“ ‘Still Young’ is a song about trying to find hope when all we felt was doubt and uncertainty – it’s about feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of big ideas and passing time, but realizing that as long as we are alive there is still a chance to make a difference,” Chuck says.   Everything Burns (Deluxe) is a 20 song voyage on freedom, love, hope, fear, transformation and just what it means to become a better human being. That might seems like a tall order for a rock album but SHIROCK makes their soul searching inquiries sound exhilarating, with swooning choruses, sparkly panoramic arrangements and lyrics that may at times flirt with darkness but ultimately tilt towards optimism.   “It’s taken quite a journey, and many songs to get to Everything Burns. Pap and I recorded 3 albums of demos before we finally met Adam, and later, Kevin and Evan – but Everything Burns is SHIROCK’s debut,” says the band’s charismatic leader in describing some of the key tracks on the album. “The songs on the album – they’re our lives, our relationships, our friendships within the band. They’re our pursuit of trying to figure out who we are and how it all makes sense,” Chuck says. “It’s all of that put to music.”

Taking a quick detour from her role as SHIROCK keyboard player and singer Pap Shirock can now be seen featured in American Eagle Outfitters ‘We The People” campaign, check it out here: http://www.ae.com/web/browse/category.jsp?catId=cat90040

For more information go to www.SHIROCK.net / www.EverythingBurns.org / www.IrockClothing.com

Hailing from Nashville, TN, SHIROCK recently released their debut for The Movement Group, Everything Burns (Deluxe) produced by JayRuston (The Donnas, Everclear, Matisyahu, and Cold War Kids).  Release includes eight new or unreleased tracks, 20 tracks total, out now at all digital outlets with distribution through RED and specialized marketing efforts via CEN-Creative Entertainment Network

SHIROCK (pronounced SHY-ROCK) is: ChuckShirock - lead vocals, guitar, Pap Shirock - lead vocals, keys, Adam Gatchel – drums, KevinWhitsett – bass, Evan Weatherford - lead guitar.

See the new video for the track ‘Still Young’ starting today on MTVu at:

http://www.mtvu.com/music/video-premiere/shirock-still-young/

“Still Young is about a struggle to find hope in the midst of doubt and uncertainty…it’s about being overwhelmed by big ideas and passing time, but realizing that as long as we’re alive we have a chance to make a difference” say Chuck and Pap.

Part of the journey and inspiration for a lot of the songwriting is the union between vocalists and soul mates Chuck and Pap.  The two met in 1999 at a summer youth conference, and although they had distance between them (Chuck living in Detroit, MI and Pap in Columbus, OH) they had an instant connection and discovered they had many of the same passions and shared experiences, including their love of music and a desire to have an impact on the people around them.  Once out of high school the pair attended college together and began to collaborate on music as their relationship grew.  Eventually married, Chuck and Pap continued writing, recording and touring together–their unique relationship and shared creativity laying the foundation for the band.

“Still Young” is a great picture of the way our relationship holds us up – it’s about the struggle we all go through trying to build something – it’s tough, and at times you want to give up.  But for us, as long as we’re together, we give each other the strength to go on” explain Chuck and Pap.

Everything Burns (Deluxe) is a 20 song journey that takes on mammoth-sized questions about love, hope, fear, faith, time, and what it means to reach out to those around you and learn to truly love.  That might seem like a tall order for a rock album but SHIROCK makes their soul searching enquiries sound exhilarating–with sweeping choruses, sparkly panoramic arrangements and lyrics that may at times flirt with darkness, but ultimately tilt towards optimism.

“It’s taken quite a journey, and many songs to get to Everything Burns. Pap and I recorded 3 albums of demos before we finally met Adam, and later, Kevin and Evan - but Everything Burns is SHIROCK’s debut,” says the band’s charismatic leader in describing some of the key tracks on the album. “The songs on the album – they’re our lives, our relationships, our friendships.  They’re our pursuit of trying to figure out who we are and how it all makes sense,” Chuck

Band to play Summerfest in Milwaukee, WI on July 6.

For more information go to www.SHIROCK.net / www.EverythingBurns.org / www.IrockClothing.com

