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 song-writing 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, TN 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 YMZ home page and check out the Video Jukebox. It is also available on West’s YouTube channel.

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 August 17th, 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 saviour, 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.

About Matthew West

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.

“The Story of Your Life” tour dates [all dates subject to change]

09/16: Summerville, SC
09/17: Simpsonville, SC
09/18: To Be Announced
09/19: Charlotte, NC
09/23: Rocky Mount, NC
09/24: Cary, NC
09/25: Dothan, AL
09/26: Montgomery, AL
09/30: Savannah, GA
10/01: Grovetown, GA
10/02: Myrtle Beach, SC
10/03: To Be Announced
10/05: Chicago, IL
10/07: To Be Announced
10/08: To Be Announced
10/09: 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
11/02: Longwood, FL
11/04: Ocala, FL
11/05: Clearwater, FL
11/06: Avon Park, FL
11/07: Sarasota, FL

“Impossible”, the lead single from Anberlin’s upcoming album, Dark Is The Way, Light Is A Place, is the no. 1 Most Added track at Alternative radio and the Greatest Gainer for the fourth consecutive week, moving up to no. 14. The track is already on every major alternative station in the country, including KROQ-Los Angeles, Q101-Chicago, 89X-Detroit, The Edge-Dallas, KNDD-Seattle and 91X-San Diego. Available now on iTunes® and Amazon, the single was recently the “pick of the week” in USA Today, which called it “insistent, insinuating… hard to resist.” The video for “Impossible” was directed by Endeavor Media, who worked with the band on their “Feel Good Drag” video and lensed Owl City’s “Fireflies”. MTV2 recently gave “Impossible” its premiere and it’s been added at Much More. You can check out the clip, and Spin.com’s recent “Name That Band!” feature on Anberlin, here.

With “Impossible” exploding at radio, Universal Republic has moved up the release date of the new album by two weeks – to September 7th. Dark Is The Way, Light Is A Place – which takes its title from a line in Dylan Thomas’ “Poem On His Birthday” – has been hailed as “one of the most anticipated albums of 2010″ by Alternative Press. It’s the band’s fifth studio album and was produced by GRAMMY® Award winner Brendan O’Brien (Pearl Jam, Bruce Springsteen, Rage Against the Machine).

The anthemic “We Owe This To Ourselves”, another track from the upcoming album, was the main song used on ESPN’s X-Games recently.

Dark Is The Way, Light Is A Place follows Anberlin’s 2008 breakthrough album, New Surrender, which was the band’s second album to debut in the Top 20 of The Billboard 200. Its no. 1 single, “Feel Good Drag,” ranks as the longest-charting single in Modern Rock history and was named 2009′s “Rock Song of the Year” by FMQB.

Formed in Winter Haven, FL in 2002, Anberlin has sold over 700,000 albums in its career and toured the world, sharing stages with American Rejects, My Chemical Romance, Taking Back Sunday, Paramore and many others.

The band has been involved in numerous humanitarian efforts and lead vocalist Stephen Christian is a co-founder of Faceless International, an organization that defends exploited people worldwide.

Anberlin is:

Stephen Christian: Vocals, guitar Joseph Milligan: Lead guitar Devon Rexroat: Bass Christian McAlhaney: Rhythm guitar Nathan Young: Drums

Anberlin North American Tour Dates

09/18: Englewood, CO @ Comfort Dental Amphitheatre-KTCL Big Gig
09/25: Kansas City, MO @ Capital Federal Park at Sandstone
09/28: New Orleans, LA @ House of Blues
09/29: Dallas, TX @ House of Blues
09/30: Oklahoma City, OK @ Diamond Ballroom (opening for 30 Seconds to Mars)

