Seabird Ready To Win Even More Fans
Fresh off the December release of their sophomore album Rocks Into Rivers, Credential Recording’s artist Seabird will be hitting the road this spring with Switchfoot, Sherwood, NeedToBreathe and more for a mix of club and arena tour dates. Seabird will join Switchfoot starting this week in Texas for their “Hello Hurricane” tour. Beginning in March, the band will team up with Sherwood hitting much of the Midwest and West. Next up for Seabird will be dates with NeedToBreathe, Stephen Kellogg and The Sixers starting in late April running through May. The band is already confirmed for several major summer festivals including Alive Fest, Ichthus Festival, Cornerstone Festival, Creation East, Rock the Desert, Fall Quest, Purple Door and more. “Every band at some point in their career has lied about how excited they were to be on a tour with bands that no one has heard of so it should be easy to tell we are not lying when we say how pumped we are at the way 2010 is shaping up,” admits band front man Aaron Morgan. “We have been huge Switchfoot fans for years and are truly honored to share the stage with them for part of their ‘Hello Hurricane’ tour. Following the Switchfoot tour we head out with Sherwood, who besides having a massive internet presence have an excellent new album to share with an always enthusiastic audience. We could not be happier that our good friends NeedToBreathe have also invited us to support them on a portion of their ‘Won’t Turn Back’ tour.” The first single from Rocks Into Rivers, “Don’t You Know You’re Beautiful,” quickly shot up the CHR chart where it is currently No. 3. The song is also in the Top 20 on the Rock chart in addition to being released to new and active at AC Monitor this week. In the midst of radio success, Seabird is filming a video for their hit single “Don’t You Know You’re Beautiful” this month. “We are thrilled with the success we have seen with the band’s single so far and feel this song still has huge potential in front of it,” says Grant Hubbard, Vice President of National Promotion at EMI CMG. “The band’s hard work and effort in the songwriting and recording process has really paid off as we are seeing this song climb the charts at our CHR format. We are looking forward to pushing this song to the Christian AC format in the coming weeks.” The recognizable sounds of Seabird have received support from major networks ABC, CBS and mtvU where the band’s music has been used in promotion for Grey’s Anatomy (ABC), Pushing Daisies (ABC), Numb3rs (CBS) and more. Seabird has also hit such key stages as South by Southwest, MOBFest 09, Forecastle Festival and even headlined the opening night of the MidPoint Music Festival. Cincinnati-based Seabird comprises brothers Aaron (vocals/keys) and Ryan (guitar) Morgan as well as Preston Lane (drums) and Brandon Weaver (bass). The band signed with Credential Recordings in late 2007 and released its debut label project,‘Til We See The Shore, June 24, 2008. A collaborative effort with producers Jacquire King (Modest Mouse, Kings Of Leon, Tom Waits, Switchfoot) and Allen Salmon (Mute Math, This Beautiful Republic), the album received phenomenal national publicity, featured on episodes of “Numb3rs,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” and promos for ABC’s 12-time Emmy-nominated series, “Pushing Daisies.” Their latest, Rocks Into Rivers, was produced by Paul Moak at the Smoakstack in Nashville, and Matt Hales at Ocean Studios in Los Angeles. The band was also recognized by its hometown as “Artist of the Year” at the 2008 Cincinnati Entertainment.
Tour Dates:
3/20 – Akron, OH
3/21 – Columbus, OH
3/22 – Covington, KY
3/23 – Grand Rapids, MI
3/24 – Chicago, IL
3/25 – Milwaukee, WI
3/26 – La Crosse, WI
3/27 – Minneapolis, MN
3/29 – Denver, CO
3/30 – Salt Lake City, UT
3/31 – Idaho Falls, ID
4/01 – Portland, OR
4/02 – Seattle, WA
4/25 – Spring, TX
4/27 – Tulsa, OK
4/29 – Tempe, AZ
4/30 – Pomona, CA
5/01 – Los Angeles, CA
5/03 – San Luis Obispo, CA
5/04 – San Francisco, CA
5/06 – Portland, OR
5/07 – Seattle, WA
5/08 – Spokane, WA
5/10 – Boise, ID
5/11 – Salt Lake City, UT
5/13 – Denver, CO
5/14 – Omaha, NE
5/15 – Des Moines, IA

Tantrum Of The Muse Raising Funds For Vinyl Release
Broken Circles and our friends in Tantrum Of The Muse need your help! The band just had their first album, The Heart Is A Two-Headed Sperm, remastered and they would love to see this album get pressed on vinyl. This isn’t possible without your help. They have set up a Kickstarter project in order to raise the funds necessary to press the record. We have 50 days to reach our goal. We would love it if you helped us spread the word.

Kutless Rocks On
BEC Recordings’ Kutless has impacted fans once again with another power ballad, “What Faith Can Do.” Kutless’ hit song has struck a chord with listeners since its debut in the fall with their worship project “It Is Well.” This week “What Faith Can Do” broke into No. 1 on AC Monitored, marking its spot at No. 1 in four Christian radio formats (CHR, AC Mon, AC Indicator, Inspo). The hit song spent four weeks at the top on CHR (currently No. 2), and remains No. 1 on AC Indicator, AC Monitored, Inspo and the new National Christian Audience Chart (the most popular Christian song ranked by airplay audience impressions). The single is mentioned in this week’s Billboard chart highlights. From the beginning this song and album has touched fans. The single remained at the top on the iTunes Christian chart for weeks, and the album debuted at #1 on iTunes Christian Albums chart, No. 42 on Billboard 200 and at No. 3 on Billboard Top Christian Albums. In addition, “It Is Well” peaked at No. 11 on the Overall Top Albums chart on iTunes. This success is a follow-up to the RIAA Gold selling “Strong Tower” album. Reviews and critics praised this album’s integrity saying the album was “clearly all about worship,” “a sincere call to worship,” and “a staple in any worship collection.” This week “It Is Well” will pass the 100K units sold mark. Kutless is also currently on the Casting Crowns “Until The Whole World Hears” 2010 tour. The tour began earlier this month and will continue across the nation until March 27th ending in Florida.

The Devil Wears Prada News
America’s first-ever hard rock and heavy metal music awards show is back! The second annual REVOLVER GOLDEN GODS AWARDS presented by Epiphone will take place Thursday, April 8, returning to Club Nokia in downtown Los Angeles. The show will later be televised on VH1 Classic Saturday, May 22 (air time TBA). Tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster. This year, hosting duties for the Golden Gods will be shared between musician, activist and entrepreneur Andrew W.K. and professional wrestler, actor, author and metal fan Chris Jericho. The nominees of nine different categories–plus the recipients of this year’s prestigious Golden God Award and the Revolver Golden Gods Lifetime Achievement Award–were revealed today at a press conference held at The Rainbow Bar & Grill on the world famous Sunset Strip in Los Angeles. Both hosts were on hand, along with Rob Halford (Judas Priest), Lemmy Kilmister (Motörhead), Dave Mustaine (Megadeth), Zakk Wylde (Black Label Society, Ozzy Osbourne), Vinnie Paul (Hellyeah, Pantera), Chuck Billy (Testament), Kat Von D (“LA Ink”) and NFL Dallas Cowboys Marc Columbo, Cory Proctor and Leonard Davis to announce the nominees. New for this year, fans everywhere can cast their vote beginning today to choose who will take home the awards for “Best Guitarist,” “Best Drummer,” “Best Vocalist,” “Album of the Year,” “Best Live Band,” “Best Underground Band,” “Most Metal Athlete,” “Hottest Chick(s) in Metal” and “Comeback Of The Year.” Voting can be found here.

David Crowder Band To Help Local Communities
The Life & Faith Tour is a Christian festival with a major fundraising component to benefit the local community, born out of the simple desire to give back and leave a community in better shape than it was when they arrived. Created years ago by former fireman Ronnie Jackson, as an initial fundraiser for the local fire department in Kenbridge, VA, what started out as a cookout with local entertainment grew into a major fundraising event with headlining acts such as Travis Tritt and Alabama. Today, over 30 years later, the tour has grown into a major family attraction. What sets it apart from other festivals is how it presents an opportunity for organizations to raise funds; this is done by simply spreading the word. Starting February 15, tickets will be available for $47.50 and $10 of that automatically goes to a local organization. If the ticket buyer doesn’t choose a beneficiary, a default organization in each city will benefit, ensuring that the community benefits from every ticket sold. Organizations will range from local churches and youth groups to the YMCA, Red Cross and other worthy civic groups. Churches and organizations are welcome to sign up as a beneficiary starting on January 15.“This is truly an effortless act, all organizations have to do is talk about the show, and then when a patron goes to buy a ticket, that organization gets $10 just for the referral,” Jackson explains. “However the churches and organizations must be registered on the tour’s website to become a beneficiary. When purchasing a ticket, patrons will be able to choose a church or organization where their ticket proceeds will go. Each Life & Faith venue can hold 70,000 people so a sellout crowd would leave that community with $700,000 as the tour busses pull out of town. It is truly a remarkable way to give back to the community.”
Compassion International is just one of the many sponsors that have climbed on board to help make this event possible. As a beneficiary for the tour, it is an opportunity that not only raises funds for their own organization, but it also benefits others in the surrounding communities as well. For every 70k people who attend, the tour will provide the funds to build a Habitat of Humanity home in that state.
For organizations to register to become a beneficiary and to view the full all-star lineup along with finding more information, go here:
lifeandfaithtour.com

Impending Doom On Tour In April
Impending Doom have just announced a co-headlining tour with Through The Eyes of the Dead set for spring 2010. Also appearing on the tour are Chelsea Grin, Tony Danza Tapdance Extravaganza, and Arsonists Get All The Girls. Impending Doom is gearing up to release their follow up album to 2009’s The Serpent Servant, a new full length which will be called There Will Be Violence and will be released on July 20, 2010. Tickets for the Road To Metalfest tour will go on sale Friday February 26th for the following dates:
4/9 Colorado Springs, CO
4/10 Omaha, NE
4/11 Minneapolis, MN
4/12 Milwaukee, WI
4/13 DeKalb, IL
4/14 Fort Wayne, IN
4/15 Cleveland, OH
4/16 Detroit, MI
4/17 Windsor, ON
4/18 Toronto, ON
4/20 Ottawa, ON
4/21 Montreal, QC
4/24 Worcester, MA
4/25 Poughkeepsie, NY
4/26 Allentown, PA
4/27 Vineland, NJ
4/29 Richmond, VA
4/30 Raleigh, NC
5/1 Augusta, GA
5/2 Jacksonville, FL
5/3 Orlando, FL
5/4 West Palm, FL
5/5 Tampa, FL
5/6 Douglasville, GA
5/7 Columbus, MS
5/8 Memphis, TN

MYCHILDREN MYBRIDE Release New Video
In June 2008, a guy by the name of Mitchell Davis created and posted a parody video about the Usher cologne fragrance and living the day in the life of the rapper on You Tube. In his video he wondered if a band like MYCHILDREN MYBRIDE had their own fragrance, and what his day would be like. After finding out about the video, the band reached out to Mitchell and an instant friendship was formed. They both agreed that it would be amazing to do a full video for “On Wings of Integrity” and take his original concept and continue the story. MYCHILDREN MYBRIDE’S video “On Wings Of Integrity” features Mitchell living a day in the life of the band and the MCMB fragrance. The video debuted online on February 16th with over 60,000+ hits within 18 hours. Check out the video here.

