Wired For Sound

New Britt Nicole Acoustic EP Coming August 24th

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 09:15:24 -0500

The anticipation for Acoustic, Britt Nicole’s new EP available everywhere August 24, is at an official high now that Jesus Freak Hideout has declared the six-song project “Certified Preorder Worthy.” The set features remarkably fresh takes on Britt’s five biggest songs- “Hanging On,” “Set The World On Fire,” “Headphones,” “Walk on the Water,” and “The Lost Get Found”-plus the new track “Found By You,” co-written with Brandon Heath.

JFH says “Each of these songs sounds almost entirely different, especially a ballad style version of ‘The Lost Get Found’…It’s clear to see that Britt has matured as an artist…I highly recommend it.”
You can pre-order Acoustic here.

David Crowder*Band Documents Summer of "Happiness"

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 16:31:38 -0500

The summer of 2010 just got hotter and happier thanks to this new video for David Crowder*Band’s current hit single, “Oh, Happiness.” Compiled of onstage footage from the Church Music and Summer Happiness U.S. tours, the clip is backed by a joyous live audio recording of the song and even featured the band’s robot drummer, Steve 3P0.

“Oh, Happiness” is found on the 73-minute, Dove Award-winner Church Music set that Jesus Freak Hideout called “far and away the best worship record of the year” and New Release Tuesday deemed “trule a 5 star album.” Be sure to pick up your copy of Church Music now at either iTunes or Amazon. Up next, catch David Crowder*Band on the Church Music Canada tour with Hillsong Youth beginning October 6.

The 4 song Summer Happiness EP featuring “Oh, Happiness (Acoustic)” is also available now at iTunes and Amazon.

Free Audrey Assad Download at iTunes

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 15:06:39 -0500

The title track from Audrey Assad’s acclaimed debut project, The House You’re Building, is now free as part of iTunes Discovery Download this week. Commenting on the pop/worship set, music review site Through A Glass Onion discovered a record that “will make your heart dance with the reassurance that God knows us, loves us, and carries us” and called it “a great album that speaks to you even after it’s done playing…just right.”

The House You’re Building opened at No. 6 on Billboard’s Heatseekers Chart and also features the popular songs “For Love Of You” and “Restless.”

Here’s what others are saying:

“Check out this great new artist, friend and guest on #theshelter. Gorgeous music!- @jarsofclay

“Do not. I repeat DO NOT hesitate to purchase this album! Unless you don’t like amazing…”- @mikedonehey (tenth avenue north)

“…The House You’re Building is quite impressive.”- www.CCMmagazine.com

Thousands of Stories From Across The Globe Compose Inspiration For Matthew West's Forthcoming Album "The Story of Your Life" Releasing October 5th

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 13:10:00 -0500

Nashville, Tenn. Aug. 4, 2010 Thousands of stories from every state in the U.S. and 20 countries were the source of motivation for Matthew West’s fourth Sparrow Record’s album, The Story of Your Life, set to release on Oct. 5.

In follow-up to the GRAMMY ® nominee’s success with his hit single “Motions” being atop the radio charts for a whopping 15 weeks and being the most played artist at Christian radio last year, the well-known singer/songwriter turned to his fans via web and radio for songwriting material for his new album asking them to submit their stories of restoration, celebration, pain, hope and more. One thousand responded in the first two days alone, leading to the thousands that answered from across the world. He then spent two months in a cabin outside of Nashville, Tenn. reading every story and then transforming them into songs for the record. The songs range from joyful stories about adoption and victories over cancer, to heart-breaking letters of abuse and broken homes.

“As stories began to pour in by the thousands, I quickly sensed that not only was something special taking place, but that my life was about to change,” explains West. “During those months, my eyes were opened to see the world outside my door like I had never witnessed before.”

To see a video about West making the record, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsxrGdwuI5s&feature=player_embedded.

West serves as a trusted storyteller for the 11-track album which was produced by the renowned Brown Bannister (Amy Grant, Steven Curtis Chapman, Michael W. Smith) and Pete Kipley (MercyMe, David Crowder*Band). For example, the song “Family Tree” tackles the issue of generational baggage inspired by a girl’s story. From another letter about the joys of adoption, West wrote the song “One Less.” “Broken Girl” was taken from a submitted story of abuse.

The first single, “My Own Little World,” which is at radio now and will hit digital retailers on Aug. 17, is a powerful release as it sets the stage for the remaining tracks. Already, the single is the most added song at AC this week with 38 total stations playing the song, as well as debuting at No. 28 on AC indicator and New & Active on the AC Monitor chart. The single premiered exclusively on West’s facebook page late last week where around 25,000 people listened to the song in only 24 hours. In regards to “My Own Little World,” West says, “I first walked into the cabin with my own little world being ‘population me,’ but with each new story, God began to change all that. This is the song that talks about how these thousands of stories opened my eyes and my heart to see the world outside my door through the eyes of my savior, through the eyes of compassion.”

