Kevan Breitinger's Blog

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

That number is nearly 23,000 more than 2006’s hugely successful tour, announced Troy VanLiere, tour producer and manager for Integrity Music’s NewSong, which hosted WINTER JAM for the 11th straight year.

Winter Jam 2007 Tour Spectacular (www.jamtour.com ), once again promoted by Premier Productions, was hosted by NewSong and featured headliners Steven Curtis Chapman and Jeremy Camp, with special guests Hawk Nelson, Sanctus Real, new artist Britt Nicole, Speaker Tony Nolan, Presidential impersonator and comedian John Morgan and the breathtaking, fire breathing Andre the Hollywood Cowboy.

“I’m so grateful to God for the amazing spirit of humility in the community of artists that were a part of each night. It was profound to see each of the artists put aside our own agendas and consciously come together focused strictly on the one goal of presenting the gospel,” said Chapman.

Camp added: “This tour was amazing to see almost 40,000 people make a personal decision for Christ! Praise God! We’re so blessed to be a part of something that has an impact for the kingdom like that.”

For all those involved in Winter Jam, the ministry aspect of the tour is as important as the great music and entertaining show. At the conclusion of this tour, it had seen more than 38,000 concert-goers make personal decisions for Christ and 4,717 made commitments to sponsor children in Holt International (www.holtintl.org ) Children’s Services “Waiting Child Program,” a monthly sponsorship program that brings sustaining hope and support to orphaned, abandoned or vulnerable children awaiting full-time adoptions. Along with Holt International, Winter Jam Tour sponsors include Gospel Music Channel, Walden Media’s release “Amazing Grace”, HearItFirst.com, CCM Magazine, Tennessee Temple University, ZAP! Cars, Wayne E. Bailey Produce and Midnight in the City (a program of Convey of Hope.)

Eddie Carswell of NewSong concludes, “I truly believe that as long as we keep God as the ultimate headliner of the tour that He will continue to bless Winter Jam for many years to come. I know the most important memories for all of us on the tour will be the lives that committed to Christ and the kids who were supported by the fans.”

In April, NewSong will be at the 2007 GMA Dove Awards, where they are nominated for a Dove Award for their critically acclaimed Christmas CD, A Christmas Hope. They will be entering the studio this Spring to work on a new album slated for a Fall 2007 release.

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With guaranteed confrontational and challenging lyrics, Webb provides his audience with a deep theological approach to today’s issues with great music.

“I do not do things in moderation,” Webb admits. “I think The Ringing Bell is a record about peace on the whole…be it literally, conceptually, personally, nationally, or even spiritually. I felt like there was more to say about the subject,” he says. “This is too important of a moment historically to not say more about the idea of peace. It’s right in my face at all times if I claim to be at all concerned with anything that Jesus ever said.”

The Ringing Bell, as the title suggests, is a collection that sounds clearly through the noise of the day, beckoning some, and warning others. It’s a call to meaningful conversations and it’s a great time. It injects songs into the cultural bloodstream that will move listeners to reflection and action while moving their feet. Webb hopes this record is a bit of a surprise. “Inadvertently I feel like I have somehow mysteriously made my most commercial record,” Webb laughs. “It’s definitely my most accessible one. I feel like it brings together the best elements of what people have liked about my music up to this point.”

Fresh on the heels of wrapping up the project, Webb was recently featured in the March 26th edition of USA Today, along with singer Rickie Lee Jones, in a two-column spread regarding the twisted ties of politics and religion. In the article, Webb comments, “I hope to tell people what I really see when I look at the world…it’s the only medium I have, and it’s as good a place as any to start.” To view this article in it’s entirety, click here.

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“Wake Up! Wake Up!,” Everyday Sunday’s debut single and title track from its forthcoming May 22 release, rocketed to the top after a mere ten weeks.

Debuting at radio on Jan. 22, “Wake Up! Wake Up!” is the band’s first ever No. 1 hit at Rock radio. Band frontman Trey Pearson comments on the news, “We are extremely humbled, honored and thankful for all the radio stations that have supported us. It is awesome to see people getting as excited about our new songs as we are!”

Comprising Trey Pearson (lead vocals), Jesse Counts (guitar), Aaron Eikenbery (guitar), Brandon Eikenberry (bass) and Kevin Cramblet (drums), Everyday Sunday hails from Columbus, Ohio. Attracting a national audience with its 2001 independent Christian Hit Radio single, “Just a Story,” Everyday Sunday joined Flicker Records’ roster in 2002. The band released two successful projects with Flicker, Stand Up and Anthems for the Imperfect, while raking in numerous accolades, including being named among CCM Magazine’s “Favorite New Artists of 2003,” as well as “Best New Artist of the Year” by TVU Music Television. Also in 2003, Everyday Sunday made an impact as one of the Top 10 “Major Impact Artists” for CHR, and its single “Hanging On,” from Stand Up, was the No. 6 most played CHR song of the year.

Produced by Ian Eskelin (Krystal Meyers, Stellar Kart, All Star United), Wake Up! Wake Up! delivers the same diversity and solid pop sound that has come to define Everyday Sunday’s music. Additional information on the project is forthcoming. For more information on Everyday Sunday, visit: www.everydaysunday.com.

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On the heels of last year’s compelling the deliberatePeople. album, Phil’s first children’s project begins a new chapter in the deliberatePeople movement. He comments, “For the past six years, my wife Heather and I have been involved in children’s ministry at our church. Kids are such little sponges, which is a great thing, provided we can surround them with the right content to soak up. As a parent, I’m looking for Bible-based tools to help raise my kids in a world where there is an aggressive media assault directed at our children. My hope is that this CD will be one of those tools.”

Featuring upbeat rockers and fun sing-a-long lyrics deliberateKids teaches core spiritual principles and strong Biblical truth. The project was birthed from songs Phil and Heather were writing for their church Sunday school program.

“Most of the CD’s songs were written and used to reinforce our Sunday school teaching,” explains Joel. “We decided to record the songs so that the kids could listen to them in the car or at home. But once we got the songs into the studio, they transformed into little energetic rock songs. The whole idea is to plant seeds of truth into the hearts of our kids while they are young through music that will be enjoyed by kids and parents alike.”

deliberateKids will be released by Indelible Creative Group via Word Distribution May 1. For more information, visit www.indelibleonline.com or www.deliberatepeople.com.

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The spring tour kicks-off in San Bernardino in March and runs through May 20th, targeting the west coast, southwest, and southeast regions. Circleslide will join their labelmates, downhere and Gray, for the first half of the tour and Sevenglory will be the guest artist on the last half during May.

“We are so excited to get on the road to begin this tour that was named after our third album on Centricity Records, Wide-Eyed And Mystified,” says downhere. “We view ourselves as ministers to the church and we want to share the journey of faith with our fans, so hopefully our music will be a different voice in their lives. We are so happy to be teamed with our label buddies, Jason Gray and Circleslide and looking forward to working with the great new band, Sevenglory. To be able to combine the ministry with such a wonderful organization as World Vision, that works tirelessly to help combat poverty and injustice for families and children around the world, is truly a blessing.”

Hailing from Canada, downhere hit the U.S. market in 2001 to high critical acclaim and the support continues with their first release on Centricity Records, Wide-Eyed And Mystified. The album offers a sharp, clean modern rock sound with fresh arrangements and worshipful lyrics, which has generated a Top Ten single with “Better Way” in early 2007 and their current single, “Little Is Much,” is poised to break into the Top Ten shortly.

Jason Gray released his debut project on Centricity Records, All The Lovely Losers, on March 6. Already the new CD is being heralded as one of the top releases in 2007 with upcoming features in Devo ‘Zine and Focus on the Family’s national radio show, Weekend Magazine.

Circleslide released their national debut, “Uncommon Days,” on Centricity Records in late 2006 with their unique Americana-Brit pop style. The four-member band has toured with such acts as Jars of Clay, Casting Crowns, and tobyMac. Sevenglory was busy in the studio late last year, putting the finishing touches on their second full-length CD scheduled for release in 2007. Fans can keep updated with the group through their website at, www.sevenglory.com.

For more information on the “Wide-Eyed And Mystified” tour please visit. www.downhere.com or www.centricityrecords.com.

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The video’s international broadcast premiere on Gospel Music Channel on March 10 was followed by 18 spins in the first week and 22 spins last week putting it ahead of Stellar Kart, Manafest, and Jeremy Camp, to name a few of the other Top 30 artists.

“Whoa Whoa!” is off newcomer Soul P.’s successful December 2006 release, The Premiere, which has ranked in the Top 10 on the CMTA Nielsen SoundScan R&B/Hip Hop chart for 10 weeks since December 31. The album's celebratory, danceable, catchy, and life-affirming songs deal with the social ills of inner-city life and offer hope of redemption and happiness through Christ. Read full Suite review here.

The video of the retro 80s sounding single was shot at the beginning of December in downtown Los Angeles by director Justin Purser of Anonymous Content, a production company with a filmography that includes Babel, 50 First Dates, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (Oscar winner for Best Original Screenplay), and Being John Malkovich (three Oscar nominations including Best Director and Best Original Screenplay).

Beatmart Recordings A&R and producer Todd Collins says the success of the “Whoa Whoa!” video, which showcases Soul P.’s charismatic personality, is an exciting indicator of the growth of the popularity of hip-hop in Christian music. “It’s a wholesome party song with simple lyrics that everybody can have a good time to and feel good about,” he explains.

Jerry Williams, the program director of Gospel Music Channel (GMC), the nation’s first 24-hour music television channel dedicated to all styles of Christian and Gospel music, says: “We were thrilled to be able to world premiere ‘Whoa Whoa!’. The song itself is a hit, and the video looks great. We’re excited to be working with Soul P. and Beatmart in this way and look forward to more great video product from the artist and label.”

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The intimate recording sessions was taped in Nashville with a great group of local musicians (including former Audio Adrenaline guitarist Tyler Burkum). The setlist includes "All I Need," "Undeniable," and "Nothing Left To Lose," all from his 2006 release Nothing Left To Lose, as well as a cover of Bruce Springsteen's "Atlantic City." The band includes two guitars, a Rhodes, a cello and a violin. There's also a photo gallery and an interview with Mat. Click here to watch it now.

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The group, the brainchild of Underoath drummer/vocalist Aaron Gillespie, has announced West Coast dates with Say Anything and Saves The Day as well as an East Coast trek with Paramore and This Providence. The West Coast run will hit Los Angeles for three consecutive shows: April 12 and 13 at the House of Blues and a second performance April 13 at the Vans Warped Tour Kick-Off Party with K-Os, Meg & Dia, The Briggs, Bleed The Dream and Jimmy Mar.

In late April, The Almost head out on a three-week tour with Paramore and This Providence, with a stop May 2 in New York City at the Bowery Ballroom, just prior to the band’s May 5 Bamboozle Festival performance at New Jersey’s Meadowlands.

In other news, The Almost’s debut video for their first single “Say This Sooner” has been received with tremendous support from the video outlets. MTV2 launched the video on Monday, March 19 through the channel’s premiere platform “Unleashed,” with the video airing every hour on the hour. The video was also added to MTV2 this week and is in current rotation on FUSE, Music Choice and The IMF!

In addition, music from Southern Weather will be featured on MTV2’s “The Drop” on Saturday, April 14, holding the band in the company of past “The Drop” artists Fall Out Boy and Good Charlotte. Meanwhile, this week, The Almost has streamed their new Southern Weather album in its entirety for fans on their MySpace page.

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“I Love Me Better Than That” is meant to encourage and inspire people to self-improvement and self-love. The dramatic video of the song has already been selected for video rotation on VH1 and BET. Says Leslie Lewis, who appears in the music video, “The song really reaches the heart of women and gets

them thinking about their lives.”

Those women have run out and given Murdock her highest charting gospel CD ever. The new project “Soul Food” has debuted at #7 on Billboard magazine’s gospel album sales chart. It’s a sweet success for Murdock who has survived a whole lot of heartache and pain. “I Love Me Better Than That” is a personal testimony that permeates her new “Soulfood” CD (Tyscot Records). Through it all, she’s traded her tears for laughter, and in her own words, "gotten beauty for ashes.”

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In addition to crisp categorization and easy links to every available Passion recording, there are also fun new "celebrity playlists" from Passion artists Chris Tomlin, David Crowder, Matt Redman, and Charlie Hall as well as Passion founder and speaker Louie Giglio. Currently, four of the top eight downloaded Christian albums at iTunes are Passion-related. For complete details about the Passion worship movement and its related conferences, visit www.268generation.com.

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The song "Please Resolve This," included on the band's debut album "What We Have Inside Us," will be featured prominently within the episode playing almost in its entirety.

Altarmotive has gained tremendous notoriety on the indie scene, thanks in part to their high energy live performances, which have earned rave reviews from fellow artists Fusebox, Sparta and platinum-selling act Vertical Horizon, who invited the band on stage in Altarmotive's hometown of El Paso for an impromptu performance of their hit single "Everything You Want."

Altarmotive recently completed production on their debut CD, which was produced by Billy Buchanan, lead singer and bassist for the Elevate Records group Fusebox. The band is currently finalizing a deal with a Nashville-based label and a late summer release is anticipated. An official announcement is expected to be made in April.

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Hailing from Smackover, Arkansas, Cliff Preston (vocals/guitar), Wes Hymer (bass/bgv), Seth Bradham (drums/bgv) and Josh Bryant (guitar/bgv) toured for three years under a different name, but when a good friend (who was touring as keyboard player for mainstream band All American Rejects) committed suicide, the foursome decided they needed a name with more meaning and impact, one that would better reflect their hearts.

"It floored us when we heard that our friend had committed suicide,” Preston explains. “In our eyes he was living a dream. We looked up to him and had no idea he was going through such a tough time that he felt his only option was to end his life. This tragedy has shown us how much we need to bring awareness to the epidemic of suicide. Our band is very committed to being real and being available. The two empty chairs symbolize us being there for anyone who needs to sit down and talk things out….you take a seat, I take a seat and together we find that our Hope can only be found in God.”

Two Empty Chairs connected with industry veteran Barry Blair (founding member of Audio Adrenaline and award-winning producer) and signed to Blair’s label, Tonecrash Records. Also at the production helm, Blair was joined by mixing-guru Skidd Mills (Third Day, Jennifer Knapp, Sister Hazel). The result is a very memorable rock album with hook-driven pop sensibilities and intelligent lyrics. Drawing from influences like David Crowder, U2, Third Eye Blind, Matchbox 20, and Sister Hazel, Two Empty Chairs crafts a dynamic musicality that is uniquely their own.

This road-tested band with a hard-work ethic has been given some incredible opportunities along the way. They were approached by a Los Angeles-based production company who wanted to feature a Two Empty Chairs song in its film. “Lifelight” plays under the closing credits of The Moment After 2: The Awakening a feature film from Wes Llewellyn, available now on DVD.

Two Empty Chairs will be touring this Spring in support of Brighter Day, with dates being booked by the Covenant Artist Agency. “There You Go,” the first single from the album is going for adds now at CHR and AC radio. Brighter Day will be distributed nationally through Infinity Distribution.

For more information about Two Empty Chairs and updated tour dates, please visit www.twoemptychairs.com , www.myspace.com/twoemptychairs and www.tonecrashrecords.com.

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Currently, the Mandee retail chain is championing the release of Oh! Gravity (read Suite review here) by sponsoring a new contest that will give one grand prize winner an expenses-paid trip to meet Switchfoot, watch a private soundcheck, and receive VIP concert tickets and backstage passes. Enter the contest now through April 11 at any Mandee store or register online. Catch more headlines at www.Switchfoot.com.

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The track list is: "Beyond Measure," "Everytime," "All the Time," "Even When," "When You Are Near," and "Give Me Jesus." Click here for a direct link.

With the release of his Fall album Beyond Measure, 3 RIAA Certified Gold records, 5 Dove Awards and 10 consecutive No. 1 radio singles, Camp is continuing to make a definitive mark in the industry with his hit songs and ability to capture audiences of all ages. Being named "Songwriter of the Year" in 2006, and awarded in 2005 and 2006 for "Song of the Year", at the 28th Annual ASCAP Christian Music Awards, Camp has marked his place in the Christian Music Industry.

Camp has graced the covers of Pollstar, CCM, Breakaway and Christian Music Planet, and has also garnered praise from such publications as Billboard, CCM, CRW and R&R.

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GMC has ranked as the #1 emerging or mid-size network in the new annual survey of cable operators, it was announced today. GMC also ranked #1 in “audience attentiveness to advertising” and #1 in “feeling comfortable viewing with family” in a recent major advertising industry research report. These results come at a time when the network is enjoying the strongest period of growth across all facets of business since its launch just 28 months ago.

Gospel Music Channel rated ahead of two dozen other cable networks, including The NFL Network, WE: Women’s Entertainment, Soapnet, Hallmark Movie Channel, The Tennis Channel and Lifetime Real Women.

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The new release comes on the heels of the band’s third career GRAMMY win, and as its current single, “Tunnel,” debuts at No. 30 on the R&R AC Monitored chart, No. 25 on the R&R AC Indicator chart and is New and Active on the R&R CHR chart.

“We’re so encouraged by the energy behind ‘Tunnel’ at radio right now, and we’re very excited about all the positive feedback we’re getting from our fans on Chronology,” comments Tai Anderson.

Also gaining momentum this week are “Third Day’s Biggest Fan” (www.thirddaysbiggestfan.com ) and “Third Day in the UK” consumer promotions.

“Third Day’s Biggest Fan” launched by www.thirdday.com on March 12 with several radio stations accepting video submissions from fans stating why they should win the title of “Third Day’s Biggest Fan.” One winner per participating radio station, and one winner from www.thirdday.com , will have their one-minute video featured on the Chronology, Volume Two (2000-2006) DVD, which hits streets August 7. The winner will be announced by www.thirdday.com on April 16.

In addition, spurred on by its intense international touring schedule, Third Day decided to offer a lucky fan the opportunity to see one of its shows “across the pond” later this summer and “Third Day in the UK” was born. The www.thirdday.com sponsored promotion, which provides tickets to the band’s May 7 show at Royal Albert Hall in London, along with a four-day stay in the city, starts on March 19, with a winner announced by www.thirdday.com on March 27.

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Mixing it up, today's Christian music releases offer:

Seventh Day Slumber's "Finally Awake," , imaginative and fertile, pop metal at its best.

Nate Sallie's debut from Curb Records, "Ruined for Ordinary." Drenched with redemptive gratitude, and don't you just love the title?!

From Cross Movement Records and Everyday Process, "The Process of Illumination and Elimination" will school you on getting right, straight up and no apologies.

Wildly irresistable, don't fight the feeling. Just give in now to the unique energy of Paul Wright's "Wright or Wrong These Songs are Paul's."

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I Believe In You features 13 songs with titles including “I Believe In You,” “If I Don’t Bring You Glory,” “Invincible,” “Almighty God,” “ Oh Great God,” “For Your Glory,” as well as “You Are The Holy One,” “First Love,” “King Of Glory,” “Land Of The Living,” “Nothing Left Of Me,” “Your Love Reigns” and “Capture Me Again.” Production credits go to Stephen Leiweke (Jars Of Clay, Erin O’Donnell, Margaret Becker, Joy Williams).

2007 continues to be a year of high visibility for Engle. LifeWay—the largest provider of Bible study resources in the world—is releasing Joel’s new book, “The Exchange,” as part of their major initiative in reaching the young adult population. Materials include a DVD, workbook, and leader’s guide that are intended for small group and individual study. Engle is also featured on “The Invitation” CD which has sold over 650,000 albums to date.

On the radio front, Engle’s first single “I Believe In You” was released to AC and INSP formats early February, with over 10 reporters on board including American Family Radio, KYCC, KAMB, KFLQ, WDBA, WCRH, Skylight Network, CDR Network, KCWN and KCFB. His last album Made For Worship produced a #1 hit single at inspirational radio with “Shadow Of Your Cross” and a Top 15 at the AC format with “Louder Than The Angels”.

Engle, who headlined over 150 dates last year, has performed at hundreds of youth camp dates, as well as worship and stadium events where he was the featured worship artist opening for acts such as Mercy Me, Third Day, Jars of Clay, and Rebecca St. James. Overall, Engle has played to the tune of millions of people, with over 300,000 of those being in the last three years. With four independent albums to his credit, sales have already exceeded the 600,000 unit mark via retail, direct mail, and concerts.

Another aspect to Engle’s ministry is Spin 360, a modern worship resource that provides worship leaders with songs, chord charts, sheet music, and other tools. To date, over 9,000 churches worldwide have utilized Spin360, reaching an estimated 400,000 youth (www.spin360.com ).

For additional information on Joel, go to www.joelengle.com .

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"The Heath McNease Fanclub Meets Tonight" features his approachable style and down-to-earth personality. McNease’s debut album also reflects the ebb and flow of his everyday life as an average Joe just trying to stay true to himself.

“People don’t want to listen to music they can’t identify with,” shares McNease. “Violence, anger, and disregard are not subjects that most people want to immerse themselves in. Hip-hop was not designed to alienate; it was designed to unify. And I hope that is where I enter in.”

The former theatre major turned hip-hop artist incorporates his love for various styles of music by fusing his acoustic guitar and vocals into his songs. He uses his ability to play guitar while rapping as a way to unite people with different musical tastes.

“Heath is an artist that has an instant connection with his fans, mainly because his audience easily relate to his music and are laughing continually at his jokes between songs,” said 7 Spin Music’s president Peter Khosla. “He is a stellar entertainer with a bright future.”

No stranger to the hip-hop scene, McNease has toured with West Coast freestyle king Red Cloud, shared the stage with underground hip-hop giants like Pigeon John, Playdough, and Mars Ill, and still kept his hip-hop accessible enough to do tours with the rock bands on his label, 7 Spin Music. McNease incorporates elements of boom bap, dirty south, blues, jazz, reggae, and rock into his eccentric yet poignant sound. Mixing this all together has quickly garnered McNease a reputation for having one of the quirkiest and most insanely enjoyable live shows out there.

For more information on Heath McNease, please visit www.heathmcnease.com.

For more information regarding 7 Spin Music and their artists, please visit www.7SpinMusic.com.

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Growing up together in Cedartown, Ga., High Flight Society formed while its members were still in high school. Guitarist Michael Packer, his brother, bass player John Packer, drummer Scotty Lockridge and frontman Jason Wilkes joined with producer Tony Palacios (Toby Mac, Audio Adrenaline) to create the stunning, anthemic modern rock sound found on the group’s national debut. Though the 22-year-old Wilkes surprisingly admits a love for all things Southern Gospel, High Flight’s musical influences come from more likely rock sources, bands like Kutless, Anberlin and Foo Fighters.

“We feel that God has called us to ‘be a light in the darkness,’” Wilkes noted. “We want to use our music to tell people about Jesus, people who might not hear the conventional way. We want to make music that could, because of its sound, easily make its way outside the walls of the church. There are so many songs out there portraying so many negative things. We want our music to be played alongside those songs, but we hope to send a positive message of hope and forgiveness to people who are hearing that message less and less.”

This Spring finds the band headed out on tour with Gotee artists Storyside: B and Our Heart’s Hero in addition to their own solo dates, which are being booked via a recent signing with GOA, Inc. At Christian radio last fall, High Flight Society scored a Top 20 Rock single with “Up Above” and will follow that success with “Time is Running Out,” which went for adds at Rock last week. The band will also release “Declaration,” an anthem for evangelism and salvation, to CHR stations April 13

For more information and updated tour dates, visit www.hfsrock.com , www.myspace.com/highflightsociety and www.rktmusic.com .