Jars Of Clay Gets Six
Veteran progressive band Jars of Clay may have reinvented its sound with last year’s The Long Fall Back To Earth, but its peers in the Christian music community continued to honor band members in some familiar ways, with the band picking up six nominations for this year’s GMA Dove Awards. The group was well represented in the GMA Dove Awards’ general categories, picking up mentions in the Artist of the Year and Group of the Year categories, as well as inclusion for Song of the Year for “Two Hands.” The Long Fall Back To Earth was also nominated as Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year, as well as notching two slots in the creative category Recorded Music Packaging of the Year, for the standard and limited editions of the project. But the band will not be partaking in any celebratory beverages in honor of its nomination slate, as band members are in the early stages of its annual “40 Days of Water” benefit for its long-time charitable concern Blood:Water Mission. Jars of Clay, along with many other artists and fans, undertake drinking water as their only beverage for 40 days (coinciding with the Lenten season) and donating the savings to support local water projects in Uganda.
For more information, visit:
40days.bloodwatermission.com

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club To Release New Album
With merely weeks leading to the 3/9 release of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club’s fifth studio album, Beat The Devil’s Tattoo, iTunes is making it available for pre-order now. Upon purchase, the single, “Beat The Devil’s Tattoo,” will be available for instant download with added bonus, “Annabel Lee,” being offered exclusive to this pre-order period, otherwise only available on the vinyl pressing, the Japanese release, and iTunes UK. All versions of the LP purchased through iTunes, pre-sale or otherwise, will include “1:51,” a cult/fan favorite that has not been released until now. This album sees the band return to the rootsy, back porch country sound of Howl, perfectly dusted over their signature wall-of-shoegaze fuzz. In a sense, the duo of bassist Robert Levon Been and guitarist Peter Hayes has started over, with a new vision, new drummer Leah Shapiro as well as a new label – their own Abstract Dragon, in partnership with Vagrant Records. Their newfound confidence and inspiration appears to have rejuvenated them, and their songs bleed with raw intensity. Like the title of the album, a phrase gleaned from Edgar Allan Poe’s 1839 short story, “The Devil In The Belfry,” BRMC stands on the edge of darkness, but never dives in. The trio’s extensive tour begins 2/26 in Sacramento and culminates in Toronto 4/11, after a stop at Webster Hall in NYC 4/8. San Francisco fans will get a special treat, as the band salutes their roots with an intimate performance at Slim’s, their original stomping ground, the night of the album’s release. Upon the tour’s announcements, shows are beginning to sell out, including two nights in current hometown Los Angeles, with a third added due to popular demand.
Tour Dates:
2/26 – Sacramento, CA
2/27 – Reno, NV
2/28 – Las Vegas, NV
3/2 – Denver, CO
3/4 – Boise, ID
3/5 – Seattle, WA
3/6 – Vancouver, B.C.
3/7 – Portland, OR
3/9 – San Francisco, CA
3/10 – San Francisco, CA
3/11 – Los Angeles, CA
3/12 – Los Angeles, CA
3/13 – San Diego, CA
3/14 – Los Angeles, CA
3/16 – Anaheim, CA
3/18 – Dallas, TX
3/20 – Houston, TX
3/21 – Tulsa, OK
3/23 – St. Louis, MO
3/24 – Madison, WI
3/25 – Chicago, IL
3/26 – Milwaukee, WI
3/27 – Minneapolis, MN
3/29 – Grand Rapids, MI
3/30 – Columbus, OH
3/31 – Cleveland, OH
4/1 – Toronto, ONT
4/2 – Montreal, QC
4/3 – Boston, MA
4/5 – Washington, D.C.
4/6 – Philadelphia, PA
4/7 – Pittsburgh, PA
4/8 – New York, NY
4/11 – Toronto, ONT

Gungor Gets Praised
Gungor’s sophomore album from Brash Music titled Beautiful Things has been released amidst critical praise as well as promising feedback from a stellar performance at the 10th anniversary of the re:create conference. Formerly known as The Michael Gungor Band, the socially active, Denver-based foursome is comprised of Michael Gungor, his wife Lisa, as well as friends Brad Waller (guitar) and Josh Harvey (bass). Gungor hits the scene with a different perspective than most bands as the lead singer is perhaps best known for co-writing distinguished songs like “Friend of God” and “Say So” made famous by Israel Houghton. The band’s 2008 debut on Brash Music, Ancient Skies, garnered critical acclaim. Beautiful Things will be the band’s sophomore release, and the third CD release for Michael Gungor.
For more information on Gungor, visit:
gungormusic.com

The Imposter Movie Stars Kevin Max, Kerry Livgren
Pure Flix Entertainment (The Wager, Sarah’s Choice) is happy to announce the release of THE IMPOSTER on DVD, 2/23, 2010. THE IMPOSTER is distributed through EMI/CMG Distribution to CBA retail outlets nationwide. Starring Kevin Max (dc Talk), Jeff Deyo (formerly of Sonicflood), and Kerry Livgren (Kansas, AD), THE IMPOSTER tells the story of a popular Christian rock band, Grand Design, whose lead singer, Johnny C (Max), is spiraling out of control. After his wife and band mates discover his secret life offstage, Johnny C’s life begins to fall apart. Coached by his mentor Proff (Livgren) and a crazy homeless man Tom Wright (World Trade Center, Barbershop), he begins a journey back home to rebuild what is left of his family and home life. Written and directed by Daniel Millican, THE IMPOSTER was a story that needed to be told. “This movie was made for the church,” explains Millican. “I find the closer I pull to Jesus, slowly the masks come off and masquerades end. Hopefully this movie will help viewers choose to find their identity in Jesus.” The DVD, which includes bonus featurettes including “Unmasking The Characters”, Full Music Videos of “Believe (In An Act)”, “Empty”, “Carry On Wayward Son”, and Study Guide Scenes will be available at all major Christian stores on 2/23, 2010.
For more information or media resources for THE IMPOSTER, visit:
pureflix.com/imposter

©2010 HM Magazine All Rights Reserved

More news from last week:

still fresh (as far as you know)

Pillar’s Rob Beckley Releases Book
With the powerful arrival of its sixth studio album, Confessions (9/22), Pillar continues to impress critics and fans alike. Known for unparalleled energy, commitment to excellence and consistently surpassing fan expectations, the hard rock quartet delivers big on its album’s weighty message with a new book produced by Pillar’s frontman, Rob Beckley and American Bible Society, aptly titled “Confessions.” The “Confessions” book emerges as a resource to address some of the most salient issues affecting youth today: spiritual doubts, sexuality, brokenness and self image. Each section includes thematic confessions, a short devotional, reflection questions and Scriptures references for digging deeper. The book, an extension of Pillar’s hard-hitting Confessions album, was inspired by the band’s profound spring 2009 “Confessions Tour.” A confessional curriculum called “My Secret,” taught at the band’s local Tulsa, Ok. church, changed the way Pillar chose to engage with fans while on tour. “We decided to give our fans a way to pour out their hearts anonymously, yet before God” says Beckley. “We took thousands of blank confession cards [distributed via a confessional booth] on the road. It definitely brought kids to the point of acknowledging their sin and what was going on.” The “Confessions Tour” had a defining impact on Pillar as band members read and prayed over each confession card. Explains Beckley, “More than ever, it put things into a perspective of ‘what we do matters.’” The impact from that tour carried over to the Confessions album and led to the development of this new book. “1 John 1:9 says, ‘If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.’ Every song on this album could be broken down to ‘If you just confess,’” shares Beckley. “Pillar is made up of a group of guys who have an unyielding desire to change the hearts of youth, and encourage them to give God a chance to change their lives,” offers Karina Lucero, Director, Scripture Advocacy, American Bible Society. “American Bible Society is ecstatic to support Pillar in this emerging movement with scripture journeys, online Scripture engagement tools, and Bible resources to ensure that post confession, Pillar’s fans experience the Bible’s life changing message.” “Confessions” will be distributed physically at upcoming Pillar concerts and digitally 3 additional chapters can be downloaded here at no cost. “Confessions” book will be available online soon at Pillar.americanbible.org. To further engage churches in upcoming tour markets, Pillar will host meet and greets with youth pastors for talk-back sessions about music, relationships and of course, confession. The American Bible Society is inviting fans to text “Pillar” to 31452 to receive scripture verses via cell phone for post confessional support and will offer a place for visitors to share their personal stories by exploring links found at the band’s website. eckley continues, “We’ve discovered that while confession is difficult, receiving confession can be just as difficult. This book is a detailed resource offering help in both areas, plus ABS is committed to walk alongside the reader in real-time with its online tools and other immediately accessible resources. We can’t thank ABS enough for its joint collaboration on this book.” Confessions, Pillar’s sixth studio album — debuting the talents of new members, bassist Rich Gilliland, drummer Taylor Carroll and new producer, Rob Graves (Red, Wavorly) – released on September 22

In The Midst Of Lions Touring With The Crimson Armada
Strike First Records’ In the Midst of Lions will be joining The Crimson Armada (Metal Blade) and Sleep Serapis Sleep for January’s Thermal Detonator Off, Party On Tour. ITMOL will be coming off of their current tour, the Humanoids tour with Facedown’s Hands where they are promoting their May 2009 Strike First release “Out of Darkness.”
Tour Dates:
12/4 – San Antonio, TX
12/5 – Waco, TX
12/6 – Mission, TX
12/7 – Corpus Christi, TX
12/10 – Tampa, FL
12/11 – Orlando, FL
12/12 – Macon, GA
12/13 – Loganville, GA
12/15 – East Ridge, TN
12/18 – Raleigh, NC
12/19 – Crofton, MD
1/3 – Cape Girardeau, MO
1/4 – Manila, AR
1/5 – Henryetta, OK
1/7 – San Antonio, TX
1/8 – Waco, TX
1/9 – New Iberia, LA
1/10 – Pensacola, FL
1/11 – Jacksonville, FL
1/12 – Columbus, GA
1/13 – Raleigh, NC
1/14 – East Ridge, TN
1/15 – Corbin, KY
1/16 – Dayton, OH
1/17 – Terre Haute, IN

The Fold Video Parody
The Fold has filmed a funny little video for “Every Band In The USA,” completely shot on an iPhone 3GS. Check it out here.

