respect, but Foreman writes songs to understand himself. "I write questioning songs," he says. "I'm interested in reading philosophy and trying to figure things out. The melodies come to me quite easily so it's the poets, philosophers and psalmists that help me put the melodies where they belong. The songs assist me in the challenge of knowing who I am, so the shoulders of great writers are a good place to start." Called a "master songwriter" by the press following the release of his EPs, Jon Foreman is currently recording songs with Switchfoot for its highly anticipated new album slated for a spring 2009 release. "I really feel that the next Switchfoot album will be our defining record," relates Foreman. He's also on the groundbreaking 23-city major market "Music Builds" Tour with Switchfoot that benefits Habitat for Humanity.




House In Theaters In November
Based on the novel written by New York Times Bestselling Authors Ted Dekker and Frank Peretti, Roadside Attractions presents HOUSE, a Christian-themed supernatural thriller descending into theaters nationwide on Nov. 7. The film has received a controversial 'R' rating by the MPAA, and with more than 350,000 books sold, the highly anticipated film is creating a buzz around the country from Dekker and Peretti fans anxious to see the movie version of this bestseller. In fact, fans are already rushing to check out the film's facebook page. Mel Gibson's multi-million dollar blockbuster The Passion Of The Christ (2004) has been the only Christian-themed film to date to be released with an 'R' rating until now. Due to terror and some violence, HOUSE received the controversial rating, something that has shocked the film's producers. "Typically when the MPAA gives a movie an R rating, there is generally something specific you can point to that's pushing the movie over the rating line," noted producer Ralph Winter (X-MEN, Fantastic Four). "When the MPAA came back and said that the movie was going to receive an R for 'terror' in general, we were at a loss. We knew immediately that a large portion of the teenage fan base that made the book a success would not have access to the film and that many faith-based organizations that would generally support the film would feel handcuffed due to the baggage associated with most rated R films—baggage that's completely absent in house." Winter went on to say "It's truly unfortunate. We wanted to make edits or cuts to make the movie available to a PG-13 fan base but the MPAA said that the whole story was just too intense. We suspect that many of the elements that made the book such a great read are just too intense when brought to the screen. We hope that people can judge the film on its own merit and appreciate the film's themes of 'good vs. evil' and 'sin and redemption'." Scheduled to open on approximately 450 screens across America, HOUSE centers around Jack and Stephanie, who, in the year since their young daughter died in a tragic accident, have built walls around their hearts that the other can't possibly penetrate. But their inner darkness is child's play compared to the evil that lurks in the walls of the HOUSE. Imprisoned with another troubled couple in a house of true horrors, they are forced to play a one-night game of life and death with a crazed murderer … and each other. When they come face-to-face with evil, they discover it is instantly recognizable. The trailer for HOUSE recently premiered as an exclusive on IGN Entertainment's website.
For more info, visit:
housethemovie.net




Facedown Records Announces the Minotour!
The MINOTOUR is For Today's triumphant return to the United States after a unique ministry tour opportunity in Mexico. For Today has been touring relentlessly all across the US, and will have played 275 shows this year alone once they complete the MINOTOUR. FT has both headlined and supported larger acts like Showbread, Life In Your Way (final tour) and Liferuiner. The MINOTOUR dates are For Today's last scheduled tour dates for the rest of 2008 before the band takes some time off to write/record their new record due out in mid 2009. Check out the MINOTOUR with Call To Preserve, Too Pure To Die (Trustkill) and Wrench In The Works.
Tour Dates:
Oct 8 Houston, TX
Oct 9 Wade, MS
Oct 10 Clinton, MS
Oct 11 Pensacola, FL
Oct 12 Panama City, FL
Oct 13 Orlando, FL
Oct 14 New Port Richey, FL
Oct 16 Jacksonville, FL
Oct 17 McCalla, AL
Oct 18 Rainbow CIty, AL
Oct 19 West Columbia, SC
Oct 20 Pilot Mountain, NC
Oct 21 Fredericksburg, VA
Oct 22 Wilmington, NC
Oct 23 Annapolis, MD
Oct 24 Clinton, NJ
Oct 25 CT
Oct 26 Yonkers, NY
Oct 27 Rockville Centre, NY
Oct 29 Charleroi, PA
Oct 30 Edinboro, PA
Oct 31 Mansfield, OH
Nov 1 Corbin, KY
Nov 2 Evansville, IN
Nov 3 LaPorte, IN
Nov 4 Howell, MI
Nov 5 Champaign, IL
Nov 6 Mount Vernon, IL
Nov 7 Camdenton, MO
Nov 8 Tulsa, OK
Nov 9 Lawrence, KS
Nov 10 Wichita, KS
Nov 11 Columbus, NE
Nov 12 Sioux Falls, SD
Nov 13 Spencer, IA
Nov 14 Buffalo, MN
Nov 15 Willmar, MN
Nov 16 St. Cloud, MN
Nov 17 Fargo, ND
Nov 19 Bismarck, ND




