July 2003
U.S. Army Captain Joshua T. Byers, formally decorated for
his military excellence and known among those closest to him for his deep commitment to faith,
family and country, was killed in action in Iraq, Wednesday, July 23. Bleach band members Milam
and Jared Byers seek to honor their brother along with family and friends.
Following one of the greatest successes of the war on terrorism with the death of Saddam Hussein’s sons,
Captain Byers was on route near Baghdad when his vehicle was struck by a remote-controlled bomb,
killing him and severely wounding others.
Assigned only 40-days prior to his death as the company commander to Fox Troop, 2nd Battalion,
3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, based in Fort Carson, CO, Captain Byers was an Army Ranger and
did special operative missions. The Cavalry unit in which he served is the most decorated in the Army.
“Josh was our hero,” says his youngest brother, Jared. “He risked his life everyday and
would not have had it any other way. Josh loved his family more than anything in the world,
and he loved his country. I know that he felt a calling from God for his service, and God made him
a hero, not just in his death, but his whole life.”
Early in his life, Captain Byers knew he wanted to be in the military. After joining the
ROTC program in high school, attaining the highest rank possible, Commander, as well as
being named high school class president, Byers later attended the prestigious United States
Military Academy (USMA) at West Point, graduating in 1996 with high honors.
Following graduation from USMA, Josh completed Airborne and Ranger Training.
His first post was at Fort Stewart, GA from where he was deployed for six months to Kuwait in 1998.
He and his wife, Kim, then moved to Fort Leonard Wood, MO where he completed his Officer Advanced Course
training and received a Masters in Engineering degree from the University of Missouri Rolla, graduating
with honors at the top of his class. The couple then moved to Fort Carson, CO and Josh was assigned to the
General’s staff. He soon became Aide-de-Camp to Commanding Major General Charles Campbell.
“General Campbell called our parents this week to tell us how much he loved Josh and said that there was not
a better soldier anywhere,” says Milam Byers. “There have been numerous reports about how Josh’s actions
have saved many lives. We have been told that one time he saved 100 soldiers that were in harm’s way.
Another soldier had a family member call Kim to let her know that Josh saved his life three times!
Josh would tell us ‘I know I’m on the front lines too much, but I love my troops, I love my men and
I love my country. I’m going to do all I can to make sure they come home safely.’”
In a Colorado Springs Gazette feature that ran July 26, Captain Byers’ former commander, Lt. Col. Toby Green was quoted as saying that Josh was “universally loved in the squadron…Josh was a great pick-me-up all the time.”
“His dream was to become a company commander of a Cavalry Unit,” says Jared. “While in Iraq, he became company commander of the Fox Troop, one of the best Cavalry units in Iraq with 140 troops under his command. He was so proud to be chosen to be commander of this unit. He also did a lot of the volunteer work on his own to help his country, risking his life everyday.
“While in Iraq, he told us how a child whose father was just killed was crying for her mother,” continues Jared. “Josh scooped the girl into his arms and held her safe until he could locate her mother. Another time Josh went out into a minefield to rescue an Iraqi boy. A fearless soldier respected by his troops, Josh also loved children. He and his wife were hoping to have children of their own when he returned from Iraq.”
The Gazette feature also quoted Captain Byers’ wife, Kim, saying, “In every letter he would write about how much he loved command. It was his dream. It was what he felt he was born for. He would say, ‘I love my soldiers: I would do anything for them.’”
As Bleach members, who all loved and respected Josh, considered canceling the current Bleach tour to give the family time to grieve, brothers Milam and Jared realized that Josh would not have wanted the band to stop touring.
“Josh would have told us to carry on,” says Jared. “He would go on and on about how proud he was of us. ‘You are my heroes,’ he would say. He was Bleach’s No. 1 fan. Before he left for Iraq, he made me promise to keep taking care of business with the band, as he took care of business in Iraq. He thought of everyone in Bleach like his brothers. He even made Sam [Bleach guitarist] promise to take care of his little brothers while he was gone.”
“One of the ways we want to honor Josh is to not let his story be forgotten,” says Bleach member Sam Barnhart. “Over the last few weeks, he said that he was worried about us here in the states forgetting about our soldiers. Many of us think that the war was over and won when our troops reached Baghdad, but Josh reminded us that, really, the war had just begun and that brave men are laying down their lives everyday.”