MxPx Releases Christmas Album
MxPx, the notorious punk rockers out of the great Northwest are digitally releasing a 14-track Christmas album titled Punk Rawk Christmas through their label, Rock City Recording Company on December 1. This special holiday offering has been over 10 years in the making; one punk-carol classic released each year (sometimes two) to their PxPx Fan Club for over a decade has now been packaged along with one new original track, “Punk Rawk Christmas” and the soon-to-be-classic punk cover of “Auld Lang Syne.” This year marks the band’s 17-year anniversary and in celebration they have already released an album of covers, On The Cover II in addition to an EP, Left Coast Punk, their first original release in more than two years. Lead singer/bassist Mike Herrera explains the bands decision on now adding in a full-length Christmas album, “This year there was just enough songs to make for a nice, robust holiday album. Any more would be too much, any less would be…well, you get the idea.” Longtime fan favorites such as “Christmas Day,” “You’re The One I Miss” and “It’s Christmas and I’m Sick” are wrapped up alongside the previously unreleased “Punk Rawk Christmas”. About the title track, Herrera says, “I was sitting at the studio writing and thinking of how bad the economy was. Then I came up with the idea of Christmas itself being broke and ‘on a budget’ hence, Punk Rawk Christmas was born.” Adding to the Christmas list of hits, MxPx has added their version of, “Auld Lang Syne”, because, “we wanted to do at least one cover, but didn’t want it to be too weird and cheesy. ALS seemed perfect. It was fun and we did it in one afternoon; what I call the punk rock 101-style of recording.” As a bonus, MxPx will be releasing a RED version of the album available only through Amazon on Demand, which features a physical copy of all 14 tracks, but alternative artwork from the version sold on the bands website. The RED version will be available on December 1. Also available on the same day the band will be releasing a collector’s dream, a limited edition marble-colored 7” vinyl featuring the bands first Christmas track ever written, “Christmas Day” and their most recent track, “Punk Rawk Christmas” in their original form on side A, and acoustic versions on side B. The 7” vinyl is a limited run of 500 and is only available through the band’s website. Also only available through the website is the ‘Limited Edition’ version, known as the GREEN version. This edition includes all 14 tracks, plus two bonus tracks, a previously unreleased original song called “Coal” and an unreleased original demo track, “Questions” in addition to an expanded photo pull-out cover and will be available one week after the digital release on December 8. Pre-sales are available for the ‘Limited Edition’ only, for fan club members first on December 1 with a public pre-sale launching on December 3.

Sounds Familyre Signs Ortolan
A hot minivan barreling down the highway, filled to the brim with siblings, sleeping bags, and travel checkers sets—this is the setting for a decades-old American tradition upheld by millions: arguing over the radio dial until consensus is happily found at that hallowed institution, the oldies station. Thus begins the story of Ortolan, four young women from Southern New Jersey with music-loving, art-teacher parents, devoted to each other in laughter, bickering, love, and play. Sisters Stephanie (16), Brianna (18), Lara (20), and sister-in-law Jill (23) also happen to create music that is singularly winsome, disarming, and sincere, possessing the same kind of universal appeal of 1950s and ’60s rock and roll, with its earnest abandon and joy in simple and uncluttered gestures. Ortolan’s sound is at once familiar and new, a sort of musical déjà vu—where listeners remember that which they are hearing for the first time. The group came together in a remarkably unassuming manner, almost unintentionally, with Stephanie Cottingham (at the time just thirteen years old) signing up with a friend to play at a church coffeehouse. Having only picked up guitar a few months prior, she was surprised by the audience’s enthusiasm for her fledgling attempts at songwriting. Encouraged to give greater heed to the writing impulse, Stephanie spun more melodies and drafted more lyrics, and one year later, she signed up to play the coffeehouse again, this time joined by sisters Lara and Brianna on drums and bass respectively. Ken Fabianovicz of Sounds Familyre was in the audience that night and was so struck by the maturity of song-craft present in this humble outfit that he recommended that the band go into the studio. A few months and several penny-jars later, the group found themselves recording a four-song demo at the New Jersey Recreation Room, home to one of indie music’s most creative producers, Daniel Smith. Smith immediately recognized something special in Stephanie’s beguiling voice and songwriting, and in the remarkable support these sisters showed for each other, cheering one another on as only siblings can. Throughout the next several months, Stephanie and the others continued to write, Jill was added on keys and vocals, the band crafted and refined arrangements—and within a year Ortolan was signed to Sounds Familyre Records and back at the Recreation Room recording their first full-length album, Time On A String (to be released in 3/9, 2010). The original four-song demo was mixed and mastered as well, and has become the perfect introduction to the group, simply titled Ortolan EP (released July 14, 2009). Much like the beautiful, thumb-sized songbird from which the band derives its name, the music of Ortolan possesses the kind of startling beauty that reintroduces wonder to the weary. With playful lyrical themes ranging from sandcastles to buckets of light to fanciful creatures following you home, it’s music with sass and spunk, born from fierce imaginations and young hearts just as enamored with the classic sounds of The Ronnettes, The Shirelles, The Beatles and Motown, as with modern songwriters Regina Spektor, Feist, and Joanna Newsom. Perhaps what is most striking about Ortolan’s music is its satisfying inevitability: the melodies, the chord progressions, the instrumentation, the production all boil down to the right note followed by the right note followed by the right note. All this inevitability and sense of rightness—and yet quirkiness, spontaneity, and joy scamper rambunctiously through every measure. The sound makes you feel that perhaps there are things in the world that exist as they are meant to, and that is no small feat.
For more information on Ortolan, go here:
myspace.com/ortolansong

Eric Clayton Of Saviour Machine Releases Book

For more complete/comprehensive information about the book, “Eric Clayton / The Collective Journals / 1997 – 2009? visit:
saviourmachine.com

Seabird On Grey’s Anatomy

For more information on Seabird, visit:
seabirdmusic.com

Soundmass announce New Album By Grave Forsaken

House of Heroes News
Refusing to slow down House Of Heroes ends 2009 with a bang with the release of their first holiday EP House of Heroes Presents The Christmas Classics out now on Gotee Records, also released in 2009, The End Is Not The End CD followed by two EP releases The Acoustic End and House Of Heroes Meets The Beatles. 2009 House of Heroes Presents The Christmas Classics track list includes the Mariah Carey classic, All I Want For Christmas Is You, Silent Night and O Come, O Come Emmanuel. You can check out their video for Silent Night here.
Tour Dates:
12/4 – Cincinnati, OH
12/5 – Nashville, TN
12/6 – Memphis, TN
12/8 – Little Rock, AR
12/10 – Oklahoma City, OK
12/11 – Georgetown, TX
12/12 – Houston, TX
12/13 – San Antonio, TX
12/15 – Orlando, FL
12/16 – Jacksonville, FL

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club Ride On Indie Style
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club is revving up to unleash their fifth studio album, Beat The Devil’s Tattoo, on 3/9, 2010, signifying the band’s first full-length on their own Abstract Dragon, in partnership with Vagrant Records. This album welcomes exciting beginnings, including new drummer Leah Shapiro, as well as their new label, though the trio returned to the familiar setting of Philly to pen this record. They wrote and recorded it in the very studio that produced their widely acclaimed third LP, Howl, before returning to hometown L.A. to add the finishing touches. The band’s accustomed globetrotting will recommence with an initial headline tour, kicking off 2/26 in Sacramento and culminating at New York City’s Webster Hall on 4/8. Pre-sale for all shows will start Wednesday, December 2. Known for their impassioned live performances, the band recently offered a 2 DVD, 1 CD set aptly titled, Live (Abstract Dragon/Vagrant), earlier this month. The DVDs feature more than two hours of concert footage captured from three sold out shows in Berlin, Dublin and Glasgow, and chronicles the end of the band’s 2007 tour in support of Baby 81. Additionally, it includes intimate, behind-the-scenes footage, glimpses into the making of 2005’s Howl and is rounded out with a bonus live album featuring 14 songs.
Tour Dates:
2/26 – Sacramento, CA
2/27 – Reno, NV
2/28 – Las Vegas, NV
3/2 – Denver, CO
3/4 – Boise, ID
3/5 – Seattle, WA
3/6 – Vancouver, B.C.
3/7 – Portland, OR
3/9 – San Francisco, CA
3/13 – San Diego, CA
3/14 – Los Angeles, CA
3/18 – Dallas, TX
3/20 – Houston, TX
3/21 – Tulsa, OK
3/23 – St. Louis, MO
3/24 – Madison, WI
3/25 – Chicago, IL
3/26 – Milwaukee, WI
3/27 – Minneapolis, MN
3/30 – Columbus, OH
3/31 – Cleveland, OH
4/1 – Toronto, ONT
4/2 – Montreal, QC
4/3 – Boston, MA
4/5 – Washington, D.C.
4/7 – Philadelphia, PA
4/8 – New York, NY

Creed Releases First Live DVD
Fans of multi-platinum power rockers CREED are in for a special treat this Holiday Season as CREED LIVE, the first-ever live DVD from one of the most successful bands of the past decade, hits stores and all major online retailers on December 8, 2009, the day after its nationwide theatrical screening in movie theaters. CREED LIVE, captured during the band’s long-awaited “Full Circle” reunion tour, includes every favorite track a Creed fan would want, including “Higher,” “My Sacrifice,” “With Arms Wide Open” and “Bullets” plus new songs such as “Overcome” and “A Thousand Faces” from Full Circle, the band’s first studio effort in seven years. Full Circle recently debuted at #2 on the Billboard Top 200 Charts second only to Michael Jackson’s This Is It. The DVD also includes a revealing documentary that follows Creed throughout “Full Circle” tour with exclusive band interviews and behind-the-scenes, and a photo gallery with over 100 intimate photos from the Summer 2009 trek. Directed by Daniel E. Catullo III (Rush, Nickelback, Alter Bridge, Smashing Pumpkins, Godsmack) and produced by Catullo, Lionel Pasamonte, and Peter Bowers, the 239-camera, state-of-the-art high definition shoot was filmed in front of a fanatical audience of 18,000 screaming fans in Houston at The Woodlands – Cynthia Woods Pavillion” on September 25, 2009. The band gave the performance of a lifetime, setting four World Records – including most cameras utilized in a live concert recording – and using first-time technology in a live concert environment, highlighted by the “Big Freeze” effect immortalized in the hit film “The Matrix.” The concert audio was mixed by Andy Johns (The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin) in 5.1 Surround Sound and the disc will feature Standard 5.1, Stereo and DTS audio streams. “Making this DVD was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for us,” says CREED lead singer Scott Stapp. “Daniel Catullo and his staff not only set a world record filming this, but set a whole new benchmark for filming the live show with unprecedented vision and creativity. I have never seen anything like this, nor have our fans. I am so excited to finally give CREED fans something they will never forget. I know this is something that will keep us connected at all times through the live experience. Honestly, I am blown away!” In addition to an arsenal of High Definition TV Cameras, jibs, cranes, etc, the “Big Freeze” technology required over 200 Nikon still cameras to create and entirely new concert viewing experience in scenes which will be made available in the “Deluxe Edition” of “Creed Live” coming out in early 2010. The “Deluxe Edition” promises to be a true collector’s piece. The limited edition set will include a full feature-length film about the history of Creed, a live audio CD and special collectors’ items such as a T-shirt, poster and a backstage pass from the “Full Circle” tour”.

