Sidewalk Prophets Release New Full Length Christmas Album!

The following is based on a real conversation I had this morning with my intern, Jordan:

Me:  Good morning, what’s new?

Jordan:  I think most of your readers think you’re dead

Me:  What? Why?!

Jordan:  Because you haven’t posted anything about the new Sidewalk Prophets Christmas CD and it’s been over a week since it came out.  I’m starting to get a lot of angry e-mail.

Me:  It’s just October 2nd!  I’ve been busy with the Red Jumpsuit Apparatus thing, and the Scott Stapp thing, and I’ve got Royal Tailor work to do and besides I just posted a blog yesterday! I assumed I had at least until after Halloween to put something up on the blog about a Christmas CD!

Jordan: (shaking his head)  Beth, you of all people should know by now how those Sidewalk Prophet fans are since you are one of them…(Jordan takes his pointer finger and makes a circular motion around the side of his head)  Cra-zay!

Me:  (I don’t say anything.  I just pick up a file and throw it at him.)

 

I stewed over Jordan’s insinuations for a little while that I might be perceived as either dead or crazy, then I moved on to other more pressing issues.  In fact, I had almost forgotten about the debacle of the morning completely when I checked my e-mail this evening.  There, sitting atop a pile of 900+ other messages in my inbox was a message entitled “Sidewalk Prophets Merry Christmas To You on Fervent Records” from a record label publicity manager.  

My reaction was, “You’ve got to be kidding.”

Apparently, the universe wants me to post a blog about this CD today, so buckle up ’cause here we go!

First let’s get my one and only critique out of the way.  (I know, I know, this is shocking, because I normally never critique anything, particularly not the Sidewalk Prophets…horror of horrors!  Please don’t send me hate mail!)

I’m not sure I like the album cover artwork.

There, I said it.

When my friend Jill called to tell me that she had bought a copy of the CD last week, she made the comment that cover was, and this is a direct quote, “whimsically fun and kind of creepy all at the same time”.  I didn’t know what that meant until I saw a .pdf of the cover today.  Now, I think “creepy” might be a bit harsh, but “whimsical”, yes, I can definitely see that.

Here’s the good news, though…this is a music blog, NOT an art blog, so I could really care less about the cover art.  What I care about is the content of the tunage contained on the CD tucked away inside the cover art.

With that being said, I feel like I need to say upfront that my expectations for this project by the Sidewalk Prophets may have been unfairly sky high.  Usually, I try to keep my expectations ridiculously low so I’m not disappointed all the time, but in all honesty, 2 of my very favorite neo-classic Christmas songs, Hope Was Born This Night and Because Its Christmas, are Sidewalk Prophets tunes.  If the Sidewalk Prophets didn’t knock this new project out of the park, I was going to be epically disappointed; like, so-disappointed-I-might-consider-boycotting-Christmas-this-year-and-proceed-directly-to-Easter disappointed.

Well, I’m happy to tell you that not only is Christmas on like Donkey Kong in 2013, my ancient Harry Connick Jr When My Heart Finds Christmas CD and Michael Buble Christmas CD will definitely have some fierce competition for rotation in the old CD player come December.

Merry Christmas to You, much like the album cover, is whimsical and fun, but that is where the similarities (thankfully) end; the CD is packed with 12 songs, some old, some new, and my two favorite neo-classics.  Each song shows a distinctive creative flair and a passion for music, two of the hallmarks of any Sidewalk Prophets album and two of the traits that I might argue that progressively endear this unlikely group of lyricists and musicians to fans with each subsequent musical release.

 

Let me address a few of the high points of this project, at least from my perspective:

Listening to Merry Christmas to You, I am sort of struck by how merry the CD actually sounds.  If you think about it, that isn’t always the case with Christmas albums.  Sometimes, Christmas music sounds more like dirge than the happy and joyous event it is.  I think Merry Christmas to You really captures the merry essence of Christmas just perfectly, even in typically more solemn songs like What Child is This and Silent Night.  Plus, what is not to like about a CD that incorporates the kazoo?  Seriously, that’s awesome.  I love the kazoo!

With that being said, let me be clear about one thing:  even though Merry Christmas to You sounds very merry indeed,  it doesn’t mean there aren’t moments that warm the heart and, quite possibly, wet the face.  (For me, that moment came early in the song What a Glorious Night…I’m known to cry like a baby when Linus tells the true meaning of Christmas found in Luke 2:8-24.)  If A Charlie Brown Christmas isn’t your thing, you might enjoy (read: get emotional) over the song Hey Moon.  I think Hey Moon may soon by joining Hope Was Born This Night and Because Its Christmas on my short list of neo-classics.

So, it’s not a well kept secret that I LOVE it when bands re-do hymnal or other traditional “church” music with a more modern twist; both Kutless and MercyMe have put out great examples of this type of album in last few years.  Needless to say, when I saw my two traditional favorite Christmas hymns listed as tracks on Merry Christmas to You, Silent Night and What Child is This, I was excited (and rightfully so!)