10/01: Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theater
10/02: Phoenix, AZ @ Marquee Theater
10/03: Las Vegas, NV @ House of Blues
10/05: Salt Lake City, UT @ The Complex
10/06: Reno, NV @ Knitting Factory
10/08: Los Angeles, CA @ House of Blues
10/09: Anaheim, CA @ House of Blues
10/10: San Francisco, CA @ The Regency @ The Grand
10/12: Portland, OR @ Wonder Ballroom
10/13: Boise, ID @ Knitting Factory
10/14: Seattle, WA @ Showbox SoDo
10/15: Spokane, WA @ Knitting Factory
10/16: Vancouver, BC @ The Vogue Theater
10/18: Calgary, AB @ MacEwan Hall
10/19: Edmonton, AB @ Edmonton Event Center
10/20: Saskatoon, SK @ Odeon
10/21: Winnipeg, MB @ Garrick Center
10/22: Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
10/23: Chicago, IL @ House of Blues
10/25: Detroit, MI @ St. Andrews Hall
10/26: Toronto, ON @ Sound Academy
10/28: Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club
10/29: Philadelphia, PA @ Theatre of Living Arts
10/30: New York, NY @ The Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza
10/31: Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club

11/01: Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues
11/03: Nashville, TN @ Rocketown
11/04: Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade
11/05: St. Petersburg, FL @ Jannus Landing
11/06: Orlando, FL @ House of Blues

According to Soundscan, Born Again has sold an astounding 45,311 units in just one week, placing Born Again at no. 4 on Billboard’s Overall Chart, charting above new releases from such artists as Sting and M.I.A. In its first week of release, Born Again also placed Top 4 on iTunes’ Overall Chart, sharing company again with Sting and charting before the Twilight Saga: Eclipse soundtrack. Born Again officially released July 13th, courtesy of Inpop Records.

Even before sales numbers were released, it has been reported that Born Again is the best project Newsboys has ever released. It has also been said that the band is “wonderfully rejuvenated,” “amazing” and “The ‘Boys are back…simply the best!” It’s been months and months of hard work for Newsboys leading up to the release of Born Again, and it’s certainly paying off.

Along the way, the band has received tremendous support from retail, radio stations, media outlets, and dedicated fans across the nation. From kicking off a few of their new songs and doing local tour promotion earlier this year during the WinterJam 2010 tour to now, Newsboys have been so ready to share Born Again with the world.

“The record-setting number of sales today reflect the dedication and hard work of Newsboys to create another groundbreaking musical creation,” exclaims Andrew Patton, General Manager, Inpop Records. “The amazing support of Christian radio stations, festival promoters, our hard-working Inpop staff, and our partners at EMI CMG distribution have all earned our thanks today.”

Radio

For an amazing eight weeks, Born Again’s first radio single, “Born Again,” claimed the top spot at CHR radio, while the song continues it’s climb to the top on the Christian AC charts, currently Top 10. To further promote the CD’s release, Newsboys travelled around the country last week via ISDN radio hook ups to talk to radio stations and listeners from coast to coast. The band was featured on numerous morning shows and stations around the country, including K-LOVE; Air 1; Star 99.1 New York; WCSG Grand Rapids, MI; WAY-FM Network; His Radio Greenville, SC; KSBJ Houston; WFFH Fish Nashville; and KFIS Fish Portland. The band set up a special ustream page allowing stations to include LIVE video into each of the interviews.

Media

Preparing for street week the critical press has shown their support as well. Popular outlets such as FOX News, Rhapsody, Billboard, gmclife.com, CCM, Charisma, TitleTrakk.com, CBN, and so many more have promoted Born Again.

HearitFirst.com immediately jumped on board with numerous exclusive video interviews, as well as streaming the new project and launching a contest to win a trip to Rock the Universe to sit side-stage during the Newsboys performance. Visit the site to catch drummer Duncan Phillips’ share his laundry tips with the world, as well as much more.

What are the critics saying about the new release?

“…Born Again marks a new beginning for the Grammy-nominated, Dove-winning band…and features a wonderfully rejuvenated sound…jam-packed with energetic rock made for live performances. Auditory treats include the funky ‘When the Boys Light Up’ and the redemptive ‘Build Us Back.’”
Wendy Lee Nentwig for Rhapsody.com

To further support Newsboys, Rhapsody.com named Born Again Album of the Day along with including a major feature with the CD review. Please visit here to read Rhapsody’s full coverage.

“Born Again is a strong introduction for this new incarnation of one of Christian music’s most successful groups. You’ll be hard-pressed to not feel the new energy here.”
Debra Akins for gmclife.com

“Tait shines as Newsboys frontman…Born Again delivers.”
Kevin Thorsun for cmaddict.com

“The lyrics are pure…to the point and at the same time deep, leaving you looking at yourself and examining yourself.”
ChristianMusicReview.org

The Fan

We can’t forget about the music buyers, the die-hard fans who will always give honest opinions. Read on to hear what they think of Born Again:

“The best Newsboys album ever! Simply the best….don’t miss this one!”

