Purple Door Festival 2009 Artist Lineup Announced - Lower Ticket Prices!

In an ever-changing economy and music industry, Purple Door Arts and Music Festival, one of the nation’s premier Christian music events, is taking a bold approach to its 2009 Festival by offering more bands for a lower overall event ticket price. Additionally, the HM Stage will host
performances on Friday night as well as all day Saturday and most bands on all stages will play longer sets.

“Everyone at Purple Door knows that times are hard and we want to do our part to make things a little bit easier for our attendees, while thanking them for their support of the festival,” explains Purple Door Producer, Chris Strayer. “This year not only will we offer more bands and the addition of the HM stage Friday night but we will also offer lower ticket prices. All of the advance ticket prices are the cheapest they have been since 2005 and the gate price is the cheapest price since 2004.” In its 14th year, the annual arts and music festival will once again be held at Ski Roundtop in Lewisberry, PA August 14 and 15, and will play host to three stages of music, speakers an art gallery, skate park, paintball and much more.

Purple Door is also pleased to announce its initial line up for 2009. Artists slated to perform include:

Anberlin
Family Force 5
Mewithoutyou
Disciple
Project 86
Lecrae
Fireflight
Bradley Hathaway
Seabird
Nevertheless
House of Heroes
The Showdown
Spoken
Run Kid Run
Shawn McDonald
Deas Vail
John Mark McMillan
MyChildren MyBride
Becoming the Archetype
Reilly
Children 18:3
Capital Lights
Chasen
Esterlyn
B.Reith
Rainchildren

Speakers for the weekend will include Eric Timm of No One Under Ground and Renee Yohe, who inspired the organization To Write Love on Her Arms.

Tickets for the Purple Door Festival are available now and can be purchased online at iTickets.com

Ticket prices are as follows:
• December 8 – April 3: Advance Individual: $33.50 / Advance Group: $32.00
• April 4 – August 7: Advance Individual: $36.00 / Advance Group $35.00
• At the gate: All tickets $39.50

Additional announcements of highlights and new aspects to Purple Door 2009 will be forthcoming.

For more information about Purple Door Arts and Music Festival, including photos and videos from last year’s event, please visit www.purpledoor.com and www.myspace.com/purpledoorfestival.

Read our review and photo feature of the 2007 festival here.

New Recording from Kevin Max - Crashing Gates

Kevin Max returns today with his latest recording, CRASHING GATES – an all-new 7-song studio recording that brings Max back to the passionate rock sounds that his fans have come to expect. This will be Max’s first release on the dPulse Recordings label.

"This is where THE IMPOSTER left off,” says Max about the new project. “I view this EP as a more focused collection of songs about the Apocalypse."

Joining with his frequent guitarists Erick Cole and Cary Barlow (of Luna Halo), and producer Jonathan Smith, Max recorded CRASHING GATES during a week of late-night sessions at X Marks the Spot Studios in the Green Hills area of Nashville.

“The process was interesting, more like a band than any other effort I have done, to date,” says Max. “We cut the songs, playing together, and sometimes found ourselves jamming into 10 minute long vamp sections.”

Max and his band will be touring the USA and Europe in support of CRASHING GATES, including upcoming dates in San Antonio, Dallas, Little Rock, Nashville, Bakersfield and Ballymena, Northern Ireland.

"Rock and roll has always been the most interesting music to me, because it is simple and yet undeniably emotional at the same time,” summarizes Max. “I am excited to see how this project connects."

CRASHING GATES - Track Listing:
1. Traveler
2. Baby, I’m Your Man
3. The Saint of Lonely Hearts
4. Future Love Song
5. Out of the Wild
6. Crashing Gates and Passing Keepers
7. Your Beautiful Mind (2009)

“We’re thrilled to be distributing Kevin’s latest work," says Robb McDaniels, Founder and CEO of INgrooves - the distribution partner for dPulse Recordings and Universal Music Group Distribution. "He’s a true musician and INgrooves is proud to have a role in getting his music heard.”

New Christmas CD from Alathea!

The ladies of Alathea have brought us a wonderful folksy Christmas cd featuring terrific renditions of songs like "The First Noel", "What Child Is This", "Silent Night", "Tennessee Christmas", and more.

For a preview of some of the songs (including the above) visit their special Christmas CD Myspace.

Family Force 5 debuts new music video for "Radiator" on MySpace

Watch the video below. Enjoy!
Radiator

Superchick making music video for "Cross the Line"

CAPTION: Power pop-rock band Superchick stars in a music video for its newest single, “Cross The Line,” from the group’s current project, Rock What You Got. Filmed last month in Nashville, Tenn. the video, directed by Superchick’s Max Hsu, will be serviced to national media outlets early next year to coincide with the single’s release at CHR and Rock radio.

Read our review of Rock What You Got.

Relient K & House of Heroes Christmas Songs Coming Nov. 18th

Relient K and House of Heroes bring their musical festive tidings to this year’s Christmas season on November 18th via digital music stores with three brand new holiday songs and an animated music video from Relient K, as well as label mates House of Heroes offering up their rendition of the classic “Silent Night”.

The three songs from Relient K will include “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “O Holy Night,” and “Silver Bells,” with an animated music video for the song “Sleigh Ride” coming as well. The Christmas anthems will be added to the platinum-selling band’s 2007 album, Let It Snow, Baby…Let It Reindeer, and upon purchasing online the customer will given a unique code and directions to download the additional three tunes. Fans can also anticipate extra gifts from Relient K upon purchase, including exclusive photos, downloadable wrapping paper, and a few other bonuses.

House of Heroes brings their powerhouse pop sound to “Silent Night” which is also available at all online music outlets on November 18th. The band, whose most recent album The End Is Not The End was delivered via digital stores, has seen an incredible response with the release making it to the #6 spot on the iTunes rock chart and #42 on the overall chart, with a #1 radio hit single and over 1 million plays on their MySpace page.

Relient K, who has toured with the likes of Switchfoot and Good Charlotte, has a GRAMMY nod, and three RIAA-certified Gold albums to their credit. The pop-punk band has performed on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and “Late Night with Conan O’Brien” with their video for “Must Have Done Something Right” receiving airplay on mtvU, MTV Hits, FUSE's "Steven's Untitled Rock Show," Nickelodeon's The N, IMF and Music Choice. Relient K is comprised of lead singer/guitarist/pianist Matt Thiessen, lead guitarist Matt Hoopes, drummer Ethan Luck, bassist John Warne and guitarist Jon Schneck.

House of Heroes’ discography includes a 2005 self-titled debut and the re-release Say No More in 2006. Prior to signing a record deal with Mono Vs Stereo/Gotee, the band released an indie project What You Want Is Now (2002) to much critical acclaim and a large grassroots following. On the tour front, House of Heroes has opened up for the likes of Filter, Silverchair, Relient K, and MxPx, as well as full-blown tours with acts including Spoken, The Evan Anthem, Last Tuesday, Dropping Daylight, Love Arcade, and Kids In The Way. The band is Columbus-Ohio natives Tim Skipper (guitar/lead vocals), A.J Babcock (bass/vocals), Colin Rigsby (drums/vocals), and Jared Rigsby (guitar/vocals).

The Washington Projects release Christmas EP

Following the success of their debut release earlier this year, The Washington Projects (formerly Souljahz) are pleased to announce the release of their Christmas EP. The six-song release is available now through online digital outlets.

