Stellar Kart shoots music video for "Innocent"

CAPTION: Award-winning Word Records band Stellar Kart joins producer Otis Mass (Krystal Meyers, Group One Crew) in the Bronx on set for its latest music video, "Innocent." The video precedes Stellar Kart's forthcoming Feb. 26 release, Expect The Impossible.

Fireflight shoots video for "Unbreakable" using RED ONE camera technology

Photo Caption: Pictured (L-R) on the set of Fireflight's new music video are band members Justin Cox, Dawn Richardson, Phee Shorb, Wendy Drennen and Glenn Drennen with Ruckus Film producer Brittany Hailes and director Wes Edwards.

(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) January 28, 2008 – Orlando-based rock band Fireflight recently shot a high-intensity music video featuring car crashes, tragic characters and the band’s commanding live performance of its current radio smash “Unbreakable.” Shot inside a commercial steel warehouse by Ruckus Film in east Nashville, the “Unbreakable” video is the first in town to use the RED ONE camera technology. Having four times the resolution of a High Definition camera, RED ONE is being called Ultra High Definition. “Unbreakable” is the first single and title track off Fireflight’s anticipated March 4 sophomore album release, and is currently ranked the No.3 song in the country on Christian Rock radio.

Fireflight’s “Unbreakable” music video will premiere on various cable networks in February. The shoot was directed by Wes Edwards and produced by Brittany Hailes. The RED ONE camera has been used by Academy Award winning directors Steven Soderbergh (“Ocean’s Eleven, “Traffic,” "Solaris”) and Peter Jackson (“Lord of the Rings,” “King Kong”).

“Fireflight is an incredible performer and the band gave 100% on each and every take,” said director Wes Edwards. He adds, “The set was so fun and relaxed that it never felt like work. And on top of all that, the footage looks killer.”

The band’s new hit song has been creating tremendous momentum for the forthcoming album. In November 2007, “Unbreakable” was promptly selected by the NBC network as the anthemic soundtrack for the promo spots of primetime TV show “Bionic Woman.” The spots aired during Nov. sweeps, and extended into the promotion of NBC’s entire Wednesday night lineup.

Fronted by female vocalist Dawn Richardson, Fireflight’s music has been featured on E! Entertainment’s “Style Network” and in music-video reels at both American Eagle and Journey’s stores across the country. Fireflight averages 140 shows a year, and has delivered two No. 1 rock singles “You Decide” and “Waiting” off its 2006 debut album.

For more information on Fireflight, please visit www.fireflightrock.com, www.myspace.com/fireflight or www.flickerrecords.com. For more information about RED ONE, please visit www.red.com.

Buy the "Unbreakable" single at iTunes by clicking below:

Pillar announces "For the Love of the Game" tour dates

GRAMMY-nominated rock band Pillar has unveiled dates for its 3-month, “For the Love of the Game” Tour, sponsored by World Vision, TVU and RadioU. Christian music’s leading rock band will kick-off its ninth headlining tour in Palos Heights (Chicago), Ill. on Feb. 22, 2008. Named for Pillar’s upcoming album, which will hit stores Feb. 26, 2008, the full tour line-up is: Pillar, Building 429, Wavorly and introducing Brooke Barrettsmith. All dates are listed below and additional dates are still being added. For the most up-to-date schedule, visit www.pillartour.com.

Pillar has started 2008 in an awesome way: earning its first GRAMMY nomination (Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album for The Reckoning), having its music played on numerous ESPN sports programs, achieving its ninth No. 1 radio single (“For the Love of the Game”), and gearing up for the release of its fifth album (For the Love of the Game) and ninth headlining tour.

Pumped about his band’s ninth headlining tour, Pillar lead vocalist, Rob Beckley, exclaims, “I have never been so excited to get out on a tour! Over the last 10 years we’ve been on the road a lot, doing numerous headlining tours and we’ve had the privilege of playing in many types of venues, and for different types of crowds. This is going to be the most fun we’ve had on stage in our decade of touring – guaranteed!”