“The Boys are back! It’s a fresh, new sound for the Newsboys….can’t wait for this band to hit 30 years in 2018 and still be putting out records!”

“By far the best album Newsboys have released…brilliant!”

“This album is amazing! Every song is so catchy and I officially know for sure the boys are BACK. if you’re not sure whether to buy it or not…BUY IT!!”

Be sure to catch Newsboys live in a city near you this summer and fall to capture the excitement of their new songs live along with seeing their brand new stage set. Visit newsboys.com for the most updated schedule and information!

About newsboys:
This GRAMMY®-nominated and Dove Award-winning band has achieved what few artists have in their lifetime. They have sold over 6.5 million units, garnered five Gold® albums and 26 no. 1 hits, and are renown for their heart-pumping live shows. Last year, when long-time members Jody Davis (guitar), keyboardist Jeff Frankenstein and drummer Duncan Phillips welcomed the vocal strengths, writing talents and boundless energy of former dc Talk member Michael Tait to the band, it was clearly a good reason for newsboys to feel born again and share brand new songs with fans old and new. Born Again is Newsboys’ 15th studio project.

“Years ago I swore I’d never make a music video,” Peterson says. “But after meeting with [producer / director] Grant Howard and hearing his concept, I went from being wary to being excited. I get emotional every time I see the older couples dancing, because it perfectly illustrates the point of the song.”

Street week will begin on Monday, July 26th, when Peterson will visit radio stations in Knoxville, TN, Chattanooga, TN and Birmingham, AL in support of his new single, “The Reckoning”, before returning to Nashville, TN. Peterson will then head up to Colorado Springs for meetings with Focus On The Family’s Marriage and Family Formation Department and interviews with Weekend Magazine, podcast interview and written piece for Boundless Webzine and meeting/interview with John Fuller, co-host of Daily Broadcast. Peterson will then head to Dallas, TX to meet with KLTY and KCBI before flying up to Chicago, where Peterson will appear live on Moody’s This Is The Day and then tape Midday Connection to air at a later date. The next day Peterson will appear live on LeSea Broadcasting’s Harvest Show and will tape Live From Studio B. The rest of the tour will take Peterson to radio stations in South Bend, IN, Champaign, IL and Tulsa, OK.

Early media coverage on Counting Stars has been very supportive with Rhapsody listing it in the Hot Summer Releases section, feature on ChristianRetailing.com, CCM Magazine 4-star review and interview, “The Reckoning” listed no. 2 on Dave Trout’s Top Gourmet Songs for first half of 2010 on UnderTheRadar.com and Charisma magazine review says, Peterson’s mellow voice and laid-back musical style (nothing’s overdone), creates a smooth and enjoyable listening experience. Other upcoming media includes, TBN/1 Music Village (July 13th), FOX 17/TN Mornings (July 22nd), Stand Firm Magazine (review), ChristianMusicToday.com (July review), StereoTruth.net (July review), performing for the Lifeway staff (July 15), interviews with YouthWalk Magazine (December), Christian Manifesto and CornerStonefaith.com.

Upon Peterson’s return to Nashville on August 6th, he will host Hutchmoot 2010, a three-day conference for lovers of story, art, and music, featuring acclaimed author Walt Wangerin, Jr. as the keynote speaker. The event, an extension of Peterson’s Rabbit Room community, sold out in three weeks. On the opening night, Peterson will perform a CD release concert in support of Counting Stars for the attendees.

Read the story behind the album on Peterson’s YMZ artist page.

About Andrew Peterson
Peterson began his career in 1996 and signed with his first label, Watershed/Essential records in 1999. His first CD, Carried Along made CCM magazine’s list of Top Ten albums of 2000. In 2004, Peterson received his first Dove nomination for “Family Man” for Country Recorded Song of the Year. Peterson’s first project for Centricity Music in 2008, Resurrection Letters, Volume II, became the highest Billboard charting album of his career. Since 2004, Peterson has toured with several Nashville musicians and artists on his annual Christmas tour, Behold the Lamb of God: The True Tall Tale of the Coming of Christ that will launch this year on December 2nd. Peterson has also authored three children’s books, The Ballad of Matthew’s Begats, On the Edge of the Sea of Darkness and the 2010 Christy Award winner for Young Adult Fiction, North! Or Be Eaten. For updates about Andrew Peterson, please visit www.andrew-peterson.com or www.rabbitroom.com.

