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JFH Music News Archive

April, 2009



*Thursday, April 30th, 2009*


Lanae Hale One of Christian music’s most heralded new artists, Lanae’ Hale, is gearing up for street week on her first full-length CD, Back & Forth. Starting on release day, May 19th, and lasting until May 23rd, (or while supplies last), Centricity Music is offering an incredible deal to music fans. Free copies of Back & Forth will be available to any consumer that makes a CD purchase of any artist that week in nearly six-hundred CBA bookstores across the country. (Stores are listed below). The promotion is on a first-come, first-serve basis with...
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Addison Road The stork has arrived! Jenny and Ryan Simmons of new pop-rock band Addison Road, welcomed their first child into the world on April 15, 2009. Anniston Cate Simmons was born in Dallas, TX weighing 6 lbs, 3oz and 20 inches long. Robby Shaffer, drummer of multi-platinum selling band MercyMe, and wife Margaret Shaffer celebrated the birth of their first daughter, Stella Renee Shaffer on April 16, 2009 in Roanoke, TX. Stella was 4 lbs, 12oz and 17 ¼ inches long...
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*Wednesday, April 29th, 2009* ~ UPDATE


Sarah Reeves New Sparrow recording artist Sarah Reeves continues promotional efforts supporting her debut album Sweet, Sweet Sound, now in stores. Among the momentum around Reeves first label offering, Sweet, Sweet Sound debuted at No. 5 this week on SoundScan’s Christian/Gospel Digital Albums chart, while its current radio single, and title track, recently exceeded one million myspace plays. Besides visiting radio stations in Alabama, Illinois and Missouri during street week, Reeves made an appearance at the annual...
<< Full Report >>

SCC Steven Curtis and Mary Beth Chapman have been recognized by the renown organization, Children's Hunger Fund (CHF), for their tireless work for the millions of orphans around the world. As founders of the orphan ministry Show Hope™, the Chapman's were chosen to receive CHF's Children's Champion Award due to their admirable care for the needs of children, especially for orphans to find forever homes. The couple was honored at the Children's Hunger Fund Celebration Banquet held this past Sunday evening at the Ronald Reagan Presidential...
<< Full Report >>

toby The Monarch of the Seas is preparing to take 2,500 passengers on a music-filled vacation in the Caribbean. The Music Boat 2009 will be rocking the high seas for four days after setting sail on Monday, May 4th. This will be the fourth voyage for Premier Christian Cruises' Music Boat, and this year offers the best lineup of artists ever. Performers on this year's Music Boat will be seen on four stages throughout the ship. Appearing are: MercyMe, tobyMac, Jars of...
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MercyMe MercyMe continued to celebrate their release of “10” when they played several hits from their new “best of” collection, including “I Can Only Imagine,” at last week’s Grand Ole Opry national radio broadcast from the Ryman Auditorium. Backstage at the Opry, the band was greeted by Grammy Award® winning Opry Member Ricky Skaggs. Pictured from L to R: Jim Bryson, Bart Millard, Ricky Skaggs, Mike Scheuchzer, Nathan Cochran, Barry Graul...
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Jimmy Needham Inpop Records singer/songwriter Jimmy Needham partners with director Chris Corrado ("Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull," "Charlie Wilson's War," NBC series "Life") to shoot the music video for his song "Firefly" at a Los Angeles coffee shop on April 15, 2009. "Firefly," from Needham's current release Not Without Love, was written for Needham's wife Kelly, who makes a guest appearance in the video, to release nationwide in May...
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As the temperatures soared, six-time Vocal Group of the Year, Diamond Rio's Marty Roe and Jimmy Olander led 160 Team Rio runners and walkers across the finish line at the Country Music Marathon and 1/2 Marathon this past Saturday in Nashville. This marked Team Rio’s Fifth Anniversary and raised $80,000.00 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee. Olander crossed the finish line in two hours and ten minutes while Roe came right behind in two hours and twenty minutes...
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As Cities Burn Releasing their third studio project on Tooth & Nail Records last week, As Cities Burn broke into the Billboard Top 200 at No. 109 selling more than 4600 units of Hell or High Water. This Louisiana-based released Hell or High Water to a huge wave of acclaimed reviews: "There's some gems here that will likely get stuck in your head, and the album is a must own piece of art. You will be...
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*Wednesday, April 29th, 2009*