Atticus Fault Is Active Again
Atticus Fault has announced news on the upcoming album. From Facebook: Hello, this is the Atticus Fault guys here! We wanted to keep you all updated on the progress of the record. Many of you have been asking, “When is this record finally coming out?!” 2010 is it. That is the year. Let us give you a bit of a background on this process. When we first started officially working on this record a couple of years ago, we had some hurdles to overcome. Our lives had each taken many paths, so being able to come together was a bigger task than we imagined. Slowly our lives began conforming to the process…we began focusing on becoming a “band” again. We knew we didn’t have a label behind us this time, so we wondered if we could really follow up an album that was so well-received. But we decided to just write good songs and push on. We have recorded and produced this ourselves and are very happy with the moment we captured. We just finished our first photoshoot for the record with a great photographer, Scott Simontacchi. It was a blast trying out new things and we have some great shots that we can’t wait to share with you guys. Until then, we are posting a few “behind-the-scenes” shots from the day. We also have just started pre-production work on a new video that we are excited to begin shooting with our long-time friend Mike Ashcraft…so keep an ear and an eye open. This will be an exciting next few months as we release the record and begin playing out again. We can’t wait to see you guys!

©2009 HM Magazine All Rights Reserved

More news from last week:

still fresh (as far as you know)

The band’s accustomed globetrotting will recommence with an initial headline tour, kicking off February 26 in Sacramento and culminating at New York City’s Webster Hall on April 8. Pre-sale for all shows will start Wednesday, December 2, available here.

Known for their impassioned live performances, the band recently offered a 2 DVD, 1 CD set aptly titled, Live (Abstract Dragon/Vagrant), earlier this month. The DVDs feature more than two hours of concert footage captured from three sold out shows in Berlin, Dublin and Glasgow, and chronicles the end of the band’s 2007 tour in support of Baby 81. Additionally, it includes intimate, behind-the-scenes footage, glimpses into the making of 2005’s Howl and is rounded out with a bonus live album featuring 14 songs.
BLACK REBEL MOTORCYCLE CLUB HEADLINE TOUR

February 26 – Sacramento, Calif. @ Harlow’s
February 27 – Reno, Nev. @ Knitting Factory
February 28 – Las Vegas, Nev. @ Wasted Space/ Hard Rock Hotel
March 2 – Denver, Colo. @ Ogden Theatre
March 4 – Boise, Idaho @ Knitting Factory
March 5 – Seattle, Wash. @ Showbox Market
March 6 – Vancouver, B.C. @ Commodore
March 7 – Portland, Ore. @ Wonder Ballroom
March 9 – San Francisco, Calif. @ Slim’s
March 13 – San Diego, Calif. @ House of Blues
March 14 – Los Angeles, Calif. @ Echoplex
March 18 – Dallas, Texas @ House of Blues
March 20 – Houston, Texas @ House of Blues
March 21 – Tulsa, Okla. @ Cain’s Ballroom
March 23 – St. Louis, Mo. @ Pageant
March 24 – Madison, Wisc. @ High Noon
March 25 – Chicago, Ill. @ Metro
March 26 – Milwaukee, Wisc. @ Turner Hall Ballroom
March 27 – Minneapolis, Minn. @ First Ave.
March 30 – Columbus, Ohio @ Newport Music Hall
March 31 – Cleveland, Ohio @ House Of Blues
April 1 – Toronto, ONT @ Phoenix
April 2 – Montreal, QC @ La Tulipe
April 3 – Boston, Mass. @ House of Blues
April 5 – Washington, D.C. @ 9:30 Club
April 7 – Philadelphia, Pa. @ Theatre of Living Arts
April 8 – New York, N.Y. @ Webster Hall

The Myriad News
Seattle-based band The Myriad is back after nearly a year long hiatus to tour with Tyrone Wells (Universal Republic) and indie darling Matt Hires for The Humane Society of the United States “All Creatures Great and Small” campaign. Since November 2008, drummer Randy Miller has been fearlessly fighting stage 4 cancer, and since the group operates more as a family than a band, they chose to stay home and help support Randy however they could. With the blessing of Randy’s doctors, the band is able to get back on the road and get reacquainted with their fans all across the country. Randy, however, will have to return to chemo the same day the band returns home. “This has, without a doubt, been the most uncertain year of The Myriad,” explains singer Jeremy Edwardson. “Last fall we made a decision to put down our instruments and wait with our drummer Randy as he began his fight with cancer. It would be 8 months before we all played in a room together again. That was a few weeks ago. We didn’t have an agenda. There was no “let’s write an album to change the world!” conversations that we had shared in the past. “The gathering was more about our friendship than the music we had shared. Randy was between chemo visits. He had just finished another week in the hospital and was starting to regain his strength. We were prepared to take breaks, leave early, etc. as his body would allow. We had no idea that Randy would actually prove to be a better drummer than we had ever seen in the past. He was secretly immersing himself in drummer videos and practicing at least an hour a day. He later told us his fight, his battle, was more than beating cancer. He wanted to come out a better husband, father, drummer, and ultimately a better man of God. This rocked our world. After a week of hanging out, jamming, laughing, crying, we walked away from rehearsals songless, but with a fire brewing for something more. Something we could feel deep in our bones. The feeling of something new – something big. This fall tour with Tyrone Wells has allowed us the opportunity to sort it all out as we travel across the country.” When the opportunity arose to get back on the road for the “All Creatures Great and Small” campaign, the band jumped at the opportunity. Steven Tracy, guitarist for the band, was quick to want to sign on to the tour. ”I’m really looking forward to being apart of this HSUS campaign. It’s something that I’ve felt strongly about for a while now. Factory farming feels like one of those topics that future generations will hopefully look back on as the way things ‘used to be’.” The Animals & Religion program of The Humane Society of the United States seeks to engage people and institutions of faith with animal protection issues, on the premise that religious values call upon us all to act in a kind and merciful way towards all creatures. It aims to increase awareness about our moral responsibilities to all animals and the environment, and encourages active support of animal welfare policies. More info at humanesociety.org/allcreatures. Steven continues, “Plus, we’re excited about the tour with Tyrone. This has been a year of change for The Myriad, and we’re looking forward to the opportunity to try out some different things and explore some new territory. There is always something fun about touring with an artist that you’re relatively unfamiliar with. There are loads of opportunities to meet new folks and make some new friends. Some of my favorite memories have been late night conversations in the back of a bus or van with an artist I just met. Touring is always ripe with those moments.” Always striving to be as much of a musical vision as a band, The Myriad consistently draws rave reviews from both fans and critics worldwide. Handpicked out of a survey of 4000 bands by music critics at MTV, the band won the prestigious MTV2 Dew Circuit Breakout competition, after several million fan votes were cast. The band’s video for the single “A Clean Shot” was the most played video on MTV in the spring of 2008. “A Clean Shot” was also released on the video game ROCKBAND for Xbox and Playstation. The Myriad also filmed MTV promos like “Discover and Download” and “Artist of the Week” throughout the year to promote their latest release “With Arrows, With Poise.” Mixed at Hansa Sudios in Berlin, Germany by Michael Ilbert (the Cardigans, Kent, the Hives), and mastered at historic Abbey Road Studios in London, England by Adam Nunn (AIR, Radiohead, Franz Ferdinand, George Martin), as well as acclaimed Sterling Sound in New York City by Greg Calbi (Beastie Boys, John Mayer, Interpol, Norah Jones), “With Arrows, With Poise” helped increase a base of loyal fans worldwide. The band has toured extensively, playing with bands such as David Crowder Band, Eisley, Switchfoot, Third Day, Jeremy Camp, Phil Wickham, etc, and has quickly earned a sing-along relationship with fans everywhere: a connection founded more on captivating performances than on-stage antics. Creative melodies evocative of at times Kent, at others Bjork, are delivered with the grand musical scope of The Verve and Radiohead.
For further information about the tour, visit:
themyriad.net
Tour Dates:
9/30 – Washington DC
10/1 – Philadelphia, PA
10/2 – Boston, MA
10/3 – Wenham, MA
10/4 – Fairfield, CT
10/6 – Burlington VT
10/7 – New York, NY
10/8 – Rochester, NY
10/9 – Pittsburgh, PA
10/10 – Chicago, IL
10/11 – Grand Rapids, MI
10/12 – Ann Arbor, MI
10/15 – Indianapolis, IN
10/16 – Nashville, TN
10/17 – Atlanta, GA
10/18 – Orlando, FL
10/20 – Houston, TX
10/21 – Austin, TX
10/23 – Dallas, TX
10/25 – Scottsdale, AZ
10/26 – San Diego, CA
11/15 – Phoenix, AZ

Grave Robber To Release Collector’s Edition of “Be Afraid”
We are announcing the release and immediate availability of GRAVE ROBBER – “BE AFRAID” (Collector’s Edition) on Retroactive Records! This horror punk/metal/shock rock classic comes packaged in a full color four panel digipak (with a tray), and an additional bonus track, the Nazareth cover tune “Love Hurts” for this Collector’s Edition release! If you like your gothic/shock rock spiked with a little arsenic and a healthy dose of dark humor, check out Be Afraid! Band members, Dr. Cadaver, Nameless and Maggot offer you chainsaw guitars, super-tight arrangements and blatant morbidity wrapped around insanely catchy choruses, while Wretched provides elite vocal skills in mesmerizing Danzig/Rob Halford fashion! Their theatrical stage show and GWAR-like costumes lets fans know that this is not your everyday band. Formed in 2005, these devil’s rejects arm themselves with sonic vibratory executions and images of horrific realities, bringing an onslaught of sound and warning that will ring into eternity. Rest assured, you will be afraid…you will be very afraid! Fans of Rackets and Drapes, The Misfits, Alice Cooper, Type O Negative, Gwar, Kiss, Danzig and Rob Zombie will find themselves feeling as though they’re strolling into familiar musical history, yet simultaneously wading through a dense mire of uncharted territory. There’s nothing more terrifying than the unknown. Grave Robber is the one band that can hold your hand on a decidedly horrifying romp, leading you safely to the other side. Heed the call of Grave Robber: die and escape the grave or die eternally. The band’s name references Jesus’ return as the true grave robber, when Christ’s followers will be “raised as incorruptible and shall be changed” and “death is swallowed up in victory” (1 Cor 15:52, 54). While in church one evening, the message of Romans 6:11 (consider yourselves to be dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus) was preached just prior to communion. This concept of being “dead” to sin and symbolically eating the flesh and drinking the blood, coupled with a passion to reach a people who are largely ignored by the church, sparked a flame in the hearts of the members of Grave Robber to begin this unique ministry. This four panel digipak is the re-release of the 2007 jewel case version. It features different cover art and the unreleased bonus track, “Love Hurts” made famous by both the Everly Brothers and Nazareth (exclusive to this release).
Track Listing:
1) The Exorcist
2) Skeletons
3) Burn Witch Burn
4) Bloodbath
5) Rigor Mortis
6) Buried Alive
7) Screams Of The Voiceless
Golgatha
9) Reanimator
10) Schizofiend
11) Dark Angel
12) I Wanna Kill You Over And Over Again
13) I, Zombie
14) Army Of The Dead
15) Rigor Mortis (Team Cybergeist Remix)
16) Love Hurts (Everly Brothers/Nazareth cover)

Guardian Releases 20th Anniversary Edition Of “First Watch”
We are thrilled to announce Retroactive Records will be reissuing the legendary debut release by Christian metal powerhouse, Guardian. Guardian First Watch: 20th Anniversary Edition will offer 14 amazing tracks of classic metal that comes in a full color, four panel digipak (with a tray), properly remastered by J. Steinhaus for a maximum metal auditory experience. It will feature exclusive liner notes by David Bach (bass), stunning enhanced (WAY better!) original artwork by the amazing, Rex Zachary, and includes the original two bonus track exclusive to the original CD release, plus the two Elephante released bonus tracks from the amazing and out-of-print 1987 California Metal CD compilation that preceded the release of First Watch in 1989!!!!