When you spend your formative years, moving every couple of years to a new place, a new church, watching your Baptist preacher-father burning out of the ministry, seeds are planted in a boy’s heart.

For Chris McClarney those seeds – full of the potential for disillusionment and doubt – grew a garden of gracious gifts: the desire to serve others; eyes to see the deeper lessons in our hard-knock lives; a fundamental belief in the goodness and faithfulness of God; and the words to bring those realities together in song.

Now, with the August 10th release of Defender, Chris McClarney delivers one of the most soulful modern worship collections in recent years – a triumphant proclamation that God’s got his sleeves rolled up and he’s working it all out for our good… even if we can’t see it.

“That whole Job story is often misunderstood,” Chris says, just a few short days after flood waters ravaged thousands of homes in Nashville. “God didn’t do bad things to Job. All the horrible things: floods, Katrina, earthquakes, economic fallout, tough times… God has not forgotten us. He’s not mad at us. He’s got great plans for us. His love and grace are endless.”

And who could possibly deliver such a truth as convincingly as one ordinary guy who has experienced it.

Picture Chris, a young husband and father of two little girls, tucked away in a tiny church office, preparing for worship at a small, but growing congregation. He’s wandering through the book of Romans, concerned about a friend who is going through a rough time. By Wednesday night, while leading worship, he finds himself singing Romans 8:28:

All things work together for my good
You make all things new…

“I sang it for a really long time,” Chris says of the song that would eventually become “Your Love Never Fails”. “Something was right about it; it felt like everybody there needed to sing it, to feel it… so it stuck.” Months went by and Chris wrote a few verses, rehearsed it with his church band.

Like many songwriters, Chris felt that God wanted him to record some of his songs. “I thought maybe that was just my own voice in my head,” he said, “So I told God, ‘If this is from you, you’ll provide the money… I’m not going into debt…’ A couple of days later, a guy emails me, saying ‘I’m supposed to give you money. What do you need it for?’” Within a few days, a very large cheque arrived. In the meantime, the church sound guy had ‘bootlegged’ the rehearsal recording of “Your Love Never Fails”, which wound up on MySpace and BOOM! Jesus Culture records it and takes it around the world.

Within a matter of months, “Your Love Never Fails” lands in the Top 100 on iTunes®’ Christian chart, the top 10 iTunes CD Introducing Chris McClarney heads into production, the phone starts ringing and McClarney signs with iconic UK worship label, Kingsway Music. And just like that, the impossible becomes reality.

And so, with 15 years of worship leading under his belt, 30-year old Chris McClarney’s insightful way with words and his authentic, bluesy voice began achieving a certain recognition. Not that recognition was ever the point. “God’s either in it or not, and there’s nothing you can do about it… I can’t help but think of the story of David,” Chris says. “God anoints him to be King, but he doesn’t do king things or go to king school, David goes back to doing what he’s always done. Tending sheep….”

Recently named a “Top 10 Artist to Watch in 2010″ by GospelMusicChannel.com, McClarney’s first full-length CD, Defender, is packed with songs inspired by real life among the sheep, the lessons learned and the truth of Scripture.

“Your Love Never Fails” – a ‘simple song of gratitude’ released as the first single in May 2010 – continues to impact people worldwide with its powerful message of God’s unwavering faithfulness. “Many of us are currently facing an immediate, dire need for God to come through in a big way,” Chris says. “The truth: God has not forgotten you, He is closer than you could ever imagine, He is still the same today as yesterday, and His ultimate goal is ‘that you might have life, and life abundantly.’”

“Defender” the title track, was inspired by a difficult ‘he-said-she-said’ situation that sent Chris back to the Bible, looking for answers. He landed in the story of Jehosophat. “He’s surrounded in battle,” Chris says, “and he puts the singers at the front of the army, the marching band – of all people! – which would’ve been completely ridiculous in real life, but God wanted it that way. And God fought that battle for them. He was their Defender, just as He is ours.”