Click below to buy at iTunes:


Christmas features three original songs, “Stay A While”, “Thank You For Christmas” and “This Christmas” as well as three instrumental tracks. The EP showcases the vocal talents of the brother and sister duo, Je’kob and Rachael Washington with a solo performance by Je’Kob on “This Christmas”, a song written for his wife, and Rachael performs solo on “Stay A While”.

"Christmas has always been our favorite holiday and season, from what it represents to how it makes us feel,” Je’kob and Rachael explain. “We bump Christmas jams and literally celebrate it all year round so it was only a matter of time before we cranked out some warm and fuzzy goodness for our listeners.”

The EP is available exclusively through digital online outlets, iTunes, Rhapsody and Amazon, as well as the Washington Projects' website.

Released in March of this year, The Washington Projects’ debut project, Commanders of the Resistance has seen great success, garnering critical acclaim from many media outlets. The video for “Take it to the Streets” remained at #1 on the Gospel Music Channel for five weeks and the “You Are My World” video is currently in rotation and holding the #3 spot overall, #1 in the Soul Category.

In support of Commanders of the Resistance, Washington Projects were part of the Dare2Share Tour this past year with Hawk Nelson, Sanctus Real, Lincoln Brewster, Stellar Kart and others. In December of this year Washington Projects will go out on a USO Europe/Mediterranean Tour to support the troops. Tour dates will be announced soon.

For more information about The Washington Projects and their Christmas EP, please visit www.WashingtonProjects.com or www.myspace.com/washingtonprojects.

Read our interview with the Washington Projects here.

Pillar bassist Michael "Kalel" Wittig leaving group

Longtime bassist for Grammy nominated and Dove Award winning hard rock band Pillar, Michael “Kalel” Wittig recently announced that he will leave the group to pursue other opportunities. Among his new ventures are artist management/marketing/consulting company JMA Music, and Stars Go Dim, a band he created with former Pillar drummer Lester Estelle.

Wittig first informed fans of his departure from Pillar late last month on Facebook and MySpace. In a statement he said, “It’s been an amazing 10 years of my life that I will never forget … There are many reasons why, but it is just the right time … I feel very blessed to have had the opportunity to be a part of something that has changed so many lives.”

In addition to spending more time with family, Wittig plans to focus his energies on JMA Music, a management/marketing/consulting company he developed with partner Joey Avalos in 2007. An astute businessman, Wittig has always had an interest in artist development as well as a desire to “give back to these younger groups and help them to be their best.” JMA Music’s current clients include emerging bands One Minute Halo (myspace.com/oneminutehalo) and A Road Less Traveled (myspace.com/aroadlesstraveled). For more information on JMA Music, visit www.jmamusic.com.

And while investing in up-and-coming artists, Wittig will continue to hone his own craft, joining up with former Pillar bandmate Lester Estelle, Joey Avalos (Justifide, Sky Harbor) and Chris Cleveland for pop/rock band Stars Go Dim, a significant departure from the Pillar sound. The group will release its debut EP October 21, 2008 in advance of a full-length project, Love Gone Mad, produced by Estelle, next year. Currently Stars Go Dim is booking dates throughout the Midwest. A tour itinerary will soon be posted at www.myspace.com/starsgodim. For additional info on the band, visit www.starsgodim.com.

“I am grateful for the early enthusiastic response to Stars Go Dim,” says Wittig. “It’s been exciting to work with this band from the ground up, and I am eager to move forward with our first record and tour.”

Michael “Kalel” Wittig began his music career more than 12 years ago. As a member of Pillar, whose career sales currently exceed 700,000 records, Wittig has toured internationally, produced six Radio & Records No. 1 hits, charted on Active Rock radio, won three Dove Awards, received a Grammy nomination and been spotlighted by major media outlets including Bass Player magazine, MTV, and Fuse TV.

Superchick's Melissa Brock visits Uganda

Vocalist/guitarist for power-pop band Superchick, Melissa Brock visits with one of her sponsored children, Mumbere Kisonice, at a Compassion project in Masaka, Uganda last month. More than 2000 children have been sponsored since 2004 through Superchick's partnership with Compassion International.

(Click to enlarge photo)

Jars of Clay & Sixpence None The Richer Christmas Tour

Grammy and Dove awardwinning band JARS OF CLAY are excited to announce LOVE CAME DOWN: A CHRISTMAS PAGEANT. Jars of Clay will be joined by the recently reunited SIXPENCE NONE THE RICHER, along with Sara Groves and Leeland, as they embark on a 13city tour filled with holiday songs and stories in celebration of the Christmas season.

Last year, Jars of Clay gave their fans a Christmas gift. CHRISTMAS SONGS was the first holiday release from the band in their 12year career. The band brought new light to memorable Christmas songs such as "O Little Town of Bethlehem" and "In the Bleak Midwinter," and broke new ground with their own original holiday songs such as "Winter Skin" and "Evergreen." When they decided to go out on tour this season, they asked their friends Leigh Nash and Matt Slocum of Sixpence None The Richer to come along.

Grammynominated band Sixpence None The Richer was in a similar position as Jars of Clay. Their loyal fans had been asking for a Christmas record for years, and they thought there was no better way to celebrate their reunion then with a special album for their fans. THE DAWN OF GRACE will be released on October 14 and is made up of 10 tracks: eight traditional Christmas songs, including "Angels We Have Heard On High" and "Silent Night," featuring guest vocalist Dan Haseltine of Jars of Clay, and two original Sixpence holiday tunes called "The Last Christmas" and "Christmas for Two."

Both bands are also in the process of recording new material to be released in 2009. Jars of Clay have been in and out of the studio with producer Ron Aniello (Lifehouse, Guster, Barenaked Ladies) to put the final touches on their upcoming album, due out in early 2009. They have already released the CLOSER EP on all major digital service providers in anticipation of the upcoming fulllength; the fivesong EP contains two brand new tracks ("Closer" and "Safe To Land"), as well as new versions of fan favorites including "Flood" and "Love Song For A Savior." They are currently in the midst of the "Music Builds" tour, which benefit local affiliates of Habitat For Humanity.

Sixpence None The Richer will hit the studio after the holidays to begin working on their first fulllength original record in over four years to be released in the summer of 2009.

Catch LOVE CAME DOWN: A CHRISTMAS PAGEANT on the following dates:

Dec 4 Montgomery, AL @ Montgomery Performing Arts Center
Dec 5 Longwood, FL @ Northland Church
Dec 6 Pompano Beach, FL @ Pompano Beach Amphitheatre
Dec 7 Clearwater, FL @ Ruth Echerd Hall
Dec 13 Grand Rapids, MI @ Sunshine Church
Dec 14 Merrillville, IN @ Star Plaza Theatre
Dec 17 Glenside, PA @Keswick Theatre
Dec 18 Plymouth, MA @ Memorial Hall
Dec 19 Lewiston, ME @ Androscoggin Bank Coliseum
Dec 20 Long Island City, NY @ Evangel Church
Dec 21 Harrisburg, PA @ Whitaker Center for the Science and Arts

pureNRG to release video "Here We Go Again" on Yahoo! Kids

Fervent Records’ popular tween group pureNRG is scheduled to debut their highly-anticipated video, “Here We Go Again,” on the homepage of Yahoo! Kids this Thursday, October 9 at 12:00 pm PST.

Yahoo! Kids is one of the web’s leading resources for safe, fun, kid-appropriate information. Yahoo! Kids integrates great assets from the Yahoo! network – most notably games and music. The site is the destination for exclusive movie trailers and music video premieres from popular entertainers. In addition, the site delivers educational tools that are used in thousands of classrooms each month.

