News Update Week Ending 1-11
RYFO Network Helps Change How Musicians Tour
The next step in changing how musicians tour has been taken by Nick Greenwood, founder and director of RYFO NETWORK; an organization established to holistically care for the unique physical, emotional and spiritual needs of touring musicians. Greenwood has been preparing for the January 12, 2009 launch of RYFO's new website (RYFO.org) since the organization's conception in the fall of 2007. "With a new site, band members will be able to book nights through the site at interviewed host homes across the country for free, receive counseling from music industry professionals, request on-the-road tour chaplains, order free books from RYFO’s publishing partners, manage their own prayer networks, receive and interact with regular devotional content and find RYFO partners offering discounted services such as mechanics, restaurants, stores and more. There's nothing else out there like this," says Greenwood. Greenwood first saw the need for bands a few years ago while being on the road himself. Solid State recording artist, Haste the Day's Mike Murphy describes it best, "Getting sick wasn't a matter of if, but when. We were lucky to be able to eat off dollar menus and would run out of clean clothes within the first week or two. We had no idea what we were doing. It was easy to be taken advantage of. The network RYFO has set up would be amazing to be a part of even today. It's those little things that make or break bands at all stages of their career." Organizations such as Tooth & Nail Records, Facedown Records, EMI/CMG, The Sparrow Foundation, XXXChurch, Heart Support, Zondervan and Desiring God have connected with RYFO and support the organization's endeavors to encourage the musicians. Individuals who will act as bloggers and counselors for RYFO are Chad Johnson (A&R at Tooth and Nail), Nigel James (Third Day’s road pastor), John Thompson (EMI/CMG), Pastor Jerry Bryant (Nashville Vineyard) and Pastor Seth Ebel (former employee of Tooth and Nail, now pastor). Fans can register for the prayer network, TheFifteenThirtys (Romans 15:30), and then apply to be a host home on RYFO's website. Interviews will help to ensure the safety of both the individual and the bands. Everyone has benefited from music. For some, the songs have helped them through the valleys of life or simply provided entertainment. RYFO hopes to encourage listeners to give back and help care for the artists they love.
Bombworks Records Signs A Hill To Die Upon
Bombworks Records is excited to announce the signing of A Hill To Die Upon.
Hailing from Monmouth, Illinois, the band, with 2 brothers at the core, plays their own brand of brutal melodic black metal. A Hill To Die Upon has been a band for quite some time now, starting out several years ago as a hardcore band but quickly finding their calling in the desolate wastelands of extreme black metal. Though calling the US home, the band sounds more akin to the homeland of their major influences, possessing a decidedly European sound reminiscent of bands like Behemoth, Dimmu Borgir, 1349, and Satyricon. Technical atmospheric melodic brutality is the band's MO, and they certainly deliver. A Hill To Die Upon will be releasing their debut full length album on Bombworks Records in June 2009. It will be recorded by Kevin Rendleman at Trash Rocket Studios in Peoria, IL and mixed by Eric Tordsson (Crimson Moonlight) at Dark Chamber Studios. You can check out A Hill To Die Upon and several tracks from their demo at:
myspace.com/ahilltodieuponband
Newsboys Announces The Return Of Jody Davis
Guitarist Jody Davis returns to Newsboys after a five-year hiatus. Davis, who was a member of the band from 1993-2003, contributed to many of Newsboys’ greatest hits like “Shine,” “Entertaining Angels,” and “It is You.” In 2003, he took time off to care for his daughter, Bethany, who has cerebral palsy. “I am thrilled to be returning to the band and back with my bandmates, who are some of my best friends,” says Davis. “This is a big change in my life, and I’m looking forward to the tour and new record with excitement.” Peter Furler, lead vocalist for Newsboys, is also excited about Davis’ return. “Jody is like a brother to all of us, and we have missed him greatly over the last five years. It’s going to be great to have him back with us.” Paul Colman, who played guitar with Newsboys the last three years, will be continuing his solo career and performing shows nationwide in 2009. “My three years with newsboys were among the best of my life. I learned an immeasurable amount about music, ministry, and life, and am happy to say I left with all our friendships wonderfully intact. I always was and always will be one of newsboys' biggest fans. I am very excited about the return of Jody Davis!” Newsboys will release the title track and debut single, “In The Hands Of God,” from its forthcoming May 5, 2009 project to both AC and CHR radio Jan. 16. The band will also embark on a 30-city “Join the Tribe” tour with special guests DecembeRadio, Vota, and Bread of Stone in February.