“The song says, ‘We don’t know what to do, but our eyes are fixed on You.’ There’s just something about saying ‘God is our defense.’ When we say, ‘The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are saved,’ it takes a lot of pressure off. We need to say it, to proclaim the truth of who God is, not just because we need to hear it, but because times are tough and because God’s promises are real.”

As he’s watched God do impossible things in his own life, Chris McClarney has learned to stay on his knees, relying on the promises of God and focused on what matters most.

“Sure, there this part of me that wants to be a rock star,” Chris says. “I would never do anything to push that. I’ve been real hands off, surrounded myself with people who remind me that I’m a regular guy. There’s nothing special about me… It is what it is. There’s nothing more important to me than following God and being a husband and a dad. If anything ever interfered with that, I’d lay it down. What’s gonna matter is that my two little girls know they’re loved.

“When it’s all said and done, I hope I’m like Mary Magdalene who ‘wastes it all,’ who gives every precious gift over to God.”

For more information on Chris McClarney and Defender, visit his YMZ artist page.

What Others Are Saying About Chris McClarney:

“Finding CDs to worship the Lord with is no easy task and, as a result, my favorites list is very limited. Having known Chris for years, it’s no surprise that his CD has become a huge personal blessing to me as I seek to connect intimately with God on a daily basis. His talent and sincerity flow powerfully through the songs and usher me almost effortlessly into deeper friendship with Jesus.”
Jeff Deyo (former SONICFLOOd lead vocalist)

“I have listened to Chris McClarney lead worship for almost five years. Aside from his cool sounding voice, I know that touching the heart of God consistently requires favor from the Lord. After experiencing God’s presence so frequently while he leads praise, I know this favor is on Chris’ life and the music he plays.”
Don Potter (Nashville-based worship leader)

“His debut on Kingsway – perhaps the preeminent worship music collective/label in the UK – doesn’t drop in the U.S. until January 26, but we’ve already heard enough to peg this soulful worship songwriter as one to watch… The CD (already out in the UK) landed in the Top 100 Christian CDs on iTunes, without so much as a Euro of marketing money. And frankly, not since Shane & Shane appeared on the worship radar has there been this kind of potential in modern acoustic-based worship fare.”
Gospel Music Channel

“McClarney adds a welcome bluesy edge to his original songs… If this is only the beginning of McClarney’s recorded work, he’s likely got a long career ahead of him.”
ChristianityToday.com

“The major-distribution-debut studio EP by Tennessee worship pastor Chris McClarney should be a high-priority choice. McClarney’s gritty tenor contrasts well against the gentle jangle and smoothly folksy textures he incorporates into doctrinally solid songs catchy enough for congregational use.”
CBA Retailers + Resources

“He’s got a clear musical vision, he’s got a gift of a voice, and his music is timeless and contemporary all at once. He’s definitely one to watch, and in a genre of music that has every potential to swallow up new artists without a definitive sound, McClarney has everything going for him that will prevent that from happening. His EP is not just another praise album that fills the airwaves with white noise, it’s an artistic statement that inspires.”

INO Records’ Dove nominated band Addison Road released their highly anticipated sophomore album Stories on June 22nd and if the critics are any indication, Stories is exceeding everyone’s expectations:

“This is one of the top 5 albums of the year-a 5 star album. If you liked Addison Road’s debut album, then you’ll absolutely LOVE Stories. This is an excellent album and I can’t get enough of the musical hooks, Jenny’s vulnerable and sincere vocals and the extremely poignant lyrics.”
ChristianMusicReview.org

“Stories is an album that will likely bring Addison Road to the top of music charts in the Christian categories”
ChristianPost.com

“With Stories, Addison Road is poised to become the next MercyMe, and is quite likely soon to discover the rewards of perseverance. Very highly recommended.”
The-Trades.com

“Addison Road transforms their tribulation into triumph on a healthy-and highly-anticipated-sophomore set.”
ChristianityToday.com

“Addison Road’s Stories is a disc of stories of faithfulness and brokenness and an overall great album.”
HollywoodJesus.com

Fans are also fancying the new album as the record skyrocketed to no. 2 on iTunes ® Christian Chart and in the Top 50 Overall Albums Chart.