To view the video premiere, please visit http://kids.yahoo.com. For more information on pureNRG, please visit www.purenrgonline.com

Michael W. Smith Set to Launch Christmas Tour

October 6, 2008 – GRAMMY® award-winning and multi-Platinum selling artist Michael W. Smith will celebrate this holiday season with the 16-show “It’s A Wonderful Christmas Tour.” Featuring “American Idol” alum Melinda Doolittle as special guest, the tour kicks off Nov. 29, in Youngstown, Ohio and will hit major markets like Dallas, St. Paul, Spokane, Portland and more before it concludes in Phoenix on Dec. 19.

The Associated Press calls Smith’s Christmas music “cinematic,” and this tour will showcase exactly why he has become one of the most popular holiday performers in the music industry today. Each tour date will feature Smith with a full symphony orchestra, performing selections from his three Christmas albums including his acclaimed 2007 release, It’s A Wonderful Christmas.

“There is no greater thrill for me, as an artist, than to play with a symphony orchestra,” Smith explains. “Christmas is my favorite time of the year, and I love Christmas music. My goal every night is to make sure everyone leaves in the Christmas spirit. Having Melinda Doolittle there certainly helps. Her voice is amazing. The Christmas shows really are special and I can’t wait to take the stage every night.”

“This is my second year to have the honor of being with Michael W. Smith on tour,” Doolittle adds. “I am head over heels with excitement. I can't even describe how amazing it is to sing with a full orchestra each night and to share the stage with Smitty. And to top it all off, it’s Christmas music that will pull on your heart strings, lighten your spirit and remind you of why we really celebrate this wonderful holiday!”

Smith’s holiday tour will come on the heels of a whirlwind fall, during which he has teamed up for the first time with fellow artist Steven Curtis Chapman for the highly-successful “United Tour” and prepares to release his 21st album, A New Hallelujah (Oct. 28). The anticipated new worship project was recorded live before more than 12,000 in attendance, with a 250-voice choir.

Tickets for “It’s A Wonderful Christmas Tour” are on sale now. For more information on that tour and “The United Tour,” go to www.michaelwsmith.com.

Ruth's new album streeting October 28th

After a successful debut in 2007 (Secondhand Dreaming) and extensive touring with Switchfoot and Relient K (2007 "Appetite for Construction Tour with Habitat for Humanity") as well as Emery, Ruth is proud to return with their sophomore release, Anorak, on October 28th.

Titled after the British slang definition of an obsessive enthusiast, Anorak is a reference to a person who has an unfathomable interest in something and feels compelled to talk at length about it. The project was produced by acclaimed roster of Aaron Sprinkle (Copeland, Anberlin), Chris Keene (Surrogate, Number One Gun), and Kelsey Smith. The album was also mixed by Ken Andrews (Mae, Pete Yorn) and JR McNeely (The Almost, Relient K).

"I would hope that the music we play is something a little more timeless," band's founder, singer/guitarist Dustin Ruth confesses. "Hopefully whomever gets one of our albums ten years from now, they're driving somewhere, and they can still listen to these songs and enjoy it. Our ten year goal for the band is that no matter what, we would still be real, that we would still be who we are, no matter how many records we sold."

Written primarily at rest stops and hotels, Anorak captures the emotions and experiences of watching dreams come true and others fall beyond reach. Ruth's music is liberating, freeing and uplifting, while at the same time avoiding the pitfalls of cliché and easy, safe or predictable melodies. Anorak is at once challenging and yet simple to understand, recalling the best of '80s radio, '90's English pop and contemporary indie without sounding derivative of any particular genre.

"This one feels more like a band album," Dustin says. "We had a lot more time to develop through a year and a half of solid touring. It made going into this album a lot different. As a songwriter, I put a lot more time and devotion into writing the songs that we really wanted on this album. These songs were written more intentionally for this album."

The band will also return to the touring sector with Decemberadio after a summer filled with dates. Check out their MySpace for updated dates.

Read our interview with Ruth here.

Leeland Hurricane Ike Update

From the guys in Leeland...

Hurricane Ike Update

We can't thank you all enough for praying during this terrible time. Through comments on our blog, we know that hundreds of you are.

Baytown, Texas, on the east side of Houston, is our hometown. The entire area is currently without power. We have countless family and friends who will be without work for weeks to come. The financial toll that a disaster like Hurricane Ike leaves is unbelievable.

Somehow, the homes of all of us in Leeland are completely fine (as are we), but our home-church sustained significant damage. There is standing water in the sanctuary. The roof/ceiling leaked tremendously and lots of ceiling tiles caved in. We will be unable to have services at the church building for at least five weeks and the building will need major repairs.

We ask for your continued prayers during this difficult time.

Thanks for the love. God bless each of you.

Leeland, Jack, Jake, Mike and Matt (Leeland)

For more information, please visit our blog.

Newsboys release Live CD/DVD "Houston We Are Go" Sept. 30

International pop/rock phenomenon newsboys captures the best of its explosive sell-out “GO” tour on the new CD/DVD project newsboys live: Houston We Are Go, releasing Sept. 30 on Inpop Records.

Filmed and recorded in Houston during the third leg of the “GO” tour this past spring, newsboys live: Houston We Are Go takes the band’s wildly successful tour and commits it to tape. “We felt on every level, this was our strongest tour to date, and we wanted to capture it,” says band member Jeff Frankenstein (keyboards).

The band credits the fans with making the tour exceptional. “The newsboys fan base is so diverse, from 3 to 93, different ethnic, economic, denominational and religious backgrounds. We have been fortunate to have the opportunity to grow up with our audience. From the times we played high school auditoriums in the ’80s to arenas in 2008. Every night they turned out in droves and we had a great time,” he says.

Inpop President Dale Bray agrees, “The newsboys ‘GO’ tour was a true music spectacular, featuring production values never seen before in Christian music. The song list was a complete history of the band’s depth of number 1 songs along with the energy and showmanship we have grown to expect from this world class band. Capturing this performance in both audio and visual formats was a must.”

The 95-city groundbreaking “GO” tour ran from Spring 2007-Spring 2008 and boasted sold out shows on all three legs. With an average audience of 3000, setting a record in Houston, TX where 8800 attended, the tour grossed seven million dollars, giving evidence that newsboys continues to innovate its live show and offer fans an entertainment experience that changes lives. This live CD/DVD showcases hits from both the current release GO (“I Am Free,” “Wherever We Go,” “Something Beautiful”), as well as classic newsboys tunes including “Shine,” “Breakfast,” “He Reigns” and “It Is You,” all from gold-selling albums.

The newsboys live: Houston We Are Go track listing includes:

1. Shine
2. Wherever We Go
3. The Mission
4. Something Beautiful
5. Blessed Be Your Name
6. Stay Strong
7. Amazing Love
8. Entertaining Angels
9. He Reigns
10. Breakfast
11. Your Love Is Better Than Life
12. Drum Solo
13. I Am Free
14. Peter’s Testimony

Read our interview with the Newsboys here.

Barlowgirl's Home for Christmas coming September 23rd

Fervent Records' talented trio BarlowGirl is ready to spend this Christmas season with you, and many more to come, with their first holiday project, Home For Christmas. The CD is slated to release September 23rd, 2008.

Produced by long-time friend Otto Price (GRITS, dcTalk) and arranged by Price and BarlowGirl, Home For Christmas is a timeless recording of songs ideal for ushering in the holiday season. The eleven tracks, finely showcasing BarlowGirl's well-known seamless harmonies, offer full orchestral arrangements of Christmas favorites along with an original recording, "Hallelujah (Light Has Come)."