Jeremy Camp New Album News
Four studio discs, one live album, 16 No. 1 songs, five Dove Awards, three ASCAP Songwriter of the Year wins and an American Music Award nomination only scratch the surface of the accolades that follow the name Jeremy Camp. However, on the heels of his fifth studio release, Camp has set his prize on sharing his message loud and clear with fans come November 25, 2008 with the aptly titled release, Speaking Louder Than Before (BEC Recordings). "At this point, I have a more clear-cut purpose and vision of what I'm meant to do. I'm more purposeful in what I'm sharing. I see the hurt, the lack of direction, in this new generation," the former youth leader says of the album directed squarely at youth. "I always had a passion for youth, but this album is really aimed at them." Speaking Louder Than Before isn't so much about Camp turning up the volume as it is finding greater clarity in what God's called him to do. And while he continues to grow and mature as an artist and a man, it only makes sense that this rocker with a preacher's heart would use his platform to proclaim - louder than ever - the message he knows today's kids need to hear. In addition to the record and with the idea of serving the younger generation, Camp has created commentaries that feature him in a video song-by-song for the whole album. These teaching supplements will be available whether a physical or digital CD is purchased. Camp also has a youth pastor email sign-up list on his site to start a network for sharing. With a purpose in hand, The Camp clan was planning to settle down in Jeremy's home state of Indiana, build a home, plant and some roots. It seemed like the right time to take that next step. But as he was reading his Bible one day, Camp says he sensed God saying, "don't put your tent pegs in too deep here." Soon after, he felt directed to move his family to Nashville. Since relocating, he's found his place, encouraging other artists by sharing what he's learned. Camp admits he's "the busiest I've ever been," balancing work and family life (wife Adrienne and daughters Isabella, nearly four, Arianne, two). It helps that the Camps have made a commitment not to be apart for more than a week at a time. "My priority is my family - the girls are at such a crucial age that I just want to pour into them even more - but I also know what I'm called to do. We tell the girls, 'Dad's going out and sharing Jesus with people.'" Taking this project to heart, Camp began recording Speaking Louder Than Before in May 2008 with Grammy-winning producer Brown Bannister (Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Third Day, Rich Mullins). Once in the studio, Camp recorded for five straight days, 12 hours each day, with some of Nashville's best session players backing him up and offering input that resulted in a larger sound than ever before. With its epic feel, haunting strings and plenty of ear candy, Louder goes far beyond any of Camp's previous projects, but the inspiration solidly remains the same. The album's first multi-format single, "There Will Be A Day," has been # 1 most added at R&R's AC, CHR and Inspo formats. At AC Monitored, AC Indicator and CHR "There Will Be A Day" had the highest debut the week it entered the chart; at CHR and AC Monitored the song had the biggest spin increase on the chart and is already in rotation at nearly 70 reporting stations in just two weeks. See below what radio stations are already saying about this inspiring, melodic single, which will be available for download on iTunes beginning September 23rd.
For more up-to-date information and daily blogs from Camp and his band, visit the newly launched website:
jeremycamp.com




Norma Jean's Robots 3, Humans 0 Up on MySpace
NORMA JEAN--who deliver the most furious, and yet melodic, music of their career with their new album THE ANTI MOTHER--have premiered the video for their first single "Robots 3, Humans 0" on MySpace. For the conceptual video--which delves into the song's themes of jealousy, confusion and rage--the band teamed with director Daniel Chestnut (Hurley Entertainment). Last week, NORMA JEAN kicked off "The Anti Mother Tour" presented by Solid State Records. The six-week nationwide U.S. tour--with additional sponsorship from Hot Topic and Monster Energy Drink—began on Friday, October 3 in Knoxville, TN and wraps Saturday, November 15 in the post-hardcore group's hometown of Atlanta, GA. NORMA JEAN will be joined by fellow labelmates Haste The Day, The Showdown, MyChildren MyBride, Children 18:3 and Oh Sleeper. In TV news, NORMA JEAN will perform "Robots 3, Humans 0" and "Vipers Snakes and Actors" October 31 on FUEL TV's "The Daily Habit" airing at 6pm PT/9pm ET and later again that evening at 9pm PT/12am ET. The show will rebroadcast the following day at 11:30am PT/2:30pm ET and again at 2:30pm PT/5:30pm ET (however, check local listings in your area as it could vary from location to location).
NORMA JEAN's explosive fourth album THE ANTI MOTHER (Solid State)--hailed by Alternative Press magazine as "…the best record of their career" (September 2008)--debuted at #29 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart, with over 16,000 copies sold in the first week alone. Check out the new video here.




