Wired For Sound

Switchfoot Goes Global with HELLO HURRICANE

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:25:13 -0600

Following a sold out U.S. tour, coverage in Rolling Stone and Spin magazines, and live performances on three major late night television shows, San Diego band Switchfoot is taking its acclaimed HELLO HURRICANE album worldwide.

Earlier this month the multi-platinum quintet traveled through New Zealand and to Tokyo for several appearances and will return to Japan in April. A round of European concerts is scheduled for May. HELLO HURRICANE single “Mess of Me” is currently gaining airplay in Argentina as well. Switchfoot resumes its U.S. shows on February 15 and has just posted this podcast documenting its recent tour of Canada.

Catch up on all domestic and international happenings here.

'Mac Tonight!...Preview the Entire Album "Tonight" on Yahoo! Music now!

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 12:21:00 -0600

It’s FRIDAY, but here’s something to make your day even better … listen to the entire TONIGHT record on Yahoo! Music now!

This morning, Yahoo! Music launched a special feature that gives anyone a glimpse of new and exclusive tobyMac info, and of course the preview of the new album!

TobyMac's New website has Launched!

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:56:00 -0600

As TobyMac’s new album “Tonight” has rapidly been approaching, there have been oppurtunites from the exclusive Countdown and podcasts, to the official lauching of the new TobyMac Website. Even though the anticipation has built over the past months for his new album, Toby has strived to always make the best resources for his fans. Now, anyone can go to www.tobymac.com and stay in touch with what is going down at every moment. Check out all the latest and greatest that TobyMac has to offer and get ready for the the most exciting release yet, TONIGHT, on February 9th!

The Countdown Continues

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 13:46:00 -0600

With only one week, TobyMac’s iTunes Countdown continues to drop the beats and never fails to impress. Today, the fourth release, “Funky Jesus Music” and podcast are available to download and show off yet another aspect of his album “Tonight”. After the great response from the previous three tunes,”City on Our Knees”, “Showstopper”, and “Get Back Up”, TobyMac adds another flavor to the mix with Siti Monroe. Make sure to check out the new download on the Countdown to help satisfy the intense anticipation of the new album to release on February 9th.

Luminate: A New Band Begins to “Shine”

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 11:46:30 -0600

Sparrow Records is excited to announce the signing of Luminate, a new band from Texas whose big rock sound, tempered with touches of worship and ambience, can be heard on its debut single, “Shine (Love Is An Action”).

The group is outspoken about “rising up against the mediocrity of today’s view of the Christian walk and lifestyle … It’s our time to embrace hope, destiny and a revolutionary relationship with our Creator.”

Luminate has just wrapped an acoustic promotional tour with Sanctus Real, Josh Wilson, and Audrey Assad, and the quintet’s first self-titled album, produced by Ed Cash (Chris Tomlin, Steven Curtis Chapman) hits stores everywhere March 23.

Sanctus Real Ready to Share Its HEART

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 11:43:50 -0600

In the wake of six No. 1 singles and its current buzz-building, life-inspiring hit, “Forgiven,” rock band Sanctus Real will release its fifth studio album, PIECES OF A REAL HEART, on March 9.

“We needed to name it like this because these songs are about pieces of our lives and all the things we are going through,” says lead singer Matt Hammitt. Themes include unanswered spiritual questions (“These Things Take Time”), fulfillment in Christ (“The Redeemer”), and family relationships (“Keep My Heart Alive,” “Lead Me”).

In this insider post, bass player Dan Gartley says, “The rock songs on PIECES are more upbeat and energetic while the ballads are more emotional.”

TobyMac Helping Haiti “Get Back Up”

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 11:41:00 -0600

In association with iTunes’ pre-order deal, offering early download access to new songs from TobyMac’s next album TONIGHT each week leading up to its February 9 release, the 2010 GRAMMY nominee will donate 100% of his artist royalties from first-week sales of the track “Get Back Up” to Haiti relief efforts.

“The world is responding in a beautiful way to this tragedy Haitians are experiencing,” he says. “If I am going to create art that speaks of compassion then I must live that out. I am blessed to use my music to help as your purchase becomes our gift.”

Purchase “Get Back Up” here. TobyMac’s new website launches February 1.

Patty Griffin’s DOWNTOWN CHURCH “A Stunningly Powerful Work”

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 11:39:01 -0600

Besides a top ten showing at Amazon.com and major profile in The New York Times, Patty Griffin’s DOWNTOWN CHURCH continues to receive exceptional media reviews for its seamlessly fresh blend of folk and gospel music recorded in the sanctuary of Nashville’s historic Downtown Presbyterian Church.