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Kane is scheduled to release "Move Me," on August 14, 2007. Read Suite's feature story on Kane's "Story of an Indie Artist" here.

Produced by GRAMMY award winning producers/artists Michael and Ron Morales of Studio M in Austin, TX, "Move Me" features a diverse mixture of soft intimate sounds with piano followed by gritty raw vocals on the guitar with acoustic pop/rock weaved throughout. Wise beyond her 24 years, Kane’s purity of heart and boldness to speak truth into the lives of her fans is wrapped together with her phenomenal sense of humor, which engages her audients and makes them feel like they are a part of every song.

Kane says, “God inspires all of my music and I believe that He gives me all the songs. I love traveling all across the United States with the message of bringing glory to God and passion to people. I think we were created to bring glory to God, so I’m trying to do that through music.”

Along with her fervor for music, Kane is even more so passionate about her ministry. More than 13,000 fans have responded to Kane’s Measure Of Beauty Campaign, which focuses on spreading the word to young women regarding how God perceives and measures true beauty rather than society’s perception. Kane has a goal of reaching 1 million girls through her MySpace.com page (www.myspace.com/lindseykane2 ), which was launched in September of 2006.

The idea was birthed after thinking about how she could use MySpace.com for the glory of God and reach out to the 100 plus million subscribers to the site. She noticed that there was intense emphasis on the outward appearance on the site and she wanted to do something to share with the girls of how God measures beauty.

TAG Distribution is home to Phil Keaggy, JJ Heller, Cheri Keaggy, Bryan Duncan, Cherie Adams, Clay Crosse, Dino, Randy Stonehill, Ashley Cleveland, John Cox, Greg Troyer, Janelle and Bloodgood.

More information on Lindsey Kane can be found on her website www.lindseykane.com or www.myspace.com/lindseykane2.

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Producing the group's third album, currently untitled, is Dove-nominated producer Otto Price, who has overseen BarlowGirl's previous albums.

"This project is very exciting because we're using different approaches and different sounds," says Otto Price, Word Label Group Vice President of A&R. "Lyrically, it contains much more maturity, intensity and depth, and musically, it's very progressive."

Recorded at the prestigious Paragon Studios in Franklin, TN, the album is due out in stores July 24.

In addition to preparing for this summer's album launch, BarlowGirl was selected as the National Day of Prayer - 2007 Youth Ambassador. The girls further joined other renown artists Lisa Kimmey (Out of Eden), Leigh Cappillino (Point of Grace) and David Leonard (Jackson Waters), for the recording of the new song, "We Pray," specifically written and recorded for National Day of Prayer, which is set to take place May 3. "We Pray" will further impact radio March 30.

For more information on BarlowGirl, visit www.barlowgirl.com .

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Less than two months after going for adds to all Christian formats, "Walking Her Home" has already shot into the Top 10 on three of the R&R Christian charts (AC-Monitored, AC-Indicator and Inspirational). The song was also featured in multiple national Valentine's Day promotions, including the K-LOVE "Next Great Love Song" contest which garnered a station record 7000+ entries.

Currently, on the "Broken & Beautiful Tour," the song continues to connect with audiences across the country. "Walking Her Home" is now set to take on the Mainstream AC radio format, going for adds this Monday, March 12th. For more information, visit www.myspace.com/markschultz.

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If you haven’t heard “Stars In My Eyes” be sure to check out Leigh’s myspace page to hear “Stars In My Eyes” in it’s entirety. You can also order the track at her prestore there. Or click here to read the full Suite review of "Blue on Blue."

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You can catch the video playing all day.....EVERY HOUR, on the hour. "Say This Sooner" is the first single from The Almost's debut album, SOUTHERN WEATHER, out April 3rd on Tooth & Nail/Virgin Records. Check out the prestore here.

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Passion 07 EP – PART 3 is a digital download featuring exclusive music and spoken word content from the Passion 07 worship conference. At the same time, the set’s predecessors remain in the Top 5 as well.

The newest installment – PART 3 – features live performances of “Marvelous Light” by Charlie Hall, “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)” by 2006 GMA Artist of the Year Chris Tomlin, and a 45-minute message from bestselling author John Piper entitled “How to Deal with the Guilt of Sexual Failure for the Glory of Christ and His Global Cause.” The previous download – PART 2 – features David Crowder Band performing “Oh the Glory of It All,” Matt Redman singing “Shine,” and Passion founder Louie Giglio’s message “An After Part for All Nations.” The first EP in the series – PART 1 – features “Friend of God” by Chris Tomlin and Israel Houghton, “You Are God” by Charlie Hall, and Francis Chan’s message “Passionately Loving God in a Lukewarm Church.” For more information about the Passion worship conferences and artists, visit www.268generation.com.

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Delirious? and Matt Redman are among the acts that will be featured on select dates of the Joyce Meyer Ministries Conference Tour that is scheduled to visit 12 U.S. cities several days at a time by the end of 2007. Meyer, a New York Time bestselling author, says “We are so excited to combine a powerful worship experience with God’s practical Word at our conferences. We believe and pray that thousands of lives will be changed.” Click here for a complete tour schedule.

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“We are so excited about the signing of pureNRG,” says Susan Riley, Word Label Group’s Senior Vice-President of A&R and Publishing. “The group members are actually living the ‘tween’ years, and their positive message and influence will have a lasting effect on their fans and peers that are facing critical life choices during this time.”

pureNRG is comprised of Jordan Yates, 14, Caroline Williams, 12, and Carolyne Myers, 11, who live up to the ‘pureNRG’ moniker with their vibrant stage performance and innate talent. Each member of pureNRG began competing on the national dance circuit at a young age and has now been performing as a group for three years. Renowned manager, Norman Miller (Casting Crowns, Nichole Nordeman, Jump5), developed the group and was active in the selection process of each member. In addition to their individual talents and abilities, Jordan, Caroline, and Carolyne also bring their own set of influences and musical tastes to the group.

pureNRG’s debut project was produced by Rob Hawkins (Jackson Waters) with vocals produced by Mark Hammond (Everlife, Cheetah Girls, Ashley Tisdale). The album features engaging pop songs that showcase the strong vocal talents of the three group members. From the bouncy opening track “360,” to their cover of the spirited 80’s classic “Footloose,” to the hope-filled message of “When I Get To Heaven,” pureNRG delivers an infectious pop sound that is nothing but fresh and innovative.

pureNRG has already been selected for Disney’s Incubator program featuring the most up and coming new tween artists. The group is also booked for several 2007 festivals. Their vivacious stage performances include choreographed dance routines, gymnastics and, of course, their dynamic vocal abilities.

However, it’s not all work for Jordan, Caroline, and Carolyne, who remain very active in their churches, youth activities and mission trips. Their faith is the central focus of their lives; music and dancing is simply a way to communicate that message.

“Most kids our age don’t get to do what we do,” says Jordan. “We feel really blessed and we want to become positive role models for our fans. If we can make a difference in someone’s life, then that’s what we need to be doing.”

For more information on pureNRG please visit www.ferventrecords.com.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Seattle, Washington local Willie Will has developed a following in the northwest with three solo releases, demonstrated by the five awards he took home from the 2006 Northwest Music Awards for Best Single, Best Album, Best Collaboration, Best Video, and 2006 Northwest Pioneer.

Todd Collins, the founder of Gotee Records with Toby Mac and Joey Elwood, says Willie Will brings a unique blend of hood life reality mixed with the heart of a soldier to the diverse Beatmart Recordings roster, and believes Reflection is set to gain the same widespread appeal and reception of Soul P. and Pettidee’s latest creations, The Premiere and Thug Love.

Music came naturally to Willie Will. His mother was a choir director and his father was a quartet singer. Will began rapping when he was seven years old, and he and his brothers performed with their father in a Gospel group called Pop Heavenly and The Heavenly Boyz.

Will grew up in the church, but spent the impressionable years of his life moving back and forth between Seattle and New Jersey. His dad seldom had a job and often hustled to get money while his mother many times worked two jobs. From the throes of a confusing and unbalanced home, Will turned to a life of hustle for his own, but when he was twenty, he says God took hold of him “in a very real way.”

"With Reflection, I hope to bring to the forefront a new vein of holy hip-hop—one that brings the lost to the light and edifies the believer at the same time," says Willie Will. "Christian rap is often extreme: either it's too much God that the unbeliever can't feel it, or God can't be found anywhere in it. There needs to be a middle ground that everyone can feel and in turn be blessed."

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

The multi-platinum hard rock band P.O.D. -- whose pioneering fusion of hip-hop, metal and reggae elements with a spiritually-based worldview helped launch a new American musical movement -- has signed with INO/Columbia Records. The band's inaugural album for INO/Columbia Records, slated for release in late summer 2007, will be the first to feature the classic original P.O.D. line-up -- Sonny (vocals), Wuv (drums), Traa (bass), and returning member Marcos (guitar) -- since the group's triple platinum masterpiece, Satellite, was released on September 11, 2001.

P.O.D. is currently in Los Angeles working on album pre-production with producer Jay Baumgardner. With a 14-year career under their belts, the members of P.O.D. have logged a remarkable array of achievements, including worldwide sales exceeding 8 million, sold-out international concert tours, a series of chart topping radio hits, and an unprecedented four #1 videos on MTV's "TRL." Supported by a passionate fanbase -- known as "the Warriors" -- the band has created what its members describe as "a catalog of music that we want to respect and honor with each step into the future."

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

With the release of Relient K's fifth studio album Five Score And Seven Years Ago, the band is on the road to making history as they're battling with mainstream act Arcade Fire for the top sales this week for the Billboard Top 200 albums sales chart.

If Relient K's record goes number one, the band will be the first ever Christian act to debut a new record at number one in its first week

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

The tour will hit 36 cities between Sept. 27 and Dec. 2.

The fall dates kick off in San Antonio, Texas and will travel through most of the U.S., hitting markets such as Atlanta, Birmingham, Houston, Portland, Seattle, Phoenix, Los Angeles and Sacramento. Casting Crowns previously headlined the tremendously successful “Lifesong Tour,” which hit 84 markets and connected with more than 357,000 fans, placing the show near the top of Pollstar’s Top 100 tours of the 2005/2006 season.

As Casting Crowns leads at Christian radio and retail, its sixth radio smash, “Does Anybody Hear Her,” remains at No. 1 for a seventh week. The band recently achieved RIAA history with the Platinum certification of its sophomore album Lifesong, making Casting Crowns the fastest contemporary Christian music artist in its career to have its first two albums certified Platinum, and only the second in RIAA history ever to achieve it.

In addition, the band is again up for several Dove Awards, including Artist of the Year and Song of the Year for “Praise You In This Storm,” written by lead singer Mark Hall, and one of the biggest songs at Christian radio this past year, having spent an incredible 43 weeks on the AC Monitored chart. Over its three-year career, Casting Crowns has been honored with a GRAMMY Award, two American Music Awards nods and 10 Gospel Music Awards. To date, the band has sold more than 2.5 million albums.

Frontman Leeland Mooring, shares, “It is an honor to be a part of the upcoming Casting Crowns tour. We love what this band is about and admire their vision for ministry. It is such a blessing to have the opportunity to work with such an incredible group of people. All of us in Leeland are grateful and can't wait to see what God is going to do.” Since the August 2006 release of the band’s debut album Sound of Melodies, Leeland has garnered a GRAMMY nod, four Dove nods, and has opened multiple dates for Third Day.

John Waller, who attended the Denver show of Casting Crowns’ “Lifesong Tour” last spring, said, “I am blown away by this amazing opportunity. To think that just a year ago I was in the audience watching Casting Crowns, and now having the chance to travel with the band is simply amazing and quite humbling. This is more than I could have ever dreamed. God is so good.” Singer/songwriter and worship pastor, John Waller is the former frontman for Christian indie band According To John. His debut album, The Blessing, released this week, and the title track and first radio single is No. 23 at Christian AC. Waller is one of only ten artists chosen across all genres of music this year by Billboard magazine cited as “hot talent awaiting discovery as 2007 begins.”

For more information, please visit www.CastingCrowns.com , www.leelandonline.com , and www.johnwallermusic.com .

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Since the album’s February 6th street date, Reuben has given media and fans everywhere plenty to talk about including a 40-city nationwide tour, an online video series at YouTube.com and Myspace.com, and of course, his new fully-animated music video “ Word Of Mouth.”

Reuben recently unveiled his first video in a special series online at both YouTube.com and his MySpace.com site (www.myspace.com/johnreuben ). This week the rapper’s latest clip is a music video for "Trying Too Hard" which features Youtube star LisaNova. A second sketch has simultaneously been posted on LisaNova's channel featuring Reuben's alter-ego, Nova and other YouTube friends. The “mockumentary” styled video series follows last year’s 9-minute “pilot” featuring an exaggerated John Reuben alter-ego. The clip, produced by Reuben and his brother and recalling classic satires like “Waiting For Guffman”, found a large audience quickly, amassing over 175,000 views on Youtube.com and setting the stage for these upcoming video clips. Fans can anticipate 17 video clips total through the end of May, with one releasing online each week. The YouTube channel was the in the top-5 most subscribed to musician channels during the month of February and remains in the top-50 most viewed channels at the time of this release.

John Reuben, who kicked off his 40-city Word Of Mouth tour last month, will finish up March 24th in Saginaw MI. He has toured other albums extensively as well, including a 30–city nationwide stint with Pillar and Thousand Foot Krutch, and dates with Superchick and Sanctus Real.

Word Of Mouth is creating a media buzz including being featured last week on NPR’s “All Songs Considered” online music show. Allmusic.com noted, “you won’t find a truer, more honest, or more celebratory album this year.” Christianitytoday.com called the album, “something far more interesting and fun than the average blend of pop/rock and hip-hop.” John Reuben has five prior albums already to his credit and sales of over 200,000 albums.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

The tour is proving to be the must-see concert event of the new year, averaging 8,400 paid concert-goers for each show, announced Troy VanLiere, tour producer and manager for Integrity Music’s NewSong, which is hosting Winter Jam for the 11th straight year. The actual paid attendance for the tour’s first eight weekends was 228,758. Six shows have exceeded 10,000 in attendance, including a 14,500 sell-out in Greenville, South Carolina and a Winter Jam record-breaking 16,500 in Greensboro, North Carolina where fans were treated to a surprise guest appearance by American Idol icon Clay Aiken.

Winter Jam 2007 Tour Spectacular (www.jamtour.com ) is hosted by NewSong and features headliners Steven Curtis Chapman and Jeremy Camp, with special guests Hawk Nelson, Sanctus Real, new artist Britt Nicole, Speaker Tony Nolan, Presidential impersonator and comedian John Morgan and the breathtaking, fire breathing Andre the Hollywood Cowboy.

“Winter Jam never ceases to amaze everyone involved. Fans continue to line-up to be a part of these special concerts and not only are they offered an electrifying evening of music and entertainment, we are seeing hearts moved and lives changed,” said VanLiere, who states that more than 31,000 concert-goers have made decisions for Christ. In addition to decisions made for Christ, more than 3700 concert-goers have made commitments to sponsor children in Holt International (www.holtintl.org ) Children’s Services “Waiting Child Program,” a monthly sponsorship program that brings sustaining hope and support to orphaned, abandoned or vulnerable children awaiting full-time adoptions.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

The recording features a unique studio collaboration near Mat's home in Nashville. Three album tracks and one special cover were recorded with a band that included violin, cello, and rhodes. A preview of the session is available now On Demand.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Some of you may have stumbled across the video in the last few days. If you haven't watched it yet, you won't want to miss this honest and up-front account about the power of forgiveness that Brandon and some of his friends have experienced in their lives. Check out the video on YouTube, here.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Stacie will be auctioning off great personal items such as Grammy dresses, clothes featured on her videos and DVDs and from her d own closet, as well as sign “Beautiful Awakening” albums (not currently available in the US) and signed posters.Check on her myspace tomorrow for a special message from Stacie with all the details.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

"God’s Not Dead" is exclusively sold through Christian Supply Stores, the Pacific Northwest’s largest independent chain of Christian bookstores with fifteen stores throughout Oregon, Washington, and Idaho as well as at Portland, OR based City Bible Church where the conferences are held annually.

The live worship project was recorded at the 13th Annual Generation Unleashed conference last year where more than 6,000 youth, ages 12 – 24, gathered from around the nation to hear motivational speakers and attend workshops that equip them for their future. With a 26-member worship band and choir made up of approximately 100 teenagers and young adults, those on the Generation Unleashed worship team are all members of Generation Church, the youth ministry stemming out of City Bible Church and the fuel behind the conferences.

For more information on Generation Unleashed, please visit www.genunleashed.com or www.myspace.com/generationunleashedmusic .

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Following in the footsteps of their accomplished parents, Amanda Omartian (daughter of Grammy Award winning producer Michael Omartian and successful Christian author Stormie Omartian), Rachel Hockett (daughter of Dove award winning artists Billy and Sarah Gaines), and Kara Tualatai (daughter of Dove award winning musical and choral collection writer and arranger Dave Williamson) have joined forces to create their own musical legacy.

Prelude performed "You Call Me Yours" off their debut release Learn to Fly on Friday March 2 on TBN's "Praise the Lord" program. The girls wrote "You Call Me Yours" and several other original songs on their debut, which also includes fresh arrangements of the Beatles’ song, “We Can Work It Out” and a choice selection of classic hymns. Progressive symphonic arrangements, reminiscent of 70s art rock, bring a refreshing approach to the vocalists' contemporary pop melodies and harmonies on the album, which was produced by Michael Omartian.

Equipped with fourteen years of “best” friendship and individual victories over personal life challenges, the Prelude trio not only bring expected talent to their music, but also a mature message of struggle and transformation. The girls struggled with typical issues during their teenage years, and saw each other through more difficult times as they each dealt with their own challenges such as eating disorders, depression, and anxiety. All three have overcome their respective struggles, and are experiencing the peace and joy of God’s forgiveness, kindness and transformation: the powerful themes of Learn to Fly.

Prelude have had individual careers as solo artists, and as session and back-up vocalists for many well-known artists including Amy Grant, Donna Summers, and Raven Symone on the Disney music video “A Dream is a Wish.”

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

The tally includes songs by three new Inpop artists, Everyday Sunday, Jimmy Needham and Foolish Things.

Inpop’s newest signing, Everyday Sunday, landed at No. 8 this week with “Find Me Tonight,” the debut single from its forthcoming May 22 release, Wake Up! Wake Up! The song’s impressive chart position comes a mere six week since its add date. New faces singer-songwriter Jimmy Needham and pop/rock band Foolish Things also made an appearance with “Dearly Loved” at No. 23 and “Who Can Compare” at No. 25 respectively.

Established artists Mat Kearney, Superchick and newsboys held the remaining Inpop spots with Kearney’s “Crashing Down” cracking the Top 10 at No. 9, newsboys latest single “Something Beautiful” debuting at No. 22, and after 28 weeks on the chart, 13 of them spent at No. 1, Superchick’s “Stand in the Rain” stays steady at No.11.

“We are very pleased with our continued success at radio, especially in such a competitive climate,” says Inpop president Dale Bray. “It’s also pleasing to see the spread of success across our roster; we expect success with groups like newsboys and Superchick, but to see all of our new artists making their mark on the charts is a real achievement.”

Mark Giles, director of promotions for Inpop Records, agrees, “In a relatively short time, Inpop has emerged a serious force at radio. The artist roster is STRONG, and label management is absolutely committed to building partnerships with stations across the country. I’m proud to be working with them, and see this trend as just the tip of the success iceberg that is to come.”

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

His debut CD, Real, is scheduled for a July 31, 2007 release.

Musically, Real offers a fusion of soulful, groove-based pop that blends seamlessly together to create a sound reflective of the richness and eclecticism of New Orleans. Influenced by everything from the classic sounds of Ray Charles to current artists like John Mayer and Ray LaMontagne, Smith possesses the musical chops to perform convincingly as a solo singer-songwriter, as the leader of a funky acoustic trio or in his favorite light, the frontman to a dynamic band of energetic Louisiana allies. But the strongest stimulus for Smith’s songs comes from life itself, the adversities he’s experienced and the faith that’s brought him hope in the midst of significant turmoil.

“My family is the most important thing in my life,” Smith noted, “and the last two years have been pretty crazy for us. Obviously, Hurricane Katrina really messed up our way of life. After Katrina I was driving to my apartment and I was praying, ‘God whatever you have for me, I’ll do. I’m confused about what’s happening, but I am yours.’ Before I could finish the last word, a drunk driver hit me, totaling my car.

A few months after the wreck, my father was diagnosed with cancer. A week later we were all shocked to find that my mother was also diagnosed with cancer, a recurrence from a bout earlier in her life. Why? I was so shaken by all of it that I didn’t want to go to church, I didn’t want to write music. I just wanted to sit and wait for the next bad thing to happen. Since then God has slowly brought me back to Him. He truly gave me things to write about. He showed me that He is the only sure thing in this life.”

Real manages to take the traumas from Smith’s past two years and infuse them with the genuine hope and optimism that surrounds the artist himself. Quick-witted and laid back, Smith seeks to entertain as his songs inspire. “I can only write about what I know or have been through, and I think people will see that. I don’t have a voice like Creed, and I can’t swing my guitar around my neck, but I hope that I can make people move.”

Rocketown President Don Donahue said, “Jake Smith has authentic artistic integrity and so much soul in everything he does. We are honored to be working with him. He represents a real 'next generation' singer/songwriter/performer for Rocketown, and his infectious songs reflect a gospel worldview that we're excited for all to hear.”

In addition to opening gigs this Spring for Sister Hazel and 2007 Contemporary Blues Grammy winner Irma Thomas, Smith will spend the months prior to release playing numerous concerts and festivals with his band. The album’s first single, “This Is Certain,” will go for adds at CHR and AC stations May 4. Smith is managed by Through the Looking Glass Entertainment and booked by the Bridge Street Artist Agency.

For more information and updated tour dates, visit www.jakesmithmusic.com or www.rocketownrecords.com.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

In a recent email, Matt asked for prayer as his worship team travels to Goa, India with Net India Ministries, from March 29th to April 5th. They will be leading/worship/ministering at a church of about 700 Jesus-followers in Goa on Sunday morning. On Tuesday evening they will be doing a concert and sharing the gospel with about 1,000 Indian natives, and on Wednesday night they will perform a concert and preach Jesus Christ to around 2,000 Indian native people...some of which have probably never heard the message before.

Matt shares, "We ask desperately for your prayers, as we will have an enormous platform and opportunity to share the gospel...pray that we would do it with power and boldness and grace and wisdom...such that it would be irresistable to them. And pray that the stongholds of Satan will be torn down there as they are deep, but not stronger than the power and blood of JESUS CHRIST. We also humbly ask for your financial support. We have quite a ways to go in our fund-raising and not much time left before we depart.

Here are two ways you can support:

1. (the best way) Make a check out to:

Net India Ministries

P.O. Box 1481

Gainesville, GA 30503

Please write "Matt Papa Band" on the memo line. This way is tax- deductable for you.

2. Go to www.mattpapa.com and click on missions. There at the bottom you will find a link to donate through paypal. This way is not tax-deductable.

Matt's mission team also leaves for Mexico on April 6th, ministering through the 13th.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Just click on the links below to read the Suite review of each new release.

Relient K: Five Score and Seven Years Ago

Jackson Waters: Come Undone

Adam Cunningham: Self-titled

Brian Doerksen: Holy God

Jason Gray: All the Lovely Losers

John Waller: The Blessing

Glory Revealed: Compilation

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

All three national charts R&R, CRW and Mediabase rank "Everlasting God" as the #2 song in the nation. Brewster's #2 single marks a new milestone for Integrity Label Group. While no stranger to top of the Praise & Worship and Inspirational radio charts, Integrity artists had not achieved a Top Ten single on the pop chart before Brewster's song.

