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JFH Music News Archive

November, 2002



*Thursday, November 28th, 2002*


Michael W. Smith On the heels of the platinum certification of Michael W. Smith’s groundbreaking 2001 Worship recording, the Grammy and Dove Award-winning Reunion artist’s Worship DVD-Video/VHS, which released August 20, has now been certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The initial shipment of the Worship DVD-Video/VHS qualified for RIAA gold certification, and now the platinum status, achieved in just three months, denotes sales in excess of 100,000 units. When notified of the platinum certification, Smith remarked, “I’m overwhelmed by the response to the DVD. It’s just incredible. Even now, when I watch it, I’m still impacted by how people were affected that night.” You can catch Smitty on tour this Fall on the Christmastime Tour with Point of Grace and newcomer Kara.

SCC Steven Curtis Chapman was awarded many times over for the 2002 Professional Songwriter Awards by American Songwriter Magazine! In the overall category, which includes all Pop, Country and R&B music, Chapman won: #2 Songwriter of the year (just behind I. Lorenzo, who co-wrote the Ashanti hit “Foolish” - Alan Jackson was 3rd place) and #3 Producer of the year (just behind I. Gotti and The Neptunes). And for the Christian category, guess who grabbed #1 in every category? You guessed it! Steven won: #1 Songwriter, #1 Artist, #1 Song (”Magnificent Obsession”), #1 Producer (sharing the title with Brown Bannister), and #1 Publisher (Sparrow Song/Peach Hill Songs)! Congrats Steven! Steven's new record All About Love release January 28th. You can begin preordering the album this Friday from FamilyChristian.com. Each preorder scores a free Love Songs EP featuring the debut single and title track from the new album, "All About Love" and four SCC love song classics, "Go There With You," "Love & Learn," Celebrate You," and "What I Really Want To Say."

Audio A Audio Adrenaline is in the studio right now working on their new album Worldwide! Forefront Records is featuring a Spycam that has been set up in the studio so you can keep an eye on the guys as they work on the album! From time to time you'll be able to catch the guys hanging out there while technicians are working around the clock getting the album done! AudioA.com, the band's official site, is also featuring a StudioLog with photos and journal entries for your enjoyment. To go directly to the Spycam click on the link below! http://www.forefrontrecords.com/ff/cam/audioa/aacam.html For a mini interview with the band about the new record, pick up the band's brand new DVD Lift for just $5.99! Finally, as the Holiday season nears, Christmas music will begin to flood the airwaves. One of the most unique Christmas renditions you will hear this year is Audio Adrenaline's version of the Christmas favorite "Little Drummer Boy." "We just got in the studio and played around," said guitarist Tyler Burkum. "We had no idea how it was going to turn out, but it really rocks." The song can be heard soon on radio or you can check it out on the new WOW Christmas CD.

Newsboys fans will be in all their glory as ChristianityToday.com is offering an exclusive download of the band's brand new song "Adoration" from their new worship album of the same name. The record hits shelves February 25th, but now you can click on the following link to get a sneak peek: http://www.christianitytoday.com/music/news/newsboys-1102.html

dctalk With the 10th Anniversary Edition Free At Last album scheduled to release next month, fans of dc Talk can hear a "new" song from that album at Christian radio NOW. Michael, Toby and Kevin all went back into the studio recently to put a new spin, on an old favorite, "The Hardway." "Re-doing 'The Hardway' was interesting for me," commented Kevin Max, "because when I first actually heard the track, I wasn't so sure about it. The original song for me was a very passionate, heartfelt, honest type song, in talking about our human condition." "As I started singing it," continues Max, "I really appreciated it because it has such an amazing groove to it and it brought it to another place. And the fact that it's been re-done and still holds up as a great song, tells you a lot about how special that tune is."

Supertones Five of the year’s top rock, punk and hip-hop acts will join forces this spring on a new multi-artist rock event called the See Spot Rock Tour, which hits the road in February, 2003. Co-headlining the explosive “five-star” lineup are high-octane audience favorites O.C. Supertones and Relient K, joined by critically-acclaimed rock band Pillar, hip-hop head John Reuben and new rockers Sanctus Real. The See Spot Rock Tour will hit nearly 50 cities between February and May including Cleveland, Ohio; Philadelphia, Pa.; Grand Rapids, Mich.; St. Paul, Minn.; Oklahoma City, Okla.; Seattle, Wash.; Phoenix, Ariz.; Irvine, Calif., and more. The tour launches Feb. 9, 2003 and tickets for most cities go on sale Dec. 7. Created and produced by Alabaster Arts, the See Spot Rock Tour brings together five acts that have individually continued to generate huge underground followings and audience loyalty. “Bands like Relient K receive little or no airplay or shelf space, yet continue to fill concert halls and sell hundreds of thousands of records,” says Alabaster President Steve Thomas. The See Spot Rock Tour has been defined by organizers as “great artists coming together for the cause of encouraging Americans through rock ’n roll... to celebrate the fact that music can still move the masses for the good.”

Big Idea Following the success of the VeggieTales debut animated feature film, Jonah - A VeggieTales Movie, Artisan's FHE Pictures and Big Idea Productions announced Tuesday their continued relationship with the next feature film from Big Idea entitled, The Bob And Larry Movie. Slated for 2005, Big Idea is currently in pre-production on The Bob And Larry Movie, and once again Artisan will retain all North American rights to the film. The two entities' efforts on Jonah have garnered a domestic gross to date of over $24 million and the film will be released into the home entertainment arena in March 2003. Artisan Entertainment CEO Amir J. Malin and Big Idea President and COO Terry Botwick made the announcement. The animated The Bob and Larry Movie, asks, and answers, all of the questions America has been pondering about its favorite celebrity produce: Why do these vegetables talk? How did they meet? And who on Earth gave them their own television show? The film features the classic VeggieTales characters Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber along with a host of new animated characters, and the first humans to appear within a VeggieTales story. The computer generated images, writing and music will all once again be created in-house at Big Idea's studio in the Chicago area under the leadership of Big Idea Chief Creative Officer, Co-Founder and CEO, Phil Vischer, Co-Founder and writer/director Mike Nawrocki, and CGI animation veteran Dan Philips.

