PERFORMANCE TIMES ANNOUNCED FOR

EPICENTER–Southern California’s Rock Festival

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24

AT VERIZON WIRELESS AMPHITHEATER IN IRVINE, CA

Band performance times have been announced for EPICENTER–Southern California’s Rock Festival. The day-long rock festival set for  Saturday, September 24 at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Irvine, CA, will feature 12 hours of rock music with performances from 15 bands on two stages, including: Limp Bizkit, Staind, Papa Roach, Five Finger Death Punch, Buckcherry, Puddle Of Mudd, Skillet, Everlast, RED, P.O.D., Asking Alexandria, Redlight King, Middle Class Rut, Crossfade and Drive A. EPICENTER marks the first Southern California show for headliners Limp Bizkit in over a decade and their first American live performance of 2011.

Band performance times are as follows (set times subject to change):

EPICENTER Main Stage

9:50 PM     Limp Bizkit

8:50 PM     Staind

8:00 PM     Papa Roach

7:10 PM     Five Finger Death Punch

6:20 PM     Buckcherry

5:40 PM     Puddle Of Mudd

5:05 PM     Skillet

4:30 PM     Everlast

4:00 PM     RED

The Monster Energy Stage

3:15 PM     P.O.D.

2:25 PM     Asking Alexandria

1:40 PM     Redlight King

12:55 PM   Middle Class Rut

12:10 PM   Crossfade

11:30 AM   Drive A

Note: Doors open at 11:00 AM.

Beyond the EPICENTER Main Stage at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, The Monster Energy Stage will be positioned inside the venue’s expanded village.  In addition, EPICENTER will once again feature a variety of art including rock ‘n roll artwork and interactive art pieces throughout the EPICENTER vendor village.

EPICENTER ticket prices start as low as $20.00. Tickets are on sale at all Ticketmaster outlets and www.LiveNation.com. Go to www.EpicenterFestival.com and www.Facebook.com/epicenterfestival for the most up-to-date show information.

EPICENTER is presented by Right Arm Entertainment (creators of Columbus, Ohio’s annual Rock On The Range, which this year celebrated its fifth anniversary, and Carolina Rebellion in Charlotte, NC), Live Nation and Monster Energy.  Additional sponsors include Gibson Guitar and Ubisoft.

With their latest single “It’s Not Me It’s You”  just starting to impact Active Rock radio, and “Awake & Alive” currently featured on the TRANSFORMERS: Dark of the Moon soundtrack, the band has spent much of the summer headlining top music festivals  and will  also be on KROQ Los Angeles’  Epicenter Rock Festival this Fall.

Awake & Alive Tour

(all dates subject to change)

# # #

www.skillet.com
www.myspace.com/skilletmusic
www.facebook.com/skillet
www.twitter.com/skilletmusic

Skillet’s latest, Awake, continues to propel the incredible momentum the rock outfit has going for them, receiving RIAA Gold certification in just 10 months (half the time of the gold selling Comatose), along with their Active Rock hits, “Monster,” “Hero”  and” Awake & Alive” also receiving the same honor.   Awake hit the ground running with a blockbuster debut at No. 2 on Billboard’s “Top 200,” selling over 67,000 units and peaking at No. 1 on iTunes ® “Top Albums” chart and “Top Rock” chart.   The project has not slowed down in over two years, being named Billboard’s No. 9 “Top Alternative Album” of 2010 and winning their first Billboard Music Award.   Awake boasts three Active Rock hits “Monster,” which was also AOL Music’s No. 4 “Mainstream Rock Song of 2009,” the No. 1 Rock single, “Hero,” which has been used by the NFL in their Sunday Night Football and NFL Weekend Kickoff promos, and their latest No. 1 hit and crowd favorite “Awake & Alive,” a remix of which is featured on the TRANSFORM

Dear Friends,

Many of you know after 10 years of playing with Skillet, I’ve chosen to move on. Many people have questioned why I would leave a band ‘at the top’ to pursue ‘smaller’ things. Here is my answer.