Before they even formed BarlowGirl, the rock trio - Rebecca, Alyssa and Lauren Barlow - have dreamt of making an album of their favorite Christmas songs since their youth. Blessed with joyous family holiday memories from singing carols to baking cookies for neighbors, BarlowGirl knows firsthand Christmas is a special time of year to bring joy to others, to reach out and help provide for those in need. With each of the tracks found on Home For Christmas, there is no doubt they uniquely capture what the holiday season is all about, making this a classic compilation to enjoy for years to come.

Home For Christmas song listing:

1. It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
2. Carol Of The Bells/Sing We Now Of Christmas
3. I'll Be Home For Christmas"
4. Hallelujah (Light Has Come)
5. O Little Town Of Bethlehem
6. What Child Is This?
7. Panis Angelicus
8. Angelic Proclamation (O Come All Ye Faithful/Angels We Have Heard On High/Hark! The Herald Angels Sing)
9. Go, Tell It On The Mountain
10. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
11. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

In addition to their upcoming holiday release, BarlowGirl announced in July they are headlining their Million Voices Tour this fall, a unique 16+ market nationwide tour that will be sure to encourage concert-goers to speak hope, truth and love to others. Also continuing their partnership with Mercy Ministries - a program that provides young women hope and healing who are seeking freedom from life-controlling issues such as addictions, depression, eating disorders, and abuse - BarlowGirl will share with their audiences about the organization and encourage them to get involved. With the help of their fans, BarlowGirl has set a goal to raise $1,000,000 to build a new home for Mercy Ministries, whose waiting list is in the hundreds.

The Million Voices Tour starts September 10th and will run through mid-November. Joining the sisters on the tour is Jimmy Needham along with Brooke Barrettsmith. Tour dates are listed below and for the most updated tour information, please visit www.barlowgirl.com or www.myspace.com/barlowgirl. For more information about Mercy Ministries, visit www.mercyministries.org.

The Million Voices tour dates*:
9/12 The Woodlands, TX
9/13 Cleburne, TX
9/14 Waco, TX
9/16 Midland, TX
9/17 Los Cruces, NM
9/19 Parker, CO
9/20 Albuquerque, NM
9/21 Mesa, AZ
9/24 Oceanside, CA
9/25 Riverside, CA
9/26 Camarillo, CA
9/27 Bakersfield, CA
9/28 San Jose, CA
9/30 Redding, CA

10/2 Vancouver, WA
10/3 Wenatchee, WA
10/4 Spokane, WA
10/5 Kennewick, WA
10/7 Salt Lake City, UT
10/8 Casper, WY
10/9 Kearney, NE
10/11 Duluth, MN
10/12 Elgin, IL
10/23 Clarksville, TN
10/24 St. Louis, MO
10/25 Jonesboro, AR
10/26 Madison, AL
10/30 Sioux Falls, SD
10/31 Jamestown, ND

11/1 Minneapolis, MN
11/2 Iowa City, IA
11/6 Springfield, MO
11/7 Cincinnati, OH
11/8 Shippensburg, PA
11/9 Vineland, NJ

*Schedule subject to change. Please visit www.barlowgirl.com for the most updated tour schedule

Point of Grace re-signs with Word records

Grammy-nominated and Dove Award-winning group, Point of Grace, re-signs with Word Records after 15 years with the label.

“We are excited to continue our longstanding partnership with Point Of Grace,” says Word Entertainment COO Rod Riley. “They have an outstanding ministry and an incredible work ethic; we are thrilled to be a part of this next chapter in their career.”

Pictured (front row) are Denise Jones, Leigh Cappillino and Shelley Breen; (back row) Mike Blanton (BHCC), Cheri Kaufmann (BHCC), Word Entertainment CEO Jim Van Hook, Word Entertainment COO Rod Riley, Word Entertainment Sr. VP of A&R and Publishing Susan Riley, Word Records A&R Director Conor Farley.

Third Day to offer Christmas Offerings DVD in October!

Multi-platinum and GRAMMY winning Third Day is set to release its Christmas Offerings DVD October 7, 2008, a fourth work in its acclaimed Offerings worship series, which has scanned numbers approaching the 2.5 million unit mark, to date. Recorded live during the band’s 2007 “Christmas Offerings” Tour, the live concert Christmas Offerings DVD features a unique blend of Christmas classics, originals and some of Third Day’s most well known worship songs. The live concert DVD is sure to bring the spirit of the Christmas season, as seen and heard through the live experience of the remarkable Third Day, into homes everywhere.

Third Day’s lead singer Mac Powell shares, “We are so excited to have this opportunity to share the special and intimate moments of a Christmas-centered Third Day concert performance with our fans everywhere. The Offerings series has become such a special part of who we are as a band, and with the Christmas Offerings DVD, we really hope to reflect the hope of Christmas, one of the most special times of the year to all of us in Third Day.”

The Christmas Offerings DVD includes the following live performances (subject to change): “O Come All Ye Faithful,” “Do You Hear What I Hear,” “King of Glory,” “Born In Bethlehem,” “What Child Is This?,” “Christmas Like A Child,” “Show Me Your Glory,” “Angels We Have Heard On High,” “Your Love Oh Lord,” “Merry Christmas,” “O Holy Night,” “Jesus, Light of Wonder,” “God of Wonders” and “Creed.”

Third Day’s Offerings series comprises the following four projects: Offerings I, Offerings II, Christmas Offerings and the soon-to-be-released Christmas Offerings DVD (10/7/08).

Krystal Meyers song "Make Some Noise" selected to promote fall NBC lineup

NBC has selected “Make Some Noise,” the title-track from Krystal Meyers’ upcoming September 9, 2008 album, as its theme song to promote the NBC 2008 Fall line-up. The first promo spot featuring “Make Some Noise” will air tonight (8/8/08) during the first half-hour of the 2008 Olympics opening ceremonies, and will continue on through the promotion of NBC’s new Fall 2008 lineup.

Jim Vescera, EVP On Air Advertising West Coast, NBC, shares, “When we at NBC decided to embrace the ‘beautiful noise’ of our chimes (G-E-C), we looked no further than “Make Some Noise” by Krystal Meyers when wrapping our entire entertainment line-up in one blow-out fall promo.”

In addition,“Make Some Noise” has been selected to be on the official 2008 Olympics album, Olympics 2008 – One World One Dream. The project was approved by the International Olympics Committee. Krystal Meyers’ song, “Make Some Noise,” will appear alongside music from artists such as Pink, Avril Lavigne, John Mayer, Natasha Bedingfield, Fireflight, Boys Like Girls, among others. The album will release in early August 2008.

Krystal’s international success continues with radio airplay of “Make Some Noise” in Indonesia (No. 1 on DJ-FM), Hong Kong, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand.

Make Some Noise is Meyers’ third studio album. The 10-track project, entirely written or co-written by Meyers, was recorded in Brentwood, Tenn. at Dutchland Studio, and was produced by Doubledutch (Mat Kearney, TobyMac).

A beautiful young woman, always effortlessly fashionable, Meyers is almost an anomaly in today’s culture. In a world where young artists seem to continually wind up as troubled tabloid fodder, she’s a successful recording artist who is incredibly grounded and ever mindful of her platform as an influencer. She’s equally comfortable appearing on the cover of Nylon Magazine (Japan) or speaking to young girls on the Revolve tour, an outing she’s looking forward to this fall.

Read our interview with Krystal here.