Third Day Launching Nov. 1, to a sold-out crowd of over 18,000 in Atlanta, Ga., and concluding with another sold-out arena holding more than 17,000 in Auburn Hills, Mi., the “Come Together and Worship Tour” visited 16 cities with an average per-night attendance of 11,500; ten sell-out dates and an overall audience of over 180,000. In addition, ministry partners World Vision and Compassion International, jointly reported, that over 5,000 children were sponsored through presentations made during the tour. NBC’s Today Show co-host Matt Lauer called the “Come Together and Worship Tour,” “one of the biggest concert tours of the fall.” The line up featured Michael W. Smith, Third Day and very special guest Max Lucado and exceeded expectations, with sold-out dates in ten of the 16 cities markets including, Atlanta, GA; Lexington, KY; Memphis, TN; Winston-Salem, NC; Hershey, PA; Fairfax, VA; WestPoint, NY; Mobile, AL; Madison, WI; Auburn Hills, MI. “It’s been an amazing few weeks,” reflected Michael W. Smith. He continues, “Having the opportunity to spend time with the Third Day guys was great, and Max Lucado brought everything together by adding elements that demonstrated the heart of this tour. The highlight though, was to watch the thousands of people worshiping with us – it was just incredible.”

Skillet The first and critically acclaimed DVD from Ardent Record’s top-selling rock band Skillet, Alien Youth: The Unplugged Invasion, became the best-selling artist DVD this week according to SoundScan’s Christian Video Chart following its Nov. 19 release. In addition to the applause for The Unplugged Invasion, Skillet fans will also find the band in several upcoming key CBA publications, including the cover of December’s On Course magazine as well as a “best friend” feature highlighting member Korey Cooper in the January/February, 2003 issue of GO! magazine. Skillet was also recently named as a “Christian artist that will rock you, whether you’re a Christian or not” in December’s general market Seventeen magazine.

Watershed/Essential Records’ recording artist Andrew Peterson takes to the stage again this holiday season for the third annual showing of his original Christmas musical, Behold the Lamb of God-A Lyrical Retelling of the Story of Christ. Peterson’s unique adaptation of the Christmas story will be presented at The Belcourt Theatre in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Dec. 15, at 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Peterson and special guests Phil Keaggy, Sean Watkins of Nickel Creek, Derek Webb of Caedmon’s Call, Jill Phillips, Randall Goodgame and Steve Hindalong (The Choir, City On A Hill series’ producer) will open the show in-the-round, playing songs from past and current projects. Following a brief intermission, the ensemble will reconvene onstage with additional artists Todd Bragg of Caedmon’s Call, Andy Gullahorn, Marcus Myer of Silers Bald, Jonathan and Amanda Noel, Andy Osenga, Ben Shive, Laura Story and Chris Weigel for Peterson’s musical narrative of the events surrounding Christ’s life and death.

It's not just tobyMac's album, Momentum, that is getting rave reviews these days. His new video "Irene" was added to the nationally broadcasted video program, Power Play, where it played alongside Madonna, Mariah Carey, and Shania Twain. The video was also seen on GET REEL, a video show that targets tweens, teens, and young adults, as well as Channelone.com's "All Request Thursday."

Make your December 31st plans now! Michael Tait will be heading back to his alma mater to ring in the New Year. He'll be performing a New Years Eve show for the students at Liberty University. Also, if you were watching Regis and Kelly the other day, and thought you heard something familiar, you were right! The show played Tait's song "Bonded" for the audience while going into each commercial break.

RSJ Rebecca St. James' successful Worship God tour, which just wrapped up its US leg last weekend, is taking their show overseas. The tour, which posted fifteen sell-out concerts and numerous near capacities domestically, is currently in Italy for a show tonight in Milan. In addition to countries like England, Germany and Sweden, Rebecca specifically asked that time be allowed on the European schedule for a concert in Romania, as a matter of fact, she will be spending Thanksgiving Day in Romania. The country and its people had won Rebecca's heart during a visit three years ago on a missions trip. She reached them-one by one-not with her music, but with her passionate message about Christ, and she has been looking forward to the opportunity to get back to that country to continue her outreach in that area.

Reunion Records band NewSong, is preparing for a 10-market Christmas tour scheduled to kick-off the same night the song-inspired movie The Christmas Shoes, featuring Rob Lowe ("The West Wing") and Kimberly Williams (Father of the Bride) will air in primetime on national television. The TV special The Christmas Shoes will broadcast on the CBS network Dec. 1, 2002, at 9 p.m. EST. Due to the success of "The Christmas Shoes" song, (No. 1 on Billboard's AC Singles Chart, Jan. 6, 2001), NewSong will be part of a magazine article in People (Nov. 29 issue) about The Christmas Shoes phenomenon, featuring the song, best-selling novella and TV movie. The band has also been invited to perform on the highly rated FOX Network morning broadcast, The Wayne Brady Show, which will air on Dec. 16. In addition, NewSong was recently featured on NBC's The Today Show in a segment highlighting the growth of Christian music.

February 25th will see a brand new release from ZAO. All Else Failed was released prior to the band signing to Solid State. ZAO went back into the studio earlier this year and re-recorded 8 of those songs featuring new arrangements and vocals by Dan Weyandt, vocalist on all the band’s previous releases except The Splinter Shards The Birth Of Separation.