When I was 16, I was given the opportunity of a lifetime – to play guitar in my favorite band Skillet. I had been a fan since I was 12, attending loads of concerts, “moshing”, proudly wearing Skillet t-shirts, etc. I never thought I would ever actually be in the band. I was just a normal kid that loved God and believed He had the best for me. But, through a good friend, I got a call for an audition and somehow really believed in my heart it was going to work out. Two weeks later, I was on the road touring and playing in the band. Ten years, almost two million records, countless amazing fans and a myriad of priceless memories later, I’m here writing this memo.

I grew up on Christian music and it maintains a special and unique place in my heart for the way it inspired and shaped me as a child and for how it has contributed to my maturity as a young adult growing up in the business. I often think back to when I was a 12-year old kid, lying in bed with my headphones blaring, dreaming about being a rock star. I think every kid has moments when they dream big dreams like these. The trouble is, most don’t really know how to ever achieve those dreams, even if they know a sense of calling from God. This next phase of life for me is committed to seeing others’ dreams become reality and encouraging people along in their destiny in God.

I recently formed a company called Skies Fall Media Group. The name ‘Skies Fall’ was inspired by the imagery of the Kingdom of Heaven coming down to the earth. The mission of the company is to facilitate a wide range of creative business development in the world of the arts and media. Initially forged as a small recording and production company in 2005, the company was expanded in 2008 to take on artist development, publishing and management and become an artist-centric independent record label, Skies Fall Records. Coinciding with the record company, we operate a full-service recording studio where we are writing and producing music with our clients.

To artists, I hope to be an encouragement to you to continue in your heavenly calling and that you would know refreshment in your work; that you would be reminded of when you were a young musician dreaming of doing music, when you were on a mission to make a difference in this world, speaking the most powerful language in the world through music; that the long drives and early mornings and the absence of normal church-life would be met by a renewed desire to live out the mandate of God on your lives; that you might actually live in the fullest measure of who God created you to be.

Pope Benedict XVI met with artists in the Sistine Chapel recently and said, “You are the custodians of beauty…you have the opportunity to speak to the heart of humanity, to touch individual and collective sensibilities, to call forth dreams and hopes, to broaden the horizons of knowledge and of human engagement. Be grateful, then, for the gifts you have received and be fully conscious of your great responsibility to communicate beauty, to communicate in and through beauty! Through your art, you yourselves are to be heralds and witnesses of hope for humanity!”

I hope that together we can make a difference in the world, that we can communicate the heart of God through creativity and inspiration. I hope that together we can set precedents in business, the arts and media worthy of being modeled by the world. I hope that our success not be gauged solely by sales and numbers, but by our honor for each other, by our excellence in our spheres of influence and by the measure we allow the Spirit of God to lead us. I’m privileged and excited to join you in these endeavors.

Sincerely yours,

Ben Kasica

Skies Fall Media Group

New August Burns Red Album Out Now
After weeks of teasing fans with new songs from their highly anticipated fourth album, Leveler, genre giants AUGUST BURNS RED are proud to unleash the beast of an album on the public. Over the last 5 weeks, the band revealed four standout tracks from Leveler that built anticipation for the new album to a fever pitch. Old and new fans alike eagerly consumed the new material, racking up more than two-thirds of a million plays across various platforms. Leveler has been garnering critical praise as well. Alternative Press – who had annointed the album one of the “Most Anticipated Albums of 2011? – called Leveler “exhilarating” and the band’s “strongest work to date” – an impressive statement considering the critical and commercial success of the band’s lauded 2009 album Constellations. “The biggest risk we took on this album was not limiting ourselves to stay inside the standard metalcore box,” explains Brubaker. “If there was a part that didn’t sound like a traditional metalcore part we ran with it and made it as wild or unorthodox as we wanted. I think that’s one of the advantages to being on your fourth album. We have a dedicated group of listeners who are supportive of us trying new things and breaking some of the unwritten rules of metal. It’s a luxury we are very thankful for and do not take for granted.”