David Crowder Band Announces Final Tour
David Crowder Band has announced that their fall tour will be the last tour as a band. More info on their website: “First of all, we can’t begin to express how excited we are getting about The 7 Tour this fall. If you haven’t heard yet, we’re doing a national tour with some of our favorite artists ever. Gungor, John Mark McMillan, and Chris 8/are joining us, and we cannot wait to be in the same room with these folks night after night. We’re pretty sure you’ll want to be at every single one of these get-togethers. “Unreasonable!” you say? Well, not to us. That’s why we’ll be there every single night. Seriously, we, the band, are all getting on a bus and following the whole thing around for like 3 months. It’s going to be awesome. Now, another reason we are sure this will be one of the most meaningful tours we’ve ever been on is because it will be our last as a band. This is why we so cleverly named it The 7 Tour. We’ve always hidden this little number here and there in our music and artwork, sometimes it would appear in the sum of the numerals 3 and 4, and other times it would be sitting there outright, but it’s always been with us. As you know, the number 7 has often been used to represent completion, and that feels exactly where we are as a band. The David Crowder*Band was formed in the year two thousand; it was the dawn of a millennium, Y2K was upon us, and out of this chaos was born the DC*B. That sounds way more epic than we intend it, but it is fact. We signed a 3 album deal with our friends at sixstepsrecords who are part of the EMI/CMG family. We didn’t want to be presumptuous, presuming there would be more than those first three albums, but we hoped. And so we began discussions about building a 6 album set, the second three, if we were ever to have the great privilege of recording them, would be loosely associated with the first three, you know, sort of like how in the creation story day one is related to day four, as in, first there is light, then on the fourth day the sun and moon and stars appear. We do these things because we are quite nerdy and also because we hope to inject meaning wherever and whenever we are able. We also like structure, and this seemed a pretty nifty structure to work within, since, well, it is one of the greatest stories ever. And sure enough, we have had the happy fortune to record five full-length albums and are hard at work on the 6th right now. The problem, or the beauty, is that we’ve never been able to see past album 6. In the meantime, a lot of life has happened. It is now 2011 (this is for anyone who may not have been paying attention) and in eleven years there have been many twists and turns. Each of us has gotten married. New humans have arrived as a result of these marriages, 5 to be exact. We have also lost some really good friends to death along the way and have gotten to celebrate together that death is not the end of things. It’s really crazy to think that we have lived over a decade of life together. And, in the middle of all this life, we have gotten to make music that was a reflection of what was happening among us. We have attempted, to the best of our ability, to insert all of these twists and turns into our music, hoping that our responses to God in the midst of these moments would be an aid to others. At the first of this year we began discussing what was next. For a long while, we have had a good idea what we were going to do for album number 6; we were going to record a Mass. Ambitious, maybe, but we had been working out the details of how it would connect to A Collision, you know the one with the boy and the atom on the cover. Mass happens to be a term used in physics, and this was exciting to us. But we also began conversations about what was to follow this sixth album. Some of us discussed maybe going back to school. Some of us talked about how great it might feel to be home with family more. Some mentioned maybe writing for a living, or at least getting to give more attention to it. Some talked about more music to be made and who they might enjoy making it with and how great it would be to have more diverse options open to them and the excitement they felt when thinking about those options (as in, if this was to be the period at the end of a sentence, they couldn’t wait to read the next paragraph!) And, out of these discussions, the decision was reached that this sixth album would be our last. None of us is sure what’s next, but we’re not afraid. We’re, in fact, really, really excited! And we’re sure that music will play a role in the future for most, if not all, of us, since, well, we wouldn’t know how to not have it a part of our lives. To what extent that will be, none of us is sure. We are hopeful and expecting, and praying that what is ahead of us deepens our need and experience of redemption and multiplies our ability and effectiveness in expressing the story of God in light of the call he has on each of our lives. We are forever grateful for the support we have had from our church community, both local and extended. Really. It has been beautiful, all of it. And we will most definitely keep you informed as things progress and life’s new twists and turns start to make themselves more apparent. In the meantime, as you can imagine, this album we’re working on is pretty special to us. Fittingly enough, it seems our little Mass has turned itself into a Requiem. We’d love your prayers as we endeavor to put a period at the end of this sentence. And obviously it was not overstated when we said The 7 Tour will be a thing you may not want to miss. We would love for you to join us for one last evening together, singing these songs that God has allowed us to carry.
With Love and Gratitude,
The DC*B

Romero’s New Album Hits
“The Awakening” – a 6-song EP by Romero is NOW AVAILABLE from Warclub Records! This is the debut release from the death metal/deathcore group from Shawnee, OK! Having taken their name from world-renowned film director/producer, George Romero – famous for the cult classic and original zombie flick, “Night of the Living Dead”, they have openly admitted that they have a deep interest in God and zombies, of all things. Their debut release, “The Awakening” is sure to bring the zombies to your door, to your windows, to your locked car with you in it, or busting into your basement where you hide, or anywhere else where “the living” wait in fear and trembling, as the undead will attempt to eat your… er, actually to RENEW your brain with the truth and redemptive power of the Gospel of Christ, in as brutal a way as they possibly can!
Track Listing:
1. Defiance
2. Ophelia
3. Postmortem Ritual
4. La Petite Mort
5. Godless
6. Sovereign Dialogue
For more information, visit:
facebook.com/RomeroOK

Owl City Gets Favorable Exposure
Mashable features Owl City today in celebration of the release of his new single “Deer in the Headlights” from his upcoming album All Things Bright and Beautiful out 6/14th on Universal Republic. The site is premiering an exclusive video of Owl City’s Adam Young giving a short tour of his hometown: Owatonna, MN. The video is part of a short series where Adam chooses different locations and shares personal stories of his life before Owl City became a platinum selling hit artist. The rest of the series can been seen on Owl City’s innovative new Galaxy application which Mashable also got the scoop on. Get a sneak peek of the article below, and check it out in full here.

The Afters Songs Surges At Radio
On the heels of their No. 1 hit “Light Up the Sky,” The Afters’ latest radio single “Lift Me Up” has also lit up the airwaves with over 60 stations supporting the song such as KLTY Dallas, JoyFM St. Louis, AIR-1 and Way-FM among others. In support of the song, The Afters recently released a music video that was filmed in Canada. “The Afters’ ‘Lift Me Up’ is inspiring on it’s own,” comments producer Gavin Michael Booth of Mimetic Entertainment, Inc. “It’s a tough gig to find visual stories and issues that will enhance a song this powerful. Myself, with the band, aimed to bring stories that had an ability to relate and connect on a widespread basis amongst viewers.” “For the storyline, we pulled common themes that we hear in stories from our fans,” explains The Afters’ front man Josh Havens. “Stories from people who’s lives have been hit hard by the economy, stories from people dealing self image problems, cutting and stories from people that have lost loved ones and are dealing with loneliness. We wanted this video to reflect the realities of life. We all have stories and most of us have experienced pain and hardship at some point. While our stories might not be the same, the thing we all share in common is that when we face the things in life that are too much for us to handle on our own that God is with us, God is for us and God will never fail us. I hope that this video is an encouragement to people and a reminder of God’s faithfulness.”
Check out the video here.