*Monday, November 25th, 2002*


delirious Multi-million selling and modern worship’s founding band Delirious? recently performed concerts in the South African cities of Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town. Impacting the nation already through its music and its work with HopeHIV, the band was greeted by nearly 11,000 fans attending the band’s first-ever tour to South Africa. Although they have never performed before in the South African nation, the band’s music has been distributed in over 100 countries around the world and has been in South Africa for over five years. Delirious? manager Tony Patoto gives a first-hand account of the enthusiasm for the band: “Personal reaction to the band was overwhelming, amazing! The band’s South African fans confided with Delirious? that their music has been life-changing for them. Numerous fans told us of how Delirious? has been their greatest artist influence, and many people became Christians at the concerts.”

Elms From TheElms.com: Media outlets have reported in recent weeks that The Elms had planned on appearing in Mandy Moore-starring, Michael Stipe-produced new film, Saved. The Elms were approached to appear, as themselves, in the edgy teen drama. The band would've performed their current single, "Speaking In Tongues," at a high school dance during a pivotal final scene. After reading the script, however, The Elms, their management, and Sparrow Records decided not to participate in the filming due to the film's controversial content, even at the expense of high-profile exposure. Frontman Owen Thomas had the following to say about the ordeal: "The decision that The Elms made to end our involvement with Saved was a difficult one... This choice has nothing to do with our band's desire to be involved in film, or to be involved in mainstream affairs with people whose views that differ from ours. There were simply several scenes in the script with action or dialogue that was so contrary to our beliefs, we had no choice but to withdraw. The film, in our estimation, wasn't just work that approached life from a different standpoint than ours. To participate in Saved would've been asking us to condone and support things we're wholeheartedly against, moral and spiritual issues... we're not ready to forfeit our loyalty to those things." In other Elms news, the band recently filmed a video for the song "Speaking In Tongues." Click here for an exclusive behind the scenes photo! (Thanks to Lauren & Kristen for the shot!)

Rachael Lampa Rachael Lampa recently met St. Louis Cardinal’s 2001 National League Rookie of the year, Albert Pujols. As left fielder for the 2002 National League Central Division Champions, Pujols is the first player in MLB history to hit .300 with 30 home runs, score 100 runs and drive in 100 runs in each of his first two seasons. Pictured backstage during her Oct. 18, Maryland Heights, MO ShoutFest Tour performance (l-r) are Pujols’ wife, Deidre, Rachael and Albert. Lampa is currently wrapping up her time as a co-headliner on the ShoutFest tour where she performed songs from her Oct. 29 remix release, Blur. Featuring edgy new versions of songs from her best-selling recordings, Live for You and Kaleidoscope, Blur’s production reflects Lampa’s desire to take her music beyond its adult contemporary origins and into a more youth-oriented realm. For a photo of Lampa with Pujols, click here. (Love the Worship Circus hoodie, Rachael!)

Sara Groves recently performed a concert at her alma mater, Evangel University’s Homecoming events. Showing support for the ongoing work of the school’s music department, Groves donated all of the proceeds from her concert to the department’s Piano Fund. Groves has spent the fall touring in support of her critically acclaimed project, All Right Here, currently in the final stage of a mini- tour with Michael Card and Phil Keaggy.

Michael W. Smith Michael W. Smith’s six-year-old independent label Rocketown Records recently inked an exclusive, U.S. distribution agreement with Provident Music Distribution. The new deal—which takes effect Jan. 1, 2003—will include all domestic CBA and general market retail sales for all new releases. “As an artist who records within the Provident system, I’ve seen first hand how effective this team is,” noted Rocketown founder and Chairman Michael W. Smith. “I have complete confidence in this team’s abilities and great respect for the company’s leadership. I’m really excited by the synergy of having the artists at Rocketown distributed through the same system as my own projects.” Provident Music Distribution’s sales team will begin presenting Rocketown Records’ releases with street dates in the new calendar year. The first projects under the new agreement include the new studio album from Dove Award winner Chris Rice, Run the Earth…Watch the Sky, and the debut release from new folk/roots band Alathea, What Light is All About. Both albums are scheduled for a March 4, 2003 street date. Rocketown’s back catalog, all releases prior to 2003, will continue to be handled by Word Distribution.

Lonely Superstar, the solo debut from Playdough, 1/2 of the ill harmonics duo, jumps 9 spots to #23 after debuting at #32 on the CMJ Hip-Hop charts. In a span of less than 2 weeks, this puts Playdough amongst some big names including charting one spot ahead of multi-platinum selling Jay-Z, who released his album one week ago. Even more impressive is that Playdough is one spot ahead of Jay-Z, that debuted #1 with 545,000 albums sold its first week out. It is also charting higher than such mainstream notables, in similar amount of time on charts, as: GZA, Beatnuts, The Roots, Xhibit and others. For a little Q & A with Playdough, check out our current feature interview!

Michael Card’s book, Scribbling in the Sand, recently received the “Award of Excellence” as the best general trade book in the self-help category at the Chicago Book Clinic’s 51st awards program. The award, given to InterVarsity Press, was announced on November 7 at the 2002 Book and Media Show, which is held each year to honor excellence in the planning, supervision, and execution of the physical and visual aspects of publishing media. The judging panel is a distinguished group of publishing professionals chosen for their knowledge of bookmaking.

Memphis-based Ardent Records announces the addition of artist Todd Agnew to its roster. A past staff member at Stonebridge Church in The Woodlands, TX and currently the worship leader at Highpoint Church in Memphis, Agnew is slated to release his national debut, Grace Like Rain, April 22, 2003. Agnew originally intended to record an independent project and had not planned on signing with any label. Seeking for a place to meld his rock, blues, soul and gospel sounds, he began recording his album at the world-famous Ardent Recording Studios in Memphis. “Walking by where Todd was recording, I found myself stopping and listening to his music,” says industry veteran Dana Key, Ardent Records’ director of A&R. “It wasn’t long before I wanted to get involved. Similarly, whenever I play some of Todd's music for people, it has the same effect of stopping them in their tracks. His music is definitely not background material—it’s music that demands attention.”