"We congratulate Lincoln not only for making Integrity history, but more importantly, for making music that is resonating with Christian radio and music fans everywhere," said Don Moen, president of Integrity Label Group. "Lincoln's talent is only just beginning to be recognized and I believe Christian radio will be hearing much more from him in the future."

"Everlasting God" is from Brewsters latest Integrity release, Let The Praises Ring: The Best of Lincoln Brewster. (Read Suite review here). This 17-track album offers favorites from Brewster including the title song, "Majestic" and "Love The Lord," along with a live, instrumental version of "Here I Am To Worship," and the new song "Everlasting God." Additional information on Brewster is available at www.lincolnbrewster.com .

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Brian Littrell performed four sold-out shows last week; one with a surprise visit from his cousin, former Backstreet Boy, Kevin Richardson.

“Kevin is currently with the cast of Chicago, which is performing in Tokyo,” says Littrell. “I went to see him on Sunday night, and then on Monday, he came to my show. He surprised the audience by walking on stage and joining me in singing, ‘I Want It That Way’. The crowd went crazy. It was a great moment.”

Littrell received an overwhelming welcome from capacity crowds at his two shows in Tokyo, along with his performances in Osaka and Nagoya.

Returning to the States on Saturday, he was able to rest for a couple of days with his family, then immediately returned to writing for his next solo album, and finishing up the next Backstreet Boys album which is due out this summer.

Littrell, a member of the multi-million selling, superstar pop group, Backstreet Boys, scored his first Dove Award at last year’s show in the Inspirational Recorded Song category for his hit single, “In Christ Alone.” This chart-topping track was recorded for the WoW #1’s project, and was Littrell’s first foray into the Christian market. This year, Littrell is competing in the Short Form Music Video category for his clip “Welcome Home (You),” a video supporting the hit song off his debut solo album, Welcome Home (5/2/06). Littrell will also co-host the 38th Gospel Music Association Dove Awards with Dove-winning artists Natalie Grant and Donnie McClurkin, on April 25 in Nashville, Tenn.

For more information on Brian Littrell, visit www.brianlittrell.com.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

This spring tour will also feature Rocketown Records recording artist Michael Olsen opening the show as special guest.Click here to read Suite's review of Michael W Smith's "Stand."

On touring in 2006, Smith offers, “Last fall, I had such a great time. It was me at a piano – this intimate setting really allowed me to connect with audiences. On the Christmas tour, I took Michael Olson out as an opener. He’s an incredible artist and also a worship leader at my church. I think he’ll bring a lot to the Spring tour.”

In addition, Smith, in his role as vice-chair on the President’s Council for Service and Civic Participation honored volunteers at each Fall and Christmas tour stop with Presidential Volunteer Service Award, underscoring his appreciation for individuals and groups choosing to take a stand for issues in their communities; something he’ll continue to do over the Spring dates.

The spring tour is merely the tip of the iceberg, so to speak, for Smith’s 2007 slate of appearances, as Michael headlines his own Alaskan cruise July 14-21 via Inspiration Cruises and Holland America Lines. Visit www.michaelwsmith.com for more information.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Hello Kelly just wrapped up a 12 date Canadian tour supporting their new EP, "Green Things Grow," which was released in January of 2007. The EP will help set up the band for their first full-length album, which will be released in the fall of 2007.

“Hello Kelly is the quintessential rock band,” states Peter Khosla, president of 7 Spin Music. “From their stellar songwriting to their amazing live show, Hello Kelly is the complete package. We are thrilled that they are a part of the 7 Spin family.”

No strangers to the road, Hello Kelly has been touring throughout Canada and the US for the past two and a half years, sharing the stage with some of the biggest names in Christian music – Superchick, Rebecca St. James, John Reuben, Kids In The Way, and Starfield, just to name a few. Over that time the band has played shows from Alberta to Nova Scotia as well as well as in the US as part of the “Rock Hop & Roll Tour” which took place in the Fall of 2006.

In addition, the band has also seen great radio support with three songs from their previous EP, "The Modern Day Fades Away" reaching #1 at Christian radio in Canada. Hello Kelly has sold over 12,000 copies of their EP independently as well as through Canadian Christian retail. All songs from Green Things Grow and Modern Day Fades Away are available on iTunes and all other digital music services globally.

Francois Goudreault Jr., Hello Kelly’s lead singer/guitarist and songwriter, says this about Hello Kelly’s goal: "I remember when rock and roll was something that people talked about. I remember my parents filling my ears with Van Halen, The Scorpions, and Triumph - when conversations around the barbeque were about an artist's latest guitar effect, not an artist's latest clothing line. I want people to remember Hello Kelly like that."

For more information on Hello Kelly, please visit www.hellokellyonline.com or www.myspace.com/hellokelly. Management requests can be sent to management@hellokellyonline.com

For more information regarding 7 Spin Records and their artists, please visit www.7spinrecords.com.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Just click on the link to go directly to the Suite review of the full album.

1 Jeremy Camp

What It Means

2 Casting Crowns

Does Anybody Hear Her

3 MercyMe

Hold Fast

4 Bebo Norman

I Will Lift My Eyes

5 Lincoln Brewster

Everlasting God

6 Echoing Angels

You Alone

7 Salvador

Shine

8 tobyMac

Made To Love

9 Rush of Fools

Undo

10 Mark Harris

Wish You Were Here

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Tonight, the rockers Anberlin will be on the CBS' Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. The band will be performing their new song "Godspeed" off our new album "Cities." The show airs at 12:35am PST/EST but check your local listings for specific times.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

"We press about 100 copies every night, and they're always gone at the end of the night," said the band in a recent newsletter. "It's a fun way for us to keep the evening going, and you can drive home listening to the concert in your car. We posted on our boards last week, encouraging everyone to freely trade/share their bootlegs with one-another. Within just a few hours, you all created a new website, www.switchfootbootlegs.com that continues to grow everyday, and is completely run by you guys. We think it's pretty fantastic. To keep up with the shows on this tour, go here to download/contribute bootlegs."

The band is also shooting a new video for "Awakening," involving several of their heros -- one named Tony Hale (AKA Buster from Arrested Developement). For more on Switchfoot happenings, hit up www.Switchfoot.com.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

The Showdown opened this week with a big splash: a #191 spot on Billboard Magazine’s Top 200 Album chart, as well as a #6 spot on the Heatseeker’s chart, and #15 spot on the Christian Album chart. With over 4,500 units sold, Temptation Come My Way has set a record as Mono Vs Stereo’s biggest-selling debut in the label’s history.

The album also landed a #45 spot on I Tunes Rock Album charts.

Media acclaim for The Showdown has also been strong with the Alternative Press Magazine noting the sophomore album as “strong vocals, intriguing guitar sounds masterminded a southern-rock influences breakthrough… in simpler terms it totally shreds dude!” (March 2007) At radio, their single “Death Finds Us Breathing” has landed at #15 spot on the Christian Rock chart.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

The high retail positioning only reflects the album’s CBA release following a Feb. 20 national debut. Group 1 Crew released at general market retail on Feb. 27. The project additionally debuted this week in the Top 10 on the Christian digital album chart and follows the strong November, 2006 launch of its acclaimed digital EP at all major digital music outlets.

Already heralded as a breakout act of 2007, media embraced Group 1 Crew since receiving advance music last December. In addition to several spotlights from CCM magazine, upcoming media coverage includes an April cover story in Brio & Beyond, a band spotlight in Relevant magazine’s July/August issue and a March feature on CBN.com, among others. Radio has also embraced Group 1 Crew, as the second single from the CD, “Love Is A Beautiful Thing,” is currently climbing in the Top 25 amidst Radio & Records’ CHR chart. The song will go for adds at CCM AC radio on March 23.

Group 1 Crew recently completed a street week tour promoting the new album throughout the Midwest and Eastern US. During the run, the group performed at public schools and churches, including a youth event at T.D. Jakes’ The Potter’s House, and was further featured on Nashville’s FOX “Tennessee Mornings” show, LeSea Broadcasting’s Harvest Show and a pre-taped performance for Daystar TV’s “Celebration.” Group 1 Crew is also set to join Superchic[k]’s “Generation Rising Tour” this spring.

Group 1 Crew was founded when group visionary and veteran emcee, Manwell, formed a Bible study for local musicians three years ago and united with Pablo and Blanca. The eclectic trio pieced together their diverse styles and created an original sound, fusing their assorted influences ranging from Beethoven to The Black Eyed Peas.

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

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

March 20th will mark the official launch at retail by EMI/Forefront of St. James' ‘first ever’ live in concert CD/DVD package, “aLIVE IN FLORIDA,” which will feature both her live concert filmed on the 2006 If I Had One Chance To Tell You Something tour, and a duo packaging of the live CD audio mixes from the same performance filmed in Fort Lauderdale. Additional bonus features of the packaging include behind the scenes footage and exclusive photos from the tour.

A video track performance from the new St. James project, Beautiful Stranger, is scheduled for an exclusive “World Premier Video” spotlight on the Gospel Music Channel, with a debut airing on the network set for March 10th. Written by St. James, the song was inspired by her work as a global voice for Compassion International, and is a dramatic highlight of her performances in concert.

Television audiences will have the opportunity of an additional “sneak preview” of material from the new Rebecca St. James project with the March 3-11 national telecast of the Billy Graham Television Special Finding Freedom From Life’s Storms. The special includes Rebecca’s performance of “Forgive Me,” in an exclusive re-edited format, specific to the telecast. Market-to-market date/times/stations information for the television special can be found online at www.billygraham.org/tv

Concerts will also abound in March as the Australian born Grammy winner takes to the road on the 15th for the opening concert of the “Worship Revolution Tour.” The much anticipated international pairing of St. James with top UK Christian rock band, Delirious?, and new EMI worship artist, British singer/songwriter, Vicky Beeching, is expected to be one of the spring's most successful and talked about live Christian events. The tour will cover two dozen U.S. markets between mid-March launch and mid-April wrap. Concert dates may be resourced online at: www.rsjames.com

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Your freeScriggle-it account will give you access to these tools:

Scriggle Mail - email your fans using geo-location and choose from many awesome-looking templates.

Scriggle Code - collect fan data from your own website, Myspace, Purevolume, or other social networking sites.

Scriggler 1.0 - collect fan contacts easily at your merch table and never fool with pen and paper signup lists again!

Scriggle Kit - an electronic press kit like this has never before existed! Share biography and band information, pics, audio, videos (coming soon), and stage requirements (also coming soon) to show potential venues, producers, and labels.

Scriggle Text - (coming soon) text your fans cell phones using geo-location.

Scriggle Talk - (coming soon) send pre-recorded voice calls to your fans using geo-location.

Scriggle Tour - (coming soon) automates your Scriggle Mail, Text, and Talk campaigns to be sent out at a preset interval geo-locating according to your scheduled tour dates. Create a calendar and rss feed that you can put into your social networking site and webpage (you will only have to update one calendar - Yea!).

Attention musicians: Don't miss out in the next revolution in the DIY music movement - creat a Scriggle-it account now!

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Suite was an instant fan of Tyler James' soulful sound when we heard him last winter. (Read Suite review here). You will be too, after Sunday night.

Catch Tyler on making the primetime new ABC show, "Brothers & Sisters". The show is on at 10pm EST, listen for a two minute clip of "Stay Humble".

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

“Child of God,” written by members Tim Braisted and Billy Buchanan, has been chosen to be the theme song for The National Youth Gathering, the tri-annual Lutheran youth conference that takes place July 29-31 in Orlando, FL.

The song will soon be available to download for free at www.lcmsgathering.com. In response to the news, the band stated, "Our hope is that all the churches participating will download the song and teach it to their students prior to The National Youth Gathering." For more on Fusebox, visit www.fuseboxmusic.com.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Here is just a sampling of what continues to build with Skillet:

As of this week, fans can download radio mixes of “The Older I Get,” in addition to exclusive behind the scene footage on the iTunes EP.

Heating up at Christian CHR and Rock radio is the new single “The Last Night,” receiving the most adds for the past two weeks and charting this week at No. 22 on R&R and No. 13 at CRW.

Their newest mainstream single, "The Older I Get," was just released to the mainstream rock formats three weeks ago and is already being played in the top markets. In total, the powerful single is spinning on 42 Active Rock and Modern Rock stations.

Last week the 38th Annual GMA Dove Awards’ nominations were announced and Comatose was nominated for “Rock Album of the Year” as well as their song “Rebirthing” for “Rock Recorded Song of the Year,” which remained at No.1 on Christian Rock for more than eight weeks.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Coming off of his two RIAA Gold Certified studio projects, Portable Sounds debuted on the Billboard Top 200 chart at No. 10 and No. 1 on SoundScan Contemporary Christian Overall chart, marking this his highest solo career debut. During street week, Portable Sounds broke into the Top 10 overall albums on iTunes and holds strong this week in the Top 15, as well as the No. 1 Christian Album. Prior to street week, TobyMac’s retail single “Made to Love” debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot Singles chart and remains in the Top 5.

"For me, Portable sounds was a labor of love, the rest is a great plan and a passionate team coming together and rockin' it,” states TobyMac. “It's always an honor to know that people connect with your music.”

Fans will get a live taste of the February 20th release from TobyMac on the upcoming “Portable Sounds” tour starting March 15, 2007. The upcoming tour will also be featuring the hot line-up of Thousand Foot Krutch, Building 429, and Family Force 5. With all three acts releasing new music in 2007, the “Portable Sounds” tour will bring a fresh new sound to the 19-city tour. Check out www.tobymac.com or www.myspace.com/tobymac for an updated schedule. Click here to read the Suite review of Portable Sounds.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

"Eric is the kind of artist that Beatmart wants to be in partnership with" says founder Todd Collins. "First of all, his heart is 100% vertical in the love he has for God. Without that, we never have that second conversation. In addition to his heart for ministry, Eric brings a certain sound that we've been looking for, his look is fantastic, he works extremely hard, is a seasoned live performer, and his hook ideas and song writing skills are VERY MUCH above average. I'm excited to have Eric on the label now and we're getting ready to hit the studio soon for a late summer/early fall release. Eric's stuff is gonna be HOT!"

Todd is currently working with Eric on song ideas and is in the process of gathering the track ideas from various beat makers in the market. If you want your stuff considered, make sure you submit your beats and get your opportunity to have your work on the new Eric Cross record later this year.

Also, look for a new joint from Eric Cross on Best of the Submissions: Vol. 4 coming later this year from Beatmart.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

The Seattle artist's national debut will now be available from Beatmart and in stores everywhere on Tuesday, June 5, 2007.

You can now sample new demo tracks to be featured on his upcoming release on both Wille Will and Beatmart's MySpace pages. Check out Will's MySpace or listen to them on Beatmart's MySpace page.

Will's current preview tracks from Reflection are "Say So" and "Bottom Dollar."

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Rebecca St James is putting out the word that her brothers, Joel & Luke, are in the middle of making their own album. Rebecca wants her fans to know that the St James brothers have a myspace page where you can hear their music, see pictures, and watch a music video. You might have seen them on her tour last year with Barlow Girl and also the Christmas tour with Brian Littrell. They did background vocals as well as performing one of their own songs.

Rebecca says, "I love their music and I really believe in these guys! They are real men of integrity and are wanting to provide music that will have a positive impact on those who hear it. I had a chance to co-write one of their songs with them, a track called 'My Lovely' and I got to hear more of their purpose for their music in the process. They are right on and true men of God...big sis likes to brag on them as you can see."

So check out their myspace.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

The NRB Convention & Exposition is the largest marketplace dedicated to Christian media professionals, with nearly 300 vendors. While at the convention, Pierre interviewed with various media outlets, which raved about the young artist after meeting him.

Robert Pierre released his debut album, Inside Out, on November 7, 2006, receiving comparisons to Billy Gilman, Jump5, Jesse McCartney and Hanson from media outlets such as Plugged In Magazine and Christian Music Planet Magazine.

In the months leading up to and following his album release, Pierre has been introducing tweens and their parents to his music through events like Rock the Universe 2006, held at Universal Studios Florida(r) theme park in Orlando, and the Christ in Youth "Believe Tour," which hits ten markets throughout its October 2006-April 2007 run. His interactive website further acquaints visitors with the teen artist by offering a preview of Inside Out, through a flash audio jukebox player, and downloads of buddy icons, banners, avatars and screensavers. Pierre will also be featured on several festivals in summer 2007, including the Collide Festival, Atlanta Fest, the Unity Festival, Rock the Light Festival and Rock the Universe.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Connersvine has an acoustic-driven rock sound that communicates through worshipful melodies and passionate vocals. Made up of Chris Wilson and Hunter Smith, this acoustic duo's fervor for the glory of God can be heard through their music, both recorded and live, sometimes on their own, and oftentime with a full band.

In the summer of 2001, Chris and Hunter began their friendship by leading worship together for a young adult ministry on the Southside of Indianapolis. As they began to feel God calling them into music professionally, they focused on their song writing and worship style. As they pursued God in their music, they developed a burden for teaching individuals how to connect with God through worship.

Throughout their journey, Connersvine has kept their passion for Gods renown at the heart of all that they do. They feel that their purpose is not only to write songs as artists but also to write songs to be used by the Church for corporate worship.

Says Hunter, "We may not be the most traditional duo, but INO Records, Third Coast Artist Agency and BrickHouse Entertainment have helped us to see the unique opportunity in our situation.”

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

If you are interested in buying his amp and the case that goes with it email Matt at www.Myspace.com/theturning so he can contact you with more details. This is an expensive amp so no casual inquiries please, let them know if you serious about a killer VOX. This one might be yours. See pictures @ http://nashville.craigslist.org/msg/285402879.html.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

On the side, he's in a band called The Following, and Will's got school too, keeping up with his classes as a sophomore in high school, where he's also the starting guard on his school's varsity basketball team. But he's got a slight problem: his basketball team is crowding his professional drumming schedule.

The team is highly ranked and now only 7 tournament games away from playing for a state high school basketball title in Tennessee. Will will have to miss a few Winter Jam concert dates in March, depending on how far his team goes. www.StevenCurtisChapman.com will keep you up to date. But no worries: fortunately for fans, longtime SCC player and prolific drummer, Will Denton will sit in in Will's absence.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Last Tuesday, Nevertheless performed in front of 1,000 college students attending the National Association of Collegiate Activities (NACA) Convention in Nashville at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel. Within three hours of Nevertheless' energetic performance, William Morris Agency received such a positive response from the colleges with offers that will keep the band busy throughout 2007.

NACA is the nations largest collegiate organization for campus activities, with programs and services designed to reflect the fields increased responsibilities for student leadership development as well as entertainment programming.

"The room was packed for Nevertheless' set, and we had a huge response from colleges wanting to book the band on the spot," shares Mark Claassen of William Morris Agency. "Afterwards the band was swamped with people wanting to get photos and autographs. Needless to say, we were very pleased."

It is determination that gives Nevertheless an asterisk amidst their contemporaries in indie pop/rock. At first listen they would fit nicely in the vein of such bands as Jimmy Eat World and Cartel, except for one difference: Their songs deal in as much substance as they do in relationship experience. On Live Like We're Alive (Flicker Records 2006), the band delivers diversity in emotion as well as depth in empathy.

They have received ink in the likes of Billboard, CCM, Blogcritics.com, Decoymusic.com, PunkUnited.com, HM Magazine and many more. Their rock single "Live Like Were Alive" has broken into the Top 5 with a bullet on the R&R Christian Rock Chart. Their debut CHR radio single "The Real" has made a great impact by going to the Top 10 on the CHR as well as the music video being played at American Eagle stores across the nation during the holiday season.

Check out Nevertheless in a city near you this spring when they head out on tour with Superchic[k]. Dates to be announced soon. For more information on Nevertheless check out their website www.nevertheless.com

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Known by her rapidly growing legion of fans as a songwriter of gentle bravery who wraps her thought-provoking lyrics in quietly stirring melodies, Heller has recently been capturing the attention of music critics across the country. In their January/February 2007 issue, Performing Songwriter Magazine named her one of their "DIY Top 12 Picks" of independent singer/songwriters who have released an album without the backing of a label. Christian Musician Magazine has declared her to be "one of the great surprises of 2006," while Christian Music Suite 101 has proclaimed her among the"Top Ten Independent Artists of 2006."

2006 was a year to remember for JJ Heller.

… RED CARPET: JJ and her husband Dave walked the red carpet for the premiere of Charlotte's Web in Nashville, along with country superstars such as Reba McIntyre and Montgomery Gentry.

… REMUDA RANCH: JJ¹s insight and sensitivity consistently draw audiences to her music. Her songs offer encouragement and touch on issues of self-image and worry, questions of faith and feelings of loneliness that can affect everyone. Perhaps that is why her guest performances during several chapel services held at the renowned eating disorder treatment facility, Remuda Ranch, were so powerfully received.

… CAMPUS CRUSADE WINTER CONFERENCE: Tagged by BuddyHollywood.com as an "impeccably prescient" songwriter, JJ was selected by Campus Crusade for Christ to headline a special concert during their 2006-2007 Winter Conference in San Diego, Calif.

… TV & RADIO: JJ found herself much in demand during 2006 by the broadcast media. In addition to completing radio interviews with American Family Radio, KTLR and "The Danny Fontana Show," JJ also appeared on television on "Atlanta Live," "Bridges," "Friends & Neighbors" and "The Logan Show."

… CRITICAL ACCLAIM: Only Love Remains achieved universal critical acclaim from a wide variety of media including Christian Retailing Magazine, Lifeway.com and CBNMusic.com.

… AND MORE CRITICAL ACCLAIM: JJ was named "Artist of the Week" by FuseMix.com and was one of the Top Ten most visited artists on BuddyHollywood.com for 2006.

And looking ahead:

The momentum continues to build for JJ Heller during 2007. In addition to a full schedule of performances, Heller is busy writing for her next full-length CD. She is due in the studio this fall with GRAMMY-winning producer Mitch Dane to begin recording the new project, with a possible 5-6 song Christmas EP in the works.

Only Love Remains is available on Stone Table Records and distributed by TAG Artist Group. Additional information about JJ Heller and her album Only Love Remains is available by visiting her website at http://www.jjheller.com. Read the Suite interview with JJ Heller here.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Click on the link to read the Suite review of each album.

1 Jeremy Camp

What It Means

2 MercyMeHold Fast

3 Casting Crowns

Does Anybody Hear Her

4 Bebo Norman

I Will Lift My Eyes

5 Lincoln Brewster

Everlasting God

6 SalvadorShine

7 Echoing Angels

You Alone

8 tobyMacMade To Love

9 Mark HarrisWish You Were Here

10 Rush of Fools

Undone

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

The CD showcases the winner and top artist contenders from the nationally aired finals hosted by Brian Littrell, which was viewed by millions.

The two-fold release on the Gifted franchise will include both this current release of the performance CD, in tandem with a companion DVD featuring the two hour televised special with bonus 'behind the scenes' extra footage, releasing March 6th from EMI/Sparrow.

On January 26th TBN presented to an estimated audience of more than 95 million potential viewers the launch of Gifted, the much heralded 2 hour prime time television special hosted by Brian Littrell. The airing culminated months of nationwide searching to find and present the brightest new talent in Christian music.

