Christian Music Articles and Interview At NewReleaseTuesday.com http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/ It's hard to come up with words that depict the magnitude of Christ's love – the depth and width of it, said Bethel Music's Jeremy Riddle. He ultimately arrived at "furious" as the closest expression he could get regarding his experience with a divine love. ‘Furious' doesn't work outside of the context of love," Riddle explained. "We tend to translate the word as angry, but I see it as a super-powerful force; stronger, deeper, broader than our vocabulary can fully describe." So if each new album should serve as the next chapter in an artist's life story,[...] Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=773 The tour season is in full swing, and between cities and shows, your favorite artists eek out time to share their hopes, dreams, adventures and news. As always, if you'd like to keep tabs on over 1,200 Christian artists, check out our exclusive NRTwitter page to read the latest tweets from the Christian music community. And if you've discovered some great tweets of your own, feel free to pass them along by using the hashtag #nrtweets. [...] Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=769 In 2008, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound won Gospel Music Association Dove Awards for Southern Gospel Recorded Song of the Year and Southern Gospel Album of the Year for Get Away Jordan. The Jordan album has also been certified Gold. In 2009, they won another Southern Gospel Recorded Song of the Year Dove Award for "Reason Enough" from their Dream On album. Released in the fall of 2008, the Dream On DVD debuted at No. 1 on the Contemporary Christian Music Video Chart and at No. 3 on the Billboard Music Video Chart. Dream On was nominated for a[...] Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=770 I recently finished reading David Platt's perspective-shattering best-selling book, Radical Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream. In the last chapter of his book, Platt challenges readers to a radical one-year experiment starting on page 183. Platt writes Throughout this book we have explored a variety of bold claims about our purpose in life that are contradicted by the American dream. Claims such as these Real success is found in radical sacrifice. Ultimate satisfaction is found not in making much of ourselves but in making much of God. The purpose of our lives transcends the[...] Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=771 The past year has featured welcome returns from standout female Christian artists, with great new songs by Rebecca St. James (Shine Your Glory Down), Charmaine (Run), Rachael Lampa (Remedy), Ginny Owens (Before You Fly) and now plenty more from Dove Award winning artist Jaci Velasquez as she releases her new album, Diamond. I have loved Jaci's songs On My Knees, Crystal Clear, Adore and God So Loved since they released, and her return is one of my most anticipated albums of the year. Velasquez has sold almost five million albums around the world, recorded three Platinum[...] Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=772 This was the second time I've attended the WinterJam Tour in Reading, PA. Nobody does tours like NewSong. When the group introduced its annual "WinterJam Tour Spectacular" in 1995, NewSong started to change the public face of Christian music. The mega-event on wheels has become one of the music world's biggest annual tours, with some history-making moments along the way. To this day, NewSong's multi-artist, ticketless concerts give tens of thousands the opportunity not only to hear incredible music but, of course, to also hear the Gospel message. During 2011's Tour, more than 90,000 WinterJam attendees made[...] Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=768 Newly independent worship band Starfield returns with 10 new songs that are designed to stoke the fires of spiritual renewal in the listener. The Kingdom is a vital new addition to their body of worship work, and is about to make its way deep into the heart of the local church. With the momentum of a prolific songwriting catalog behind them (Rediscover You, Reign In Us, Filled With Your Glory), and the path cut by a visionary new project ahead of them, Starfield is securing its place among the most thoughtful and forward-thinking worship artists of our[...] Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=761 William Wilberforce said, And, sir, when we think of eternity, and of the future consequences of all human conduct, what is there in this life that should make any man contradict the dictates of his conscience, the principles of justice, the laws of religion, and of God? One of Christian music's top-selling rock bands, GRAMMY®-nominated Skillet, returned with its latest recording capturing the raw energy and multi-textured sonic landscape for which they have become known. A mixture of dissonant chords, anthemic builds and memorable vocal interpretation combine to form a progressive, yet classic rock-influenced sound that's all[...] Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=762 When you hear the phrase, I gotta feeling... do you instantly think that tonight's gonna be a good night? If you do, you're not alone. Hip-hop/pop/dance group The Black Eyed Peas have all but owned that phrase for the last several years as one of their many party anthems. The Black Eyed Peas have been a group since 1998, but they didn't captivate pop culture's consciousness wholesale until the release of their third album, Elephunk, in 2003. That album delivered the group's breakout song--the thoughtful and catchy "Where is the Love?"--as well as a new direction with the introduction[...] Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=763 This week the Christian Twitterverse saw a flurry of activity surrounding one of the biggest new release Tuesdays in a while, combined with some powerhouse tours and music video releases. Catch up on the buzz below. As always, if you'd like to keep tabs on over 1,200 Christian artists, check out our exclusive NRTwitter page to read the latest tweets from the Christian music community. And if you've discovered some great tweets of your own, feel free to pass them[...] Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=764 With three-and-a-half years of pounding the pavement throughout the Midwest and a feverish social networking presence, heavy alternative rock/modern pop trio Icon For Hire signed the dotted line with Tooth & Nail Records. The ensuing Scripted serves as the Decatur, Ill. band's national debut disc. Between the immediately apparent chemistry amongst front woman Ariel, guitarist Shawn Jump and drummer Adam Kronshagen, coupled with powerhouse production from Aaron Sprinkle (Anberlin, The Almost, Acceptance) and Rob Hawkins (Fireflight, Philmont), the group sounds nothing short of innovative, infectious and explosive. NRT's[...] Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=765 There's something about the passage of time that makes treasured experiences become even more precious. Scriptures that have always had personal impact become cherished lifelines in times of trial. In the past few years, Steven Curtis Chapman has learned a lot about time and its ability to heal, restore and shift perspective. For Steven, viewing the world through a different lens has led to a new season of creativity that finds the veteran singer/songwriter both penning new songs and taking a fresh look at some that have been longtime companions. [...] Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=766 Prolific singer/songwriter Phil Wickham continues to gain momentum with his modern style of vertical worship and poetic lyrics. Leading corporate worship nationwide, Wickham, known for hits such as "You're Beautiful" and "Divine Romance," describes the daily truths he is learning with a tender yet poignant voice and a passionate cry of worship. I love Phil Wickham's critically acclaimed sophomore album Cannons and the distinguished singer/songwriter really found his voice on his third studio album, Heaven and Earth, which found him creating melodies that are infectious with contemplative and honest messages of surrender and abandon. After[...] Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=756 I've been a huge fan of Bebo Norman for the past decade as he has written and sung some of my favorite songs including The Hammer Holds, A Page Is Turned, Tip Of My Heart, Great Light Of The World, Nothing Without You and I Will Lift My Eyes. He took it up a notch with his self-titled album, which included the standout songs Britney, Pull Me Out and the Dove Award-winning song The Only Hope. He's a truth-telling folk music style singer-songwriter like Rich Mullins, Derek Webb and Todd Agnew. On the heels of his 2010[...] Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=757 This week was busy in the Christian music Twitterverse, complete with several strong new releases, some new projects, and one fantastic cover collaboration. Catch up on the latest news from the artists themselves below. As always, if you'd like to keep tabs on over 1,200 Christian artists, check out our exclusive NRTwitter page to read the latest tweets from the Christian music community. And if you've discovered some great tweets of your own, feel free to pass them along by using the hashtag #nrtweets. REASONS TO SING @allsanddmusic If you haven't[...] Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=759 Talking with Christians over the years, I've found that many people are content to listen to music that doesn't project their biblical values because they claim Christian music just doesn't compare—stylistically, rhythmically and qualitatively. It's an impression rooted in the awkward adolescent years of the industry, for sure. But things have changed. You'd be surprised how many people have no idea what's out[...] Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=760 What It's Not First things first. I'm going to tell you what you will not get out of this book. [...] Sun, 22 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=758 What our Lord Jesus is to His people He is the Author and Finisher of their faith—the Beginning, Perfecter, and Rewarder of it. He is the Author of their faith; not only the object, but the Author. He is the great leader and precedent of our faith, He trusted in God; He is the purchaser of the Spirit of faith, the publisher of the rule of faith, the efficient cause of the grace of faith, and in all respects the Author of our faith. He is the Finisher of our faith; He is the Fulfiller and the fulfilling of all[...] Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=746 Lindsay McCaul has always been keenly aware of words and their value. From her teen years pouring over the lyrics of her favorite Christian music to her college days majoring in linguistics at Moody Bible Institute to the vibrant, insightful songs she's penned for her Reunion Records debut, If It Leads Me Back, McCaul knows the power of words. Rarely has an artist wielded that power with more thoughtful precision. Blessed with a caring heart and a deep intellect, McCaul has a gift for writing songs that strengthen and encourage by reminding us of God's grace and faithfulness.