West will embark on “The Story of Your Life Tour” this fall with special guests Jonny Diaz and Josh Wilson in partnership with Operation Christmas Child.

GRAMMY ® Award nominated singer/songwriter Matthew West catapulted onto the Christian music scene in 2003 with his debut single, “More,” the most played Christian AC song of 2003. The multi-Dove Award nominee has since released three critically-acclaimed recordings, Happy (2003), History (2005) and Something to Say (2008), while dominating radio as the most played Christian artist of 2003, 2008 and 2009, according to Radio & Records. All of West’s singles have charted in the Top 10, including the memorable hits “Only Grace,” “History,” “Next Thing You Know,” “You Are Everything” and the GRAMMY ® nominated “The Motions.” ”The Motions” was 2009’s most played song at Christian AC radio, and was No. 1 on Radio & Records’ Christian AC Monitored chart and the Billboard Christian chart for 14 weeks as well as the most downloaded Christian digital track 15 weeks running, according to SoundScan.

Last year, West was asked to pen the theme song for VeggieTales’ latest Christmas DVD release, Saint Nicholas – A Story Of Joyful Giving. West recorded “Give This Christmas Away” with best-selling, award-winning artist Amy Grant, who performed the radio single alongside Matthew on Fox News programs “Huckabee” and “FOX & Friends.” Known as both a singer and songwriter, West has penned hits for artists such as Rascal Flatts, Billy Ray Cyrus, Diamond Rio and more. His new album The Story of Your Life releases October 5, 2010.

www.matthewwest.com
www.myspace.com/matthewwest
www.facebook.com/matthewwest
www.twitter.com/matthew_west

“The Story of Your Life” tour dates

* all dates subject to change, please visit www.matthewwest.com for the most up to date tour information.

9/16- Summerville, SC
9/17- Simpsonville, SC
9/18- TO BE ANNOUNCED
9/19- Charlotte, NC
9/23- Rocky Mount, NC
9/24- Cary, NC
9/25- Dothan, AL
9/26- Montgomery, AL
9/30- Savannah, GA
10/1- Grovetown, GA
10/2- Myrtle Beach, SC
10/3- TO BE ANNOUNCED
10/5- Chicago, IL
10/7- TO BE ANNOUNCED
10/8- TO BE ANNOUNCED
10/9- Jefferson, WI
10/10- TO BE ANNOUNCED
10/14- TO BE ANNOUNCED
10/15- Adrian, MI
10/16- Louisville, KY
10/21- Springfield, MO
10/22- Lincoln, NE
10/23- Kansas City, MO
10/24- Fort Wayne, IN
10/27- Oklahoma City, OK
10/28- TO BE ANNOUNCED
10/29- TO BE ANNOUNCED
10/30- McAlester, OK
11/2- Longwood, FL
11/4- Ocala, FL
11/5- Clearwater, FL
11/6- Avon Park, FL
11/7- Sarasota, FL

Matthew West New Single on Facebook Today Only

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 10:06:00 -0500

After spending 2 months in a cabin in Tennessee, reading thousands of stories from people like you and me, Matthew West has created an album like no other. The Story of Your Life tells the story of every day people and the struggles life has thrown at them. It is a heart warming album about life, struggle and hope for redemption. Today only Matthew West’s new single, “My Own Little World” is available to listen to on Facebook. Click here to listen to the premiere of “My Own Little World.”

STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN TO SING NATIONAL ANTHEM AT NASCAR'S BRICKYARD 400 LIVE ON ESPN

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 13:12:00 -0500

Nashville, TN. July 21, 2010 – Five-Time Grammy ® Award winning and multi-platinum selling artist Steven Curtis Chapman will kick off NASCAR’s Brickyard 400 by singing the National Anthem on Sunday, July 25th at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The anthem will be broadcast live on ESPN at 1pm (EST), just prior to the start of the race.

Chapman’s performance bolsters an impressive lineup of national and regional talent performing live during the Brickyard 400 weekend July 23-25. Other acts include Country stars Casey Jamerson, Luke Bryan, popular country duo Cooke & Belle and teen singer-songwriters Anna Margaret and Josh Golden. Tickets for the event are available online at www.imstix.com.

Following the NASCAR event, the award-winning artist will begin preparing for his fall tour, one that is unlike any other. For the first time, Chapman will share the stage with his wife Mary Beth and their two sons Caleb and Will, for an extraordinary event “A Night with the Chapmans,” presented by Show HOPE.