Amy Grant GRAMMY ® Award Winning Singer/Songwriter, philanthropist and mother, Amy Grant will release her first new, non-Christmas music in five years with the release of She Colors My Day EP exclusively on iTunes ® the week of May 5 and in partnership with the skin care brand philosophy. Grant will debut two new songs for Mother’s Day: “She Colors My Day”, a fun pop-song about a mother’s love for her...
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Newsboys Inpop Records' newsboys greets Fred Barnes, FOX network co-host of "The Beltway Boys" and a regular contributor to "Special Report with Brit Hume," the No. 1 weeknight political program on cable, in Vero Beach, Fla. Sunday, April 26. Barnes and his wife flew from Washington, D.C. to attend the sold-out show on newsboys spring' "Join The Tribe" tour, wrapping early May. Pictured (l-r) are Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips and Michael Tait of newsboys...
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RSJ Rebecca St. James was key among those in the Christian music industry welcoming Miss California, Carrie Prejean to the Dove Awards in Nashville last week. Heavily in the news headlines recently for her stand on Christian values in the Miss USA competition, on her Nashville visit backstage at the Doves Carrie specifically asked to meet Rebecca, who she called "a major role model in my life." St. James...
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Mae The American rock group MAE--DAVE ELKINS (lead vocals/guitars), JACOB MARSHALL (drums) and ZACH GEHRING (guitar)--have announced they’ll release (M) ORNING, (A)FTERNOON and (E)VENING, a collection of EP’s April through December 2009 on Cell Records. MAE has committed to offer 100% of the proceeds from the digital sales of (M)ORNING, (A)FTERNOON and (E)VENING to...
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Amy Grant and Vince Gill recently announced plans to host an evening of music at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, on Monday, June 8, 2009, at 8 p.m., honoring wounded warriors and launching the nationwide Challenge America initiative. Challenge America will work with communities across America to support the development of recreational and occupational programs for returning injured military and their families...
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Pleasing anxious fans across the country, 14 year old Luke Benward released Let Your Love Out Apr. 21st and confirmed on the red carpet that he will in fact be performing during the 13-city iShine Live tour this spring. “Singing has always been a passion of mine. I thought it would be fun to do a record that would inspire my generation to love, give and be themselves,” says Benward. “The spring iShine Live tour is going to be a blast. I hope lots of fans come...
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Mansion Entertainment has announced a sales and distribution deal with Hall of Fame artist, Larnelle Harris. The first project under the new agreement will be the re-release of one of Harris' most successful recordings, a live project with the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir that was honored with the Dove Award (gospel's Grammy equivalent) for Inspirational Album of the Year in 1992. Having been out of print for several years, the re-release will feature new packaging and be re-titled, Larnelle: Live in Brooklyn with...
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Manic Drive Bema Media/Whiplash Records have announced plans to release MANIC DRIVE's upcoming album, Blue, on August 18th through Provident-Integrity Distribution. This comes on the heels of an announcement that the band has signed a new management deal with Nashville-based Van Alan Productions & Management (After Edmund, The Peasall Sisters, SoundJam 2009). As one of Canada's most popular Christian bands, MANIC DRIVE earned...
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SAVING GOD, the recent DVD release by Cloud Ten Pictures and Clear Entertainment starring Ving Rhames, has been inspiring audiences and winning film festival awards across the nation. Now distributor Cloud Ten Pictures, best known as producers of the popular LEFT BEHIND series of films, is hosting the “Be Inspired SAVING GOD Song Contest,” which allows individuals the opportunity to have their original songs inspired by the film released nationwide on a compilation CD, “Songs Inspired by SAVING GOD...
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*Tuesday, April 28th, 2009*


Phillip LaRue BEC Recordings' newest shining star continues to break ground as a solo artist with the release of his debut on April 7th. Phillip LaRue released "Let the Road Pave Itself" to much media acclaim including the honored title of Gospel Music Channel's latest "Listen Up" artist (April /May). This budding artist continues to gain new listeners this week as his music is appearing on multiple formats from a digital download to online video premieres to another TV placement...
<< Full Report >>

*Monday, April 27th, 2009*


iShine Live recently announced plans to partner with world-renowned philanthropic organizations Make-A-Wish Foundation ® and World Vision allowing tweens to attend the spring 2009 tour free of charge. “These partnerships are incredibly powerful because we never wanted the cost of a ticket to prevent anyone from attending the show and hearing about their true identity,” says iShine Live founder Robert Beeson...
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TFK Tooth & Nail Records' Thousand Foot Krutch is breathing new life to their fans with the freshly posted single "Bring Me To Life" as part of the Taco Bell's Feed The Beat music program. TFK partnered with familiar face, Aaron Sprinkle, to co-produce the single, and Randy Staub, to mix the single, which is available for a free download to fans previewing the Fall 2009 release. Fans can hear the single at the Feed the Beat site or go to the new studio album's...
<< Full Report >>

*Saturday, April 25th, 2009*


LOTS of Dove Awards reports from Friday that we've compiled for today. Sorry for the delay:

Dove Awards The 40th GMA Dove Awards were handed out last night in Nashville in a live show which was broadcast on the Gospel Music Channel. Powerful performances and inspiring acceptance speeches filled the Grand Ole Opry House as the Gospel Music Association celebrated the best in gospel/Christian music. The Dove Awards will have encore presentations on Gospel Music Channel over the next few weeks. Please check www.gospelmusicchannel.com for dates/times. A few scenes from the 40th GMA Dove Awards (pictures inside the full report)...
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The Afters INO Records’ The Afters took home the top prize in the “Rock/Contemporary Album” category at the 2009 GMA Dove Awards held yesterday evening at the Grand Old Opry House in Nashville, Tenn. and broadcasted live on Gospel Music Channel. The band was recognized for their record “Never Going Back to Ok” which was produced by Dan Muckala. The band dedicated the award to their late manager David Lipscomb...
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DecembeRadio Slanted Records' rock band DecembeRadio took home the Rock Album of the Year honors at last night's 40th Annual GMA DOVE Awards, which were aired LIVE on the Gospel Music Channel. The band, which also received Rock Album of the Year honors for its self-titled debut in 2007, continued its run of successes with this year's win for their acclaimed sophomore release, Satisfied, produced by Scotty Wilbanks. “This is special to us because we are surrounded by so many incredible artists with these nominations...
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EMI CMG EMI Christian Music Label Group and its owned and distributed labels received multiple awards including the top award of the evening at the 2009 GMA Dove Awards held last night at the Grand Old Opry House in Nashville, Tenn. and also broadcasted live on Gospel Music Channel. "It is always a great feeling to know that your peers, co-workers, industry & music community appreciate and respect the work...
<< Full Report >>

KJ-52 Last night in Nashville, 75 artists, songwriters and producers were celebrated during the 40th Annual GMA Dove Awards at the famed Grand Ole Opry House, which aired live on Gospel Music Channel. Among the winners and those honored last night were two BEC Recordings' artists KJ-52 and Seventh Day Slumber. KJ-52 was awarded his fifth Dove Award with the category "Rap / Hip Hop Recorded Song" for his...
<< Full Report >>