Sharing that story on the road, Bleach decided to continue its touring, albeit doing acoustic sets instead of their usual full rock ensemble, where possible. Guitarist, Milam, and drummer, Jared, while temporarily off the road to tend to family, will soon rejoin the band with a renewed mission to honor the memory of their hero, Captain Joshua T. Byers.
Prior to Wednesday’s news, Bleach had already decided to dedicate its new album, due to release nationally in October, to Josh and his Fox Troop. Milam had also already written a song inspired by Josh that will be featured on the album. Josh further sent a photo of himself in Baghdad with the word BLEACH written with black tape across the face of a Hussein painting. The band plans to feature the photo in the album artwork.
Contributions can be made to the Byers¹ family at any Academy Bank, Air
Academy National Bank or Armed Forces Bank location. Memorial gifts can
also be made to the Guam Baptist Association, PO Box 326008, Hagatna, GU
96932-6000.
On the heels of a successful European tour, performing before thousands over multiple headlining
festival dates this summer, and celebrating his 20-year anniversary in music, multi-platinum,
award-winning artist Michael W. Smith announces
“The Celebration Tour” with special guest MercyMe. The 19 city
fall tour will kick off in Milwaukee, Wis. at the US Cellular Arena on October 16th.
“I’m looking forward to being out on the road this fall with MercyMe,” noted Smith.
“I’m excited about 'dusting off some of my older songs and performing 20 years worth of music. It will be
fun to share everything from the early hits to the music from the Worship records on this tour.
I really think it will be a unique tour both musically and visually with some of the video things we
have planned.”
MercyMe frontman Bart Millard commented, “To tour with Michael W. Smith is a dream-come-true! All
of us in MercyMe are life-long fans of his music and, more importantly, his ministry. We are
honored for the opportunity to join him in advancing the Kingdom of God.”
A relatively recent article in long-time running Christian hard music magazine HM
took a more inside look at the band known as P.O.D. since their recent member changes. The article
discusses their new guitar player, the new record, and even their Christianity and how it affects
the artists around them.
"...We hang with these bands for months at a time. It takes 'em a while to understand what a Christian is.
Their concept of Christian is 'religious fanatic that gets up in the morning and prays at the sky.'
It takes a while to kinda let people catch the vibe and know what you're about. And know that God created
you as an individual and He created your character, so everybody's different. We just spend our day-to-day
time with these people and we kinda let the day-to-day thing be effected. Bands come up to us all the time,
whether it's Papa Roach... I know just recently, cuz Blindside was on tour with Papa Roach, and the singer
would always come to them, man, and just be like, 'Can you pray for me, man? Can you do this?' They actually
asked him if he wanted to accept Christ, and he was like, 'You know what, man? I want to, but I'm not ready
right now.' You know what I'm sayin? It's those little steps. Those little seeds that you kinda sow
every day. Those are big steps, because when it's all said and done and they're sitting by themselves,
those are the questions they want answered. They see your life and that's the kind of joy they want in their
life. So, you just kinda got to be loving the Lord and let Him be the joy in your life and let that
shine out to everybody. Just because we're in a band and all of us are Christians doesn't mean that we
have all the scriptures for everybody or we can turn 'em right to the page. That's just not how it is.
Other people are gifted in other ways. It's the little steps, the day-to-day things that I
think are the most effective."
For a look at the full article, visit HM Magazine's official site:
http://www.hmmagazine.com/oe/archives/000434.php?page=all
Following up on our recent report about Bleach and the loss of Milam and Jared's brother Josh in the
recent Iraq conflict, we have a letter from the band that has been passed on...
The Gospel Music Association (GMA) will make key changes to
Dove Awards voting including the addition of a new "Worship Song
of the Year" category, announced John W. Styll, president of the GMA.
“It’s important that the Dove Awards be an accurate representation of the music having the most influence
in our genre. Worship music has become a major part of today’s musical landscape and it is appropriate
that we honor its vital place in our genre with this new category,” Styll said.
The new "Worship Song of the Year" category will recognize songs that are having the greatest impact in the
church. Because these types of songs are often recorded and/or performed by multiple artists, the Dove
will be awarded to the songwriter and publisher of the song, not an individual artist. The new category
will be placed in Division V of the voting, along with "Musical of the Year," "Children’s Musical of the Year" and
"Choral Collection of the Year," all categories reflecting music impacting the church.