More than 16,000 initial talent entrants were narrowed to eight televised finalists, and finally one winner. Those tuning in that evening shared the excitement with the nationwide viewing audience witnessing winner Da'Quela Payne being awarded the top prize of a major recording contract with the EMI Christian Music Group. The television special has re-aired on TBN throughout February.

The Gifted Season One CD package includes winner Da 'Quela Payne of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, who will have her own solo artist debut album release from EMI Gospel this spring, and the other seven finalists.

Release to radio of an AC format radio single, Amazing Love (You Are My King), as sung by the eight Gifted finalists also is now impacting at AC radio. The Gifted website is also launched and may be resourced online at http://www.giftedshow.com.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

The "Generation Rising Tour" features emerging stars Krystal Meyers, Nevertheless, DecembeRadio, and Group One Crew.

Opening late April in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., the 25-city tour takes its inspiration from I Timothy 4:12 which says, “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” Superchick, joined by those new artists who will be at the forefront of this generation’s music scene, hopes to encourage its young attendees to join together and make a difference.

“This tour is going to be the biggest and most high-energy event in Superchick history,” comments Matt Dally, Superchick’s bassist. “It is definitely a life-changing tour for us, and we hope it will have the same impact on all those we encounter along the way.”

For up to the minute “Generation Rising Tour” updates, please visit www.superchick.net.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Do you want to know what it's really like to roll into a new city after traveling all day, stop by a few radio stations for some quick interviews, find then venue, sound check, eat the exact same dinner served the night before, perform for hundreds of thousands of awesome fans, pack up and then hit the road again?

Well, now you can stay up to date on these roadtrip experiences directly from the band through their new Tour Journal! Click here to unlock the untold tales of life, love & tour mysteries told by Jars of Clay.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Israel Houghton led Integrity’s nominations with four, including two in recognition of his Alive In South Africa project and two for producer credits (working with Karen Clark Sheard). Israel & New Breed, Martha Munizzi, Mary Mary, Virtue and Paul Baloche were recognized twice each. Other Integrity artists receiving Dove Award nominations are Tye Tribbett, Alejandra, NewSong, Don Moen, Lincoln Brewster, Robin Mark, Jared Anderson and Lenny LeBlanc.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

The Gospel Music Association announced the nominees for the 38th Annual Dove Awards on Tuesday, with Manafest receiving nods for “Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year” for his sophomore release Glory and “Rap/Hip Hop Recorded Song of the Year” for “Skills”, from his first album Epiphany.

“When I heard the news, I was like ‘YEAH!!! Year of the open door baby!’ God continues to pour out his blessings,” exclaims Manafest. “I have worked really hard the past few years, and it's awesome to be recognized for it."

Currently playing solo dates across the country, Manafest will team with Boarders for Christ for a tour in April and May. San Diego-based Boarders for Christ is a team of professional skaters and snowboarders who are dedicated to sharing the gospel. Manafest will be the headline performer for the event and will be skating alongside Tim Byrne and his team of skateboarders, making stops in Florida, Virginia, New Jersey, Kentucky, Arizona, Texas to name a few.

For more information about MANAFEST, Glory, or to find tour updates, please visit www.manafest.ca.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Go Remixed will feature remixes from their latest project, Go, (Read Suite review here) all mixed by band member Jeff Frankenstein, Superchick's Max Hsu, producer Tedd T. and others. Go Remixed hits stores May 8th.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Each copy of Cities comes with a special insert called the "Anberlin City Pass." That's right, not only is your Anberlin City Pass the gateway to over 20 cities, but it also gives you the opportunity to win big. You could win a brand new 2007 Volkswagon Rabbit, XBOX 360, 30GB Video iPod, Sony PSP, custom Anberlin Epiphone Guitar, and much more.

Just take your City Pass, head to www.anberlincities.com , check a full list of pizes, and then enter your code for your chance to win.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Kristin and her high school sweetheart Ryan Schweain were married on May 25, 2002. The members of ZOEgirl announced late 2006 after the release of their seventh album, With All of My Heart: Greatest Hits (Sparrow), that they were venturing into different avenues.

Currently Kristin is working on her ambient style solo album. “I have always been drawn to piano and piano vocal music. My favorite place is at the piano with my songs and I can't wait to share them with people and show a more vulnerable side to my life and music,” Kristin says, “I am honored to have shared a platform with Alisa and Chrissy, whom I respect immensely, I will forever be grateful for their friendship.”

Some of Kristin's best-loved songs “Plain” and “Skin Deep” have become anthems for young girls worldwide, “I have gradually entered into a new and deeper place in my writing, in my life, and in my faith,” Kristin continues, “My goal is to be personal and candid, sharing my thoughts, the insecurities, the questions, the joy and pain, my love of life and God, all of it. Some days I'm a mess and some days I'm only slightly a mess, but that's part of my own story; the freedom and opportunity to express it all with my music is what drives me.”

Kristin also serves as co-owner and designer of a hip, new designer apron company, Apronique, with fellow Missouri-based designer Marilyn Brown. Customers can browse through a selection of designs and purchase immediately from their web site http://www.AproniqueStore.com Chic new designs will be released in Early 2007. Kristin also keeps in contact with her fans worldwide through her MySpace web site, http://www.myspace.com/kristinschweainmusic

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Nominations include “Song of the Year,” “Male Vocalist of the Year,” “New Artist of the Year,” “Worship Song of the Year” and “Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year.” Other award nominations associated with Shust’s work included a “Musical of the Year” nomination for a musical based on his hit song “My Savior My God.”

The announcement follows a groundbreaking year for the debut artist in which Shust saw his hit single “My Savior My God” end 2006 as the year’s most played song at Christian Radio on multiple formats with over 5 million impressions.

This week also marked the beginning of Shust’s 40-city tour with MercyMe and Audio Adrenaline, which began with a stop in Tulsa, Okla., where Shust’s performance was met with a standing ovation from the capacity crowd. “I am absolutely stunned,” said Shust. “I’ll have to be honest that in the midst of kicking off the tour, I forgot that the announcements were today, so it’s a total surprise. This year has been more amazing than I could have ever imagined. I’m humbled and speechless except to say ‘thank you’.”

In addition to the explosive radio success of “My Savior My God,” Shust has seen two additional radio singles reach the Top 5, including his current song “Give It All Away,” which continues to climb the radio charts and impact sales of his debut project, Anything Worth Saying. Accolades extend well beyond award nominations and radio, as fans embraced the debut record, whose sales have topped 140,000 units in the last twelve months alone.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Encompassing distributed labels, artists, affiliated producers, published writers and printed collections, Word Entertainment was represented in 31 of 43 total nomination categories.

Word Label Group garnered 32 nominations, including top categories "Group," "Artist," and "New Artist," as well as "Producer of the Year," which was captured by Otto Price, VP of A&R for Word Records. Price received three additional nods for production credits on Pocket Full of Rocks' Song to the King, Karen Clark Sheard's It's Not Over and the End of the Spear Soundtrack.

Leading the list with five total nominations, Word Records' Stellar Kart was honored as a finalist for "Artist of the Year," "Rock Recorded Song" ("Activate"), "Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song" ("Me and Jesus"), and "Rock/Contemporary Album" (We Can't Stand Sitting Down). Band frontman, Adam Agee, along with industry veteran, Ian Eskelin, additionally received a "Song of the Year" nod for the writing Stellar Kart's hit song, "Me And Jesus."

Myrrh Records' artist Pocket Full of Rocks was honored in this year's "New Artist" grouping, in addition to a nod in the "Praise and Worship Album" category for its Song To The King project. Word Records' popular singer/songwriter Mark Schultz was nominated for "Pop/Contemporary Album," Broken & Beautiful and "Pop/Contemporary Song" for the album's title track. Word Records' powerhouse vocalist David Phelps received "Inspirational Album" and "Long Form Video" nominations for Legacy of Love...David Phelps Live, as well as "Inspirational Recorded Song," "Behold The Lamb," from the Life Is A Church project.

Word Distribution, another division of Word Entertainment, collected an additional 29 nominations including three for "Song of the Year" ("Bless The Broken Road," "My Savior, My God," "Drifter"). Word Distributed and Brash Music acclaimed newcomer, Aaron Shust, was honored with five nods including the top categories "Song of the Year," "Male Vocalist," and "New Artist." Other nominations represented by Word Distribution included "Female Vocalist of the Year" (Natalie Grant), "Artist of the Year" (The Crabb Family), and another "New Artist of the Year" for DecembeRadio.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Chosen to be one of the presenters during today’s press conference, Littrell also celebrated his 32nd birthday from the podium with a stirring four-part harmony birthday wish sung by all in attendance.

Not only will Littrell be competing in the Short Form Music Video category for his clip “Welcome Home (You),” but he will also be co-hosting this year’s show with Dove-winning artists Natalie Grant and Donnie McClurkin.

Littrell, a member of the multi-million selling, superstar pop group, Backstreet Boys, scored his first Dove Award at last year’s show in the Inspirational Recorded Song category for his hit single, “In Christ Alone.” This chart-topping track was recorded for the WoW #1’s project, and was Littrell’s first foray into the Christian market.

Littrell is currently on Christian radio airwaves all over the country on the song “By His Wounds,” the first release from the multi-artist worship album Glory Revealed: The Word of God in Worship. Littrell takes the project on the road this April and will be joined by Mac Powell, David Nasser, Shane & Shane, Tim Neufeld (Starfield) and more.

The GMA Music Awards ceremony will be held on April 25, 2007 at the Grand Old Opry House in Nashville and will be televised in national syndication in May.

For more information on Brian Littrell, visit www.brianlittrell.com

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Lead singer Mark Hall is nominated for Male Vocalist and Song of the Year for penning the group’s No.1 radio hit “Praise You In This Storm.”

Dove statuettes will be handed out on April 25 at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, and the awards show will be televised in national syndication in May.

The band’s Group of the Year nomination comes alongside a streak of wins for Casting Crowns in this prestigious category, an award the band has taken home for the past two years.

In addition to Song of the Year, the band’s anthemic hit “Praise You In This Storm” from its GRAMMY Award-winning album Lifesong is nominated for Pop/Contemporary Song, giving Hall an additional writer nod. Hall was GMA’s Songwriter of the Year in 2004 and 2005, this year’s nominees and winner for Songwriter of the Year will be announced the night of the show.

Hall notes, “All thanks to God for giving us songs and letting us sing them. We are blessed to be a part of an amazing group of people at Provident Music Group, and we thank them for their ministry to us.”

Rounding out the Dove nods is the band’s RIAA Gold-certified Lifesong Live DVD which is recognized in the Long Form Music Video category.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Leeland received nominations in the following categories: New Artist of the Year; Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song, “Sound of Melodies”; Worship Song, “Yes You Have”; Rock/Contemporary Album, Sound of Melodies; and Praise and Worship Album, Sound of Melodies. (Read Suite's review of this album here).

According to Leeland frontman, Leeland Mooring, “When I heard we were nominated for five categories, I thought someone was playing a joke on us. We are so honored to be nominated with so many artists that we have grown up listening to and respect. This is very surreal.”

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Presented by the Church Communication Network, this five and a half hour event, “Straight Talk About God’s Deliverance,” is among the largest in the network’s history. (See Suite review of "Beth Moore Presents: Songs of Deliverance" here).

Featuring teaching sessions based on Moore’s Jan. 1, 2007 book release, the program schedule will also include three praise and worship segments led by Travis Cottrell. An estimated 100,000 women, and men, across the country are expected to participate.

“I can’t wait for the upcoming simulcast with Beth Moore,” comments Cottrell. “I’ve had the privilege to minister alongside Beth for several years now, and I know this event will be an amazing tool the Holy Spirit will use to empower people to find deliverance from the things that are holding them back from freedom in Christ. And with 100,000 of us - all over the country - worshipping and learning together it is sure to be a very special event!”

“I take every speaking opportunity seriously regardless of the size, and I have never lost my awe that God in His great mercy would prompt anyone to want to hear what this former pit-dweller has to say,” says Moore. “That said, I am totally taken aback over the registrations for the simulcast. It is on my mind continually and before the Lord Jesus in prayer daily. I am asking for miracles of the most glorious and God- testifying kind: I am asking for changed lives. Mine included.”

Information on local times and host sites can be found here.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Receiving nine nominations yesterday, Tomlin also receives his second consecutive nod for Artist and Male Vocalist of the Year, as well as Song and Worship Song of the Year for “Made To Worship” from his current, best-selling album, See The Morning. (Read album review here). This year’s winners will be announced during the 38th Annual GMA Dove Awards to be held at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville April 25.

Additional nominations Tomlin received today include Pop/Contemporary Album and Praise & Worship Album of the Year for See The Morning, Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song for “Made To Worship,” Worship Song of the Year for “Holy Is The Lord,” and Special Events Album for Passion: Everything Glorious.

“Wow! I am so humbled to receive these GMA Dove nominations in recognition of this music,” says Chris Tomlin after receiving the news of the nominations today. “In our world and culture of music that seems to be all about making a name for yourself, it's an honor to carry the message of the everlasting God and His unending fame. I will continue to try to write songs that give people a voice to worship God.”

Leading all artists last year with 10 nominations, Tomlin walked away from the 2006 GMA Music Awards with five Dove awards, including the top honors for Artist, Male Vocalist and Song of the Year for “How Great Is Our God,” which was also named Worship Song of the Year.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Having received the second most number of nominations of any artist, this Nashville-based rock band is up for the prestigious Artist of the Year and Group of the Year awards.

The band is also being recognized for its most recent release, with the critically-acclaimed Good Monsters receiving a nod in the Rock/Contemporary Album category, and two songs from the project garnering specific mention. “Work,” the project’s first single released to Mainstream AAA radio and Christian CHR formats, is nominated as Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song, and “Dead Man (Carry Me)” appearing in the Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song category. The latter is currently being serviced as the follow-up to “Work” in Mainstream AAA radio formats. Jars of Clay’s sixth nomination is for the video for “Work,” nominated in the Short Form Music Video category.

Of note, each of the band’s members, Dan Haseltine, Steve Mason, Charlie Lowell and Matt Odmark, individually received nine nominations, with six for their work as producer or songwriter and artist for each of their three nominated works, in addition to their three group nods.

After selling more than five million records over its decade-long career, the release of their latest project finds the band in a position of receiving industry accolades reminiscent of the days surrounding their 1995 self-titled double-platinum selling debut project, which landed the crossover multi-format smash hit “Flood.” Long a favorite of fans and critics alike, the remarkable success of this past year and the Good Monsters project is a return to the days when Jars of Clay was ensconced at the top of the charts and made routine appearances at award show platforms.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

At yesterday’s press conference, the band learned of its nominations in the categories Rock Album, End of Silence; Rock Recorded Song, “Breathe Into Me”; and Short Form Music Video, “Breathe Into Me”. The Dove Awards will be handed out on April 25, 2007 at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville and televised in national syndication in May.

Red guitarist, Anthony Armstrong, comments on the nominations, “We could not be more excited that we received three Dove Award nominations. We have dreamed of this moment ever since we were going to Christian festivals as teenagers – and for it to be here for us, truly is a dream come true. We are very thankful for this opportunity.”

During March and April 2007, Red will be on tour with Sevendust. Visit www.myspace.com/dropofred for all tour dates. Read the Suite review of "End of Silence" here.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Taken from his debut album Don’t Get Comfortable, “Our God Reigns” hit the top 5 at AC radio this past fall. With worship music being one of the most popular genres of contemporary Christian music, this recognition proves that Brandon Heath has secured his place as one of the top new artists of the past year.

Appearing in the Worship Song category with Chris Tomlin, Aaron Shust and Leeland, Heath notes, “I’m so thankful for this nomination! To be mentioned in the company of these songs, artists, and friends is an incredible honor.” He adds, “I wrote ‘Our God Reigns’ to worship our God at a difficult time in a scary world. With today’s encouraging news, my response is still the same, to worship Him.”

Teaming up with famed producer Dan Muckala (Nick Lachey, The Afters, Backstreet Boys), Heath’s project hosts an arsenal of intelligent, pop-rock tunes that are as smart as they are catchy. CCM Magazine declared that “Heath is that rare, singular combination of truly gifted singer, songwriter and musician all three in one. Actually all the tracks are outstanding…and believe me, that’s not something I often hear myself saying.”

Brandon Heath just returned from a trip to Africa with Jars of Clay’s Blood:Water Mission, and was recently nominated in the Breakout Artist category in Worship Leader magazine’s 6th annual Praise Awards. He is currently touring through the United States and opening for Bebo Norman on selected dates. His new single “I’m Not Who I Was” is currently adding at Christian AC, CHR and INSPO radio.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Norman shares, “During the making of Between the Dreaming and the Coming True, I was reminded of just how much I love the process of writing and recording music, and how amazing it is that I get to continue to do this. That, coupled with receiving this nomination for the work that Jason (Ingram) and I put in to producing this album, is one of the most rewarding experiences in my life, and for that, I am truly thankful.”

Between the Dreaming and the Coming True, Norman’s fifth major studio project, released September 19, 2006. “The title, Between the Dreaming and the Coming True, was inspired by a book by Robert Benson with the same name,” explains Norman. “It was so poignant to me because this really is where life as a believer is lived. I’ve never written a group of songs that expressed more intently life lived in the real and in the everyday. It is about hope eternal played out against the backdrop of a difficult world.”

For all tour dates and additional information on Bebo Norman, visit www.bebonorman.com.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

The Atlanta-based rock band was also recognized for its smash hit “Cry Out to Jesus,” written by lead singer Mac Powell, with a nomination in the Song of the Year category. In the newly added Dove category of Christmas Album, Third Day was acknowledged with a nod for Christmas Offerings, its very first Christmas worship album.

Band members Mac Powell, Tai Anderson, Brad Avery, David Carr, and Mark Lee each receive nominations as artists and producers on the Christmas project. Adding in his nod for writing “Cry Out to Jesus,” Mac Powell receives four total nominations, with each of the other band members individually receiving three.

The band is fresh off its third GRAMMY win for the RIAA Gold certified Wherever You Are (11/1/05) in the Pop Contemporary Gospel Album category. From its seven previous nods, the band has been awarded GRAMMYs for both Wire (5/4/2004) and Come Together (10/17/01), each RIAA Certified Gold.

2007 finds Third Day releasing two milestone projects, Chronology, Volume One (1996-2000) which drops March 27, followed by Chronology, Volume Two which hits retail, August 7.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

The first single, “My New Dawn,” is already getting radio airplay while Tulsa’s KXOJ already invited Kirkley to perform at their 30th birthday party with Point Of Grace on March 9th. The “My New Dawn” video was selected by Gospel Music Channel as a world premiere and started airing this past weekend.

“Working with Daniel has only been a blessing,” says John Mays, Vice President, A&R, Centricity Records. “Of course, we love him, his heart and his gift, but as much as that, we love his story. To trace back over his days of quietly working away, being faithful in the little things that God had given him to do, has been an inspiration and challenge to all of us. I'm so proud of the work Guy Zabka and Daniel have done together and can't wait for people to experience this music. All of us at Centricity feel grateful to get to play our part in partnering with Daniel to bring his voice to the world.”

For a new artist, Kirkley’s new CD is drawing support and talent from a “who’s who” in the Christian and mainstream music worlds. Producers for Let Love Win include Matt Bronleewe (founding member of Jars of Clay who has produced Plumb, Michael W. Smith, Natalie Imbruglia) and Mark Hammond (Josh Groban, Nichole Nordeman). Bronleewe wrote “New Dawn” with Josh Groban in mind and before Kirkley got his Centricity deal, Bronleewe had hired him to sing the demo of the song. After Bronleewe heard how Kirkley’s vocals matched lyrically with the song it was added to Let Love Win.

Several notable songwriters (Tony Wood, Mark Heimerman, Chris Eaton, Sue C. Smith) have contributed to Kirkley’s new CD including multi-Dove Award winning artist, Nichole Nordeman. “Daniel has this voice that just makes you want to sit up a little taller and bring something more beautiful to the table of worship...something more than we're accustomed to bringing. Once I heard that voice, I was both inspired and intimidated to write something remotely worthy of it.”

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Just click the link to read Suite's review of each new album.

Fresh as this morning's H2o, from Fervent Records, Group 1 Crew's self-titled debut.

Credential Recordings serves up the ambient space rock of Lost Ocean, another self-titled debut.

Don't even think about calling Vanessa Bell Armstrong's "Walking MIracle" a comeback. This is one lady that is NOT going away, thankfully.

You gotta love the determined fierceness of The Showdown's "Temptation Come My Way," out today from Mono vs. Stereo.

Other new releases out today from TobyMac and Vicki Beeching, reviews up shortly.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

This re-release will be a special one as it will include four brand new tracks specifically recorded just for this edition. A great album looks to only get even better this March 20th, so mark your calendars. In the meantime, catch the guys performing selections from the stellar album right now on The Scars Remain Tour with Disciple, Fireflight, and Decyfer Down and later this Spring with TobyMac and Thousand Foot Krutch.

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Jami sent out the following letter from her Myspace. Please lift up this urgent need in prayer.

Hi Jami,

I need your help. Zimbabwe, the country I grew up in, is in a serious crisis right now. If there is not some drastic intervention in the next few months, thousands, if not millions, will die from starvation, disease, and lack of medication. Yet the government is withholding humanitarian aid.

We are organizing an International Day of Prayer and Fasting for Zimbabwe, to be held on April 18, 2007. It's really just a bunch of college students and former Zimbabweans who decided we can't just sit by and do nothing. We're in the process of setting up a website at www.prayzimbabwe.org .

We need all the help we can get putting the word out there. There is little hope for Zimbabwe from a human perspective. BUT WITH GOD NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE.

We need lots and lots of prayer warriors.

Thanks.

Kiki and Doug Cherry

CrossSeekers Campus Ministry

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Reeve Carney and his Revolving Band are very excited about this and hope you can make it out to catch a show! Reeve will also be playing guitar in Jonny Lang's band. The following is the current list of tour dates:

2/22 Ram's Head Live - Baltimore, MD (Reeve only)

2/23 Starland Ballroom - Sayreville, NJ

2/24 North Fork Theatre - Westbury, NY

2/27 Irving Plaza - New York, NY

3/01 House of Blues - Atlantic City, NJ

3/02 Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel - Niagara Falls, NY (Reeve only)

3/03 Avalon Ballroom - Boston, MA

3/05 The Norva - Norfolk, VA

3/06 Carolina Theatre - Durham, NC

3/07 House of Blues - Orlando - Lake Buena Vista, FL

3/09 Center Stage Theatre - Atlanta, GA

3/10 Horseshoe Casino - Bluesville Showcase Nightclub - Tunica, MS

3/13 Texas Club - Baton Rouge, LA

3/15 House of Blues - New Orleans - New Orleans, LA

3/16 Shorty's at Cypress Bayou - Rox - Charenton, LA

3/17 Verizon Wireless Theatre - Houston, TX

Dates, venues, etc. are tentative. Everything subject to change. You can visit www.myspace.com/reevecarney for updated information!

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Jaime Jamgochian has been hoping to make accompaniment tracks for the fans who expressed a desire for them, especially from her popular album, "Reason to Live." (Read Suite review here). She happily sent out this announcement from her Myspace.

"Thanks so much for asking about the availabilty of accompaniment tracks to my songs. As a songwriter, I love it when other people enjoy singing my songs for their church.

I'm excited to let you know that the tracks to almost all of my songs are now available and ready to download at www.centricitystore.com . Just about every song from my current CD "Reason To Live" is posted, as well as the most popular songs from my indie CD "Jaime".

The tracks are taken directly from my album (minus my lead vocal!) so they should work out great for church solos, specials and worship time. I'll even be singing harmonies with you in some spots! Enjoy!