Tenth Avenue North Tenth Avenue North, the Best Selling and Most Played New Artist of 2008 (according to Nielsen SoundScan and R&R’s Year End Chart) was named New Artist of the Year by industry and fans last night at the 40th Annual GMA Dove Awards.  The show was broadcast live on the Gospel Music Channel from the stage of the Grand Ole Opry House...
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Michael W. Smith Industry leader Michael W. Smith, was honored last night at the 40th Annual GMA Dove Awards not only with two trophies recognizing his musical offerings, but for his overall contribution to Gospel Music as a new member of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Smith was recognized in the Praise & Worship Album category, as both artist and producer, for his A New Hallelujah project.  The live CD released on October 28...
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Laura Story INO Records’ artist Laura Story won her first Dove Award for “Inspirational Album of the Year” at last night’s 40th Annual Dove Awards. The awards ceremony was held at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN and was broadcast LIVE on Gospel Music Channel. Story received four Dove nominations this year: Female Vocalist, Inspirational Recorded Song “Great God Who Saves...
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Brandon Heath The Christian music industry crowned a new Male Vocalist of the Year last night at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, naming singer-songwriter and radio hitmaker Brandon Heath its honored recipient. Heath’s GRAMMY-nominated hit single “Give Me Your Eyes,” off his sophomore album What If We, was also named Song of the Year, for which Heath received a Dove trophy for co-writing the No. 1 song with Jason Ingram. The live broadcast of the 40th Annual GMA Dove Awards show aired...
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Passion sixstepsrecords welcomes seven awards at this year’s 40th Annual Dove Awards, which were held at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville and broadcast LIVE on Gospel Music Channel. The Atlanta-based record label received five trophies for their compilation disc Passion: God Of This City for Special Event Album of the year. Passion: God Of This City featured all sixstepsrecords’ artists: Chris Tomlin, David Crowder* Band, Charlie Hall...
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Third Day Multi-platinum, GRAMMY and AMA winning rock band Third Day received its 24th career GMA Dove Award last night.  The band was recognized in the Pop/Contemporary Album category for its successful Revelation album (7/29/08).  Presenting the award to Third Day was new Consuming Fire/Essential Records band, Revive, who was discovered by Third Day while on tour in Australia...
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Group 1 Crew Last night, Word Music Publishing’s Bernie Herms was honored with the Dove Award for “Producer of the Year” at the 40th Annual Dove Awards. In addition to penning multiple award-winning hits, Herms has worked as producer for Natalie Grant, Mark Schultz, Avalon, Travis Cottrell and many more high profile Christian artists. Fervent Records’ Dove Award-winning hip hop act Group 1 Crew was once again honor...
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Casting Crowns Christian music’s leader in sales and touring, Casting Crowns picks up a monumental fifth consecutive win last night for the prestigious Group of the Year award at the 40th Annual GMA Dove Awards, broadcast live on the Gospel Music Channel from the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.
Additionally, the band took home the Dove Award for Christmas Album of the Year for its 2008 chart-topping, first Christmas...
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Tenth Avenue North The 40th Annual GMA Dove Awards were announced last night during a live broadcast on the Gospel Music Channel from the stage of Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry House.  Provident Label Group artists and projects claimed top honors including Tenth Avenue North being named New Artist of the Year and Brandon Heath...
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*Friday, April 24th, 2009*


SCC Gospel Music Association’s most honored artist, Steven Curtis Chapman accepted two awards, for artist of the year and songwriter of the year, on an emotional and moving night at the 40th Annual Dove Awards. Chapman was honored less than a year after the tragic loss of his daughter Maria. The ceremony was broadcast LIVE on Gospel Music Channel at 7pm (CST) from the famous Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN...
<< Full Report >>

Dove Awards Dove Awards were handed out last night in Nashville for the 40th Annual GMA Dove Awards with singer/songwriter Brandon Heath and worship band Casting Crowns earning the most awards. Steven Curtis Chapman was honored as Artist of the Year and Tenth Avenue North received the Dove Award for New Artist which for the first time were voted on by both the gospel/Christian music industry and its fans...
<< Full Report >>

Matthew West Sparrow Records singer/songwriter Matthew West accepts the Song of the Year award for "You Are Everything" on Monday, April 20, 2009 at ASCAP's annual Christian Music Awards in Nashville, Tenn. The single, from his current project Something To Say, was the most played Christian song of 2008, according to Radio & Records. West’s current single from the album is "The Motions," presently at No.1 on Radio & Records...
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Miss California, Carrie Prejean, met multi-Dove and Grammy winner Larnelle Harris backstage at the 40th Annual Gospel Music Association Dove Awards on April 23. Prejean, a devout Christian and the runner-up in the 2009 Miss USA pageant, made headlines this week when she was asked during the pageant how she felt about the legalization of same-sex marriage...
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We are happy to welcome In The Midst Of Lions to the Strike First Records family of bands. Their debut album Out Of Darkness will be out on May 26 and you can pre-order it now in our online store. Check out a new song on the bands myspace http://myspace.com/inthemidstoflions. In The Midst Of Lions will be playing at Cornerstone Festival this summer on the Anchor stage as part of the Facedown / Strike First day there, so stay posted for all the info on that and...
<< Full Report >>

*Thursday, April 23rd, 2009*


JoC Jars of Clay, who launched its 10th project The Long Fall Back To Earth on Tuesday and performed at a fundraiser for the African Children’s Choir with Big Kenny, Faith Hill, Third Day, Keith Urban and others last night, has long been known for its innovative, intellectual brand of rock music, but it’s equally known and respected for its humanitarian efforts, specifically those that serve the continent and people of Africa. Tonight, live at...
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Belfast, Ireland-based modern worship band Bluetree attended GMA Music Week in Nashville for the first time and completed more than 40 interviews and hundreds of planned and chance meetings at the annual event that culminates today with the Dove Awards. Bluetree entered GMA Week as the best selling new artist of the year, having held the No. 1 slot for sales at Christian Retail stores nationally for four consecutive weeks with...
<< Full Report >>