Additionally, changes will occur in the album and recorded song categories to better define music styles.
The Pop/Contemporary category, which has always had the largest and most diverse number of eligible entries,
will be divided into two categories for both album and song. There will now be a Pop/Contemporary and
Rock/Contemporary category. Hard Music and Modern Rock/Alternative categories, which traditionally have
fewer entries, will be combined in one Modern Rock category. Finally, dance will be dropped from
the Rap/Hip Hop/Dance category and dance music will be considered under the appropriate pop category.
David Crowder Band, is honored as premiere guitar maker,
Tom Anderson, names his latest guitar offering after David Crowder. Featuring guitars played by such music
icons as Mick Jagger and Keith Richards (Rolling Stones), Don Felder (Eagles), Steve Miller
(Steve Miller Band) and a host of others, Anderson’s newest addition to his instrument line is called the
“Crowdster Acoustic.”
Since its introduction just a few weeks ago, the Crowdster Acoustic has already been played by Richie
Sambora (Bon Jovi), guitarists acquainted with Crowder and additional guitar enthusiasts. Unlike other
instruments, the Crowdster Acoustic is not a revamped electric guitar but an all acoustic-feeling instrument.
The guitar is already reputed for its abilities to perform unmatched “plugged-in” acoustic tones before a
live audience without any of the feedback often associated with acoustic guitars.
Yesterday evening, Tooth & Nail Records sent out this following message. PLEASE join us in prayer
at this time of tragedy for the Byers family...
In what has come to a surprise and major disappointment to Supertones fans, bassist Tony
Terusa has decided to leave the band. Here's a recent statement from guitarist Ethan Luck
on Tony's exit and the future of the band.
"The fact is, his family is his main passion now, not that music is not, but when people like Tony get
married and have a kid, sometime it works and sometimes it doesn't, being in a touring band.
If it does not work, like in Tony's case, it is not a bad thing. Tony LOVES his wife and child more
than anything, and that is an amazing thing. All of us in the band support Tony and we would like you all
to as well. Trust me, I don't want him to leave either but you can't argue with a man wanting to be
there with his wife and be there when his child is growing up. If any of you can make it to Fish-fest,
please come and support tony. There is a small chance that in Oct. we will be doing a proper last show
for Tony in OC where we can play like 3 hours and Tony can speak and it would give people the chance
to get out to say bye to Tony. This is still all in the works so don't think it's happening until I
give the OK. We really want to make this show happen for tony and make it special for him so
I will keep you all posted on that subject. If you would like to send a letter of any kind to Tony please
email me at ethanluck@hotmail.com and I will be glad to pass it on to him. He would love to hear from
some of his biggest fans.
Regarding our future....
We will continue. our great friend Chris Beaty (formerly of Seven Day Jesus)
will be playing bass. I know that nobody will ever be able to bring what Tony did but Chris is a great
player and will bring alot to the Tones. As far as our next record is concerned... We will begin recording
sometime at the beginning of the new year. Mojo and I have been demoing alot of songs and let me just
tell you, it is some of the best stuff we have done... ALOT OF SKA!! That's right, we are going to do
what we do best... Ska Punk Rock and reggae. that is all I have to say. So be sure to email me letters
to Tony and be keeping Tony in prayer for his new step in life. Thank you from all the Tones."
Celebrating 20 years in Christian music, Grammy and Dove award-winning artist and composer
Michael W. Smith, prepares for the release of
The Second Decade 1993 – 2003. The project celebrates his unparalleled career by featuring
13 hits from the past 10 years and two new songs, which offer a sneak peek at his highly anticipated
2004 studio album.
Smith’s son Ryan (19) teamed up with his father on “Signs,” one of the record’s new songs and its first
radio single. This occasion marks the first time the two have collaborated on a musical piece. “Ryan
loves film and directing,” notes Smith. “He’s extremely artistic, but we’d never written songs together
before. I wrote this melody and Ryan ran with it. I’m really proud of him.”
Well, you can now purchase brand new music from Relient K on the limited
edition 7 inch vinyl (this is not a cd) called The Vinyl Countdown. There
are only 1,500 being made available through our the indie rock
label Mono Vs Stereo. It features 4 brand new songs, including 2 versions of
the tribute song "Five Iron Frenzy Is Either Dead Or Dying," and the title
track song inspired by RK Fanclub Member Jesse Alkire. Head on over to
http://www.monovsstereo.com and get it for only $5.