Associated Press says “DOWNTOWN CHURCH is a stunningly powerful and compassionate work addressing homelessness, kindness, deceit and finding the strength to persevere through troubled tides.” Pop Matters calls it “an uplifting, moving, and exquisite listening experience.” No Depression hails “the amazing closing track, ‘All Creatures of Our God and King,’ (which) leaves no doubt about her ability to push the boundaries of her musical style.”

TOBYMAC TO DONATE 100% OF HIS ARTIST ROYALTIES OF ‘GET BACK UP’ SINGLE TO HAITI RELIEF

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 14:54:00 -0600

TOBYMAC SAYS ‘GET BACK UP, HAITI!’
ARTIST TO DONATE 100% OF HIS ARTIST ROYALTIES OF ‘GET BACK UP’ SINGLE TO HAITI RELIEF

NASHVILLE, TN… January 27, 2010…As we near the street date for TobyMac’s upcoming album TONIGHT, (Feb. 9/Forefront Records), iTunes® has teamed up with the GRAMMY Award ® winner and 2010 nominee, and is offering an exclusive opportunity to purchase and download a new single every week leading up to the release of TONIGHT.

This week the single is “Get Back Up,” and due to the devastation in Haiti, TobyMac has decided to donate 100% of his artist royalties from first week sales to relief efforts. Proceeds will be divided up amongst the Hands and Feet Organization, Restore Haiti, and Compassion International.

“The world is responding in a beautiful way to this tragedy haitians are experiencing,” he says. “If I am going to create art that speaks of compassion than I must live that out. I wanted my new release “Get Back Up” to benefit Haiti in their tragedy and I am blessed to use my music to help as your purchase becomes our gift. ”

To purchase the single go to iTunes

For information on the relief efforts and these organizations, visit:
Compassion International
Restore Haiti
Hands and Feet Organization

Above the Golden State's "The Golden Rule" has arrived

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 13:43:00 -0600

Above the Golden State’s “The Golden Rule” has arrived. Portland’s Pop/Rock trio has now released their brand new album encompassing the true importance of Christian faith and community. By simply being reminded of what the Church was called to do, the band has realized the true importance of “loving your savior and loving your neighbor as yourself”. With the single, “I Am Loved,” as well as “Real You” and “Tragedy”, this release is sure to be a success for the group.

The album THE GOLDEN RULE is now available on iTunes, Amazon physical product, Amazon digital product, and all Christian retailers. Look for Above the Golden State on the road during their Spring tour with Sanctus Real.

Patty Griffin's DOWNTOWN CHURCH is here!

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 11:49:37 -0600

After the success of Patty Griffin’s debut on NPR, the acclaimed artist has released her highly anticipated album, “Downtown Church”. She has managed to bring her expressive artistry and combine it with religious-centered themes to make it true and original. With continual positive reviews from NPR and many critics, the release has shown how Patty Griffin has not only portrayed great talent through every note, but also captured and conveyed the spiritual meaning behind each single song. The album was recorded in a historic Nashville sanctuary, which generates an authentic sound that openly invites everyone to experience and become a part of.

To celebrate the release of “Downtown Church”, on January 27 at 7pm CST, Credential Recordings will be hosting a live online event. Patty Griffin will be broadcasting via Livestream from her studio. She will be performing a few songs and taking questions from the online world, all live from the studio. Tune in tonight at Facebook

With guest artists such as Emmylou Harris and Shawn Colvin, Downtown Church really takes Patty Griffin to an entirely different level.
Downtown Church is now available on iTunes, Amazon physical, Amazon
digital, and other retailers. Look for her tour along with Buddy Miller to begin on March 26th.

On the Road With Sixpence None the Richer

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 17:24:00 -0600

Sixpence None the Richer have began their journey to California for the making of their new record with Credential Recordings. Matt Slocum and Leigh Nash have been showing what adventures they have encountered as they travel across the country for the new highly anticipated album. Follow them on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook to get the latest updates.

Starfield Shines for THE SAVING ONE, in Stores Feb. 23

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 10:00:00 -0600

Award-winning modern worship group Starfield will release a new album, THE SAVING ONE, on February 23. The 10-song project features signature harmonies from the band’s brothers Tim and Jon Neufeld plus writing collaborations with Ed Cash (Chris Tomlin, Third Day), Hillsong’s Mia Fieldes, and Ian Eskelin (All Star United) and is led by the debut single, “Rediscover You.”

“The song is as accurate a description of my journey with Christ as anything I’ve ever written,” says Tim. “I desperately find myself needing to rediscover the things of God—I want real, and I want passionate.”