TFK As part of last year's Taco Bell "Feed The Beat," Thousand Foot Krutch is offering a brand new song from their upcoming album release, Welcome To The Masquerade as a FREE download! Also, on FeedtheBeat.com, music fans can grab Fireflight's hit song "Unbreakable," "Remember months ago when you helped us out and voted for us on FEED THE BEAT, well now is the day to collect! ;) You can get our new song, "Bring Me To Life" FREE today...
<< Full Report >>

MercyMe Paradigm has once again aggressively expanded it’s footprint in the music industry by announcing an agreement to acquire the Nashville based Christian Music Agency, Third Coast Artists Agency. The announcement was jointly made today by Sam Gores, Chairman of Paradigm and Mike Snider President of Third Coast Artists Agency (TCAA). TCAA has some of the hottest acts in Christian Music including MercyMe, Jeremy Camp, David Crowder* Band, Hawk Nelson...
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Pennsylvania rock band Breaking The Silence has announced their recent signing to Seattle label, Tooth & Nail Records. Below is the band's letter to the fans... "We'd like to announce that Breaking the Silence just inked a deal with Tooth and Nail Records! After months of meeting with labels and much praying, the band decided to call Tooth and Nail home. They felt the staff at T&N understood their vision...
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Underoath Currently in the midst of their fourth international tour since last fall, UNDEROATH have announced the MySpace global premiere of the video for “Too Bright To See, Too Loud To Hear,” the compelling new single off their acclaimed fourth studio album LOST IN THE SOUND OF SEPARATION (Tooth & Nail/Solid State). The group’s most accessible single to date, “Too Bright To See, Too Loud To Hear” will hit Alternative and Rock radio in early June...
<< Full Report >>

SCC The orphan ministry of Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife, Mary Beth, a movement caring for the millions of orphans around the world, has officially changed its name to Show Hope™. Beginning in 2001 as Shaohannah's Hope, the ministry was originally named after the Chapman's now 9-year old daughter Shaohannah Hope, whom they adopted from China in 2000. Explaining the name change, the Executive Director of Show Hope™, Scott Hasenbalg, shares, "Show Hope...
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The Impending Doom camp has announced an upcoming co-headlining tour with Carnifex. Also appearing on the bill are Miss May I (Rise), Conducting from the Grave (Sumerian), and Underneath the Gun (Ferret). Impending Doom will be out for two months touring in support of their brand new album, The Serpent Servant. http://myspace.com/impendingdoom...
<< Full Report >>

Israel and New Breed Multiple GRAMMY, Stellar and Dove Award winner Israel Houghton will be featured on the Gospel Music Channel (http://www.gospelmusicchannel.com) television network’s newest original series, Revealed, April 25 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT. The program encores April 26, 27 and 30; check GMC web site for times. Israel Houghton: Revealed will be the latest major Gospel Music Channel world premiere. The series will feature Houghton...
<< Full Report >>

*Tuesday, April 21st, 2009*


Everyday Sunday We're in the midst of GMA Week as we write (and coincidentally moments away from talking to frontman Trey Pearson about the new record), and thought we'd pass on the news that music fans can grab the title track and latest single from Everyday Sunday's upcoming album Best Night Of Our Lives for a limited time for FREE! Check out the announcement below and then check out the album on June 16!...
<< Full Report >>

Vineyard Music announces the August 4 release of Turn Off the Lesser Lights, 1000 Generations' highly anticipated worship album from the company's Varietal Records imprint. The band is scheduled to attend GMA Music week in Nashville, TN April 20-22 and will participate in a variety of interviews to offer insight into their upcoming album. Turn Off the Lesser Lights has already received major accolades with the social justice anthem "How Big Small Can Be...
<< Full Report >>

New Sparrow Records singer/songwriter Danyew releases his self-titled debut project today. The record’s first single, “Beautiful King,” is currently impacting both Christian AC and CHR radio. Produced by Pete Kipley (MercyMe, Phil Wickham), the album, on which Danyew wrote and played every instrument, is a collection of songs about love. He explains, “The simple truth is that God wants us to love each other...
<< Full Report >>

GMA The Gospel Music Association (GMA) has announced the recipients of awards in the 2009 GMA/Christian Music Broadcasters (CMB) Radio Station of the Year contest. The radio station awards are presented to those Christian radio stations that meet the highest standards of quality and have the strongest impact on their listening areas. Awards are given to major, large, medium and small market stations...
<< Full Report >>

*Sunday, April 19th, 2009*


JoC Riding high on the success of its new multi-format radio hit, "Two Hands," three-time GRAMMY Award-winning and multi-Platinum band Jars of Clay begins a landmark album release week today with a headlining performance at the Creative Artists Agency showcase in Nashville. The band will follow its CAA showcase for concert promoters with an all day media fest of interviews tomorrow (Monday). The centerpiece of the week arrives Tuesday with the release of Jars of Clay's widely-anticipated new album...
<< Full Report >>

toby U.S. performing right organization BMI saluted the writers and publishers of the past year’s most performed songs on Christian radio and television during the annual Christian Music Awards last night at the company’s Music Row offices in Nashville. BMI named Donald Lawrence the 2009 Christian Songwriter of the Year, while “Never Would Have Made It,” co-written by Pastor Marvin Sapp and Matthew Brownie, garnered Song of the Year honors. Universal Music Publishing Group garnered its second...
<< Full Report >>

*Friday, April 17th, 2009*


Third Day Multi-platinum, GRAMMY and AMA winning rock act Third Day will join an all-star cast of recording artists from all across the music industry for the inaugural Nashville4Africa benefit concert on April 22 at 7 p.m. at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. The event’s co-host Big Kenny (Big & Rich) invited Third Day to join the benefit...
<< Full Report >>

Decyfer Down Cable television’s top-rated, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), recently featured Decyfer Down’s hit single “Crash” on Hardy’s History Montage, a Brother vs. Brother WrestleMania preview. “Crash,” the title-track to Decyfer Down’s upcoming sophomore recording, received over 1.5 minutes of airtime inside of the montage and was seen by millions as it aired for two weeks: March 16-April 5. To view the placement of the rock track...
<< Full Report >>