Joy Williams recently claimed the No. 1 spot on the Radio and Records
Christian Hits Radio chart with her second single "Every Moment," from her sophomore project By Surprise.
This is Williams' first ever number one hit! Williams has been perched at No. 2 for the past weeks and
claimed the spot from Third Day's "You Are So Good To Me." Jeremy Yoder, program director for
WJLF / Gainesville, Fla. notes, "'Every Moment' touches the listener emotionally and creates that nostalgic connection that will keep it a perennial favorite. It's awesome to see such a great song like 'Every Moment' go all the way to a No. 1 song."
Rumor has it that The End is Near is not the final release we'll see from Five Iron Frenzy.
According to a message on the band's forum, trumpet player Brad Dunham answered a fan's question
with, "We will ba releasing them on DVD next year. We also did a video for "Farsighted" and we are doing
one for a song on TEIN (The End Is Near). It will be done by one of the animators for Happy Tree
Friends. I can't wait to see it." Neither can we!
The biggest names in Christian Rock, combined with thrilling rides and attractions,
will electrify audiences during one of the nation's most powerful and inspiring music events this
September at the sixth annual Rock The Universe at Universal Studios Florida.
On Friday, September 5 and Saturday, September 6, 2003, 17 of Christian Rock's top artists will perform at Universal
Studios Florida throughout the weekend for Christian and mainstream music fans alike.
The powerful line-up includes: Grammy-winning Third Day with their unique blend of
Southern-tinged rock and inspirational lyrics; TobyMac with his musical blend of
old-school hip-hop, R&B, reggae and grinding guitar rock; the polished and energetic songcraft of the
Newsboys; and the clever, innovative and compelling music of
Audio Adrenaline - in addition to the alternative rock sounds of Pillar,
Skillet, Big Dismal and Justifide; the pop rock
stylings of Superchic[k], Bleach, The Elms and Mercy Me;
the R&B-focused Souljahz; and the pop sounds of Taylor, Kristy Starling,
Paul Colman Trio and Across the Sky. Captivating speakers David Nasser
and Jay Strack will also appear during the weekend.
"With the Christian music genre exploding in popularity,
Rock The Universe gives fans an inspirational and thrilling event where they can enjoy their favorite
performers while experiencing a weekend of adventures at Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure
and CityWalk," said Skip Sherman, senior vice president of entertainment, Universal Orlando.
In addition to the performing artists, guests attending Rock The Universe will experience all of
Universal Studios Florida's thrilling attractions throughout the weekend, including
JAWS, Men In Black Alien Attack, Back to the Future - The Ride, Twister … Ride it Out, the new
Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast and Shrek 4-D, opening this June, with select attractions open until 1 A.M.
Special group tickets are also available including the spine-tingling rides of Islands of Adventure.
Rock the Universe tickets and vacations can now be purchased in advance online at www.rocktheuniverse.com, by calling 1-866-RTU-INFO (1-866-788-4636) or through Ticketmaster. Tickets will also be available at the gate on Friday, September 5 and Saturday, September 6, 2003.
Here's the latest from Blindside regarding a new project on the horizon...
"We are proud to announce we have begun work on our new record – About a Burning Fire.
We will be back in the studio with Howard Benson fresh from his work on the new P.O.D. album.
We are all very excited about this new record and the new opportunities it will bring.
We have learned so much over the last year of touring and playing live, and we feel inspired
by so many of you to make this record more than we can even imagine right now.
We plan to have the record out this year so stay tuned to
www.blindside-silence.com for updates. We want to thank
all of you who bought the Silence CD and came out to see us over the last year.
We are honored to have such amazing fans. We promise not to disappoint you with About a Burning Fire.
We filmed every minute of our Cornerstone '03 show and are working right now to edit a full length DVD
for release with About a Burning Fire. We will include some behind the scenes footage and a
special impromptu performance out in tent city - we have always wanted to be one of those bands
who got to play by the side of the road with the homemade PA. Thanks to the bands who loaned us
their gear and the people who stopped to listen."
Sparrow Recording artist Steven Curtis Chapman has hit #30
on the Mainstream AC chart (R&R) with his new single “How Do I Love Her,” from his best-selling CD,
All About Love.
Having added the song to her nationally syndicated “Love Songs” show, popular radio host Delilah also
recently interviewed Steven. Delilah’s program is heard by millions of listeners daily on 220 stations
nation wide.