Word Records artist Building 429 debuted in 2004 with “Glory Defined,” a song that hit No. 1 on eight different charts and became BMI’s 2005 Song of the Year for Christian music. The band received four Dove Award nominations and was named the GMA’s “New Artist of the Year” in 2005. Building 429 has toured with Casting Crowns, tobyMac, Jeremy Camp and BarlowGirl, among others, and frontman Jason Roy acted as a spokesperson for 2004’s Redeem the Vote, with appearances on “Fox News Live,” CNN and ABC’s “Nightline.” The band’s third full-length record, Iris To Iris, released in May 2007. For more information, visit www.building429.com.

Wavorly burst onto the national scene in 2007 with their Flicker Records debut, Conquering the Fear of Flight. The highly-acclaimed album is a sprawling modern rock masterpiece. It blends elements of alternative, classic progressive, indie and hard rock with highly literate lyrics, a boldly imaginative use of strings and a sublime sense of melody. Go to www.wavorly.com for further information.

Christian rocker Brooke Barrettsmith captivates audiences with her passionate vocals and straightforward lyrics about faith and relationships. Growing up a pastor’s daughter in Chicago, Brooke first started singing in church with her siblings. Since then, she has shared the stage with artists such as Toby Mac, Audio Adrenaline, Jeremy Camp and Steven Curtis Chapman. As a top 40 finalist on “American Idol Season 5” in 2006, Brooke has been championed by local Chicago TV and print outlets and has received hometown support performing at various local events including White Sox games. Brooke’s debut album on Essential Records will be released in June. Visit www.myspace.com/brookebarrettsmith for further information.

Catch Pillar’s “For the Love of the Game” Tour in one of the following cities:

*Tour dates, cities, and venues subject to change without notice

Friday, 2/22 Palos Heights, IL Harvest Bible Chapel

Saturday, 2/23 Minneapolis, MN Club 3 Degrees

Sunday, 2/24 Ashby, MN Destiny Center

Monday, 2/25 Sioux Falls, SD Southern Hills United Methodist Church
Tuesday, 2/26 North Platte, NE Community Playhouse

Thursday, 2/28 Tulsa, OK The Otherside

Friday, 2/29 Fort Worth, TX The Door

Saturday, 3/1 San Antonio, TX Tri-Point Club

Sunday, 3/2 Weatherford, TX Faith Family Fellowship

Tuesday, 3/4 Joplin, MO The Foundry Music Theatre

Friday, 3/7 Knoxville, TN Knoxville Christian Center

Wednesday, 3/12 Prestonburg, KY Mountain Arts Center

Thursday, 3/13 Springfield, IL iWorship Center

Friday, 3/14 Orion, MI The District Venue

Saturday, 3/15 Cincinnati, OH The Underground
Sunday, 3/16 Van Wert, OH Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio

Wednesday, 4/2 Carlsbad, NM Walter Gerrells Performing Arts Center
Sunday, 4/6 Merced, CA Yosemite Church
Friday, 4/11 Seattle, WA Royal Brougham Pavilion – Seattle Pacific University
Saturday, 4/12 Portland, OR New Hope Community Church
Sunday, 4/13 Spokane, WA The Service Station

Since Pillar’s Dove Award-winning debut Above in 2001, the band has tallied nine No. 1 radio singles, 12 top five hits, a GRAMMY nomination, three Dove Awards, eight national headlining tours, covers of numerous national magazines and album sales approaching one million. For the Love of the Game (Feb. 26, 2008) is the band’s fifth, full-length studio project. Pillar is: Rob Beckley, vocals; Lester Estelle, drums; Noah Henson, guitar; and Kalel, bass.

Find more information at www.pillarmusic.com and www.myspace.com/pillar

Read our interview with Pillar here.