With their debut single “Fight Another Day” continuing to climb the charts, the song is currently no. 7 on Billboard’s CHR Chart, no. 16 on AC Indicator and in the Top 25 on AC Monitored.

The female-fronted band recently went out on the road to visit their friends at radio in major cities including Tulsa, OK, Indianapolis, and Chicago, while also hosting free concerts celebrating their album release. Additionally, they made time to stop by LeSea Broadcasting studios and performed a few of their new songs on “Live at Studio B”.

This fall, Addison Road will continue sharing their stories to audiences around the country on The Light Meets Dark Tour also featuring Tenth Avenue North and Matt Maher.

Christian music leader Casting Crowns announces the release of its new live project, titled Until the Whole World Hears LIVE, available August 31st, which will offer millions of fans a front-row experience to the Platinum®-selling music, and discipleship, of 2010′s Dove Award-winning Artist of the Year.

Recorded at Greensboro Coliseum, Greensboro, NC on April 24th, with additional footage recorded at North Charleston Coliseum, North Charleston, SC and at Von Braun Center, Huntsville, AL, the band’s unforgettable 2009/2010 “Until the Whole World Hears” national concert tour is captured on this live two-disc set, sharing the heart and story of such songs as “If We’ve Ever Needed You”, “Glorious Day” and the no. 1 hit single “Until the Whole World Hears”. The powerhouse tour saw over 350,000 fans in 82 cities.

The 54-minute LIVE concert DVD includes an additional 80 minutes of behind-the-scenes content and will launch the premiere of Casting Crowns’ new “Until the Whole World Hears” music video. The music video features fan-submitted clips of audiences singing the anthemic song, literally all across the globe.

DVD highlights include “Mark Hall’s Teaching Video Series” and the “Adopting Hope” story which details the Halls’ heartwarming journey to bringing home their 33-month old daughter, Meeka Hope, from China. The five devotional-styled video lessons led by lead singer/songwriter, author and pastor Mark Hall, give viewers a deeper look at the Biblical studies and personal stories that have inspired the band’s message-driven songs for the family.

Casting Crowns also reveals secrets of the road, with a peek into the creative day-time activities of the seven band members, in clips titled “Laser Tag”, and “Cornhole”. Remaining chapters provide new interviews with the band and “The Crew”, a look at the growing family in “Crowns’ Kids”, an introduction to Brian Scoggin in “Our New Drummer” and the last word with “Inside Scoop: two Minutes with Mark’s Parents”.

Appearing on the LIVE CD are eight live versions of the band’s new songs: “Until the Whole World Hears,” “If We’ve Ever Needed You,” “Glorious Day,” “Mercy,” “To Know You,” “Holy One,” “Blessed Redeemer,” and “At Your Feet.”

The Platinum®-selling band’s recent fourth album, Until The Whole World Hears, sold 167,000 copies first-week setting a sales record as the highest debuting Christian Music artist in SoundScan history (week ending 11/22/09). The album certified RIAA® Gold® in four weeks, with more than 600,000 sold to date. The title track marks a ninth career no. 1 radio single for Casting Crowns, as its new single “If We’ve Ever Needed You” moves up the chart.

About Casting Crowns:
Christian music’s GRAMMY, AMA and Dove Award-winning Artist of the Year, Casting Crowns is headed by frontman/principal songwriter Mark Hall. All of the Atlanta-based band’s projects are RIAA certified, with a monster tally of two RIAA® Platinum® Albums, two RIAA® Platinum® DVDs, three RIAA® Gold® Albums and a Gold® DVD, holding position as Billboard’s top-selling act in Christian music since 2007. Despite an unprecedented six-year career with Casting Crowns, the seven band members remain active in student ministry in the Atlanta area and tour part-time around their local church duties. Serving his 18th year in youth ministry, Hall is the student pastor at Eagle’s Landing First Baptist Church in Atlanta. As a remarkable occasion, Casting Crowns performed for a second time in North Korea in April 2009, in partnership with Global Resource Services, as the band continues to forge invaluable relationships with the people in the D.P.R.K. The band’s tours are responsible for uniting more than 50,000 children with sponsors through humanitarian outfit World Vision.

newsboys headlining Creation East 2010

The Music
Since debuting a few of their new songs earlier this year on the WinterJam Tour, the band has been eager to release their brand new CD Born Again, which hits shelves this coming Tuesday, July 13th. Better yet is that they are going into release week with the no. 1 CHR radio single in the country, “Born Again,” a spot they’ve claimed for an astounding seven weeks!