[...] Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=747 This week life in the Christian music twitterverse started to pick up again with the release of a few major albums, more studio time, and many artists heading back out on tour (or trying to). Catch the latest stories below. As always, if you'd like to keep tabs on over 1,200 Christian artists, check out our exclusive NRTwitter page to read the latest tweets from the Christian music community. And if you've discovered some great tweets of your own, feel free to[...] Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=750 Happy New Year! I'm so glad to be getting back into the groove of things—literally and figuratively—and bringing you an all-new installment of The Sound Option. If you have a suggestion of a mainstream band you'd like to see compared, shoot an e-mail to info@newreleasetuesday.com and we'll try to oblige. SAFETYSUIT & SANCTUS REAL Pop/rock back SafetySuit is taking America by storm. After a debut album on Universal Republic Records that received critical acclaim, the Tulsa-based quartet has leveled-up with Life Left to Go—their Jan. 3 sophomore release. In just a few[...] Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=755 If he doesn't muzzle his daughter, he's going to lose the presidential nomination. Special Agent Meghan Connors cringed at the TV anchor's analysis of Vice President Hall's campaign, even though the statement rang with validity. Although early popularity polls indicated Hall to be a strong contender for the presidential race, his ratings are dropping daily. The blonde reporting the news gave the camera a tilt of her head. We are currently waiting for a statement from his office regarding Lindsay Hall's appearance on The Barry Knight Show last evening, where she stated, ‘My father is a poor excuse for the office of[...] Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=751 With another year behind us, we turn our focus and attention to what is shaping up to be another great start to a new year. David Crowder Band got the party started last week and there are plenty of releases to look forward to as we head into the end of January, February and beyond. These are the 10 releases I'm highly anticipating, but there are many more coming which can keep track of on NRT's Coming Soon Release Schedule. What albums are you waiting for? Sound[...] Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=752 Welcome to a revival, of sorts. Several years ago, we began an editorial series entitled Faith in the Mainstream, where we highlighted artists of faith finding huge success and mass appeal in the mainstream market Flyleaf, Lifehouse, and Jordin Sparks are just a few of the artists we wrote about. We couldn't think of a better way to reignite the series than to write about The Civil Wars, an alternative folk duo whose success is spreading like wildfire, and there wasn't a better time to write about them than after attending their sold-out hometown show at[...] Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=753 Born and raised in a small, farming community in Oregon, Ryan Stevenson is not your typical small town guy. This former teacher/ paramedic has shared the stage with some renowned Christian artists like Newsboys, Group 1 Crew and Third Day. The sound of his debut EP, Yesterday Today Forever, is one that cannot be ignored. Ryan's lyrical creativity and style is both refreshing and original. Not only is Ryan an all around talented artist, he is also a man of great integrity. Ryan currently resides in Boise, Idaho with his wife and son where he also serves[...] Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=754 Happy New Year! We're back after the holiday hiatus, and so are the many tweets from your favorite Christian artists. As always, if you'd like to keep tabs on over 1,200 Christian artists, check out our exclusive NRTwitter page to read the latest tweets from the Christian music community. And if you've discovered some great tweets of your own, feel free to pass them along by using the hashtag #nrtweets. NEW YEARS TWEETS @wavorlymatt You can't help how you feel, but you CAN help what you do about it. Take[...] Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=741 Having previously enjoyed many of Josh Wilson's other hit songs from previous albums, I eagerly anticipated See You. This album firmly establishes Josh as the premier folk style singer-songwriter in Christian music. Josh's poignant songwriting is coupled with musical excellence as each song urges me to better see God. This album is sure to connect with all listeners who like catchy songs filled with truth and yearning for God. Josh invites you into his life in such an authentic and relatable way, you'll feel like you are a lifelong friend after you hear this album. Josh[...] Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=742 Known for her unusually poignant, poetic and honest songwriting, Indie-pop artist Christa Wells released her highly anticipated second solo album, How Emptiness Sings, one of my top 5 albums of 2011. Christa has a vocal sincerity and creativity on par with Brooke Fraser, Audrey Assad, JJ Heller and Sara Groves, who are my top female vocalists of all-time. I am a believer and my testimony is that my love for music led me to Jesus Christ due to the Gospel messages of Christian music. This is a great album for your family and friends who[...] Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=744 Psalm 37 "Trust in the Lord and do good, then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart's desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord, trust him, and he will help you. He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn,and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun. Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act." (NIV) I think one of the most difficult things that a human being encounters is the notion of "faith"[...] Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=745 The year 2011 was a groundbreaking one for Christian music—a year that, in my opinion saw artists create music that not only matched the quality and styles of contemporary culture, but in many cases, they eclipsed the art of their secular counterparts. From Gungor's instrumental concoctions to Royal Tailor's radio-friendly pop sensibilities to Switchfoot's greatest effort to date, there was plenty to like in 2011—too much to list here. The following is my list of the top 10 of 2011. (Make sure you check out the Top 10 lists from our Senior Contributor Kevin Davis and NRT Founder[...] Mon, 02 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=740 Another seller year of music has come to a close. With over 200 releases from major labels hitting stores this year there was certainly plenty to listen to, but as with any year, there were albums that instantly stood out from the pack. There were those that took a bit to discover. And then there were those rare albums that snuck up and surprised. Whatever method of discovery, these are the albums that I couldn't put down. They inspired, encouraged, healed and strengthened. Some lock on and target our direct relationship with Christ. Some praise and lift high the name of[...] Mon, 26 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=739 Artists are wrapping up some end of the year business and Christmas tours while approaching some other holiday endeavors (housework and tacky sweaters) in the realm of everyday life. As always, if you'd like to keep tabs on over 1,200 Christian artists, check out our exclusive NRTwitter page to read the latest tweets from the Christian music community. And if you've discovered some great tweets of your own, feel free to pass them along by using the hashtag #nrtweets. IN REVIEW @project86band BIG NEWS; We have just launched Kickstarted for[...] Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=738 In 2006, pop/R&B singer Rachael Lampa practically disappeared from public eye at the peak of her career, leaving fans scratching their heads. But as the personable artist who's now in her twenties so eloquently admits, the time away was just to recharge her understandably overworked batteries and plot her next creative step, the recently released project, All We Need. This record is really just a reflection of my life and where I've been since you last heard from me, Lampa lets out with a laugh. Lyrically, there's a thread of simplifying life instead of cluttering it. I'm[...] Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=725 We've asked a wide assortment of Christian artists their thoughts on Christmas, including their holiday traditions, favorite Christmas songs, and their thoughts on putting Christ back in Christmas. Many Christmas songs point to the final holiday of the holiday season New Year's Day. As the end of the year quickly approaches, we asked artists to share with us their hopes and dreams for 2012. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from your friends at NRT! Plumb My husband was recently diagnosed as a Type 2[...] Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=727 As new releases slow down in anticipation of the holidays, ordinary life and touring are still going at their regular breakneck speed for most artists. Catch up on their stories below. As always, if you'd like to keep tabs on over 1,200 Christian artists, check out our exclusive NRTwitter page to read the latest tweets from the Christian music community. And if you've discovered some great tweets of your own, feel free to pass them along by using[...] Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=733 Chris August has added some holiday cheer to his hit debut album, No Far Away. On Nov. 21 a special Christmas edition of the award-winning album hit shelves, bringing with it August's original Christmas tracks Come Now Our King and Jesus, Savior, both penned by August. August is quickly becoming a favorite in the CCM genre. With an impressive sweep at the 42nd Annual Dove Awards, he earned awards for New Artist of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year, joining an elite group of only three artists in the history of the show who have[...] Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=734 The Bible. It's the foundation of our faith, filled with amazing tales of bravery and betrayal, romance and redemption. These age-old stories teach us valuable lessons about the God we serve and the way He wants us to live, but how well do we really know them? For the past five years as a Christian music reviewer, I've fallen deeper in love with my Savior by studying His Word in conjunction with my favorite songs in Christian music, including writing these weekly devotionals. I couldn't ask for a more perfect combination of my loves to intertwine than to[...] Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=735 I am beyond impressed with the quality of new Christian releases this year. I thought 2009 was the best year in recent history in Christian music, with career albums by Jars of Clay, NEEDTOBREATHE, David Crowder*Band, BarlowGirl, Switchfoot, Relient K, Mark Schultz, Phil Wickham and Sara Groves. Somehow, though, 2011 has managed to top that year and has been loaded with quality albums. The past three years (2009-2011) have been the 3 most amazing consecutive years for new Christian music that I can ever remember. I can now name more than 20 artists who, in my[...] Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=736 What is worship at its most fundamental, other than humanity's response to God? What always begins with a revelation of God and then manifests itself in the response to that revelation – is fully realized in what we have come to know as worship. As singer/songwriter Phil Wickham puts it, This revelation demands a response. In many ways, his fourth album, Response, gives voice to our collective reaction to the many facets of God's love – His powerful creativity, His promises to us in scripture and ultimately His sacrifice for us on the cross. There[...] Tue, 06 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=723 Pop artist Beckah Shae is gold. She's been refined by fire and polished to a sweet, smooth finish. Now, she's emerging, armed for life's battles. She's up for the challenge with her fierce new album, Destiny, a collection of songs born out of a wealth of experience. Destiny—produced by Shae's husband, Jack Shoc Shocklee (Montell Jordan, TobyMac, Group 1 Crew)—may have the same beats that current Top 40 hits use to entice listeners, but the songs serve as a wake-up call for this generation. This album is an anthem for the army of God, for those who[...] Tue, 06 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=724 The fast-paced, deal-seeking, commercialized holiday season leaves many people scratching their heads on Dec. 26, wondering where Jesus was in the midst of all the craziness. For the last couple of weeks, we've been asking Christian recording artists questions about the holidays, including holiday traditions and favorite Christmas songs. This week, we pose the question What is one way we can help put "Christ" back into "Christmas"? Have a Merry Christmas from your friends at NRT! Chris Tomlin The true secret of life[...] Tue, 06 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=726 There are a lot of choices when it comes to Christmas music. This year, more than ever, I felt a bit overwhelmed when I started to listen to various takes of classic Christmas songs like Joy To The World, O Come All Ye Faithful and Silent Night. Thankfully, as much as I love those songs, they don't appear on this excellent five-song Christmas EP called Come Now Our King. Instead, five fresh new exciting artists all contributed to a very enjoyable new collection of songs. Every song is a highlight for me including the original Christmas song[...] Tue, 06 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=730 This week several bands were reunited on an airplane as they headed towards Germany to play. Meanwhile, Twitter was buzzing in the wake of the Grammy nomination announcements. As always, if you'd like to keep tabs on over 1,200 Christian artists, check out our exclusive NRTwitter page to read the latest tweets from the Christian music community. And if you've discovered some great tweets of your own, feel free to pass them along by using the hashtag #nrtweets. CHRISTMAS TOGETHER @jamiegraceh Wait... is this a music video for #ChristmasTogether? Is my[...] Tue, 06 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=731 We just started this little thing called The Sound Option, but we weren't around last week due to the Thanksgiving holiday. But rest assured, another artist alternative is coming your way now. MAROON 5 vs. ROYAL TAILOR Maroon 5 has been a hit-making machine for nearly 10 years now, ever since they burst on the scene with Harder to Breathe in 2002. The band, fronted by tenor vocal gymnast Adam Levine, has cranked out rock-meets-funk-meets-R&B hit after hit, with songs like This Love, She Will Be Loved, Makes Me Wonder,[...] Tue, 06 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=732 "The Little Drummer Boy," also known as "Carol of the Drum," is a popular Christmas song written by pianist Katherine K. Davis in 1941. It was popularized with a 1958 recording when 20th Century Fox Records contracted Harry Simeone to make a Christmas album. Simeone re-arranged "carol of the Drum," re-titled it "The Little Drummer Boy," and recorded it with the Harry Simeone Chorale on the album Sing We Now of Christmas. The song was jointly credited to Simeone and Onorati, even though they had only arranged it. The popularity of this song is to be seen by the number[...] Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=729 Brian Godawa has been a professional filmmaker, writer and visual artist for many years. His creative versatility was born of a passion for both intellect and imagination, both left-brain and right-brain. The result Brian is an artisan of word, image, and story that engages heart, mind, and soul. He is the screenwriter for the award-winning feature film, To End All Wars, starring Kiefer Sutherland, and Alleged, starring Brian Dennehy as Clarence Darrow along with Fred Thompson as William Jennings Bryan. Previously Brian adapted to film the best-selling supernatural thriller novel The Visitation by author Frank Peretti for Ralph[...] Wed, 30 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=728 Look no further than first single and opening track, "Remind Me Who I Am," for a classic example of Jason Gray's heart and transparent songwriting style. I have played the song non-stop since I first heard it. It is hooky and filled with biblical truth just like Jason's hit song "More Like Falling In Love." The lyrics, "If I'm Your beloved, can You help me believe it?" keep the theme from "I Am New" going, which is that if we would only run to Christ, He would remind us who we really are. I had the[...] Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=717 As a father of three young daughters, I was immediately drawn to the strong message of the ultra-catchy song Not So Average by pop/R&B singer V.Rose. This new artist especially targets young girls with her lyrics, encouraging individuality and self-confidence in spite of the pressures that society gives to fit a certain mold. I really wanted a concept that I could relate to and that other young girls could relate to, V.Rose says, and reach out to them with issues that are so major but that aren't really being talked about. Born in Sacramento, V.Rose began[...] Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=718 Christian music artists had much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving week, and they shared their thoughts large and small via their favorite instant microblogging portal. As always, if you'd like to keep tabs on over 1,200 Christian artists, check out our exclusive NRTwitter page to read the latest tweets from the Christian music community. And if you've discovered some great tweets of your own, feel free to pass them along by using the hashtag #nrtweets. [...] Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=720 Rush of Fools was riding a seemingly unstoppable wave of momentum. But just as things began to peak, the band was forced into hiatus by business matters surrounding their label which were outside of their control. Over the course of the last two years, the boys in Rush Of Fools experienced the greatest valley of their lives as they waited for resolution. With their futures hanging in the balance, they were forced to look deep inside to discover their true character, both as artists and as human beings. Many have folded in similar circumstances, but the band emerged[...] Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=721 I had the privilege to attend the Called To Love tour featuring Downhere, Jason Gray & Aaron Shust in Lancaster, PA on Friday, November 4th, 2011 at Lancaster Bible College. All three are Centricity Music artists and each artist recently released new albums this Fall which were great to experience live in concert. They all had equal billing and each performed 30-40 minute sets with 22 great songs in total. Here's my song-by-song description of the concert. Aaron Shust opened with the title track, This Is What We Believe from his new album This Is What We[...] Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=722 Nothing ushers in the season better than a collection of favorite Christmas tunes. From traditional choruses rooted in religious reflections to joyous and happy songs about Santa and his eight tiny reindeer, to even the newer tracks that have quickly become instant classics, everyone has a favorite song or two that resonates with memories young and old. Last week, over 20 different Christian artists and groups reflected on their favorite holiday traditions, and this week, they nail down their favorite Christmas songs. We've love to hear yours in the comments below. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and a[...] Sun, 27 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=719 Drawing from an influential pool of strong female songwriters such as Sara Groves, Nichole Nordeman and Ginny Owens, Jessa Anderson's music reflects a constant wrestling with the unknown and the darkest parts of humanity right alongside the gritty, everyday things that make up the human life. I always gravitated toward women who were writing their own music and just that honesty, Anderson says. That's what I like to listen to, and hopefully that's what I'm communicating when I'm writing songs, too. The 20-something Michigan native currently can't imagine doing anything else but music, and desires nothing[...] Fri, 25 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=714 2 Corithians 517 "This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun." (NLT) One of my deepest personal struggles is my identity. If you know me personally, and know my heart, you would also know that I'm open about my real life and real struggle. At an early age, starting in junior high, I began to experience emotional struggle unlike anything I'd ever known. I was what you could call a "late bloomer." Around the age of 13, my closest friends began experiencing physical maturity changes, that come[...] Fri, 25 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=715 Halfway through September, the up and coming Tooth & Nail band Icon For Hire rolled into Burleson, Texas. Originally the show was hosted by the Worship Lounge in Bedford, but due to some last minute technical difficulties, the Church of the Nazarene in Burleson agreed to host the concert. Minnesota-based band Fades Away was traveling with Icon For Hire as the opening act, and local bands Stitched and Etchmark rounded out the bill for the evening. All of the bands tended towards the harder side of the rock spectrum, providing an incredibly energetic atmosphere. The opening two bands provided solid performances[...] Fri, 25 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=716 It's been a busy week in the Christian music twitterverse, full of a lot of significant releases in the worship genre and several trips overseas. An unusual product placement and some tour stories round the week off. As always, if you'd like to keep tabs on over 1,200 Christian artists, check out our exclusive NRTwitter page to read the latest tweets from the Christian music community. And if you've discovered some great tweets of your own, feel free to pass them along by using the hashtag #nrtweets. ROCK AND WORSHIP @leighannenash[...] Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=709 My wife, our three daughters and I have been conducting family Bible studies together in the evenings for the past few years, and upon studying the Book of Acts, my family's chosen life verse is Acts 412 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved. Naturally when I learned about the new band No Other Name—whose band name is derived from our family's chosen Scripture passage—I was excited to hear the Gospel messages of their songs. Overall, my favorite[...] Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=710 So often, even as Christians, we think it's OK to avoid conflict and passively avoid relationships. We think that despite doing so, we're still able to follow God's commands. We are, however, called to actively love one another. There is a lot of great biblical truth throughout this catchy song Live For Love by up-and-comers We Are Leo. I've been consistently challenged by songs that include messages about living out the the Golden Rule, found throughout the Bible Leviticus 1918 You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you[...] Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=711 What's the column about? I'm trying to show that for every popular, chart topping band or singer out there, there's at last one comparable (or even better) Christian musical option. Music is such a large part of our lives, and it's my pleasure to show you the amazing offerings Christian music has to offer. The industry's come a long way. FLORENCE THE MACHINE & KYE KYE Haunting, gentle-yet-piercing vocals soar over vigorous and chaotic backing instrumentals. Take the best of rock, soul, ambient and experimental music, throw in a[...] Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=712 The holiday traditions. We all have them, either rooted in past memories or made fresh once again as the chaotic schedule of the holidays embrace the comfort of familiarity surrounding by family and friends. Most of us grew up with some sort of holiday traditions, adapted as families expand and redefined in our own households, ready to be passed on to future generations. As we enter Thanksgiving week and march towards the Christmas season, NewReleaseTuesday.com welcomed artists to share with us their holiday traditions. Over 20 artists responded and we had fun relating to the routines of so many artists'[...] Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=713 Over the past thirty days, I've been listening to a 300+ song playlist on my iPod of my favorite Christmas songs by Christian artists, both in preparing my heart for the true purpose of this most blessed season and to conduct and write Christmas "Behind The Song" devotionals. My favorite Christmas albums tend to have a balanced mix of original and traditional songs, such as Amy Grant's 1992 album Home For Christmas, which includes the classic original song "Breath of Heaven." After careful and repeated listens, these are my top 10 original Christmas songs recorded by Christian artists over the past[...] Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=708 How do you say goodbye to one of the most creative, worshipful and groundbreaking bands in Christian music? Loudly--and passionately. The 7 Tour rolled through Portland, Ore. on Tuesday, Oct. 11, giving the Rose City one last glimpse of the soon-disbanding David Crowder*Band. But before the long, musical goodbye, audiences were treated to the musical stylings of similarly creative friends John Mark McMillan, Chris August and Gungor. McMillan played a short set that introduced audiences to songs from his just-released album, Economy, including "Sheet of Night" and the moving congregational declaration,[...] Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=698 Christian music has much to offer these days, and it's not just worship songs for Sunday morning. This column helps people discover new Christian music by comparing the industry's best talent with the chart-topping mainstream artists of the day. Music drives us in so many ways, and the messages we hear are important. Certainly, not everyone will always agree with my comparisons, and truth be told, we're comparing apples and oranges. The bands and soloists mentioned in this column are artists in their own right, and they're recognized because of their superior artistry. It's my hope that through this,[...] Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=702 Snow is beginning to fall, red cups have returned to Starbucks, and yet more artists are releasing stellar Christmas albums. Meanwhile, two major tours kicked into high gear this week-- the fall stretches of both WinterJam and the Rock and Worship Roadshow are out on the road, and stories and pictures on Twitter keep fans in the loop. As always, if you'd like to keep tabs on over 1,200 Christian artists, check out our exclusive NRTwitter page to read the latest tweets from the Christian music community. And if you've[...] Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=703 Sixpence None the Richer vocalist Leigh Nash has one of the most recognized voices in all of music and her mega-hit song, Kiss Me, can still be heard on a regular basis just about anywhere. I have long been a fan of her songs and her vocals, especially Breathe Your Name and There She Goes with Sixpence. Hymns and Sacred Songs by Leigh Nash offers an exceptional set of classic hymns, re-written with fresh new melodies and modern arrangements including "Blessed Redeemer", "Be Still My Soul", "Power of The Cross" and more. In the early[...] Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=704 Tricia Brock's and Kristian Stanfill's entire new worship albums each have several songs that bless and heal me as a listener. In particular, they've both recorded stellar versions of the song Always. As you listen to their great albums, you'll be refreshed, nourished, encouraged and lean on God for your strength. This song reminds me that the pain of this world is temporary and to live for Heaven. Most recently known for his energetic and powerful songs Jesus Paid It All, Say Say and Always featured on recent Passion collections, the newest member of the sixstepsrecords' roster,[...] Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=705 If their last record was a light-in-the-darkest-places announcement that the end is really just the beginning, then Downhere's latest Centricity Music release arrives as an artfully textured but heartfelt declaration that, True progress might mean we have to go backwards. As students of history, Jeremy, Jason, Marc and Glenn have come to recognize and appreciate the fact that their faith is not simply their own—but that it's part of a much larger communion of believers that stretches across cultures and thousands of years. And while we might have the privilege of bearing that torch during the short[...] Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=706 Every few years a tour comes along with such perfect musical chemistry that it would be worth any effort to catch just one show. As a longtime dedicated fan of both Skillet and Disciple, the Fall 2011 branch of the Awake and Alive Tour was that way for me. Because the short and fast-paced run of shows was mostly confined to the northeast, I had an excuse to leave my native Texas for a weekend in Wisconsin to catch some of the final evenings of the tour. On November 4 the Awake and Alive Tour drew a sold out[...] Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=707 Talking with Christians over the years, I've found that many people are content to listen to music that doesn't project their biblical values because they claim Christian music just doesn't compare—stylistically, rhythmically and qualitatively. It's an impression rooted in the awkward adolescent years of the industry, for sure. But things have changed. You'd be surprised how many people have no idea what's out there when it comes to Christian music—they still think the album selections and artists and styles have been frozen since 1994. So that's why this column exists to take the hot, chart-topping mainstream[...] Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=699 Get In, I'm Driving is the new album by Ginny Owens, and kicks off with the upbeat and clever title track, with a great play on words considering Ginny's blindness. The fact is that we're all spiritually blind without the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and the song talks about our need to rely on God. Ginny has consistently been one of my all-time favorite female singer-songwriters, since her debut album Without Condition and stand-out songs, If You Want Me To, Free and I Wanna Be Moved. There's a definite resemblance between that album and this latest[...] Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=700 When I listen to Kerrie Roberts' debut album, I feel like I'm getting caught up listening to Kerrie's personal prayer time, and I start praying along with her. My favorite albums all have that impact on me, and with a strong vocal style similar to Natalie Grant's, Kerrie Roberts has made quite the impression. At first glance, Roberts is the unassuming girl with a huge voice. But once her voice captures you, it is clear there's much more going on here. Dynamic yet intimate, uniquely emotive and soulful, her self-titled debut reveals the heart of an empathetic[...] Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=701 Servanthood is not always an easy path, yet there's an infectious energy that comes from fulfilling a calling and it courses through every powerful track on 7eventh Time Down's BEC Recordings debut, Alive in You. Anthemic choruses collide with crunchy guitars as Mikey Howard's powerful lead vocal takes command. Music meets message in a gripping sea of unforgettable songs. A lot of bands, especially rock bands, sing about brokenness and tough trials and that's great, says Howard. There's definitely a place for it, but with our record, it's a little different because we turn our focus more[...] Mon, 07 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=697 The week before Halloween--or "harvest" for non-observers--comes complete with countless opportunities to dress up, and Christian artists are catching the costume bug. Despite it being fall, a lot of artists were also running into their first snowstorms of the year this week and celebrating a sort of Christmas in October. Catch up on the related chatter below! As always, if you'd like to keep tabs on over 1,200 Christian artists, check out our exclusive NRTwitter page to read the latest tweets from the Christian music community. And if you've discovered some great tweets of your own, feel free to[...] Tue, 01 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=693 God says YES to His promises, Take Him at His Word, exclaims the chorus of the new song Yes by John Waller. Here's a story from IVP's Bible commentary Two young girls were talking, and one said she had ten pennies. The other girl looked at her hand and only saw five. She said, ‘You only have five pennies.' The first girl replied, ‘I have five, and my father told me he would give me five more tonight. So I have ten.' She understood that her father's promise was as good as done. So it is with[...] Tue, 01 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=694 I've been devoted to God's Word and Christian music for the past 16 years, starting with the debut album by Jars of Clay, Jesus Freak by dcTalk and Take Me To Your Leader by Newsboys. I credit the biblical messages behind my favorite songs in Christian music for leading me to seek Jesus and I accepted Him as my personal Savior in 1999. In 1998, a new artist emerged on the Christian music scene who completely captivated me with her stellar debut; the songs To Know You, River God and Why won me over to[...] Tue, 01 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=695 When I worked in the music department at a Christian bookstore in high school and college, I'd feel a bit like a methadone clinician. (Methadone, for those of you who are unaware, is a drug that is given to people in order to ultimately relieve them of their elicit drug habits.) But instead of trying to get clean from drugs, many customers would be trying to walk away from secular music. They would come into the store with a specific favorite artist in mind, asking, Do you know anyone who sounds like [fill in the blank]? [...] Tue, 01 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=696 Last month, the veteran rock band Switchfoot released Vice Verses, one of the most ambitious and enthusiastically received albums of their 15 year career. Switchfoot has been out on the road supporting the release with fellow alternative rock band Anberlin. The two bands together were bound to bring in a strong college crowd, and many of the shows on the tour hit colleges and clubs instead of arena venues. As a long-time fan of both bands, this was an opportunity I didn't want to miss. I was at House of Blues Dallas early on the afternoon of Monday,[...] Fri, 28 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=690 Christian music artist Francesca Battistelli has had a fun, fast paced ride on life's roller coaster the last few years. Her debut music album, My Paper Heart was a major hit. She was awarded back to back GMA Dove Awards for Female Vocalist of the Year and is the reigning 2011 Artist and Female Vocalist of the Year. She got married and last year gave birth to a beautiful baby boy, Matthew Elijah Goodwin. She's on top of the world and currently is touring with Jeremy Camp in support of her second album entitled, Hundred More Years.[...] Fri, 28 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=691 If there was one thing that Mat Kearney proved at his Nashville show on October 20, 2011, it was his true value as an artist. An Oregon-native turned Nashville-resident, Kearney has spent the past couple of months touring the country in promotion of latest release, the highly acclaimed Young Love. As he said himself, this is the only show of the year where I can say I live a quarter mile away, and in an 18-song set, he blew the crowd away with an impressive performance. Following a rather entertaining opening act courtesy of the band Leagues[...] Fri, 28 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=692 There were several important new releases this week from a few heavyweights in very different arenas of Christian music. Several fall tours are in full swing, and this resulted in the usual adventures of traveling, parking, and a surprising onstage collaboration. More below! As always, if you'd like to keep tabs on over 1,200 Christian artists, check out our exclusive NRTwitter page to read the latest tweets from the Christian music community. And if you've discovered some great tweets of your[...] Tue, 25 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=685 As a father of three young girls, I need to point my girls to their Heavenly Father, God. There's a lot more we can accomplish together by leaning into God as opposed to trying to solve life's challenges on our own. Having little girls, we're inundated with the image of fairytales and knights in shining armor coming to the rescue. It's important for my girls to know that the greatest Hero that they can know is Jesus Christ. Fatherhood suits Shane Barnard and Shane Everett. Long nights on the road have been replaced with 2 a.m. feedings and princess[...] Tue, 25 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=686 Born and raised in Southern California, Christina Falub discovered her talent as an influential singer at a very young age. Growing up, family and friends witnessed this little girl transform into a young woman with an extremely big voice. Christina involved herself in church choirs, worship services and has performed the National Anthem numerous times for her local high school, allowing her impactful voice to be used for a much greater purpose. Music is like a prayer. Everything can be spoken through a song, explains Christina. Growing up in a devout Christian home, it was early[...] Tue, 25 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=687 Looking for that secret recipe for some savory rock? Of course you are. It goes like this Mix a handful of thunderous beats and a dash of dirty Souf swagger in a bucket filled with Southern-fried, greasy guitar. Then roast ingredients all day in the sweltering Georgia heat, pepper with good-time lyrics, and enjoy the spicy southern rock jambalaya of Family Force 5. Since 2005, the genre-obliterating Atlanta quintet has been[...] Tue, 25 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=688 I'm a big fan of being surprised by music. I love putting iTunes on shuffle while working and then having to pause what I'm doing to look up the artist that's caught my audible attention. Most of the time, it's a deep cut off a record that I haven't got through, or it's a new artist that I haven't fully discovered yet. But every now and then, it's not the audio that reaches out and grabs me. Once in awhile, I'll come across a video that introduces me not only to the artist, but to a great new song, and that's[...] Tue, 25 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=689 Each of Sara Groves' albums have received well-deserved acclaim for her premier songwriting ability. Ten years ago, Sara's major label debut album, Conversations, led to her nomination for Best New Artist. She has followed up each album with her next best album with All Right Here and The Other Side of Something. With her three previous INO recordings (now Fair Trade Services)--Add to the Beauty, Tell Me What You Know and Fireflies & Songs--Groves focused on a theme and wrote poetic commentary with songs about social justice and the impoverished. Invisible Empires[...] Tue, 18 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=682 The bridge of the Casting Crowns song, Courageous, has a great takeaway message for this challenging song and album Do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly before our God. The application for me in this song is to constantly think about loving my wife and children deeply, and walking humbly before God daily. Atlanta's Casting Crowns has sold more than 8 million albums to date and has been named Billboard magazine's top-selling Christian act for the past four years. The band recently celebrated its first two RIAA certified Gold singles, Who Am I and Praise You In[...] Tue, 18 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=683 This week was a milestone release week for bands like Deas Vail and J.J. Heller, while other bands were experiencing the usual nitty gritty of Fall touring. Catch up with their lighthearted humor and some more serious musings below. As always, if you'd like to keep tabs on over 1,200 Christian artists, check out our exclusive NRTwitter page to read the latest tweets from the Christian music community. And if you've discovered some great tweets of your own, feel free to pass them along by using the[...] Tue, 18 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=684 This week marked the beginning of pumpkin season, even as many artists look ahead towards Christmas with the release of several strong seasonal albums. Meanwhile, the Music With a Mission tour was renamed, and artists reflected on the loss of a visionary... read their comments below. As always, if you'd like to keep tabs on over 1,200 Christian artists, check out our exclusive NRTwitter page to read the latest tweets from the Christian music community. And if you've discovered some great[...] Tue, 11 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=679 JJ Heller is back with a great new song called I Get To Be The One. It has a catchy melody and reflects how I feel as a father of three little girls. I love when JJ sincerely sings the chorus I get to be the one to hold your hand, I get to be the one, through birthdays and broken bones, I'll be there to watch you grow, I get to be the one. JJ has admitted that she struggled with anxiety issues in the past and parenthood has really shown her how the love she[...] Tue, 11 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=680 Ready To Save by Satellites & Sirens has permeated my soul, and I find myself regularly singing the hope-filled chorusThere is a Love that you've been waiting for, there is an answer, there is a cure, There's a Healer, He's ready to save you, He's ready to save you, He's ready to save. Life, in general, is noise, says Geoff Hunker, lead singer and founder of the Dove Award nominated alternative rock band, who released their second album Frequency on Oct. 11. And we busy ourselves so much that a lot of times we miss out[...] Tue, 11 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=681 It's been three years coming since anything exceptionally noticeable has come our way from Jon McLaughlin. 