Deas Vail To Release New Album
“I don’t know what love is…” Despite the humble admission that opens the self-titled September 6 new release from Deas Vail, the album sizes up the emotion with some beautifully poetic and eloquent metaphors. Over the course of twelve songs, love takes the shape of a fiery dragon, a closed doorway, a distant tower and an unpredictable ghost, this follow up to the band’s 2009 release “Birds & Cages. Deas Vail is: Wes Blaylock – Vocals, Keys, Laura Blaylock – Keys, Synth, Wes Saunders – Drums, Andy Moore- Guitar and Justin Froning – Bass. Helping the band on this album is first-time producer, Relient K guitarist and Mono Vs Stereo A&R Matthew Hoopes, who captures a live spirit and immediacy throughout. Blaylock says, “All of our records sound very studio, so we kind of wanted to do something that sounded a little grittier and more stripped down. What you’re going to hear is what you’ll hear on stage. As for Matt, he’s a longtime friend, and he was working with us in pre-production, and at a certain point, we said, ‘You know what, Matt? You get this music more than anybody else. You understand exactly what we want to do and you have some pretty amazing tools to get it done. We really took our time and had a blast making this record.” When Deas Vail formed in 2003, Blaylock says the goal was to back his own acoustic singer-songwriter project, with no bigger picture in mind than friends having fun. “We didn’t think we’d be doing it professionally years later,” he says. But three albums, two EPs and a few member changes later, the band has matured into a formidably tight unit. “The rapport and chemistry has gotten deeper,” he says. “We’ve gotten braver, and we felt like on this album, we weren’t in any boxes and we could just do whatever we wanted. Be experimental and try different ideas, move forward and do new things. We’re still growing, still writing better songs.” Deas Vail joins forces with label-mates Farewell Flight to release a split EP available digitally on 6/7 from Mono vs Stereo. The band will also play the 10th annual Bonaroo Music & Arts Festival on 6/10 in Manchester, TN on the same day as The Decemberists, My Morning Jacket, Grace Potter & the Nocturnals, and Arcade Fire.
EP tracks:
1. Deas Vail – Sixteen
2. Farewell Flight – Out for Blood
3. Deas Vail – Gone (exclusive)
4. Farewell Flight – Ten Steps In (exclusive)

Burlap To Cashmere Return
Stepping back into the spotlight after a decade away takes an unusually high degree of musical integrity. For folk-rock pioneer Burlap to Cashmere, a band that built a reputation for both exceptional studio projects and as an unyielding touring act in the late ‘90s, that integrity shines through on a new self-titled, 11-track project due July 19 on Jive/Essential Records. Its initial single ” Build A Wall” goes for adds at AAA radio on 6/26 while early fan and industry buzz reflecting acclaim for the band’s refined new sound, is building. The Tennessean took note in a recent spotlight (5/13/11): “Brooklyn’s Burlap to Cashmere took its modern folk-rock to the masses in 1998 with its major-label debut, Anybody Out There? – and followed up that Dove Award-winning effort with a nearly decade-long hiatus. In the time the band has been away, a similar blend of worldly folk has made stars out of acts such as Mumford & Sons and Fleet Foxes. With its new self-titled album – set for a July 19 release on Jive/Essential Records – Burlap to Cashmere looks to reclaim that turf in top form, with an inspired blend of Mediterranean rhythms, rootsy textures and tight-knit harmonies, which lend the unmistakable air of folk-rock greats Simon & Garfunkel and Cat Stevens.” With its core lineup intact – singer/guitarist/songwriter Steven Delopoulos, guitarist John Philippidis, and drummer Theodore Pagano — Burlap to Cashmere returns with renewed focus, drive and energy. “There’s something about family and people you’ve known forever that makes the chemistry happen,” Delopoulos says. “There’s a sense of honesty and trust. That’s Burlap to Cashmere.” On its first album in more than a decade, Burlap to Cashmere draws from all the influences that made it a touchstone band: Mediterranean and Greek rhythms, flamenco and classic American folk, to create a rich body of work that embraces the past while crystallizing its new creative vision. For the last ten years, a Burlap to Cashmere reunion seemed like wishful thinking. After garnering awards, a dedicated following, and credentials earned non-stop touring alongside some of the biggest names in music, the band was exhausted and went on an indefinite hiatus. In 2005, tragedy struck when guitarist John Philippidis was beaten and left for dead after a road rage incident near his home in Brooklyn. An extended hospital visit, which included a full month in a coma and radical facial reconstructive surgery, ultimately sparked a band reunion. In 2010, Burlap to Cashmere headed into the studio with acclaimed producer Mitchell Froom (Elvis Costello, Paul McCartney, Sheryl Crow, Tom Waits) to begin work on new material. His rules were simple: “There would be no nudging and no Auto-Tuning. We’re going into this to capture everything that’s organic about the band.” “For me, Burlap to Cashmere is a classic band in the best sense of the word. From the great songwriting and singing, to the deep and accomplished musicianship, they are absolutely a distinctive band,” shares Froom. “This is particularly apparent in the songs that incorporate their unique approach to traditional Greek rhythms. All you have to do is listen once to ‘Don’t Forget To Write’, and it’s abundantly clear – you’ve never heard anything quite like it. We also set out to make a record that put musical feeling and performance at a premium – live singing and playing, no click tracks, etc. Developing this kind of hybrid sound in the studio was a big challenge for everyone involved, but ultimately, what else do you hope for?” Recalling the musical intimacy of Cat Stevens, Van Morrison, Bob Dylan and Simon and Garfunkel, coupled with Delopoulos’ introspective and poetic songwriting, the album announces Burlap to Cashmere’s triumphant return in a record that will surprise longtime fans and intrigue the uninitiated. Fans of modern troubadour outfits like the Avett Brothers and Mumford and Sons will find common ground with Burlap To Cashmere’s output, with the added textures of the Greek and Mediterranean influences further fleshing out the band’s unique take on 21st century folk-rock music. Burlap to Cashmere recently unveiled its new body of work to a sold-out crowd at New York’s “Le Poisson Rouge.” As part of a promotional tour leading up to the July 19 album launch, the band is making media, retail and radio visits including the 2011 Pandora Radio Summit (May 4) in New York City and a performance May 15 in Nashville as part of the Lightning 100 live concert series “Nashville Sunday Night” which broadcasts live from the legendary 3rd & Lindsley. The band returns to New York for a May 25 show at Rockwood Music Hall’s “Stage 2” followed by a West Coast run that includes two nights at Hollywood’s Hotel Café.