Sanctus Real fall "We Need Each Other" tour

Dove Award-winning modern rock band Sanctus Real will showcase music from its acclaimed February 2008 release, We Need Each Other, live on tour this fall. The “We Need Each Other” tour, additionally featuring Tenth Avenue North, VOTA and speaker Sammy Adebiyi, will visit more than 30 cities nationwide.

Kicking off Sept. 4, 2008 in Perrysburg, Ohio, the “We Need Each Other” tour will makes its way through 16 states from Maine to Florida, Pennsylvania to California, wrapping up on Nov. 8, 2008. Beginning July 18, fans who purchase their ticket at iTickets.com will receive a free download of an exclusive acoustic version of “Black Coal” from We Need Each Other. The promotion will run through Aug. 8.

“This tour is a chance for people to experience the best of what we've been building for over a decade,” says Sanctus Real frontman Matt Hammitt. “Every show is focused on strengthening the relationship between us and our audience. Together, we will accomplish something much greater than music or a concert. Together, we will change lives.”

“This Fall’s tour with Sanctus Real has shaped up to be extremely well-received among churches spreading as far North as Maine and even out to California and the Pacific Northwest,” says Kevin Huffman, artist agent for Third Coast Artists Agency. “Our contacts have embraced the vision of Sanctus Real and their heart for relief in Africa, along with the added support from Tenth Avenue North, Vota and speaker Sammy Adebiyi.”

One of the top Christian rock bands today, Toledo, Ohio-based Sanctus Real’s breakthrough album, The Face of Love, released in April 2006, landing at No 2 on the Billboard Top Heetseekers chart and amassing a string of radio hits including No. 1 songs “I’m Not Alright” and “Don’t Give Up.” While The Face of Love was inspired by real-life heartache and rediscovered joy, the band’s fourth studio release, We Need Each Other, marks a completion of that healing process and is a call for unity. Described by multiple media outlets as Sanctus Real’s best project to date, the record’s title track was a No. 1 hit on Christian Hit Radio. Popularly known for its captivating live performance, the group most recently toured with Third Day last spring. A complete “We Need Each Other” tour itinerary follows this release. For all the latest Sanctus Real news, go to www.sanctusreal.com, www.myspace.com/sanctusreal, and www.emicmg.com.

Tenth Avenue North, made up of members Mike Donehey (lead vocalist/acoustic guitar), Jason Jamison (drummer), Jeff Owen (electric guitar/background vocals) and Scott Sanders (bass guitar), has been featuring its brand of intellectual, melodic, pop-rock on tour in support of its single, “Love Is Here,” and its debut project, Over and Underneath. “Simply, our mission as a band is to know Christ and to make him known,” says Donehey. “It’s a grand adventure.” With one listen to the music of Tenth Avenue North, it becomes obvious that songwriter Mike Donehey and his bandmates have a gift for expressing truth in a way that simultaneously educates, enlightens and entertains. They are as much teachers, as artists, demonstrating this through their intellectual, yet vulnerably accessible songs that echo the heart of the human condition and the hope of the risen Savior. Discover more about this up-and-coming band at www.tenthavenuenorth.com.

VOTA, formerly recognized as Casting Pearls, is reinventing themselves with a new name, new sound and new record label. Bryan Olesen, Case Maranville and Scott Rutz wanted to distinguish themselves amongst the crowds and distinguish they did. VOTA signed to INO Records earlier this year and have been busy in Franklin, TN working with producer Nathan Dantzler for their upcoming self-titled album releasing digitally in late fall 2008 with retail release date in the beginning of 2009. They are excited for their fans, both new and old, to hear their newly recorded songs live and share in the next stage of the journey.

Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Sam’s unlikely journey began in high school when two of his friends each had separate dreams in which they saw Sam preaching to a room full of white people. Since Sam only knew two white people growing up, he decided to follow these ‘dreams’ by applying to colleges in America. While in the U.S. he was presented with the opportunity to serve at a college ministry where he led and taught more than 100 mostly white college students. Last year, Sam led 35 college students to give $3700 in one night to build a well in Africa. Several months later, he challenged his home church of a few hundred people to follow Jesus in the same way, and they gave $7000 in one morning to build two wells. His crazy dreads, unique journey, passion for students and great storytelling are just a few of the many things that make Sam a unique and relevant communicator. He is currently on staff as the college pastor at the Vineyard Church in Toledo, OH where he lives with his new bride, Ashley.

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“WE NEED EACH OTHER” TOUR DATES


Thu, Sep 4, 08
Perrysburg, OH
Cedar Creek Church

Fri, Sep 5, 08
Forest Park, OH
The Underground-OH

Sat, Sep 6, 08
Spring Arbor, MI
Spring Arbor University

Wed, Sep 10, 08
Elk City, OK
Pioneer Center

Thu, Sep 11, 08
Stillwater, OK
First United Methodist

Sat, Sep 13, 08
Kerrville, TX
Schreiner University

Sun, Sep 14, 08
Abilene, TX
Paramount Theater

Fri, Sep 19, 08
Pittsfield, MA
Taconic High School

Sat, Sep 20, 08
Bangor, ME
Abundant Life Church

Sun, Sep 21, 08
Souderton, PA
Calvary Church

Thu, Sep 25, 08
Wausau, WI
Wausau East High School Auditorium

Fri, Sep 26, 08
Minneapolis, MN
Club 3 Degrees

Sat, Sep 27, 08
Palos Heights, IL
Trinity Christian College

Wed, Oct 8, 08
Salina, KS
The City

Fri, Oct 10, 08
Lubbock, TX
Turning Point Community Church

Tue, Oct 14, 08
Phoenix, AZ
Desert Springs Bible Church

Thu, Oct 16, 08
Wildomar, CA
Cornerstone Community Church

Fri, Oct 17, 08
Santa Maria, CA
Pacific Christian Center

Sat, Oct 18, 08
Highland, CA
Immanuel Baptist Church

Sun, Oct 19, 08
Las Vegas, NV
Valley Bible Fellowship

Thu, Oct 23, 08
Portland, OR
Sunset Presbyterian

Fri, Oct 24, 08
Medford, OR
Mountain Christian Fellowship

Sat, Oct 25, 08
Redmond, WA
Overlake Christian Church

Sun, Oct 26, 08
Spokane, WA
The Service Station

Thu, Nov 6, 08
Muskegon,. MI
Frauenthal Theatre

Fri, Nov 7, 08
Port Huron, MI
McMorran Place Theatre

Sat, Nov 8, 08
Gaylord, MI
Gaylord E-Free Church

*Dates subject to change

Stryper lead singer Michael Sweet to perform with Boston

Stryper frontman and accomplished solo artist Michael Sweet is touring with the legendary band BOSTON this summer on a headlining tour of North America. Sweet is sharing lead vocals and playing guitar, performing the band's classic hits like "More than a Feeling," “Peace of Mind,” “Amanda” and “Don't Look Back.” Boston has sold over 30 million albums worldwide, including the band's 1976 self-titled debut which has sold over 17 million copies to date, and was the highest selling debut of all time.

The tour kicked off in Thunder Bay, Ontario on June 6th, and will take the band to 54 cities throughout the USA and Canada before wrapping up in San Juan, Puerto Rico on August 31st. Joining Boston on the tour is equally legendary rock band Styx.

"The tour has been a breath of fresh air and yet so surreal," says Michael Sweet. "I'm standing next to Tom Scholz, trading guitar solos and having the time of my life. Boston is such a big part of my musical background and this music helped shape who I am as an artist, writer, producer and musician. It truly is 'More Than a Feeling!'"