Red Garners Radio Support For New Single
Grammy-nominated modern rock band Red has already garnered airplay across the country--weeks before its official release to radio--for their single “Death Of Me” from their Innocence & Instinct album, due out February 10 via Essential Records/Red Distribution. The song--which combines a soulful urgency with crunchy guitars, gorgeous strings and a powerhouse chorus--debuts on the R&R Active Rock chart at #39 and has received early adds at stations including: KILO/Colorado Springs, WILL/Chicago, KHTQ/Spokane, WRUF/Gainesville, WXQR/Greenville, KBRE/Merced, KEYJ/Abilene, KFMX/Lubbock, KRQR/Chico, WPRX/Cape Cod, KUPD/Phoenix, WJJO/Madison, KXFX/Santa Rosa, WXRX/Rockford and KZZQ/Salt Lake City. “The song is really a regretful introspective moment, where you realize that your own actions have led you down a path you never wanted to take,” says guitarist Anthony Armstrong. “You’re the one who keeps tearing yourself down in some kind of vicious cycle that never seems to end.” After a brief break at home for the holidays, RED--known for their relentless touring and riveting live shows--return to the road for a January 23 show in Beaumont, TX, followed by a string of dates in February.
For more tour dates, visit:
myspace.com/dropofred
Mantric News
Mantric, the name of the band that was left when David Husvik and Peter Espevoll decided to leave Extol, are these days finishing their debut-album. About half of the twelve songs on the album was originally meant for the next Extol-release, which will point to a natural progression from "The Blueprint Dives", yet more dirty and aggressive. The two guitar players Ole Halvard Sveen and Tor Magne Glidje (which were also the main songwriters on TBD) have taken over the vocals, while Kim Akerholdt (known from Norwegian award-winning punk rock-act Silver) has taken over the drums after Husvik left. Tue Madsen at Antfarm Studios in Denmark (the Haunted, Moonspell, Becoming the Archetype etc...) handles the mix, and Mantric has already published samples from three of the finished songs here . Try to imagine members from Radiohead, Mars Volta, Mastodon, Queens of the Stone Age, Blindside and Extol making an album together, and you might get a tiny clue of what to expect. As always when waiting for a release from these circles, we can look forward to something unique and groundbreaking.
New Method Release New Single
New Method, one of music’s newest hot bands to emerge on the national stage, will release its second single, “A Safe Distance” from the album “Old School” on January 6. The band, a Christian quartet based in Ohio, recently signed with Avista, an arm of Provident-Sony Music. Avista released “Old School” at the end of 2008. “Old School,” the band’s second full-length album also will be available at all Wal-Mart stores and at Walmart.com later this month and coincides with the national release of “A Safe Distance.” This is New Method’s second national single from the album, the first being “All About the Love.” In support of both the single and the album, New Method appeared on Columbus, Ohio’s Fox 28’s “Good Day Columbus” for an interviews and performances on December 15 and 24. Founder of the band, Doug Meacham, said of “A Safe Distance, “We feel this song will really touch a lot of people who have wanted love in their life, but have felt like they need to guard their hearts. Plus, it speaks about the fact that we keep a safe distance from the love that God offers with that same fear of commitment.” Having the CD available at Wal-Mart will help move New Method’s music in to a more mainstream market and expose people who have yet to discover the band to a sound that has been described as “fresh,” “cutting edge,” and “new” pop rock. “We're very excited about the CD being distributed to Wal-Mart stores,” Meacham said. “It will give a great deal more people access to our sound, message and the product, and will help us make a more concentrated crossover into the mainstream market.”
Check them out here:
newmethod.net
GodTube Sponsors WinterJam Tour
GodTube.com, the world’s largest Christian social networking site, has announced that it is joining the Winter Jam 2009 Tour as the exclusive online Christian social networking partner. Winter Jam is the world’s largest annual tour in Christian music history, which has continuously attracted millions of fans since the event launched in 2002 and quickly became one of the industries most highly regarded and successful events. In 2009, the number of concert attendees is already projected to surpass last years’ attendance level, as Winter Jam will be introducing a Christian music powerhouse line up including artists such as TobyMac, Hawk Nelson, Brandon Heath, NewSong, Family Force 5, BarlowGirl, The Afters, Francesca Battistelli, PureNRG and Stephanie Smith. “Everyone on the Winter Jam Tour Spectacular team is thrilled to partner with GodTube.com for 2009,” stated Nick Barré of Proper Management. “As the unquestioned leading online source of “faith based” user-created content, GodTube.com will enable Winter Jam fans to actually introduce their favorite artist in front of the largest annual tour audience in Christian music. This unprecedented level of fan-interaction is exactly what Winter Jam is all about.” As a key sponsor, GodTube.com has announced that the company will be hosting The GodTube.com Jam Cam Contest - affording a lucky fan the chance to personally introduce their favorite artist/band in front of thousands at a selected tour date on Winter Jam. Entrants are invited to film their own unique and creative introduction for their favorite Winter Jam artist/band on the tour, upload it on their GodTube.com account and send a message including the video link to godtube.com/winterjam. If selected, the winner will be awarded two free early admission passes to the Winter Jam Tour city nearest to them. There are 35 Winter Jam tour dates with five GodTube.com Jam Cam artist introductions each night, offering opportunities to numerous winners. Multiple video entries are welcomed and encouraged to increase the chances of winning for all entries. Entries are to be submitted no later than seven days before the concert a fan would like to attend. Contest concludes by March 8, 2009. Trey Bowles, Vice President of Marketing and the Head of Music Strategy for GodTube.com, is encouraged to be a part of Winter Jam 2009 and to formally announce the partnership of The GodTube.com Jam Cam Contest giveaway. “We are excited to offer this revolutionary contest that will allow fans to become a part of the Winter Jam Tour and play an interactive role in the entire concert experience,” says Bowles. “We are allowing concert goers the opportunity to have a taste of the features and benefits that GodTube.com has to offer not only in uploading their videos, but also through connecting and sharing their faith and lives through photos, blogs and prayers on a safe and family-friendly site. With what our world needs at this time, GodTube.com has the unique ability to share hope and faith combined with music."