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

This is a 20-minute streaming videocast featuring never-before-seen live performances and interviews and lots of fun stuff! The release party is online this year so that anyone anywhere with a computer and internet connection can view it.

All you have to do is log on to www.itickets.com at any point throughout the day on Tuesday. Go there now to view the invitation.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

The CD party runs from noon to midnight, running radio and giveaways, so head on over to Leah Martensen's ShoutLife page to catch your first listen of "Still."

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Filled with vertical rock worship songs that point straight to the Creator, Iris to Iris encourages listeners to be drawn in closer, in awe and wonder at the beauty of our God.

After much thought and prayer, the members of Building 429 set out to create an album which they hoped would redirect the focus from them to a place where listeners could meet God face to face. This resulted in a collection of songs whose vulnerability is unprecedented for the band.

“I’ve never been one to hear audibly from God,” says frontman Jason Roy, “but during the time I spent in prayer and preparation for this record, God spoke to me. He said simply, ‘sing to me,’ and that’s what we did.”

Produced by Brown Bannister (MercyMe, The Afters, Steven Curtis Chapman, Third Day), the project is already having an impact on all those involved. “If I had to use one word to characterize working on the new Building 429 record, Iris to Iris, it would be ‘joy,’” says Bannister. “These are a great group of guys, wonderful spirits, great hearts, and great talent. I am proud of these guys. I am so pleased that they are figuring out who they are, and discovering the vision of what God has called them to. If you are familiar with their discography, I would describe this record this way: If ‘Glory Defined’ had an entire album recorded to compliment the quality of that song, it would be this album.”

The first single from Iris to Iris, “You Carried Me,” will be released to radio March 2. Also, the band will be touring in support of its new album alongside headliner tobyMac this spring. For tour dates, visit www.building429.com.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

At the beginning of the month, they received a 2007 Juno nomination, the Canadian equivalent to the GRAMMY Award, for “Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year” for its current, acclaimed album, "Beauty in the Broken." (Read Suite review here). The album was also named “Contemporary/Pop Album of the Year” by both the 2006 Covenant Awards and 2007 Shai Awards, as well as received the 2006 Covenant Award for “Album of the Year.”

The Juno nomination came after Starfield received three 2007 Shai awards (Canada's Christian Music People's Choice Awards). The band not only claimed “Group of the Year” and “Contemporary/Pop Album of the Year” honors, but received its fourth consecutive Shai for “Artist of the Year.” The 2007 Shai Awards were held January 25 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (www.shaiawards.com ).

Late last year, the band was similarly honored during the 28th Annual Gospel Music Association (GMA) Canada Covenant Awards ceremony held October 27, 2006 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. After opening the ceremony with a well-received performance of “Hand That Holds The World” from "Beauty in the Broken," Starfield went on to claim four 2006 Covenant Awards. In addition to the awards already mentioned above, the band took home the trophy for “Song of the Year” for “Son of God” from "Beauty in the Broken." The Covenant Awards are Canada’s equivalent to the GMA Music Dove Awards. For a full list of the winners, visit www.gmacanada.ca .

Recipients of the Juno 2007 Awards will be announced during the awards ceremony broadcast live from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, Sunday, April 1 on CTV (www.junoawards.ca ).

"We are continually blessed and humbled by the amazing support base we have in Canada,” says Jon Neufeld. “It is a huge honor to be nominated for a Juno award, especially when added to the recognition we've already received this year. Thanks to all the fans, friends, and family up North for believing in us."

Taking its hits on the road, Starfield performs 23 concerts before April 1 in theaters, churches, arenas and more. In April, Starfield frontman Tim Neufeld joins Mac Powell (Third Day), Shane & Shane, Brian Littrell (Back Street Boys), David Nasser (author and speaker) and more for the Glory Revealed Tour. The tour is billed as a unique experience where all the artists are on stage at the same time, taking turns singing and sharing God’s Word. Neufeld will rejoin with the rest of the band in May for a series of tour dates throughout the spring and summer. For more information on upcoming Starfield dates and the Glory Revealed Tour visit www.starfieldonline.com and www.gloryrevealed.com .

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

This certification, signifying U.S. album shipments exceeding 1 million units, comes only sixteen months after the Aug. 30, 2005, release of the GRAMMY Award-winning album, making Casting Crowns the fastest Contemporary Christian music artist in its career to have its first two albums certified Platinum, and only the second in RIAA history ever to achieve it (the other is Jars of Clay with its self-titled debut in 1996 and Much Afraid in 2000).

Casting Crowns remains a Christian radio-playlist staple across the country, with Lifesong delivering three No. 1 songs: the anthemic hit “Praise You in this Storm,” the album’s title track “Lifesong,” and the latest chart-topper “Does Anybody Hear Her,” currently No. 1 on five charts.

For more information, please visit www.CastingCrowns.com or www.reunionrecords.com .

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Click on the link to read the album's full review.

1 MercyMe

Hold Fast

2 Chris Tomlin

Made To Worship

3 Bebo Norman

I Will Lift My Eyes

4 Jeremy Camp

What It Means

5 Lincoln Brewster

Everlasting God

6 Echoing Angels

You Alone

7 Salvador

Shine

8 tobyMac

Made To Love

9 Casting Crowns

Does Anybody Hear Her

10 Third Day

Mountain of God

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Click here for a first look at the details.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Superchick's Myspace put out the following announcement:

"We have been so busy trying to prep for our new record. Max has moved the studio to Franklin, TN, and we have pretty much built it from the ground up. We have all learned a lot about painting and sound proofing and we are now in writing mode. This is going to be a great record. This is going to be the first official Columbia records release, so it will hit all the major and Christian radio and TV stations at the same time. We have also announced an amazing spring tour line up with Krystal Meyers, DecembeRadio, Nevertheless and Group 1 Crew. We are playing at a town near you, so please order your tickets now before they sell out!"

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

The contest is simple, all you have to come up with your own Leigh T-shirt design following the below specifications:

Design Rules: Only jpg images in RGB color will be accepted (not CMYK)

Entries can be hand drawn or created on the computer

A maximum of 4 colors to be used in the design

The image uploaded should be approximately 600 x 600 pixels and under 1 MB file size

The design must be 100% your work (No copyrighted images can be used in anyway)

To submit your designs simply click here and upload. Entries will be accepted starting February 15th and the contest will run until March 9th.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Grace Ana Herms made her debut at 7:44 am Central time, weighing in at 4 pounds, 3 ounces, followed just one minute later by Isabella Noelle Herms at 5 pounds, 9 ounces. Mom, Dad and babies are healthy and happy, thank You, Lord!

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

The winner of Artist Ovation competition will receive an artist development agreement with a Word Label Group imprint. Independent artists from across the U.S. are encouraged to enter the contest online at www.artistovation.com .

Following the online submission process, artists will perform before a panel of music professionals at one of 16 participating CFA summer festivals located throughout the country. At the conclusion of regional events, competition finalists will be chosen to perform at a national event to be held in Nashville where the winning band will be honored with an artist development agreement and a Word Label Group prize package, and named the 2007 Artist Ovation competition winner.

“The sole purpose of this exciting new venture is to identify and elevate a new voice to help bring God’s timeless message to the next generation,” says CFA President, Bob Thompson. “The Christian Festival Association is delighted to partner with Word Label Group and Artist Ovation to provide a unique platform for aspiring Christian artists.”

Ryan Chamberlin of Artist Ovation.com added, “With the addition of the participating CFA member festivals and the Word sponsorship, Artist Ovation will provide national exposure for thousands of upcoming Christian artists. This partnership is about providing new talent with new opportunities for sharing the message of hope!”

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Bebo Norman generously announced to hs Myspace buddies the free download of the song, as well as the sheet music to go with it.

To get the free download, visit the Great Worship songs website. Very nicely done, Bebo.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Why? Well, Shane Everett expressed his sadness to his Myspace friends on having to leave new baby Olive Lynn, born just the 19th of last month. Hard to leave her, I'm sure, and he asked fans to keep his family in prayer. Click here to view the pix he posted of Olive Lynn.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

The weekend will feature an assortment of sessions taught by Peter Wilson (Hillsongs/London) and the New Breed Team. Times of Impartation will be shared by Bishop Joseph Garlington, Bishop Tudor Bismark, and Houghton himself. As a highlight to the weekend a two-night live recording will feature Israel and New Breed. The conference will conclude with a Sunday night concert.

Over the years Worship Leader Israel Houghton has lead millions into the presence of God. With praise as a weapon and worship as the focus, he has humbly submitted himself as an ambassador for the kingdom. In striving to take worship to yet another level, Houghton and New Breed Ministries desire to go deeper. A deeper level of worship requires a certain understanding, which birthed a Deeper Level Conference. This conference is intentionally designed to empower, refine and refresh the worship leader regardless of nationality or creed.

As a highlight to the weekend, a two-night live recording will feature Israel and New Breed. The conference will conclude with a Sunday night concert. "We have heard the cries of a generation of Worshippers who won’t settle for less”.

For registration, tickets and more information, visit www.adeeperlevel.com

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Recently named ChristianityToday.com's "Best Female Vocalist" for 2006, Cleveland is gearing up for the release of her first TAG Artist Group album Before The Daylight's Shot on April 3, 2007. (Read Suite review here)

"We're really thrilled with the initial response to the album and are excited about partnering with TAG Artist Group on the project," comments Cleveland.

"Everyone who hears or sees Ashley Cleveland knows immediately that she is the real deal. Her music impacts people on a deeper level," says Dan Huisinga, President of TAG Artist Group.

Before The Daylight's Shot showcases Cleveland at the height of her calling, relating her faith and experiences in a real way that connects with listeners on an emotional and spiritual level. Returning to her rock roots, Cleveland showcases her songwriting prowess on Before The Daylight's Shot, writing most of the album's cuts. Whether she's singing about purpose ("Ready Or Not"), faith ("Deeper Walk"), fulfillment (through her bluesy take on Stevie Wonder's "Higher Ground") or enduring married love ("Twilight Hour"), there's a clear-eyed maturity and depth of artistry that lifts her into an exclusive class.

Cleveland's sound is unmistakable with her blend of rock, blues, gospel and folk, exhibiting her distinctive brand of open-tuned guitar playing. The combination of her natural wonder of a voice and fierce songwriting talent has been captivating listeners since her 1991 debut. Beyond her own career, Cleveland is also one of Nashville's most in-demand session singers, having performed on over 300 albums for artists including Emmylou Harris, Jars Of Clay, Amy Grant, Faith Hill, Etta James, Pam Tillis and Michael McDonald. As a spokesperson for SHARE (Songs of Hope And Recovery for Everyone), Cleveland also regularly performs at national events focused on addiction recovery.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

The concept video for the title track from his new record Word Of Mouth (read Suite review here), shows an antimated Reuben taking on aliens who try to rob unique thoughts. Scary, right? But our boy has obviously fought 'em off successfully! Check out the fresh video at John's myspace now.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

This friday The Wedding will be giving away one of their new songs on www.myfreemusicfriday.com . There will be a limit of 5,000 downloads, but this is an actual download from the record. Also, this Friday at midnight, the band's label will be putting the album's first single on their myspace and the song will go to radio the very same day. Visit them there this Friday for all of this and more.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

The biggest Jars fan may have all his/her wildest dreams come true. In light of Valentine's Day, Jars of Clay wants to get you in the mood for their upcoming Spring Tour.

Do any of the four tasks listed below, and enter to win a Valentine's Day Package including a Compilation CD made by Jars of Clay, a video note personalized to you from the band and more. Three runners-up will also receive Valentine's gifts from Jars of Clay.

1. Post a review of Good Monsters on iTunes, E-music, Amazon etc.

2. Write a 'Roses are Red' poem.

3. Host your favorite Jars of Clay song on your Myspace page and don’t forget to send in the link.

4. Create your own tour poster and put it up around your neighborhood promoting Jars of Clay. Email the band either a picture of where you put it, or the poster you designed. Great places to post are: book stores, record stores, schools, coffee shops. Please remember: ASK FIRST before posting!

5. Make a Valentine’s Day card for someone special (mom, dad, friend, boyfriend, girlfriend)

6. Host Jars of Clay's Valentine's banner on your website/Myspace page/blog.

[To ENTER: Send an email with pictures, poems or links for each task you tackled. Please send e-mail to: www.teamjars@nettwerk.com with the subject heading: "ROSES ARE RED". Deadline for entries is: February 23rd, 2007 and the winners will be chosen AT RANDOM from eligible entries. We'll post the winners in the news section of www.jarsofclay.com and www.myspace.com/jarsofclay on Wednesday, February 28th

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

The Canadian equivalent of the GRAMMY, Juno nominees are selected based on a combination of sales and votes from members of the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS). Joining Manafest in this category are Hawk Nelson, Downhere, Carolyn Arends and Starfield. This year’s ceremony will be hosted by Nelly Furtado on April 1 at Saskatoon’s Credit Union Centre and broadcast live on CTV.

“When I first got into the music industry I never thought I’d be at the level I am now with a Juno Nomination,” exclaims Manafest. “Crazy Dope, God is good!!!”

In addition to the Juno Award nomination, Manafest has a lot going on. His video for the song “Runaway” had world-wide premieres on MonsterPod.org and the Gospel Music Channel, where the video debuted at #1 on their Top 30. “Bounce,” the second single from Glory, just went for adds at radio the beginning of this month. (Read Suite review of "Glory" Here).

For this unique rapper, his music is about much more than garnering nominations, having world-wide premiers and making it to the top of the charts…he wants to connect with listeners one-on-one and impact lives. Manafest’s vision for 2007 is to play over 200 shows and see at least 3,000 people saved through this music ministry.

“Performing music gives me a platform where I can speak God’s love to the masses,” Manafest explains. “I want to be sure I’m making good use of the stage He has provided me, by using it to pull people in to hear my story and songs and then have the opportunity to connect with them on a more personal level when I step off the stage.”

Currently playing solo dates across the country, Manafest will team with Boarders for Christ for a tour in April and May. San Diego-based Boarders for Christ is a team of professional skaters and snowboarders who are dedicated to sharing the gospel. Manafest will be the headline performer for the event and will be skating alongside Tim Byrne and his team of skateboarders.

Suffering a severe ankle injury and ending his dream to become a pro skater, Chris Greenwood, aka MANAFEST, signed with BEC Recordings and released his debut album Epiphany in 2005 and the follow-up, Glory, in 2006. Glory has received great response since it’s release, with Christian Music Today’s Andree Farias commenting, “the album…manages to be a study on how to fuse rap and rock the right way. It even trumps recent offerings by tobyMac, KJ-52, and John Reuben—all practitioners who have a thing for rap-rock, but that don't do it as well. Highly recommended.”

For more information about MANAFEST, Glory, or to find tour updates, please visit www.manafest.ca .

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Michael Olson's "Where Fear and Faith Collide" shuts down emphatically the slightest suggestion of the sophomore slump. Suite has plenty of Olson info for you, beginning with a full review of the album, a link to take you to Michael sharing some of the stories behind these songs, and finally, our own recent interview with this talented performer. Enjoy!

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Click on the link to view the album review.

1 Jeremy Camp

What It Means

2 Chris Tomlin

Made To Worship

3 MercyMe

Hold Fast

4 Bebo Norman

I Will Lift My Eyes

5 Salvador

Shine

6 Echoing Angels

You Alone

7 Lincoln Brewster

Everlasting God

8 tobyMac

Made To Love

9 Casting Crowns

Does Anybody Hear Her

10 Third Day

Mountain of God

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

“I got a band of teenagers, and I’m having the time of my life,” says five-time GRAMMY Award winner Steven Curtis Chapman about his headlining gig on the 2007 Winter Jam Tour.

Spectacular with a back-up group that includes his sons Caleb (17) and Will Franklin (15) on guitar and drums respectively. More accustomed to performing his own two-hour concert events instead of being part of a multi-artist traveling festival, Chapman told the Cincinnati Post that he jumped at the chance to play a nightly 40-minute set with his sons on the Winter Jam Tour.

“I’ve dreamt about someday taking my sons on tour with me,” he explained. “There is an energy and passion that I don’t think I’ve had on stage for 15 years.” Beyond the music, Chapman wants this special opportunity to send another message. “I hope it says something cool to a lot of kids and dads about what families can be and should be. Certainly we haven’t done everything perfectly. Just interview my boys and they will tell you. But this has been a great relationship builder for us to work together.” To learn more about the father-son onstage dynamics, read the entire Cincinnati Post feature here.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

She’s been compared to both Nina Simone and Mahalia Jackson. Perhaps, she

embodies the spirit of them, but there's no doubt that Liz McComb places her own distinctive stamp on whatever she sings. The New York Times' scribe Ben Ratliff has written, "McComb moves from smoothness to Pentecostal abandon." The Cleveland-bred, but Paris-based vocalist/ pianist has been wrecking concert halls all over Europe for the last twenty years.

Back in 2001, Crystal Rose Records released her self-titled American debut CD that was actually a compilation of her hit recordings in France. The tunes “Fire” and “What Happened to the Love” received some sporadic gospel radio airplay, although, her music doesn’t fit

into the modern-day gospel format. The project peaked at #31 on the Billboard gospel album sales chart. McComb’s music – like that of Clarence Fountain & the Blind Boys, the Fairfield Four or even Mavis Staples and the Holmes Brothers – is roots-based and teeters between

blues and Americana in a musical sense.

Now, at last, comes an American sophomore recording, “Soul, Peace and Love,” which will be released on GVE/Sunnyside Records on March 13, 2007. The new project is a soulful open letter to mankind that it’s time to unite in human brotherhood. This project is a world music

album in the literal sense. Her rendition of “When the Saints Come Marching In” features both an inner-city rapper and a New Orleans jazz band. “The Peacemakers” is backed by Parisian school children while “Remember Me” percolates with conga players from Guadeloupe.

Then, she spends a little time down south with Clarence Fountain & the Blind Boys on the dramatic “For Your Love is Better Than Wine.” It’s an eclectic global musical experience. For more information, log on at www.lizmccomb.com or www.sunnysiderecords.com .

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

The Stellar awards are called the gospel industry’s Grammy awards equivalent. This is Light’s sixth Stellar Awards compilation and promises to be the biggest yet. The project boasts songs from some of the year’s biggest gospel projects. From Prophetess Juanita Bynum’s gold-selling A Piece of My Passion CD is the stirring ballad, “I Don’t Mind Waiting.”

The set features other captivating ballads such as Martha Munizzi’s worshipful “Come Holy Sprit” ( No Limits…Live CD), Lisa McClendon’s jazzy “Just Another Day” (Live From the House of Blues CD), and the Williams Brothers’ remake of the `80s Cocker & Warne’s pop smash “Up Where We Belong” (Soul Link 3 CD).

It was a very good year for traditional gospel music as Bishop G.E. Patterson racked up over 100,000 sales with “Look Where He Brought Me From” that was pulled from the Singing the Old Time Way CD. New Orleans’s Bishop Paul S. Morton joined Keith “Wonder boy” Johnson and the Canton Spirituals’ Paul Porter on the uptempo shout number, “A Mighty Good Friend” (Seasons Change CD).

R&B styled gospel music is gaining greater appeal as artists such as Bryan Wilson create music with a soulful backbeat and a strong message. In Wilson’s autobiographical tune “Still My Father” (Uncloudy Days CD), he talks of growing up without his natural father and looking to God for parental guidance. The trio of Virtue makes a smooth case for trusting in God on “The Sky is the Limit” (Testimony CD) and Shreveport quartet, Zie’l, sings of the Savior’s grace on the mellow funk of “That’s How He Saved Me” (Genesis CD). Proving that she can hold her own with the youth of today, Gospel’s First Lady – Shirley Caesar – turns in a percolating performance on the pulsating, “Everything is Going to Be Alright” (I Know the Truth CD).

Group voices aren’t left out of the equation either. Israel & New Breed spice things up with “Turn it Around” (Alive in South Africa CD) and New Direction shows off their smooth harmonies on “Hold On” (Send the Praise CD). Connecticut’s Youthful Praise Featuring J.J. Hairston merges Sunday morning worship with an up-tempo Caribbean beat on “He Reigns” (Live the Praise, the Worship CD). It’s a stellar collection that caps a stellar year in gospel music.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Adding to his five previous NARAS honors from his 20 years of professional recording, Glory Train, Randy's fourth gospel CD, won in the category of “Best Southern, Country, or Bluegrass Gospel Album.” Two previous Word projects, Rise And Shine and Worship & Faith, have each brought him GRAMMY Awards, Dove Awards and an ACM Award.

Recorded in Santa Fe and released in late 2005, the all-acoustic Glory Train mines a blend of traditional hymns, new sacred works and traditional spirituals, delivered with Randy' signature country sound.

Currently, Randy is in the studio with producer Kyle Lehning (Ronnie Milsap, George Jones) recording his upcoming country studio release on Warner Bros. Records.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

From its seven previous nods, the band has been awarded GRAMMYs for both "Wire" and "Come Together," each RIAA Certified Gold.

Caught up in the celebratory moment, a very thoughtful Tai Anderson offered, “Wherever You Are seemed to connect to our fans in a more meaningful way than any of our previous recordings. To have it be recognized by the GRAMMYs is an incredible affirmation for both the band and our fans.”

“I always say the cliché ‘it's great just to be nominated’. And it's true. But I tell you what, it sure is more fun to win! What an honor for us to win another Grammy! It doesn't get old!” said Mac Powell.

Recently releasing its first Christmas worship album, "Christmas Offerings" (10/10/2006), and wrapping up a successful headlining tour on Nov. 19, the band is excited about kicking off 2007 with such momentum behind Chronology, Volume One (1996-2000) which drops March 27, followed by Chronology, Volume Two which hits retail, August 7.

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KJ-52’s The Yearbook, serves up topics with both seriousness and some just plain fun. Songs include “Fanmail” based on letters KJ-52 has received about kids cutting themselves, struggling with sexuality, divorce, and alcohol and what to do when faith doesn’t make sense. “Daddy’s Girl” deals with the self-esteem issues girls deal with growing up. The song “You Hang Up First” tells the common story of young love and breaking up. “It Ain’t Easy Being Tweezy” pokes fun at the KJ-52 being a white rapper and sometimes being mistaken for a band instead of solo act.

“When I look back on my yearbook (then) I see mullets, big hair and a whole lot of bad fashion,” says KJ-52. “When I look at my yearbook now (my album) I see a collection of songs that reflect what God has done in my life in the last year... I think I like this one better.”

This album, which will include a bonus disc of music videos and behind-the-scene footage, proves to be a first for KJ-52 as he produced all but two of the songs on the album. The other two songs were produced by industry veteran Aaron Sprinkle (Kutless, Eisley, Jeremy Camp). There are also guest appearances by the Disciple (INO) frontman Kevin Young on the song “You’ll Never Take Me Down,” as well as Emery’s (T&N) frontman Toby Morell on the first radio single “Wake Up.”.

In support of the album release, a virtual high school, www.fivetweezyhigh.com , will be launched early March.

Fans will be able to participate by posting yearbook photos, listening to weekly podcasts, and sharing personal stories.

KJ-52, who has shared the stage with Kutless, Disciple, and Falling Up, will tour this spring and summer, including all the major music festivals, Women of Faith’s national conference, six Acquire The Fire events, and 14 cities on this fall’s Revolve Tour. He also recently had the honor of being invited by the government of Morocco to share his music with over 50,000 at the Friendship Fest. With seven albums to his credit, KJ has amassed over 500,000 records sold to date. He has heralded the title of favorite “Hip Hop Artist” in the CCM Magazine Reader’s Choice Awards twice and has numerous Dove Awards to his credit.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Click on the links to read the full Suite review of the album.