I love what the Sidewalk Prophets did with these two songs; if I could draw a big red heart and a happy face on my blog right HERE to show you how much I liked it, I would.  I’ve never heard a rendition of What Child Is This quite like this one before, and I was enchanted by it.  I thought it was lovely, to say the least.

As for Silent Night, well…it was beautiful.  Magical.  Perfect.  Brought tears to my eyes, and I promise you, I am not a crier.  Simple and elegant, and fit for the King of Kings. To me, no other version of Silent Night will ever top this one.

Now as much as I love listening to music, I will be the first to admit that I don’t have a technically trained ear to be able to pick out most musical instruments.  I know enough to get by, but for me to be able to say, for example, “Hey, in the 25th measure on the 2nd beat in the 4th track, that was some epic drumming, Justin!  Right on!”

I know, I’m a disappointment, but at least I’m honest, right? 🙂

This leaves me with a limited number of things I can comment on without sounding like an idiot, such as cover art work, song lyrics, and, well, singing.  Unfortunately for lead singer Dave, this means I am going to pick on him for a little bit.  (Okay, not really!) 

It’s no secret that Dave can sing; in fact, if I had a dollar for every time someone in my hometown of New Haven has come up to me since the Sidewalk Prophets played a show here in June and said, “Man, that guy could sing!” I could be sitting under a big umbrella on a beach somewhere reading a good book instead of writing this blog.

Alas, here I sit on my couch in good old Indiana.

My point is, if I had to come up with something that truly disappoints me about Merry Christmas to You, it’s this:  the vocals are so, so good on this album, its truly bittersweet that the album is seasonal and only meant to be enjoyed 2, maybe 3 months max a year.

Yeah, so thanks a lot, Dave, thanks a lot.  (I kid, I kid!)

I like to think of myself as a bit of a connoisseur of Christmas music; I’ve been known to break out the Michael Buble and Jingle Bells in the middle of July just because I feel like it.  I find that a lot of the time, however, when artists put out a Christmas album, the results are sub-par.  Ho hum.  Blasé.  Yawn.

I’m so happy this was not the case with Merry Christmas to You.  The Sidewalk Prophets remained true to the message of Linus in his iconic opening monologue,  creating a sweet treasury of  holiday tunes that everyone will enjoy.  These songs seem to capture not only what the Christmas season is all about, but in a small way, what the Sidewalk Prophets represent all year long:  loving the family we are blessed with, caring for the friends we meet along the way, cherishing the memories we have from days gone by and sharing the hope that only comes from the baby that was born on that first Christmas for the days that still remain.

Yes indeed, my dear readers, Christmas has come early this year.  Whether you are a fan of the Sidewalk Prophets matters not; if you have a working set of ears, Merry Christmas to You is a must-have CD for your musical library.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scott Stapp (former Creed frontman) to Release New Album

Okay, it’s time for some complete honesty from me.

I used to love watching those VH-1 Behind the Music specials on, well, VH-1.  One of my favorite episodes of all time was the one about Scott Stapp and Creed.  For sure, it was one of the more compelling episodes ever produced by VH-1.  I think I must have watched that episode at least 20 times.  Oh, and at the end of the episode when Stapp talks about the song ‘Arms Wide Open’ and brings his little boy out on stage and sings with him…oh, that always made me cry.  Epic television, for sure.

Which, in a roundabout way, brings me around to my point via VH-1.

Don’t you have to be dead to qualify for a Behind the Music special?

Perhaps this is why I thought the former frontman had passed on to the great choir of angels in the sky.

Or, perhaps worse (at least in my own mind), he had joined Nickelback or something (ha!)

So, I took it as really, really good news today when I received the news that not only is Mr. Stapp alive and well, he’s actually set to launch his second solo album, entitled Proof of Life,  this November.

 

For all the details on Stapp’s upcoming album, keep reading below!

NEW YORK, NY (SEPTEMBER 24, 2013) – Grammy-Award winning artist Scott Stapp releases the deeply personal Proof of Life on Wind-up Records, November 5, 2013.  Proof of Life was produced by Howard Benson and mixed by Chris Lord-Alge and is Stapp’s second solo album; his first was 2005’s certified platinum, The Great Divide.  On October 8, 2013 the reflective “Slow Suicide” will go to radio, be available digitally and several pre-order options will also be offered on Stapp’s website.

 

Proof of Life is Stapp’s first new material since the release of his 2012 uncensored memoir, Sinner’s Creed, in which Stapp shared his life story for the first time—from his fundamentalist upbringing, the rise of Creed, and his ongoing battle with addiction, the rediscovery of his faith and the launch of his solo career.  The gripping memoir is “proof” positive for Stapp that a higher power is always present, despite the colossal messes we sometimes make of our lives.  Proof of Life is an 11-track collection of songs that chronicles the extension of his journey.

 

“This is the most meaningful record of my career,” says Stapp. “I’ve made a lot of messes in my life, but I’ve learned I can take a mess and turn it into a message. This album chronicles my struggles, my journey and it’s the most honest record I have ever written.  The fans have always meant everything to me and over the years they’ve come to me and told me how through my music they’ve gotten through the worst of times, and that hit me.  With this album, it’s the first time that when I listened back to the tracks, it became a cathartic experience for me.” 

 

The new songs reflect the maturity and wisdom of an artist that has sold nearly 30 million albums with Creed, had three Grammy nominations and one win for Best Rock Song with “With Arms Wide Open,” and 11 #1 Singles with “My Own Prison,” “Torn,” “What’s This Life For,” “One,” “Higher,” “What If,” “Are You Ready,” “With Arms Wide Open,” “My Sacrifice,” “One Last Breath” and “Overcome.”  Creed put out six albums – My Own Prison (1997) 6x Platinum, Human Clay (1999) 11+ million (Diamond), Weathered (2001) 6x Platinum, Greatest Hits (2004) 2x Platinum and Full Circle (2009) Certified Gold.

 

Proof of Life Track Listing:

1. Slow Suicide                                              

2. Who I Am                                                              

3. Proof of Life                                                                      

4. New Day Coming                                                              

5. Only One                                                               

6. Break Out                                                              

7. Hit Me More                                                                      

8. Jesus Was A RockStar                                                                   

9. What Would Love Do                                                       

10. Crash                                                        

11. Dying To Live      

 

For more information on Scott Stapp and Proof of Life, go to Website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.

Dara Maclean Releases Sophomore CD to Critical Acclaim!

I have to admit, I haven’t actually listened to this one yet, but if its anything like the first CD it will be completely awesome!  If any of my readers have had a chance to check out Dara’s latest, I’d love to know what you think about it.

Nashville, TN – (September 24, 2013) – Fervent Records’ soulful vocalist/songwriter Dara Maclean released her sophomore album, Wanted, today to outstanding praise from critics and a Top 5 chart position on iTunes Christian & Gospel Albums Chart. Produced by Paul Mabury (All Sons & Daughters, Hillsong, Meredith Andrews), Wanted is the eagerly-awaited follow-up to her 2011 debut album, You Got My Attention, which garnered her a 2011 Dove Awards’ nomination for “New Artist of the Year.” The album’s lead single and title track, “Wanted,” is currently No. 4 at Hot AC/CHR and climbing.

Early reviews have critics embracing Maclean’s latest effort and comparing her to some the finest voices of today. Here are a few highlights:

“These are the most transparent, vulnerable and authentic lyrics I’ve heard on any album this year. If you like soulful singer-songwriters like Adele, Lana Del Rey and Natasha Bedingfield, you’ll love Wanted by Dara Maclean.” – NewReleaseTuesday.com (5/5 stars)

“Contemporary Christian music has found its Adele with Dara Maclean.” – Digital Journal (4.5/5 stars)

“You won’t find a single ‘bad’ song on this album. For that matter, you won’t even find a ‘take it or leave it’ one….they’re all top notch, making this a five star release…This is a young woman with something to say and an incredible voice to say it with. But don’t just take my word for it; listen for yourself and prepare to fall in love.”– Hallels.com (5/5 stars)

“You’ll definitely be changed from the inside out after these 12 tracks…A must buy… Dara Maclean’s respect is about to go through the roof, and hopefully you all can be a part of her journey!” – Christian Music Zine (4.5/5 stars)

“…this album…is able to stand tall amidst all of these releases, possibly being one of my favourite pop-soul albums of the year.”– Indie Vision Music (4/5 stars)

“Maclean is one of the most promising young artists in Christian music today and Wanted is prime proof of this- don’t expect her to go anywhere anytime soon- just expect her to pick up more and more steam and become one of the biggest names out there.” – The Front Row Report – (9/10 stars)

In support of Wanted, Maclean will participate in a series of Google+ Hangouts with key partners throughout the week.  Please see schedule for further information:

Sept. 24         2pm CT – DaraMaclean.com

Sept. 25         5pm CT – NewReleaseTuesday.com

Sept. 26         3pm CT – InternationalJusticeMission.com

Sept. 27         12pm CT – CCMMagazine.com

Maclean is on tour with Casting Crowns through October and then will join the “Winter Jam Tour Spectacular” through November. This week on Maclean’s website fans can also enter for a chance to win a flyaway to see her on the Casting Crowns tour on October 24 in Lafayette, LA. For further details, please visit www.DaraMaclean.com.

Powerful vocalist and songwriter Dara Maclean first sparked the music industry’s interest with her 2011 debut, You Got My Attention. The album introduced a powerful new voice in Christian pop, steeped in Motown and soul and beaming a heart for the broken and struggling. The LP reached the Top 10 on Billboard‘s Christian Albums chart, and album tracks “Suitcases” and “Free” each hit the Top 20 on Billboard Hot Christian Songs chart. “Suitcases” appeared on the 2012 installment of WOW Hits, celebrating Christian radio’s biggest songs, and You Got My Attention closer “Home” was included in The Bible: Music Inspired By The Epic Mini-Series, a companion to the smash History Channel series. The Texas-bred singer-songwriter earned a New Artist of the Year nomination in the 43rd Annual GMA Dove Awards, and spent nearly two years straight on the road with some of Christian music’s biggest names, including Casting Crowns and Newsong, and on major tours including Winter Jam and the KLOVE Acoustic Christmas Tour. Maclean has earned high critical praise throughout, NewReleaseTuesday including her among its Top 10 New Female Christian Singers in 2012, noting that “Dara displays the strongest vocals I’ve heard in years.” Maclean is also passionate about raising awareness and bringing an end to human trafficking and is an advocate for the International Justice Mission.

Facebook: Facebook.com/DaraMaclean

Twitter: Twitter.com/DaraMaclean

YouTube: YouTube.com/DaraMaclean

Jason Castro News!

A little Jason Castro news to brighten your day 🙂

Jason Castro

Nashville, TN – (September 25, 2013) – Internationally-recognized singer/songwriter Jason Castro is gearing up for the release of the third single, “Stay This Way,” from his debut Word Entertainment album, Only A Mountain. This week the track ships to radio and will go for adds on October 18th. Castro, after having spent the summer co-headlining a tour with Ryan Cabrera, promoting his appearance in the UP! original movie, “The Perfect Summer,” and visiting Colombia, South America, on an “I am Second” expedition, is hitting the road again this week with Matthew West and Sidewalk Prophets for West’s “Into the Light Tour.” Then, throughout the holiday season, he’ll join NewSong for “The Very Merry Christmas Tour” which runs through December 15.

“‘Stay This Way’ is the most relevant for me lyrically. You know, in the last couple years I think I realized for the first time that I’d grown up accustomed to some things being the way they were, thinking that I can’t outrun my last mistake, and I’m just stuck here. I always believed in God, I knew He was good – I thought I was just messed up,” said Castro who co-wrote the song with its producers Ben Glover and David Garcia. “I didn’t understand what people meant by freedom in Christ. I never felt free – I always felt like a slave to my sin. It wasn’t until these last few years that I got into my first real Biblical community. And as I started to share my life with others, and we studied God’s word together, I really discovered freedom for the first time. And so that’s been a big part of my journey these last few years and one of the highlights.”

On Thursday, Matthew West’s “Into the Light Tour” featuring Castro and Sidewalk Prophets commences in Carlsbad, NM. The tour runs through November 17th and is scheduled to visit 30 cities throughout the U.S. Immediately following this tour he’ll join “The Very Merry Christmas Tour” alongside NewSong, Audio Adrenaline and Love & The Outcome. The tour kicks off in Tyler, TX, on November 30th and hits 15 cities.

Sept. 26 Carlsbad, NM – Walter Gerrell’s Performing Arts Center
Sept. 27 Phoenix, AZ – Grand Canyon University
Sept. 28 Saint George, UT – Dixie State College, Cox Auditorium
Sept. 29 Sparks, NV – Sparks Christian Fellowship
Sept. 30 Brentwood, CA – Golden Hills Community Church
Oct. 2 Coos Bay, OR – Marshfield High School Auditorium
Oct. 3 Portland, OR – New Hope Community Church
Oct. 6 Issaquah, WA – Eastridge Church
Oct. 8 Cheyenne, WY – Cheyenne Civic Center
Oct. 9 Bismarck, ND – Shiloh Christian School
Oct. 10 Dickinson, ND – Trinity High School
Oct. 11 Gillette, WY – New Life Wesleyan Church
Oct. 12 Rapid City, SD – Performing Arts Center of Rapid City
Oct. 18 Bel Air, MD – Harford Community College
Oct. 19 Simpsonville, SC – Southside Christian School
Oct. 24 Wausau, WI – Grand Theater Wausau
Oct. 25 Appleton, WI – Appleton Alliance Church
Oct. 26 Bourbonnais, IL – Olivet Nazarene University
Oct. 27 Indianapolis, IN – The Caring Place
Nov. 1 Fort Wayne, IN – First Assembly of God
Nov. 2 Eden Prairie, MN – Grace Church
Nov. 3 Zeeland, MI – Community Reformed Church
Nov. 7 McAlester, OK – Southeast Expo Center
Nov. 8 Lincoln, NE – Lincoln Berean Church
Nov. 9 Tulsa, OK – ORU Mabee Center
Nov. 10 Mount Vernon, IL – Central Christian Church
Nov. 14 Lubbock, TX – City Bank Coliseum
Nov. 15 Andrews, TX – Andrews County Expo
Nov. 16 Decatur, TX – First Baptist Church
Nov. 17 Tyler, TX – Lane’s Chapel UMC
Nov. 30 Tyler, TX – The Oil Palace
Dec. 1 Baton Rouge, LA – Baton Rouge River Center
Dec. 2 Russellville, AR – Russellville Performing Arts Center
Dec. 3 Wichita, KS – NewSpring Church
Dec. 5 Anderson, SC – Anderson Sports & Entertainment Center
Dec. 6 Kinston, NC – Kinston Performing Arts Center
Dec. 7 Whiteville, NC – Northwood Assembly
Dec. 8 Johnson City, TN – Freedom Hall Civic Center (PWYC)
Dec. 9 Hight Point, NC – First Wesleyan Church
Dec. 10 Marion, IL – Marion Cultural and Civic Center
Dec. 11 Lancaster, OH – Fairfield Christian Academy
Dec. 13 Pascagoula, MS – First Baptist Church
Dec. 14 Warner Robins, GA – Warner Robins Civic Center
Dec. 15 Woodstock, GA – First Baptist of Woodstock
Dec. 16 Charlotte, NC – Central Church of God

For further information and a complete list of tour dates visit http://www.jasoncastro.com.

About Jason Castro:
Internationally-renowned recording artist and “American Idol” contestant Jason Castro has topped radio charts in multiple countries, including: Norway, Singapore and The Philippines. His self-titled debut album entered the Billboard Top 200 Album chart at No. 18. Throughout his career, Jason has appeared on television shows such as “TODAY,” “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” “Access Hollywood” and “The Bachelor” and has appeared on the pages of Rolling Stone, USA Today and The New York Times. Castro just released his Word Entertainment debut album, Only A Mountain, January 15, 2013.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jasoncastro
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/jasoncastro
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/jasoncastroonline

New Christmas Tours Announced!

ANOTHER Christmas tour was announced today–the K-Love Christmas Tour featuring some of my favorite peeps, the guys from Big Daddy Weave, for King & Country, and Meredith Andrews! The details are below, but what I want to know is…which tour are you most excited for? The K-Love Christmas Tour with Big Daddy Weave & the gang or the NewSong Very Merry Christmas Tour featuring NewSong, Audio Adrenaline, the Sidewalk Prophets, Jason Castro, and Love & the Outcome? Tough call, right?

NASHVILLE, TN – (September 25, 2013) – K-LOVE Radio and 25 Entertainment present the second annual K-LOVE Christmas Tour kicking off on December 4 in Greensboro, NC.  The K-LOVE Christmas Tour will feature K-LOVE Fan Awards’ winners Big Daddy Weave and for KING & COUNTRY and Meredith Andrews. The relationship between 25 Entertainment and K-LOVE Radio provides the opportunity for radio listeners and fans to experience an inviting evening of Christmas music for the entire family during the holiday season in 10 of K-LOVE’s markets.

The band Big Daddy Weave in a recent promotional shot

“We are thrilled to be partnering with KLOVE and Feed The Children for the second annual KLOVE Christmas Tour featuring Big Daddy Weave, for KING & COUNTRY and Meredith Andrews,” said Rod Riley, President and CEO of Word Entertainment. “The tour provides the unique opportunity for radio listeners and fans to experience an inviting evening of Christmas music while also making a difference in their local community.  This will be surely be a one of a kind evening you won’t want to miss.”

The artists also shared Riley’s sentiments:

“We’re so excited to tour with K-LOVE and both of these artists.  We have the utmost respect for Meredith as a songwriter and a friend. We’ve known Joel and Luke and their family for a long time and are so pleased for their success and this season of their lives. K-LOVE has meant so much to us, supporting and encouraging us in so many ways.  All of this combined makes it very special that together we’re declaring the most important news of all, that Jesus came.” – Mike Weaver, Big Daddy Weave

“K-LOVE and Christmas – What an excellent combination! The K-LOVE team has been brilliant partners with us in impacting culture with the mission and message of Jesus. So now to take to the road with them in celebrating the greatest moment in human history – God coming to earth, is truly an honor.” –  for KING & COUNTRY

“Big Daddy Weave, for King and Country, Christmas and lots of people singing together…these are a few of my favorite things. I am so excited to be on the K-LOVE Christmas tour!” – Meredith Andrews

This past June both Big Daddy Weave and for KING & COUNTRY won two of the top honors at the first annual K-LOVE Fan Awards. Big Daddy Weave took home “Song of the Year” for their smash hit “Redeemed” while for KING & COUNTRY were presented the award for “Breakthrough Artist of the Year” by Meredith Andrews.  In addition, all three acts are currently nominated for the 2013 Dove Awards with for KING & COUNTRY receiving seven nominations, Big Daddy Weave having four nods and Andrews up for two of the night’s honors.

In addition to music from these critically-acclaimed artists, Feed The Children will be the ministry focal point offering Child sponsorships throughout the tour. The non-profit organization will also sponsor a separate event in each city along the tour to feed over 4,000 families in all. Feed The Children is one of the world’s largest charities with the mission of providing hope and resources for those without life’s essential needs. In the U.S., Feed The Children works with local agencies to distribute food and necessities to over 400,000 families annually.
K-LOVE Christmas Tour Dates:

Dec. 4             Greensboro, NC – Christian City Church

Dec. 5             Virginia Beach, VA – New Life Providence Church

Dec. 6             Pittsburgh, PA – Amplify Church, Pittsburgh East Campus

Dec. 7             Indianapolis, IN – Zionsville Performing Arts Center

Dec. 8             Chicago, IL – Aurora Christian High School

Dec. 11          Lexington, KY – Porter Memorial Baptist Church

Dec. 12          Nashville, TN – Brentwood United Methodist Church

Dec. 13          Memphis, TN – Raleigh Assembly of God

Dec. 14          Kansas City, MO – Cross Points Church

Dec. 15          Evansville, IN – First Christian Church Newburgh

For more information and to purchase tickets please visit www.KLOVEChristmasTour.com.

About Big Daddy Weave: 

This year, Big Daddy Weave’s monster hit song “Redeemed,” which spent 11 weeks at No. 1, took home top honors for “Song of the Year” at the first-ever K-LOVE Fan Awards and received a nomination for “Christian Song of the Year” at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards. The single is the first release from their greatest hits compilation, Love Come To Life, and their current single, “The Only Name (Yours Will Be),” marks the second.  The band, comprised of Mike Weave, Jay Weaver, Jeremy Redmon and Joe Shirk, originally formed when attending the University of Mobile. In 2002 they stepped into the spotlight with the release of their second album, One and Only, which debuted in SoundScan’s Christian Top 5 and earned them a nomination for Dove Awards’ “New Artist of the Year.” In 2010, Big Daddy Weave took home the Dove Award for “Christmas Album of the Year” for their seventh album Christ Is Come. They have also been honored at ASCAP’s Christian Music Awards and are one of the 10 most played artists at Christian radio over the past decade.

About for KING & COUNTRY:

for KING & COUNTRY made their late night debut in January performing “The Proof Of Your Love” on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” In 2012, the duo released their debut album, Crave, to critical acclaim in addition to inclusion in Billboard’s “2012’s Biggest Debuts” list recognizing “17 Artists Whose Time Is Now.” The magazine also asserted that for KING & COUNTRY possess a “vibrant pop/rock sound that echoes a mix of influences ranging from Coldplay and Amy Grant to Aqualung,” while American Songwriter continued the comparison noting “for KING & COUNTRY may just be Australia’s answer to Coldplay.” ET’s “The Insider” said the duo, “make music that speaks directly to your heart” and have been “gaining popularity in the alt-rock genre.” They have also appeared nationally on “Access Hollywood” and Fox News Channel’s “Huckabee” in addition to cuts airing on the CW’s “Vampire Diaries” and Lifetime’s “Drop Dead Diva.” Stay tuned to www.forKINGandCOUNTRY.com for the most current news.

About Meredith Andrews:

With her Word Entertainment’s debut release in 2008, Meredith Andrews’ insightful songs and engaging voice awarded her recognition as Billboard Magazine’s “Most Promising New Artist.” In 2011, she picked up two Dove Awards for “Worship Song of the Year” and “Praise and Worship Album of the Year,” quickly distinguishing her as one of the preeminent worship leaders and songwriters in the Christian music community. With the success of her debut album and her sophomore release in 2010, As Long As It Takes, she was afforded the opportunity to tour with acclaimed CCM artists Natalie Grant, Brandon Heath, Bebo Norman and Michael W. Smith.  Her much-anticipated third studio album, Worth It All, featuring singles “Worth It All,” “Strong God” and “Pieces,” was released January  22, 2013. A native of Wilson, NC, Meredith began singing in church when she was only six, and by the time she was in high school, she was writing songs and leading worship. For more information on Meredith Andrews please visit www.meredithandrews.com.

About Feed The Children:

Founded in 1979 and headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Feed The Children is one of the largest international charities based in the U.S. With the mission of providing hope and resources for those without life’s essentials, Feed The Children is a BBB Wise Giving Alliance accredited charity and uses a comprehensive and integrated program to combat hunger and poverty. Feed The Children addresses four basic needs: food and nutrition, water and sanitation, education and health, and livelihood community development. In addition to helping families and communities around the world achieve lasting self-sufficiency, Feed The Children also responds quickly in times of disaster to provide emergency supplies for those in need.

About K-LOVE:
K-LOVE creates compelling media designed to inspire and encourage people to develop a meaningful relationship with Christ. K-LOVE is listener supported and delivers positive, encouraging contemporary Christian music through its 446 signals across 47 states.  For more information visit: www.klove.com.

One to Watch: New Movie Doonby to Hit Theaters in November!

Okay, I know this blog is typically about music…but truth be told, I love movies too! Check out this neat info about a cool looking new movie headed to theaters this November, and let me know what you think—do we need more movie news on Spin: the Blog?

WIDELY ANTICIPATED THRILLER, DOONBY, SET FOR
NATIONAL THEATRICAL RELEASE ON NOVEMBER 1, 2013

Film enlists fan support and debuts through web platform Tugg, Inc.

“Doonby is a movie that will make you think and make you feel. Entertaining from start to finish it packs a special punch that is sure to make it one of this year’s most talked about films.”
— Peter Roff, U.S. News & World Report

Los Angeles, CA – A modern take on It’s a Wonderful Life, the spellbinding thriller, Doonby, is set to release in theaters nationwide on November 1, 2013. Written and directed by Irish filmmaker Peter Mackenzie, Doonby examines how much one man’s life can affect those around him while answering the larger questions of what one life is worth.

Starring John Schneider (The Dukes of Hazzard, Smallville) as Sam Doonby, alongside Will Wallace (Tree of Life, The Thin Red Line), Robert Davi (The Goonies, Die Hard), Ernie Hudson (Ghostbusters), Jenn Gotzon (Hulk, Frost/Nixon). Doonby is produced by Riverhorse Entertainment.

“I’m really delighted about the release of Doonby in US theaters. It’s been a long haul and a labor of love for me, but I’m thrilled that I have been able to bring this to the screen with the help of some wonderful actors,” says Peter Mackenzie, Writer and Director of the film. “Doonby is a thought provoking mystery and one that I hope will stay in the minds of the viewer long after they leave the movie house.”

Doonby tells the story of Sam Doonby, a mysterious drifter who quickly becomes the talk of the small Texas town. He finds work at Leroy’s Country Blues Bar, where his musical talents make him a local celebrity, attracting the attention of the beautiful but spoiled Laura Reaper. Sam is strangely immune to the misfortunes of others, yet always around to prevent sudden disasters from happening. It’s not long before the narrow minded townsfolk become jealous and start to question his background and motives. But, it is Laura’s doubts that that cause Sam to vanish, leaving the locals to deal with some difficult admissions. Sam’s abrupt disappearance forces those he left behind to deal with some painful revelations and to question his mysterious arrival and departure.

Filmed in Smithville, Texas, Doonby features a special cameo performance from Norma McCorvey, the real-life plaintiff Jane Roe in the 1973 United States Supreme Court landmark case Roe v. Wade. This will be McCorvey’s first appearance in a motion picture.

Doonby is currently backed by a diverse grassroots marketing campaign led by Movie to Movement™, publicity and media buying in the faith-based market through FrontGate Media, and general market publicity through Rogers and Cowan. Additionally, FaithLauncher—a crowdfunding portal for faith-based projects—will spearhead funding efforts for the release through various promotions such as the “One Life Does Matter” campaign.

The film will be released through the crowdsourcing platform Tugg, Inc. (“Tugg”) that enables individuals, organizations and companies to host special events in theaters nationwide. Through Tugg, people are empowered to curate unique theatrical engagements with the support of their immediate and online community.

For the latest news and updates about Doonby, please visit http://www.doonbythemovie.com
Tugg: http://www.tugg.com/titles/doonby
Website: http://www.doonbythemovie.com
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/doonbythemovie

About Riverhorse Entertainment LTD
Riverhorse Entertainment Ltd. is an Irish production company owned by husband and wife team, Peter and Sally Mackenzie, with offices in the United Kingdom and Texas. Founded in 1990, Riverhorse Entertainment develops feature projects and live stage productions. Doonby is just one of ten projects that they have in their portfolio. Other current features includes Finklestein’s Miracle, a comedic tale of redemption, and the film/stage musical The Face of a Woman, written by Brian Johnson of AC/DC, based on the story of Helen of Troy.

Rapture Ruckus Releases In Crowd Video!

I LOVE this song, and I LOVE LOVE LOVE this video!

Simply superb. Check it out below! (And be sure to look for Spin: the Blog’s mention under the ‘Fan Funded’ credits at the end….Yeah, baby!)

Brad Dring from Rapture Ruckus to Appear on RemedyLive.com Today!

The Gong(ed) Show has one of my favorite kiwis (for those of you who don’t know what a kiwi is besides a fruit, it’s a nickname for someone from New Zealand) stopping by on Skype today for a chat at 4:30 pm EST–Brad Dring, lead singer from the rad band Rapture Ruckus!

If you haven’t seen Rapture Ruckus live and in person before, let me state for the record you are really missing out!  They are AWESOME!!  Hopefully you live somewhere near a stop of the Newsboys fall 2013 Restart tour so you can catch them while they are out on the road with the Newsboys, for King & Country, and Moriah Peters in the near future.

This afternoon, Brad will most likely be talking “In Crowd” with Faup and the gang on the show, especially since it is release day for the fabulous In Crowd video!  Of course, I’m not just saying that because I ponied up $$$ to support the funding of this deserving project…but I will say that I am VERY pleased with the end results.  You gotta love any music video that features Soul Glow Activatur from Family Force Five as a school bus driver!

You can check out the In Crowd video below, and check back tomorrow for video of the full Skype session with Brad right here on Spin: the Blog!

Colton Dixon’s Never Gone Video Premiers Today!

It’s the day I’ve been waiting for!  Colton Dixon’s video for the ah-mazing song, Never Gone, is up for viewing on iTunes today!  I’m totally loving the video, too!

Never Gone is currently trending as the #3 video on iTunes of the day!  Here’s the link to go check it out…http://tinyurl.com/nb9x364

Also, for your Colton Dixon viewing pleasure, here’s a behind the scenes look at the story behind the song–

RESCHEDULED!! BIG Announcement! OBB To Appear Today on RemedyLive.com’s GONG Show!

Due to technological malfunctions (read: OBB has A LOT of awesome fans and totally crashed the servers!), we had to reschedule our Skype party with the brothers for NEXT WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18th, 2013 at 4:30 PM EST!

While you wait, you can check out my feature story about the band and photos from their appearance at the WFRN Friend Fest in June of 2013 by clicking here!

Be sure to tune in to Remedy Live.com today at 4:30 pm EST because 3 of my favorite brothers will be Skyping in to the GONG Show!  That’s right, Zach, Jacob, and Nich will be Faup & the gang’s very special guests this afternoon so be sure to check it out!  (And, if for some reason you can’t watch it live today at 4:30 pm EST, I will post video of the chat right here on Spin: the Blog tomorrow!)

Coming Soon to RemedyLive!!

We just added a new guest to our RemedyLive.com Skype-a-thon line-up this morning–Beckah Shae!

Beckah Shae will be appearing on the Gong(ed) Show on Friday, September 27th, 2013 at 3:45 pm EST to chat with our hosts.  Beckah is an incredibly talented (and award winning!) singer, activist and philanthropist who will pop by to talk about her latest projects, the currently available single on iTunes, “Turbo Style”, which encourages listeners to ‘take the limits off’ (I LOVE THAT!) and the 2011 song, “Put Your Love Glasses On”.  Beckah has said of this song, “To see yourself the way God sees you is the beginning of freedom.”  (I LOVE THAT TOO!)

Here’s a fun Beckah Shae song to get you up and dancing (and excited!) for her upcoming appearance on the Gong(ed) Show…it’s a fun little song she did with Mr. tobyMac called Funky Jesus Music!

In other news…if you are an Oswald Brothers Band fan…keep a close watch on Spin: the Blog because I have a BIG announcement to make about OBB and the Gong(ed) Show! Coming soon!

I’m Ba-ack! And Some Great News!

I bet y’all thought I’d fell off the face of the earth of something, right?  It’s been awhile (okay, 19 days!) since I’ve posted here on Spin: the Blog, and I just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who took time to e-mail and Facebook and Twitter me sweet messages asking if I was okay.

The truth is, I wasn’t feeling very well for for a week or two and had to have some surgery.

In the grand scheme of things, no big deal, not really, and I’m doing much, much better now (and I’m ready to take on the world!)  So thanks for your positive thoughts and prayers, they mean the world to me and I am 100% certain that they made all the difference in how quickly I recovered.

With this being said, I have some good news and some some, well, I won’t say bad news, but more like unfortunate news to share with you.

Let’s start with the unfortunate news.

While I was laid up on my couch for 2 weeks, I missed writing reviews on what was some of the very best new releases in Christian music in 2013.  Yes, you read that right, and yes, I am completely bummed.  I’ve been mulling over some ways to rectify this situation, and while I haven’t completely come up with a totally rad solution yet, I have a couple of ideas that have potential.

Make no mistake about it–I fully intend to keep you informed on all the latest and greatest in the world of Christian music!

Now, for the super-exciting good news!  Hold on to your hats, my friends, because this is a BIG announcement!

Spin: the Blog’s Beth Stauffer (that’s ME!) is super pumped to be partnering with RemedyLive.com as their first ever Artist Liaison!  What that means is, I will be the “talent guru” so-to-speak, looking for awesome artists with great music and compelling personal stories to Skype in to RemedyLive’s GONG Show and chat with the show hosts.  Of course, as the Artist Liaison, I will get the first crack at the artists, doing  preliminary interviews and writing about them here on Spin.  RemedyLive will then share the live web content with me to post here on Spin, so you can enjoy the live interviews with the artists as well–how FUN will that be?!

If you don’t know much about RemedyLive.com, please feel free to head over to their website to learn more about their ministry to 12-25 year olds.  RemedyLive’s motto is, “We chat.  We listen.  We love.” and I LOVE that about them!  I also love that they help young adults work through a lot of tough issues including faith, depression, self-harm, suicide, abuse, pornography, sexual identity, and eating disorders by using modern Christian music and interviews with artists to connect with them.

I am so excited about this new venture between Spin: the Blog and RemedyLive.com, and I hope you will partner with me in my excitement over what amazing things God has in store for the future!

Of course, if you are one of my much-loved readers here on Spin and are struggling with any of the above mentioned issues, I want you to know that you are not alone, and there IS hope to be found in Jesus Christ.  I know this to be true, because I was once in the very same place you now find yourself; in fact, I have, at one time or another, fought intense battles with 6 of the 8 issues that RemedyLive helps young adults overcome.  I would like to encourage you to visit RemedyLive.com if you are need of someone to talk to by chatting anonymously with a Soul Medic today.  If you have a prayer request, I’d love to hear from you, too–drop me a line at Beth@BethStauffer.com anytime!

Coming up on RemedyLive.com, you can catch Brad Dring of Rapture Ruckus at 4:30 pm EST on the GONG Show talking about the band’s new song, ‘IN CROWD’ and fall plans to tour with the Newsboys and For King & Country on September 17th; on September 19th at 4:30 pm EST, crazy talented rapper K-Drama will Skype in to the show.  K-Drama has produced for such iconic artists as Lecrae, Tedashii and Flame and been featured vocally on songs with Sho Baraka, R-Swift and more than 100 artists all over the world.  K-Drama has a compelling personal story to share, and this will be one interview you won’t want to miss!