Sanctus Real recently filmed a video for their song "Say It Loud" from their debut record of the same name. The album release December 24th and will definitely be worth the wait! Check out this exclusive photo for a photo of the band with crew from the shoot! (Thanks to Lauren & Kristen for the shot!)

*Wednesday, November 20th, 2002*


Third Day Here's an update on Third Day’s new follow-up worship project: The new album is entitled Offerings II – All I Have To Give and will release on March 4th. You can expect more great new music from Third Day, including new studio tracks and exclusive live recordings. If you’ve seen these guys live, you know that their hearts are truly focused on leading the body of Christ in worship, and this project promises to bring that down from the stage and the studio and out to wherever you are. Rumor has it that while on the Third Day Tour, Mac Powell announced to the crowds that there might be an Offerings II album on its way. This means there's a possibility that Michael Tait could be featured on “God Of Wonders,” recorded live during the tour, with Powell...

It’s been rumbling all over the internet, so we figured it was time to make an official announcement. It is true, very sadly, that New Jersey rockers Element 101 have decided to disband. They released 3 albums with Tooth & Nail and will be greatly missed by us and their fans. We wish them all the very best.

OOE Gotee recording artist Out Of Eden has partnered with Interlinc to create the Out of Eden This Is Your Life Girls' Event. According to Interlinc's founder, Allen Weed, this will be the most focused comprehensive curriculum his company has ever created for young women. "Out of Eden has extremely significant things to say for teen girls," affirms Weed. "I've been doing this for a long time and I haven't seen an artist that says it in as relevant a way as they do. And while most church youth are young women, most directors are men. With the "Out of Eden Girls' Event" we are giving youth workers and parents a poignant tool that will allow them to teach and connect with girls in a way that most of them never have." Interlinc describes the "Out of Eden This Is Your Life Girls' Event" as "the perfect weekend retreat or six week series to help girls in youth groups discover Biblical principles essential to live in their crazy world." Additionally, the event is perfect for a comprehensive "at home" study for parents to use with their daughters. The six part series will cover Personal Destiny and Purpose; Security and Acceptance; Modesty and Fashion; Dating and Sexual Purity; Abuse; and Parental Relationships.

Three talented Christian artists snagged nominations yesterday for the American Music Awards for the category "Favorite Artist – Contemporary Inspirational Music." The show will be aired LIVE on ABC on January 13th, 2003 8/7pm CST. The nominees are: Avalon, Jars Of Clay, and P.O.D. Congratulations guys!

FFH is ever so close to completing their new album, which will be coming out in March. Word on the street is that all of the FFH fans are simply going to love this one. Apparently the group has so much fun recording it, it'll be quite apparent upon listen... hmmm...

dctalk Now that dc Talk's Free At Last The Movie is finally preparing to hit the streets after being shelved for seven years, some want to know what the biggest obstacles were in actually filming the movie. Director/producer Ken Carpenter comments, “The biggest challenge was to get them to forget that there was four or five cameras around at any given time. I think we did achieve that. I think they did let us in.” That movie hits stores on December 17th.

Tait Before Tait's show this past Saturday in Columbus, MS, the band spent a few hours at "Kids Growing in Christ" after school program. The band played a few songs, and watched the kids do some skits and sing a song for them. The program is a safe place for kids ages 7-12 to go and be ministered to, tutored and learn more about God. After attending the school program in Columbus, MS, Tait performed to a packed auditorium on the campus grounds. The very next day (Sunday), a tornado ripped through the campus, killing two of the students. Initially, Tait’s show was scheduled for Sunday, but had been rescheduled a month earlier. If not for the schedule change, Tait would have been there when the tornado hit...

Audio A Audio Adrenaline's drummer Ben Cissell and his wife recently sold their house and are getting ready to make the move. In between helping his wife out with setting up house, Ben has been spending his time off the road in downtown Nashville helping construct a new skate park for the soon-to-be-opened Rocketown youth club. Look for Rocketown Nashville to open in January of 2003.

The Benjamin Gate When The Benjamin Gate lead singer, Adrienne Leisching, came off the road from Festival Con Dios, she was surprised to find out that a family of skunks had made their home underneath the house that she shares with four other girls. Evidently, the skunks were “marking their territory” and Adrienne came home to find out that all of her clothes and everything in her room smelled like a skunk! “I have to wash everything before I put it on or you can smell me a mile away,” Adrienne smirked.

Uprok records artist KJ-52 is taking Christian radio by storm. KJ¹s "Dear Slim" is currently climbing both the CHR and Rhythmic charts and quickly becoming a multi-format hit. ³Dear Slim², the single off of KJ¹s most recent project, ³Collaborations², is a song creating quite a stir. The song is similar in style to that of rap artist Eminem¹s ³Stan² and is actually directed at Eminem himself. ³I didn¹t want to come at Eminem in a condemning manner, but with the love of Christ,² said KJ-52. KJ communicates an alternative approach to life addressing not only Eminem but anyone who hears the song. ³I want to have practical music that impacts people while remaining a Godly alternative for kids and parents, youth pastors and programmers,² KJ-52 said. ³And even though it may be a song directed at Eminem, it shows God¹s heartbeat to those who are lost and don¹t know Christ.²

Go Fish is set to release Parade, their second project on inpop Records on December 17th. Produced by Scott Williamson (Point of Grace, FFH), Doug Beiden (Jump 5, Michelle Tumes), Darren Rust (Blenders), Parade is a high-energy hybrid of pop vocals, samples, rock 'n' roll, worship and more, wrapped up into one package unique to today's musical landscape.