Reform The Resistance Release Debut
REFORM THE RESISTANCE is pleased to announce today’s physical release of their new album, The Truth is Dangerous, on Wuli Records! A limited digital release also went out on April 26th, 2011 with select digital music outlets. The album is now available for purchase at your local music distributor, and at all participating digital music outlets, such as iTunes, Amazon, Walmart, Napster, Rhapsody, and many more. The Truth is Dangerous was completed in October 2010 and was produced by REFORM THE RESISTANCE vocalist/guitarist Jason Moncivaiz. The entire album was recorded and produced in Moncivaiz’s personal studio, with exception of the drums which were recorded in Chicago, IL at Gravity Studios. REFORM THE RESISTANCE will be appearing this summer at the 2011 Cornerstone Festival! The band will be performing at 11:59pm on Thursday, June 30th on the Sanctuary Stage (technically 12am, Friday, June 31st). The band is thrilled to mention that their new track, ‘Tonight We Ride’, has been added for download on the RockBand Network! Fans can purchase the track for RockBand at this link.

Skillet, P.O.D. & Chevelle To Play Epicenter
EPICENTER–Southern California’s Rock Festival–is set for Saturday, September 24 at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Irvine, CA. The day-long rock festival will feature headliners Limp Bizkit in their first Southern California show in over a decade and their first American live performance of 2011. EPICENTER will feature 12 hours of rock music with performances from over a dozen bands on two stages, including: Limp Bizkit, Staind, Five Finger Death Punch, Papa Roach, Buckcherry, P.O.D., Puddle Of Mudd, Asking Alexandria, Skillet, Chevelle, Middle Class Rut and Drive A.

Sons Of God Changes Name
Lead singer Aaron Newberry released a video detailing these keys points to the changes to the band. First, they changed the band name to “SONS.” Promotional materials will soon reflect this change. In addition to this image alteration, Newberry introduces drummer Michael Lopez and a new promo photograph. He also updates fans on the status of the previous Kickstarter campaign, ensuring the rewards will be sent as soon as possible. Newberry also confirms the status of the band’s upcoming record, stating that the full length will be available later this year. No tours are currently scheduled, but will be as soon as SONS is in a position to do so.

Deas Vail Premieres New Video With AP
Deemed by Alternative Press Magazine as a ‘Band To Watch’ in 2010, the publication continues to show belief in the band as they premiere the new music video for the song Summer Forgets Me here. Summer Forgets Me is from the band’s upcoming September 6 self-titled album release from Mono vs Stereo, produced by Relient K guitarist and Mono Vs Stereo A&R Matthew Hoopes. 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 is the follow up to the band’s 2009 release Birds & Cages. There is indeed a positive uplift in the sweeping contours of the opening tracks, as ‘Desire’, ‘Sixteen’ and ‘Summer Forgets Me’ provide a powerful and emotional kick start to the record. As Blaylock pushes his sky-scraper of a voice up, over and around jangling guitars and head-bobbing grooves, he articulates beautifully poetic and eloquent metaphors.