For the avid fans, Inpop Records has developed a digital pre-order incentive that for everyone who orders the Born Again CD, either the Digital Deluxe version or the regular version before next Tuesday’s release date, receives the exclusive bonus track of “Born Again (Summertime Symphony Mix)”. Additionally, Born Again’s Digital Deluxe offers an exclusive digital booklet as well as the “Born Again” music video and four additional songs. Retail will carry the regular version CD only.

Creation East 2010 showcasing the band’s brand new stage set in front of thousands of screaming fans

The Touring Earlier this summer newsboys kicked off its headlining run by appearing at 23 major festivals throughout the summer in the U.S. and Canada. To date, they’ve already performed in front of tens of thousands of concert-goers at such festivals as Spirit West Coast, Sonfest, Icthus, Atlantafest, and they will headline this Friday at Lifest 2010. Even more exciting for the band’s upcoming tour dates is their new stage set, which officially made its debut at this past weekend’s Creation East. The jaw-dropping and never-before-seen new stage, featuring the band members actually being lifted on a mini-stage into the air and above the crowds, instantly became a hit with the audience and the highlight of the entire festival.

To catch newsboys live in a city near you this summer or fall, further tour dates are listed below. Be sure to visit their website for the most updated schedule and information [All dates subject to change]:

07/09: Oshkosh, WI, Lifest 2010
07/16: Wilmar, MN, Sonshine Festival
07/18: Rapid City, SD, Hills Alive Festival
07/22: Enumclaw, WA, Creation Fest West
07/23: Albany, OR, Timmer Linn Park
08/01: Darien Center, NY, Kingdom Bound
08/07: Bessemer, AL, Alabama Adventure Theme Park
08/08: Wickliffe, OH, The Fest 2010
08/12: Des Moines, IA, Iowa State Fair
08/14: Great Falls, MT, Downpour Festival
08/15: Missoula, MT, West Montana Fairgrounds
08/21: Ocean Grove, NJ, The Great Auditorium
09/04: La Cygne, KS, Rock The Light
09/05: Lexington, KY, Quest Community Church
09/10: Orlando, FL, Universal Studios-Rock the Universe

And most importantly, the newsboys have a new addition to their family! Guitarist Jody Davis and his wife, Laurie, welcomed their daughter Isabella Grace to the world on June 21st. She was born in Nashville at a healthy 7 lbs and 4 oz and was 19″ long. Isabella is Davis’ third daughter. Congratulations!

About newsboys:
This GRAMMY®-nominated and Dove Award-winning band has achieved what few artists have in their lifetime. They have sold over 6.5 million units, garnered five Gold albums and 26 no. 1 hits, and are renown for their heart-pumping live shows. Last year, when long-time members Jody Davis (guitar), keyboardist Jeff Frankenstein and drummer Duncan Phillips welcomed the vocal strengths, writing talents and boundless energy of former dc Talk member Michael Tait to the band, it was clearly a good reason for newsboys to feel born again and share brand new songs with fans old and new. Born Again is newsboys’ 15th studio project.

The storm is on the horizon and that storm is Children 18:3′s sophomore release, Rain’s ‘A Comin’, which released last week to killer reviews from the media and fan anticipation. This release also landed the sibling band from Minnesota on Billboard Heatseekers chart at no. 23. In addition to the media coverage, Children 18:3 also premiered their music video for their single “Cover Your Eyes”. The music video can be viewed at the band’s YouTube channel. Check out what is being said about Children 18:3 and their new release:

“If you are looking for a fun rocker with plenty of diversity and a little something different then Rain’s ‘a Comin will be right up your musical alley.”
About.com

“Along comes Rain’s A Comin’, an intense, melodic and powerful collection of songs that sees the Hostetters leaping forward creatively. The supercharged anthems call to mind the SoCal punk scene as represented by Green Day and Blink-182, but tempered with the mature attack of Jawbreaker.”
Alternative Press, 3.5 stars

“Children 18:3 sound completely different than any bands on the label, sticking true to their own rock ‘n roll sound.”
AbsolutePunk.net