RSJ After touring the states with her successful Worship God Tour, Rebecca St. James and the rest of the tour will be taking their act overseas. Today the tour will be traveling to Europe to kick off their European leg of the tour which will take them to 14 countries in less than 2 months. Before leaving the States, however, Rebecca got a surprise before she went on stage for her recent show in Dallas, TX. Rebecca was caught off guard when she realized a friend of hers from Australia made the trip across the ocean to see her perform. Rebecca later commented that that was the biggest surprise she had since her Grandmother made the trip to the States to celebrate Rebecca’s 25th birthday with her. In other RSJ news, Rebecca graces the cover of this month's Living With Teen’s magazine from Lifeway. Check it out to find out what it is like growing up in a big family like Rebecca’s.

Andrew Peterson is in the studio recording his third album. Set for release on February 25, the new record promises more great songwriting from one of Christian music’s unique talents. Word on the street is that the new record is being produced by Steve Hindalong and Derri Daugherty of City On A Hill fame.

*Friday, November 15th, 2002*


JoC Jars of Clay readies for the release of their fifth album on Essential/Silvertone Records. The two-disc set titled Furthermore - From The Studio: From The Stage features an acoustic disc with 11 songs - eight new arrangements of Jars of Clay favorites, plus three new songs recorded in the band’s own Sputnik Studio. The second disc, recorded on “The Eleventh Hour Tour,” offers 10 cuts recorded in a live setting. Furthermore - From The Studio: From The Stage will release through Provident/BMG Feb. 4, 2003. Jars of Clay members, Dan Haseltine, Charlie Lowell, Stephen Mason and Matt Odmark, offer fans a unique look into their inspired recording process. “It has taken us a long time to get to the place where we felt comfortable recording a live album. It was something we avoided when our fans would ask us when we would make one. Finally, after recording ‘The Eleventh Hour’ we felt like we had the right collection of songs that would translate into a powerful live listening experience. This combination is the best of what we do live, whether it is in the acoustic performances from Sputnik, or the arena performances of this last tour, we have tried to give our most passionate live performances to date. We hope it was worth the wait.”

POD P.O.D.'s lead vocalist Sonny will have his handwritten lyrics for their #1 song, "Youth of the Nation" soon put up in the Lyric Room at the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame. The illustrious Lyric Room features original lyrics from rock 'n roll greats like Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, and Paul Simon. In addition to this, Sonny's jump suit from the "Boom" video was placed in a case at the Hard Rock in Las Vegas this week.

Dove Award-winning and Sparrow recording artist Nichole Nordeman has made radio history. “Holy,” the first single from her current project Woven & Spun, has broken the 2000 weekly spins mark on R&R Magazine’s AC radio chart, totaling 2069 spins this past week. According to R&R, no other song has ever reached 2000 spins in one week at this format.

Third Day Third Day's bassist Tai Anderson recently made the following announcement for pending new material from the band: "If you guys have been on the boards lately you might have picked up on some little rumours going around. Rumour #1, we shot for a Come Together DVD in Ft. Myers, Florida. Rumour # 2, we are recording the concerts to get some live material for an Offerings II. Well, let me set the record straight. It's all true. The show in Florida was great. This DVD will be even better than the first. The live recording is going great. We're going to shake up the set list to try and get some fresh stuff." Stay tuned right here for more info as we get it! You can currently check out the guys on tour with Michael W. Smith and Max Lucado on the Come Together and Worship Tour!

John Reuben Gotee Records recording artist John Reuben recently had his new album, Hindsight, serviced to mainstream college radio stations. After only one week at radio, the album was the #2 most added hip hop record in the country (even beating out The Roots) according to the CMJ New Music Report. Reuben has followed-up this week by returning strong on the hip hop most adds list at #5, and in just two weeks has accumulated 29 Hip Hop adds and 41 Top 200 adds, and is expected to chart next week.

Sparrow Records’ newest rock band Sanctus Real was a featured performer for drivers and fans at the recent NASCAR Pepsi 400 presented by Farmer Jack. Sanctus Real debuted new music from its critically acclaimed album Say It Loud, which releases Dec. 24, in both the “infield” and the campground for a multitude of fans gathered for the NASCAR-sanctioned events. Lead vocalist Matt Hammitt also lead worship at a chapel service prior to the race, which was exclusive for drivers and their families. Following the band’s performances, more than 136,000 people watched NASCAR driver Dale Jarrett take the checkered flag in his UPS Ford at this sold out race held at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, MI, the largest permanent spectator arena in the State of Michigan.

Gotee Records has finalized a multi-album recording agreement with Baltimore-based urban youth choir Sandtown. This is Gotee¹s newest artist since the signing of John Reuben. "I love everything about Sandtown the music, the vision, the heart, and the story that lies behind the very unique artistry,² says Gotee President, Joey Elwood. Sandtown¹s Gotee debut titled ³Based on a True Story²‹is being produced by Todd Collins, (Toby Mac, Out of Eden, John Reuben) Steven V. Taylor (Rich Mullins, Bill Gaither) and Alvin Richardson (Sandtown¹s musical director). The album will showcase the choir¹s unique urban vocal stylings, which thrive on hip-hop, gospel and pop sensibilities. ³ I know the question will be asked of us, ³Why did you sign a large ensemble of kids who can tour only on a limited basis, and whose musical style does not fit easily into the radio, press and retail infrastructure?' My answer will be simple: 'We had to.' Our mission statement is, 'To be musical missionaries to today¹s kids, with a heart toward racial reconciliation,' and we just signed the living embodiment of that vision‹Sandtown,² says Elwood. Sandtown¹s Based on a True Story, is scheduled to release in May 2003. Check out http://www.sandtown.com for more info and visit the News section at http://www.gotee.com to read the press release.