Tour Dates:
1/8- Roanoke, VA
1/9- Chattanooga, TN
1/10- Fayetteville, NC
1/11- Charlotte, NC
1/15- Augusta, GA
1/16- Tallahassee, FL
1/17- Tampa, FL
1/18- Macon, GA
1/23- Peoria, IL
1/24- Des Moines, IA
1/25- St. Charles, MO
1/29- Cincinnati, OH
1/30- Cleveland, OH
1/31- Columbus, OH
2/5- Southaven, MS
2/6- Little Rock, AR
2/7- Birmingham, AL
2/8- Duluth, GA
2/13- Greenville, SC
2/14- Jacksonville, FL
2/15- Mobile, AL
2/20- Columbia, SC
2/21- Greensboro, NC
2/22- Norfolk, VA
2/26- Oklahoma City, OK
2/27- Tulsa, OK
2/28- Wichita, KS
3/1- Council Bluffs, IA
3/6- Knoxville, TN
3/7- Lexington, KY
3/8- Tupelo, MS
3/12- Grand Rapids, MI
3/13- Ft. Wayne, IN
3/14- Ypsilanti, MI
3/15- Nashville, TN
Christafari's World Tour Hits 20 Countries
While many bands are struggling on the road in a slumping economy, gospel reggae band Christafari has maintained a relentless worldwide tour schedule. In the last eight months alone, the 10-piece band (recognized as one of the Top 10 Reggae Artists in the World by Billboard Magazine) has performed over 80 shows in 20 countries, including concerts in the USA, Iceland, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Poland, Germany, The Netherlands, England, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Spain, Antigua, Trinidad and Brazil (where they performed to a crowd of 80,000 in February!). In August, Lion of Zion Entertainment released Reggae Redemption Songs II, the second volume of Christafari’s best selling compilation. Produced by Christafari founder and lead vocalist Mark Mohr and guitarist Solomon Jabby, Reggae Redemption Songs II is filled with new gospel reggae anthems from the top artists in the genre, including Christafari, Dominic Balli, 'Imisi, Avion Blackman, Sherwin Gardner, Solomon Jabby, Roge Abergel, Mr. Lynx, Monty G, Jennifer Howland and others. With nearly 80 minutes of music, this ambitious recording reflects the broad spectrum of performers who represent the roots & culture movement in the gospel reggae arena. Reggae Redemption II contains a unique blend of impassioned vocals, uplifting lyrics and bass-throbbing roots reggae rhythms, while boldly proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ. “These are true redemption songs written by artists whose lives have been permanently changed by Jesus Christ,” states Mohr. “Song by song, it is a musical tract which leads the listener through God's plan of salvation, and into a newfound faith.” Christafari heads off to the Caribbean and South America later this month. The group will continue touring both in the USA and internationally in 2009, with Christafari member and fellow Lion of Zion artist Avion Blackman opening in support of her latest solo CD, Sweet Life.
Cool Hand Luke News
The guys in Cool Hand Luke jump-started 2009 with a January tour alongside their good friends, My Epic. This past weekend, the tour began in Virginia and North Carolina to rave reviews and great crowds. Joining Cool Hand Luke onstage is Lee Hardin, a great friend and bass player, so if you are able to check out the tour, make sure you say hello to Lee!