Dove Awards Today, the Gospel Music Association (GMA) announced more artists who have confirmed to perform on the Dove Awards (www.DoveAwards.com), which will be live from the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tenn. and broadcast nationwide on the awards’ exclusive television home, the Gospel Music Channel television network, from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. ET on April 23. The Blind Boys of Alabama, Kierra Sheard and Sandi Patty are among...
<< Full Report >>

Hillsong United Sydney-based worshippers Hillsong United return to the U.S. this spring and summer for a cross-country tour that includes visits to 20 cities between and built around the May 26 release of their brand new CD and companion digital songbook Across The Earth: Tear Down The Walls. Across The Earth: Tear Down The Walls is United’s first new live CD since 2006. The CD features...
<< Full Report >>

FM Static Writing a concept album that fans are grabbing onto, FM Static celebrates a successful street week for "Dear Diary" released on Tooth & Nail Records April 7th. "Dear Diary" debuted for the first time for a FM Static album on the Billboard 200 with more than 3,200 scans. The album hit the shelves and digital players with a bang blasting onto the Top 5 iTunes Rock chart and Top 30 of the iTunes overall album chart. Included with these top lists...
<< Full Report >>

Sara Groves INO Records’ Sara Groves recently returned from Washington, D.C. after meeting with the offices of Minnesota Congress and Senate Aides on behalf of International Justice Mission as a part of the Day of Advocacy. Groves was among 100 individuals from 25 states who took part in a day of advocacy organized by the human rights agency International Justice Mission (IJM)...
<< Full Report >>

Israel and New Breed The award-winning CompassionArt charity and multiple GRAMMY, Stellar and Dove Award winner, Soul Train Award winner and double RIAA certified Gold-selling artist Israel Houghton will be featured on CNN this Sunday at 6:00 pm EST on “CNN Newsroom with Don Lemon.” The feature will be repeated with additional coverage pending on other CNN shows and platforms, including CNN.com...
<< Full Report >>

*Thursday, April 16th, 2009*


Newsboys Legendary, best-selling pop-rock band newsboys captured its 25th radio hit this week with “In The Hands of God,” according to the Radio & Records Christian AC Indicator chart. “In The Hands of God” is the title track to newsboys fourteenth studio project, releasing May 5, 2009. “We’re thrilled that ‘In The Hands of God’ hit No 1,” says Jeff Frankenstein of newsboys. “It’s a song that means a lot to...
<< Full Report >>

Matthew West Sparrow Records singer/songwriter Matthew West garners a No. 1 single this week with “The Motions,” according to the Radio & Records Christian AC Monitored chart. The event marks West’s second No. 1 song from his current release, Something to Say, following “You Are Everything,” which was the most played song of 2008. In addition to topping the Christian AC Monitored chart, “The Motions” currently holds at No. 2 on the Radio & Records...
<< Full Report >>

Shane and Shane Inpop Records artist Shane & Shane will headline the “Turn the Music Down” tour, kicking off April 16 in Springfield, Mo. and wrapping up May 9 in Cave Creek, Ariz. Author/speaker David Nassar (Glory Revealed, A Call to Die) and Essential Records artist Matt Maher join Shane & Shane for a night of worship and teaching to encourage believers to seek and save the lost. “We are excited about this tour and look forward to people...
<< Full Report >>

Ginny Owens Ginny Owens has just put the finishing touches on her latest project, Say Amen, a unique collection which chronicles music of faith from the past three centuries. The title track from Say Amen was co-written by Owens and Ronell Ragbir, a 21-year-old Trinidad native who was receiving treatment for cancer at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital...
<< Full Report >>

Stryper Legendary Christian rock band Stryper has announced plans for a 25th Anniversary Tour, hitting 50 cities in North America this fall before going international in January and February 2010. Stryper's upcoming studio album Murder by Pride (Big3 Records) will be released in July. The 25th Anniversary Tour, scheduled to launch in September, will be a two-set show. The first set will feature new Stryper material and include current bassist Tracy Ferrie...
<< Full Report >>

*Wednesday, April 15th, 2009*


MercyMe MercyMe’s latest release “10” sold almost 30,000 units its first week of release. The "best of" disc enters Billboards Top 200 Chart at No. 18 while topping the Christian Soundscan Chart at No. 1. “10” includes a new recording of the band's multi-format career hit I Can Only Imagine, featuring the London Session Orchestra. “10” also includes their current hit single, “Finally Home,” which remains...
<< Full Report >>

Mae Mae Presents: (m)orning is a live multi-sensory experience featuring select songs in stereoscopic 3D! Joining us on the tour will be our friends in Person L, Barcelona, and Tokyo. We will be playing brand new songs and selling limited edition copies of the (m)orning EP. Check out a list of tour dates below and pick up tickets to the show near you. We can't wait to see you. Check out the tour video here...
<< Full Report >>

On any given day, around 2pm, every mom wants the same thing: peace and quiet. EMI/CMG hopes to free moms and caregivers everywhere from life’s pesky, noisy chaos on April 21, 2009 with the release of two new, delightfully gentile recordings; Faith, Hope and Lullabies and Faith, Hope and Lullabies - Songs of Worship. The new series of lullaby recordings ushers in peaceful, soothing, instrumental arrangements of songs made popular by today’s top Christian artists as well as the most popular songs sung in churches today...
<< Full Report >>

After giving away 100,000 copies of his sophomore CD Identity for charity in partnership with Family Christian Stores, teen singer Robert Pierre is gearing up to release Identity nationwide on Apr. 28 in the midst of his first radio single “Jesus” getting rave responses from stations across the country. Produced by Matt Bronlewee (DC Talk, Steven Curtis Chapman, Tobymac), Identity includes 10 tracks such as “Jesus,” “Breaking My Heart” and “Don’t Miss This.” Three of the new songs were even written by the high school sophomore...
<< Full Report >>