Owl City Video Getting Rotation
My friends over at Endeavor Media (you know, the people that did the HM/Gwar commercials?) did the latest Owl City video, “Fireflies,” which is getting plays on most of the video outlets. You can vote here and view the video here.

We Came As Romans Release Debut on 11/3
Michigan’s We Came As Romans have set a November 3rd release date for their highly anticipated debut full-length, To Plant A Seed. Recorded with up-and-coming producer Joey Sturgis (The Devil Wears Prada, Emarosa, Attack Attack) at his Foundation Recording Studio, the 10-song follow-up to their breakout EP, Dreams, finds the band expanding their blend of pop-infused metal. Although recorded with the same producer, there is still an intentional difference between the two albums. We Came As Romans didn’t let the fact that they are only a six-piece hold them back from achieving a more symphonic sound on To Plant A Seed. “I played the trombone from Elementary school until I graduated high school and I always took the sound of a symphonic band or an orchestra with me,” explains Moore of their decision to add orchestral elements to the album such as the violins, brass, and piano interlaced throughout the album’s dynamic layers. Not unlike the EP, the lyrics on To Plant A Seed reflect We Came As Romans’ goal of spreading a positive message through their music. The band hopes, “when people hear the album, they might not change the way they think or the way they act right now, but hopefully we’ve planted that ‘seed’, that thought of love, and it can grow.” The theme of the album is carried through to the artwork. Painted by acclaimed artist Paul Romano (Mastodon, Chiodos), the album cover depicts a “very innocent looking boy in which the ‘seed’ has been planted in his mind and it grows to his heart, out of his palms and becomes branches,” describes Moore. The band – Dave Stephens (vocals), Kyle Pavone (vocals/synth), Joshua Moore and Lou Cotton (guitar), Andy Glass (bass), and Eric Choi (drums) – will keep a busy tour schedule for the rest of 2009 that finds them on the road for several months beginning September 26th, including a week in Canada, a three week run with The Chariot, three weeks of headlining, and three weeks with friends, I See Stars.
Tour Dates:
9/30 – Hamilton, ON
10/01 – Saint Catherines, ON
10/03 – Windsor, ON
10/09 – Rochester, PA
10/10 – Philadelphia, PA
10/12 – Crofton, MD
10/13 – Altoona, PA
10/15 – Raleigh, NC
10/16 – Montgomery, AL
10/17 – East Ridge, TN
10/20 – Louisville, KY
10/21 – Evansville, IN
10/22 – Toledo, OH
10/23 – Mt. Clemens, MI
10/24 – Indianapolis, IN
10/25 – Orland Park, IL
10/26 – Herrin, IL
10/29 – St. Louis, MO
10/30 – Little Rock, AR
10/31 – Claremore, OK
11/01 – Oklahoma City, OK
11/02 – Wichita, KS
11/03 – Cape Girardeau, MO
11/05 – Metairie, LA
11/06 – Macon, GA
11/07 – Douglasville, GA
11/08 – Dayton, OH
11/09 – Cleveland, OH
11/10 – Pittsburgh, PA
11/11 – Erie, PA
11/12 – Vineland, NJ
11/13 – Lemoyne, PA
11/14 – S. Hackensack, NJ
11/15 – Manchester, NH
11/17 – Toronto, ON
11/18 – London, ON
11/25 – Mt. Clemens, MI
11/27 – Orland Park, IL
11/28 – Minneapolis, MN
11/29 – Omaha, NE
11/30 – Denver, CO
12/01 – Salt Lake City, UT
12/02 – Pocatello, ID
12/03 – Seattle, WA
12/04 – Portland, OR
12/05 – Orangevale, CA
12/07 – Stockton, CA
12/08 – W. Hollywood, CA
12/09 – Anaheim, CA
12/10 – San Diego, CA
12/11 – Phoenix, AZ
12/12 – Albuquerque, NM
12/13 – Lubbock, TX
12/14 – San Antonio, TX
12/15 – Dallas, TX
12/17 – St. Louis, MO
12/18 – Indianapolis, IN
12/19 – Grand Rapids, MI

TFK Opens Creation Fest Tour
Thousand Foot Krutch’s “Welcome to the Masquerade” has already been touted as a “hit,” the “best album of its genre to be released,” and one of the “very best albums of the year.” During its first week out, TFK’s latest venture made an impact debuting on the Billboard Top 200 at No. 35 and No. 2 on the Christian albums chart. Digitally, the album spent street week in the Top 10 on the overall album and rock chart on iTunes (peaking at No. 4 and No.2). In addition to the previously announced reviews, TFK received a 4.5 star review along with the stamp of approval from All Music Guide. “On behalf of the band, I’d like to say a big THANK YOU to everyone for all of the tremendous support around the new album,” shares TFK frontman Trevor McNevan. “It’s really been an exciting week, and it feels great to be introducing the new songs live on the Creation tour. We’re mixing up the old with the new in this tour set and it’s off to a great start!!” Recently, TFK hit the road for the opening weekend of the Creation Festival: The Tour with Jars of Clay, Audio Unplugged, This Beautiful Republic, B.Reith and FMStatic. Playing to almost sold-out crowds (1700+ in Wichita, 1500+ in Longview),TFK introduced new tunes along with classic fan favorites. It was an incredible weekend of ministry and music as more than 50 kids were sponsored through Compassion International and more than 100 came to accept Christ. “We are excited to see how well the crowd is responding to this tour and artist line-up,” shares Nick Kulb, producer of Creation Festival: The Tour. “Additionally so, the artists are thrilled to be touring together, and we are looking forward to a tremendous fall tour!” As TFK fans get their hands on the new album and see the live show, they are raving about this album online. On Twitter, fans posted their reviews this weekend talking about their take on the album, which was overwhelmingly positive. All reviews can be found by searching the hashtag #tfkreview on Twitter.com.
For a city near you, please visit the Creation Festival: The Tour website:
creationfesttour.com/dates.php

BRMC On New Twilight Soundtrack
Summit Entertainment, Chop Shop Records and Atlantic Records have announced the release of “THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON – ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK,” the musical companion to the highly anticipated second installment in Summit’s film franchise. Due in stores and online October 20th, the entire soundtrack features songs that will appear in the movie, highlighted by Death Cab for Cutie’s brand new single “Meet Me On the Equinox.” THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON is slated to open in theatres nationwide on November 20th. In just one week, “Meet Me On the Equinox” has already exploded onto the modern rock charts, landing at #26. The song, which is the soundtrack’s first announced track, debuted in full on September 13th at MTV.com in conjunction with MTV’s Video Music Awards. The video companion to the song, which was shot in Toronto by director Walter Robot, will premiere soon. “We wrote ‘Meet Me On the Equinox’ to reflect the celestial themes and motifs that run throughout the TWILIGHT series, and we wanted to capture that desperate feeling of endings and beginnings that so strongly affect the main characters,” said Death Cab for Cutie bassist Nick Harmer. “This song marks the first attempt that Death Cab for Cutie has ever made at contributing new, unreleased material for a film. It just seems a perfect synergy that a band from the Northwest would create a song for a series of novels set in the Northwest. We are not only proud to be a part of the TWILIGHT legacy but also honored to join so many other fantastic artists that have leant their amazing creativity to this soundtrack.” In addition to Death Cab for Cutie, the soundtrack features songs from Radiohead’s Thom Yorke, The Killers, Band of Skulls, Grizzly Bear, Bon Iver & St. Vincent, Lykke Li, and Anya Marina. Also included is a remix from Muse, who not only appeared on the original “TWILIGHT” soundtrack but is one of author Stephenie Meyer’s favorite bands. Every recording featured on the soundtrack is exclusive to the soundtrack, either having never been released previously or as a remixed version. See below for the entire tracklisting. Chop Shop Music Supervision owner Alexandra Patsavas (Gossip Girl, Grey’s Anatomy) returns as the “THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON” Soundtrack Album Producer/Music Supervisor, working closely with the film’s director Chris Weitz in compiling the tracklisting. Paul Katz of Eye2Ear Music serves as both the producer of the album as well as Summit’s point person on film-related music and soundtracks. “Chris Weitz had such a beautiful yet specific musical point of view for this picture,” said Patsavas. “It was so rewarding working with the director and the immensely talented artists on this project.” “We’ve all wanted to live in the world that Stephenie Meyer created and the soundtrack for ‘NEW MOON’ makes it almost possible,” noted Summit Entertainment’s President of Worldwide Production, Erik Feig. “Each song was written specifically for the movie by the most perfect bands around, in what we think is going to be a classic collection. It is a truly custom fit for a truly immersive experience.” “THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON – ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK” is now available to pre-order here. Several different options are available to pre-order, including digital, standard, deluxe, and a very special limited edition that includes exclusive e-mail alerts, stickers, a poster, a Death Cab for Cutie t-shirt, access to download the album 72 hours before its release date, as well as a commemorative plaque celebrating the “TWILIGHT” soundtrack’s double platinum status. Additionally, for the first time ever the soundtrack will also be available on a USB drive. Atlantic Records and Summit Entertainment have teamed up with Tyme Machines to include the full soundtrack on its commemorative “TWILIGHT” 3-D sculpted “Cullen Crest” 2GB USB drive. The USB drive will be available for purchase online and at select retailers on the soundtrack’s release date.
Track Listing:
1) Death Cab for Cutie—“Meet Me On the Equinox”
2) Band of Skulls—“Friends”
3) Thom Yorke—“Hearing Damage”
4) Lykke Li—“Possibility”
5) The Killers—“A White Demon Love Song”
6) Anya Marina—“Satellite Heart”
7) Muse—“I Belong To You (New Moon Remix)”
Bon Iver & St. Vincent—“Roslyn”
9) Black Rebel Motorcycle Club—“Done All Wrong”
10) Hurricane Bells—“Monsters”
11) Sea Wolf—“The Violet Hour”
12) OK Go—“Shooting the Moon”
13) Grizzly Bear—“Slow Life”
14) Editors—“No Sound But the Wind”
15) Alexandre Desplat—“New Moon (The Meadow)”

Church Music Gets Praise
David Crowder*Band’s fifth album Church Music is being welcomed by acclaim from fans and media alike as it released on September 22. As of its release, David Crowder*Band’s Church Music is resting the No. 3 spot on the overall iTunes album chart. Fans convened for a sold out show in the band’s hometown of Waco, TX on September 21, to mark the release of Church Music. Radio winners from all across the country were treated with a BBQ with David Crowder*Band at Crowder’s barn in Waco. Winners gathered from Spirit 105.3 KCMS in Seattle, K-LOVE, Star 99.1 WAWZ Middlesex-Somerset-Union, NJ and The JOY FM/Tampa, FL. KLOVE and THE JOY FM also broadcasted live from Crowder’s barn in Waco, TX. David Crowder*Band also played a sold out show at Los Angeles’ famed Roxy Theater on Thursday, September 24. Aptly titled, the band hopes their self-produced recording will prompt listeners to recognize the continual evolvement of music within the Church as well as transport them into an awareness that we exist within the very presence of God, therefore allowing Church Music to happen anywhere. To add to the uniqueness of the album, the 17 songs on the album play continuously from beginning to end with one song blending into the next. David Crowder*Band will join forces opening acts Danyew and Seabird to take the Church Music Tour to 32 cities and churches nationwide starting in October.