2008's OK Now, his second studio album, brought us memorable tracks like Beating My Heart and We All Need Saving. There are even some of us that remember 2007's Indiana, Jon's first studio album, which brought about Human, a favorite of mine and of the masses. With the release of his latest studio album, Forever If Ever, just three weeks under his belt, the timing was right for a Jon McLaughlin show on October 3rd at Exit/In, one of Nashville's most[...] Mon, 10 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=677 Christian music's top-selling act, GRAMMY®, AMA and GMA Dove Award-winning artist Casting Crowns offers its fifth studio project, Come To The Well, on October 18, 2011. Produced by Mark Miller, Come To The Well is Casting Crowns' first new studio album in two years. As with previous records, this one draws inspiration from the band's ministry efforts at its home church, Eagles Landing Baptist Church outside of Atlanta, where frontman Mark Hall serves as youth pastor. Teaching through the story of the woman[...] Mon, 10 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=678 This year, 2011, is the year of the comeback for female Christian artists, with great new songs by Rebecca St. James (Shine Your Glory Down), Charmaine (Run), Rachael Lampa (Remedy) and Ginny Owens (Before You Fly). I have loved Rachael's songs When I Fall, Live For You and I'm All Yours since they released. Her comeback album has been one of my most anticipated albums of the year. Now you see her. Now you don't. So goes the story of Rachael Lampa, who skyrocketed onto the pop scene in 2000 as a mere teenager amassing four number one singles,[...] Tue, 04 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=673 In speaking to a number of Christian artists lately, the landmark albums of the mid-1990s keep coming up as major influences. These albums helped lead people to seek Christ (myself included), while also inspiring today's modern CCM recording artists to pursue their dreams of writing and recording their own songs. I just turned 40 this past weekend and as I reflect back on how the debut album by Jars of Clay in 1995 literally changed my life when as I examined the biblical messages behind the songs Liquid, Love Song For A Savior and Worlds Apart, I'm eternally[...] Tue, 04 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=674 This week was thick with some long-awaited releases climbing the charts, a Bieber sighting in the heart of Christian music homeland, and some unusually exciting performances on the road. (How exactly does an amp catch on fire mid-performance anyway?) Here is your weekly commentary on the tweets and chirps of Christian music. As always, if you'd like to keep tabs on over 1,200 Christian artists, check out our exclusive NRTwitter page to read the latest tweets from the Christian music community. And if you've discovered some great[...] Tue, 04 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=675 In the midst of their successful Music With A Mission headline tour sponsored by NewReleaseTuesday.com, Tricia and Melissa Brock of the band Superchick blessed about 200 members of my church, Calvary Chapel of Quakertown, PA, with an acoustic night of worship on Sunday, September 25, 2011. Tricia Brock recently released her solo worship album The Road, one of my top albums of 2011. She was looking for an opportunity to reach listeners with her music, message and ministry by providing a night of worship. This night was created with Tricia's fans in mind, providing an[...] Tue, 04 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=676 Even when artists have been on the road for quite a while, there can still be moments where they get a little bit lost. This week on Twitter several artists seemed to have this problem, while others were commenting on the sights they were seeing, the releases they're hearing, and the general buzz of life as usual. As always, if you'd like to keep tabs on over 1,200 Christian artists, check out our exclusive NRTwitter page to read the latest tweets[...] Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=669 In her great new song, God Is Still God, Heather Williams belts out "We've all been lost and we've all been hurt, where our hope is thin and our faith don't work, but nothing lasts forever, the only thing that matters is God is still God and He holds it together, so hang on now." I sing that line along with Heather's gorgeous and powerful voice at the top of my lungs and I find it so uplifting that in this troubling time where the earth is groaning and the economy is failing, the only thing that[...] Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=670 Rush of Fools made quite an impression with two albums in less than two years, including their impressive self-titled debut, which included the stand-out songs "Undo", "When Our Hearts Sing" and "Peace Be Still." The band was nominated for Best New Artist of 2007 and "Undo" was nominated for Song of the Year. A year later they returned with the equally impressive album Wonder of the World which included the hit songs "Escape", "Lose It All" and "Never Far Away." The band was riding a seemingly unstoppable wave of momentum. But just as things began[...] Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=671 British-American sister duo, The Sonflowerz, began in 1999 when Elissa Leander began writing original worship songs at the age of 14. Encouraged by her youth pastor to form a band with her sister, Becca, they began performing at various venues across Colorado. The act's first album, You Remain, was released in 2002. Their sophomore effort, Alive in You, was released a few years later. While attending the 33rd GMA Music in the Rockies, Elissa and Becca won first place in two categories of the competition in Estes Park, Colorado. Soon after, they began writing songs for their 3rd[...] Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=672 Jessa Anderson has a long list of things she loves her adorable daughter Lorelei (whose name was inspired by a Gilmore Girls character), Nashville, songwriting, traveling, honest conversations and missions. Equally as much, she has a list of things she dislikes playing sports, going anywhere without her family by her side, glossing over serious issues, bad days, and things out of her control. Her lists look a lot like yours and mine. The fact that she happens to be a brand-new artist on BEC Recordings is simply icing on the cake. Her second independent release fell into the[...] Tue, 20 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=664 Jeremy Riddle's third full-length album from Vineyard Music, Furious, is the newest collection of songs penned by this gifted songwriter and worship leader. Furious communicates the story of God's love and kingdom with strong worship anthems like the title cut and "One Thing Remains" to introspective musical devotions such as "God of the Redeemed" and "The Lord is My Shepherd." Jeremy's newest songs are exceptional for congregational worship and personal worship moments. I had the opportunity to interview Bethel Live worship leader Jeremy Riddle, known for his hit single Sweetly Broken about his catchy new worship[...] Tue, 20 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=665 This week several artists worked on or released projects apart from their usual work (whether that be a book or an impressive medley posted to YouTube). They also had some adventures off stage with flaming bus wheels and forced intermissions. Check out what they had to say about it below. As always, if you'd like to keep tabs on over 1,200 Christian artists, check out our exclusive NRTwitter page to read the latest tweets from the Christian music community. And if[...] Tue, 20 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=666 Now I'm filled by a love that has called me to action, I was empty before, now I'm drawn to compassion and to give myself away… living for the lost, loving till it hurts, no matter what the cost like You loved me first. [...] Tue, 20 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=667 It's no secret that a lot of Christian bands have found ways to take their music and invest it in greater causes. Music is a vehicle that can easily travel to a lot of places and reach a lot of people, often bringing home a message in a way no other medium could. This basic idea has been brought into clearer focus this fall through the appropriately named Music With A Mission Tour, featuring a strong mix of bands from a variety of musical styles. The bands have come together with the purpose of supporting causes bigger than[...] Wed, 14 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=663 This week many artists were enjoying a chance to hang out at Disney World and Universal Studios. Others were busy getting ready for the release of some projects they've been dreaming about for some time, while others were distracted by some familiar childhood toys. As always, if you'd like to keep tabs on over 1,200 Christian artists, check out our exclusive NRTwitter page to read the latest tweets from the Christian music community. And if you've discovered some great tweets[...] Tue, 13 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=660 It is as much true today as it was in the Old Testament God has set a time for the punishment of the exiles; when that set time is completed, He will return to them with His gracious promise. Judgment is not the last word God proclaims to the sinners. With His grace he reaches out to them to give them a hope and a future. This promise is, however, conditional. In order to enjoy the benefits of God's grace, sinners must call upon Him, and seek Him with all their heart. (The preceding was from Asbury's Bible commentary.) [...] Tue, 13 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=661 Hebrews 111 says, "Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. In his commentary, Matthew Henry wrote It is the substance of things hoped for. Faith and hope go together; and the same things that are the object of our hope are the object of our faith... It is the evidence of things not seen. Faith demonstrates to the eye of the mind the reality of those things that cannot be discerned by the eye of the body. Faith is the firm assent of the[...] Tue, 13 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=662 The Seas We Sail, the debut full-length album from Tidewater, released with an army of acoustic guitars, a hearty dose of mandolin, plenty of piano, plus bits of programmed pulsation. The one-man band, helmed by singer/songwriter Brett Allen, is as diverse as it is innovative, drawing comparisons to such acts as OneRepublic, Owl City, Dashboard Confessional and Five For Fighting. On The Seas We Sail, Allen dives beyond radio commonplace to weave a compelling web of unforgettable rhythms, introspective lyrics and plenty of porch pop personality. Tidewater's more just a guy behind a piano[...] Sun, 11 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=600 The boys are back—again. Newsboys version 2.0 kept the musical franchise going strong with the critically acclaimed Born Again. Now they're back for a second helping of their latest project with Born Again Miracles Edition, which includes four bumpin' remix songs, four all-new Newsboys tunes and all the songs from the Born Again album. Newsboys frontman Michael Tait took a few moments to chat with NRT's very own Bill Lurwick about the new edition of their neo-breakout album, and about their desire to do more than put on a good rock show. [...] Sun, 11 