1 Jeremy Camp

What It Means

2 Chris Tomlin

Made To Worship

3 MercyMe

Hold Fast

4 Bebo Norman

I Will Lift My Eyes

5 Salvador

Shine

6 Echoing Angels

You Alone

7 Third Day

Mountain of God

8 Lincoln Brewster

Everlasting God

9 tobyMac

Made To Love

10 Mark Schultz

Broken & Beautiful

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

According to their recent Myspace Bulletin, it's showtime!

"We knew this couldn’t be just another music video produced in Hollywood by some famous, over-priced director, no, we decided to spice things up a bit! Here’s what we did...we invited fans from three west coast shows to play director, using their mobile phones to record footage. These fans were invited to get up-close and personal with the band as they were ushered towards the front of the stage during the live performance of Dead Man (Carry Me).

After sorting through hours of fan footage, the video is finally finished and ready for the world to see! We want to invite you to be the first to view our exclusive video for Dead Man (Carry Me)! "

Click here to read the full Suite review of "Good Monsters."

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Following a week-long, whirlwind schedule of media appearances and a concert in Japan, Leeland will make the return flight across the Pacific to Los Angeles for the 49th Annual GRAMMY Awards, where the band is nominated in the category of Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album for its debut album, "Sound of Melodies." (Read full Suite review here) The 49th Annual GRAMMY Awards will be held on “GRAMMY Sunday,” Feb. 11, 2007, at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and broadcast live in on CBS from 8 – 11:30 p.m. (ET/PT).

Beginning this Thursday, fans will have several opportunities to catch Leeland on television. On Thursday, February 8, 2007, Leeland’s episode of “The JONI Show” will air on the Daystar Television Network. According to Joni Lamb, host of “The JONI Show”, “I loved the new, refreshing sound and lyrics of Leeland. It was a joy to host this new band on ‘The JONI show’!” Visit www.daystar.com for additional information.

During the month of April, Leeland’s episode of CBN’s “One Cubed” will premiere. Morgan Pride, Associate Producer of “One Cubed” shares her excitement for the band, “I’ve never seen a group of guys more humble and more passionate about reaching their generation. Not only are they incredible musicians and songwriters, that may very well change the face of Christian Music, but they demonstrate in their performances, a true heart of worship.” Visit www.1cubed.com for further information.

Sound of Melodies, the 11-track debut from Leeland was produced by Matt Bronleewe, Marc Byrd and Steve Hindalong. According to Leeland Mooring, “Whenever we play, our main goal is to be able to minister to our generation.” The songs on Sound of Melodies establish a doorway to God’s presence while musically containing layer upon layer of emotional, majestic melodies constructed on rock influences, European groups such as: Travis, Coldplay, Delirious, Doves, and Godfrey Birtill, among others. Leeland is comprised of: Leeland Mooring, guitar/lead vocals; Jack Mooring, piano/vocals; Jake Holtz, bass; and Mike Smith, drums.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

A graduate of Colorado State University, Burkhart moved to Nashville in fall 2003. Receiving an education about the industry via her employment with various Christian music companies, Burkhart discovered a disconnect between parachurch ministers and the artistic abilities she encountered daily.

“While serving as a Young Life leader, I found myself wishing for music that was a better influence on my girls than the normal MTV message – sex, drugs, and alcohol. I wanted them to hear music about a life with vision, purpose and peace. When I moved to Nashville, I discovered numerous artists that would have been PERFECT for my girls! I realized that, like me, many leaders don’t have time to find out about these relevant artists on their own. So – why not bring the artists to them? With all that labels and leaders have going on in the day-to-day, there isn’t a lot of time to develop lasting relationships. My hope is that Brokenbox can serve to fill this crucial gap.”

With that challenge at hand, Burkhart founded Brokenbox to help foster the relationship between parachurch ministers and Christian artists.

“Brokenbox is a prime example of what the body can look like,” says Burkhart. “Artists - be that musicians, painters, sculptors, authors, you name it -have been crafted in God’s image to proclaim His glory through their gifts and talents. Likewise, our leaders have been specially crafted to invest in students’ lives and encourage them into a relationship with Christ. I believe there are young adults who will come to know Christ through the gifts of an artist. My hope is that we can serve as a channel for leaders to discover artists who might speak to their students.”

The name Brokenbox originated when Burkhart learned of a student who walked away from suicide after listening to a Christian music CD. “When I heard this young man’s story, my cynicism and doubts about how big God is were destroyed. I wanted to name my company Brokenbox as a constant reminder and accountability of the extravagant way God moves in the hearts of men.”

Brokenbox has established partnerships with leaders from organizations such as Young Life, Campus Crusade, Navigators and Baptist Student Union. Its clients have included Zondervan Publishing, Provident Label Group, INO/SRE Records, Indelible Creative Group, Simple Letter, and Word Label Group, among others.

For more information about Brokenbox Communications and its services, call 615.261.9494 or e-mail info@brokenboxonline.com.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

This is the third No.1 single from the band’s RIAA Gold-certified Lifesong album (2005).

“Does Anybody Hear Her” marks the band’s sixth career radio No.1. The group’s self-titled, platinum-selling debut (2003) produced mega hits “If We Are the Body,” “Who Am I,” and “Voice of Truth” which claimed a record-breaking 13 weeks on top. The radio streak has continued with chart-toppers “Lifesong” and “Praise You in this Storm” off the group’s GRAMMY-winning, sophomore record.

Over its three-year career, Casting Crowns has been the most played artist on all Christian radio formats combined. The band has sold more than 2.3 million albums to date, with RIAA certifications including two Platinum records and two Gold records. Casting Crowns won a GRAMMY for its sophomore studio album Lifesong, and was named Group of the Year for the second consecutive year at the 37th Annual Gospel Music Awards. Lead singer and songwriter Mark Hall has been a student pastor for 15 years and currently serves on staff at Eagle’s Landing First Baptist Church in Atlanta.

For more information, please visit www.CastingCrowns.com

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

The video is the first to be shot for their brand new record Five Score And Seven Years Ago, which is due out on March 6th. To view the "Must Have Done Something Right" video, click here.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

The band released their stellar third project "The Face Of Love" last April and guitarist Chris Rohman recently let the fans in on what the latest is...

"We've been spending as much free time on the road as we can writing music and kicking around lyrics for new songs. We hope it pays off because we're about to start spending some time in the studio again during days off from the Winterjam tour. Thanks to everybody that's commented on the shows too. We're really stoked to be on such a huge tour and we're always excited to get our music out to people who have never heard it. We do have a new single out right now at radio, so if you hear 'Don't Give Up' on your local station be sure to call them up and say thanks for playing it!"

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Fireflight reached No. 1 on both R&R and CRW Christian Rock Charts with its second single, “Waiting.” This follows their debut smash single "You Decide,” which also went No. 1 at CRW Christian Rock and named one of Air1's Top 25 songs of 2006.

With more than 20,000 units scanned in the first six months after their debut release, Fireflight is seeing success that reaches far beyond the Christian market. Fireflights’ song “Star Of The Show” was recently selected for America’s Funniest Video’s music montage in the January 28 nationwide airing, rebroadcasting March 20, in addition E! Entertainment’s “Style Network” chose the song to promote their upcoming spring season. Also catch Fireflight’s “You Decide” on the in-store video reel for both American Eagle and Journey’s stores across the nation.

Fireflight is currently on a 36-city run as part of the Scars Remain tour, which goes through March, with Decyfer Down, Family Force 5, and headliners Disciple. The band will head out this spring with Seventh Day Slumber.

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Well-known for his strong conservative viewpoints, it may not be too much of a shock to find that band leader Dale Thomspon has decided to run for the U.S. Presidency. "This is Dale's myspace site for his run for the White House in 2008," announced Thompson's Campaign Finance Manager Zachary Christian in an email sent out last week. "His slogan is 'I am not one of them, I am one of you.'

He left a video greeting there for anyone interested in some of his policies. He would welcome your impute and support. You will notice that the video portion of the site is done very inexpensively. Dale doesn't believe in government waste. Also his speech was not rehearsed because he wanted to appear as he really is unlike most politicians."

For more information about Thompson's run for presidency, visit www.MySpace.com/PhilipDaleThompson .

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

With a devout fan base firmly in place, the heralded Austin-based band Flyleaf will embark on a headlining tour kicking off in Memphis, Tennessee on March 25th. Atlantic/Lava/Ardent/SRE hard rockers Skillet have been tapped to support the band throughout the tour following the release of their best-selling project, Comatose, along with Dropping Daylight, Resident Hero and others supporting in select markets.

Tickets everywhere go on sale Saturday, February 10th, but an exclusive fan presale will begin today, February 6th at 3pm local time (details available at www.flyleafmusic.com ). Calling it the “Justice & Mercy Tour” holds special significance, since the band is teaming with World Vision to offer fans a limited-edition four song EP (available exclusively on the road) and a specially designed t-shirt. All proceeds for both items will benefit World Vision, which provides worldwide aid to those in need.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

In December, Building 429 was featured at the 27th annual Christian Rock Night in Ennepetal, Germany along with Tree 63, Thousand Foot Krutch, RED, Decyfer Down and local bands such as Saphena, Crushead and Allee der Kosmonauten. The band also performed at the Heidelberg, Hanau and Baumholder US Army installations. The performances ranged from a Sunday morning worship service to a welcome home event in Baumholder for over 4,500 troops returning from Iraq. Building 429 was also invited to spend time with the troops and their families while in Germany.

"We have never been more sure of the presence of the Lord than we were as we stood on the stages in Germany and played for our heroes ... the ARMY," says lead vocalist, Jason Roy. "Every conversation that we had, and every soldier that we spoke with reminded us of just how BIG our God is. The Lord's presence was tangible on the Army bases and in the cities that we visited while in Germany, and we have returned home changed men."

While in Germany, the band also had the opportunity to use the city of Heidelberg as a backdrop for a photo shoot in support of their upcoming album, Iris to Iris. The album, which is set to release May 1, 2007, is currently receiving final touches with esteemed producer Brown Bannister. A spring tour with TobyMac is set to begin mid-March.

In addition to their travels and touring, Building 429 is also currently the featured artist on Big Shiny Planet, an innovative, video-driven Bible study for teens, led by popular Christian artists. Each featured artist presents a Bible lesson based on one of their songs. Building 429's study, "Buck Up!" is based around the popular track, "Fearless," from the group's latest album, Rise. The study focuses on battling fear with what we know to be true about God, with the foundation of the message coming from Joshua 6.

Lead singer Jason Roy says, "We're very excited to be a part of Big Shiny Planet Bible studies and believe that music is a great way to communicate God's Word." In addition to participating in the Bible study, teens have an opportunity to enter the Big Shiny Planet contest for a chance to win an autographed Building 429 CD (one given away weekly), or a grand prize consisting of a Big Shiny Planet study and collection of CD's from Word Records. Big Shiny Planet is committed to meeting the media-driven, interactive needs of teenagers living in the 21st century. The Big Shiny Planet Bible studies allow teens to hear the Word, be encouraged and still engage in a relevant, musical and media-savvy study experience.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Beginning in October 2006, NBC called on the song to be used in promotional efforts behind their hit, drama “Heroes.” The network now has plans to include the song in several DVD releases of their hit primetime shows. The DVDs will be available between September and December of 2007. In addition, Krystal’s song will remain a feature on NBC’s music website for the rest of the year.

“I am so excited to know that NBC is continuing to use my music for the upcoming year,” shares Krystal Meyers. “The NBC Network is obviously a huge part of the television world so it’s humbling and a little overwhelming to turn on the TV and hear my song as part of that show!”

Since the release of Krystal Meyers’ self-titled debut on Essential Records (2005), the eighteen year-old has garnered a Dove Award nomination for New Artist of the Year, landed the No. 1 spot on general market radio in Japan (“Anticonformity”) knocking the Red Hot Chili Peppers from the top position, had six Top 10 singles in the U.S. (“The Way To Begin,” “My Savior,” “Anticonformity,” “Fire,” “Collide,” “The Beauty of Grace”), and performed before more than 400,000 people. Dying For A Heart, the second record from Meyers, landed in stores September 2006.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

The Almost--the brainchild of Underoath drummer/vocalist Aaron Gillespie--will release their debut album Southern Weather April 3 via Tooth & Nail and Virgin Records.

Gillespie--who sings and performs virtually every note and instrument on his solo debut-- teamed with acclaimed producer Aaron Sprinkle for Southern Weather. It kicks off with the attention-grabbing, percussion-driven anthem "Say This Sooner," set to impact radio February 14.

Brandon Ebel, head of Tooth & Nail/Solid State/BEC recordings, explains, “We are incredibly excited about the release of Southern Weather. For some time now, Jason Flom and I have been looking for the right record to team up on, and we have found a perfect fit in The Almost. The band blends HIT song-writing with relevant, accessible rock. We really think this record will appeal to a wide variety of music fans, and we can hardly wait for it to hit stores.”

Jason Flom, head of Virgin Records and the newly formed Capitol Music Group, notes, “We couldn’t be more excited to be partnering with Tooth & Nail on one of the best new rock bands in a long time, The Almost. I have the utmost respect and admiration for Brandon Ebel and his team and…I LOVE THIS RECORD!”

Chad Johnson director of A&R for Tooth & Nail/Solid State Records adds, “Having worked with Aaron since he was 15, I'm very proud to see how much he's grown both personally and musically. He's delivered an album that is catchy, moving, and mature....all tightly woven in a debut effort. The relationship with Virgin has been a great experience thus far and I'm convinced that two teams working hand in hand will prove a winning combination.“

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Jonny Lang and his band will be performing one of the songs from his newest album Turn Around. (Read full Suite review here). And take note for another Suite favorite singing back-up: Jason Eskridge. Check it out if you can. It's on CBS @ 12:35 ET/PT.

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The Juno is the Canadian Grammy, so the honor is significant. Read the Suite review of "Wide-Eyed & Mystified" here.

The awards will be handed out Sunday, April 1st at Ceremonies in Saskatoon, SK. Click here for all the scoop.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

The vehicle then collided with a parked car sitting on the side of the road. The vehicle and trailer jack-knifed, the trailer sheared away from the van doing multiple rotations and coming to a stop blocking three lanes of I-74 the Vehicle in the meantime did a 720 degree rotation and hit a guard rail stopping it from rolling down a very steep embankment. Air bags deployed, bodies were thrown. Chris suffered several lacerations on his hands and all were severely bruised and shaken. Needless to say both vehicles in the collision were completely totaled. The female motorist in the parked car was rushed to the hospital for treatment.. she is believed to be stable. The guys are staying strong.. even though this is a huge blow.. PLEASE KEEP THEM AND ALL THEIR FAMILIES IN PRAYER!

More details to come..

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

A friend of mine had visited a winery and told me about the way this particular vineyard harvests their grapes. They will go out when the vines are first beginning to bear fruit and they will cut off the grapes and throw them away. My friend was told that by doing this, the grapes that follow will grow heartier and more flavorful. It was a terrifying story to me.

I understand the concept of God pruning away whatever doesn’t bear fruit in my life, but the thought that He may even come after fruit-bearing areas of my life is distressing. (How many of the “good” things I do – giving to the poor, ministry, etc. – do I do in hopes that God will leave me alone?) And yet I have to trust that any time the pruning blade is put to my life, it is to make room for new growth. Sometimes this trust is the only thing we have to anaesthetize us to the pain of the cut.

To hear "The Cut" go to www.myspace.com/jasongraymusic . Click here to read the Suite preview of "All the Lovely Losers."

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Click here to read the full Suite review of "Word of Mouth," possibly the freshest yet from this lyricist extraordinaire. John brings his usual heat-seeking search for truth to the party, and with his fresh fusion of rock, pop and hip-hop, it will be hard to find a better new album than "Word of Mouth."

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

The standout video for the retro 80s sounding single “Whoa Whoa!” off newcomer SoulP.'s successful December 2006 release The Premiere will also debut as the west coast rapper's first music video. It was shot by director Justin Purser of Anonymous Content—the same production company that works with top writer/director Quentin Tarantino—in downtown Los Angeles at the beginning of December.

The "Whoa Whoa!" video will be aired for the first time this Thursday, February 8 on Beatmart.com at NOON Eastern. This online debut will be followed by an international broadcast premiere on Gospel Music Channel. The video will also soon be available for download on iTunes.

Beatmart Recordings was founded by Todd Collins—one of three Gotee Records founders—and his brother Troy Collins in 2004. The label has grown to an impressive roster of nine artists in three short years.

The Premiere has ranked #9 on the Nielsen SoundScan R&B/Hip Hop chart for the past five weeks, joining fellow label mates Pettidee's Thug Love (#24) and Japhia Life's Fountain of Life (#37) in the top 50. The album's celebratory, danceable, catchy, and life-affirming songs deal with the social ills of inner-city life and offer hope of redemption and happiness through Christ.

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‘The Worship Revolution Tour’ launches in mid-March, bringing together a mix of artistspassionately committed individually and collectively to international touring, bold ministry outreach, and theology rich music that rocks.

Australian born Grammy winner Rebecca St. James will share the stage with England’s most popular Christian rock band, Delirious? in a combination that brings the global impact of Christian music into sharp focus.Joining the bill is EMI-Sparrow’s gifted singer/songwriter Vicky Beeching, also from the UK, and considered a major new young voice emerging in worship music.

The tour will cover more than 20 U.S. markets between March 14th and April 12th.Additional dates are expected to be added to those already confirmed.

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Crown of Thorns continues its mission to bring its blues-rock flavor of praise to the long-forgotten Northeast, with a new CD, "Blood and Gold," and a release concert at Safe Haven Cafe in Somers Point, NJ, this February 24th. The hard-working band and its rotating membership have been bringing their original praise anthems for the past 16 years. See their website for more details.

Suite would like to express thanks to frontman Steve Rahter for the band's faithfulness to serve an overlooked area, and would also like to recognize the labors of Rod Henry, who also puts major effort into serving our hungry music community. Rod is bringing a monster line-up to his Absecon Methodist Church on Tuesday, February 20th, that includes Family Force 5, Fireflight, Decyfer Down and Disciple. Click on above link for more details to come on this hard-rockin' music night.

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The hourly series airs every Saturday night at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT with an encore at 11 p.m. ET/10 p.m. CT.

Hosted by Steven Curtis Chapman, the series will feature highlights from 37 years of the Dove Awards, including 200 performances and 130 artists from multiple genres of gospel, including soul, urban, hip-hop, country and rock, according to a press release. Featured artists will include Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Whitney Houston with the Georgia Mass Choir, CeCe and BeBe Winans, Kirk Franklin, Blind Boys of Alabama, Yolanda Adams, Third Day, Jars of Clay and Dolly Parton.

"For nearly four decades, the Dove Awards stage has been graced by gospel music's greatest talent, and 'Best of the Doves' will relive many of their great performances and other classic moments," Brad Siegel, vice chairman, GMC, said. "For any fan of gospel music, 'Best of the Doves' will be a priceless time capsule of the great history of the genre, right up to the present day. It captures those once-in-a-lifetime performances and unique pairings of artists that you never get to see perform together."

John W. Styll, GMA President and CEO added, "I'm very glad that the Gospel Music Channel is bringing these priceless performances back to life. Some are poignant and some are hilarious, but all of them are historic. Now that they have been 'unearthed,' I think today's audience will enjoy this treasure trove of unique moments in gospel music."

"Best of the Doves" is part of GMC's new "World Premiere Saturday Night" programming lineup that was launched on Jan. 6. Every Saturday night on GMC features world premieres of specials, new episodes of various GMC series and concerts including "Front Row Live," which gives viewers a front row seat to gospel concerts from around the world; " Hot List," a show that features gospel music videos with a special theme each week; "It's All Gospel," a show that features the world premieres of gospel music videos; and "Faith and Fame," a show that tells the life stories of some of the greatest artists in gospel, in their own words.

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The awards were handed out during a ceremony held at the Renaissance Center in Dickson, Tenn. Hosted by Michael Booth of the Booth Brothers and Sonya Isaacs of the Isaacs, the evening also featured several performances.

The Booth Brothers took home a total of three Harmony Honors, including Artist of the Year and Song of the Year for "He Saw It All." Ronnie Booth was named Male Vocalist of the Year with Karen Peck Gooch of Karen Peck & New River, receiving Female Vocalist of the Year honors for the third straight year. Album of the Year honors were shared by the Gaither Vocal Band (Give It Away) and The Perrys (Come Thirsty).

The Booth Brothers, Karen Peck & New River and The Perrys also were among the evening's performers along with Mike and Kelly Bowling, T. Graham Brown, the Crabb Family, Taranda Greene, the Isaacs, the McGruders, the McRaes, Lynda Randle, Ricky Atkinson and Compassion, and Three Bridges. The Harmony Honors were created by the SGMG to honor those in the southern gospel music industry, by the industry, for their accomplishments over the past year.

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Mac Powell and author/speaker David Nasser will hit 15 cities with the Glory Revealed tour beginning March 29th. The powerful night of worship and the Word along with “friends” Shane & Shane, Brian Littrell, Starfield’s Tim Neufeld, Hyper Static Union’s Shawn Lewis, Trevor Morgan and Candi Pearson-Shelton will support the March 6th album release from Reunion Records.

“We are so excited for the opportunity to do something a little different on the road,” says Mac Powell, “coming together to celebrate the Word of God through each of our individual songs as well as the songs written for the Glory Revealed record. One minute you might hear us doing a Third Day worship song and the next minute a Shane & Shane song, all the while mixing in these compelling new worship songs that were written just for this project. It will be a great night of music and teaching centered around the Word of God.”

“The glory of the Lord is best revealed in His Word,” David Nasser explains. “When we begin to dig into the truth that is found within the pages of the Bible, we will begin to see His glory revealed.” This, the overarching message of the project will be the centerpiece of a one of a kind night of music featuring all artists in the round as well as a powerful message from Nasser.

The album, Glory Revealed: The Word of God in Worship comes from the creative, collaborative spirits of Mac Powell and David Nasser. Releasing to retail on March 6, this diverse project features songs crafted directly from Scripture, lending a tangible, familiar base for the overall worship experience, set to a musical canvas drawn from every corner of the modern acoustic mold, touching on folk, rock, country, bluegrass and more. Taking this unique sound and powerful message directly to the church through this tour; Powell, Nasser and friends will present a beautiful night full of worship and a celebration of the Word of God through music and teaching.

Also available this spring, David Nasser’s book Glory Revealed: How The Invisible God Makes Himself Known includes 20 study chapters examining different attributes of God found in the Scriptures and how they can reveal His glory in our everyday lives. The book will release exclusively through Family Christian Stores April 8th with national distribution coming this summer. The book follows Nasser’s debut release, A Call To Die, which has sold over 100,000 copies to date.

For updated information on Glory Revealed, please visit www.gloryrevealed.com .

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

“A Better Way” is a response to the revelation that God has worked out a seamless act of love in my story, through history. This song was originally written as a love song for my wife. While she appreciated the gesture, she protested that there was a much deeper and more profound love story to be told. She was quite right; I took her meaning and sat down to write a new love song. The final song, in contrast, is a response to an act of love so complete it could not be done, in fact, "a better way.”

—Jason

To hear "A Better Way" go to www.myspace.com/downhere . To read the full Suite review of "Wide-Eyed & Mystified," the album containing "A Better Way," click here.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Check out these links and hear Michael Olson talk about the stories behind two songs off his new album, "Where Fear and Faith Collide."