Gwen Stacy Debuts New Song
Gwen Stacy have released another new song titled Profit Motive on their myspace. The song is from their forthcoming album A Dialogue to be released on October 20th via Solid State Records.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra Is Back With New Album
Atlantic recording group Trans-Siberian Orchestra has announced the upcoming release of its hugely anticipated new album. “NIGHT CASTLE” will arrive in stores and all digital retailers on October 27th. Years in the making, “NIGHT CASTLE” is without question TSO’s most ambitious and adventurous work to date. Founder Paul O’Neill and crew have created 26 songs that run the gamut from hard rock to classical, taking the listener on a journey through different points of history. “NIGHT CASTLE” details the triumphs and follies of man but is ultimately an epic story of transformation and love. The two-CD set will be released at a special low price, and will include a unique 68-page booklet, featuring story, lyrics, and full-color illustrations by legendary artist Greg Hildebrandt. “Obviously our fans have been unbelievably patient,” O’Neill says. “This was supposed to come out a few years ago. But we were dedicated to making something really special, and the longer it took, the more pressure we felt to give people the best possible piece of art we could. “These are hard times,” he adds, explaining the lower price, “and we’re trying to do what we can to make them better. We believe in value with Trans-Siberian Orchestra; everything we do – the shows, the albums, the souvenirs – are over-the-top productions with a lot of stuff for people to see and hear and feel, and we do that for as inexpensive a price as we can.” “NIGHT CASTLE” will be preceded by the first single, “Nutrocker,” which ships to multi-format radio outlets nationwide later this month. The track sees TSO paying homage to one of their greatest influences, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, and features rock icon Greg Lake on bass. One of the most successful live acts in music history, Trans-Siberian Orchestra has slated a major North American tour to bring “NIGHT CASTLE” to its legions of loyal fans. The massive trek – which includes both matinees and evening performances in many markets – begins on November 1st and rolls on through early January (see attached itinerary).
For up-to-the-minute news and on-sale information, please visit:
tsotickets.com

Third Day Inducted To GA Hall Of Fame
Multi-Platinum, GRAMMY-winning rock band Third Day took its place alongside other Peach State music legends on Saturday, Sept. 19 as the group was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. The event, sponsored by the Friends of the Georgia Music Festival organization, was telecast on Atlanta-based public television station WGTV-Channel 8, and featured performances by Third Day and fellow 2009 inductees Collective Soul, along with Randall Franks and The Georgia Mafia Bluegrass Band, Reginald Smith and others. Together with Third Day and Collective Soul, the 2009 inductee class included music promoter Peter Conlon, GRAMMY-winning songwriter Bryan-Michael Cox, music industry pioneer Johnny L. Carson, and posthumous honors for singer/songwriter Roy Hamilton, record executive Shakir Stewart and bass guitarist Berry Oakley. Previous inductees into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame include rock legends such as the Allman Brothers Band, R.E.M. and Lynyrd Skynyrd, country star Alan Jackson, soul/R&B fixtures Otis Redding, James Brown and Usher, and songwriter/producer L.A. Reid. “This was such an incredible honor for all of us,” offers bassist, Tai Anderson. “Our families, management team, booking agency, label and fans were all represented that evening which made it even more special. Terry Hemmings, President and CEO of Provident Music Group, who originally signed us to Reunion Records back in 1995, was on hand to induct us. This was such a great way to celebrate 15 years together. Here’s to 15 more!” The Georgia Music Hall of Fame honor was the latest in the line of special moments for the band this summer, including the recent acquisition of its 27th career No. 1 radio single, “Born Again” from the 2008 release Revelation. The single sits at No. 1 on the AC Indicator charts this week for the fifth consecutive week with nearly 18 million impressions this week and 227 million impressions since the single was released to radio May 8th, 2009. The band hits the road again starting Oct. 8 for the fall leg of the “Revelation Tour,” which will also feature artists from the roots gospel project Glory Revealed, a lineup that includes Third Day’s Mac Powell, author/speaker David Nasser, Laura Story, Trevor Morgan, Shawn Lewis and other special guests. The fall “Revelation Tour” continues Third Day’s tradition of “paying it forward” by donating $1 per ticket sold to charitable organizations through its Come Together Fund. Through this fund, Third Day–who actively supports the ONE Campaign–has been able to serve charities such as Habitat For Humanity, Blood:Water Mission, World Vision’s Hope Child Initiative and is responsible for more than a million dollars in donations over the last four years to disaster relief in and outside of the U.S.

Shirock News
Nashville rock band SHIROCK has been singled out as the first independent band that Hollister Co., a division of Abercrombie & Fitch, has chosen to distribute in their stores across the U.S. SHIROCK’s debut album, Everything Burns was made available on September 22nd in over 500 Hollister stores, giving the band the distinction of being the only indie band to ever grace the shelves at the upscale retail chain. Produced by Jay Ruston (The Donnas, Cold War Kids), Everything Burns is an album featuring anthem-driven rock songs with passionate lyrics that convey positive messages of hope. How a young band like SHIROCK found its way to the hallowed shelves of Hollister makes for an impressive story. Abercrombie & Fitch / Hollister music supervisor Ted Keyes found SHIROCK’s music on iTunes, and liked it enough to add the band’s song “Calm Inside the Storm” to Hollister’s in-store playlist rotation soon after. SHIROCK started getting messages from fans saying they heard the song while shopping, and the response was so good on Hollister’s end that they stepped up their relationship to distributing the Everything Burns CD through their stores. Keyes explains, “SHIROCK embodies the aspirational qualities we look for when we select an artist to form a partnership with our company. Their music not only resonates with our target audience but presents itself as a testament to the true spirit of independent music.” Chuck Shirock, the band’s founder and front man, added, “We are really excited about the opportunity to be an independent band on the shelves of Hollister in company with groups like Green Day and The Killers. We’ve always felt the need to get our music to as many people as possible and being independent gives us the freedom to be creative and take advantage of unique opportunities. I want to thank Hollister for helping us accomplish that. This is an exciting time in music and we’re glad we are a part of it.” SHIROCK is a five-piece band that is not content with simply creating music and singing about making a difference – they take their message further with their non-profit organization “Everything Burns.” Built on the idea of “Living for Things That Matter,” the organization strives to encourage and equip people to get involved and make a difference in their communities. Earlier this year the band hit the road with their 14-city “Everything Burns Tour,” which partnered with local charities dedicated to solving issues of homelessness and poverty. In keeping with the band’s mission, all income from the tour went directly to charity. With a sound that has been compared to U2 and Coldplay “the band’s positive messages on songs like “Still Young,” “New Solution” and “Calm Inside the Storm” are uplifting without being preachy, encouraging without being strident” (Birmingham News). HM Magazine says Everything Burns is “literally the complete package. Quality songs, vocals, and instrumentation: imagine a filled-out rock band going after shiny Jack’s Mannequin hooks.” To support the release of Everything Burns, SHIROCK is planning another tour for later this Fall.
For more information on The Great Transparency, go here:
myspace.com/thegreattransparency

Strike First Records Signs Saving Grace
Strike First Records is proud to welcome to the family New Zealand’s Saving Grace. The 4 piece Gisborne City hardcore metal hybrid have been making waves worldwide for a half decade during which the band’s list of accomplishments includes the release of a self titled Demo EP in 2005, a split with friends Upheld in 2006 and their highly anticipated studio album ‘Behind Enemy Lines’ in 2008 which received rave reviews across their homeland and beyond in USA and Europe, and took the band on a 35-date whirlwind tour across New Zealand, Australia, Mexico and USA. Saving Grace’s hard work, dedication to touring and ever-growing fan base has gained the band the reputation of the most successful spirit-filled hardcore act downunder. Playing a brutal style of music influenced by mid 90s hardcore bands such as Arkangel, Reprisal and Earth Crisis as well as legendary extreme metal classics Slayer, Sepultura, Morbid Angel and Cannibal Corpse, Saving Grace create a blend of brutal metallic hardcore unlike many of their modern day contemporaries. Saving Grace will release their sophomore album entitled Unbreakable on Strike First Records in January 2010.

©2009 HM Magazine All Rights Reserved

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In just one week, “Meet Me On the Equinox” has already exploded onto the modern rock charts, landing at #26.  The song, which is the soundtrack’s first announced track, debuted in full on September 13^th at MTV.com in conjunction with MTV’s Video Music Awards.  The video companion to the song, which was shot in Toronto by director Walter Robot, will premiere soon.

“We wrote ‘Meet Me On the Equinox’ to reflect the celestial themes and motifs that run throughout the TWILIGHT series, and we wanted to capture that desperate feeling of endings and beginnings that so strongly affect the main characters,” said Death Cab for Cutie bassist Nick Harmer. “This song marks the first attempt that Death Cab for Cutie has ever made at contributing new, unreleased material for a film.  It just seems a perfect synergy that a band from the Northwest would create a song for a series of novels set in the Northwest.  We are not only proud to be a part of the TWILIGHT legacy but also honored to join so many other fantastic artists that have leant their amazing creativity to this soundtrack.”

In addition to Death Cab for Cutie, the soundtrack features songs from Radiohead’s Thom Yorke, The Killers, Band of Skulls, Grizzly Bear, Bon Iver & St. Vincent, Lykke Li, and Anya Marina.  Also included is a remix from Muse, who not only appeared on the original “TWILIGHT” soundtrack but is one of author Stephenie Meyer’s favorite bands.  Every recording featured on the soundtrack is exclusive to the soundtrack, either having never been released previously or as a remixed version.  See below for the entire tracklisting.