New female duo Cadia releasing album Feb. 26

New Fervent Records female duo Cadia will deliver a pop/rock debut full of songs speaking to the reality of where young people live. Releasing Feb. 26, 2008, the new self-titled project offers songs of outward compassion, finding one's identity as well as confidence in Christ, and God's amazing redemption.

Produced by Otto Price (BarlowGirl, Sonicflood, dcTalk) and Rob Hawkins (pureNRG, Jackson Waters), Cadia presents an accessible pop sound that results in an infectious, passionate release packed with guitar-laden hooks and melodic piano pop sure to appeal to fans of ZOEgirl and Krystal Meyers.

The anthemic "Inside/Out," penned by Nichole Nordeman, captures the heart of Cadia as it sends a message of self-acceptance. The song and accompanying music video are the featured theme song/video for Women of Faith's "Revolve Tour," geared toward teen girls.
"Most of these songs, like 'Inside/Out,' are our way of talking to God about the way we feel and the things we've been through," says group member Tori Smith. "But these are universal themes, more than just for young women. We are all trying to find out where we belong; we're all looking for that unconditional love. The thing is, we already belong, we are already loved that way by God, and that is the message that Cadia shares."

"Cadia means 'a place of peace,' explains Courtney Myers. "Each song here is saying that there is a place of peace, a safe place to fall, in this life. We're all trying to find ourselves, trying to hear God through all the noise, the pain, the insecurities, the lies people have told us about who we are and who we're not. These songs are our way of saying, 'You can let that all go and just give it to God. He is the source of peace. He is the One who made us. He doesn't make mistakes.'"
The girls' debut radio single, "Trust in Me Now," released to Christian Adult Contemporary and Christian Hit Radio on Jan. 4, 2008. The pair will additionally open for Avalon's spring tour in 2008.

The duo looks to Philippians 4:6-7, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus," as a verse to live by and encourages young women to do the same.

Visit Cadia online at their website and MySpace page.

Sarah Kelly releasing "Born to Worship"

Multi-GRAMMY-nominated recording artist and worship leader Sarah Kelly is poised for an April 1st release of her third album Born To Worship (Gotee/EMI CMG). Born to Worship features 10 songs of what Kelly is calling “edgy, passionate worship” and chronicles her own personal survival story from self-hate and abuse.

“This album is a returning to my roots,” says Kelly. “As a child, way before I started dealing with self hate and ultimately falling into a series of abusive relationships, I wrote passionate, abandoned worship songs. Now I am freshly on the other side of those deadly addictions and have much to worship and praise about. My life has come full circle back to my first love as if I was truly born to worship. And now, because of my life experiences, there is a new depth, joy, and a revelation of the meaning of ‘grace’.”

Producer credits on Born To Worship go to Mitch Dane (Jars Of Clay, Bebo Norman) with Vance Powell (Martina McBride, Jars Of Clay) coming alongside as mix engineer. Daniel Huscroft also co-produced with Dane on the songs “Faithful Father” and “Amazing Grace”. Along with the title song, the album’s track listing includes the first radio single “Brand New Day”, as well as “You Overwhelm Me,” “Glorious King,” “Not Quite Home Yet,” “Faithful Father,” “Everything To Me,” “Beautiful God,” “Sit With You Awhile,” and a remake of the classic hymn “Amazing Grace.”

Promo video for Pillar's album "For the Love of the Game"

Read our interview with Pillar here.

Creation festival 2008 lineup announced!

The largest outdoor Christian music and teaching festival of its kind, Creation Festival is honored to announce that they have been named for a second time as CCM Magazine reader’s “Favorite Festival”. This accolade inspires the Festival even more to continue its tradition of featuring the hottest acts in Christian music, as well as highlighting up-and-coming artists and introducing audiences to the finest speakers across the nation.

Keeping their vision in mind, Creation is pleased to announce the line-up for its 30th Anniversary. “We are extremely honored and humbled to be voted the favorite festival by the readers of CCM, for a second time,” says Nick Kulb, Director of Marketing & Sales for Creation and its parent company Come Alive International. “Our staff works tirelessly year round to ensure we present two of the nation’s best festivals each summer – its always encouraging
to receive accolades along the way. 2008 will be no different, but will be even better!”