These Hearts Release Debut On Victory Records
It takes a lot to be considered a sensation. Christian group These Hearts have entered into an industry tangled with webs of passing fads and copycats only to come out with a fresh batch of songs giving pop music a much-needed shove into the ranks of remarkably composed, rock-flavored hits bound to please the masses. Sensation, indeed. The Fargo, North Dakota-based high-spirited, pop group unleashes their magnetically addicting album, Forever Ended Yesterday, today. The Victory Records debut certainly has the essential spark to be one of the most exciting releases of the summer. With addictive hooks that will instantly have you singing along and an effortless flair for weaving gritty heaviness in all the right places, Forever Ended Yesterday is an unstoppable force by way of a new approach to pop. Kicking off with the standout track “Apology Rejected”, the album is packed full of what can only be pinpointed as an angst-filled, roller coaster ride of dangerously infectious songs in a promising collection of new favorites to rock fans everywhere. Rounding off the album is the acoustic track “Thinking In Terms Of Two” – a charming addition showcasing the group’s musical talent as a beautifully played out bonus to the record. Trekking ahead of the rest musically and otherwise, Forever Ended Yesterday manages to give pop/punk legends a run for their money. A bold statement, yes, but their creative concoction carried out in the album has set a fantastic new standard for the pop, rock, and heavy hardcore genres. In support of the new release, These Hearts will be spreading their fiercely energetic, upbeat tunes to crowds everywhere this summer at Sonshine, Cornerstone, and other renowned festivals along with embarking on a tour across the U.S to finish out the year. Get your copy of Forever Ended Yesterday¸ available in stores everywhere and digitally on iTunes and Amazon.

Megadeth Releasing 25th Anniversary edition Of Peace Sells
Megadeth’s vital, Platinum-certified album, Peace Sells… But Who’s Buying?, has been digitally remastered for the first time and expanded for a commemorative 25th Anniversary release in multiple configurations on July 12 by Capitol/EMI. All of the versions, including a 2CD lift-top box, digital album, and a deluxe 5Disc+3LP box set, include a previously unreleased 1987 concert from the band’s first world tour and new liner notes written by Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine and Metallica’s Lars Ulrich. The deluxe box set also includes previously unreleased and rare mixes of the album’s tracks and hi res audio for the remastered album and concert, as well as an expanded 20-page book, plus 8”x10” photos and reproductions of vintage Megadeth memorabilia. The cover of the box uses a new, unique process of lenticular 3D which reinterprets the original cover, creating the illusion of Megadeth’s Vic Rattlehead character jumping out of the art. Released in 1986, Peace Sells… But Who’s Buying? was Megadeth’s second album and the band’s first Capitol/EMI release. The acclaimed album thrust Megadeth into the international spotlight, and it remains a powerful thrash metal staple. In his liner notes for the new edition, Dave Mustaine reflects on writing the album’s title track: “I had written other lyrics by now, but there was something different about ‘Peace Sells’ because it told my story about my faith; my beliefs; my distrust of government; my work ethic; my integrity. This was MY song.” “If there’s a new way, I’ll be the first in line” “Amen!,” continues Mustaine. “I was so tired of not shaving, not bathing, not eating, not having a home, a companion, NOTHING. Yeah, I’ll be the first in line, but it had better work this time. Well, it was working, thank God, just fast enough for what I needed, but not nearly as fast as I would hope.” “Whether you heard this record for the first time in 1986, or you hear this record for the first time today or tomorrow, Peace Sells is a great heavy metal album,” writes Lars Ulrich in his liner notes for the new edition. ”Nothing more, nothing less. It has stood the test of time. And will continue to do so.” Dave Mustaine pioneered the hugely successful Megadeth after his departure from Metallica. Beginning with the band’s 1985 debut album, Killing Is My Business…And Business Is Good!, and evolving through a shifting series of lineups, Megadeth has crafted a dynamic, intelligent style that combines the aggressiveness of thrash metal, the improvisational nature of jazz, and cynical, articulate, politically-charged lyrics into an innovative mix that has built a rabid worldwide following. For nearly three decades, Megadeth has taken heavy metal into the future – musically, lyrically, and culturally. The band has enjoyed great success on Billboard’s album and single charts, including three Top 10 titles on the Top 200 Albums chart and four Top 10 Modern Rock singles, “Almost Honest,” “Trust,” “Breadline,” and “Crush ‘Em.” With defiance and grace, through unusual quality and intelligence, Megadeth has raised a generation on a diet of truth serum and bitter pills. Instead of being kicked to the curb for their insolence, they’ve been rewarded with nine Grammy Award nominations, six Gold, five Platinum, and one double Platinum albums, and three Gold-certified DVD releases, in addition to last year’s double Platinum concert DVD, The Big 4: Live From Sofia, Bulgaria.