Starting September 10 and running through November 21, audiences will enjoy Chapman performing a collection of his greatest hits along with some new fan favorites including his current radio single, the title track of his latest album Beauty Will Rise. Fans can even request that their song be added to the set via www.StevenCurtisChapman.com, as Chapman brings back by popular demand, “SCC Request Time.“

In addition to hearing from the well-known man of the house, the audience will hear Mary Beth share about her journey being married to Chapman, her struggles for emotional balance and living with grief, all of which is reflected in her inaugural book co-written by Ellen Vaughn, Choosing To See, (September 2010). Mary Beth’s transparent style will surprise audiences with the depth of her faith and her hilarious sense of humor. Mary Beth and Steven will also proudly introduce audiences to the band Caleb, a new band featuring their sons Caleb and Will.

The Chapman’s have just returned from China where they celebrated the one-year anniversary of the opening of Maria’s Big House of Hope, a healing home for special needs orphans in Luoyang, China.

For more information on Steven Curtis Chapman and “A Night with the Chapmans,” please visit him on his Official Website, Twitter, or Facebook.

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About Steven Curtis Chapman:
Steven Curtis Chapman has sold over ten million records including two RIAA certified platinum albums and eight RIAA certified gold albums. Along with his Dove and GRAMMY © awards, Chapman has won an American Music Award, has recorded 45 No. 1 US radio hits and been awarded 56 Dove Awards, more than any other artist to date. A Since his recording career began in 1987; Chapman has recorded seventeen projects with Sparrow Records. He has performed at the White House and has appeared on multiple national programs via CBS, NBC, ABC, CNN, MSNBC, CMT, FOX News, the Hallmark Channel and E!, including Good Morning America, Larry King Live, CBS Sunday Morning, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and more. Chapman and his wife Mary Beth created Show HOPE in 2001 after bringing their first adopted daughter, Shaohannah, home from China. The ministry’s goal is to help families reduce the financial barrier of adoption, and has provided grants to over 2,000 families wishing to adopt orphans from around the world.

About Mary Beth Chapman:
Mary Beth Chapman is the wife of Grammy and Dove Award winning recording artist Steven Curtis Chapman. Together they began Show HOPE, a nonprofit organization dedicated to caring for the world’s forgotten and abandoned children by providing financial assistance to families wishing to adopt, as well as increasing awareness of and funneling resources to orphans domestically and internationally. Mary Beth serves as president of Show HOPE and is a speaker for Women of Faith 2010 with her husband. She is also coauthor with Steven of the Shaoey and Dot series of children’s picture books. Mary Beth and Steven have six children, Emily (24), Caleb (20), Will Franklin (19), and adopted daughters Shaohannah Hope (10), Stevey Joy (7), and Maria Sue, who is now with Jesus. The Chapmans live in Tennessee.

Ellen Vaughn is a New York Times bestselling author and inspirational speaker. Her recent books include It’s All About Him, which debuted at #1 on the New York Times nonfiction list. In addition to her nonfiction work, Vaughn is an award-winning novelist. Vaughn and her husband Lee live in the Washington, DC area.

About Caleb:
Introducing Caleb, a four-piece independent rock band out of Franklin, TN with founders songwriter/frontman Caleb Chapman and drummer Will Chapman. Caleb is musical parts alternative, rock, and pop with pondering lyrics that ask and answer big questions in life and do so with inspiring melodies that easily get caught in your head. Ultimately the heart of the band beats to create music that’s accessible to everyone while maintaining artistic integrity and honesty. Caleb recently performed on the Casting Crowns tour this spring and will be opening for the Chapmans this fall. For more information, please visit CalebMusic.com

Mandisa Joins “Idol” Chatter, Begins Third Album

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 16:45:54 -0500

As auditions for season ten of “American Idol” began on July 17 in Nashville, Tennessee, the national media checked in with fifth season finalist and Music City resident Mandisa for her advice to 2011’s hopefuls.

“Know that American Idol is a TV show first, but what you do on the show can propel you into what you want to do after the show is over,” she told USA Today.

Since her time on the program, Mandisa has certainly been propelled into a wonderful music ministry, releasing two GRAMMY-nominated albums and now working on her third. Follow the new recording’s progress, and catch Mandisa this fall at Women of Faith events.

More Praise for Robbie Seay Band’s MIRACLE

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 09:51:37 -0500

Are you looking for a new praise song at church or to share among friends? WorshipTogether.com is offering free sheet music and an exclusive “how to” video for Robbie Seay Band’s latest single, “Kingdom and a King.”