Tour Dates:
1/9– Jacksonville, FL
1/10– Douglasville, GA
1/11– Pensacola, FL
1/12– Madison, MS
1/13– East Ridge, TN
1/14– Nashville, TN
1/16– Little Rock, AR
1/17– Camdenton, MO
1/18– Owensboro, KY
1/19– Anderson, IN
1/20– Southgate, MI
1/21– Mansfield, OH
1/22– Crofton, MD
1/23– Lynchburg, VA
1/24– Burlington, NC
Syntax Records does it again. The San Diego-based hip-hop label dropped The Wages of Syntax Volume 2, a compilation bringing fans the best of its roster. Spun by DJ Promote, Wages mixes several of Syntax Records' hottest songs featuring over 15 artists. This album was produced with hip-hop lovers in mind. DJ Promote remixes 60 minutes worth of banging beats and conscious rhymes. "There's never been a mixtape like this in our market... It's a party in a box," says Syntax Records President Tim Trudeau, who goes by the moniker "sirROCDOMZ" when producing. "I believe that this second round of Wages nailed the heart of a mixtape. Anyone who listens through entirely will walk away impressed." Wages kicks off with Kaboose's "Goin' Outta Control" featuring Royce Da 5'9" -- just in time for the brand new animated music video that was one of the five featured on Yahoo Music. Wages continues to hit fans hard with a constant stream of bangers such as "Universal" by LA Symphony and "Hawthorne's Most Wanted" by RedCloud featuring Tonex and Kurupt. It goes as classic as 2003's "I Sigh" by Sackcloth Fashion to the 2008 title track from Braille's The IV Edition. Wages was a collaborative effort that strove to showcase singles that genuinely blended. Tim Trudeau explains, "We took into consideration music theory, such as what key a song was in, and the dynamics of the song. These are things people don't think hip-hop has. We're going back to the era when DJs were mixing and remixing songs together. There are years of music here, and we didn't even go through the whole catalog." "Wages of Syntax 2 is a wonderful orchestration of intelligent lyrics, classic beats and well thought out, cross-genre blending that have raised the standards for all future studio mixtapes," says Newville. "If you've never heard of Syntax Records, now is your chance to taste what has been missing from today's music industry." Featured artist Braille says, "For me, this mixtape is very forward thinking and proves that people should be paying attention to Syntax Records. It takes moments from the history of Syntax and incorporates them without ever loosing speed or energy. It tells a story." "It's underground hip-hop in its purest form. Tight beats, dope rhymes, top-notch scratching and blending every song in an outstanding fashion," RedCloud praises. "If you consider yourself a fan of 'real hip-hop', then quit reading this and buy this album immediately."
The Wages of Syntax Volume 2 is available at qualityjunk.com and anywhere music is sold.
Josh Dies Does Solo Tour
Showbread vocalist/front man Josh Dies has embarked on his first book reading/acoustic performance tour this past weekend. At the shows, Josh will be doing an acoustic set made up of requests and surprises from the Showbread and DIES catalog, reading from his books, stories and poetry, and having an open Q&A and dialogue with the audience. It will be a nice break from the traditional rock show format and a unique experience every night with interesting things thrown in every time. This tour also marks the release of the new DIES EP Talons, Josh's new children's book "The Insect," the long awaited Showbread DVD How Showbread Ruined My Life as well as the first printing in over two years of Josh's bizarre debut novel "The Spinal Cord Perception." Ticket prices are pretty cheap at every show, so please come out and spend an evening with Josh.
Here are the dates:
1/8 Waco, TX
1/9 San Antonio, TX
1/10 Austin, TX
1/11 Albuquerque, NM
1/14 Hollister, CA
1/15 Sacramento, CA
1/16 Ashland, OR
1/17 Roseburg, OR
1/19 Tacoma, WA
1/20 Seattle, WA
1/21 Terrace, WA
1/22 Spokane, WA
1/25 Hawarden, IA
1/26 Oskaloosa, IA
1/29 Danville, IL
1/30 Danville, ID
1/31 South Bend, ID
2/1 Grand Rapids, MI
2/2 Kalamazoo, MI
2/3 Akron, OH
2/4 Patchogue, NY
2/5 Annapolis, MD
2/6 Virginia Beach VA
2/7 Franklinville, NC
2/8 Greensboro, NC
2/10 Corbin, KY
Family Force 5's Online Store Is Back
This just in from Family Force 5... "Our online store is back! AND...We have a New Year’s treat for you! That's right, it's back for the attack! We apologize for the the inconvenience and the delay, but it was totally worth it. The new online store is much easier to navigate than our last one, and it looks incredible! I'm sure you're wondering about the treat we mentioned in the title of the blog... it's not Cracklin' Oat Bran, it's not stolen trail mix, and it's not a sandwich with AJAX instead of honey...it's the Really Real Show Season 1 DVD! Tub-O dug up some of the deleted scenes, and we all sat around recording audio commentary for a DVD critics are calling, "Family Force 5's 1st DVD!" Make sure to check it out Here!"
Check out their website for more info:
langerado.com
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