*Tuesday, November 12th, 2002*


Audio A Audio Adrenaline continues to make a splash with their first #1 AC hit, “Ocean Floor.” Last week, the song also topped the CHR charts, marking the first time Audio Adrenaline has ever had the same song reach the #1 spot on multiple formats. Since it hit radio waves nearly six months ago, “Ocean Floor” has steadily impacted CHR and AC radio across the country and continues to do so. Adam Frase from 106.7 WCTL in Erie, PA, comments on the band’s continued success at radio, "Audio Adrenaline crafts great music with introspective, relatable lyrics... bottom line, Audio Adrenaline creates songs our listeners connect with." As their current album, Lift, continues to make waves, and after three months on the road with Festival Con Dios, the guys are finally able to get back in the studio to finish up their next release. They have been locked up in the studio this week and will spend much of next week putting the final touches on their 9th release with ForeFront. Be looking for the new one from Audio Adrenaline, tentatively titled Worldwide, to hit stores on February 25, 2003.

Michael W. Smith Amid a flurry of national publicity, the highly anticipated, co-billed “Come Together and Worship Tour” featuring Michael W. Smith, Third Day and very special guest Max Lucado, exceeded expectations, selling out two of the first four concerts that played before nearly 60,000 fans during its first week on the road. The tour that NBC’s Today Show co-host Matt Lauer called, “one of the biggest concert tours of the Fall” began at Philips Arena in Atlanta, Ga., on Friday, Nov. 1, where Michael W. Smith, Third Day and Max Lucado performed before a crowd of almost 18,000. The Nov. 2 concert was also at capacity with almost 17,000 in ticket sales at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Ky., while the Nov. 3 concert at The Pyramid in Memphis, Tenn., had a showing of almost 12,000. The Nov. 4 performance at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center (BJCC) Arena in Birmingham, Ala., marked the final show of the tour’s first set of markets, where seats were filled with over 10,000 people.

Looking forward to some Spring Tours? You'll be eager to know the following interesting pair-ups in early 2003: Bleach and Sanctus Real in January February; Kutless will be featured on the odd match of Mercy Me with Audio Adrenaline from mid-February to mid-May; Caedmon’s Call and Jars of Clay from mid-February through mid-April; and the See Spot Rock Tour from mid-February through mid-May featuring The Supertones, John Reuben, Relient K, Sanctus Real, and Pillar.

Blindside and crew flew to Los Angeles last week after being asked if they would perform their hit single, "Pitiful" for the closing scene of the Warner Bros. film, Grind. Grind is a movie centered around the skateboarding culture and will hit theaters in the Summer of 2003. During the filming of the movie blindside spent time with skateboarding legends (and blindside fans!) Rodney Mullen and Tony Hawk.

Relient K Gotee records’ modern punk rock group Relient K is #3 with more than 83,000 votes on the Channel One list for "All Request Thursday," beating out Justin Timberlake, No Doubt, and Lifehouse! Fans go online and vote for the artist whose music they’d most like to hear on each weeks shows. To check out the voting process, go to: http://www.channelone.com/music/articles/all.request.thursday/ In related news, Relient K's "Pressing On" is featured in the new Nintendo GameCube game "Big Air Freestyle". It¹s a motor cross game that features 20 different tracks, 6 freestyle arenas, multi-player head to head action, and 10 different riders. Check out http://www.bigairfreestyle.com Rated T.

Skillet Skillet has been named as a “Christian artist that will rock you, whether you’re a Christian or not” in the December issue of Seventeen magazine. With a monthly circulation of more than 2.3 million, the general market publication providing teenage girls with the latest information on entertainment, fashion and life highlights the Christian Rock industry and its fans. Along with one of the genre’s hottest bands, Skillet, other acts recognized include Delirious?, Toby Mac, Relient K, Katy Hudson, Superchic[k] and Mary Mary. “Over the last couple of years, Skillet has established itself as a core Christian Rock band reaching the youth culture,” says Ardent president John Fry. “Seventeen’s notice is further evidence that the band’s messages are relevant and appealing to an ever-widening audience.”

Sparrow Records’ newest rock band Sanctus Real will perform music from its anticipated national debut, Say It Loud, before tens-of-thousands of music fans even before the recording’s Dec. 24 release. One of the most sought after new bands in Christian music, Sanctus Real was featured on the recently completed, multi-act Festival Con Dios tour and will continue to perform in over 100 cities across the country to an estimated 250,000 fans by the end of April 2003. Following the 30-plus concerts with Festival Con Dios, which has garnered major media coverage from outlets such as Newsweek, USA Today, CNN, Billboard, Entertainment Weekly and the Late Show with David Letterman, Sanctus Real will team with Bleach for 25-cities on the We Are Tomorrow tour during January and February. Continuing to tour heavily, fans will further be able to catch the band beginning in February on the 50-city See Spot Rock tour, which also features The O.C. Supertones, Relient K, Pillar and John Reuben.

Orrico Stacie Orrico has a brand new song called "That's The Way (God Planned It)" which will appear on the upcoming release, T.D. Jakes presents God's Leading Ladies. The song is a remake of the Billy Preston classic and was produced by Michael-Anthony “Mooki” Taylor. The God's Leading Ladies CD will hit stores on November 19, and also features appearances from Out Of Eden, Janna Long (from Avalon), Patti LaBelle, Helen Baylor and more. Of her opportunity to contribute to this landmark release, Stacie said, “I’m actually the baby of all of these artists, but I am so honored to be included with such artists like Patti LaBelle. I’ve been inspired by her for years”. For more information and to hear a sample of "That's The Way (God Planned It)", check out www.EMIGospel.com