Chop Shop Music Supervision owner Alexandra Patsavas (Gossip Girl, Grey’s Anatomy) returns as the “THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON” Soundtrack Album Producer/Music Supervisor, working closely with the film’s director Chris Weitz in compiling the tracklisting.  Paul Katz of Eye2Ear Music serves as both the producer of the album as well as Summit’s point person on film-related music and soundtracks.

“Chris Weitz had such a beautiful yet specific musical point of view for this picture,” said Patsavas.  “It was so rewarding working with the director and the immensely talented artists on this project.”

“We’ve all wanted to live in the world that Stephenie Meyer created and the soundtrack for ‘NEW MOON’ makes it almost possible,” noted Summit Entertainment’s President of Worldwide Production, Erik Feig.  “Each song was written specifically for the movie by the most perfect bands around, in what we think is going to be a classic collection.  It is a truly custom fit for a truly immersive experience.”

“THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON – ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK” is now available to pre-order at www.newmoonthesoundtrack.com. Several different options are available to pre-order, including digital, standard, deluxe, and a very special limited edition that includes exclusive e-mail alerts, stickers, a poster, a Death Cab for Cutie t-shirt, access to download the album 72 hours before its release date, as well as a commemorative plaque celebrating the “TWILIGHT” soundtrack’s double platinum status.

Additionally, for the first time ever the soundtrack will also be available on a USB drive.  Atlantic Records and Summit Entertainment have teamed up with Tyme Machines to include the full soundtrack on its commemorative “TWILIGHT” 3-D sculpted “Cullen Crest” 2GB USB drive.  The USB drive will be available for purchase online and at select retailers on the soundtrack’s release date.

***

Released in November of 2008, “TWILIGHT – ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK” has gone on to sell more than 2.2 million copies in the U.S. alone and 3.5 million worldwide.  The soundtrack topped the Billboard 200 chart upon its release, marking the largest debut for an Atlantic Records soundtrack since Nielsen SoundScan began tracking sales in 1991.  It also marked the biggest digital album debut of a theatrical soundtrack in SoundScan history.  Since its release, “TWILIGHT – ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK” has remained on the Billboard 200 for a total of 45 consecutive weeks.

***

About Summit Entertainment LLC

Summit Entertainment is a worldwide theatrical motion picture development, financing, production, and distribution studio. The studio handles all aspects of marketing and distribution for both its own internally developed motion pictures as well as acquired pictures. Summit Entertainment, LLC also represents international sales for both its own slate and third party product. Summit Entertainment, LLC plans to release 10 to 12 films annually.

About Atlantic Records

Atlantic Records, which celebrated its 60^th Anniversary in 2008, currently ranks as the #1 label in the music industry.  Founded in New York City, the label grew from literally a one-room operation into one of the world’s preeminent music companies. Atlantic has released a string of recordings that have had a profound impact on the course of modern music, its rich history including such musical icons as Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, John Coltrane, and Led Zeppelin.  The Atlantic roster today includes many of the world’s most popular recording artists, among them James Blunt, Tracy Chapman, Phil Collins, Death Cab for Cutie, Missy Elliott, Estelle, Flo Rida, Lupe Fiasco, Gnarls Barkley, Kid Rock, Matchbox Twenty, Jason Mraz, O.A.R., Sean Paul, Rush, Shinedown, Staind, Rob Thomas, T.I., Trey Songz, Uncle Kracker, Zac Brown Band, and many more.

About Chop Shop

Alexandra Patsavas founded her own Chop Shop Music Supervision company in 1998.  She quickly earned a reputation for raising the bar in the quality of music selected for television series, including Grey’s Anatomy, The O.C., Gossip Girl, Mad Men, and Rescue Me.   A champion of independent artists, Patsavas has been responsible for identifying and exposing a remarkable string of original music to mainstream audiences.  In the process, she has played an influential role in the development of such artists as Death Cab for Cutie, The Killers, Snow Patrol, Modest Mouse, The Fray, KT Tunstall, and many others. In 2007, Patsavas launched Chop Shop Records, which today is home to The Republic Tigers, The Little Ones, Anya Marina, and the “Twilight” and “New Moon” soundtracks.

For up-to-date news on “THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON—ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK,” visit www.newmoonthesoundtrack.com.

(TRACKLISTING ATTACHED)

“NEW MOON—ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK”

(CHOP SHOP/ATLANTIC)

In Stores And Online October 20th

1.  Death Cab for Cutie—“Meet Me On the Equinox”

2. Band of Skulls—“Friends”

3. Thom Yorke—“Hearing Damage”

4. Lykke Li—“Possibility”

5. The Killers—“A White Demon Love Song”

6. Anya Marina—“Satellite Heart”

7. Muse—“I Belong To You (New Moon Remix)”

8. Bon Iver & St. Vincent—“Roslyn”

9. Black Rebel Motorcycle Club—“Done All Wrong”

10. Hurricane Bells—“Monsters”

11. Sea Wolf—“The Violet Hour”

12. OK Go—“Shooting the Moon”

13. Grizzly Bear—“Slow Life”

14. Editors—“No Sound But the Wind”

15. Alexandre Desplat—“New Moon (The Meadow)”

Oh, Sleeper Announce Tour With The Chariot
Oh, Sleeper has announced a co-headlining tour with The Chariot for this October. The Texas based band recently released their sophomore full-length Son Of The Morning of which Alternative Press wrote “The band are tighter than a duck’s ass and the songs range from simply good to damned awesome.” Ultimate-Guitar.com echoed the sentiment saying the album “possesses a powerful yet melodic sound with shredding guitar work, a strong bass sound, and beastly drumming” and “I’d certainly buy it again if I lost it!” The band is currently on tour as main support to Every Time I Die and Bring Me The Horizon which will run until October 11th. Son Of The Morning is the follow up to the band’s 2007 debut When I Am God (Solid State Records) which scanned over 25,000 copies in the U.S. The new album is a epic concept work, centered around nothing less than the final battle between the devil and God. The band recently released a video trailer for the title track here.
Tour Dates:
10/12 – Crofton, MD
10/13 – Altoona, PA
10/15 – Raleigh, NC
10/16 – Montgomery, AL
10/17 – East Ridge, TN
10/20 – Louisville, KY
10/21 – Evansville, IN
10/22 – Toledo, OH
10/23 – Mt Clemens, MI
10/24 – Indianapolis, IN
10/25 – Orland Park, IL
10/26 – Herrin, IL
10/29 – Sauget, IL
10/30 – Little Rock AR
10/31 – Claremore, OK
11/1 – Oklahoma City, OK

Skillet News
With sales approaching 100k after just 2 weeks of their latest release, Skillet is getting some major exposure with their singles and music videos for both “Monster” and “Hero”. he music video for “Monster,” which is the #1 best selling rock music video on i-Tunes®, and was just added to FUSE TV’s rotation, premiered on AOL’s NOISECREEP and MSN Music last week, as well as Hearitfirst.com on 9/9. The music video for their #1 Christian rock single, “HERO,” premiered on Yahoo!Music on 9/10. In addition, the “HERO” video will have it’s Tangle.com premiere on 9/14, it’s broadcast TV-U premiere on 9/24, and begin rotation on the Gospel Music Channel in October. The radio single for “Monster” is climbing the mainstream Active Rock charts (currently #21 this week), while “Hero” holds strong at #2 on Christian CHR, after landing a #1 at Christian Rock. Along with NBC’s use of “Hero” for their promotional campaign heralding the new season of NBC Sunday Night Football, the network has also begun using the song for the NFL’s Weekend Kickoff Promos for
Thursday night’s game between the 2009 Superbowl Champs The Pittsburgh Steelers and The Tennessee Titans. SKILLET’s video performance of “Monster” will open as the official theme song each week during the upcoming Raycom Sports broadcasts of the ACC College Football season, starting this weekend in the Wakeforest/Stanford game. The video will open each game throughout the fall and be broadcast in over 40 major ACC markets including Atlanta, Boston, Baltimore, Miami, and Washington D.C.. Skillet joins a star-studded list of performers featured in Raycom football and basketball telecasts over the years, including Rascal Flatts, Brooks & Dunn, Daughtry, Sugarland, Alison Krauss, Chris Brown, Lil’ Mama, T-Pain and Ricky Skaggs.
Check out their new website here:
skillet.com

Free Future of Forestry Download
Future of Forestry is back with “Travel II”, the second part to the three-part EP series by San Diego’s Future of Forestry. Continuing an already acclaimed musical and spiritual journey that launched in May, ethereal San Diego rock band Future of Forestry releases Travel II, the second six-song EP in its unique three-part Travel series, on September 8, 2009 via Credential Recordings (Switchfoot). Travel II further showcases the compelling Future of Forestry blend of contemplative lyrics with uncommonly creative, melody-rich alternative rock performances, this time adding standout World Music percussion flourishes on cuts like “Hills of Indigo Blue” and “So Close So Far.” The travel concept resounds with European-flavored sing-song immediacy on “Set Your Sails” and the harder biting “Holiday.” Other tunes include “Slow Your Breath Down” and “Someday.” Future of Forestry took its name from a C. S. Lewis poem and released the debut album Twilight in 2007. Songs from that project were featured on Oprah’s Big Give and ABC Family Channel’s Wildfire.” You can check download the first track off the album
here or feel free to pass around the song, offer if as a download and spread it however you wish.
For more information on Future of Forestry. visit:
myspace.com/futureofforestry

Abandon Kansas Releases To iTunes
We’re All Going Somewhere, Abandon Kansas’s debut EP on Gotee Records, just released as an iTunes exclusive. The Wichita-based band created this project with producer Mark Townsend (Relient K, House of Heroes), and it’s receiving rave reviews for its singalong hooks while never losing it’s indie rock edge. The Lexington Music Press calls We’re All Going Somewhere “an addictive, sweet and melodic EP. 4 ½ stars”, while The Album Project responds with “melodic rock songs which are so pure and inviting.” To celebrate, the band will be performing a hometown release show on Sept. 11 in Wichita, KS followed by an event in Lake of the Ozarks, MO to support the Jefferson County Suicide Prevention Coalition. Then, 9/13, the “Super Big Time American Traveling Concert” tour kicks off with House of Heroes and The Wedding. “I can’t think of a better band to tour with, to kick of our new Gotee release than House of Heroes,” explains Jeremy Spring, vocalist for Abandon Kansas. “These guys are vocal gods, not to mention label mates, and we’re looking forward to watching them play every night.” Abandon Kansas We’re All Going Somewhere is exclusively available as a download through iTunes today, or on CD at any of the Abandon Kansas live shows.
Tour Dates:
9/17 – Ames, IA
9/18 – Bismark, ND
9/19 – Minneapolis, MN
9/20 – Wausau, WI
9/22 – Mt Vernon, IL
9/23 – Franklin IN
9/25 – Orion, MI
9/26 – Cincinnati, OH
9/28 – East Ridge, TN
9/29 – Greenville, SC
9/30 – Orlando, FL
10/1 – Jacksonville, FL
10/3 – McCalla AL
10/6 – Lafayette, LA
10/9 – Houston, TX
10/10 – Plano, TX
10/11 – Texarkana, TX
10/17 – Centennial, CO
10/23 – Manhattan, KS
10/31 – Bolivar, MO
11/14 – Newton, KS