Prior to the commencement of the 2008 Boston tour, Stryper put the finishing touches on a brand new studio record to be released in 2009 and titled "Murder By Pride." The album will include a cover of the Boston song "Peace of Mind" that features Boston guitarist Tom Scholz on the recording. Ironically, Stryper had recorded "Peace of Mind" and planned to put it on their 2009 release long before Michael Sweet was even considered as a new member of Boston. Stryper's "Peace of Mind" featuring Tom Scholz is now available on iTunes and other digital stores.

With Stryper, Sweet has sold more than 8 million albums worldwide. The group’s unprecedented 1986 album "To Hell with the Devil" went platinum and was named one of the “100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music” by CCM Magazine.

"I've been blessed with the opportunity to be a member of Boston," adds Sweet. "I feel that it's a new chapter in my life and I also feel that it's part of Gods plan upon my life at this time. My wife Kyle has been so supportive and it's quite astonishing - I couldn't do this without her."

Photo Credit: Andy Argyrakis, Charter One Pavilion in Chicago - July 23, 2008

Michael W. Smith to release A New Hallelujah Oct. 28

On June 20, 2008 in Houston, Texas, along with more than 12,000 in attendance, Michael W. Smith recorded his third worship album, A New Hallelujah, which will be available everywhere October 28, 2008 (Reunion Records). A choir of 250, along with special guests, The African Children’s Choir and worship leaders Israel Houghton and Coalo Zamorano, led a two-hour worship event, yielding A New Hallelujah.

The upcoming record, Smith’s 21st, will offer a unique, moving worship experience through songs like “Mighty to Save,” “Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone” and “I Surrender All,” (song list subject to change) along with several new songs that Michael wrote especially for the project. The title track was penned by Smith, his wife Debbie and friend Paul Baloche. The album was arranged and produced by Smith.

“Since my last world tour a few years ago, I’ve been looking forward to recording a live worship project that reflected something more global than I’ve ever done before; a collection of songs and voices to translate what I experienced that year. I had hoped for an evening of worship that reflected the corners of our nation, and the world; I think we captured that,” shares Smith. “My great friend Israel Houghton, the world renowned African Children’s Choir, an incredible young worship leader named Coalo Zamorano and a 250-voice choir elevated the songs to amazing moments of praise and worship. It was more than I could have hoped for.”

Smith’s first worship album, simply titled Worship, released on September 11, 2001 and has sold more than a million-and-a half copies. It’s follow up Worship Again released September 19, 2002 and is nearing the 800,000 mark.

Throughout his 25-year career as a recording artist, Michael W. Smith has amassed an impressive catalog of achievements. His 20 albums have garnered multiple honors including an American Music Award, 3 GRAMMY Awards (from 13 nominations) and 42 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards and 33 No. 1 radio hits. In addition, he holds 16 Gold and 5 Platinum albums and career sales approaching 15 million.

Smith has scored several film projects, written 11 books and been named one of People Magazine’s Most Beautiful People. His tours consistently rank among the best attended in the country and he has performed to capacity crowds throughout the world. Constantly giving back to the community, one of his current projects is Rocketown -- a nightclub for teens in his hometown of Nashville, Tenn. -- which serves as safe place for young people to enjoy music and for artists to be discovered. He is married to Debbie Smith and they are the proud parents of five children.

Barlowgirl to release Christmas album

According to Alyssa Barlow:

"We just finished up a Christmas album that will be out in September. It’s very “un” Barlowgirl. I hope people are ready for this. We didn’t play one instrument on the album. We worked for about a month arranging the songs. It’s all orchestral. They flew over to Prague and recorded a 68 piece orchestra. It’s beautiful. We decided to do a Christmas album to show people what we listen to, not necessarily what we play."

Read more artist news in our Overheard at the Creation Cafe feature here.

Read our interview with Barlowgirl here.

Delirious Breaking up in 2009

Delirious has announced on their website that they will be breaking up in 2009. According to the press release the decision came about because of Martin Smith's desire to be released from the band to pursue other interests and spend more time with his family.

Read our interview with Delirious here.
Read article about Kingdom of Comfort here.

Barlowgirl to launch "Million Voices" Fall tour

Fervent Records’ sister rock trio BarlowGirl is excited to announce their Million Voices fall headlining tour with fellow Christian artists Jimmy Needham and Brooke Barrettsmith. Starting in Texas on September 10, the tour will run through mid-November and focus on encouraging audiences to speak hope, truth and love to others.

BarlowGirl has also partnered with Mercy Ministries and will share about the organization at their live concert events, urging those in attendance to get involved and help support young women at Mercy who face life-controlling issues. The group plans on raising $1,000,000 to build a new house for Mercy Ministries, whose waiting list is in the hundreds. Each of the members of BarlowGirl has a heart that beats for the young people of this generation struggling with issues such as eating disorders, depression, etc. and is committed to ministering a message of hope to their audience. “We have such a heart for the broken and are honored to come alongside Mercy Ministries’ work in transforming the lives of young women from the inside out,” says BarlowGirl.

Since 1983, Mercy Ministries has provided life-changing services to young women who suffer from various debilitating conditions including drug and alcohol addiction, eating disorders, depression, physical and sexual abuse, self-harm and unplanned pregnancies. The residential program, which is free of charge, offers individualized programs, counseling, nutrition education, fitness instruction, life-skills training and educational opportunities to a diverse population of young women from various socio-economic backgrounds. It is Mercy Ministries’ goal to have each young woman discover purpose in her life and bring value to her community. Mercy Ministries is a global organization with locations in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Peru. For more information about Mercy Ministries, visit www.mercyministries.org.

The Million Voices tour is already scheduled to make a stop in the following cities:

The Woodlands, TX
Waco, TX
Albuquerque, NM
Mesa, AZ
Oceanside, CA
Camarillo, CA
Bakersfield, CA
Redding, CA
Vancouver, WA
E. Wenatchee, WA
Spokane, WA
Kennewick, WA
Salt Lake City, UT
Clarksville, TN
Minneapolis, MN
Greencastle, PA

*More dates to follow*

Read our interview with Barlowgirl here.
Read our review of How Can We Be Silent here.

Krystal Meyers' Third Album "Make Some Noise" coming in September!

Pop artist Krystal Meyers will release her third, in-studio album, Make Some Noise, on September 16, 2008. The 10-track project, entirely written or co-written by Meyers, was recorded in Brentwood, Tenn. at Dutchland Studio, and was produced by Doubledutch (Robert Marvin and Josiah Bell). “This music is fun and energetic and is going to be fun on stage,” says Meyers, who is already performing some of her new songs in concert to enthusiastic response. “It’s a different kind of energy. Some of the songs like ‘S.O.S.’ and ‘My Freedom’ are more guitar-driven, but there are other songs like ‘Shine,’ the first radio single, that are totally 80’s-inspired, fun, dance, pop/rock music. It’s a diverse record that defines my different musical layers.”

“I am really excited about the direction Krystal wanted to pursue with Make Some Noise,” shares Jordyn Thomas, Director of A&R, Provident Label Group. “She is growing into a beautiful young woman and continues to prove her talent as a songwriter and versatility as an artist. She challenged herself to take some new approaches on this record, and brought in new ideas that fully showcase the depth of her talent.”