*Tuesday, April 14th, 2009*


Charlie Peacock Charlie Peacock, Grammy-award winner and six-time Grammy nominated producer, has taken the music helm for the feature film, To Save a Life. “I saw a screening of an early cut of the film and was deeply moved,” Peacock explains. “This indie film looks great and has a very strong cast and script. But, most importantly, it communicates in real-life language and emotion to the high school audience it seeks to reach...
<< Full Report >>

The tour and movement targeted for tweens in the faith-based industry, iShine Live, is back for a 13 city run this spring bringing in more tween talent with support from American Heritage Girls and Trinity Broadcasting Network. After a successful debut in the fall of 2008, iShine Live will bring well-known tween star Luke Benward, young artists Mission Six, The Rubyz, Jasmine, Jamie-Grace and...
<< Full Report >>

*Monday, April 13th, 2009*


Kristian Stanfill sixstepsrecords’ first new artist signing since its 2000 inception, Kristian Stanfill will release his debut album, Attention, April 21. Music from Stanfill’s anticipated project has already impacted audiences on the spring Student Life Tour and is currently finding a home at Christian radio as well. To produce an album that captured Kristian’s unique approach to worship, sixstepsrecords enlisted noted producer Matt Goldman (Underoath, Copeland). Marked by the same multi-layered, no-boundaries song crafting...
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Mandisa On the heels of Mandisa’s second studio album Freedom, the Sparrow recording artist will make appearances on Better TV, Fox’s Strategy Room and Fox News Edge today, Mon. Apr. 13. The syndicated Better TV series will sit down with Mandisa on Mon. morning. For more information on Better TV, visit http://www.better.tv. Mandisa will join Fox News as well with an appearance on Fox’s “The Strategy Room” for a live online chat...
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KJ-52 KJ-52 is hosting a special remix contest for the fans to participate in, running from now until April 27th (2 weeks from today). The details are below... KJ-52 Remix the Remix Contest: KJ-52 provided fans with all the tracks and vocals. Fans remix and add their own rhymes to it to make it their own -- so far some pretty good entries! Fans can vote through Monday, April 27th. Here's the page - http://www.becrecordings.com/remixtheremixcontest...
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The Glorious Unseen is giving away their EP The Cries of the Broken for FREE through the music sharing/purchasing service, Noisetrade! To download the EP now, visit https://www.noisetrade.com/thegloriousunseen# Learn more about this modern Nashville, TN worship band & see studio videos from their upcoming project: www.myspace.com/thegloriousunseen...
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*Friday, April 10th, 2009*


Bride Recently, Bride released details on how fans can get involved in the recording of what will most likely be the band's final studio album. The album, tentatively titled Tsar Bomba (which means "Mother Of All Bombs"... let's hope it doesn't critically live up to that title!), should be ready for the fans by this Summer. The band writes (from two recent reports combined), "Bride will be in the recording studio working on a new project starting in late April. Without a major label to finance...
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Musical celebration and memorial services have been announced for David 'Pop' Winans. After suffering a heart attack and stroke in October 2008, David Winans, Sr. the patriarch of the musical dynasty, The Winans Family, passed away quietly at 4 p.m. CST on Wednesday, April 8, 2009. Delores Winans, his wife for 55 years was at his bedside at A live Hospice in Nashville, TN. David 'Pop' Winans was born on April 20, 1934 in Detroit, Michigan. He was raised in the Mack...
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The sound of Sleep for Sleepers is best described as a hybrid of the grace and poise of Copeland with the energy and charisma of Number One Gun. This three piece from California is a refreshing new face in the industry, and with their debut release,The Clearing, Sleep For Sleepers is poised to make a big impression in 2009. The band has been described as "poetic and challenging," a fitting description of their ability to both grab listeners and keep them listening...
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Bryan Duncan Acclaimed singer-songwriter and Christian Music Hall of Fame inductee Bryan Duncan has been appointed CEO and Executive Director of "Radio Rehab," a new non-profit 501(c)(3) public charity. Established in 2004, "Radio Rehab" is a 30-minute broadcast of music and commentary hosted by Duncan, offering encouragement and support to those in the process of recovery from a variety of addictions and circumstances. "I believe recovery is for...
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*Thursday, April 9th, 2009*


toby TobyMac announced the following today... Amanda and I want to tell you about a special place. Anybody who knows me, has heard me talk about Diverse City-- my dream to see no barriers between any of us because of race, cultural or economic differences. Amanda and I were introduced to a school that is walking out this dream-- New Hope Academy. New Hope is place where families from all walks of life are coming together and walking in...
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Flynn Adam Both Foot Locker retail stores and the ever-popular MySpace online community are getting behind Flynn Adam’s solo music debut with high-profile placement for the music videos “Such A Time” and “Dishes” respectively. 1500 Foot Locker stores nationwide are airing the “Such A Time” music video multiple times a day throughout the month of April and May. This first music video from Flynn Adam was shot with director...
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*Wednesday, April 8th, 2009*