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=623 The name Brandon Bee is synonymous with excellence, originality and innovation on both the artist and production side of the coin. In terms of his own work, the singer/songwriter/worship leader earned endless critical acclaim for 2009's anthemic long player, This Is The Revolution (Save the City Records), followed by a showcasing of his stripped down and introspective side with the following year's Surrendered EP. As a producer, the Seattle-bred Bee has worked with the diverse likes of Grammy Award nominee/Dove Award winner Stacie Orrico and Juno Award nominee/Island Award winner Matthew James; pop/rock favorites[...] Sun, 11 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=624 Seven Days in Utopia, in theaters now, follows the story of Luke Chisolm (Lucas Black), a talented young golfer set on making the pro tour. When his first big shot turns out to be a very public disaster, Luke escapes the pressures of the game and finds himself unexpectedly stranded in Utopia, Texas, home to eccentric rancher Johnny Crawford (Robert Duvall). But Johnny's more than meets the eye, and his profound ways of looking at life force Luke to question not only his past choices, but his direction for the future. The movie has quickly resonated with believers worldwide, receiving[...] Fri, 09 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=658 Anyone who was old enough to understand the gravity of the events that unfolded on September 11, 2001 in New York City can recall exactly where they were, what they were doing and who they were with during that time in history, just as if it were yesterday. And here we are, ten years later, still attempting to make sense of the madness. Searching for ways to find closure. Hungry to never forget, yet passionate to see our lives move forward towards a better tomorrow. There are few moments in history that bind humanity together like this. What was designed in[...] Fri, 09 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=659 Recently, NRT had the chance to chat with three-time Dove Award winner, Ginny Owens, about her new album, Get In I'm Driving. Among other things, we talked about why Owens, who lost her eyesight at the age of three, is suddenly singing about driving, what she's been up to for the past five years, and what it's like to be with a label again, after doing a stint as an independent artist. Hi Ginny, and welcome to NewReleaseTuesday.com. Thanks for taking the time to chat with us today. Well thank[...] Tue, 06 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=654 This week as new tours and projects took off, several artists tweeted about ways they have been getting involved worldwide with more than just music. As usual, everyday life provided some excitement as well. As always, if you'd like to keep tabs on over 1,200 Christian artists, check out our exclusive NRTwitter page to read the latest tweets from the Christian music community. And if you've discovered some great tweets of your own, feel free to pass them along by using[...] Tue, 06 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=655 There's a C.S. Lewis quote that sums up Someone Worth Dying For, the great song new song by MIKESCHAIR Christ died precisely because men are not worth it, to make them worth it. I have greatly enjoyed MIKESCHAIR's debut album for the past two years which yielded four consecutive hits Can't Take Away, Let The Waters Rise, Keep Changing The World and Straight To Your Heart. If you enjoyed the debut album, then don't hesitate to pick up A Beautiful Life immediately, which takes things up a notch. Mike Grayson's vocals are stronger than ever[...] Tue, 06 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=656 Oswald Chambers wrote in My Utmost For His Highest Beware of allowing yourself to think that the shallow concerns of life are not ordained of God; they are as much of God as the profound. It is not your devotion to God that makes you refuse to be shallow, but your wish to impress other people with the fact that you are not shallow. Beware of posing as a profound person; God became a Baby. Our safeguard is in the shallow things. We have to live the surface common-sense life in a common-sense way. The tendency is to look for[...] Tue, 06 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=657 Along with buzz surrounding some notable releases on the calendar, the Twitterverse was bustling with stories of the unusual sights encountered on the road experiences that ultimately serve as some of the best conversation starters, on or off Twitter. As always, if you'd like to keep tabs on over 1,200 Christian artists, check out our exclusive NRTwitter page to read the latest tweets from the Christian music community. And if you've discovered some great tweets of your own, feel free to pass[...] Tue, 30 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=649 When I'm With You is JJ Heller's most recent album. This is by far my favorite record I've made, she says. As the title implies, the theme of the record is relationships, and how they affect our lives. In writing material for the new release, JJ poured her everyday observations into her songbook--stories she heard while traveling, and those nearer to her heart. "This album is all about redemption," observes JJ. "Looking back on the songs, there's a lot of struggle written into them because that's life. Everyone has different problems to face, but in the[...] Tue, 30 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=650 Shaun Groves has returned with his fourth studio release, Third World Symphony, available at digital outlets starting Aug. 30. The singer/songwriter's newest music was generated from his global travel and work with Compassion International, a Christian child advocacy ministry that releases children in 26 countries from spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty, and enables them to become responsible, fulfilled Christian adults. The journey that produced Third World Symphony started with a single trip to El Salvador, where Groves traveled to visit Yanci, one of four children his family sponsors through Compassion International. Compelled to act, Groves and his family[...] Tue, 30 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=651 Teen idols come and go. They have the looks, the hits, and the adoring fan base to propel them to superstardom, but it's all a man-made illusion As soon as the music fades and the machine behind them ceases to operate, they quickly die out, their lifespan reduced by the sinking sand on which they're built. When 2103 first hit the urban gospel scene in 2005 with their debut, PAJAM Presents Twenty One O' Three, they were slowly finding their voice and place in an already cluttered marketplace. Their sophomore follow-up in 2008, Total Attention, cemented[...] Tue, 30 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=652 If you've been a fan of Christian music for any length of time, I am sure you know the names Mac Powell, Mark Hall, tobyMac and Jon Michah Sumrall. But do you know the names Joel Houston, Jad Gillies or Jonathon Douglass? They are just a few of the members of Hillsong UNITED, an evolving group of songwriters, musicians and worship leaders. On August 12, the Hillsong UNITED worship team rolled into the Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh to worship with a packed house. Hillsong UNITED was born out of the youth Movement of Hillsong Church in Sydney,[...] Tue, 30 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=653 Although bands were busy making music, they were just as busy apart from their jobs with other projects, adventures in traveling, and the usual sharing of thoughts and conjectures (serious or otherwise). Of course much of it found its way to Twitter. As always, if you'd like to keep tabs on over 1,200 Christian artists, check out our exclusive NRTwitter page to read the latest tweets from the Christian music community. MAKING MUSIC @adamagee How do I[...] Tue, 23 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=646 Aaron Shust's latest album, This Is What We Believe retains a poetic simplicity, even amidst a warm and sometimes adventurous sound architecture. It's vintage Aaron Shust, to be sure, but with Cash at the helm, the familiar textures seem to fall together in new ways. Ed really pushed me out of my comfort zone, Aaron explains. He could hear possibilities in the melodies and even in my voice that I hadn't explored before. He had me singing more passionately, less precisely, higher, louder and even more quietly than I ever had before. And it worked. This Is[...] Tue, 23 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=647 One of Christian music's premier bands, Downhere, returns with their eagerly anticipated new fifth studio album, On The Altar Of Love, on Centricity Music. As students of history, Downhere band members Jeremy, Jason, Marc and Glenn have come to recognize and appreciate the fact that their faith is not simply their own--but that it's part of a much larger communion of believers that stretches across cultures and thousands of years. The new album is a pop-driven project that offers a positive outlook for our future, while maintaining the integrity and artistry of Downhere, one of my all-time[...] Tue, 23 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=648 Rarely has a new band delivered an album with more emotional punch than Tenth Avenue North's 2008 debut Over and Underneath. Musically inventive and lyrically compelling, the collection helped earn the band the New Artist of the Year accolade at the 2009 Dove Awards and placed them in headliner status on its fall tour. Needless to say its 2010 follow up album was one of the most highly anticipated albums of the year. With one listen to The Light Meets The Dark it is obvious Mike Donehey, Jeff Owen and Jason Jamison are taking a bold step forward[...] Wed, 17 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=645 A lot of new projects are in production right now, promising an exciting set of Fall releases. Outside the studio, artists have been experiencing an unusual amount of technical difficulties while out on the road and on stage... as usual, Twitter provides a platform for sharing both the highs and the lows of life. As always, if you'd like to keep tabs on over 1,200 Christian artists, check out our exclusive NRTwitter page to read the latest tweets from the Christian[...] Tue, 16 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=643 Fervent Records' Chris August proved why he is quickly becoming a favorite in the genre at the 42nd Annual Dove Awards earning an impressive three awards. August celebrates his first ever Dove Award wins with the prestigious New Artist Of The Year and Male Vocalist of the Year. I'm absolutely speechless, shared August. I am truly blessed to be able to make and share music. And then to receive this recognition is quite humbling. While he may be considered a "new" artist, singer-songwriter Chris August is anything but a rookie in the music industry. The[...] Tue, 16 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=644 The Christian music world is just getting to know Jamie Grace Harper. The 19-year-old acoustic soul singer has a smash hit single in Hold Me, a song whose catchy hook bumps around in the heads of fans of all ages. From her entertaining and creative YouTube videos to her inspirational speaking on the Revolve tour, the Christian music world is learning more about the talents and testimony of Jamie Grace, but we're only just starting to scratch the surface of this up-and-coming artist. Now, with her first EP under her belt and[...] Tue, 09 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=638 As bands travel to reach some of the hottest festivals of the summer (literally and figuratively), they are also busy ramping up the excitement for upcoming Fall releases (many of which went live for pre-order this week). Making the long trips between festivals often results in a lot of pressure and challenges... and of course, stories of the resulting adventures often find their way to Twitter. As always, if you'd like to keep tabs on over 1,200 Christian artists, check out our exclusive [...] Tue, 09 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=639 Formed in 2006 under the name Breaking the Silence, The Letter Black already has built a strong established fan-base by opening for Skillet on multiple dates, and there are no plans to slow down as they played at major festivals this summer. This Uniontown, Penn.