The inspiring tune comes from Robbie Seay Band’s current album, MIRACLE, which has just been ranked among the Top 10 “Gourmet” Albums of 2010 by New Release Tuesday. Others reviewing the set have called the group “a driving force in the rock/worship space” (The Album Project), declared MIRACLE “its best album to date” (Christian Sonic), and hailed Seay as the “finest songsmith in the genre” (CCM magazine).

Learn more about MIRACLE at RobbieSeayBand.com.

Chapman Writes New Song for Next VeggieTales Release

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 14:29:16 -0500

Besides making plans to launch his “A Night with the Chapmans” tour on September 10 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Steven Curtis Chapman has also written a brand new song entitled “Meant to Be” for the next VeggieTales production, It’s a Meaningful Life, available October 2.

Chapman said, “The song is really shaped around what I want to say especially to children that wonder, ‘does my life have any meaning?’ As I have said to so many orphans in China or even to my own children, ‘you are special, and you are meant to be because God has put us here.’”

Check out this sneak preview of the song demo and lyrics.

Artists, Media Love Audrey Assad’s THE HOUSE YOU’RE BUILDING

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 11:23:44 -0500

Newcomer Audrey Assad is getting a double dose of acclaim from artists and media alike for her debut album, THE HOUSE YOU’RE BUILDING, featuring the popular song “For Love of You.” Journalists call the worshipful set “a gold nugget” (About.com), “quite impressive” (CCM), “something beautiful” (The Christian Manifesto), and “one to watch” (Jesus Freak Hideout). Audrey has also already recorded with Chris Tomlin and Jars of Clay, while Tenth Avenue North singer Mike Donehey posted this message about Assad’s record on Twitter: “Do not hesitate to purchase this album! Unless you don’t like amazing …”

A new single from THE HOUSE YOU’RE BUILDING, “Restless,” hits airwaves in August.

Amy Grant Makes Christmas Plans

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 11:50:54 -0500

Your ears may still be ringing from 4th of July fireworks, but Amy Grant is already making plans for Christmas. She and her husband Vince Gill have just announced their Twelve Days of Christmas Tour that will kick off December 8 in Florida and conclude with two shows at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium.

In the meantime, check out Amy’s new album, SOMEWHERE DOWN THE ROAD, featuring the hit “Better Than a Hallelujah.” Ladies Home Journal says, “She’s back and better than ever.” Country Music Tattle Tale believes, “She captures the essence of woman.” Christianity Today declares, “For the music world, Amy Grant is a treasure. This record seconds that notion.”

Chris Tomlin Hits No. 1 with “Our God”

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 13:36:47 -0500

Chris Tomlin is busy these days. June 29 Tomlin led worship prior to Sarah Palin’s appearance at the P.U.R.E. Celebration in Atlanta. The next day, his latest single, “Our God,” hit No. 1 on Billboard magazine’s national Christian Songs chart. This week, he is wrapping up the Hello Tonight Tour with TobyMac at sold-out shows in Memphis and Knoxville, Tennessee.

In this Knoxville News Sentinel feature titled “Chris Tomlin Is Happy That People Know His Work More Than His Name,” the platinum artist says, “Music is such a universal language, and it travels. I like that.”

On top of everything else, Tomlin will release a new studio album this fall.

Acclaim Rises for Audrey Assad’s THE HOUSE YOU’RE BUILDING

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 10:01:47 -0500

CCM magazine is the latest publication to hail singer/songwriter Audrey Assad’s debut pop/worship release, THE HOUSE YOU’RE BUILDING, available everywhere July 13.

“It’s not often that an album from a relatively unknown artist makes you hit replay over and over and then causes you to marvel at the wisdom inside the music. We’re not just referring to musical prowess … this is filled with insight, curiosity and a wise perspective.”

Elsewhere, The Trades gives the set an A- and descriptively states, “At the intersection of Joni Mitchell and Natalie Merchant, in a summer cottage once owned by Carole King and occasionally rented by Dido, you’ll find Audrey Assad.”

TobyMac Featured at Billboard.com

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 15:24:49 -0500

Right in line with the hopeful message of his No. 1 single, “Get Back Up,” TobyMac recently showed his support for children diagnosed with HIV in Los Angeles at the 2010 A Time for Heroes Celebrity Picnic. Alongside actor Billy Crystal and “Access Hollywood” host Billy Bush, the event raised over $1.3 million to help the Elizabeth Glaser Foundation eliminate pediatric AIDS.