Mandisa Mandisa will appear alongside Kathie Lee and Hoda on tomorrow’s edition of Today on NBC. The Sparrow recording artist—and member of the 2009 Women of Faith team—will take part in an overall discussion of helping women build positive self-esteem and body image. The panel will also feature a self-esteem/confidence expert and a clinical psychologist. Mandisa’s Mar. 24 album release of Freedom coincides with this topic. The American Idol alum also recently dropped over 80 pounds...
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Brandon Heath GRAMMY and Dove nominated artist Brandon Heath will appear this week on the top-rated, national “FOX & Friends” morning show, as a special guest artist in celebration of Good Friday. Heath is scheduled to perform throughout the morning on Friday, April 10, bringing viewers in and out of commercial breaks with songs off his GRAMMY-nominated album What If We, including his No. 1, Dove-nominated Song of the Year, “Give Me Your Eyes.” “FOX & Friends” airs weekdays from 6 A.M.- 9 A.M. (ET/PT)...
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Dove Awards Steven Curtis Chapman, Natalie Grant, Mary Mary, MercyMe, Third Day, Chris Tomlin and other performers to be announced in a special Dottie Rambo tribute segment are the first performers announced for the 40th Annual GMA Dove Awards telecast, according to the Gospel Music Association (GMA) and Gospel Music Channel (GMC). The Dove Awards (www.DoveAwards.com), Christian and gospel music’s biggest night of the year will take place live on Thursday...
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Worship leader and Great Worship Songs artist Carl Cartee will host his second annual INSPIRE conference in Nashville on May 13-14 at Fellowship Bible Church in Brentwood, Tenn. Among the conference events will be a songwriting contest sponsored by Great Worship Songs. Its second year running, INSPIRE is designed to equip worship leaders, artists, worship teams, bands and songwriters for excellence in worship ministry. The conference provides an opportunity for the worship community to connect, create, and be inspired through...
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*Tuesday, April 7th, 2009*


MercyMe Today MercyMe releases their latest project “10," celebrating the 10th anniversary of the band's career hit, “I Can Only Imagine,” penned by frontman Bart Millard in memory of his father. The single sold nearly 3 million units, and became a multi format smash at Top 40, AC, Country and Christian charts alike. The new album features 12 of MercyMe’s number one radio hits that span their five studio releases, from 2001’s Almost There to their 2007 release All That Is Within Me. The disc also features three bonus tracks including a new recording of “I Can Only Imagine...
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Phillip LaRue As an artist that has already been pegged as one to watch in 2009, Phillip LaRue joyfully releases his BEC Recordings solo debut today, "Let the Road Pave Itself." On the heels of the release, Gospel Music Channel has jumped on board naming Phillip LaRue as their next "Listen Up" artist for April/May. GMC's "Listen Up" is Gospel Music Channel's new multiplatform promotional campaign featuring new emerging Gospel/Christian recording...
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*Monday, April 6th, 2009*


FM Static Back with monthly news updates for Tooth & Nail Records, BEC Recordings and Solid State artists. April begins with a busy schedule as artists hit the studio for recording time, tours continue and releases this week. Updates throughout the month on Twitter... August Burns Red is recording their new studio project that is set to release Summer 2009 The Chariot is putting the finishing touches on their new album releasing in May...
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John Waller John Waller, the celebrated artist behind the FIREPROOF movie anthem “While I’m Waiting,” is set to release his sophomore solo album this week, titled While I’m Waiting, in stores nationwide Tuesday, April 7. The fan-favorite song gained instant popularity after appearing prominently in FIREPROOF, the No. 1 independent movie of 2008, and became a focal point of the film as the only song played in its entirety. The theatrical release’s 5 million viewers’ response...
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It always warms our hearts to read about reunion shows and new albums from previously disbanded bands. Thanks to Brett W. who tipped us off to an upcoming reunion show from The Huntingtons and Ghoti Hook in Philadelphia! The Hungtingtons made the official announcement last week. Check it out below... "YES...IT IS HAPPENING...REUNION & NEW ALBUM... Saturday, June 13, 2009 at Circle Of Hope in Philadelphia (venue address & start time posted soon). Pierce Family Benefit Concert: A bit of info: Jeannie Pierce was diagnosed with stage 3 Brain Cancer on May 2nd, 2006. She has had three brain surgeries thus far and...
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*Saturday, April 4th, 2009*


Kevin Max Jesusfreakhideout.com spoke to singer/songwriter Kevin Max yesterday about his latest musical ventures, which include a new full-length album (titled Cotes D'Armor) releasing from dPulse on August 11. In the meantime, Max and dPulse will be releasing his 2003 poetry project, Raven Songs 101, on iTunes. Kevin wrote us: "dPulse records is releasing RAVEN SONGS 101 (my spoken word project with Adrian Belew) that came out after Stereotype Be...
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*Friday, April 3rd, 2009*


Matthew West Celebrated singer/songwriter Matthew West has initiated a national campaign around his song “The Motions.” West’s current radio hit has become the buzz among fan circles who are rallying behind the song at radio, retail and online. Boasting the Most Played Christian AC Song of 2008 with “You Are Everything,” according to Radio & Records, Matthew West’s latest hit, “The Motions,” is following suit. The song currently holds at No. 2 on the Radio & Records Christian CHR chart and Top 5 on its...
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GMA Charlie Peacock, Amy Grant, Natalie Grant, Dan Haseltine, Barbara Mandrell and Rush of Fools are among the additional artists lining up to be a part of GMA Music Week April 18 to 22 in Nashville. They join a growing list of artists, speakers and industry leaders that are scheduled to participate in the five-day convention. In addition, GMA previously announced that Brandon Heath, Jars of Clay, Mandisa, Bart Millard, Francesca Battistelli...
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Casting Crowns The Global Resource Services (GRS) presented Mark and Melanie Hall with its annual “Beyond Charity” Award at a banquet recently for their global efforts and diplomacy in charity work. The award honors outstanding global public figures who demonstrate GRS’ three foundational strategic values-- Relationships, Respect, and Reconciliation. Mark and Melanie Hall have worked with GRS since 2005 in addition to the many other charities Casting Crowns works with every year. The band traveled with GRS to North Korea in April 2007, and Casting Crowns returns to the country...
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*Thursday, April 2nd, 2009*