“How Do I Love Her” is currently being played in several key markets such as Minneapolis, Dallas,
Denver, Austin and Monterey, with new adds this week in Pittsburgh and Spokane.
The much-anticipated new release from ZOEgirl will be in
stores September 16, 2003. Different Kind Of Free captures the sound of today’s pop culture
climate with songs that are upbeat, direct and always relevant. Different Kind Of Free
reflects a musical evolution while showcasing ZOEgirl’s individual style and passion for many
of the issues facing young women in today’s culture.
David Crowder Band, one of the most sought after bands on
college campuses, is preparing to launch its sophomore sixsteps/Sparrow Records album, Illuminate,
Sept. 16. Regarded as one of the most unique and talented singer/songwriters of today,
David Crowder’s new album follows the band’s critically acclaimed and commercially successful debut,
Can You Hear Us?.
In addition to penning all of the songs for the new album, the band, for the first time,
worked with noted producers: Charlie Peacock (dcTalk, Switchfoot) and Mitch Watkins
(Joe Ely, Abra Moore), as well as Zach Lind of the Platinum-selling band Jimmy Eat World,
perhaps best known for the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks No. 1 hit song, "The Middle."
In order to satisfy his curiosity, Crowder sent an email back to the suspected prankster posing questions
that he believed only Zach would know. “Against all odds, it turned out to really be Zach!
Since we were working on our new album, I thought, ‘why not go for broke and ask him to produce a song.’”
After working out the logistical details in both bands’ busy schedules, Lind joined the David Crowder
Band in the studio producing the song “How Great” featured on Illuminate.
Justin McRoberts has started tracking for his new album, entitled Intersections,
slated for an early October release. Please keep him in prayer as he creates his 5th studio project.
Justin desires to communicate Truth, through music, as he writes about love, relationships and God.
Fans familiar with his funny and unique t-shirts will be happy to know he now has a new design! Check it out:
http://www.justinmcroberts.com/store
Well, apparently TRUEvibe is not officially over and done with. Here's the latest from the last and remaining
member, Jonathan Lippmann, "To All the faithful fans of TRUEvibe,
As the founder of TRUEvibe, I am please to formally announce that there have been some positive
changes within the group which our Lord has allowed in His providential will.
First off, let me assure you that I have continuously sought after much thought and prayer,
as well as pastoral counsel, through this process. The other 3 former members of TRUEvibe have chosen
to leave to pursue other endeavors and I wholeheartedly wish them the best. TRUEvibe's focus and
ministry continues to be and will always be to point others to our Saviour Jesus Christ and bring
Him glory, honor and praise on and off stage. TRUEvibe's mission will remain standing firm before
Him. When I started TRUEvibe I have always said and will continue to say that the ministry of TRUEvibe
will not be compromised or have lack of integrity. I will continue to pray for His Word to nourture and guide each of them as I do for myself and for TRUEvibe.
That being said, I have some great news. As I am putting the final touches on getting the
right men for TRUEvibe I have recieved many emails enquiring about auditioning.
We still have one spot available for TRUEvibe and I have decided to open the auditions
to everyone. You must be a male at least 21 years old and must have a strong passion
for singing for the Lord AND the ability to sing in a tight, 4-part harmony group.
(meaning you must have a great ear) Please know that we will NOT be dancning at all in TRUEvibe.
You will need to send a NON-RETURNABLE video or audio tape of yourself singing a song
that will show off your strengths, as well as singing a scale from your lowest note to your highest note
in "chest" with the last few notes in your "head voice". Also send a recent picture of yourself.
Make sure to list any training or experience you may have had. You must also list 3
references not related to you. You can send all info to:
Congratulations to MercyMe as in a fit of odd mainstream success, their 2000 album Almost There
has received RIAA Platinum certification! On top of that, Almost There goes to #93 on Billboard
Top 200 (7/12 issue), and to #2 on Christian/General Market combined chart, scanning almost 12,000,
nearly 3 years after its release! Their most recent album, last year's Spoken For jumped up to
#18 on the combined chart, and #12 on the Christian retail chart. (as of 7/7/03)
Superchick reinvents their biggest hits by stripping
away what was to RE[generate] a sound that is up-to-the-minute and in-your-face. Their new project
RE Generation features 8 fan favorites including "Barlow Girls", "So Bright" and "Hero",
plus the brand new song "Me Against The World", as featured exclusively on the Legally Blonde 2 soundtrack.