Michael Phillips Drops Solo Release
Roxx Records and Ne Plus Ultra Music are set to release the debut solo CD from the axeman that helped define the sound of both Deliverance and Fasedown, the man… Michael Phillips the album… Mirrors within Mirrors. Mirrors within Mirrors is an eccentric piece of work that if you had to define could be called an epic journey to the ear containing both progressive elements intertwined with acoustic pieces throwing in some slight touches of the defining metal and thrash that he has so clearly helped define. This release is a true masterpiece of music that truly tells a story, but not just any story this is his story and his life! This release is both an escape and a defining moment for Michael as he was able to truly break free of all the boundaries and labels often put on artists. Michael had complete and utter freedom putting this very special release together for all to hear. He even recruited a little help from his friends for this one including some very special guest appearances from Jim Chaffin (Crucified, Fasedown), Mark Solomon (Crucified, Stavesacre), Jimmy Brown (Deliverance, Jupiter VI), Devin Shaeffer (Fasedown, Once Dead) , Matt Davis (Oh Sleeper) , Bill Bachman (Neal Morse) and Scott Waters (Ultimatum, Once Dead). This limited edition release will be made available to the world on October 13, 2009. The first 100 pre-orders only will come with an exclusive limited edition poster personally autographed by Michael Phillips.
For more information on Michael Phillips, visit:
roxxproductions.com

David Crowder Band prep for 32-city tour
The David Crowder*Band countdown to Church Music has begun with weekly singles being released on iTunes. Fans are getting an early dose of Church Music with iTunes ® releasing a new single from the record every Tuesday in September until the album streets allowing listeners to complete their own album. As of today, three singles have been released including “How He Loves,” “Alleluia, Sing” and “We Are Loved” with a fourth song releasing next Tuesday, September 15, leading up to the full album release on September 22. “How He Loves” has been downloaded nearly 50,000 times since it was released on iTunes ® on June 30. These singles are part of the “David Crowder*Band Countdown to Church Music” which topped the iTunes Video Podcast charts last week. David Crowder*Band with opening acts Danyew and Seabird will take the Church Music tour to 32 cities and churches nationwide starting on October 1. The tour will begin on the heels of an outstanding pre-sale with thousands of tickets sold in advance, giving fans who purchased them first access to the front seats at every date this fall. In addition to releasing Church Music, band front man David Crowder and violinist Mike Hogan will launch their book Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven, But Nobody Wants To Die with Zondervan on November 9. Church Music will mark the David Crowder*Band’s fifth album. To add to the uniqueness of the record, the 17 songs on the album play continuously from beginning to end with one song blending into the next. The result: 73 full minutes of music – 17 tracks, which ably stand alone, while at the same time seamlessly join together. Less than two weeks before David Crowder*Band unveils their 17-track recording Church Music, David Crowder gives you an original introduction to their newest album releasing on September 22 at the band’s home church in Waco, Texas. In support of the album, the band is also embarking on the 32-city Church Music Tour and releasing a single from the new record on iTunes ® every Tuesday leading up to the release.
Tour Dates:
Oct/1 – San Antonio, TX
Oct/2 – Abilene, TX
Oct/3 – Houston, TX
Oct/8 – Las Vegas, NV
Oct/9 – Phoenix, AZ
Oct/11 – Sacramento, CA
Oct/12 – Modesto, CA
Oct/13 – Redding, CA
Oct/15 – Eugene, OR
Oct/16 – Portland, OR
Oct/17 – Seattle, WA
Oct/18 – Abbotsford, BC
Oct/19 – Spokane, WA
Oct/20 – Boise, ID
Oct/22 – Minneapolis, MN
Oct/23 – Chicago, IL
Oct/24 – Grand Rapids, MI
Oct/25 – Detroit, MI
Oct/29 – Dallas, TX
Oct/30 – Tulsa, OK
Nov/5 – Indianapolis, IN
Nov/6 – Lexington, KY
Nov/7 – Cincinnati, OH
Nov/8 – Lancaster, PA
Nov/12 – Burlington, NJ
Nov/13 – New York City, NY
Nov/15 – Morgantown, WV
Nov/17 – Washington, DC
Nov/18 – Charlotte, NC
Nov/19 – Columbia, SC
Nov/20 – Tampa, FL
Nov/21 – Atlanta, GA

Decyfer Down Continues To Dominate The Charts
NO rockers Decyfer Down continue to dominate the charts as their current single “Desperate” recently topped the Christian Rock Radio chart at No. 1. This is the band’s seventh consecutive No. 1 single on Christian Rock Radio following the success of their previous hits “Crash” and “Fading,” from their sophomore album Crash (May ’09), along with “Break Free,” “Life Again,” “Fight Like This” and “No Longer,” from their debut release, End of Grey. “We’re very excited about the response for the new record Crash and to have our 3rd consecutive No. 1 single from this album has been very energizing to see,” says drummer Josh Oliver. “We are super pumped about the fall tour with Skillet and Hawk Nelson and look forward to connecting with many ‘Decyferites’ and meeting new people along the way. We desire to bring the hope and truth that God has given us into people’s lives through the music and conversations this fall. Be sure to come out to the tour and say hello and be prepared to receive what God has for you. Thanks everyone for your support!” Decyfer Down will be sharing the stage with Hawk Nelson as they accompany headliner SKILLET on their “Awake & Alive” tour and they travel across the U.S. hitting major markets such as New York City, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Phoenix, Seattle, Dallas and Chicago. The tour kicks off September 24th and carries on through December 6th.
For more information on Decyfer Down and the tour please go to:
decyferdown.com

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club’s New Album Out In November
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club has revealed the tracklisting and cover art for their previously announced three-disc Live DVD due out November 10, 2009 on Abstract Dragon/Vagrant. The band is also giving away a free remix of “Not What You Wanted” to fans today via their website. The DVD features over two hours of live concert footage from three sold out shows in Berlin, Dublin and Glasgow. The footage documents the end of the band’s 2007 tour in support of Baby 81, their most recent full-length release and was directed and edited by Tessa Angus with live audio mixed by BRMC’s own Peter Hayes. The second bonus DVD features over ninety minutes of intimate, behind-the-scenes footage as well as additional performance footage. The package is rounded out by a bonus audio CD featuring 14 songs from the concert film and a 48-page photo booklet. The Los Angeles, CA-based group is currently at The Station House studio in Hollywood finishing work on their fifth studio album. The as-yet-untitled album is expected to have a March 2010 release.
DVD Track Listing:
Berlin
Weapon Of Choice
Rise Or Fall
666 Conducer
Ain’t No Easy Way
Weight Of The World
Stop
All You Do Is Talk
Red Eyes and Tears
As Sure As The Sun
American X
Spread Your Love
Love Burns
Mercy
Dirty Old Town
Promise
Six Barrel Shotgun
Whatever Happened To My Rock n’ Roll (Punk Song)
Fault Line
Took Out A Loan
The Show Is About To Begin
Heart & Soul

Vans Warped Tour 15TH Anniversary Film On Carson Daly
Tune in this week to Last Call with Carson Daly to see the VANS WARPED TOUR 15TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION featured on the show. The VANS WARPED TOUR segment will air the night of Wednesday, September 16 on NBC TV at 1:35 AM ET/PT, 12:35 AM CT. Presented by NCM Fathom and 4Fini, the VANS WARPED TOUR 15th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION is a one-night-only special theatrical event happening this Thursday, September 17 nationwide at 8:00PM ET/7:00PM CT/6:00PM MT/8:00PM PT. The event features performances from 3OH!3, The Aggrolites, All-American Rejects, Bad Religion, blink-182 (video), The Decaydance All Stars, Ice T, Katy Perry, NoFX, Ozomatli, Pennywise, Rise Against and Underoath, most captured live at Club Nokia in Los Angeles on September 6. The VANS WARPED TOUR 15th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION appears on the big screen in high-definition with Cinema Surround Sound across the U.S. in 464 select movie theaters. Check out the trailer here.

Anvil Metal Fest Will Be On Halloween
Anvil Metal Fest 5 Costume Party and Contest will be on October 31. It will be located in Liberty, KY. The Theme is METAL! Bands confirmed to perform are The Rose Hill, The Tug Fork River Band, Steryle, the Return of Biogenesis, Vexing Souls, Bellor, Avenge The Tragedy, Battlelion and more TBA (subject to change). Times will be announced soon. Please visit myspace.com/anvilmetalfest for Costume Rules and more Info.

Creed News
ROCKPIT.COM, the new music website dedicated to all things rock, will celebrate its official launch LIVE with CREED from the Cynthia Wood Mitchell Pavilion in Houston to kick off the High Definition Live Webcast Concert Series along the multi-platinum, Grammy-winning rockers’ Full Circle tour. Be a part of the action as it happens for FREE atRockpit.com starting Sept. 25 at 8 p.m. CST. “It’s amazing how life can change and bring you full circle,” notes CREED lead singer Scott Stapp regarding the Full Circle Tour. “Time gave us all a chance to reflect, grow and gain a deeper appreciation of our friendships, artistic chemistry, passion for music, and sincere love for our fans! It’s rare in life to get a second chance to make a first impression and we embrace the opportunity. We all believe the BEST IS YET TO COME!” Creed fans and rock enthusiasts can register NOW to receive a free ALL ACCESS webcast pass to be among the 200,000 live viewers worldwide by visiting www.Rockpit.com. The CREED live webcast, produced by DC3 Music Group, LLC and directed by awarding-winning director Daniel E. Catullo III (Rush in Rio, Nickelback Live From Sturgis, Godsmack: Changes), will find its place in the Guinness Book of World Records as a world-record breaking cinematic experience featuring 242 cameras — the most cameras ever used for coverage for a live music event. Coverage will include simultaneous filming of backstage footage, extended aerial “Fly Cam” stadium views, the full-length concert and pre- and post-concert band interviews. “Rock music is central to the identity of America and we wanted to pay tribute to the passion, creativity and style that have inspired legions of fans for decades,” says Rockpit.com co-founder and CEO Brian Lisi. “Iconic bands like Creed and the live rock music experience deserve to be front and center again, and the Rockpit.com platform is making this possible.” The highly anticipated Rockpit.com website and High Definition Live Webcast Concert Series will be a music industry first. Rockpit.com features an exclusive, comprehensive rock band database of over 500 rock bands and artists, editorial blogs, fan-driven content and community, and the largest full-length rock concert catalog available online. The catalog will feature A-list artists in heritage, alternative and top 40 rock. Creed’s new video for “Overcome” will premiere on Yahoo! Music this Wednesday, September 16th.

©2009 HM Magazine All Rights Reserved

More news from last week:

still fresh (as far as you know)