Creation Northeast will be held June 25th – 28th at the Agape Farm in the beautiful mountain ranges of Mount Union, PA., and Creation Northwest will be marking its 11th year at the amazing Gorge Amphitheater in George, WA July 23rd-26th. Tickets are available now through iTickets.com.

This year’s main stage line-up includes performances from a diverse array of artists such as Switchfoot, Newsboys, TobyMac, Jeremy Camp, Kutless, David Crowder Band, Skillet, Barlow Girl, Chris Tomlin, Paul Baloche, Hawk Nelson, Leeland, industry veteran Phil Keaggy and new artists Fee, Worth Dying For and The Washington Projects.

Speakers include author Justin Lookadoo, Bob Lenz, Teen Mania Ministries founder Ron Luce, David Nasser and Jose Zayes.

The Tooth and Nail Records sponsored “X2008 Fringe Stage” will feature the best the in alternative Christian artists, including Superchic[k], Pillar, Sanctus Real, Stellar Kart, Red, Future of Forestry, The Afters, Ruth, Fireflight and 2007 “MTV2 Dew Circuit Breakout” winner The Myriad.

After the lights go down on the main stage, the entertainment continues at the Late Night Café. Wednesday night features comedian Paul Aldrich and critically acclaimed poet, Bradley Hathaway taking the stage on Thursday. A special event for Friday night will be announced soon.

An important focus for the Festival is worship and this summer is no different. Creation will partner with Integrity Music to provide an awesome time of praise and worship each afternoon. In addition, the worship tent will offer a training conference for worship leaders, musicians and writers each afternoon. With distinct seminar classes ranging from songwriting to hands-on training for bands, worship leaders and musicians will have a rare opportunity to come together
for teaching and fellowship.

The Creation Festival also strives to provide resources that will make the event an even better learning tool. Every afternoon there are special seminars on a variety of topics from keynote speakers. Again this year, Creation will team up with Interlinc to provide youth leaders with excellent seminars and other resources, including a daily afternoon seminar lead by Duffy Robins and Rich VanPelt, Talkback Sessions where Group Leaders can meet and have candid discussions with some of the most popular artists appearing at the Festival, and a VIP Youth Leader Tent, where leaders can get out of the sun, look through an assortment of free literature and other beneficial resources and share ideas with other Youth Leaders.

An event for the entire family, both Creation East and West also provide a Children’s Tent, which will feature a program geared especially for the younger attendees, including PureNRG, Phredd, Steven Courtney, The Reptile Guy and an array of puppets and fun music. Each afternoon, kids gather under the trees in the “Kids Grove” for a special craft time.

Special features for teens and adults include extreme games with climbing walls, spider jumps and sumo wrestling, a Skateboard and BMX ministry, a Gear Giveaway and a vendor Exhibit area with almost 200 booths with an assortment of merchandise and apparel available for purchase and ministries and colleges offering free literature and information.

"I am so excited and blessed to have been part of Creation for these 30 festival years,” exclaims Pastor Harry Thomas, co-founder of the Creation Festivals. “The public ministry of Jesus really began when he was thirty years of age. Likewise, I am praying that this year and future years are the most exciting and fruitful that we have ever seen for God's glory.”

To commemorate the 30th Anniversary, the Festival plans to highlight special moments from the past three decades throughout the four-day event. Additionally, Festival planners are working on a few special surprises to be revealed at the event. An overview of memories from the past 30 years can be found on the Creation Festival website. A new addition for this year is the “Creation Road Crew”, a community where friends of the Festival can order promotional materials, see photographs, watch media, and earn Creation swag by telling friends about the Festival. Additional information about this street team and how to join will be available soon.

Read our review/photo feature of Creation 2007 here.
Visit the official Creation site for the full lineup here.