“Rain’s ‘A Comin’ is a solid effort from a rock & roll band that stands to be around for a long time….Children 18:3 manages to punch a loud, grinding punch. They’re noisy, they’re fun, your kids will love them.”
TheChristianManifesto.com

“The punk rockin’est siblings in the land are back at again with their sophomore label release, Rain’s ‘A Comin’ and this time they take their sound and expand it from top to bottom creating one of the top albums of the year.”
ChristianMusicZine.com

“The wait was worth it! This is the punk album that you wish the last ten punk albums you bought were.”
Hopecore.com (Also featured the band on the July 2010 Cover)

About Children 18:3:
The trio of siblings on Tooth & Nail Records hails from a rural farming community in Minnesota where the three siblings developed their undeniable glam-rock sound. Children 18:3 is comprised of siblings David (lead vocals, songwriter, guitar), Seth (drums) and Lee Marie (bass, vocals). The combination of male and female vocals along with their unmatched determination is a throw back to the beginnings of Tooth & Nail punk and rock n’ roll. The sophomore release excels in highs and will leave you feeling inspired to make a difference, to make a lasting change in your world. Known for their over-the-top glam/punk imaging and devastating live show, Children 18:3 have demonstrated here that they have the sand for a run at a larger audience. Over the past two years, they have toured with such industry heavyweights as Brian “Head” Welch, Project 86, The Classic Crime, Norma Jean, and Haste The Day.

A complete list of tour dates, news, artist info, exclusive photos, videos and more resources are now available online at the Make A Difference Tour’s newly-launched website, MakeADifferenceTour.com. In addition, the tour’s official Facebook page is live at www.facebook.com/makeadifferencetour, and fans and supporters can follow the tour’s official Twitter feed at @MakeADiffTour to stay up to date on the latest news and exclusive content.

AEG Live, a leading provider of live entertainment around the world, is producer for the “Make A Difference Tour 2010″ and World Vision, an international humanitarian agency, is the tour sponsor. The tour has also partnered with HearItFirst.com, a leading online destination for Christian music fans, for exclusive video content, tour news and more.

About Max Lucado:
Max Lucado has more than 65 million books in print and a publishing career spanning 25 years. Max and his wife Denalyn live in San Antonio, Texas, where he is Minister of Preaching at Oak Hills Church.

About TobyMac:
The ascension of TobyMac’s solo career has been nothing short of spectacular. In an era of declining music sales, he has consistently defied the odds and has seen his sales increase with each new album. TobyMac has sold more than two million albums and received his first Grammy® as a solo artist. With his groundbreaking group dc talk, he won four Grammys and sold more than eight million albums. His latest album is Tonight, which features his chart-topping, Grammy®-nominated and Dove Award-wining single “City On Our Knees”. TobyMac was named the GMA Dove Award’s 2008 Artist of the Year and is now writing his first solo book City On Our Knees: If You Gotta Start Somewhere, Why Not Here (Bethany House, September 2010). TobyMac and his family of seven live in Franklin, Tennessee. For more information on TobyMac, please visit his YMZ artist page.

About Michael W. Smith:
Throughout his 27-year career as a recording artist, Michael W. Smith has amassed an impressive catalogue of achievements. His 21 albums have garnered multiple honours including an American Music Award, three GRAMMY® Awards (from 13 nominations), 44 GMA Dove Awards and 33 no. 1 radio hits. In addition, he holds 16 Gold® and five Platinum® albums for career sales approaching 15 million. Smith, who was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2009, has scored several film projects, written 11 books and has been featured by many national media outlets. For up-to-date information on Michael W. Smith, please visit his YMZ artist page

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About Third Day:
Over the past decade, the Atlanta-based, Multi-Platinum™ rock band Third Day (made up of members Mac Powell, Tai Anderson, David Carr and Mark Lee) has racked up 27 no. 1 radio singles and sold 6.25 million albums. A recent Georgia Music Hall of Fame inductee, Third Day has garnered 24 career GMA Dove Awards, four GRAMMY® Awards (with eleven career nominations), an American Music Award, three American Music Award nominations and multiple ASCAP honours for song-writing. As a top-ranked touring band, according to Pollstar magazine, Third Day has played for audiences reaching into the millions. For more information on Third Day, please visit the band’s YMZ artist page.