Musically, the title-track, “Make Some Noise,” is a delicious pop confection, but lyrically it’s a bold call to stand up for what you believe. “It’s about getting out there and making a positive impact,” shares Meyers. “Many people say that my generation is a dying generation; that we’re hopeless and have nowhere to go, but I don’t agree. I think people are more involved. We care about the environment, social justice, politics, those in need - we care about things that are making a difference in our world. It’s important for us to make an impact, but the only way to make an impact is if you are loud about it. You can’t just sit in a corner and be reserved. Live out loud! Make some noise!”

“Shine” (the first radio single) is an upbeat song of encouragement. “That’s my favorite song on the record and it’s so fun to play live,” enthuses Meyers. “Recently, I’ve really learned that I have to be excellent in all that I do. I need to use the talents and opportunities that God has given me, to the fullest extent possible. The line from the song that says ‘nobody’s going to get in the way of my shine,’ definitely sums up what this song is about. I’m blessed to be on this exciting journey, and I’m not going to let anything get in the way of my shine.”

Make Some Noise comprises the following ten tracks (sequence subject to change): “Make Some Noise,” “Love It Away,” “Shine,” “S.O.S.,” “Feels So Right,” “My Freedom,” “Beautiful Tonight,” “Up To You,” “You’ll Never Know,” and “In Your Hands.”

As an artist who has recorded three albums before her 20th birthday, it’s obvious Krystal Meyers has a lot to say, but Make Some Noise reveals a young woman whose faith has grown exponentially over the past couple of years. “I have a more mature relationship with God,” Meyers states. “I’m 20 years old. That’s four years difference between my first record and this record. There’s a lot that goes on within those years---being a teenager and coming into adulthood and then being on my own for two years. There’s a lot of maturity that has happened and a lot of heart changes that have happened.”

A beautiful young woman, always effortlessly fashionable, Meyers is almost an anomaly in today’s culture. In a world where young artists seem to continually wind up as troubled tabloid fodder, she’s a successful recording artist who is incredibly grounded and ever mindful of her platform as an influencer. She’s equally comfortable appearing on the cover of Nylon Magazine (Japan) or speaking to young girls on the Revolve tour, an outing she’s looking forward to this fall.

Meyers first burst on the scene with her self-titled Essential Records debut in 2005, spawning her breakthrough hit “Anticonformity,” a song she wrote at camp before entering ninth grade. Her debut set spawned four top ten singles and also launched her career abroad. Her sophomore album, Dying For a Heart, solidified Meyers’ stature as one of the top artists in Christian music—earning her a second Dove nomination in the female vocalist of the year category--and boosting her audience overseas, earning her major pop star status in Japan. Meyers has performed before more than 400,000 people, and will be part of the Fall 2008, 16-city Revolve Arena Tour.

Download "Shine" at iTunes!


Read our interview with Krystal here.

Amy Grant 20th Anniversary Lead Me On tour

20 years since the release of her landmark album Lead Me On, Amy Grant will be doing a 20 city tour in celebration. According to Grant, most of her original band will be touring with her.

So far the following dates have been confirmed on Grant's website:

Jul 12	Carnation, WA
Jul 19	Miami, FL
Jul 28	Colorado Springs, CO
Sep 19	Sioux City, IA
Sep 20	Des Moines, IA
Oct 12	Augusta, GA
Oct 17	Irvine, CA
Oct 18	Bakersfield, CA
Oct 19	Visalia, CA
Oct 22	Escondido, CA
Oct 23	Morgan Hill, CA
Oct 25	Wendover, NV
Nov 18	Greeneville, TN
Nov 20	Hershey, PA
Nov 21	Morristown, NJ

For more information you can visit the Amy Grant website.

New! Read our interview with Amy Grant & Hawk Nelson here.

Read our review of Amy Grant's Greatest Hits CD here.
Read our review of Time Again here.
Read our review of Amy's book Mosaic here.

Meredith Andrews weds Jacob Sooter

Word recording artist, Meredith Andrews, weds Jacob Sooter, keyboard player for Jeremy Camp, on May 24th in North Carolina. Meredith and Jacob are both on staff at Harvest Bible Chapel in Chicago. Meredith’s debut album The Invitation released April 29 and her first single, “You’re Not Alone,” is currently climbing the charts. The couple met last year at GMA.

Michael W. Smith to record live worship CD June 20

Michael W. Smith is busy preparing for his next project; a live worship CD to be recorded June 20 at Lakewood Church in Houston, TX. Doors open at 6:30 PM and the free event will start promptly at 7:30 PM. Lakewood Church is located at 3700 Southwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77027.

Respected as a pop artist, composer, author and worship leader, Smith’s first two worship projects, Worship and Worship Again, garnered fans in the millions, worldwide. The upcoming album, Smith’s 21st, will be recorded with the African Children’s Choir as he leads worship for a group that is expected to exceed 15,000 in attendance. His song list will include familiar worship songs as well as new songs Michael has written especially for this project.

Title and release dates for the CD will be announced in coming weeks.

Throughout his 25-year career as a recording artist, Michael W. Smith has amassed an impressive catalog of achievements. His 20 albums have garnered multiple honors including an American Music Award, 3 GRAMMY Awards (from 13 nominations) and 42 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards. In addition, he holds 16 Gold and 5 Platinum albums, 33 No.1 radio hits, and has been named one of People Magazine’s Most Beautiful People. Smith has also scored several film projects and written 11 books. His tours consistently rank among the best attended in the country and he has performed to capacity crowds throughout the world. Constantly giving back to the community, one of his current projects is Rocketown -- a nightclub for teens in his hometown of Nashville, Tenn. -- which serves as safe place for young people to enjoy music and for artists to be discovered. He is married to Debbie Smith and they are the proud parents of five children.

For up-to-date information on Michael W. Smith, including tour itinerary, please visit www.michaelwsmith.com or www.reunionrecords.com.

Read our review of Michael's CD Stand here.

Krystal Meyers song "Shine" released to radio

Pop artist Krystal Meyers made some big noise this week, as “Shine,” the first single from her September 16, 2008 release, Make Some Noise, received 9 CHR adds by its first week at radio. Meyers shares the inspiration behind the song that is making fast-impact. “That’s my favorite song on the record and it’s so fun to play live,” enthuses Meyers. “Recently, I’ve really learned that I have to be excellent in all that I do. I need to use the talents and opportunities that God has given me, to the fullest extent possible. The line from the song that says ‘nobody’s going to get in the way of my shine,’ definitely sums up what this song is about. I’m blessed to be on this exciting journey, and I’m not going to let anything get in the way of my shine.”

Download "Shine" at iTunes!


Read our interview with Krystal here.

Big Daddy Weave releasing What Life Would be Like July 22

Celebrating a decade together as a band, Fervent Records’ Big Daddy Weave will release its fifth studio project, What Life Would Be Like, July 22.

While their previous and highly acclaimed album, Every Time I Breathe, was recorded to encourage people to view every moment as a chance to live in response to the greatness of God, What Life Would Be Like celebrates that response. Songwriter and frontman Mike Weaver further explains that the album’s content, including a cover of Phil Collins’ classic, “Another Day In Paradise,” was greatly influenced by a recent visit to poverty-stricken villages in Ecuador.

“God used that trip to re-ignite the fire in us as a group,” says Weaver. “We haven’t been the same since we got back. There is a passion that hasn’t been there before, and we know we will never see the potential unleashed as long as we hang on to our old ideas of what life and ministry and being the church is, rather than letting God just come and ‘be’ in us. I think the Lord really broke our hearts over who He loves, and that’s everybody.”