Peter Furler’s First Solo Album Out Now
With multiple GRAMMY nominations and Dove awards, “Songwriter of the Year” nods and musical talent that has driven the sales of five RIAA Certified Gold records, over seven million albums sold and 25 No. 1 songs, Peter Furler returns to music after ending his long tenure in 2009 as the lead singer of newsboys, the band he founded in Mooloolaba, Queensland, Australia. Refreshed and reawakened to the joy of music, Furler steps out with his first solo album, on fire, releasing today amidst wide critical acclaim on Sparrow Records and available on iTunes, Amazon, Walmart, Family Christian Stores, LifeWay Christian Stores or at your favorite Christian retailer.

New Mat Kearney Video Online
Oregon born and Tennessee based musician, Mat Kearney, just recently released a new single titled “Hey Mama” from his forthcoming Young Love album and here is the video for the single. Catch Mat Kearney on the road right now touring the US with Owl City. His new album Young Love is due out August 2nd on Universal Republic.

Affiance On Tour
THIS OR THE APOCALYPSE’s upcoming headline tour with Affiance, Last Chance To Reason, and Deception Of A Ghost begins next week! See below for all current tour dates, and make sure to catch the band again on supporting dates in July with Impending Doom and MyChildren MyBride. Here are the tour dates:
6/24 – Amarillo, TX
6/25 – San Antonio, TX
6/26 – Houston, TX
6/27 – Tallahassee, FL
6/30 – Atlanta, GA
7/1 – West Springfield, VA
7/2 – Chesapeake, VA
7/3 – Trenton, NJ
7/18 – Clinton, NJ
7/19 – New York, NY
7/20 – Annapolis, MD
7/21 – Richmond, VA
7/22 – Lynchburg, VA
7/23 – Raleigh, NC
7/24 – Columbia, SC
7/25 – Jacksonville, FL
7/26 – Douglasville, GA
7/27 – Nashville, TN
7/28 – Kettering, OH
7/29 – Cleveland, OH
7/30 – Horseheads, NY

Josh Wilson Launches Special Website In Response To Song
Sparrow Records’ critically acclaimed artist Josh Wilson has a history of penning riveting songs that tug at the heartstrings of listeners. As with his captivating chart topper “Before the Morning” (Life is Not a Snapshot, 2009) and now his latest single “Fall Apart” (See You, 2011) testimonials from fans are pouring in explaining how the song has touched their lives and how God has pulled them through when they too had “fallen apart.” Due to the influx of responses, Wilson has launched whenifallapart.com, where listeners can watch a touching video from Wilson and hear personal accounts of how their faith pulled them through tough times. Wilson’s hope is that the website can serve as an outlet and resource for those who want to share their story or be encouraged. Wilson was moved to write “Fall Apart” after he witnessed a friend endure a difficult divorce. “Right in the middle of it, we had this really amazing conversation, and he said that even though everything was falling apart, he felt God’s presence more than he ever had,” says Wilson. “He saw how much he needed God. Hard times are a magnifying glass on how much we need him. That’s when we feel God’s presence the most.” After just being release to radio “Fall Apart” is off to a strong start as it was the most added song at AC out of the gate and made its debut to the National Audience Chart just two weeks after its launch. “Fall Apart” is also the follow-up to two consecutive Top 5 AC singles including his debut hit from See You, “I Refuse.” The song continues to hold its place on the charts, currently placing in the Top 3 at AC and the National Audience Chart. This fall, Wilson will continue to perform the single in addition to other songs from See You, as he shares the stage with GRAMMY ® award winning artist Steven Curtis Chapman and Andrew Peterson.

©2011 HM Magazine All Rights Reserved

More news from last week:

still fresh (as far as you know)

EPICENTER–Southern California’s Rock Festival–is set for Saturday, September 24 at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Irvine, CA. The day-long rock festival will feature headliners Limp Bizkit in their first Southern California show in over a decade and their first American live performance of 2011.