Hear “Rediscover You” now at MySpace

Amazing Story Behind New Josh Wilson Radio Single

Sun, 24 Jan 2010 10:00:00 -0600

Hit singer/songwriter Josh Wilson (“Savior, Please”) has released a new single, “Before the Morning,” featuring the lyrics that inspired the title of his current EP, LIFE IS NOT A SNAPSHOT.

Josh has paired his song with some documentary footage surrounding the incredible story of a boy he knows named Jayken. “As you watch this video, my prayer is that God will speak to you wherever you are and remind you that He is our only hope,” says Wilson. See the inspiring clip here.

For more about LIFE IS NOT A SNAPSHOT, a 7-song set also including “Sing” and a remarkable instrumental version of “Amazing Grace,” check out Josh’s MySpace page.

Covers and Countdowns: TobyMac Hits CCM and iTunes

Sat, 23 Jan 2010 10:00:00 -0600

That’s TobyMac looking out from the front cover of this month’s CCM magazine, where he talks about his new album, TONIGHT, and the true source of his chart-topping creative efforts: “When I look at myself, I know I don’t have a Grammy-winning record in me … I need God.” Read the full six-page story here.

TONIGHT is out February 9, but you can order now from iTunes and receive one song per week leading up to the release date. You know “City on Our Knees.” “Showstopper” has already dropped, “Get Back Up” hits January 26, and “Funky Jesus Music” builds the anticipation to fever pitch on February 2.

NPR Hails Patty Griffin’s DOWNTOWN CHURCH

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 13:25:00 -0600

Patty Griffin is receiving exceptional praise for her new album, DOWNTOWN CHURCH, available January 26. Austin Chronicle calls the gospel-inspired set, recorded in a historic Nashville sanctuary, “another step forward for Griffin … as haunting and original as anything in her past.”

National Public Radio likens it to “a slow walk into a field of wildflowers—a deep journey in which you look up at a bluebird sky and take a deep breath with your eyes closed. It sounds like the soundtrack to a spiritual awakening.”

Guests on the project include Emmylou Harris and Shawn Colvin. Patty begins the Downtown Church Tour on March 26 with Buddy Miller.

TobyMac gearing up for TONIGHT

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 10:00:00 -0600

TobyMac gearing up for TONIGHT

Christian music’s 2008 Artist of the Year TobyMac brings much needed heat to this chilly winter with the release of his fourth album, TONIGHT, on February 9, 2010. Check here for a variety of pre-order deals that include a bonus download, autographed lyric sheets, and more.

TONIGHT features the No. 1, GRAMMY Award-nominated single “City on Our Knees” as well as new collaborations with Siti Monroe (“Funky Jesus Music”), Relient K front man Matt Thiessen (“Wonderin’”), and John Cooper of Skillet (title track). TobyMac and Skillet will co-headline the AWAKE TONIGHT arena tour that begins March 5 and runs through April 11. See concert dates and share with friends here.

Above the Golden State Remembers THE GOLDEN RULE on Jan. 26

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 11:00:00 -0600

Above the Golden State Remembers THE GOLDEN RULE on Jan. 26

With two hits (“Sound of Your Name” and “I’ll Love You So”) under its belt in one year’s time, up and coming Portland pop/rock trio Above the Golden State returns January 26 with its second album, THE GOLDEN RULE. The set explores core elements of authentic Christian faith and community on tunes like first single, “I Am Loved,” as well as “The Real You” and Tragedy.” Above the Golden State will further share their message on tour this spring with Sanctus Real.

“To love God and your neighbor as yourself … we want to encourage the Church to return to that fundamental truth,” says front man Michael Watson.

iTunes’ Countdown to Toby’s new record has begun!

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 10:06:00 -0600

iTunes’ Countdown to Toby’s new record has begun! Starting today you can download a new single every week leading up to the release of Tonight. The pounding track “ShowStopper” kicks things off and is available now, “Get Back Up” comes Jan 26th, and “Funky Jesus Music” drops on Feb 2nd. Along with the new songs, you can also get a free podcast video for each song every week. And on release date Feb 9th, you can complete your album for a special price.

http://bit.ly/8F0UoH

Switchfoot Performing Jan. 20 on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 10:00:00 -0600

Switchfoot Performing Jan. 20 on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon

Following a blistering performance of “Mess of Me” on The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien and this moving rendition of “Always” on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, Switchfoot appears January 20 on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon in support of its widely acclaimed new project, HELLO HURRICANE. The San Diego quintet will make the trip to New York City on a day off amidst its sold out Canadian tour.

HELLO HURRICANE has received notable coverage in Rolling Stone, Spin, and Alternative Press magazines. Ranking among its Top Ten albums of 2009, The Lexington Herald-Leader excitedly called HELLO HURRICANE “the band’s most focused effort since 2003’s THE BEAUTIFUL LETDOWN.”