Because of Big Daddy Weave’s involvement with World Vision, a Christian humanitarian organization that helps communities worldwide overcome poverty and injustice, the organization secured a grant that will provide poor villages $14 for every What Life Would Be Like CD sold. Fervent Records, along with other corporate entities, have partnered under the grant to help World Vision purchase and distribute food, water, clothing and medical supplies globally. The initiative will be supported at Christian retail and via an online campaign.

The first single and title track, “What Life Would Be Like,” has already gained momentum in just its second week at radio, claiming a total of 28 adds on stations across all formats.

What Life Would Be Like is produced by Big Daddy Weave member Jeremy Redmon, who also produced the band’s Fields of Grace, What I Was Made For and the 2007 album, Every Time I Breathe.

Media Statement from Nicol Sponberg & Selah

Gregory Luke Sponberg, infant son of Curb recording artist Nicol Sponberg and her husband Greg, passed away Tuesday, May 27, at the family’s home in Georgia. The 2-month-old died in his sleep, apparently of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Nicol (formerly of Selah) and Greg also have a 2-year-old daughter, Summer. The family is grateful for your prayers and support at this time. Condolences can be sent to:

Sponberg Family
PMB 186
8161 Hwy 100
Nashville, TN 37221
sponbergfamily@gmail.com

Ayiesha Woods "Love Like This" streeting later this summer

With an amazing string of successes with her 2006 debut, Gotee Records’ GRAMMY- nominated singer/songwriter Ayiesha Woods is poised to release her next musical installment with Love Like This, set to street late Summer 2008.

Love Like This features 11 songs produced by Chris Stevens (TobyMac, Mandisa) and Jamie Moore (CeCe Winans, TobyMac). Song titles include “Love Can't Wait,” “Because of You,” “Love Like This,” “New Beginnings,” and “One Day,” as well as “Transparent,” “Fight,” “Never Give Up,” “Refine Me,” “Take Me There,” and “Love Is Alive.”

Along with the first single “Love Can’t Wait” going for adds at both CHR and AC radio formats in June, Woods will be highly visible in the upcoming months. Woods is slated to perform at Creation East, Lifefest, Creation West, Life Light Festival, Music Boat Cruise 2008, Girls Get-A-Way Cruise 2008, and various other spot dates. A favorite on the Women of Faith and Revolve tour circuit last year, she will again join the cast for five dates this summer.

Woods has merited popular and critical acclaim for her power-packed Gotee debut Introducing Ayiesha Woods. The album garnered Woods a GRAMMY nomination for “Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album”, as well as nabbing an additional nod in the Dove Awards “New Artist Of The Year” category. CCM Magazine followed Woods’ career as one of three emerging musical talents for 2006 in their “Band Wagon” column, and MTU.com’s URGE service (www.urge.com) picked Introducing Ayiesha Woods in their 2006 TOP 10 year-end list for Inspirational music. Her hit single “Happy” was also used an ad campaign for the DVD release of the Russell Crowe film, A Good Year. Musically inclined since childhood, Woods has seen her share of accolades including a 2004 “Producer of the Year” award from the Caribbean Gospel Music Marlin Awards, and a Marlin Awards’ “New Artist of the Year” and “Contemporary Vocal Performance of the Year (Female).”

Family Force 5 New EP "Dance or Die"

On the brink of a highly anticipated sophomore release, Family Force 5 revs up with brand new material on iTunes, including both a three-song EP Dance or Die available this coming June 3rd, as well as Blingin’ Blogs Volume 1, a collection of 12 audio blogs with over 70 minutes of content available May 27th.

The Dance or Die EP will include three new songs available for .99cents each on iTunes. Fans will also be able to pick the packaged album up at tour dates beginning with the Warped Tour this summer. Blingin’ Blogs Vol. 1 will go for $5.99 on iTunes and offers a collection of 12 blogs with over 70 minutes of the world according to Family Force 5.

The upcoming sophomore album from Family Force 5 is slated to street Fall 2008, with 10-plus songs. In the meantime, fans can catch a preview of new music and their explosive live show on summer tour dates including Ichthus Festival, Alive Festival, Creation East, Kings Dominion, Rock The Desert, Power Light Festival, Lifelight Festival, and 40 cities nationwide on the Warped Tour running June 21st- August 17th.

Brand new Family Force 5 song, "Fever"

Family Force 5 has recently debuted their song "Fever" off their upcoming June 3rd EP release on their MySpace page.

Is it the next "Luv Addict"?

We'll let you decide!

Head on over there to hear the song and let us know what you think!

Steven Curtis Chapman's daughter dies tragically in accident

Steven Curtis Chapman released the following at his website yesterday:

MARIA SUE CHAPMAN, DAUGHTER OF STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN, DIES IN ACCIDENT AT FAMILY HOME

NASHVILLE, TN...5/21/08... At approximately 5pm on the afternoon of Wednesday May 21st, Maria Sue Chapman, 5 years old and the youngest daughter to Steven and Mary Beth Chapman was struck in the driveway of the Chapman home in Franklin, TN. Maria was rushed to Vanderbilt Children's Hospital in Nashville, transported by LifeFlight, but died of her injuries there. Maria is one of the close knit family’s six children and one of their three adopted daughters.

More than five years ago, Chapman and his wife MaryBeth founded The Shaohannah’s Hope Ministry after bringing their first adopted daughter, Shaohannah, home from China. The ministry’s goal is to help families reduce the financial barrier of adoption, and has provided grants to over 1700 families wishing to adopt orphans from around the world. Chapman is a five-time GRAMMY ® winner and 54-time Dove Award winning artist who has sold over 10 million albums and garnered 44 No. 1 singles.

Stephanie Smith's "Not Afraid" streets May 27th

Gotee’s pop-rocker Stephanie Smith is gearing up for the debut of Not Afraid this May 27th with rave reviews, major touring, and a new radio single “Renew Me” opening the doors for both her music and message. The release will be available exclusively on iTunes.com and at Smith’s concert dates.

This past weekend, the 24-year old Smith returned to perform at Agape Fest, the original stage that lead her to meeting TobyMac and eventually signing a deal with Gotee Records. Smith was the 2006 winner of her alma mater Greenville College’s talent search, which in return gave her the Agape Fest slot that originally caught Toby’s ear.

2008 is packed out with touring as Smith makes the festival rounds, as well as additional tour dates. Fans can catch performances at Rockfest (6/7), Ichthus Festival (6/12), AtlantaFest (6/21), Music in the Park (7/27), Kingdom Bound Festival (8/4), and Riverstages (9/20 San Angelo TX). Smith is also part of various conferences this year that include One Life of VA (10/20 Vansant, VA), Feedback Conferences (5/22-25 Asheville NC and 8/21-24 Dallas, TX), Secret Keeper Girl Tour (May and August runs www.purefreedom.org), Freedom Experience (various dates Aug-Nov. www.verticalministries.com), and the Asphalt Assault Tour (9/1-20 www.verticalministries.com). She will also join illusionist Brock Gill as part of the Florida-based SuperWow Camps, where nearly 350 individual youth groups attend each week.

Cmcentral.com highlights Not Afraid in a recent review that says, “Opening strong, moments of electronic whomping foretell an edgy momentum… Smith’s fierce vocals lay out restorative encouragement to those uncertain of their own worth.”

The song “Superstar”, also on the debut album release, is also currently being used as part of world-renowned surfer Bethany Hamilton’s GodTube video found at http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=ebad92285b39141e40d9 .

Smith, who has a passion for reaching the youth culture, comments, "This is such an exciting time in my life; I don't want to take that for granted."