Lori Peters parts ways with Skillet

According to a recent blog entry at Skillet's MySpace page, lead singer John Cooper reports that longtime drummer Lori Peters has recently left the band on good terms. Here's John's report:

Hey Panheads! We are out on tour bringing the rock to Winter Jam and loving it! Thanks to all of you who have already come out and supported us!!

I am writing an email to let everyone know about a change in the life of Skillet. Some of you already know, or have been speculating that Lori our drummer is no longer with Skillet. Unfortunately, this is the case. Lori told us about two months ago that she feels that it's time for her to come off of the road and start a new chapter in her life. We are of course going to miss her!! I wanted to let you all know sooner but the task of finding another drummer and getting prepared for this tour right on top of Christmas was overwhelming. On top of that Lori was finishing up the year and helped us train a new player so it was a bit premature to make any announcement.

Lori's last show with us was New Years Eve where we rocked it out together for one last time! She is going to miss all of the loyal fans who have been so supportive of the "coolest chick drummer ever!"

Lastly, we wanted to wait to make this announcement after we had a new drummer in place so there would not be those who think that Skillet is over. We are far from it! So as you know know we are losing an awesome girl drummer, and replacing her with another awesome girl drummer! We will let you guys know more about the new member soon, but for now, her name is Jen Ledger; she just turned 18; and she is looking forward to rockin your faces off!

As always, stand and be strong,
John Cooper

Gospel Music Channel takes inside look at Jump5's Farewell concert

(NASHVILLE, TENN.) -- A camera crew from Gospel Music Channel was on hand for JUMP5's farewell concert, which was held December 16th in Nashville, Tennessee. The special feature will air on GMC's The Kitchen Sink on Saturday, January 5th at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT.

The final concert was held at Rocketown, Nashville's popular downtown music venue, and featured performances by opening acts pureNRG, Jessie Daniels and Cali - three artists who were also featured on the group's "Hello & Goodbye Tour." Former JUMP5 member Libby Hodges also made a surprise appearance, performing with the group for a few songs.

JUMP5's farewell album, Hello & Goodbye (featuring the Radio Disney hit "Shoot the Moon"), was released in August 2007 by Slanted Records.

Group 1 Crew releases digital EP No Plan B

Fervent Records artist, Group 1 Crew, has recently released their digital EP, No Plan B , exclusively on iTunes.

The 5-song EP features three remixes of tracks from their 2007 debut release, Group 1 Crew . The EP also contains two new songs from their upcoming sophomore project. On the new album, Group 1 Crew's Manwell says, "We got some more tracks for ya'll to dance to, some new perspective on this beautiful Savior we call Christ and just a whole new vibe that'll no doubt leave you satisfied!"

Just after its release, No Plan B quickly landed on the top ten albums on iTunes Christian charts.

Group 1 Crew will soon be joining label mates pureNRG and BarlowGirl on the WinterJam 2008 tour, beginning on January 10. For more information about WinterJam, visit www.jamtour.com.

For more information on Group 1 Crew, visit www.group1crew.com or www.myspace.com/groupone

Buy the No Plan B at iTunes by clicking the link below:

Joel Engle on 700 Club

Joel Engle will be featured on the 700 Club Monday January 7th. He will be sharing his testimony to millions of people all over the world. Check your local listings.

Visit Joel's MySpace page here.

Ruth news

The band Ruth will be heading out on a West Coast tour in February with The Afters. And word has it they'll be heading into the studio to work on a new album in May and June. Visit their MySpace page here.

Read our interview with Dustin Ruth here.

Plumb expecting her 3rd child!

Just announced at her blog, Plumb reveals she and husband Jeremy Lee are expecting their 3rd child! Due July 24th, Baby Lee 3 will join his/her two brothers Solomon and Oliver.

Plumb's latest album Blink released this past October and features the hits songs "Cut" and "In My Arms".

Buy the album at iTunes below: