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PHILLIPS, CRAIG & DEAN FINDS FOLLOWING AT TEXAS RANGERS’ BALLPARK The Trio Continues Tour Dates Across the Country and Readies for Third INO Record’s Studio Release Nashville, Tenn… July 9, 2008… As it continues to draw interest from fans, Texas Rangers’ Outfielder Josh Hamilton enters the Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, TX in front of nearly 25,000 people at each game to the sounds of Phillips, Craig and Deans’ “Saved the Day” from their 2006 INO Records’ release “Top of My Lungs. ” Pegged as the Rangers’ “Miracle Man,” the Major League Baseball player opened up to the Fort Worth Star Telegram recently about his choice in music and the impact that it is having on the fans. "So many people have asked about it," Hamilton said. "The Rangers get e-mails all the time asking 'What song was that?' I've had a lot of people say they love the song." Currently leading the Major Leagues in RBIs, Hamilton believes the song reflects his strong faith in Jesus Christ and in the transforming power of the gospel. "It's one of those things," Hamilton said. "A lot of guys want to listen to their song. What I want to do is I want everyone else to hear my song." “Saved the Day” can also be purchased as a ring tone and ring back tone at major phone service providers including Verizon Wireless, Virgin, AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint. Phillips, Craig & Dean continue to tour the country (tour dates below) and have begun work on their 12th studio project titled “When Grace Walks In” set to release next year. Some things you do for the money. Some things you do out of obligation, responsibility or a sense of nobility. But some things you do simply because you love-love-LOVE it. You can’t imagine not doing it. It’s the joyous gift God has put in your heart that makes passionate living possible. For Randy Phillips, Shawn Craig and Dan Dean—Phillips, Craig & Dean—that thing is ministry through music. More succinctly put: These guys love-love-LOVE to sing about God. And way beyond the 10 albums, 18 No.1 singles and 2 million+ records sold in the past 17 years, the story of God’s grace in their lives just keeps getting bigger. Their individual lives are steeped in local church ministry, but it’s the power of song that keeps them coming back to the studio and stage. “Most of our songs come from real life experiences,” Dan says. “We sing to reach out to people who are going through difficult places in their lives. We choose songs that will bring the reality of Christ into those places.”06/23/2008 ROCK WORSHIP GROUP FEE RELEASES iTunes ® EXCLUSIVE The Single Continues to Maintain Position on Radio Charts Fee’s “All Because of Jesus Complete EP” will be sold exclusively on iTunes ® starting this Tuesday June 24. Along with two versions of “All Because of Jesus” including an acoustic and radio mix, the EP will also contain a live performance video as well as words from lead singer Steve Fee. The complete EP from the INO Records’ band will be a worship resource kit. The hit radio single “All Because of Jesus” reached the No. 1 spot on the R&R AC Indicator and remains in the top 5 on both the R&R and CRW AC radio charts. FEE, known across worship circuits world wide, released their debut INO project & GMA DOVE Nominated “We Shine” in September ’07. Endorsed by the likes of MercyMe’s Bart Millard, Casting Crown’s Mark Hall and author David Nasser, FEE has also received praise from visionary, architect & director of the Passion Conferences Louie Giglio saying “Steve Fee has a unique voice in the world of worship, effectively leading a new generation to live in a story so much bigger than their own … ‘We Shine’ is one of the best worship projects of the year.” As part of the Passion Conferences with Louie Giglio and Chris Tomlin, FEE has worshipped with and performed in front of thousands. Hailing from Atlanta, GA, Steve Fee still leads worship at the North Point Community Church. # # # www.myspace.com/stevefee www.feeband.com 06/23/2008Five-time GRAMMY Award Winner, Sandi Patty Nashville, TN...June 22, 2008...INO Records’ five-time GRAMMY award winning recording artist, Sandi Patty was recently honored at the 2008 GRAMMY Salute to Gospel Music ® last week at the Lincoln Theater in Washington D.C. alongside other honorees Edwin and Walter Hawkins and the Winans. President Neil Portnow presented the gospel music legend with The Recording Academy President’s Merit Award, an award she feels privileged to have received. “It is a tremendous honor to be associated with the outstanding company of honorees at the GRAMMY Salute to Gospel Music,” says Patty. “It was a joy to be apart of a celebration that was all about the heritage of our music. Gospel music was born because a story needed to be told. That story is about God’s faithfulness, no matter what life may bring. I’m humbled to be a vessel for such an important story.” Prior to Patty’s appearance on stage, contemporary Christian artist Natalie Grant performed one of Patty’s classics “Love In Any Language.” Following Grant’s performance, Avalon, the Christian vocal quartet sang “Another Time, Another Place,” all in tribute to the honoree. The evening continued with powerful concerts as the legendary singer herself wowed the audience when she performed Dottie Rambo’s “We Shall Behold Him.” Other artists who entertained throughout the night were gospel singer Rance Allen, gospel artist Kim Burrell, gospel singer/composer/arranger Maurette Brown Clark, honorees Edwin and Walter Hawkins, two-time GRAMMY winner Patti LaBelle and gospel composer/pianist/arranger Richard Smallwood. The GRAMMY Salute To Gospel Music event honors those who have made significant contributions to gospel music, while supporting the history and importance of the genre. The Recording Academy® President's Merit Award recognizes the contributions that key individuals have made in the music industry and the impact their efforts have had on music and the business of music. Patty continues to stay strong touring across the country with Women of Faith while performing and sharing her testimony. For more information on Patty please visit www.sandipatty.com or www.myspace.com/sandipatty ### Sandi Patty Being the most award-winning female vocalist in the Christian Music industry, Sandi Patty released her 30th recording May 13, 2008 titled Songs For The Journey. This album features a duet with Shelia Walsh and another duet with husband Don Pesli. Patty has won 39 Dove Awards, five Grammy Awards, four Billboard Music Awards and is a member of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. She has released 24 albums over the last 26 years, selling more than 11 million unites, RIAA has certified three of her recordings platinum and five of them gold. Patty has appeared on The Tonight Show, 7th Heaven, E! Entertainment, Dr. Phil, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and most recently appeared on Extreme Makeover Home Edition. 06/19/2008 MERCYME FRONTMAN MILLARD TO RELEASE SECOND HYMNS PROJECT/Features Duet with Vince Gill “Hymned Again” Hits August 19th and Features Duet with Country Superstar Vince Gill “I Stand Amazed” Goes to Radio July 4th NASHVILLE, TN....June 19, 2008.....In follow up to HYMNED, MercyMe frontman Bart Millard’s 2005 solo project, named one of Billboard and ChristianMusicToday.com’s Top Ten albums of 2005, comes his second effort, HYMNED AGAIN, which will hit nationwide on August 19th. The first single to be serviced to AC and Inspo radio formats will be “I Stand Amazed,” on July 4th, which features guest vocals by Christy Nockels. Taking the production helm once again is Brown Bannister, who along with Millard’s passionate vocals and a famed line up of studio musicians, has created an impressive and diversified musical landscape on HYMNED AGAIN. Raised in East Texas relatively close to where many musical styles originated, Millard wanted to create an authentic sound with these old hymns, most of which date back to the 1800s and talk about sharing one’s faith during this era when evangelism was on the rise. Therefore, HYMNED AGAIN runs the stylistic gamut from New Orleans style horn-driven jazz to Texas blues-rock guitar, and country/bluegrass to banjo-featuring Dixieland, '70s soul/gospel flavor, and one song centered on nothing more than a ukulele. To top it off, the sole original track on the CD, written by Millard and Thad Cockrell, “Jesus Cares for Me,” features a duet with country superstar Vince Gill. "The one thing I've been looking to do is sing with Bart and check that off my Bucket List.” laughed Gill, who had some fun with Millard in the recording studio with his ‘Bucket List,’ video from which is featured on MercyMe’s blog page at http://www.mercyme/org/blog. All kidding aside, the duet is surely a dream come true for Millard, who states, “I never imagined I would sing a duet with Vince Gill, and especially that it would be on one of my records. It was truly an incredible ‘pinch myself’ moment.” While HYMNED was inspired by Millard’s grandmother, and the hymns she used to sing, HYMNED AGAIN was inspired moreso by his three kids. "My three kids know every word of the first hymns record I did,” he says. “These are songs that were a huge part of my upbringing, and now they are a part of my kids’ as well, so I had to do another one! And, true to form, they already have the new album memorized too." Millard is currently touring a full summer schedule with MercyMe supporting their latest hit project, ALL THAT IS WITHIN ME. The band will be touring this fall as well, dates for which are available on http://www.mercyme.org. Millard also just taped a special HYMNED AGAIN episode of the Gospel Music Channel’s Kitchen Sink program which is scheduled to air on September 27th. 06/19/2008 PHIIL WICKHAM PERFORMS ON THE KITCHEN SINK, THIS SATURDAY, JUNE 21ST · INO Records’ critically acclaimed singer/songwriter Phil Wickham, dives into the sizzling summer this Saturday evening on Gospel Music Channel’s, The Kitchen Sink, as he performs his latest single “True Love” along with “Desire.” Check out www.gospelmusicchannel.com for Wickham’s exclusive performance of “Divine Romance” from his debut album. · The Kitchen Sink airs on GMC at 8PM ET/PT · In addition, Wickham fanatics can catch the artist performing in numerous churches and festivals across the country. For most current tour info go to www.philwickham.com 06/12/2008 Glory Unleashed: Mike Farris and the Redemptive Power of Music Career Rebirth Explodes with Incendiary Live Shows Receives "New/Emerging Artist of the Year" Nomination from the Americana Music Association Nashville, Tenn.—There is music that soothes and satisfies the soul and there is music that saves the soul. There is music—southern, communal, and powerful—that is a sweet balm for the ravaged heart, the broken spirit. This is the music of Mike Farris. It is elemental, essential, and ultimately redemptive. Farris has been winning fans to his vibrant fusion of rock, soul and gospel music since the release of his Salvation in Lights album in 2007. Word of mouth buzz and rave reviews in publications such as Harp, Billboard, and No Depression stoked the fervor higher, leading to upcoming high profile appearances at Bonnaroo in June, the Austin City Limits Festival in September, and an ongoing Sunday night residency at Nashville's Station Inn called Sunday Night Shout. The Sunday Night Shout series epitomizes the wide-ranging appeal of Farris and the testimony he preaches from the stage in his own rockin' redemptive style. In his own words Farris says the mission of Sunday Night Shout is "to provide musical manna to the hearts, souls, and minds of the good people of Nashville and beyond… Our wish is for every person to leave us on Sundays to go back into the world feeling excited, delighted, and loved." What started as a small gathering of musicians and friends has quickly grown into a must-hear event in Nashville. But Farris is ranging further afield as his reputation grows. Music is a calling and a mission and he continues preaching the gospel from the stage throughout the rest of 2008. In addition to Bonnaroo and the Austin City Limits Festival, he appeared at the Blind Willie McTell Blues Festival in Georgia and is looking forward to the Strawberry Festival in California. This fall he will also be opening several dates for Ricky Skaggs and Bruce Hornsby. Like all great artists, Farris transcends boundaries. His career kicked into hyper-drive after a soul-stirring and poignant rendition of "Green, Green Grass of Home" at the Porter Wagoner Tribute during the Americana Music Conference. Yesterday, the Americana Music Association announced Farris' nomination for the "New/Emerging Artist of the Year." The award winner will be announced at the 2008 Americana Honors and Awards in September. In addition to the Americana format, his music has been embraced by both Triple A radio and the Gospel Music Channel. Music luminaries including Buddy Miller and Marty Stuart are raving about Farris, the former hard rocking frontman for the Screamin' Cheetah Wheelies. The rock and roll lifestyle led Farris down the dark path of addiction, but music ultimately brought him through the darkness. His recovery and salvation were wrapped up in writing the songs that ultimately formed the foundation of Salvation in Lights. Farris' second solo album, Salvation in Lights, is a deeply powerful and personal collection of original and traditional hymns. In addition to the original compositions he wrote for the album, he brought new energy to old standards. The traditional hymns and spirituals he recorded are part of the very fabric of this country. Farris says, "We've taken the music of the long lost deep south, dug it out of America's collective attic and brought it back to life for everyone to enjoy." The album was greeted with great critical acclaim, but it was his rafter-raising live shows that stopped folks in their tracks and began creating converts by the thousands. As word began to spread about the intensity of his shows and the positive energy and joyful noise being created, his renewed career began taking a life on its own. Street teams began forming, then growing. Now there's a palpable excitement, a spirit if you will, of energy that's undeniable. Mike Farris is working out his salvation one song at a time. Come along for a listen and join him on an incredibly journey to a better place. ### *Photo credit: Ed Rode Praise for Mike Farris - "Mike Farris is a soul man...way cool! When I saw him on TV the first time, even though I didn't know who he was, I thought he was a star. When I heard his record, I knew he was." - Marty Stuart - "Mike Farris has enough heart, soul, and power to light up a city. He mixes up the elements and turns them into something new, beautiful, and uniquely his own." - Buddy Miller - "It's impossible to listen to this album and not be moved. No matter what your religious beliefs, there's something so soulful and primal about Mike Farris' delivery that it's hard not to be shaken to the core." - Billboard - "Farris' voice has moved unexpectedly higher - and stronger - and melds seamlessly with his female backup singers." - No Depression - "Farris surrounds himself with a heavenly soundtrack that slides effortlessly between Stax soul, New Orleans gospel and shuffling Southern blues, all of it punctuated with Farris' smoldering vocals and clear message of redemption." - Harp - Sometimes you have to go through hell to reach heaven, & watching Mike Farris perform songs off Salvation In Lights with a full band, I'd have to think someone earned his wings. Fantastic show bordering on a religious experience." - Larry Timko, WIKX, Charlotte Harbor/Fort Meyers, FL - Mike had the room mesmerized with his soaring vocals and stage presence. If Mike brings this ensemble on the road to a town near you, you had better go because you WILL NOT be disappointed, I guarantee it!" - Big Kev Ploghoft, WXLV, Schnecksville, PA06/10/2008 P.O.D. TO PERFORM ON LAST CALL with CARSON DALY THIS THURSDAY, JUNE 12TH *INO/COLUMBIA rockers P.O.D. will kick off the summer this Thursday night on Last Call with Carson Daly when they perform “Tell Me Why” from their latest CD, “When Angels and Serpants Dance.” In addition, the band will pre tape a performance of " Shine with Me" to air on the show at a later date this summer. *Last Call with Carson Daly airs on NBC at 1:35am ET/12:35 am CT, following Late Night with Conan O’Brien. *In addition, fans can catch the band at several summer music festivals, including (for up to date tour info go to http://www.payableondeath.com.05/28/2008 WORSHIP ARTIST STEVE FEE PERFORMS AT INDIANAPOLIS 500 CHAPEL SERVICES Fee’s “All Because of Jesus” Hits No. 1 on R&R’s AC Indicator While Continuing to Climb Charts Across the Board Nashville, Tenn. … May 28, 2008 … Recognized in worship circuits across the country, Fee front man Steve Fee performed at all three chapel services at the highly anticipated 92nd annual Indianapolis 500 on Sunday May 25th. Fee’s hit single “All Because of Jesus” has also landed in the No. 1 spot on the R&R AC Indicator charts while climbing to No. 2 on R&R’s AC Monitored as well as the CRW No. 3 spot on the AC charts. The biggest event of the Indy Car Series included famous racing names such as Danica Patrick, Helio Castroneves, Marco Andretti and John Andretti. ABC televised the live race event that took place at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway known to racing fans worldwide as “The Brickyard.” Scott Dixon took top honors as the winner of this year’s race. The three chapel services took place early Sunday morning at 7:30 am just feet away from the winner’s circle in the pressroom. Attendees included drivers, crews, track officials and the president of the Indy Racing League and owner of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Tony George. “It was an immense honor to take part in such an amazing event,” says Fee. “The experience was unforgettable.” Hailing from Atlanta, GA, Steve Fee is a 13-year worship veteran and continues to lead worship at the North Point Community Church. Lead singer of INO Record’s band Fee, the rock worship group released their debut & GMA Dove nominated “We Shine” in September ’07. Endorsed by the likes of MercyMe’s Bart Millard, Casting Crown’s Mark Hall and author David Nasser, Steve Fee has also received praise from visionary, architect and director of the Passion Conferences Louie Giglio saying “Steve Fee has a unique voice in the world of worship, effectively leading a new generation to live in a story so much bigger than their own … ‘We Shine’ is one of the best worship projects of the year.” As part of the Passion Conferences with Louie Giglio and Chris Tomlin, Fee has worshipped with and performed in front of thousands.
05/27/2008 SKILLET SELLS OUT 60% OF COMATOSE TOUR SKILLET SELLS OUT 60% OF COMATOSE TOUR packed houses in Chicago, Kansas city, more NASHVILLE, TN….5/15/08….Atlantic/LAVA/Ardent/INO rockers Skillet completed their “COMATOSE” headline tour with Thousand Foot Krutch and Decyfer Down this past weekend to a SOLD OUT crowd in Lancaster, PA., something they got used to during the 2.5 month tour with 60 % of the shows selling out, turning away hundreds, while packing out houses in Birmingham, AL (2482/The Basement), Kansas City, MO (1870/First Baptist Raytown), Des Moines (1656/Val Air Ballroom), Chicago (1142/House of Blues), Springfield, MO (1817/Remington’s), Anderson, IN (1383/Reardon Auditorium) and South Bend, IN (Elco Theater/1665). “Skillet never ceases to amaze me. These guys bring a high energy show packed with great songs, production and an encouraging message. Everyone in the industry is always asking ‘who is the next great headliner’? I believe we just found it.” -Shane Quick, Premier Productions “Very few rock bands stir the kind of excitement that Skillet does,” said Chris Barrett, President of Rock the Sound Concerts who promoted the NYC concert. “We sold out with 9 days remaining and had to turn away hundreds. We believe so much in Skillet and what they do and that we have booked them for Rock the Sound IV in Bridgeport, CT, our biggest concert, at the Arena at Harbor Yard.” NEW YORK CITY/Hammerstein grand ballroom SOLD OUT MINNEAPOLIS, MN/Club 3 Degrees SOLD OUT CINCINATTI, OH/The Underground SOLD OUT ALBANY, NY/northway auditorium SOLD OUT LANCASTER, PA/lmhs fine arts center SOLD OUT KALAMAZOO, MI/ wings stadium SOLD OUT EAU CLAIRE, WI/memorial h.s. SOLD OUT DAYTON, OH/the avenue SOLD OUT PORTLAND, ME New life Christian fellowship SOLD OUT HAGERSTOWN, MD/ north Hagerstown h.s. SOLD OUT LONGVIEW, TX/Letourneau university SOLD OUT ABILENE, TX/CIVIC CENTER SOLD OUT JACKSONVILLE, FL/MURRAY HILL THEATER SOLD OUT MOBILE, AL/CIVIC CENTER SOLD OUT CHATTANOOGA, TN TIVOLI THEATER SOLD OUT www.skillet.com myspace.com/skilletmusic 05/21/2008 Sandi Patty astounds LISTENERS once again with Nashville, TN…May 21, 2008… Sandi Patty astounds listeners once again with her 30th studio album Songs For The Journey as the legendary artist continues make her mark in music, drawing attention from press all around the country. With her latest record dropping less than a week ago, the renowned gospel music singer has already caught the interest from Christian Music Today receiving a four out of five stars being described as “the Sandi Patty people know and love—big-voiced songs spanning inspirational, adult contemporary, hymns, Broadway, and more.” The praise doesn’t stop there, as Christian Music Planet agrees “Sandi Patty has made an indelible mark on gospel music, and Songs for the Journey further establishes her legendary stay in this industry,” having “fantastic musicianship and seamless production.” Patti is continuing to inspire women by speaking and performing at Women of Faith Conferences every weekend across the country (summer dates below, all dates subject to change). For more information on Sandi Patty please visit www.sandipatty.com 33MILES’ FRONT MAN JASON BARTON AND WIFE FEATURED IN JUNE ISSUE OF REDBOOK MAGAZINE The Couple Discusses Covenant Marriage in Feature Story Nashville, Tenn. … May 16, 2008 … 33Miles’ lead singer Jason Barton and his wife Jennifer were selected as the lead-in story in Redbook’s June feature “The State of Our Unions” where nine couples opened up on the basic principles and challenges of marriage. Reaching over two million readers as one of today’s leading women’s publications, Jason and Jennifer talked with Redbook magazine regarding their choice to have a covenant marriage, raising two sons, the importance of faith in their relationship and even about miscarriages the couple had earlier in their marriage. “Jason and I believe that God designed marriage as a covenant, a binding promise never to be broken,” says Jennifer in the June issue. “Our motto is Team Barton, and we live it every day.” The couple was chosen by Redbook, but was submitted by their pre-marital counselor who started the Covenant Marriage Movement. “It was an honor to be chosen by Redbook Magazine to represent a covenant marriage and to express to its readers our belief that God designed marriage to be forever ... just like His commitment to love us is forever,” says Jason about the magazine feature. You can view the online version of “The State of Our Unions” article by going to http://www.redbookmag.com/love/types-of-marriages. Since their debut in 2007, well-respected newcomers 33Miles celebrated one of the highest-selling freshman albums of 2007 with their GMA Dove nominated project 33Miles. Jason Barton, Chris Lockwood and Collin Stoddard performed over 130 concerts last year alone continuing to build new fans across the country. In addition, 33Miles has made tremendous impact on the radio charts garnering three consecutive radio hits with “What Could Be Better,” “There Is A God” and “Thank You,” two of those hits breaking the Top 10. The band is now at work on their sophomore album set to release this fall.05/06/2008 GOSPEL MUSIC LEGEND, SANDI PATTY SET TO RELEASE HER 30TH STUDIO RECORDING, SONGS FOR THE JOURNEY ON MAY 13TH May 1, 2008…Nashville, TN…Gospel music legend, Sandi Patty set to release her 30th studio recording Songs For The Journey (INO Records), on May 13th. On Songs For The Journey, the five-time GRAMMY Award winner captures the soul, passion and praise of irreplaceable hymns of faith, which have inspired generations past. Through 11 new vibrant performances purposefully chosen to reflect her walk in faith from her childhood to today, listeners are sure to recognize their own stories among the selections, connecting with the struggles, joy, and peace along the way. Sharing her thoughts on the foundation of the album, Patty explains, “The idea for this project came from watching my kids get older. I recently began to wonder and hope about what things they will someday look back upon as being foundational in their lives,” continues Patty, mother of eight. “Then I asked the same question of myself in relation to my passion for music—what are the songs that have inspired me and come to represent my journey, and how can I give those back to others as an encouragement?” It was through songs like “Were It Not for Grace” and “Through It All” that gave Patty the encouragement and inspiration she needed during struggles in her life. “In a manner of speaking, the unconditional love and grace of God doesn’t mean as much to people until they really need it,” Sandi says in relation to that past. “But like the Andrae Crouch song suggests, I wouldn’t trade anything if it meant I wouldn’t have the current understanding of who God is and who I am because of Him.” Produced by David Hamilton, Songs For The Journey was created in various parts of the world ranging from Nashville, Bill Gaither’s studio in Indiana and even Prague where powerful record with orchestral segments were recorded for stirring operatic numbers such as “Panis Angelicus,” a duet between Patty and her husband, Don Peslis. Songs for the Journey, a lovingly crafted achievement that’s as diverse and entertaining as Sandi Patty herself. While previous releases displayed her gift for singing hymns, pop, gospel, Broadway, and even opera, none have ever combined these styles into one grand expression as pleasing and effective as this one. 05/06/2008PHIL WICKHAM STREAMS AND RECORDS LIVE CONCERT ONLINE MAY 9TH This week fans of INO Records’ artist Phil Wickham can experience him from their very own computer. On May 9th at 7:30PM (PST) Wickham will stream and record his concert LIVE from Portland, OR via www.philwickham.com/blog/. Wickham has been actively involved in spreading the news about the LIVE showcase by interacting with his listeners through written and video blogs on his website. The singer/songwriter continues to reach new levels in his career as he made his mark as the #74th “Top Watched Musician” on Youtube.com with his intimate acoustic performance of “Hallelujah,” which was recorded in his hotel room during a visit to Nashville, TN. Wickham gave an outstanding performance singing his upcoming single “True Love” at the Gospel Music Association’s Dove Awards pre-show at the Grand Ole Opry on April 23rd where he received a standing ovation for his performance. He sang the same powerful song at INO’s acoustic showcase, April 21st at the Bourbon Street Blues Club in Printer’s Alley. For all things on Phil Wickham please visit: www.philwickham.com 04/25/2008NEW ARTIST FAVORITE 33MILES CELEBRATES FIRST GOSPEL MUSIC AWARD NOMINATION AS CURRENT SINGLE “THANK YOU” NEW ARTIST FAVORITE 33MILES CELEBRATES FIRST GOSPEL MUSIC AWARD NOMINATION AS CURRENT SINGLE “THANK YOU” MAKES A SPLASH AT RADIO INO Records Trio Prepares for Intense Summer Touring Schedule and Begins Work on Anticipated Sophomore Release Nashville, Tenn. … 4/11/08 … Freshman favorites and INO Record’s trio 33Miles is enjoying an accolade-filled beginning to 2008 after collecting a Gospel Music Award nomination in the competitive “New Artist of the Year” category and watching their current radio single “Thank You” enter the top 10 on the R&R AC charts. On the heels of their self-titled freshman success, 33Miles is gearing up for youth events and festivals across the country and entering the studio to work on a sophomore follow-up, set to release in the fall of this year. Recognized with one of the industry’s highest newcomer honors, 33Miles’ Collin Stoddard is thrilled with their nomination saying, “We are so honored to be recognized by the Gospel Music Association, and are excited to be a part of this year’s Dove Awards. This has been an amazing journey for us as a band, and we look forward to what God has in store for us in the years to come.” The band will also be performing at this year’s live telecast of the Gospel Music Awards which will air on Gospel Music Channel on April 23 at 8 pm EST. In addition to ChristianMusicPlanet.com readers naming 33Miles as one of the “Best New Artists of 2007,” their current single “Thank You” is climbing up the charts on both the R&R AC and INSPO charts. The single is currently No. 9 on the AC charts while entering in the top 20 on the INSPO charts. This is the band’s third consecutive radio hit following “What Could Be Better” and “There Is A God.” After logging in tens of thousands of miles last year alone, the trio is preparing for a packed summer as they hit the road for tour dates across the country including stops at youth events and the Summer’s biggest festivals (tour dates listed below, subject to change). Since their debut in 2007, well-respected newcomers 33Miles scanned over 50,000 units with their GMA Dove nominated project 33Miles. The band’s freshman project also received praise on iTunes as a staff favorite, reaching No. 5 on the Christian/Gospel genre list. # # # www.33milesonline.com myspace.com/33miles 04/25/2008 SKILLET AND DISCIPLE ROCK THE 2008 GMA DOVE AWARDS SKILLET AND DISCIPLE ROCK THE 2008 GMA DOVE AWARDS Both Bands Receive First Dove Wins Nashville, Tenn. … April 24, 2008 … Atlantic/Ardent/INO artist Skillet and INO Record’s Disciple are celebrating rock wins at last night’s 39th annual GMA Dove Awards with each bringing home their first career statues. After 16 nominations, Skillet won “Rock Recorded Song of the Year” for “Comatose” written by John Cooper and Brian Howes from their 2006 release of the same name. “The GMA Award show was absolutely awesome! It made me feel even more proud to be a part of the Christian music industry. Winning the Dove was an unexpected highlight of the night, second only to saying ‘Hi’ to Amy Grant and giving her a high five,” says Skillet front man John Cooper. Skillet is currently headlining their COMATOSE tour and selling out numerous venues across the country, recently including New York City’s Grand Ballroom. Disciple took top honors in the “Rock Album of the Year” category for their sophomore project “Scars Remain” (2006). With seven nominations to the band’s name, lead singer Kevin Young is pumped about their first win saying "We are all so very happy and honored to have won the Dove Award for ‘Rock Album of the Year’ with ‘Scars Remain.’ This was our eighth nomination and our first win. Over the years I always would get butterflies every time our category would come up , but would always hear someone else's name called every time until last night. So needless to say, I was truly shocked. We are so thankful to God for using our music, and to the Gospel Music Association for recognizing us.” Currently on the “Cross the Line” tour with Superchick, the band is also working on a new project set to release this fall. Skillet’s explosive 2006 Lava/Atlantic/Ardent/INO Records GRAMMY-nominated release, Comatose follows 2004’s Collide, which launched the group into the public eye and garnered the band their first prestigious Grammy nomination. A critical fave, Comatose has become their best-selling project to date, doubling the sales of Collide in half the time. In follow up to packed out headline club shows, a tour with Flyleaf, and summer festivals Skillet spent last fall opening for mainstream rockers Breaking Benjamin and Three Days Grace. In the process of becoming one of the hardest working, most rocking, and broadly appealing acts of its generation, radio welcomed Comatose with open arms, as the first single, “Rebirthing” spent seven-weeks at No.1 on Christian Rock. Their second single, “The Last Night,” also took the top spot, this time at both Rock and CHR (CRW/R&R), while their latest singles, “The Older I Get” (CHR/Rock) and “Comatose” have become their third and fourth consecutive No. 1 singles. At the end of 2007 the band was lauded with R&R’s No. 1 Christian CHR Song of the Year for “The Last Night”, which was also R&R’s No. 2 Christian Rock song of the year. In addition, Skillet was named 2007’s No. 2 top artist on both the CHR and ROCK year end lists. For more information go to www.skillet.com The Knoxville, Tenn. foursome’s first self-titled studio release “Disciple” (2005) sold nearly 100,000 units and brought home three No. 1 hits. Disciple has also been nominated for a whopping eight Gospel Music Awards, and their sophomore album “Scars Remain” (2006) has already garnered a No. 1 hit. “Game On” from their sophomore project that also received massive placement in sports shows across the country including “Best Damn Sports Show,” NFL’s “Total Axxess”, WWE’s “Cyber Sunday” and Speed TV’s “Speed Report,” as well as venues such as Wachovia Center in Philadelphia and even Madison Square Garden in New York City. The single was also used in promotion for “Criminal Minds” and “CSI Miami.” The rockers were also chosen to write a song for “WWE: The Music Vol. 8” and WWE superstar duo Hawkins and Ryder. For more information go to www.disciplerocks.com P.O.D. DANCE ONTO BILLBOARD TOP 10/CHRISTIAN SOUNDSCAN AT # 1 P.O.D. DANCE ONTO BILLBOARD TOP 10 /CHRISTIAN SOUNDSCAN AT # 1 "WHEN ANGELS & SERPENTS DANCE" MARKS P.O.D.'S 4TH TOP 10 DEBUT!! BAND ALSO CELEBRATES #1 ROCK ALBUM ON iTUNES CHART
Nashville, TN - April 16, 2008 - Multi-Platinum rockers P.O.D. are back to reclaim their place atop the rock scene with their INO/Columbia Records debut, When Angels & Serpents Dance. The disc nabs the #9 spot on this week's Billboard Albums Chart and #1 on the Contemporary Christian SoundScan chart. This marks P.O.D.'s fourth Top 10 release. "Satellite" (2001), "Payable On Death"(2003) and "Testify" (2006) also debuted in the Billboard Top 10 when released. In addition, P.O.D. have landed the coveted #1 spot on iTunes Rock album chart this past week. Lead vocalist Sonny Sandoval says: "After 16 years of being in P.O.D., the loyalty of The Warriors continue to make us look good. We are truly grateful and blown away to see another Top 10 debut." The San Diego quartet’s renewed vigor is evident throughout When Angels & Serpents Dance. From the searing guitar which kicks off the hard-rocking first single, “Addicted," and the striking and poignant, “End Of The World” (complete with gospel choir); to the album’s most ferocious track, the savage “God Forbid,” the disc has been receiving rave reviews in both the CBA and General Market: The Oakland Press says: “The band deliver their most mature and ambitious outing to date. It's a fresh start to P.O.D. rather than merely returning to the good old days." The disc also received an impressive 2 1/2 stars from USA Today and the band’s hometown San Diego Union Tribune quipped: "It's during the softer moments, such as the questioning acoustic ballad "Tell Me Why" and the meticulously layered "Rise Against," that P.O.D. best demonstrate its new maturity, dynamic range and emotional and musical depth." CCM magazine boldly stated that ”If this amazing album doesn’t get the music world’s attention upon its release, there just might have to be a revolution,” while Aspiring Retail remarked, “P.O.D. reemerge as aggressive as ever, but have a more mature, passionate pulse, purposed to please their passionate fan base. “When Angels and Serpents Dance” displays an impressive range in this13-song collection.” When Angels and Serpents Dance (produced by Jay Baumgardner: Evanescence, etc.) is ultimately a record of P.O.D. in 2008. “As far as P.O.D. goes it’s always for the moment,” Sandoval says. “I just kind of go through it and whatever the song brings out in us that’s it. There’s a lot of passion on this record.” Indeed, When Angels and Serpents Dance is the sound of a rejuvenated band: passionate, aggressive and with a message for our times.
### www.payableondeath.com 04/08/2008P.O.D. LIVE ON THE TONIGHT SHOW! *Postponed 4/8/08 UPDATE***....This just in from the P.O.D. newsletter about the Leno performance: "Leno Postponed - Sonny's voice is completely out, the last few days he'd been trying to save up his voice as much as he could as it started going out the last couple days of the tour. By the end of the evening Monday his voice was blown. Please pray that his voice/throat will heal soon. Leno has been postponed as a result. We thank our family for all the love and prayers whenever we're in need!" - P.O.D.
P.O.D. IS BACK WITH “WHEN ANGELS AND SERPANTS DANCE” HOMETOWN HARD ROCK CAFÉ SHOW LIVE ONLINE TONIGHT! LIVE ON THE TONIGHT SHOW TOMORROW! REVIEWS PRAISE CURIEL’S REUNION
NASHVILLE, TN....4/7/08.....If the reviews are any indication, people are exuberant over Marcos Curiel’s reunion with P.O.D. on their INO/Columbia record’s debut, WHEN ANGELS AND SERPANTS DANCE, which hits worldwide tomorrow, Tuesday, April 8th. Tonight the band will perform at their hometown Hard Rock Cafe in an All Access Warrior Pass Online concert live from San Diego. The band will be online up close and personal before and after the show as well, and fans can experience it all by signing up at www.payableondeath.com/allaccess. This exclusive access will allow fans to have to view exclusive footage, witness the hometown performance and a chance to interact with the band and other fans. Tomorrow P.O.D will perform their new single, “Addicted,” on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, along with fellow guests Dennis Quaid "Smart People" and Russell Brand "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" - P.O.D P.O.D. recently took part in Hard Rock Café's month long charity drive for Musicians on Call, performing at various Hard Rock Café's throughout the country, including the March 18 album listening event at Hard Rock locations in Atlanta, Boston, Cleveland, Detroit, Houston, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, Orlando, Philadelphia and San Francisco. The listening parties had a voluntary $5 donation to the Musicians on Call charity and a register to win a drawing for various P.O.D. items. Media outlets online, in print and in both the CBA and General market are loving what they hear on WHEN ANGELS AND SERPANTS DANCE:
”If this amazing album doesn’t get the music world’s attention upon its release, there just might have to be a revolution” ----CCM Magazine “P.O.D. have come back and brought the best of their game on “When Angels and Serpents Dance.” ----clevelandleader.com “Forgive the blasphemy, but for P.O.D., the return of founding guitarist Marcos Curiel is almost the second coming. The longtime Christian rap-rock band welcomes him back warmly, with most of this set celebrating his strengths: crunchy bits of riffs, resounding reverb and even some Spanish acoustic.” ---- Recoil Magazine ”Indeed, “When Angels and Serpents Dance” is the sound of a rejuvenated band: passionate, aggressive and with a message for our times.” ----refuelyoursoul.com “P.O.D. Is rightly considered one of the best Nu Metal bands (a fusion of grunge, funk, hip-hop and several varieties of metal)......It’s not that other bands don’t do this ‘dance with the devil’ thing – they do – P.O.D. just does it better.” --Christian Retailing “Positively, I'm happy to report. P.O.D. have matured and progressed from their rap-rock-reggae hybrid, crafting smart songs with groove. “When Angels And Serpents Dance” is a well-manicured collection of radio-ready hard rock” --UNRATEDMUSIC.com “Fabulous” (04.5 rating) ---HMMagazine “Multi-platinum rockers P.O.D. reemerge as aggressive as ever, but have a more mature, passionate pulse, purposed to please their passionate fan base. “When Angels and Serpents Dance” displays an impressive range in this13-song collection.” ---- Aspiring Retail “...their most powerful, purpose-filled album since “The Fundamental Elements of Southtown”... sonically-searing, lyrically-leveling...” ----Soul-Audio.com ###
www.payableondeath.com
NASHVILLE, TN....
4/1/08.....Atlantic/LAVA/Ardent/INO rockers Skillet launched their “COMATOSE” headline tour this past weekend to packed houses and sell out crowds. Both Minneapolis (1609/Club 3 Degrees) and Kalamazoo, MI (2850/Wings Stadium) shows were SOLD OUT, with packed houses in Des Moines (1656/Val Air Ballroom) and the band’s hometown area of Chicago (1142/House of Blues).
"As long as you don't mind answering the phone, you're gonna love bringing the Skillet tour to your town,” remarked WAYK Station Manager Rich Anderson, promoter of the Kalamazoo show. “First it was dozens and dozens of calls from people begging for tickets because we sold out 8 days in advance of the show; Then it was calls and e-mails from the ecstatic 2,850 who got to experience the tour.”
Here's a few comments from some of the e-mails WAYK received:
'SKILLET ROCKED!!!! Thanks, WayFM for bringing them here to West Michigan. It was so awesome to see so many kids and parents totally rockin’ out and having a great time. I have seen many concerts in my day and let me tell you, they are definitely on top of my list and I can't wait to see them again. I am a fan for life!'
'The concert WAS AWESOME!!! My son, daughter & their friends were down in front of the stage and are still saying "huh? I can't hear you." Wow, it was LOUD, but I wouldn't have it any other way! Will said it's the best weekend he ever had! Isn't that great? Each band probably talked about 2 minutes about how they loved Jesus and Rock & Roll in that order. It was really awesome.'
Hitting approximately 30 cities, including New York City,’s Grand Ball Room, also features Thousand Foot Krutch and special guest Decyfer Down, the tour will run through May 11, 2008. Tour dates are listed below and more information can be found at http://www.skillet.com and http://www.myspace.com/skilletmusic.
Criss-crossing the country over the past year and a half with other bands like Flyleaf, Breaking Benjamin, Three Days Grace and on Winter Jam, Skillet is excited to be out on their own tour. As their GRAMMY-nominated COMATOSE continues to be one of the best-selling projects in Christian music, still in the top 10 after 77 weeks of release and 320,000 units scanned, Skillet is also nominated for a GMA Dove Award for ARTIST OF THE YEAR and ROCK RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR (“Comatose”).
Skillet's current rock hit is already #2 on the Christian rock chart with a bullet on their song from the COMATOSE Deluxe Edition, “Live Free Or Let Me Die,” and they’ll be releasing "Those Nights" to CHR this month. In addition, Skillet will headline several rock stages and pre-closing slots at top summer festivals including Creation East and West, Kingdom Bound, Soulfest, Cornerstone, Icthus, NewSong, Rock the Universe, Spirit West Coast, Sonshine, LifeFest Alive, Red Letter Rockfest, and many more.
Skillet’s explosive 2006 Lava/Atlantic/Ardent/INO Records GRAMMY-nominated release, Comatose follows 2004’s Collide, which launched the group into the public eye and garnered the band their first prestigious Grammy nomination. A critical fave, Comatose has become their best-selling project to date, doubling the sales of Collide in half the time. In follow up to packed out headline club shows, a tour with FlyLeaf, and summer festivals Skillet spent last fall opening for mainstream rockers Breaking Benjamin and Three Days Grace. In the process of becoming one of the hardest working, most rocking, and broadly appealing acts of its generation, radio welcomed Comatose with open arms, as the first single, “Rebirthing” spent seven-weeks at No.1 on Christian Rock. Their second single, “The Last Night,” also took the top spot, this time at both Rock and CHR (CRW/R&R), while their latest singles, “The Older I Get” (CHR/Rock) and “Comatose” have become their third and fourth consecutive No. 1 singles. At the end of 2007 the band was lauded with R&R’s No. 1 Christian CHR Song of the Year for “The Last Night”, which was also R&R’s No. 2 Christian Rock song of the year. In addition, Skillet was named 2007s No. 2 top artist on both the CHR and ROCK year end lists.
NASHVILLE, TN....4/1/08....As you’re watching TV over the next few weeks, watch out for AMERICAN IDOL commercials featuring The Afters’ song “We are the Sound” from their brand new CD, NEVER GOING BACK TO OK. Fox’s top-rated show picked the song to use with commercials and other promotional opportunities over the next few weeks. To listen to “We are the Sound” go to myspace.com/theafters.
NEVER GOING BACK TO OK entered the Billboard Top 200 at #41 and the Contemporary Christian SoundScan charts at #1 selling 15,856 units. In digital sales, the project entered at #1 for Christian SoundScan album and track sales plus hit as high as #14 on the iTunes® overall digital chart and #4 on their digital Rock chart.
The radio single “Never Going Back to OK,” returned to #1 at Christian CHR this week while “Keeping Me Alive” continues to emerge as their next hit single at Christian AC radio.
The Afters are touring across the country throughout 2008 including headlining their own dates this spring and hitting the major summer festivals. All tour dates are available at www.theafters.com and myspace.com/theafters.
Releasing their debut project “I Wish We All Could Win” in 2005, The Afters received top attention from their fans and media outlets. The Afters’ music has appeared on the networks of MTV, mtvU, ABC Family and E! News as well as on HOT AC and VH-1 radio along with outlets such as Billboard, BOP and Popstar. The MTV college network and mtvU have been strong supporters of the band as their music video for “Beautiful Love” was awarded with an mtvU Award for Best Streaming Video in 2005. The Afters were awarded the Dove Award for “New Artist of the Year” (2006), and has had over 250,000 downloads to date. The foursome composed of Josh Havens, Matt Fuqua, Brad Wigg and Marc Dodd, met while working at a Starbucks in Mesquite, Texas.
NASHVILLE, TN.....3/20/08.....As their headline run on the Winter Jam Spectacular closed out this past weekend in Nashville, MercyMe fans needn’t fear as the band’s iTunes ® Original album made its way into the main newsletter from iTunes ® this week, hitting #1 on the Christian album chart for iTunes and #32 on their overall chart.
Recorded in Southern California for iTunes ® during MercyMe’s “All That Is Within Me” Tour last fall, the band spent a day in a recording studio before their show in Irvine. The iTunes ® Original is a collection of six exclusive new recordings, in-depth interviews with frontman Bart Millard and key tracks from MercyMe's previous releases. The set lists includes “I Would Die for You,” the Dove-Award winning and NO. 1 single “Word of God Speak,” a cover of Tom Petty’s “Won’t Back Down,” and of course the biggest fan favorite of all, the multi-format smash hit “I Can Only Imagine.” *See attached for complete track listing.
“We're thrilled to be a part of anything iTunes is doing,” remarked MercyMe guitarist Mike Scheuchzer. “They are so forward thinking in getting our music out for people to listen to, so to have the opportunity to do an iTunes original to share with our fans was awesome! We can't wait to get some more new music and extras out there for the world to hear!”
At the close of 2007, MercyMe was the No. 1 Most Played AC artist (R&R/CRW) and Inspo artist (CRW) in 2007, while their latest studio project, “All That Is Within Me,” garnered their 10th No. 1 Christian single, “God With Us.” The album remains in the top five on Billboard’s Contemporary Christian SoundScan chart after 17 weeks and entering the Top 200 chart at No. 15 and selling an impressive 83,626 units, a personal record for units sold in a project’s first week.
www.mercyme.org
* INO Rockers Disciple’s new song “In The Middle of it Now” will be among the tracks featured on “WWE: The Music Vol. 8.” The song specially written for the record will hit stores on March 25, and includes track from other rock artists such as Saliva, Axel and Airbourne. “WWE: The Music Vol. 8” unleashes right in time for WWE's biggest bash of the year, WrestleMania® XXIV live on pay-per-view on Sunday, March 30 at the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Fla. WWE has sold more than six million CDs worldwide with five WWE Group album titles debuting in the US Top 10.
* WWE stars Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder will also be using the new rock anthem “In The Middle of it Now” as the duo’s theme song.
“We were totally excited when we heard it because we wanted something different unlike anybody else on the show,” says Hawkins. “It definitely gave us a good kick start in the right direction.”
Be sure to check out an interview with the star wrestling pair and Disciple lead vocalist Kevin Young in the latest WWE Superstar to Superstar feature.
http://www.wwe.com/inside/superstartosuperstar/exclusives/s2shawkinsryderdisciple
* The rock powerhouse group also raked in two Gospel Music Award nominations from their sophomore project “Scars Remain.” The album is nominated for “Rock/Contemporary Album” and their multi-format radio hit “After the World” is nominated for “Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song.” The 39th annual Gospel Music Awards will air live on Gospel Music Channel on April 23.
The Knoxville, Tenn. foursome’s first self-titled studio release “Disciple” (2005) sold nearly 100,000 units and brought home three No. 1 hits. Disciple has also been nominated for a whopping eight Gospel Music Awards, and their sophomore album “Scars Remain” (2006) has already garnered a No. 1 hit. “Game On” from their sophomore project also received massive placement in sports shows across the country including “Best Damn Sports Show,” NFL’s “Total Axxess”, WWE’s “Cyber Sunday” and Speed TV’s “Speed Report,” as well as venues such as Wachovia Center in Philadelphia and even Madison Square Garden in New York City. The single was also used in promotion for “Criminal Minds” and “CSI Miami.”
# # #
www.disciplerocks.com
myspace.com/disciplerocks
Los Angeles, CA - March 3, 2008 - The lineup that took P.O.D. to multiple platinum success with The Fundamental Elements of Southtown and Satellite (featuring “Youth of a Nation,” “Alive,” “Boom,” and "Satellite") is back to reclaim their place atop the rock scene with their Columbia Records debut, When Angels and Serpents Dance on April 8, 2008!
Our fans are excited and we’re having a lot of fun,” says vocalist Sonny Sandoval. “After four years Marcos is back in the band and we’ve got new music. Things are exciting again. When the four of us are in a room making music it’s definitely right and Marcos brings that passion for music into the band.”
The quartet’s renewed vigor is evident throughout When Angels and Serpents Dance. From the searing guitar which kicks off the hard-rocking first single, “Addicted,"(which the band will perform live on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on April 8) and the striking and poignant, “End Of The World” (complete with gospel choir!); to the album’s most ferocious track, the savage “Don't Fake It.”
"It's just great to get back to basics and give it another whirl & tap into our souls." says an inspired Marcos. "This band is a supernatural experience to me! It has literally surpassed many of my vivid dreams...I'm blessed and excited to reconnect with family & friends. I hope to pursue & establish the passion that began in 1992 with 4 brothers who just followed God, dreams & our music."
Prior to the release of When Angels and Serpents Dance the band will take part in Hard Rock CafÈ's month long charity drive for Musicians on Call and perform at various Hard Rock CafÈ's throughout the country. On Tuesday, March 18 there will be an album listening event at Hard Rock locations in Atlanta, Boston, Cleveland, Detroit, Houston, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, Orlando, Philadelphia and San Francisco. These listening parties will have a voluntary $5 donation to the Musicians on Call charity and a register to win drawing for various P.O.D. items.
Beginning March 25, P.O.D. will criss-cross the country to perform live in 8 markets at various Hard Rock CafÈ venues including a special hometown show on April 7 in San Diego the night before the CD is released in-stores. The Hard Rock shows will give P.O.D. fans a chance to be up close with the band in the intimate setting of the Hard Rock CafÈ venues. The San Diego show will be broadcast live over the internet on ALL ACCESS Warrior Pass. This will allow fans to have access to exclusive footage, witness the hometown performance and a chance to interact with the band and other fans. P.O.D. will also be special guests on Rockline Radio show on Monday April, 7 before the Hard Rock performance that same evening. Hard Rock CafÈ Club shows:
March
25 Hollywood, CA @ Universal Studios
27 Orlando, FL - THQ Superslam Raw vs Smackdown
at House of Blues. Not part of Hard Rock tour!
28 Miami, FL - 401 Biscayne Blvd.
29 Washington DC - 999 E. Street N.W.
31 Chicago, IL - 63 W. Ontario
April
1 St. Louis, MO - 450 St. Louis Union Station
2 Denver, CO - 500 16th Street Mall
3 Phoenix, AZ - 3 South 2nd Street
7 San Diego, CA - 801 4th Avenue
As has always been the case with P.O.D. the band looked to those that inspired them rather than the hot artist of the moment for guests on the album. “That’s what we do on our records; we bring in people that influenced us.” Joining in the fun was Mike Muir of Suicidal Tendencies, who guests on the track “Kaliforn-Eye-A,” and The Marley Sisters (the daughters of Bob Marley), who lend their vocal prowess to what Sonny calls “Our reggae track (I’LL BE READY).” Helmet’s Paige Hamilton sings on “God Forbid,” which Sonny calls “probably our heaviest song.”
When Angels and Serpents Dance (produced by Jay Baumgardner: Evanescence, etc.) is ultimately a record of P.O.D. in 2008. “As far as P.O.D. goes it’s always for the moment,” Sonny says. “I just kind of go through it and whatever the song brings out in us that’s it. There’s a lot of passion on this record.”
Indeed, When Angels and Serpents Dance is the sound of a rejuvenated band: passionate, aggressive and with a message for our times.
This is P.O.D. in 2008
Wuv (Drums)
Sonny (Vocals)
Traa (Bass)
Marcos (Guitar)
NASHVILLE, TN...3/5/08....On the heels of a street week filled with smashing reviews, viral video victory with “MySpace Girl” and a No. 1 Christian CHR radio hit, INO/COLUMBIA Record’s act The Afters confirm they are indeed NEVER GOING BACK TO OK as this, their sophomore release, enters the Billboard Top 200 at #41 and the Contemporary Christian SoundScan charts at #1 selling 15,856 units. In digital sales, the project enters at #1 for Christian SoundScan album and track sales plus hit as high as #14 on the iTunes® overall digital chart and #4 on their digital Rock chart. Simultaneously, for the third straight week, the album’s title track, “Never Going Back to OK,” remains #1 at Christian CHR, and hit Top 5 at Christian Rock. Now, “Keeping Me Alive” has just released and is emerging as their next hit single at Christian AC radio.
“After their initial success with “Beautiful Love”, it is gratifying to see The Afters return with such a strong sophomore album,” remarks INO Records’ President Jeff Moseley. “I think the strong showing in sales, welcome arms from radio, media and fans alike is just an early indication of the fact that this band is for real and here to stay.”
Following prime placement on MySpace.com, YouTube, Seventeen.com over the past couple of weeks, the “MySpace Girl” video has now gone out via TV Guide Broadband’s Video on Demand service, which hits 30 million homes, syndicating content across a number of sites like YouTube, veoh, hulu and AOL video. The clip is can be viewed on AOL Videos at http://video.aol.com/partner/hulu/mvids-the-afters-myspace-girl-music-video/eicuKYI2tFTwUk0uWbzzt3YzAysys2Jp and on Youtube at http://youtube.com/watch?v=4HySTiCLYcM
In addition, Clear Channel has also announced they will be featuring the video on their radio station websites for on-demand streaming, starting March 6th. This will be for a feature they call "NEW!", which is available across 393 stations . Also coming up, The Gospel Music Channel will host the television broadcast premiere the video on March 8th. To view the video go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BA_LDKz3Tc0.
"This is an exciting week for us.” exclaimed The Afters’ frontman Josh Havens. “We had so much fun recording this album and it’s wonderful to know how well it is being received. We are very encouraged that so many people are as excited about the new album as we are. Thank you!"
NEVER GOING BACK TO OK is a culmination of all the buzz and excitement of the past three years for this emerging band. After receiving a Gospel Music Award for “Best New Artist of 2006” and having the most downloaded inspirational track (“Beautiful Love”) of the same year on the iTunes® charts, the band is back with a diverse record receiving rave reviews from media outlets including Popmatters, CBNMusic, CCM, Alternative Addiction, All Music Guide and many more.
The Afters will also be touring across the country throughout 2008 including headlining their own dates this spring and hitting the major summer festivals. All tour dates listed below are subject to change.
Releasing their debut project “I Wish We All Could Win” in 2005, The Afters received top attention from their fans and media outlets. The Afters’ music has appeared on the networks of MTV, mtvU, ABC Family and E! News as well as on HOT AC and VH-1 radio along with outlets such as Billboard, BOP and Popstar. The MTV college network and mtvU have been strong supporters of the band as their music video for “Beautiful Love” was awarded with an mtvU Award for Best Streaming Video in 2005. The Afters were awarded the Dove Award for “New Artist of the Year” (2006), and has had over 250,000 downloads to date. The foursome composed of Josh Havens, Matt Fuqua, Brad Wigg and Marc Dodd, met while working at a Starbucks in Mesquite, Texas.
www.theafters.com myspace.com/theafters
NASHVILLE, TN…Feb. 18,2008… Revered by popular music artists/musicians Marty Stuart, Buddy Miller, David Roe and more, INO/Columbia’s powerhouse vocalist and former front rocker for the Screamin’ Cheetah Wheelies Mike Farris grabs national attention playing legendary venues and festivals while announcing his recent partnership with Paradigm Talent Agency.
Farris will perform two different times at the South By Southwest (SXSW) Festival in Austin, TX, one of the largest music festivals in the U.S. SXSW is known to draw crowds by the thousands and among industry insiders is a place for discovering fresh talent. Along with Farris, scheduled to perform is music icon Dolly Parton, R.E.M, The Black Crowes, etc. The music event will run March 12-16, with Farris performing on the 11th at Stubb’s and the 13th for the AMA (Americana Music Association) showcase at the world famous blues venue, Antone’s (singers to grace Antone’s stage have been Bono & The Edge of U2, ZZ Top, Eric Clapton, Elvis Costello and many more).
“Mike is a star, and more than that a great person with an amazing jaw dropping voice,” says Executive Director of the Americana Music Association Jed Hilly. “Mikes appreciation for great music goes deep; his sound pays homage to great roots traditions that he makes uniquely contemporary. His gospel blues Americana show is a perfect fit for historic Antone’s.”
In addition to the SXSW Festival, Farris will play in concert at Nashville’s 3rd & Lindsley on March 16th, opening for Steeldrivers and Fairfield Four; will be singing at the Historic Myrtle Beach Train Depot in May; has been invited to play on Marty Stuart’s Late Night Jam at Nashville’s hallowed Ryman Auditorium in June, and will perform at two Creation Fest’s in PA and WA in mid-summer, along with many more dates.
Farris is seeing success both on-stage and with his 2007 studio release Salvation In Lights as it has been voted as one of the “Best Albums of 2007” by three different media outlets, including The Tennessean. This record continues to see chart success as well staying power on the Americana Radio Charts for twelve weeks and counting.
“We are excited to see Mike get all the duly deserved recognition on his fantastic release,” says VP of Sales and Marketing of Columbia Records Tyler Pittman. “It pleases us that he will be able to get a chance to perform for the world of music industry professionals and fans in Austin at SXSW and beyond.”
For more information on all things happening with Mike Farris and to see him LIVE, go to http://www.mikefarrismusic.net or http://www.myspace.com/mikefarris .
About Mike Farris
Founder and former front man of the highly successful rock group Screamin’ Cheetah Wheelies, Mike Farris has lived through it all, literally. The SCW band has toured with artists/groups Meatloaf, Sheryl Crow, Dave Matthews Band, Allman Brothers Band, Blues Traveler and more. Then, nearly dead from an accidental overdose of pills and alcohol before he turned 21, Farris made a desperate cry out to God, and He responded. Farris’ struggles through addiction slowly turned into hope as he and the band, Screamin Cheetah Wheelies, played their final show in Spain to 30,000 fans then two years later, he signed with INO/ Columbia Records releasing what many call a “uniquely redemptive story” with Salvation In Lights.
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