Creation 2008 music festival survey

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Kevin Max & Joanne Cash to perform at Johnny Cash Flower Pickin' Festival

This November, Starkville, Mississippi will hold its first annual Johnny Cash Flower Pickin’ Festival, featuring a symbolic posthumous pardon to Cash, and a line-up of musicians closely associated with the late singer and American icon. The event will be held November 2-4, 2007, and will feature performances by Joanne Cash and Kevin Max, as well as Marty Stuart & the Fabulous Superlatives and others.

Johnny Cash fans from around the world are expected to participate in a fascinating part of the Cash story–his experience at the "Starkville City Jail" and his lifelong story of redemption. Johnny Cash was arrested in Starkville, Mississippi, on May 11, 1965, for public drunkeness following a performance at Mississippi State University. He wrote the song, “Starkville City Jail,” and performed it at his legendary San Quentin State Prison concert on Feb. 24, 1969. Cash played at MSU again in 1970 and gave many of the officers involved with his arrest front row tickets to the performance.

The Starkville community decided that it's time to formally recognize the depth and humanity of the Man in Black. As a result, the city of Starkville will issue a posthumous pardon to Cash. Kathy Cash Tittle, the second oldest of the four Cash daughters, will accept the pardon on her father's behalf during the pardoning ceremony on November 3rd. The pardon doesn’t suggest that anyone condoned Cash’s behavior. It symbolically recognizes Cash as an imperfect human who made mistakes but gained insight and wisdom by learning from his indiscretions. It’s not about Johnny Cash getting arrested; it’s about what his life symbolized to so many people — that no matter what happens in life, you can redeem yourself.

The festival will close with a Redemption Service on Sunday, November 4th at 10:00am, featuring performances by Kevin Max and Johnny Cash’s sister, Joanne Cash, singing gospel music that Johnny Cash enjoyed. The service will be held at Lee Hall Auditorium on the MSU campus, and is free to the public.

For more information on the Johnny Cash Flower Pickin’ Festival, visit the official website at www.pardonjohnnycash.com.

Read our review of Joanne Cash's Gospel here.

Alisa Childers (formerly of Zoegirl) solo album releasing Dec. 1

Former Zoegirl member Alisa Girard Childers is releasing a solo CD on December 1st.

And the first 1,000 people to order the CD before December 1st will receive an autographed copy, according to her MySpace page.

Creation Festival 2008 Tickets on sale now!

Tickets are now on sale for both the Creation Northeast and Northwest summer festivals (is it our imagination or is it a little early to be thinking about summer?). But if you're a fan of Creation, the nation's largest festival, then you'll save money by ordering your tickets now. Visit the Creation website for more info here. Or visit the festival's Myspace page here.

Be sure to read our feature article on Creation 2007 here.

Fireflight's "Unbreakable" used on Bionic Woman promo

Brand new music from female-led rock band Fireflight will debuted last night on NBC with the band’s yet unreleased track “Unbreakable” selected to air in promotion for the network’s new hit show “Bionic Woman”.

The promotional spots began airing last night on NBC and will run throughout the week.

The high-impact new song is the title track for Fireflight’’s forthcoming sophomore album releasing spring 2008. Although the album is months from release at retail, the title track is an instant hit with NBC executives.

Janine Kerr, NBC/Universal Director of Promo Services, says, “Once I heard ‘Unbreakable’ by Fireflight, it just made sense that NBC should use this song in ‘Bionic Woman’ promos. In fact, the whole CD is great. Buy it!”

The single is scheduled for digital download at iTunes and other select digital channels in November.

To hear an excerpt of the song, visit Fireflight's Myspace page: www.myspace.com/fireflight.

Update! Check out most recent post here about this song now being available on iTunes!

Third Day recording new album

Before the powerhouse band hits the road for its Christmas Offerings tour with friends Jars of Clay, they'll be on the West Coast catching a little California sun.

Third Day members, Mac Powell, Tai Anderson, Mark Lee, Brad Avery and David Carr, have been readying for the recording of their first studio album in almost two years and will be tracking songs in a Los Angeles studio over the next few weeks.