Starfield Headlines Fall Tour
Sparrow Records award-winning Canadian modern rock band Starfield brings its highly successful “I Will Go” Tour to the U.S. this fall. The tour that has already played successfully in Canada, the U.K. and Europe now marks Starfield’s first-ever headlining slot in the U.S. The “I Will Go” Tour will feature new Sparrow Records artist Above The Golden State as the opening act. “We’ve taken this tour out in Canada twice, once with Shane and Shane and a second time with Will Graham, the grandson of the great Billy Graham. It will be great to finally bring this show to our friends in the U.S.,” says guitarist Jon Neufeld. This will be the band’s second U.S. tour in 2008, after joining Shane and Shane on its “Vision of You” Tour earlier this year. The “I Will Go” Tour centers around the title track of Starfield’s latest Sparrow Records release I Will Go. The song “I Will Go” commissions people to give time and energy, and not just money, to help those in need. “This is a media-influenced generation, so for this tour we invested a lot of time and energy into the video, lighting and those kinds of elements,” says lead singer Tim Neufeld. “But our real hope is that at the end of the night, people are left with a tug on their hearts to find new ways to love and serve the world around them.” Joining the tour is Starfield’s newest label mate, Above The Golden State. Hailing from Portland, Ore., the band signed with Sparrow Records earlier this year and released its self-titled label debut on July 22, 2008. In addition to garnering critical acclaim, the album’s first single, “Sound of Your Name,” is on the verge of breaking into the Christian AC Top 10. Starfield gained strong momentum, achieving its best radio success, album sales and touring season in the band’s six-year history with its last project Beauty in the Broken. Then inspired by its home congregation, Starfield began to write new songs of substance and style. The substance became the theme and title of the album, I Will Go. The project has made Starfield’s musical mission very clear. The band now brings an intentional message that encourages the listeners to help a hurting world.
For more information on Starfield:
starfieldonline.com




Vans Warped Tour DVD Releases December 2nd
Image Entertainment will release the VANS WARPED TOUR 2007 DVD December 2. Shot during the “Lucky 13” year of America’s longest-running touring festival, the one-hour DVD features breaking and established bands from the annual summer-long tour, affectionately called “punk rock summer camp” by many. Featured artist performances include: The Almost, Paramore, and many more. Since its creation in 1995, the Vans Warped Tour® has played a major role in bringing punk rock/action sports culture from the underground to the forefront of American youth culture, while at the same time creating awareness and taking action towards environmental and social causes. Alternative Press readers have voted the Vans Warped Tour “Best Tour/Festival,” while Rolling Stone called it “America’s most successful festival.” The VANS WARPED TOUR 2007 DVD offers an inside look at the tour that the New York Times says “sets the agenda for mainstream punk” (August 6, 2007).




Strike First Records Has Been Reformed
Facedown Records has announced the newly reformed Strike First Records. Although the look and roster is new, the goal is the same as it was before: to develop the next generation of heavy bands. In 2006, Facedown Records decided to take a break on Strike First Records and re-focus their time and energy exclusively into the bands on their roster. Well, after 2 years of down time, they've had plenty of time to think about relaunching Strike First and making it better than ever. That time is now and they are excited to announce the first 3 bands signed to the newly formed label. The bands are Hope For The Dying, The Great Commission, and Through Solace. With a new and refined focus on developing artists in this day and age, this new wave of Strike First releases will be available worldwide through iTunes and other digital distributors like Amazon MP3, Shockhound and more.
For more info on Strike First Records and the new bands, go here:
myspace.com/strikefirstrecords
strikefirstrecords.com/new/artists.html




Decyfer Down Crashes To Number 1
INO/Columbia Records' rock band Decyfer Down gave their fans a taste of their upcoming album with their Digital EP that released on Sept. 30. Along with the first single, "Crash," which recently peaked at No. 1 on Christian Rock radio, the digital EP is a preview of four-selected tracks from their upcoming sophomore record, aptly titled CRASH, which crashes into stores Feb. 10. CRASH is the follow up to their 2006 debut album End Of Grey, which garnered 4 No. 1 Christian Rock singles and received airplay on both mainstream and Christian radio. After entering the R&R Active Rock Chart, the band's single "Fight Like This" was also featured in a promotion for an Ultimate Fighting Championship title fight. In addition, "Break Free" also received placement and was heard by more than 9 million sports fans during some of the most watched sports games of the year in the NBA, NHL, MLB and NCAA including games between the LA Lakers, Boston Celtics, NY Yankees, Chicago Cubs and more. Decyfer Down has come a long way since End of Grey, entertaining sold out crowds at festivals and concerts around the country sharing the stage with artists such as Cold, Puddle of Mudd, Breaking Benjamin, Strata, Theory of a Dead Man, Smile Empty Soul, Crossfade, Seven Mary Three, Red, Pillar, Thousand Foot Krutch, Skillet and more.
For more info, go here:
myspace.com/decyferdown
decyferdown.com




Pre-order Emery's New Ep
You can now pre-order Emery's upcoming EP, "While Broken Hearts Prevail" from the Tooth & Nail Store before it hits stores on October 28th. Order the EP with a new Emery t-shirt printed on a high-quality fitted t-shirt and also get a custom Emery heart shaped stress ball. Check the new song "The Smile, The Face" on their MySpace Page!
Go here to pre-order or hear the new song:
myspace.com/emery
zambooie.com/toothandnail/detail.tpl?sku=EMERYCOMBO100






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