Shirock Playing Ichthus
Formed in Nashville, TN-SHIROCK recently release their debut for The Movement Group, Everything Burns (Deluxe) produced by Jay Ruston (The Donnas, Everclear, Matisyahu, and Cold War Kids) release includes eight new or unreleased tracks, 20 tracks total, out now at all digital outlets with distribution through RED and specialized marketing efforts via CEN-Creative Entertainment Network. See SHIROCK live 6/15 – 18 at the Ichthus Music Festival in Wilmore, KY, 40 years running the festival still maintains it’s innovative edge, a four-day music, media, and ministry experience that includes six stages, more than 120 artists, more than 20 speakers, a skate park and much more. Stop by the Everything Burns booth at the Ichthus Festival to learn more about this non-profit organization founded in early 2009 by the members of SHIROCK around the phrase “live for things that matter.” After playing concerts at several high schools in the Southeast, the band noticed that many young people were passionate about helping provide a solution to different social issues plaguing our country and world. Most of the students the band talked with said they wanted to make a difference and help people, however they felt like they did not have the resources or the know-how to actually have an impact. SHIROCK wanted to bridge this gap and provide simple, hands on ways for students to make a difference. Thus the idea for Everything Burns was born. SHIROCK (pronounced SHY-ROCK) is: Chuck Shirock – lead vocals, guitar, Pap Shirock – lead vocals, keys, Adam Gatchel – drums, Kevin Whitsett – bass, Evan Weatherford – lead guitar

Hillsong United To Return To States
After becoming the first Christian artist to sell out Staples Center in Los Angeles, logging sold out events at major venues coast-to-coast this winter/spring and subsequently gathering Pollstar Magazine’s April 11 “Hotstar” cover feature, modern worship band Hillsong UNITED returns to North America this summer to pick up where they left off. Hitting primarily the Midwest for the first burst of tour dates in June, the band announces today 11 newly added 8/events throughout the Southeast, as well as into Canada. Singing the favorites that have helped sell over 11 million albums, the band will also play songs from AFTERMATH, Hillsong UNITED’s acclaimed 2011 release that topped retail sales charts internationally, hit No. 17 on the Billboard Top 200 and continues to be its fastest selling album ever. Premier Productions, which promoted the Staples Center event, as well as promoted sold out Hillsong UNITED events earlier this year at such major market venues as ShoWare Center (Seattle), Warfied Theatre (San Francisco), Memorial Auditorium (Sacramento), Music Hall (Dallas), Berry Center (Houston), Gwinnett Center (Atlanta), Hammerstein Ballroom (New York City) and two back-to-back events the same night at Boston’s Orpheum Theatre, announces that tickets will go on sale 6/3 for all the 8/dates. Information on how to purchase tickets can be found here, with a special pre-sale offer using the promotional code “aftermath” available on this website beginning 6/1. “The appeal of Hillsong UNITED is their love for the Church and creating an atmosphere where people engage and express their faith through dynamic worship music that creates an incredible unified experience,” says Shane Quick, owner and vice president of the concert division with Premier Productions. “To hear thousands of people singing together at the top of their lungs for three hours is nothing short of amazing.” “There is a real sense of perseverance within our team, not performance,” says Hillsong UNITED member Joel Houston. “In 2011, we are pushing the boundaries and stretching ourselves; musically, lyrically and believing that God is going to do things He has never done before.” While on tour, and in response to nationwide food bank deficits, Hillsong UNITED is partnering with local churches and agencies to again facilitate an I-HEART :: This Means Love Food Drive in each city they visit. “Yes, the world is a mess but the Good News is that it can get better; all it takes is a little more love and unity,” says Hillsong UNITED’s Jad Gillies as he urges people attending the tour to bring to the event non-perishable food to help meet the needs of their neighbors. Over 7,000 family meals were collected for those that need them most during the Feb/March US leg of the tour.
Tour Dates:
6/13 – Milwaukee, WS
6/14 – St Louis, MO
6/15 – Wilmore, KY
6/17 – Tulsa, OK
6/18 – Austin, TX
6/20 – Indianapolis, IN
6/21 – Mineral City, OH
8/5 – Tampa, FL
8/6 – Miami, FL
8/8 – Jacksonville, FL
8/9 – Greenville, SC
8/11 – Philadelphia, PA
8/13 – Toronto, ON
8/15 – Grand Rapids
8/16 – Columbus OH
8/18 – Nashville, TN
8/19 – Greensboro, NC
8/20 – Columbia, MD