downhere Christian music’s premiere rock band, Downhere, has been honored with their third JUNO Award for their critically acclaimed CD, Ending Is Beginning, in the Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album Of The Year category. The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) announced the winners at the JUNO Gala Dinner & Awards Saturday, March 28th in Vancouver, British Columbia. Downhere’s two previous JUNO Awards, were for Wide-Eyed and Mystified in the Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album Of The Year in 2007 and in 2002, Best Gospel Album for their self-titled debut...
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Emery Emery, the ever-evolving rock quintet originally from South Carolina that has been making its mark since 2000, is set to release its fourth full-length album, …In Shallow Seas We Sail, on June 2, 2009, via longtime home Tooth & Nail Records. …In Shallow Seas We Sail picks up right where Emery’s last release, the EP “While Broken Hearts Prevail” (2008) left off, both thematically and stylistically. This fourth album continues the tradition of Emery’s dual front-man format, with Toby Morell and Devin Shelton once again sharing...
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JoC Gospel Music Channel television network’s newest original series Revealed brings fans up close and personal with their favorite artists, who in turn bring the fans closer by revealing insights and stories about themselves and their music. The newest installment will feature popular group Jars of Clay. Jars of Clay: Revealed premieres on Sat, April 4 at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Among the songs featured in Jars of Clay: Revealed: "Work," "Closer," "Dead Man," "Frail," "Worlds Apart," "God Will Lift Up Your Head," "Valley Song" and "Flood." Jars of Clay: Revealed has immediate encores that night at 9p, 10p, 11p...
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Israel and New Breed Multiple GRAMMY, Stellar and Dove Award winner, Soul Train Award winner and double RIAA certified Gold-selling artist Israel Houghton released his highly anticipated album, The Power Of One, last week on Integrity Music/Columbia Records. This week, the most widely acclaimed recording ever for Houghton has in its retail debut also become a No. 1 best selling album. The Power Of One climbed to the top of the Christian, Gospel Overall and Praise & Worship sales charts, to No. 34 on the...
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Mandisa The week after her sophomore release Freedom debuted, Mandisa mania is still raging with an upcoming piece on “E! News Live” and a three out of four star “People” Magazine review. The American Idol alum also attended Tuesday’s American Idol show and weighed in with “Idol Extra” and “Idol Tonight” on her thoughts about the season. “E! News Live” will feature a workout segment with a now 80 pounds slimmer Mandisa and her trainer on tonight’s episode. The popular entertainment show with Ryan Seacrest and Guiliana Rancic airs on the E! Network weeknights at 7pm EST and 11:30EST...
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INO Records is proud to announce an addition to their talented artist roster with the recent signing of singer, songwriter and storyteller Jonny Diaz. Diaz (pronounced "DYE-az") will release his first project with the label, More Beautiful You, on May 5th. This is in fact Diaz's fourth CD release, his first with INO Records while the first three were released independently. With all songs written or co-written by Diaz, the project was produced by Steve Wilson (Hawk Nelson, Josh Wilson). Following...
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*Wednesday, April 1st, 2009*


JoC The multi-Platinum and three-time GRAMMY Award-winning band Jars of Clay announces its spring 2009 “Two Hands Tour.” The coast-to-coast outing will begin just three days after the widely-acclaimed rock act unveils its much-anticipated new album, The Long Fall Back To Earth, on April 21. The “Two Hands Tour” will also feature special guest Seabird, the emerging Credential Records rock act recently honored by its hometown as the “2008 Artist of the Year” at the Cincinnati Entertainment Awards. The 23-city tour will begin April 24...
<< Full Report >>

Brandon Heath GRAMMY-nominated artist, Brandon Heath adds a fifth Dove Award nomination to his tally for the 40th Annual Dove Awards, receiving a nomination this week for Songwriter of the Year, as announced by the Gospel Music Association (GMA). Heath co-wrote the blockbuster, GRAMMY-nominated song, “Give Me Your Eyes,” off his sophomore album What If We. The song spent 14 weeks at No.1 on Billboard’s Hot Christian AC radio chart, and 27 weeks at No. 1 on iTunes Christian Song Chart, during a 7-month run at the top of the download chart following the song’s release in July 2008...
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Stryper Stryper is gearing up to tour the United States starting in September of 2009, hitting approximately 50 cities across America. This will be followed by International tour dates in January and February of 2010. 25 years ago (1984) Stryper broke on to the scene with their debut EP Yellow and Black Attack and have since gone on to sell 8 million records worldwide and tour the world spreading an inspirational message through their branded sound of rock songs, heavy guitars...
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This Tuesday, April 16, 2024
ALBUMS
iNTELLECT Roots [Polished Arrow]

This Thursday, April 18, 2024
SINGLES
Eric Owyoung (Future of Forestry) Gold Ribbons - Single (independent)

This Friday, April 19, 2024
ALBUMS
Apollo LTD Hello Human [Centricity]
Consumed by Fire First Things First Commentary Album [Red Street]
Darin and Brooke Aldridge Talk of The Town [Billy Blue]
Godspeed Religious Death (Remastered) [Charon Collective]
Joseph Habedank autobiography [Daywind]
Koryn Hawthorne ON GOD (Deluxe) [Provident]
Pastor Mike Jr. I Got Away - EP [Rock City]
Sanctus Real All Along [Framework / The Fuel]
Treasure Seeker A Tribute to the Past (Reissue) [Ulterium]
Vineyard Worship Christ In All Things - EP [Integrity]
Phil Wickham I Believe (Hometown Version) [Fair Trade]
Anne Wilson REBEL [Capitol CMG]

SINGLES
The Lore Family God Said You're Gonna Make It - Single [Horizon]
Mark Tedder Wake Us Up (church falls asleep) - Single [7Core]

Next Friday, April 26, 2024
ALBUMS
Mack Brock Time and Time Again - EP [Centricity]
Aaron Cole Sorry, I Changed [RCA Inspiration]
Alex Henry Foster Kimoyo [Hopeful Tragedy]
Gileah Taylor Slow Parade [Velvet Blue]
Various Artists Unsung Hero: The Inspired By Soundtrack (Digital/CD) [Girder]

SINGLES
Nate Parrish I'm Alright - Single [Fair Vaux]
Unspoken What He Says About You - Single [Centricity]

VINYL
Various Artists Unsung Hero: The Inspired By Soundtrack [Girder]


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