“Limp Bizkit is back, more dangerous and contagious than ever with our original lineup, NEW album Gold Cobra, and EPICENTER to take your rock and roll fantasy past the extreme,” says Fred Durst of Limp Bizkit. “I promise this will be a party you do NOT want to miss. EPICENTER will be our first and only Southern California shindig. And fellas, don’t be mad that EPICENTER will be filled with women…that’s how we roll.”

EPICENTER will feature 12 hours of rock music with performances from over a dozen bands on two stages, including: Limp Bizkit, Staind, Five Finger Death Punch, Papa Roach, Buckcherry, P.O.D., Puddle Of Mudd, Asking Alexandria, Skillet, Redlight King, Middle Class Rut and Drive A.

“EPICENTER IS Southern California’s Rock Festival,” says Gary Spivack, co-executive producer of the event for Right Arm Entertainment. “With our partners at Live Nation and Monster Energy we are now able to give Southern California rock fans what they want…a ROCK festival to call their own. From the opening band all the way through Limp Bizkit’s first area show in a decade, EPICENTER will be a non-stop day of amazing entertainment.”

“I’m excited about our partnership with Right Arm Entertainment,” says Rich Best, Senior Vice President of Booking for Live Nation/So-Cal.  “After just two years, EPICENTER is now known as one of the major festivals of the summer concert season.  Credibility with the audience is everything, and with EPICENTER, rock fans know they are going to get a killer lineup at a great value.  We can’t wait to get started on the 2011 edition. “

EPICENTER ticket prices start as low as $20.00. Tickets go on sale Saturday, June 25 at all Ticketmaster outlets and www.LiveNation.com. Go to www.EpicenterFestival.com and www.Facebook.com/epicenterfestival for all show information.

EPICENTER is presented by Right Arm Entertainment (creators of Columbus, Ohio’s annual Rock On The Range, which this year celebrated its fifth anniversary, and Carolina Rebellion in Charlotte, NC), Live Nation and Monster Energy.  Additional sponsors include Gibson and Ubisoft.

]]> http://www.hmmagazine.com/2011/06/skillet-p-o-d-and-chevelle-to-play-epicenter/feed/ 0 http://www.hmmagazine.com/2011/06/wanna-read-another-press-release-on-skillets-transformers-3-song/ http://www.hmmagazine.com/2011/06/wanna-read-another-press-release-on-skillets-transformers-3-song/#comments Thu, 02 Jun 2011 20:07:53 +0000 Doug Van Pelt http://www.hmmagazine.com/?p=13463

On June 14th, Warner Bros. Records will release the album to the hotly anticipated motion picture Transformers: Dark of the Moon — the third film in the Oscar®-nominated summer blockbuster Transformers series, which hits theaters nationwide on June 29th. The album will feature the rock radio mix of “Awake & Alive” from Skillet, which earned the band their first No. 1 Active Rock hit. The track was also the first No. 1 Active Rock hit to feature female vocals in the charts nearly 14-year history.  

“I am a junkie for these kind of movies so to have ‘Awake & Alive’ included on the Transformers: Dark of the Moon album is one of the coolest things that we could have happen,” comments Skillet frontman John Cooper. “I’ll be one of the first in line to see the film when it hits theaters this summer.”

Recently, Skillet took home their first Billboard Music Award, garnering further recognition for the gold certified AWAKE which boasts three active rock hits. Their fourth single, “It’s Not Me, It’s You” will impact rock radio formats on June 7th. Named one of the top 5 “Hardest Working Bands of 2010” on the popular concert site Songkick and known for their explosive live performace, Skillet will be touring most of the summer.  For the up to date schedule, visit http://www.skillet.com/event/.

# # #

www.skillet.com
www.myspace.com/skilletmusic
www.facebook.com/skillet
www.twitter.com/skilletmusic

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)