"On The Third Day"

"Our First Love"

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

If you have been to one of Matt's show over the past couple of tours you have most likely heard him talk about his experience in Africa and about the Mocha Club.

If you have two minutes...check out his latest blog on myspace to read about his latest trip to Uganda earlier this month.

Matt and Mocha Club are once again partnering up this tour and Matt is offering a free download of his latest album "Everything In Between" to anyone who joins the Mocha Club between now and February 27th. By signing up for Mocha Club, a new member commits to give $7 a month in support of projects in Africa and then has the opportunity to invite friends to join as well. The donations can be designated by fans to go to the club and project of their choice, ranging from orphans and HIV/AIDS, to Sudan refugee relief and job training.

For more info check out the Mocha Club website.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Bishop T.D. Jakes has signed a distribution agreement between his Dexterity Sounds label and Rhino Entertainment, a division of the Warner Music Group. "What a

pleasure and a privilege to record the Grace project in Kenya," says

Bishop Jakes. “The CD will always remind me of the people of Kenya,

and will stand as a stirring testament to our missionary work in that

country and around the world."

In addition to releasing new projects by artists signed to Dexterity

Sounds, the label will also actively develop a gospel music reissue

CD series that draws on the music vaults of WMG labels such as Word

Records, Elektra, Warner Bros. and Atlantic Records.

The new Potter’s House Choir CD project, “Grace – Live in Kenya,” is

scheduled to release on March 20, 2007. Recorded live in Kenya,

Africa before a staggering outdoor audience one million strong, the

project boasts 13 powerful songs crafted for Sunday morning worship

services. The lead single, 'There is a Sound', is a congregational

sing-a-long song that is being shipped to gospel radio while a video

of the tune, is being sent to video outlets.

"We are extremely excited about this project,” says Dexterity Sounds

Operations Manager, Ivy McGregor. “The synergy of the experience is

captured and felt in the music. We are passionate, dedicated and

committed to this powerful message of GRACE reaching the world!

Another highlight of this project is that it will benefit the S.O.W.

[Save Our World] campaign to bring more attention to the need for

world relief in countries such as Kenya.”

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Everyday Sunday is making their presence felt on both the Christian Hit Radio and Christian Rock charts after 29 stations added singles “Find Me Tonight” and title track “Wake Up! Wake Up!” their first week. This early radio success sets the stage for the band’s anticipated May 22 release.

The band’s debut Christian Rock single “Wake Up! Wake Up” received 29 adds its initial week, landing at No. 22 on R&R and No. 19 on CRW.

“To debut in the Top 30 in the first week is unheard of,” says Dale Bray, president of Inpop Records. “It’s certainly an incredible start to 2007. We love this band, and we are pleased that radio is 110% on board in supporting them. For Inpop and Everyday Sunday it’s just the start!”

Band frontman Trey Pearson comments on the news, “We are very excited and honored that so many people are taking to the singles and our new album already. We just can’t wait to see where God continues to take us.”

Comprising Trey Pearson (lead vocals), Jesse Counts (guitar), Dan Hunter (bass) and Chris Hines (drums), Everyday Sunday hails from Columbus, Ohio. Attracting a national audience with its 2001 independent Christian Hit Radio single, “Just a Story,” Everyday Sunday joined Flicker Records’ roster in 2002. The band released two successful projects with Flicker, Stand Up and Anthems for the Imperfect, while raking in numerous accolades, including being named among CCM Magazine’s “Favorite New Artists of 2003,” as well as “Best New Artist of the Year” by TVU Music Television. Also in 2003, Everyday Sunday made an impact as one of the Top 10 “Major Impact Artists” for CHR, and its single “Hanging On,” from Stand Up, was the No. 6 most played CHR song of the year.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Joel will now pursue his passion for ministry with deliberatePeople as well as prepare for the spring release of a new children’s project.

“As big of a decision as it may seem, it is very clear to Heather and I that the Lord has called us into this new season,” says Joel. “We are very excited about the future and the things the Lord has set before us to do in 2007. We wish the guys all the best and pray the Lord’s blessing on each of them and their families.”

Founded in 2004 by Phil and Heather Joel, deliberatePeople aims to help people turn their passion for the Lord into a deliberate plan to pursue Him. Presently, it centers around a daily Bible reading schedule, devotional journal, inspired music and web site: www.deliberatePeople.com, with additional resources made available through Indelible Creative Group to follow. Joel’s partnership with Indelible most recently produced the deliberatePeople. album, which released to national retail last fall. This January, Phil is in the studio working to finish up a children’s album, deliberateKids. The Indelible record will launch this spring.

“The Lord has put a real passion in our hearts to write new songs that teach and inspire the newest generation to know the Lord and to develop a personal relationship with Him at the youngest age possible,” says Joel. “deliberateKids is just one example of how we intend to extend the deliberatePeople philosophy to all peoples and ages. It’s shaping up to be one of the most fun and fresh projects I’ve ever been a part of!”

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

This week Rocketown offers tracks from Sara Groves, Jake Smith, and Shaun Groves. The label sent out the following invitation:

Jake Smith is our newest member to the Rocketown Records family, so we are really excited for you to hear his music. We hope you like it! Be on the lookout for his album to release later this summer!

The Shaun Groves track is a new song that is only available on an independent live album that Shaun just released.

Find it all at www.Myfreemusicfriday.com.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Led by first single “The Kingdom” (serviced to radio stations January 24), Waking Up clearly reflects Bethany’s artistic and spiritual growth.

Now eighteen, Dillon is beginning to experience her faith in profound new ways. After a recent mission trip to India, she said, “I feel like God is widening my eyes as I’m walking in this new season.” Waking Up is produced by Ed Cash (Chris Tomlin), John Alagia (John Mayer, Dave Matthews), and Will Hunt (Shane & Shane). Other standout songs on the album include “Something There,” “You Could Be The One,” “When You Love Someone,” “Beggar’s Heart,” and “Top Of The World.”

Pre-promoting the disc, Bethany will embark on a 20-date college tour with Robbie Seay Band through February and March. In related news, Dillon has also contributed to a couple of new movie related albums. She sings “All Creatures Of Our God And King” with Shawn McDonald on Music Inspired By The Motion Picture Amazing Grace (in stores now) and contributes to the Bridge To Terabithia original soundtrack (in stores February 20) that also includes performances by television stars Miley Cyrus (Disney Channel’s Hannah Montana) and Hayden Panettiere (NBC’s Heroes).

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

As if there were any questions left about how diverse Switchfoot could get following rave reviews for the band’s dynamic new disc, Oh! Gravity., the multi-platinum San Diego rock act takes its talent another step further with a cool rendition of Beyonce’s “Crazy In Love” now playing at Yahoo.com. The unique performance choice is part of Yahoo’s ongoing CoverArt™ series sponsored by Pepsi. Other recent participants have included Daughtry covering U2 and Matisyahu covering a classic by The Police. Switchfoot’s fresh take on the Beyonce hit is full of great musical surprises. Watch the guys rock it here.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

The band's latest newsletter includes the following update:

P.O.D.'s New Year's Eve performance in Times Square. This event marked guitarist Marcos Curiel's first performance with P.O.D. in nearly four years. Currently involved in pre-production, P.O.D. is scheduled to release their new project late summer 2007 with the band's original formation of Sonny (lead vocals), Wuv (drums), Traa (bass), and the recent return of Marcos (guitar).

Regarding this new partnership, INO President Jeff Moseley stated, 'I am thrilled to work with P.O.D. I have been a big fan of the band for a long time and think they are at a special place in their career. I anticipate a landmark record. I look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with the guys."

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

And just to keep it interesting, Reuben also plans to hit the world-wide web with a series of videos on both the YouTube.com and MySpace.com sites.

Reuben will kick off his 40-city Word Of Mouth tour run in his hometown of Columbus, OH and zig-zag across the nation for the next two months. With his recent 2005 The Boy VS The Cynic, Reuben toured extensively as well, including a 30–city nationwide stint with Pillar and Thousand Foot Crutch, and dates with Superchick and Sanctus Real.

Next week the first video in a special series will be unveiled online at both YouTube.com and Reuben’s MySpace.com site (www.myspace.com/johnreuben ) . The “mockumentary” styled video series follow last year’s 9-minute “pilot” featuring an exaggerated John Reuben alter-ego. The clip, produced by Reuben and his brother and recalling classic satires like “Waiting For Guffman”, found a large audience quickly, amassing over 175,000 views on Youtube.com and setting the stage for these upcoming video clips. Fans can anticipate 17 video clips beginning next week through the end of May, with one releasing online each week.

Word Of Mouth is already creating a buzz including being featured last week on NPR’s “All Things Considered” online music show.

With five prior albums already to his credit and sales of over 200,000 albums, John Reuben has garnered attention of new and long-time fans everywhere.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Norma Jean will be heading out in March for a four week tour with:

The Chariot

A Life Once Lost

&

The Handshake Murders

The time frame is going to be between March 17th - April 15th.

Both The Chariot and The Handshake Murders will be coming out with new records before or during this tour. You should also be expecting to see a new one from A Life Once Lost as well real soon.

Norma Jean will be announcing the dates soon on their Myspace page.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Future of Forestry is inviting fans to share their FOF concert experiences. The following comes from their recent Myspace Bulletin:

Hey guys!

Tomorrow we start the Credential Tour with Dizmas, Lost Ocean, and Edison Glass (for select dates). We know that most of you own cameras and like to take pictures at rock and roll shows, so we would like to give you guys the opportunity to use some of the pictures that you guys take at our shows. You are able to upload your own photos of us at www.futureofforestry.com. The directions are on the site, so if any of you guys already have some pictures that you would like to upload or will be taking some at the Credential Tour, then feel free to upload them onto the site. Hope to see you guys on the road!

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

After seeing the excitement from the fans during the fall leg of the Coming Up to Breathe Tour, MercyMe asked Audio Adrenaline to continue touring with them into the spring. “When MercyMe asked us to extend our farewell tour into 2007, we weren’t sure what we were going to do,” said Audio Adrenaline member Will McGinniss. “We had been planning to end in 2006, and all four of us were busy trying to figure out what we would do after AudioA ended. Tyler and Ben had already found other gigs, but with their blessing, we decided to carry on in the spring of 2007 to be able to see a few more fans one more time.”

Accepting MercyMe’s invitation, AudioA extends its fall touring with an encore 40-city winter/spring tour that kicks off February 16 in Tulsa, OK and wraps up April 28 at the final farewell concert in Honolulu, Hawaii. Due to previous commitments made prior to the tour being carried over to the spring, Audio Adrenaline members Ben Cissell (drums) and Tyler Burkum (guitar and vocals) will not be on the road this spring, with the exception of the final concert in Hawaii. Ben and Tyler played a key role in selecting the individuals who will be filling their roles. Brian McSweeney, who previously performed on stage with Audio Adrenaline and was also the guitar player on the band’s album, Some Kind of Zombie, will step into the role of guitar and background vocals. Jared Byers, formerly of Bleach, will be the drummer.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

As part of Family Christian Store’s “Inspired Heart … An Artist’s Story” series, the three-month exclusive includes the album, along with a 30-minute DVD of performances and interviews with the couple.

In Christ Alone features 10 of Keith & Kristyn Getty’s most popular hymns. Filled with memorable melodies and timeless lyrics that make the music accessible to all generations, the album showcases the Gettys’ most renowned hymns, “In Christ Alone,” penned by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend, and “The Power of the Cross.” Additional highlights include the hope-filled lyrics of “There Is a Higher Throne,” the intimate “Jesus, Draw Me Ever Nearer,” and the call to action of “O Church, Arise.”

“We believe in creating modern hymns for two reasons,” Keith Getty explains. “First, they can teach us our faith in a fuller way through what they sing, and secondly, we want to attempt to create a more ‘timeless’ art form— music that people of every generation can sing now, and perhaps at best, can last throughout their lifetimes— art that transcends time and generation.”

“To finally have an opportunity to record all these songs that we have been presenting in churches was such a privilege,“ says Kristyn Getty. “We are excited to have a project which represents what we do Sunday to Sunday.”

“In Christ Alone” has claimed the #3 spot on the United Kingdom’s Christian Copyright Licensing International (CCLI) chart since October 2005 and has been recorded by artists including Natalie Grant, the Newsboys, and Avalon, among many others.

Hailing from Northern Ireland, Keith & Kristyn Getty are committed to creating and presenting modern hymns to impact today’s Church. The Gettys are currently living and touring in the United States to introduce their hymns in churches and at universities, conferences and events around the country.

Kristyn Getty is an acclaimed vocalist and songwriter. In addition to composing songs recorded by Clannad's Máire Brennan and the African Children’s Choir, she has written children’s musicals, appeared regularly as a featured artist on the BBC in the UK, and recorded the New Irish Hymns series with Margaret Becker and Joanne Hogg. An accomplished instrumentalist, Keith Getty has also composed, orchestrated or produced music for more than 200 projects for recordings, concerts, theatre, television and film, including selections on recordings by Michael W. Smith, Natalie Grant, Matt Redman and Tim Hughes, among others.

For further information on Keith & Kristyn Getty, please visit www.gettymusic.com .

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

I suppose this song came from my wondering whom Jesus might deem commendable.

Somewhere along the way I got the idea that the kind of disciple Jesus is looking for is someone who looks like a spiritual version of the Marlboro Man – a tough and rugged individualist who doesn’t wrestle with fear or doubt, someone who is assured and supremely confident, a believer who doesn’t waste their time with tears, because If God works all things together for good, then our tears are just an evidence of our lack of faith. Unlike the Marlboro Man, however, this person definitely doesn’t smoke, or have any other visible vices. He or she looks quite put together and nearly perfect. Yes, the kind of person that I imagined Jesus prefers is the kind of person who probably doesn’t need much of Jesus at all… So I put a great deal of pressure on myself to be that kind of person - the perfect Christian. It left me tired, frustrated, and joyless.

It was with profound relief to read Matthew Chapter five and discover that Jesus describes in great detail exactly the kind of person he prefers – those whom he commends with a special blessing. “Blessed are the poor in spirit” he says, and “those who hunger and thirst for righteousness” (presumably because they have little righteousness of their own to begin with). “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted,” not the ones who try to fend off the darkness with proclamations, sloganeering, and spiritualized happy-speak. "Blessed are the merciful,” those who look in the mirror and see how much mercy they need themselves, and so are willing to extend mercy to others. It’s not to the strong and mighty that this blessing is offered, but to the meek and the peacemakers.

Jesus has always had a penchant for losers and the least. In fact, He is King of the Losers, and his love makes them lovely. I’ve never been happier to be in the losers bracket.

Clickhere for more information on "Blessed Be."

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Varietal Records will be an artist-driven label which will provide a new vehicle for Vineyard Artists. The first artist signed to the label, Jeremy Riddle, is set to release his debut project, Full Attention, on March 6 through Word Distribution. The highly anticipated debut follows the unprecedented success of Riddle’s first radio single, “Sweetly Broken,” which was the #6 most-played song of 2006 on AC Christian radio, with over 2.5 million impressions.

“The Vineyard church movement has always been fertile ground for powerful congregational worship songs,” said Bob Van Meter, Vineyard Music’s senior vice president and COO. “With Varietal, we now have a way of featuring those gifted people behind the music – humble, talented worship leaders who are faithfully serving their local church.”

Adam Mosley, Vineyard and Varietal’s product development manager adds, “This whole thing, for us, is an adventure in discovering God. Whether you're a record label, a church, or an individual, one of your primary purposes is seeing what role God wants you to play.”

“The role of Varietal is to blend the best of Vineyard Music's unique tie to the local church with a stable of compelling 'Vineyard Voices' that will bring a fresh new face and sound to the entire Vineyard Music family,” said vice president and chief creative officer, Casey Corum. He continued, “Jeremy Riddle's debut project is a benchmark for what people can expect from Varietal Records. We're very excited to be partnering with Jeremy on this first Varietal release.”

Full Attention is produced by Bob Hartry and features songs written by Riddle, who is currently serving as a worship leader and junior high pastor at the Anaheim Vineyard Church. The second single from the project, “Stand In Awe,” is already making an impact at radio. In addition to national radio exposure, marketing plans for Full Attention include inclusion in Word Distribution’s “Spring Semester” retail campaign as well as performances and appearances during 2007’s Gospel Music Week.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Featuring 30 songs on two CDs, the WOW Hymns compilation provides hymn fans and contemporary Christian music buyers performances from today's top Christian artists, including five exclusive new recordings.

The songs offered on the double disc feature today's top Christian artists including Chris Tomlin's,"Take My Life," BarlowGirl's, "For The Beauty Of The Earth," Third Day's, "All The Heavens," Jeremy Camp's, "Wonderful Maker," Natalie Grant's, "Fairest Lord Jesus," Jars of Clay's, "I Need Thee Every Hour," Nichole Nordeman's, "Just As I Am," Amy Grant's, "This Is My Father's World,"and Michael W. Smith's, "The Wonderful Cross" among others.

WOW Hymns additionally features five new recordings of classic and modern hymns including Casting Crowns' "Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus," Brian Littrell's "I Surrender All," Mark Schultz' "Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing," Building 429's "Grace Greater Than Our Sin" and Point Of Grace's "All Hail The Power Of Jesus' Name."

The Word release is part of the multi-platinum WOW brand series. Created through the partnership between the three largest Christian music/entertainment companies in the industry, including Word Entertainment, EMI CMG and Provident Music Group, the marketing and distribution of WOW projects are shared among the companies, with Word leading efforts for WOW Hymns.

A WOW Hymns website, www.wowhymnsonline.com , is currently set to launch on street date, March 6th.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

The single is from the group’s forthcoming May 8, 2007 Midas Records release being distributed into the CBA marketplace through EMI CMG Distribution. The position places “Undo” as the most added song on the chart with 288 total monitored spins. After going for adds on Christian radio January 12, 2007, the single’s unprecedented multiple chart action garnered the highest score in the history of “20 The Countdown Magazine’s” listener poll.

Rush of Fools' much anticipated debut release is already being sought after by radio listeners nationwide and the group has received numerous My Space messages, requests for the song and incredible life-changing stories of hope and inspiration. Multiple requests have started to come in on a regular basis for copies of the song, in addition to personal stories told about how lives have been impacted by the lyrics, heart and message of the song.

Rush of Fools embarked on a nationwide 2 week radio promotion tour in December, 2006, visiting numerous key radio stations and “launching” the single early on, with strong, positive response from general managers and programmers across the country. The band is slated to embark on the “World On Fire” tour, a major market concert tour in the spring of 2007 with By The Tree and The Turning into 10-12 cities and perform at Alive Festival in Canal Fulton, OH June 20-23 along with Switchfoot, Chris Tomlin, Leeland, David Crowder Band and Toby Mac. Spring tour dates and cities to be announced in the coming weeks.

Rush Of Fools consists of Wes Willis (lead vocals and electric guitar), Kevin Huguley (acoustic/electric guitars and background vocals), Jacob Chestnut (bass), Jamie Sharpe (drums) and JD Frazier (keyboards, violin).

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Last year's release marked the first new album for the band in over five years.

“This project is about performing these songs and just laying your heart and soul on the line vocally,” explains Alabama frontman Randy Owen. “Some of it with tears and some with so much feeling that it takes all you can to get the words out. That is all compiled in this project and it’s truly special.”

Songs of Inspiration II is a collection of traditional hymns, standards as well as two original songs. Included are classics like “Will The Circle Be Unbroken,” “Down By The Riverside,” “Lonesome Valley” and “The Star Spangled Banner.” The album will be simultaneously released by RCA Records to traditional retailers and by Provident Music Group to the Christian retail outlets.

Owen continues, “The music is more about traditional, inspirational songs that I grew up listening to as a little kid and that have been handed down. These are songs that my mother, grandmother and grandfather – some who have gone and some who are still with us – would like.”

Two original songs, “When It Comes My Time,” written by Teddy Gentry and “One Life,” written by Buck Moore and Eric Todd were also recorded for the album. The Del McCoury Band provided vocals and instrumentation on “Will The Circle Be Unbroken” and Riders In The Sky sing vocals on “Love Lifted Me.”

While fans await the release, they can also catch Randy Owen as a celebrity guest judge on the new season of USA’s Nashville Star.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

"Gifted" resembles other popular reality-based TV shows, but its unique quality is that contestants desire to display the gift that God gave them and to give back that gift by sharing with the world the message of hope in Christ. Think "American Idol" for believers.

Click here to find out about the judges, the finalists, the times when you can catch broadcasts, and how to order the DVD of the whole deal.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

The Church worship team consists of a 14-member team of vocalists and musicians who make music reminiscent of early Integrity projects. This is their third release in less than 3 years, released just last month. It’s a mellow mix of gentle rockers, upbeat pop tracks, and the occasional worship ballad. The tone overall is sunny and bouncy; another reviewer might call it “churchy.” If you like early Integrity, and I know many people see no reason to move on, you’ll really enjoy “Praise 3.”

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

"Holy God" marks the first studio recording for Doerksen, writer of such modern classics as “Come Now is the Time to Worship,” “Refiner’s Fire” and “Hallelujah (Your Love is Amazing).”

“I have wanted to do a studio worship CD for some time,” says Doerksen, who has previously recorded/produced 25 live albums. “A studio recording lets us focus on some of the more subtle elements of the songs. I believed that the theme of this project and the songs themselves called for this approach... it’s just an intimate experience that allows the listener to be present in the middle of this encounter with God without distractions.”

The freedom of a studio recording also allowed Doerksen and producer Philip Janz to use musicians and vocalists from different locations. Those guest appearances include duets with Christine Dente (Out of the Grey), Joseph Williams (former lead singer for 80s band TOTO) and native Hawaiian artist David Kahiapo. A classical choir directed by Doerksen’s former music teacher, musicians from England and Germany and the introduction of world music instruments also add to the musical variety.

"Holy God" marks Doerksen’s fourth partnership with Philip Janz who co-produced his previous three Integrity CDs, the critically-acclaimed "Live In Europe," "Today" and "You Shine." Known for combining contemporary and classic elements, Doerksen and Janz once again have created a journey of worship for listeners. The journey is captured in part by personal insights and “song stories” compiled by Doerksen and included throughout the liner notes of the 16-track album. The majority of these songs were written or co-written by Doerksen. Guest writers include Paul Baloche and Brenton Brown among others.

In addition to the CD, Integrity will offer companion resources for "Holy God" that include CD trax, a songbook and a CD-ROM digital songbook, available online at www.integritymusic.com .

A native and resident of British Columbia, Doerksen recently won three Covenant Awards from the Canadian Gospel Music Association for Artist of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year and Inspirational Song of the Year. He is a former recipient of the Gospel Music Association’s “International Award” and also a winner of two SHAI Awards (Canada’s People’s Choice Gospel Music Awards) in the categories of Worship Album of the Year and Male Soloist of the Year.

Doerksen, his wife Joyce and their six children live in Abbotsford, B.C. The family attends The Bridge , an interdenominational church where he serves as Teaching and Worship Life Pastor.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Both are albums that found heavy rotation in the Suite offices. The Echoing Angels project, "You Alone," is a standout debut. See full Suite review here. These innovative worshippers will surprise you with their ten original songs.

And Derek Webb is a long-time Suite favorite, even heading our 2006 List of the Year's Best Albums. His new INO Records release, "One Zero," is an acoustic take on ten of his most prophetic offerings, not to be missed. Many happy fans in Muddville today.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

The debut comes through a first-ever joint venture with Tooth & Nail and Virgin Records. Meanwhile, the group recently shot a video in Southern California for their first single “Say This Sooner,” helmed by Shane Drake (Panic At The Disco, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus).