In support of her Reunion Records sophomore project By Surprise, 2002 Dove Award New Artist of the Year nominee Joy Williams has been the musical guest on Point of Grace's teenage girls' "Girls of Grace" conferences, since they kicked off on Oct. 3-4 in Lakeland, Fla. In the first two dates, Williams has performed before 17,000 girls. In addition to the "Girls of Grace" events, Williams embarked on an extensive promotional tour across the country in support of her new album.

toby tobyMac’s current video, “Irene,” is getting some great airplay on both Christian and mainstream outlets. Here’s tobyMac’s take on the song. “Feeling like she let everyone down: her friends, her parents and even God, by getting pregnant and then dropping out of school her senior year, Irene felt like a failure. Shattered hopes and dreams left her with regret as she surrendered to the fact that she would never really shine again. But the same courage she showed in choosing life for this child, gave her the strength to turn her face back toward God. ‘Hush little baby, don’t you cry. Daddy’s gonna sing you a lullabye. Everything’s gonna be alright, the Lord’s gonna answer your prayer tonight.’ In my mind, I can hear Him in a loving father’s tone whispering, ‘I still have hopes and dreams for you. You are still mine, I will always love you….Irene.’”

It's O Brother meeting the contemporary "newgrass" sounds of Nickel Creek... The sensitive warmth of Alison Krauss bumping into the organic pop of Chris Rice... But more than anything, new Rocketown signing Alathea (pronounced uh-LAY-thee-uh) is a group of three East Tennessee women determined to engage their faith in a fresh way through authentic Appalachian roots music. Alathea's Rocketown Records debut project What Light Is All About will be available in stores March 4th, 2003 alongside labelmate Chris Rice's fourth studio record Run the Earth... Watch the Sky releasing the same day.

Author and musician, Michael Card, was recently honored when his book, Scribbling in the Sand: Christ and Creativity was selected by Publisher’s Weekly as one of the “Best Religion Books of 2002.” With over 400,000 books and 1 million albums to his credit in a career that spans 20 years, Card has continued to win honors in both the publishing and recording industries. IVP is the only evangelical publisher to have a book selected for 2002, and it is the first time IVP has had a top religion book selected by PW. “I remember being in college and the first step in determining whether a book was worth picking up or not was the InterVarsity stamp on the back,” Card said. “Ever since then I think InterVarsity has maintained a level of creativity and excellence that amazes me. So I’m very proud to be part of their family.”

For those who are wondering whatever happened to the here-today-gone-tomorrow act Five O'clock People, today's your lucky day! The band sent out a recent newsletter announcing the following: "Many people have written in or e-mailed asking what's going on with the band, where have you been? Well, besides taking a needed break from the road, we have all been collaborating on new music for '5-O' as well as working on our individual solo projects. There is a new band on the scene that's headed up by Drew Grow of Five O'clock People. The band is called Careen and it's pop rock sound is sure to hook you before you can say "Same Old Line." You can download clips of the bands upcoming disk or check out photos and show listings at http://www.careen.net/."

*Tuesday, November 5th, 2002*


It's pretty common knowledge that this Fall, powerhouses Michael W. Smith and Third Day will be teaming up along with Max Lucado for the 16-city Come Together and Worship Tour. The tour is being sponsored by none other than Chevrolet and the fact that a large secular organization is sponsoring a large event dedicated to worshipping God is sparking quite a bit of controversy. Industry vet Steve Camp submitted a thorough letter voicing his concerns to CCM Magazine and their audience and makes many valid points. Here is an excerpt from that letter: "It is my desire in the following letter to try to summarize those concerns as to why this event does not function according to, nor is in practice consistent with the Scriptures; and, therefore, cannot be honoring or glorifying to the Lord Jesus Christ. My one, true, singular objective is and has always been to ask ˜what does the Lord say, as revealed in His Word, about all that we do for His names sake? What does the Lord give as guidelines as to how we do what we do in the arts for His glory, for the good of His people, and in the evangelization of those without Christ?" Oddly, the letter was removed from CCM's site today, so for the entire letter, please visit this link.

Third Day Speaking of Third Day, the quintet recently completed the final leg of its highly-touted, best-selling “Come Together Tour,” which traveled to 76 cities nationwide. The blockbuster tour broke attendance records across the country and became the biggest tour in Third Day’s history, placing the band in front of more than 300,000 fans throughout the spring and fall of 2002, and ranking it among the most successful tours in Christian music history. While on tour, Third Day continued to make a major impact through its partnership with Habitat for Humanity International. Ticket sales from the “Come Together Tour” raised more than $228,000 for Habitat for Humanity, and Third Day members participated in several home-builds for the organization while out on the road, including one with former president Jimmy Carter in South Africa. Additionally, Third Day met regularly with pastors and youth leaders from local area churches in an effort to inform and educate church leaders about Habitat’s efforts across the country.

Skillet Ardent Records top rock band Skillet is standing firm against the rumors that front man John Cooper appeared in a Keystone Light Beer television commercial. For weeks, discussions on the endorsement rose as panheads, a designation established by and for Skillet fans, posted their questions and comments relating to the advertisement on the band’s www.alienyouth.com website. Although no band member, management or label representative has seen the commercial, reports state that an actor resembling John Cooper and bearing the moniker, “Skillet,” appears in the ad. “I suppose I should start by dispelling the rumor that Skillet is advertising beer in a TV commercial,” Cooper affirms on the website. “We started getting e-mails this week saying that people were seeing me in this commercial… I have yet to see it, but my understanding is that there is a gorgeous hunk (joke) that looks like me and his nickname, for whatever reason, is ‘Skillet.’ I just wanted to inform everyone that we are not in any way advertising for this or any beer, nor would we ever do such a thing.” This rumor is a month or two old, but this statement was officially released this week. Skillet fans are unanimously and wisely dismissing the rumor as incorrect as it seems unfathomable that Skillet would appear in a beer commercial.