In addition to working on its new album, Third Day is excited to roll out its new, exclusive, fan club, WIRED. Visit www.ThirdDayWired.com for the inside scoop and get Wired!

Relient K & McDonald's contest/promotion

Relient K is in the running for McDonald’s current contest promotion where the winning act will have their music featured in the fast food chain’s TV commercial, as well as the winner’s image plastered on over 300 million french fry containers worldwide. With voting already underway at: http://www.mcdlive.com/http://www.mcdlive.com/
The polls close on October 31st.

The band that brought you Five Score And Seven Years Ago, mmhmm, Two Lefts Don’t Make a Right……(But Three Do) and The Anatomy of the Tongue in Cheek ––also recently kicked off a 30-city, co-headlining tour with Switchfoot and are anticipating the release of their first-ever, full-length Christmas album: Let It Snow, Baby ... Let It Reindeer. The album, scheduled for release by Capitol Music Group/Gotee on October 23rd, features Relient K’s take on 10 holiday classics and six original songs.

Inpop records signs Newworldson

Home to today’s most influential Christian music artists, including newsboys, Mat Kearney, Shane and Shane, and Superchick, Inpop Records readies to launch its next big act with Newworldson. Featuring an energetic blend of pop, soul, and gospel, Newworldson will release its national label debut on Feb. 12, 2008.

Newworldson comprises singer-songwriter Joel Parisien, drummer Mark Rogers, bassist Rich Moore and guitarist/vocalist Josh Toal. Each a gifted musician in his own right, the members of Newworldson are collectively winning fans across the country, currently opening on labelmate newsboys’ highly successful “GO” tour.

Newworldson weaves its diverse musical influences and talents into a unique tapestry, passionately underscoring the spiritual content of its lyrics each time the band performs. As with its forthcoming album, Newworldson’s music inspires fellow Christians to actively seek God, encouraging listeners to unite in praise, share fellowship and experience revival. The band’s eclectic sound, combined with its compelling live show, draws a diverse audience of Christians and non-Christians alike, creating a demand for Newworldson’s music at churches, outreach events, and festivals.

“Newworldson is something special; I have yet to see this band perform live without receiving a standing ovation,” says Inpop President Dale Bray. “The band connects with our souls and excites us with its performance. Newworldson is a band with meaning, integrity and limitless talent, bringing life to an industry that needs air.”

The band’s February release, Salvation Station, produced by Newworldson and Justin Koop (Billy Talent, Silverstein), features the title track and debut radio single, “Salvation Station,” going for adds at both Christian Adult Contemporary as well as Christian Hit Radio on Nov. 2. Additional details on the project are forthcoming. For more information on Newworldson, visit: www.newworldson.com or www.myspace.com/newworldson.

Krystal Meyers song selected for ABC lineup promotion

Fans of Dove-nominated Krystal Meyers will get to experience a sampling of new music from the pop-rock artist tonight when ABC begins airing its promotion for its high-impact Sunday-Night Lineup which includes hit shows “Desperate Housewives,” “Brothers and Sisters” and “Extreme Home Makeover.”

Meyers’ new creation, “Make Some Noise,” was tracked for her forthcoming album and was an instant hit with ABC. The promotional spots will air throughout the week.

Read our interview with Krystal here (she talks about her new album).

Relient K drummer Dave Douglas leaving band

According to the band's website, drummer Dave Douglas is leaving the band. Says the band:

After seven years of touring, recording, and rehearsing, Dave Douglas has decided to leave Relient K. His final show will be 12/29. As a part of Relient K, he has been an amazing drummer, singer, collaborator, and friend. Before Dave joined the band, we were plagued with drummer turnover. Although he was the fifth drummer in two years, the moment he joined was the first time we ever felt like a complete band. He will be missed on the stage and on the road, and we wish him all the best.
RK

I know that there have been some rumors and speculation about my future in Relient K. I suppose I should clear that up. The time has, in fact, come for me to leave the band. This has been a very difficult decision, but I know that this is the right one. Relient K has been a huge part of my life and I'm sure that it is going to take a long time to get used to not being a part of the band any more. I've had a lot of good times, met a lot of great people, and been able to go a lot of places. it's been a blessing and a pleasure to work with Matt, Matt, John, and Jon. Also, I want to thank everyone else who has been involved with the band, especially those who have been on the road with us. Our fans are amazing and I want to thank all of you for your support and enthusiasm.