Third Day Doing Well On Tour
Acclaimed Atlanta-based rock band Third Day continues to both dazzle and inspire fans with its riveting tour this spring, as 19 of the 33 dates on its “Make Your Move” spring tour – featuring the breakthrough pop band, Tenth Avenue North and singer/songwriter Trevor Morgan – have sold out, paving the way for a high-impact of 2011. Third Day’s “Make Your Move” tour has impressed sold-out crowds in the following markets (19 of 33 to date) : Longview, TX.; San Antonio, TX.; Indianapolis, Ind. (two shows); Brookfield Wis., Grand Rapids, Mich.; Joplin, Mo.; Beaver Falls, Pa.; Grove City, OH; Johnstown, Pa.; Cincinnati OH, Charleston, W.Va.; Memphis, Tenn.; Greensboro N.C.; Valparaiso, Ind.; Nashville, Tenn., and Chicago, Ill., Cincinnati, OH, Jacksonville, Fla. Hailed by touring industry publication Pollstar as one of Christian music’s top touring bands, Third Day has maintained its status by introducing new elements into its live show experience. To further engage the band’s loyal audience post-show ‘Jams’ (where the band performs after the actual concert at a nearby venue) and “photo booth meet-n-greets” are featured on selected dates which allow fans to make personal connections with Third Day members. Ed Lomnicki, president of EDAN Concerts & Festivals Group, offers, “The “Make Your Move” tour has left us scratching our heads and wondering: Can it get any better than this? You get to see Third Day, at the pinnacle of its musical excellence. Plus, each artist’s music and ministry connected with the heart and soul of every person in the house; it was amazing!” The “Make Your Move” tour partnership with Grand Canyon University has also proven impactful, with one person at each show selected to receive a $10,000 scholarship to use with one of GCU’s online degree programs, in an effort to help advance interested fans’ higher education efforts. Tai Anderson, also a GCU online student, comments, “This tour has been incredible. As always, we love to get out and interact with our fans, but the element of helping people meet their personal goals through higher education is something we’ve not had the opportunity to do before. We are thankful to GCU for its partnership and generosity.”

Anthem Lights Debut Does Well
Anthem Lights (Reunion Records) vocal pop group is making a strong showing with its May 10 debut self-titled release as indicated by current radio momentum and early digital sales numbers. Such impressive initial response only adds to the energy felt in Anthem Lights’ live show which will hit 15 festivals nationwide this summer. Having wrapped a 27-city “Rock and Worship Roadshow” tour headlined by supergroup MercyMe this winter and recently stepping off Building 429’s spring 2011 “Listen to the Sound Tour,” Anthem Lights is garnering extraordinary exposure for a new artist. The spotlight has proven beneficial for the group who already claims a Top 5 song on the Billboard Christian CHR chart with its lead single “Can’t Shut Up.” Anthem Lights’ latest single, “Can’t Get Over You” just released for adds at Christian Adult Contemporary radio on Friday, May 13. Additionally, Anthem Lights fared well on early digital sales charts hitting the No. 2 position on iTunes Christian & Gospel Albums chart on its first day. Such numbers are supported by favorable critical reviews, with NewReleaseTuesday.com calling the album, “one of the strongest debut albums I’ve heard in long time,” and JesusFreakHideout.com affirming, “[t]his pairing of talented young men has potential to become a preeminent player in the world of Christian entertainment…” Said acclaim will follow Anthem Lights back out on the road this summer, as the group makes appearances at 15 national festivals including Beach Blast, Atlanta Fest, Spring Celebration, SonFest, Alive Festival, Big Ticket Festival, Wonder Jam, Salvation Celebration, Lifest, KingsFest, SpiritSong, Kingdom Bound, Higher Ground Festival and Unity Festival. A major market fall tour will be announced shortly. Produced by duo Juan Otero and Seth Moseley, known as The Write Brothers (newsboys, Me in Motion), along with Rob Hawkins (Building 429, Fireflight), Anthem Lights’ 10-song debut carries a message of hope for believers and non-believers alike. From the contagious “Can’t Shut Up” and the danceable energy of “Outta My Mind,” to more tender moments like “I Wanna Know You Like That” and “Can’t Get Over You,” Anthem Lights infuses a little something for everyone on this stunning project.

©2011 HM Magazine All Rights Reserved

More news from last week:

still fresh (as far as you know)

Formed in Nashville, TN-SHIROCK recently release their debut for The Movement Group,  Everything Burns (Deluxe) produced by Jay Ruston (The Donnas, Everclear, Matisyahu, and Cold War Kids) release includes eight new or unreleased tracks, 20 tracks total, out now at all digital outlets with distribution through RED and specialized marketing efforts via CEN-Creative Entertainment Network.

See SHIROCK live June 15 – 18 at the Ichthus Music Festival in Wilmore, KY, 40 years running the festival still maintains it’s innovative edge, a four-day music, media, and ministry experience that includes six stages, more than 120 artists, more than 20 speakers, a skate park and much more.

Stop by the Everything Burns booth at the Ichthus Festival to learn more about this non-profit organization founded in early 2009 by the members of SHIROCK around the phrase “live for things that matter.” After playing concerts at several high schools in the Southeast, the band noticed that many young people were passionate about helping provide a solution to different social issues plaguing our country and world. Most of the students the band talked with said they wanted to make a difference and help people, however they felt like they did not have the resources or the know-how to actually have an impact. SHIROCK wanted to bridge this gap and provide simple, hands on ways for students to make a difference. Thus the idea for Everything Burns was born.

SHIROCK (pronounced SHY-ROCK) is: Chuck Shirock – lead vocals, guitar, Pap Shirock – lead vocals, keys, Adam Gatchel – drums, Kevin Whitsett – bass, Evan Weatherford – lead guitar

For more information go to www.SHIROCK.net / www.EverythingBurns.org / www.IrockClothing.com

Formed in Nashville, TN-SHIROCK has just released Everything Burns (Deluxe) produced by Jay Ruston (The Donnas, Everclear, Matisyahu, and Cold War Kids) release includes eight new or unreleased tracks, 20 tracks in total, CD available at all digital outlets on The Movement Group with distribution through RED and specialized marketing efforts via CEN-Creative Entertainment Network.  SHIROCK (pronounced SHY-ROCK) is: Chuck Shirock – lead vocals, guitar, Pap Shirock – lead vocals, keys, Adam Gatchel – drums, Kevin Whitsett – bass, Evan Weatherford – lead guitar.