Caedmons Call Caedmon's Call recently completed the recording of its fifth album, Back Home, slated to be in stores Feb. 4. The self-produced project finds the Houston-based band trusting its creative instincts to make a record reminiscent of its beginnings, while reflecting the group's growth over the last 10 years. In contrast to 2000's Long Line of Leavers, which lent itself to musical experimentation, and In The Company of Angels, last year's special-event worship record, Back Home reemphasizes the group's foundation as an eclectic, folk-influenced live band. Back Home is a self-produced project, demonstrating a musical and spiritual maturity culled from a decade's worth of artistic influences and experiences. "Over the last ten years, numerous people have contributed to the development of Caedmon's Call," comments Cliff Young, founding member and lead vocalist for the band. "On this project, we've incorporated into our music the best of everything we've been through spiritually and musically to get to where we are now. When it comes down to it, Back Home is simply Caedmon's being Caedmon's."

Michael W. Smith Michael W. Smith's Worship Again debuted at No. 1 on Soundscan's Christian Sales chart. The album also debuted at No. 14 on Billboard's Top 200, marking his highest debut on this chart. This also marks the first time Michael has had two albums in the top 100 at the same time. (Worship sits at No. 100), making him the only artist across genres this week with two albums in the top 100. CCM Magazine recently interviewed Smitty posing the question about his motives for releasing a follow-up to the hugely successful Worship. CCM reported, "With a tone that was very forthright, Smith had the following to say: 'Don't be cynical. Listen to the record. Let it speak for itself. For me, I think I can positively say it's authentic, and I think the bottom line is that I can't change people's minds, Smith comments. 'I've got a good team of spiritual advisers that help me hold this thing together, and I feel I had the right kind of heart when I did the record. And that's all I can say at that point. I'm the one who's going to have to stand before God in the end and answer to Him.'"

SCC Steven Curtis Chapman will release his thirteenth project, All About Love, his most diverse musically and lyrically to date, on January 28th, 2003. Produced by Brown Bannister and Steven Curtis Chapman and executive produced by Chapman’s wife, Mary Beth Chapman, All About Love showcases twelve new songs, plus a re-recorded version of his hit “I Will Be Here.” All the songs were written by Chapman, except the project’s two cover songs, “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” recorded by the Scottish duo The Proclaimers, and “I’ll Take Care of You,” originally performed by Ronnie Milsap. All the songs communicate one central theme – LOVE. Chapman explains, “We love God best when we love each other well. I made this recording for the same reason I make all the music I’ve made through the years, to share my journey of exploring and experiencing the grace of God as it shows up in every part of life. “Ultimately, this recording is a celebration of what I still believe to be one of the most mysterious, wonderful, exciting, challenging and beautiful of all the good gifts God created for us – to enjoy and experience true love.” The majority of the new songs, recorded in record time of just four days at a Los Angeles studio, transpired from love notes and cards that Chapman had written to Mary Beth during their 18 years of marriage. “I’ve always written songs about her, to her, about what I’m learning from our relationship together,” Chapman explains. “And I kept in the back of my mind that one of these days I just want to make an album of those songs. I want to do a whole record of songs about this incredible, wonderful mystery that God has invited us into called relationships with each other. So finally, the time has come for me to do that.”

Audio A While Festival Con Dios makes its last stop in Lakeland, FL, the Audio Adrenaline guys will be boarding a plane and heading down to the Bahamas to continue their “traveling” photo shoot. The guys have been taking time while on Festival Con Dios to stop at unique and recognizable locations along the tour to get some fun and unusual photos for their upcoming February release, tentatively titled Worldwide.

If you have a suggested title for Rebecca St. James' forthcoming "best of" compilation Rsjames.com wants to know! The person who submits the title that is used will receive a full catalog of everything Rebecca has recorded. Send your suggestion to rsjameslist@blazoner.com

Big Idea First he tamed "The Angry Eyebrows," then he matched egos with "The Alchemist" - now Larryboy is back to face his most villainous villain ever... "The Yodelnapper!" From the creators of the best-selling VeggieTales children's video collection, comes the third installment in the all-new, cartoon adventures filled with valuable lessons, side-splitting laughs and lots of veggies that has become a hit with kids and families across the country. To date, over 300,000 units of Larryboy have sold through to consumers this year, making the new direct-to-video series second only to VeggieTales on the sales charts with an over 20% market share for 2002 according to Soundscan. Scheduled for release on November 23, 2002, Larryboy - The Yodelnapper! will be distributed by EMI Chordant on both VHS and DVD at Christian bookstores nationwide.

Anticipating the CBS Network Movie of the Week, Reunion Records pop group NewSong readies to headline the 10-city multi-artist "The Christmas Shoes" tour. The made-for-TV movie, The Christmas Shoes is set to air in primetime on Dec. 1 at 9:00 p.m. EST starring Rob Lowe (The West Wing) and Kimberly Williams (Father of the Bride). The No. 1 song "The Christmas Shoes", will gain massive national exposure as the song is featured in the CBS movie. NewSong members Eddie Carswell, Billy Goodwin, Michael O'Brien, Stephen Reischl and Matt Butler, who have cameo appearances in the movie, traveled to Halifax, Nova Scotia, in June of this year where the movie was filmed.

After selling more than 250,000 CD's independently, charting in the top 100 CCM albums on SoundScan, leading music at worship conferences all over the nation, and drawing thousands from all over the world who openly testify of his music's tremendous impact in their lives, worship leader/songwriter Terry MacAlmon has signed with M2.0 Communications to release his upcoming album, Visit Us, on February 25. “We are incredibly excited to be working with Terry,” commented M2.0 Communications CEO Jeff Moseley. “Terry has a great gift, and is someone who people seem to be drawn to. The response we’re getting from everyone who sees him is just incredible, and his passion to worship God and bring others into His presence is remarkable and admirable.”


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