I am moving on to new music projects, and I hope that I will still have all of your support. Come the first of the year I will be devoting most of my time to Gypsy Parade . Feel free to look us up and say hi. Until then I will playing with Relient K, so I've got a few more shows left in me. I suppose that this is my "farewell tour." hopefully I, and the rest of Relient K, will see you at one of them.
Thanks to all of you.

-Dave Douglas

Sneak Peak at Fireflight's next album

In a recent podcast put out by Flicker Records, the band Fireflight talked about themselves, their upcoming new album, and more! At the end of the podcast are clips of songs from the new album.

Click here to download the free podcast from iTunes.

John Waller YouTube piece

Worship leader and songwriter John Waller has a new video piece receiving attention on YouTube this week. The clip accompanies Waller’s passionate anthem “Still Calls Me Son".

John is playing to sold-out audiences this fall as the special guest on Casting Crowns’ The Altar and The Door Tour.

Michael W. Smith Christmas album

Happy Birthday Smitty!: With the release of his 20th album, It’s A Wonderful Christmas, Oct. 16, Michael W. Smith finds himself globe trotting, with tour stops in Glasgow, Scotland; Horsens, Denmark; Milan and Naples, Italy after which he heads to South Africa for a run of four shows before returning home for a small break. While in Holland recently, Michael performed before 17 thousand fans who helped make his birthday extra special by singing “Happy Birthday” to him during the sold out Oct 7 show.

Smith’s Christmas single, “Merry Christmas,” a duet with special guest Mandisa, goes for radio adds on Nov. 16 while his It’s A Wonderful Christmas Symphony tour featuring Melinda Doolittle and The Katinas kicks off November 29.

For more touring information, please visit www.michaelwsmith.com

Kevin Max will spill The Blood December 26th

(NASHVILLE, TENN.) -- Kevin Max returns December 26th with his latest recording, The Blood - A very personal project that allowed him to step back from his usual rock stylings in favor of a musical exploration of Gospel. This deliberate departure features high profile collaborations with an extraordinary cast, including Vince Gill, Amy Grant, American Idol finalist Chris Sligh, Joanne Cash, Ashley Cleveland and others, including the long-anticipated reunion of dcTalk (featuring Max, Michael Tait and TobyMac)!

"This album was something I have been wanting to accomplish as a singer for many years," says Max. "It is literally going back to my roots in search of the music that resonated with me as a young man, when I was searching for something bigger than myself."

Max is quick to point out that The Blood is not a worship record or classic hymns cover project, but rather "a sensitive and stylized adaption of the music that was at the root of rock and roll, blues and popular culture."

"I remember listening to Elvis, Mahalia Jackson, The Imperials, Andrae Crouch, but it took me years to understand the impact it had on me as a singer and an artist," explains Max. "These songs that I picked specifically related to me that the singer was in need of The Gospel more than The Gospel needing to be sung."

THE BLOOD - Track Listing:
1. The Old Rugged Cross
2. The Cross (featuring dcTalk)
3. Run On For A Long Time (featuring Chris Sligh)
4. Trouble Of The World
5. I Know His Blood Can Make Me Whole
6. Up Above My Head I Hear Music In The Air (featuring Vince Gill and Amy Grant)
7. They Won't Go When I Go
8. The Blood Will Never Lose It's Power (featuring Ashley Cleveland, Judson Spence and Kim Keys)
9. People Get Ready (featuring Vince Gill and Erica Campbell of Mary Mary)
10. One Way, One Blood (featuring Joanne Cash)
11. Blood Outro

With dcTalk, Max accrued album sales exceeding 8 million, as well as numerous Grammy and Dove Awards. Their reunion for "The Cross" marks the first recorded reunion of the group since the 2002 single, "Let's Roll." "Hearing the three of us on the same track again was a treat," says Max. "'The Cross' was the perfect anthem for that reunion."