“Shirock goes for a massive arena pop-rock sound that ebbs and

flows with emotion”

– HM Magazine

See SHIROCK at SXSW with Amy Stroup and The Bridge at Esther’s Follies Friday March 18.

Amy Stroup: 1:15pm
SHIROCK: 2:15pm
The Bridges: 3:15pm
Amy Stroup:
Creating quite a buzz as an independent artist, Amy Stroup communicates what she knows is true about life in melodic lyric and verse. Amy has released four albums under her own label including, The Other Side of Love | Session One. She partnered with Grammy award-winning producer Nathan Chapman on the project to deliver delicately honest lyrics, pure vocals and smart instrumentation.

On her latest release, she has taken a less conventional approach and collaborated with a few good friends and producer Thomas Doeve to release the next three sessions of The Other Side of Love.  Session Two features “Hold Onto Hope, Love”, “Chin Up”, “Odds of Being Alone”, and more as heard and featured on ABC’s Private Practice, Brothers & Sisters, One Tree Hill, and more released under her new venture Milkglass Creative. Amy’s single ‘Backed into the Corner’ was featured on this season premier of Grey’s Anatomy. In addition to television placements, her songs have been featured on national television ads including e Harmony and Walmart. Currently, she is recording for the session three release.

The Bridges:
The Bridges were born July, 2002 with a disposition to blend lyric and harmony with haunting melodies and the poetry of reality. This masterful mix of pop, folk and indie rock leaves you confident and expectant. Get ready to enjoy these fresh songs that carry the listener through a wonderful range of sound.

About ShareSquare: (http://getsharesquare.com/) is a platform for connecting offline audiences with the bands and brands they love, through immediate calls-to-action and rich engagement on the mobile web, with real-time analytics.  Using the self-serve CMS, artists & promoters can enhance physical collateral with a QR code corresponding to a custom HTML5 mobile web app. This now makes the fan’s point of passion actionable: a concert poster, sticker, album cover, merch tag (and more) becomes a rich point of discovery.  The fan can immediately experience a music video, download tracks, join mailing lists, easily connect with them on social networks, win prizes, and soon even make purchases.

About Everything Burns: (www.everythingburns.org) Everything Burns is a 501(c)3, non-profit organization founded by members of the band SHIROCK, in 2009.  The simple idea behind Everything Burns – the organization, is “Live For Things That Matter.”  Everything Burns (EB) exists to provide practical ways for people to get involved in a variety of social causes.  Over the past 6 months, Everything Burns has launched 10 ‘EB Chapters’ on High School and College campuses – on each campus, EB works with the students to identify social issues on a local, regional, or international level that they are passionate about.  Together, Everything Burns works with the students to come up with practical, ‘hands-on’ ways to work towards solutions in these chosen social issues.  Everything Burns – encouraging and equipping people to “Live For Things That Matter” by getting involved in their communities and around the world.  Find out more at – www.everythingburns.org

About Music City Unsigned: www.musiccityunsigned.com Music City Unsigned supports and promotes a community of over 80 of Nashville’s best emerging artists, including Amy Stroup and Shirock. We have a passion for helping independent musicians build their careers and grow their audience. We do this by providing artist development advice, marketing, promotion & networking opportunities and artist showcases. Discover Nashville’s best emerging artists at MusicCityUnsigned.com.”

About Earbits, Inc: (http://earbits.com) helps labels, artists and live music promoters with highly engaging Internet radio promotions on Earbits.com, Earbits Mobile Radio apps, and across dozens of affiliate website partners.  They’re funded by Y Combinator and Ron Conway’s Start Fund investment group, and help over 90 labels market 1,200 high quality artists through direct response radio programming.

Courtesy of Earbits expect some amazing door prizes at the party that include vinyl bundles from bands like Radiohead, Weezer,  Guns and Roses, Moe, Public Enemy, Talib Kweli + Tek, Dr Dre and KRS ONE, all you need to do to be eligible to win is RSVP to HiDanaGirl@aol.com and come to the party.

“Shirock’s material sounds big, shiny and polished, taking prompts from stadium success stories like U2, Muse, James and Radiohead with a little bit of Jack’s Mannequin and Tegan and Sara tossed into the mixture for good measure”

Lithium Magazine

Formed in Nashville, TN-SHIROCK will be unstoppable in 2011 with the release of Everything Burns (Deluxe) produced by Jay Ruston (The Donnas, Everclear, Matisyahu, and Cold War Kids) release includes eight new or unreleased tracks, 20 tracks in total.  CD will be available on today at all digital outlets on The Movement Group with distribution through RED and specialized marketing efforts via CEN-Creative Entertainment Network.

Buy Everything Burns Deluxe at iTunes at:

http://bit.ly/EverythingBurns-iTunes

EVERYTHING BURNS is not only the title of the album, but also a non-profit group formed by the band, with the hope that with the help of their fans together they can create a solution to different social issues.  Today please help support social progress by posting “New Solution” as your status on Facebook and encourage your friends to do the same.  Check out the Facebook event at: http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=134856139915233

“Many listeners are emotionally-impacted by Shirock’s touching lyrics and music, which are reflected on the

Everything Burns (Deluxe)”

– Associated Content

SHIROCK (pronounced SHY-ROCK) is: Chuck Shirock – lead vocals, guitar, Pap Shirock – lead vocals, keys, Adam Gatchel – drums, Kevin Whitsett – bass, Evan Weatherford – lead guitar

“Shirock’s “Everything Burns” is a chart topper in the making and only time will tell. If Shirock can continue to pump out albums like “Everything Burns,” the band could easily be a halftime performer at the Super Bowl. And there’s no bigger stage than that” –Zoiks Online

Hear Chuck and Pap Shirock tomorrow live on The Jimmy Star Show radio show from 3pm -5pm pm EST at w4cy.com.