Here's the latest from Bleach: "It has been awhile! Things are kicking back up here in Bleach world.
Before we know it, October 21st will be here and we can share with you
Astronomy, our fifth studio release. We just finished our photo shoot
and hope to be giving the web site a new look soon!
In touring news, our friends Holland will now be joining us on ³The Winners
Never Quit² Tour in place of PAX217. We are very excited! We will be
sharing a bus with them for the whole tour. Lots of fun for sure!"
Michael W. Smith recently returned from the last shows
of the "Come Together and Worship" tour. Michael is readying for a European tour that kicks off June
5 in Denmark. Upon his return, Smith will add finishing touches to his Oct. 7 release The Second Decade,
which will feature hits from albums spanning Smith's last ten years, as well as new music that will
lead up to a highly anticipated 2004 release.
One of the most sought after new rock bands, Sparrow Records’ Sanctus Real
recently recorded a 5-song bonus CD entitled SVERIGEEP, which means “Swedish EP.”
Fans can obtain the limited edition CD FREE with purchase of the band’s critically acclaimed debut,
Say It Loud, at retail outlets nationally beginning Aug. 19.
Featuring live acoustic studio versions of the current R & R and PDAdvisor Top 10 CHR single “Hey Wait”
and the hit Rock single, title track and video “Say It Loud,” SVERIGEEP also includes a unique
Joy Electric remix of the song “Inspiration” from the band’s debut. The Sanctus Real
bonus CD further boasts two songs available nowhere else, “Other Side” and “Craving,” from the band’s
independent release, Nothing To Lose, which is out of print.
Rebecca St. James and her latest video release-"I Thank You"
have gone this week where artists
from the Christian genre too seldom get to go - to national mainstream television!
Those who channel surfed over this long holiday weekend may have caught edits of
the St. James video in rotation on the TV Guide Channel where its positive, upbeat patriotic message
debuted just in time for the holiday.
The video is taken from a special re-mix of her recent #1 single on the national CRW AC chart-"I
Thank You"-which the Grammy Award winner dedicated to America's troops.
The video contains military and patriotic footage as well as audio bytes of President Bush and everyday American's expressing gratitude for their freedom as well as for the men and women who serve our country in the military.
Online stores are already taking preorders for the pending release of Rock 'N' Roll Worship Circus'
follow-up to last year's incredible national debut.
When you order the brand new record, A Beautiful Glow, you get a free 3-song sneak
preview disc absolutely free! If you order the record today, you'll get a sneak preview/appetizer
to hold you over! It's the same sneak preview that, until now, was only available at the Circus'
worship concerts!
And not only that, but when the record ships to you on street week (August 26th),
it will be autographed by the band! It's a way for the folks at INO records
and the kids in the band to say "thanks" to all of you friends and fans who
have been supporting their ministry for so long.
Preorder it at FamilyChristian.com today!
Since its release in April, Adoration: The Worship Album has quickly become Newsboys’
fastest-selling album ever, selling over 145,000 units in only 11 weeks. With radio success, an
amazing new video, major tours and performances, Newsboys are on track to have an amazing year!
The band will return to headline the third annual Festival Con Dios this fall. Newsboys founded this first ever traveling festival, which garnered significant media coverage, including the cover of Newsweek.
You can check out their new video of "He Reigns" online now!
Inpop recording artist Superchic[k] recently recorded
“Me Against the World,” an exclusive song for MGM’s Legally Blonde 2: Red, White and Blonde film,
which released to theaters nationwide on July 2nd, and stars Reese Witherspoon.
Due to their use and success with Superchic[k]’s “One Girl Revolution” for the original Legally Blonde film,
and for the sequel’s current trailer, MGM requested Superchic[k] to record a song for the new film,
and provided input in the direction of the song as well. In addition to the film’s official soundtrack
(Curb Records), “Me Against the World” appears as the end-title song, just as “One Girl Revolution”
did in the original film.
“"Writing for a picture is always challenging, since we were writing from Elle's perspective
rather than ours, but we love doing it,” stated Superchic[k]’s Max Hsu “It's always fun to do
something in your basement and then go hear it at the theater.”