The Blood was produced by fellow recording artist/songwriter/musician Will Owsley (Amy Grant, Shania Twain, Michael McDonald), and features some of Nashville's finest players including Phil Madeira (B3, Organ, National Guitar). John Painter (Horns, HipHop Bass) and Vince Gill on guitar.

Infinity Music Distribution will release the album through a unique partnership with Max's Blind Thief Publishing. An aggressive promotional campaign will include various retail promotions, national television appearances, a radio promo tour and heavy concert touring including a church tour currently being scheduled. The first radio single, "Run On for a Long Time" (featuring Chris Sligh), is going to radio this month.

"Elvis Presley sang gospel music because he needed it in his life, not for fame," reflects Max. "That is precisely the reason i decided to make The Blood. These are songs that I needed to sing, because they fill me with joy."

Fervent Records signs female duo Cadia

(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) Fervent Records welcomes new female duo, CADIA, to its artist roster. Spotlighting positive messages for music fans, the group will release its self-titled, national debut album on Feb. 26, 2008.

Nashville-based CADIA comprises longtime friends Courtney Myers and Tori Smith, both 19 years old. The two became fast friends while participating in a junior high school play and continue to perform together.

“Recording and releasing a national album on a major label has always been at the top of our dream list,” says Myers. “We are grateful to have linked up with Fervent Records, who shares our passion for spreading the Gospel through music.”

“We feel so blessed to have found a home at Fervent Records,” says Smith. “They really understand our hearts and are extremely supportive of our music and ministry. It’’s a great match!”

Produced by Otto Price (BarlowGirl, Out Of Eden, SONICFLOOd) and Rob Hawkins (Big Daddy Weave, Jump5, Rebecca St. James), CADIA’s debut addresses themes of honesty, empowerment, self-esteem, compassion, and confidence in God, issues that both Courtney and Tori have confronted on their own journey to adulthood. In addition to providing fun, meaningful pop music, the record also aims to encourage other teens facing similar life experiences.

“We see a great future for Courtney and Tori here at Fervent,” comments Price. “Not only is their sound fresh and relevant, but they have something important to say. These days, and especially in the business of music ministry, a good message is as important as good music.”
CADIA is derived from the Greek word Arcadia, meaning place of peace, symbolizing the peace found when fears, insecurities, and trials are released. The duo will open on Avalon’s spring tour, and its song “Inside Out,” with accompanying music video, will be featured as the theme song/video for Women of Faith’s “Revolve Tour,” geared toward teen girls. For more information on CADIA, visit www.CADIAonline.com.

(Picture caption: New Fervent Records female duo CADIA records its national label debut at The Sound Lab in Franklin, Tenn. Produced by Otto Price, the album is due in stores Feb. 26. Pictured left to right are Tori Smith, Otto Price, and Courtney Myers.)

New John Schlitt solo album and FREE mp3

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – October 1, 2007 – John Schlitt, multi-Grammy winning recording artist and lead singer of Petra, announces the sampler release of his third solo project (as of yet untitled).

A montage of songs, complete with commentary by Schlitt, is available for download on JohnWSchlitt.com. Click here for the direct download.

“This album has gone in a totally different direction for me and I’m very excited about that new direction. The fact that my interests have changed as I grow older is reflected in this album,” said Schlitt.

“The subject matter on this project is just as important as the music,” explains Schlitt. “The songs cover a variety of adult-themed topics including adoption, divorce, taking care of third world children, among other issues of importance in today’s world. It’s timely for me to do an album like this; not only from the standpoint of the subject matter, but also in the fact that the music itself is going down a whole new path.”

The upcoming album has a unique family connection which contributed to the creative and emotional evolution of the project.

“My son-in-law, Dan Needham, produced the album,” adds Schlitt. “So, ultimately I felt a lot more comfortable going places subject-wise that were really personal to me. There were actually some moments during the process of recording when we all got choked up and had to stop. That was a new experience for me.“

The project follows Schlitt’s previous two solo albums, “Shake” and “Unfit for Swine,” as well as “Vertical Expressions,” the 2007 debut release by “II Guys from Petra” (Schlitt, along with Petra founder Bob Hartman).

Read out interview with John here.