The Almost scored the #1 most-played ranking on PureVolume some four-plus months in advance of Southern Weather’s April 3 release. The first week “Say This Sooner” was up, it received over 100,000 combined plays on PureVolume and MySpace. Currently, the combined plays for The Almost have already reached over 1.5 million.

Gillespie--who sings and performs virtually every note and instrument on his solo debut--teamed with acclaimed producer Aaron Sprinkle for Southern Weather, and while the two had never met, Aaron was a big fan of Sprinkle’s work with Pedro The Lion. “Aaron is an incredibly talented producer,” says Gillespie. “And it turns out we have a lot in common. He wears a lot of hats and plays every instrument. He’s able to open up your eyes and make you think about things you can do on an album that maybe you didn’t think about.”

While some artists might find themselves overwhelmed by the prospect of working as a solo artist, Aaron says he was motivated by the experience. “I’m used to working in a band environment,” he admits. “So that was a shift. But when I hit my stride, I could just go for things. I didn’t have to explain what I was looking for to someone else or over-think anything.” Gillespie plays from the heart on Southern Weather. Throughout the album Aaron incorporates pieces of his youth. “I grew up in the Deep South,” he says. “Like anyone, I’ve had struggles along the way. But I am very much informed by Southern values and I think the songs speak to that.”

The album kicks off with the attention-grabbing, percussion-driven anthem “Say This Sooner” which is set to impact radio February 14. “It’s about dealing with misunderstood intentions,” says Gillespie. “And the frustration of being judged on someone else’s misconceived perceptions.” Other album highlights include the alt-country inspired “Dirty And Left Out,” which features a guest vocal collaboration with Sunny Day Real Estate singer Jeremy Enigk; the inventive Thursday-meets-Oasis vibe of “Everyone Here Smells Like A Rat;” and the breathtaking, undying roar of “I Mostly Copy Other People,” which benefits from the bass and guest vocal work of The Starting Line’s Kenny Vasoli. The Almost will head out for a West Coast tour beginning in mid-April, to be followed by an East Coast trek in early May. Expect dates and venues to be announced soon. Later this summer, the group will join the Vans Warped Tour for select dates. On the road, Gillespie leads The Almost on vocals and guitar and is joined by: Jay Vilardi (guitar), Nick D’Amico (guitar), Alex Aponte (bass) and Kenny Bozich (drums).

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Leaving behind the electric guitars of JAMMED! and the improvisational elements of Roundabout, Keaggy wanted to give the music of Dream Again more of a homespun feel. To that end, he has paired very personal, insightful lyrics with acoustic arrangements that lend an intimate feeling to the entire project. The result is an album that is intensely close to Keaggy's heart.

"The album was inspired by people in my life who are near and dear to me," Keaggy says of Dream Again. "It's a relationship album-about our relationship with God and with those who are near in our lives."

Rave reviews are already streaming in about Dream Again. A few review highlights include:

"Keaggy may be revered as one of the industry's best guitarists, but this album reveals his pen is just as mighty as his ax."

- Billboard

"[Keaggy's] most nuanced, diverse vocal performance on record."

- Christian Musician Magazine

Dream Again is available on Strobie Records and distributed through TAG Artist Group. For additional information about Phil Keaggy and his new album, Dream Again, visit www.philkeaggy.com.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Led by front man and guitarist Nick Joyce, Our Heart’s Hero includes Jason Nattier (guitar), Jeremy McKnight (bass guitar) and Ricky Holbrook (drums). The self-titled debut effort hails 11 songs of heartfelt, soaring pop-rock, all penned by Joyce, and feature producer Brent Milligan (Audio Adrenaline, ZOEgirl, Rebecca St. James) at the helm. Sonically, Our Heart’s Hero is being likened to Switchfoot, Sanctus Real, Jimmy Eat World, and Delirious.

"Gotee is thrilled to have Our Heart's Hero as the newest artist with our team,” said label co-founder, Toby McKeehan. “We love the music and the hearts of this band. Not only is their music top notch, but these are guys who pour their lives into the kids they play for and walk through whatever life brings to them with grace and wisdom. I can't wait for people to meet this band."

Our Heart’s Hero has spent the last couple years touring extensively with over 150 dates a year nationwide. The band has amassed a grassroots following and racked up over 20,000 friends on myspace.com, as well as selling 20,000 copies of their independent album. Major tour plans are underway for Our Heart’s Hero and The Afters to hit 20 cities this March. The first radio single “Back To The Cross” is currently going for adds at AC and CHR radio.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

The Myriad sent out the following bulletin from their Myspace:

Howdy! We're playin' some big shows down south with Jeremy Camp! Good times and good houses filled with the bluest of blues. Even Miles Davis is chortling to himself.

Mark your juicy calenders!

Monday, March 26, 2007 at 7:00 PM

House of Blues - Anaheim

1530 South Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, CA 92802

SOLD OUT!

Wednesday, March 28, 2007 at 6:30 PM

House of Blues - San Diego

1055 5th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101

Buy tickets

Thursday, March 29, 2007 at 7:00 PM

House of Blues - Sunset Strip

8430 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90069

Buy tickets

Friday, March 30, 2007 at 7:00 PM

House of Blues - Las Vegas

3950 Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89119

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Drew and Lori Cline welcome baby daughter, Daisy Joy, born Thursday, January 25th, weighing 8lbs, 1oz and measuring 21 inches. Drew is lead singer for Dove Award winning, GRAMMY nominated group NewSong and a worship artist with a solo project releasing this Summer. Lori, former Director of National Promotions for Word Label Group, recently started her own independent promotions company, Brighter Promotions. The new parents are ecstatic about their little addition.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Supernatural contains 14 songs including Hillsong classics along with new music emerging from the church. The album was recorded live with a crowd of 3,000 children. Companion resources for children’s ministry include a Supernatural CD-ROM Songbook and a DVD that offers performance trax videos with audio options, four song episodes with discussion style monologues, documentaries and more.

The Supernatural CD, DVD and CD-ROM songbook will be available at Christian retail stores throughout the U.S. beginning February 27. The Hillsong Kids brand is earning kudos from parents and critics alike.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Shown on Saturdays at 8 PM ET, the show is premiering Jan. 27, on the Gospel Music Channel.

A ten-week series captures the most compelling moments from the gospel music industry's most prestigious award show.

10 Weeks - 200 Performances - 130 Artists

Go to www.GOSPELMUSICCHANNEL.COM to see if the channel is carried in your area.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Jason shares the following:

"My father would not boast to be a brilliant poet or theologian, nor a gifted orator or artist. But he has this small seed, it's a calling, it's wisdom, and it’s a shepherd’s heart. He went to a small school and he pastors a small country church. He loves to sing an old hymn called "Little Is Much When God Is In It”—a theme song for him and his church. They have seen God take little and make it much. We've given new wings to an old truth, and I think it could be a theme song for our band."

"Little is Much" is featured on Downhere's "Wide-eyed and Mystified" album.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Nichole, who has twice won the Dove Award for Female Vocalist of the Year, sings a gripping version of the classic hymn “Just As I Am” on "Music Inspired By The Motion Picture Amazing Grace." The multi-artist soundtrack is in stores now, and the movie will hit theaters in February. Elsewhere, you can hear the title track from Nordeman’s latest studio album, "Brave," playing over the trailer for the current Jennifer Garner flick called "Catch & Release." And speaking of catchy new releases, "Recollection: The Best Of Nichole Nordeman" becomes available nationwide on March 6, compiling fifteen hits and two exclusive new songs, “Sunrise” and “Finally Free.”

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

To celebrate, the Credential Recordings band will be performing in their hometown this Friday, January 26th at Epicenter. Also appearing will be Charlotte Martin, Writer and Jamesdrive. This tour kicks off a West Coast run with labelmates Dizmas, Edison Glass, and Lost Ocean.

Produced by Ken Andrews (Failure, Mae),“Twilight” pushes the boundaries of pop music. Unafraid of ambient instrumental breaks mixed in with their guitar-laden hooks, Future of Forestry have achieved a balance. Balance between loss and gain, fear and faith, hurt and strength. When asked about working with the band, Andrews explains “I’ve become a lot more selective about things I choose to produce lately, having focused more on mixing for the last two years, but when I heard the FoF demos, I couldn’t resist. The song writing is just beautiful and quite varied throughout the album with Eric’s emotive voice and classic song writing sensibilities pulling it all together.

“One thing I hate is listening to and working on albums with a lot of filler. I’m proud to say if you like the first song on this album, you’ll like the last one and everything in between. My favorites are “Twilight,” “Thinking of You” and “If You Find Her.” These guys should open for U2.”

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Rocketown artist Michael Olson offers the opportunity to anyone fortunate enough to live in the area:

Here's the details:

Sunday, Feb. 11th @ 7pm

New River Fellowship

1097 Murfreesboro Rd.

Franklin, TN 37064

cost: free will offering

The songs from "Where Fear and Faith Collide" will be performed with a live band, and the new record will be available before it hits shelves on the 13th for a discounted price.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

A portion of the proceeds will go to Blood:Water Mission to help support clean blood and clean water solutions in Africa.

Check it out:

.. Gibson Epiphone 335 DOT - current bid $350.00

Steve played this electric for the first tour supporting the new album "Good Monsters."

.. Taylor Acoustic - current bid $1,400.00

This was Steve's first Taylor guitar...he's been a proud owner since 1995. It's a wide-ranged acoustic that he used in the studio on every record Jars of Clay has done, and it's been a faithful road warrior on tour! A real collector's item.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

This marks the group’s fourth project to receive RIAA honors.

Lifesong Live debuted No.1 on the Nielsen SoundScan Top Christian Music Videos chart and at No. 5 on the overall Top Music Videos chart. The two-disc set features live performances and in-depth, behind-the-scenes footage shot during Casting Crowns’ “Lifesong Tour” which tallied more than 357,000 fans in attendance, 43,000 salvation responses, and ranked as one of the top 100 tours in the country according to Pollstar Magazine (06/2006). The DVD also showcases the band’s latest music video, “Does Anybody Hear Her.”

The success of Lifesong Live underscores the continuous impact the band has had over its past three-year career. The band won its first GRAMMY for its sophomore studio album Lifesong, and was named Group of the Year for the second consecutive year at the 37th Annual Gospel Music Awards. Casting Crowns has been the most played artist on all Christian radio formats combined with six No.1 radio hits, and the group has sold more than 2.3 million albums to date. Lead singer and songwriter Mark Hall has been a student pastor for 15 years and currently serves on staff at Eagle’s Landing First Baptist Church in Atlanta.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Rush Of Fools recently signed a major record label deal with Midas Records and plans to release their debut studio project this spring into through EMI CMG Distribution. In addition, the Birmingham, AL based group has signed a management deal with Patton House Entertainment. Rush Of Fools rounds out its A-list CCM industry team with the signing of a concert booking deal with Greg Oliver Agency in support of their much anticipated May 8, 2007 debut, self-titled release.

Top level music producers Matt Bronleewe, Jason Ingram and Scott Davis have joined forces with Rush Of Fools to create a unique, progressive worship sound that’s both relatable and honest. “I just feel that Christ has led us to say things in their purest form,” says front man Wes Willis. “Our songs tell how it is.”

With Wes Willis and band founder Kevin Huguley (acoustic/electric guitars and background vocals) co-writing most of the songs on the record, Kevin says that, “When I write songs, my main goal is to show my countless weaknesses. There is no doubt in my mind that we have been assigned this mission by God to spread the true Gospel back into our Christian culture. I hope for people to see less of me and more of Christ, in our songwriting, at our concerts and through our lives."

Formed in 2005, Rush Of Fools’ name was inspired by 1st Corinthians 1:25-27 which says, “For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength. Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.”

In support of the band’s May 8 release, Rush Of Fools completed a highly successful, 2 week radio promotion tour in December 2006 and has already seen unprecedented chart action with the release of their debut single, “Undo,” with numerous adds well before its official add date. The band will embark on the “World On Fire” tour, a major market concert tour in the spring of 2007 with By The Tree and The Turning into 10-12 cities and perform at Alive Festival in Canal Fulton, OH June 20-23 along with Switchfoot, Chris Tomlin, Leeland, David Crowder Band and Toby Mac. Spring tour dates and cities to be announced in the coming weeks.

Rush Of Fools consists of Wes Willis (lead vocals and electric guitar), Kevin Huguley (acoustic/electric guitars and background vocals), Jacob Chestnut (bass) and Jamie Sharpe (drums).

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

The Inhabited crew has been pushing through some hard places, but you know they're anything but quitters. Click this link to go to Sara's straightforward letter of explanation to the band's fans. Hint: it ain't over til it's over! That record is on its way!

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

As part of the VH1 "You Oughta Know" Tour, Kearney will be taking out special guests The Feeling, and Rocco DeLuca and the Burden. All three artists are part of the "You Oughta Know" breaking artist program, and all three bands will appear on each stop of the tour, with each night capped off by a full headlining set from Kearney and his band. For more information and the latest on Mat, keep an eye on www.myspace.com/matkearney.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

She performed the national anthem before nearly 21,000 fans at a recent NBA basketball game between the Indiana Pacers and the Houston Rockets. In addition, June Rochelle has recorded two special "fight" songs for the Indianapolis Colts, the NFL¹s AFC Divisional Champions who are playing against the Chicago Bears in the Super Bowl on February 4, 2007. Fans may preview June¹s musical tribute to the Indianapolis Colts on her MySpace page.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Click on the link to read the full Suite album review.

"Twilight" is Future of Forestry's debut album, thick with ambience, releasing today from Credential Recordings.

"The Brothers Martin," from Tooth & Nail, comes from two of the industry's most prolific songwriters/players, Ronnie & Jason, who just happen to have been born brothers.

"Complete," from Lashun Pace, is about as intimate and personal a gospel album as there is, from EMI Gospel.

"Music Inspired by the Motion Picture Amazing Grace" is a tongue-twister of a title, yes. But it's also a strong compilation of some of the industry's best performers, in honor of the amazing work of William Wilberforce and Rev. John Newton, writer of the classic hymn.

Hope's Call continues to keep it all in the family with "Live to Love," their 6th studio album.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Click here for local listing information.

The multi-platinum-selling San Diego-based rock band Switchfoot will hit the road for a series of North American concert dates beginning in February along with Special Guest and labelmate, Copeland.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Jars of Clay sent out the following announcement of its new interactive website and tour plans today:

We are so excited to announce our Spring Tour with NEEDTOBREATHE and

Burlap to Cashmere. And to get you pumped for the tour, we decided to

make a site for you to have some fun with.

Play games, be the first to tell your friends about the tour, pick up

a free banner and purchase tickets all in one spot! Check out your

new addiction here.

Can't wait to see you all this Spring!

Much love,

Jars of Clay

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Focal Point has posted on their Myspace page a new song about the US involvement in Iraq, entitled "This Oil War." Check it out, start a discussion: what are your own thoughts on this war, this song?

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Mat Kearney has been nominated as a Yahoo! Music "Who's Next" User's Choice nominee, and is asking for your vote. Voting has begun for this online poll of upcoming talent. If Mat wins, he'll film an exclusive live concert that will stream online. Vote now at music.yahoo.com

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

January 26th will present to an estimated potential audience of more than 95 million viewers the launch of Gifted --the much heralded 2 hour prime time TBN television special that culminates months of nationwide searching to find and present the brightest new talent in Christian music. Those tuning in that evening will share the excitement of “reality based TV” with the nationwide viewing audience witnessing one contestant being awarded the top prize of a major recording contract with the EMI Christian Music Group.

Once aired on the 26th Gifted is set to rapidly become a total music franchise. The television special will be followed by a February 20th release of Gifted, Season One, on CD/DVD from EMI/Sparrow Records. In addition to the CD featuring performances by the eight top finalists on the telecast, the companion three hour DVD will contain the entire two hour televised special with bonus behind the scenes, 'all access' content.

Hosted and featuring performances by Brian Littrell, member of the multi-platinum selling pop group Backstreet Boys, and now also recognized in his own right as a successful solo artist in the Christian music genre’, judges chosen to sit on the panel for the competition include: Michael Sweet, lead singer of legendary Christian rock band Stryper, Eddie DeGarmo, founding member of multi-award winning Christian duo DeGarmo & Key and now president of EMI CMG Publishing, and multi-Grammy and Dove Award winning artist, Andrae Crouch.

For the debut telecast itself the field of more than 16,000 contestants will be already narrowed for viewers to the eight top finalists, whose performances range from praise & worship, gospel and contemporary Christian music's top hits of today .

Throughout January leading up to the premier, TBN has broadcast four 30 minute prime time network specials setting the stage for Gifted and introducing the contestants to viewers. Nightly 5 minute updates have also been telecast with behind the scene glimpses of the production, the contestants, and the reminder to watch the January 26th premier. After initial airing, the special will repeat on TBN through the February 20th release of the DVD/CD.

National auditions for the Gifted talent competition were held over a year long period in churches situation in major markets throughout the United States. Unique to the competition was the emphasis to create a nationwide talent search for Christian solo artists with a desire to display the gifts that God gave them and to give back that gift by sharing with the world through their music the message of hope in Christ.

The Gifted website launches in tandem with the program's airing on 1/26.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

As the voice behind Dove Award-winning group SONICFLOOd’s rendition of worship hits like “I Could Sing of Your Love Forever,” “In the Secret” and “My Refuge,” Jeff Deyo has helped invigorate the heart of worship for a whole new generation. In his role as SONICFLOOd’s lead singer, primary songwriter and co-producer, Deyo saw the band’s Gold certified, self-titled debut (1999) and its Grammy nominated follow up, Sonicpraise (2001), reach combined sales of more than one million albums.

Deyo followed that success with the release of his debut solo album, Saturate, in early 2002. The critically-acclaimed project garnered him a 2003 Dove Award nomination for New Artist of the Year, while its single “More Love, More Power” landed at No. 1 on R&R’s CHR radio chart. Subsequently, Deyo’s sophomore record, Light (2003), spurred the congregational worship favorite “Bless the Lord” and radio single “As I Lift You Up.” His third solo offering, Surrender (2005), was a live album recorded in New Zealand before 24,000 worshippers.

Chris Thomason, president and co-founder of Indelible Creative Group, welcomes Jeff’s talents and enthusiasm. “Jeff Deyo’s music and ministry is a powerful, down-to-earth experience that interprets our need for intimacy, meaning, and our core purpose to be in a worship relationship with God,” he says. “Unveil reveals our need for something greater than ourselves, and Indelible is excited to be a part of bringing this and future products from Jeff's ministry to people around the world.”

Unveil, Deyo’s first new studio album in three years, will be available at retail May 22. Produced by Josh Deane, Unveil marks a fresh direction for Deyo and his band, who retain their inspiring, worshipful lyrics while charting new sonic territory. In support of the spring record, Deyo and band will continue playing large youth conferences, festivals and sold-out concerts, including stops in Singapore, Brazil, and Bogota.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Click the link to read the Suite review of the album which contains the Top Ten Song.

1 Chris Tomlin Made To Worship

2 MercyMe Hold Fast

3 Big Daddy Weave Let It Rise

4 Salvador Shine

5 Jeremy Camp What It Means

6 Bebo Norman I Will Lift My Eyes

7 Third Day Mountain of God

8 Echoing Angels You Alone

9 Newsboys Where Ever We Go

10 Lincoln Brewster Everlasting God

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Aaron of Mewithoutyou reports some bad news on his recent Myspace bulletin:

so it's 4:09 am and in a few hours I'm headed out to europe, leaving a day before the other guys to pick up the rental van from a farm somewhere in Germany. we've been fixing up our bus a whole bunch and greg broke his arm cutting some plywood on the table saw (coulda been a lot worse, the wood shot right toward his head and he blocked it with his arm! ) so our old bass player Dan's coming out of retirement for one last tour - we're excited to play with him again and happy to be headed overseas and grateful for the many many many good things we've been given. if you live near any of our european shows we need places to stay. if you don't, well maybe take in some other raggedy stranger.

peace&Love to you,

Aaron

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Aabsolutely free, and it's an hour long, covering song explanations, studio information, life on the road stories, and much more. You can pick up the link in their new blog, and you can read the Suite review of the album here.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Seth Holloway manages an all girl Christian rock band by the name of Ilia, currently holding auditions for a new lead singer. The band is in the process of recording their EP, has 200 touring dates for 2007, and has already received major label interest. Ilia also has plans for several showcases in the near future.

You can check out Ilia's myspace CLICKHERE

Auditions will be held in late January. If you know someone that might be interested have them contact :

Least of These

Seth Holloway

615.790.6959

relapse777@aol.com

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

John sent out the following invitation to fans:

I hope everyone is having a good 2007. So far, mine has been fairly relaxing. For the first time in a long time, I've been home for a solid month; however, that is all about to change. Come next month, I will be hitting the road pretty hard to support my new album, "Word of Mouth" which comes out on Feb. 6th. We just launched the new website, www.johnreuben.com, so make sure to check it out for the latest tour stops, to listen to the record, and all other updates as well as videos and some other random treats. We will be updating it frequently and ferociously!!! God bless and hope to see you at a show.

John heads out with Deas Vail next month. Read the full Suite review of "Word of Mouth" here.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

Through his monthly HM devotional, Brown hopes to share where his heart is today and encourage others through his experiences.

Prior to his days with Day of Fire, Brown was the front man for Full Devil Jacket, one of the hottest post-grunge, hard rock bands in America. They had it all: sold-out concerts, rabid fans, appearances with Stone Temple Pilots, Incubus, Nickelback, and a high-profile set at Woodstock ’99 that launched them on to tours with Chevelle, Type O Negative, Slipknot, Fuel and Creed. But it came at a price, which Brown paid with addictions and a heart drained of hope. Those days came to an end when Brown found peace with God.

According to Brown, “I’m very proud to be a part of HM Magazine Online. I look forward to sharing my thought and understanding of the Gospel to those who are willing to listen.”

Doug Van Pelt, Editor of HM Magazine, looks forward to what Brown has to share, “I would be so daring as to say that anyone who knows Josh Brown loves him. His enthusiasm for life is infectious and his devotion to Jesus is right at the core of this enthusiasm. I’m looking forward to being challenged and edified by Josh each and every month throughout 2007.”

Cut & Move, Day of Fire’s follow-up to its self-titled debut, which won a Dove Award for Rock Album of the Year at the 36th Annual Gospel Music Awards, was produced by Pete Thornton with lyrics penned by Brown and music by the five-member band, collectively. Read Suite review of "Cut & Move" here. Day of Fire has also received a GRAMMY nomination, played for more than 500,000 fans in the U.S. and Europe, and has been featured on both CNN and The 700 Club since the release of their first project.

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

The new album has already produced a hit with the first single “Made to Love.” This single debuted at No.3 on the Soundscan Top Singles chart (retail sales), moving up to No. 2 right under Beyonce last week and holds the No. 2 slot again this week.

"Portable Sounds" features the most dynamically diverse sounds on a tobyMac album to date. With an increased commitment to melody and soulful singing, and his now trademarked rock/funk/hip-hop mixed with catchy hooks it makes this disc the best of old school soul and funk with the best of the new-school tobyMac sound. For more information visit: www.tobymac.com .

Posted by Kevan Breitinger

The band announces: "It's 2007 and we are looking ahead at a great year. It looks like it will start off in February with the release of our greatest musical moments to-date on our album "Far From Home: The FFH Collection," which will be in stores February 6. Then in just two months, we will release our first ever worship album. It is scheduled to hit stores April 3rd. It is a mix of popular worship songs and some original FFH worship songs. We are looking forward to finally putting on tape what we love to do live...lead worship."