Sparrow Records and EMI Christian Music Publishing’s singer/songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman
has won the title of BMI’s Christian Songwriter of the Year. BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.), the performing
rights organization, saluted Chapman and other writers and publishers for the past year's most
performed Christian songs, during the BMI Christian Music Awards held this past Monday evening at their
headquarters in Nashville, TN.
Along with Songwriter of the Year, sharing that title with Gerald Crabb and Kirk Franklin, Chapman was
given top airplay honors for his penned songs, “God Is God” and “Magnificent Obsession,” both No. 1 hits from his RIAA certified Gold project, Declaration.
Eddie DeGarmo, President, EMI Christian Music Publishing, comments about Chapman’s awards, "Steven has been one of our top writers for many years. He continues to impress us with his amazing talent, and we congratulate him on these well-deserved awards."
Speaking of the BMI's, Jars of Clay earned the BMI Crystal for Most Performed Christian
Song of the Year as writers of “I Need You,” while Chapman, Gerald Crabb and Kirk Franklin shared the title
of BMI Christian Songwriter of the Year. Other songwriters receiving BMI Awards were Toby McKeehan,
Michael Tait, Marc Byrd, Audio Adrenaline, Dottie Peoples, Chad Chapin, Rodney Griffin and Norman
Hutchins, plus a special presentation to songwriter/composer/producer/publisher Greg Nelson.
Five Iron Frenzy has changed their minds about a crucial decision... No, unfortunately the band
STILL has plans to split this Fall, but the band's original plan was to have their final album only
availble at the summer festivals and the fall tour. However, because so many of fans wanted to get it early,
the band has made it available to order online. The guys (and gal)
have partnered with themobilemessage.org to have the album available
for you to purchase, and are also including a free tour poster with each
order.
So, to get a copy of FIF's final CD (it's excellent by the way!), entitled The End Is Near,
you can come see the band at any show from now until Nov 22 and buy it from them directly, or you can visit
the following web site and order it online:
www.themobilemessage.org
The final FIF show will be in Denver, CO on Sat 11.22.03 at the Fillmore
Auditorium. Tickets are now available at www.ticketmaster.com.
Here's an exciting update on Pillar from the band's own bassist Kalel, "Hey, what's up? Some crazy stuff went down lately and we wanted you all to know the deal. Universal Music Group owns MCA, Geffen, Interscope, and a ton of other labels. Universal decided to merge MCA Records and Geffen Records- with Geffen taking over. So now we are basically on Geffen Records (check www.geffen.com). This is a very good thing for us. Geffen has a really strong rock department and they are excited about Pillar. Geffen has made Pillar their #1 rock priority right now. The timing of the label change wasn't the greatest with the album just releasing, but Geffen will be re-pushing Fireproof this fall (doing a lot of promotion). Right now they are working on getting us on some huge mainstream tours this fall. We will let you know which bands we will be hitting the road with the second we find out. Everybody is hoping that we will finally make a Fireproof video sometime this summer."
Inpop Records Grammy and Dove Award-winning rock group, Petra,
is set to release their 20th studio record, Jekyll and Hyde, on August 19. Petra’s founder Bob
Hartman has re-joined the group for what is arguably their most aggressive rock record to date.
Hartman, who wrote or co-wrote each of the ten songs on the project, will tour as
Petra’s guitarist for the first time in over 7 years. Jekyll and Hyde is produced by Newsboy’s frontman
and Inpop Records co-owner, Peter Furler. In addition to his role as producer, Furler adds his
signature drumming to the collection of straight-ahead rock tracks.
“It seems odd to say that this record is our most aggressive rock record so far,” states
Petra lead singer John Schlitt. “For years, our fans have been asking for an all-out rock and roll record.
Jekyll and Hyde is just that, and we think it will have been worth the wait.” Hartman adds,
“It may have been a few years since I’ve been an active part of Petra, but my heart has never left.
I’m more excited about this project than anything else I’ve done and I can’t wait for people to hear it.”
“I think almost everyone has a ‘Petra’ story or can remember the first time they heard the band,” comments Furler. “Petra has played a very important role in our industry, and laid some ground for all of us to walk. I respect them for their hard work, and have been personally impacted by the band over the years.”
Petra was founded in 1972 and has sold over 7 million records over their 30+ year career. They have been the recipient of four Grammy Awards and ten Dove Awards, and in 2000, the group was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. The band is currently finishing work on Jekyll and Hyde and in the process of finalizing their summer and fall touring schedule.
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Seth Davey 