Everything Burns (Deluxe), is filled with bold, anthemic songs that bristle with restless urgency and passionate optimism. “The songs on the album – they’re our lives, our relationships, our friendships within the band. They’re our pursuit of trying to figure out who we are, who God is, and how it all makes sense,” Chuck says. “It’s all of that put to music.”

Everything Burns (Deluxe), featuring 20 songs and the debut music video for “New Solution” is out now.

For more information go to www.SHIROCK.net / www.EverythingBurns.org / www.IrockClothing.com

SHIROCK (pronounced SHY-ROCK) is: Chuck Shirock – lead vocals, guitar, Pap Shirock – lead vocals, keys, Adam Gatchel – drums, Kevin Whitsett – bass, Evan Weatherford – lead guitar

Everything Burns (Deluxe), is filled with bold, anthemic songs that bristle with restless urgency and passionate optimism, produced by Jay Ruston, who has also worked with The Donnas, Everclear, Matisyahu, and Cold War Kids.

Get a free download of the track ‘New Solution’ today at: http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=2181012

It’s been a long journey for this musical unit but Everything Burns is SHIROCK’s debut.  “The songs on the album – they’re our lives, our relationships, our friendships within the band. They’re our pursuit of trying to figure out who we are, who God is, and how it all makes sense,” Chuck says. “It’s all of that put to music.”

In 2009 the band launched Everything Burns, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded by Chuck and Pap, which by 2010 had brought a full time director on board to oversee high school and college chapters aimed at encouraging and equipping young people to ‘live for things that matter,’ by making a practical difference in their communities and around the globe.   So far Everything Burns has launched 9 active high school and college chapters igniting activity in social issues on every campus.

At the end of 2009, following consistent placements on MTV, ABC and NBC television networks, SHIROCK became the first independent band to release a CD in Hollister Co. stores worldwide.  “Young people are a catalyst for change and our relationship with Hollister Co. has helped us, on a grassroots level, put our music in the hands of those young people,” says Chuck.

To top off 2010, SHIROCK partnered with the band’s manager to launch a company called The Movement Group.  The Movement Group houses everything SHIROCK does, including the band’s independent record label.  The Movement Group has partnered with Sony, RED Distribution and Creative Entertainment Network (CEN) to launch the label division of the company in order to take the songs on Everything Burns to the next level.  “We think being independent keeps the art of our music genuine, and the band at the center of everything we do,” Chuck says. And finally, by the end of 2010 SHIROCK had performed over 100 shows on high school campuses, both launching Everything Burns chapters and partnering with pro-social / positive lifestyle programs at the schools.

Everything Burns (Deluxe), featuring 20 songs and the debut music video for “New Solution” will be released digitally on February 22, 2011.

For more information go to www.SHIROCK.net / www.EverythingBurns.org / www.IrockClothing.com

Formed in Nashville, TN-SHIROCK will be kicking off 2011 with the release of Everything Burns (Deluxe) produced by Jay Ruston (The Donnas, Everclear, Matisyahu, and Cold War Kids) release to include eight new or unreleased tracks, 20 tracks in total and the new music video for New Solution.  CD will be available on February 22 at all digital outlets on The Movement Group with distribution through RED and specialized marketing efforts via CEN-Creative Entertainment Network.

“Everything Burns” is an album full of deep lyrics and a plethora of songs that could be the new anthem for change” AltSounds

Out today at all digital outlets on will be a 3 track single for song New Solution, release will include single version, album version and dance remix produced by KCORIHS.

Today use your twitter account to win iTunes gift cards from The Movement Group by trending #ShirockNewSolution, winners will be selected randomly.

“Shirock goes for a massive, arena pop-rock sound that ebbs and flows with emotion, pulls the listener in and explodes with passion”

SHIROCK (pronounced SHY-ROCK) is: Chuck Shirock – lead vocals, guitar, Pap Shirock – lead vocals, keys, Adam Gatchel – drums, Kevin Whitsett – bass, Evan Weatherford – lead guitar

Expect news of a spring tour that will include club dates as well as daytime shows at local high schools across the nation.

“Historically, young people ignite cultural revolutions.  We want to meet our fans as soon as we can in their life journey, and be the soundtrack for them as they seek to impact the world around them.” Explains Chuck

For more information go to www.SHIROCK.net / www.EverythingBurns.org / www.IrockClothing.com

SHIROCK IS: Chuck Shirock – lead vocals, guitar, Pap Shirock – lead vocals, keys, Adam Gatchel – drums, Kevin Whitsett – bass, Evan Weatherford – lead guitar

Also coming to all digital outlets on January 21 will be a 3 track single for song New Solution, release will include single version, LP version and dance remix produced by KCORIHS.

Already making quite a buzz with their DIY efforts SHIROCK makes music that capitalizes on the transformative power of rock and roll and its ability to move and inspire people. Everything Burns (Deluxe) is filled with bold, anthemic songs that bristle with restless urgency and passionate optimism. You can hear it not only in the sonics — the sweeping melodies, the textured layers of gritty guitars and plaintive keyboards, and Chuck’s fervent wailing vocals — but also in the lyrics, which are rooted in the personal, the political, and the spiritual. Produced by Jay Ruston, who has also worked with The Donnas, Everclear, Matisyahu, and Cold War Kids, Everything Burns (Deluxe) may sound grand and expansive, but underneath the soaring arrangements is a singer/songwriter album at heart, creating an interesting tension that allows the songs to feel both personal and universal.