Check out this feature at Billboard.com where TobyMac discusses everything from his current sold-out tour with Chris Tomlin and the success of his TONIGHT album to an upcoming book, plus his desire to make a Christmas record, and the possibility of a dc Talk reunion. TobyMac says, “Why wouldn’t it happen?”

Passion:Awakening Special on Amazon

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 10:58:40 -0500

Chris Tomlin, David Crowder*Band, Hillsong United and more all in one place for $5? It’s true, for the month of July the Passion:Awakening MP3 album is available on Amazon for only $5. The album is live worship from the Passion 2010 conference in Atlanta, Georgia. True to it’s name, the album is filled with passionate songs that radiate the love of Christ and awaken the spirit. Click here to purchase the Passion:Awakening album on Amazon.

Hillsong LIVE's A Beautiful Exchange Available Today

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 09:10:53 -0500

Like to blast the tunes with the windows down? Is your iPod telling you it needs NEW music? If so, then check out the new worship music from Hillsong LIVE on A Beautiful Exchange- after all, worship music is best played loud! Hillsong LIVE has brought us songs like “Mighty To Save,” “Hosanna,” and “The Desert Song” and the 12 new songs on A Beautiful Exchange will soon be sung in churches everywhere.

A Beautiful Exchange is available at iTunes, Amazon, Family Christian Stores, LifeWay Christian Stores or wherever you buy music. If you haven’t had a chance to hear the new album yet, you can stream it for FREE this week only at NewReleaseTuesday.com or Hearitfirst.com. You can also get a sneak peak at 6 songs from the DVD at Tangle.com.

If you ever wanted to see Hillsong LIVE on tour, this is your opportunity. They’ll be in the U.S. in late July-August but seriously, act quickly because many of the shows are selling out. Go to www.live.hillsong.com for dates.

Future Of Forestry Concludes Travel Trilogy

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 12:53:00 -0500

Future of Forestry’s latest release, Travel III is available now wherever you buy music including iTunes and Amazon. Fans of Switchfoot lead singer Jon Foreman’s solo work and Radiohead should check out Travel III, the third in an adventurous trilogy of EPs. Songs from the California band’s first two Travel sets have already been featured on “Grey’s Anatomy” and MTV, while Soul-Audio.com says these efforts “move you musically to rock’s most soaring heights.”

Future of Forestry has also launched the “3” Tour that runs through July 13. Hitting the road as a trio and performing tunes from all three Travel projects, these remarkable multi-intstrumentalists recreate their elaborate recordings onstage using a complex looping technique. Click here to see some behind the scenes rehearsal footage

Sanctus Real's Pieces of a Real Heart On Sale at iTunes

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 09:30:01 -0500

Beginning today and through Monday July 5th, Sanctus Real’s Pieces of a Real Heart will be marked down at iTunes. You can grab the regular version for $7.99 and the deluxe version for only $9.99! The deluxe version features 5 bonus acoustic songs.

The band’s current single, “Lead Me” continues to climb radio charts. Click here to see what Matt Hammitt from the band has to say about the story behind the song and how it came about. The band is currently working on a music video for “Lead Me” so be on the lookout for that soon!

Sanctus Real is hitting the road hard this summer. Click here for a full listing of tour dates and be sure to catch one of their shows if they are coming to a city near you!

David Crowder*Band releases Summer Happiness Album

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 14:33:50 -0500

If you find yourself fanning yourself with a David Crowder*Band smiley face fan this summer or wearing a smiley face sticker, it probably has something to do with DC*B’s new album, Summer Happiness, being released today exclusively on iTunes. Summer Happiness is a 4-song EP featuring “Oh, Happiness (Acoustic),” “How He Loves (Acoustic),” and more. Grab the set at iTunes during its first two weeks of release or at other digital service providers after that. And be sure to check out David Crowder*Band’s “Summer Happiness Festival Tour” dates here.

David Crowder*Band continues to promote its 2010 Dove Award-winning album CHURCH MUSIC. Right now you can purchase Church Music on iTunes for only $7.99.

Sanctus Real Takes “Lead” w/PIECES OF A REAL HEART

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 11:30:30 -0500

Billboard magazine reports Sanctus Real’s “Lead Me” is the fastest-rising single this week at Christian adult contemporary radio stations nationwide. The standout track about a man’s call to lead his family has led the GRAMMY-nominated band to the best reviews of its career for the album PIECES OF A REAL HEART.

The set is described as “nearly perfect” (The Album Project), “superb” (Napster), “amazing” (Stereo Truth), “a must” (Everyday Christian), and “a cut above” (The Phantom Tollbooth).

In fact, “Lead Me” is ministering back to Sanctus Real singer Matt Hammitt and his wife as they await the birth of a child diagnosed with a rare heart condition. Learn more here.