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.

###


“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.