At the end of 2010 Chuck and Pap partnered with the band’s manager to launch a company called The Movement Group.  The Movement Group houses everything SHIROCK does, including the band’s independent record label.  The Movement Group has partnered with Sony, RED Distribution and Creative Entertainment Network (CEN) to launch the label division of the company in order to take the songs on Everything Burns to the next level.  “We think being independent keeps the art of our music genuine.  We form partnerships and friendships that wisely keep us moving forward,” Chuck says. And finally, by the end of 2010 SHIROCK had performed over 100 high school shows. “Historically, young people ignite cultural revolutions.  We want to meet our fans as soon as we can in their life journey, and be the soundtrack for them as they seek to impact the world around them.”

2011 tour dates coming soon.

For more information go to www.SHIROCK.net / www.EverythingBurns.org / www.IrockClothing.com

With recent political events inspiring people around the world to believe that change is on the way, there’s no better time for SHIROCK, an earnest young band with an uplifting message, to make their mark on the music scene. “The reason we make music is because we want to be a catalyst for change, and we feel like that begins with being honest about who we are and where we’re at…the dirt and the glory, the big ideas and the problems, all of the dreams and uncertainties…” says the band’s founder, frontman, and namesake Chuck Shirock. “Our hope is by doing that, we’ll be part of a shift in our generation to live for the things that matter and not get caught up in the things that don’t.”

To that end, SHIROCK make music that capitalizes on the transformative power of rock and roll and its ability to move and inspire people. Their dynamic debut album, Everything Burns, is filled with bold, anthemic songs that bristle with restless urgency and passionate optimism. You can hear it not only in the sonics — the sweeping melodies, the textured layers of gritty guitars and plaintive keyboards, and Chuck’s fervent wailing vocals — but also in the lyrics, which are rooted in the personal, the political, and the spiritual. Produced by Jay Ruston, who has also worked with The Donnas, Everclear, Matisyahu, and Cold War Kids, Everything Burns may sound grand and expansive, but underneath the soaring arrangements is a singer/songwriter album at heart, creating an interesting tension that allows the songs to feel both personal and universal.

Though SHIROCK is a five-piece, at its core are songwriters Chuck Shirock and Pap. The two met in 1999 and discovered that they had both spent time living overseas with missionary parents. Chuck grew up in the Philippines and Scotland before his family returned to the States, while Pennsylvania-born Pap’s Greek family settled in Ohio after a year spent in Turkey. Both Vocal Performance majors, they began playing music together in college, with Pap contributing harmonies and keyboard parts to Chuck’s early demos. Eventually she joined Chuck onstage. Over the years, both the musical relationships and friendships within the band have grown and deepened, something that feels palpable upon listening to Everything Burns.

“The songs on the album — they’re our lives, our relationships, our friendships, our questions and doubts…our constant pursuit to make some sense of it all…who we are and who God is,” Chuck says. “It’s all of that put to music.”

Indeed the songs on Everything Burns wrestle with the big questions. “New Solution” is about hoping for change and “a different way of doing things because how things are now just doesn’t work,” Chuck says. “Time Goes By” reflects a sense of restlessness. “We all go through those times when we wish we were in a different place or that life looked a bit different — ‘Time Goes By’ is reaching out for help in the midst of these feelings,” Pap says. “Still Young” insists that as long as we’re alive, we have a chance to make a difference, Pap says. Finally, there’s “Everything Burns,” which is the album’s title track and sums up SHIROCK’s mission statement. “It’s this idea that our time is so valuable and limited…we want to use is wisely,” Chuck says. “So much around us is temporary. We want to live for the things that really matter…at the end of the day what matters most are the peoples lives we impact. Everything is here today and gone tomorrow…everything else just burns.”

SHIROCK don’t just sing about making a difference, they are actually making it happen. They recently launched the non-profit organization, ‘Everything Burns,’ built on the idea “Living For Things That Matter.”  Its main purpose is to encourage and equip people to make a change in lifestyle, and provide practical ways to act out that change – In short, to live beyond the mundane and get involved in making a difference in our communities and around the world.  “People today have a hunger to do something, to act rather than sit,” Pap says, “but many times we don’t know where to start, and it’s hard to believe one person can actually make a difference.  Through Everything Burns, we are working to create practical opportunities to put this idea – “Living For Things That Matter” into practice, and encouraging people in this lifestyle.”

SHIROCK’s other plans for 2009 include expanding their fashion line, Irock Clothing, which Chuck and Pap launched in 2008 as a creative outlet and means to develop their brand. “So much of the band merchandise we see doesn’t really have the right fit or feel,” Chuck says. “We started just wanting to make band T-shirts that you would want to wear…even if you didn’t know the music. We’ve always been interested in fashion and wearing clothing that represent a person’s individuality and uniqueness.” The line, which features shirts, jackets, bags, accessories, and more, has been carried in stores regionally, and has sold out at every boutique that carried it.

The first full-length release from SHIROCK, Everything Burns, was recorded at Nashville’s Ocean Way studios with Jay Ruston. Five songs have been available since March 2008, when the EP 5 was released digitally on iTunes.  In addition, the band sold more than 3,000 copies over seven months on the road, due in no small part to the strong fanbase SHIROCK has built through grassroots touring (over 150 shows in the eastern U.S. in 2008) and marketing. Five songs from the full-length, Everything Burns have been featured on MTV’s The Hills among other placements on Television – including NBC’s ER.

Getting their songs heard is all part of SHIROCK’s grand plan to make a difference. “So much music these days is just noise,” Chuck says. “It might sound good, but it’s still noise. It’s not communicating something real and honest. For us it’s about so much more than entertainment… It’s about sharing our lives and connecting with people through this music.”

For more information go to www.SHIROCK.net / www.EverythingBurns.org / www.IrockClothing.com

written by: Tracey Pepper

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