-based band has already brought a major amount of attention on Tooth & Nail Records, their new label home that last year released their national debut, Hanging On By A Thread. Describing the band's songs, Mark Anthony shares, Our songs are not always happy, but rather about real life situations. All of[...] Tue, 09 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=640 Keep ‘em rolling! You've read Part 1 of our fall release preview, now check out the best of the rest. Shaun Groves – Third World Symphony – August 30, 2011 As an artist who has made quite a mark on the Christian music industry over the past 10 years, things had been quiet for a rather lengthy time (until now) from Mr. Shaun Groves. Inspired by his recent, and extensive, work with Compassion International, Third World Symphony promises to be a deep and compelling album. We just have to wait a few more weeks for the wraps to[...] Tue, 09 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=642 Dorothy Savage brings to Christian music with her debut album Glorious Mess, the energy of a fresh, relevant message of hope--hope aimed at her own contemporary generation needing desperately to know the concept of let go and let God beyond just a line on a dusty bumper sticker. Glorious Mess is just the beginning of Dorothy's story, marking a new chapter in a life that has already lived more than one amazing dream come true. From earning her music degree in college to the bright footlights of the Broadway stage in New York and now to the[...] Mon, 08 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=641 This week, artists spent time looking forward to the upcoming busy season of Fall releases as well as sharing some of the more unusual adventures they encountered while traveling to festivals. They also invited some fan response on issues that arose (as serious as how to treat your neighbor, and as lighthearted as pickles and popcorn). As always, if you'd like to keep tabs on over 1,200 Christian artists, check out our exclusive NRTwitter page to read the latest tweets from the Christian music community.[...] Tue, 02 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=637 As a young lad, Peter Furler would tap incessantly on anything he could find, driving his brothers and sisters insane in the process. As a young drummer, the beat was always in him – and always looking for an avenue to escape. His musical creativity is no different. There's a timeless energy that seems to know no bounds. Raw talent combined with hard work has produced one of Australia's biggest exports–not just in Christian music, but in every genre. There are few Aussies who can lay claim to writing, producing and singing more than 25 No. 1 hits, including[...] Tue, 02 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=636 Combine the strengths of two supergroups that have sold millions of records, achieved an astounding number of No. 1 radio hits and received numerous Dove Awards. The result A reborn Newsboys. Now that longtime members Jody Davis (guitar), keyboardist Jeff Frankenstein and drummer Duncan Phillips have welcomed the vocal strengths, writing talents and boundless energy of former dc Talk member Michael Tait to the band, this is clearly a good reason to feel born again and share some new songs. Last year, Newsboys released their 15th studio project, aptly titled Born Again. It is their best overall[...] Mon, 01 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=634 I've been avidly collecting music since I was eight years old. For the past thirty years, something that's been a big part of my identity is my love for music. When I was in my mid-twenties I discovered the band Jars of Clay when they released their debut album in 1995. I was very interested in getting to know the messages behind their songs, especially Liquid, Love Song for a Savior and Worlds Apart. Studying and praying along with those songs led to me truly seeking Jesus as my personal Savior for the first time in my life. I grew[...] Fri, 29 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=633 Boldness and doubt. Purpose and apathy. Settlement and wandering. The themes scattered throughout Switchfoot's eighth studio album, Vice Verses tackles the juxtapositions of life – the quandaries and roller coasters that shape the human experience. Whereas Hello Hurricane identified the conflicts of life, Vice Verses is a call to overcome, and to embrace the tension. Switchfoot bassist Tim Foreman says tension isn't a problem to be solved; it's a story to be lived out – a story that ultimately, leads to redemption. The 12-song album is a window into the questions, conflicts and victories[...] Tue, 26 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=627 Fervent Records' GRAMMY-nominated artist and reigning Dove Awards Artist of the Year, Francesca Battistelli, is keeping busy with hit song after hit song, spreading her catchy tunes and the message of Jesus. With over 454,000 albums sold and well over one million downloads to date, Battistelli has become the best-selling new artist in the genre in the past eight years. Her critically acclaimed sophomore album, Hundred More Years, is the follow-up to her debut, My Paper Heart, which delivered the smash No. 1 single Free To Be Me and hit singles It's Your Life, I'm Letting[...] Tue, 26 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=630 Although summer festivals are still in full swing, this week Twitter served as a platform for artists to talk about some exciting upcoming Fall tours. They also chronicled some memorable experiences from both on and off the stage. As always, if you'd like to keep tabs on over 1,200 Christian artists, check out our exclusive NRTwitter page to read the latest tweets from the Christian music community. COMING ATTRACTIONS @b_reith Just officially decided the release[...] Tue, 26 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=632 Fall is a busy time of year for many reasons. It's a time of transition. Hot, muggy weather becomes cool and brisk. For students, days filled with sleeping in and no homework turn into endless days of early mornings and an onslaught of assignments. Churches get ready for full sanctuaries after months of summer vacations and distractions. It's almost as if the world gets itself back on track when fall comes around, preparing itself for a restart. And with all of this, music finds its own niche of new comings each fall, bracing for the busy sales months[...] Mon, 25 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=628 CCM artist Laura Kaczor (prounounced kuh-ZURE) continues to generate buzz while building a loyal fan base, as she is rapidly gaining momentum. Kaczor's current single, Alive in You, debuted on Billboard's Soft AC/Inspirational chart at No. 19, making the song the highest debut of that week. The single was co-written by Kaczor, her producer--six-time Dove Award winner Don Koch (Phllips, Craig & Dean, NewSong)--and Dove award-winning writer, Chad Cates. A music video for the single was produced by Stephen Yake (newsboys, Michael W. Smith) and released July 5. Thank you so much to all of my[...] Mon, 25 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=629 Few bands can simultaneously pull off the qualities of Ohio's New Kids of Rock, Shine Bright Baby stage presence, energy, silliness, artistry, professionalism and a common-man demeanor that doesn't take itself too seriously. The Orrville, Ohio-based band--made up of four friends ages 18-22--seems like a perfect storm of colliding destinies. Each member of Shine Bright Baby says they have felt an undeniable call from God to spread His love and joy through music, and it appears that the pieces are in place for the band to make a huge impact. Led by vocalist Emily Irene, the band--rounded[...] Mon, 25 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=631 Spend any time at all with Jamie Grace, and it's obvious that she's special. Her infectious smile, bright eyes and her expressive way with words are all telltale signs this is one unique girl. Jamie Grace's Gotee Records debut EP, Hold Me, is certainly the sonic evidence. A hybrid mix of acoustic pop, hip hop, folk, reggae and the kitchen sink, this four-song collection just may be the most contagious debut to hit the music scene in decades. She writes, sings and plays her own music. And she has this style that can't be[...] Tue, 19 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=625 John Mark McMillan's latest traveling show was called A Mighty Raucous Evening tour, but when you come to Portland, Ore., all behavioral bets are off. The coffee-sipping, microbrewing, hipster-heavy populace is a much more internal-processing bunch than most across the country, providing much introspective ruckus and very little outward exertions of emotional energy. Remember, Portland was part of the ambivalent '90s grunge movement, too. That said, a sold-out show at the intimate Mississippi Studios proved a huge hit with the cerebral Bridgetown crowd. The mesmerizing sounds of ambient rock group All The Bright[...] Tue, 19 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=626 This week artists used Twitter to get fans involved in some unusual ways, as well as providing the usual platform for commentary on travel and movies. As always, if you'd like to keep tabs on over 1,200 Christian artists, check out our exclusive NRTwitter page to read the latest tweets from the Christian music community. RELEASES AND A RAFFLE @christomlin Hello everyone. New record from @matt_redman releases today. Called "10,000 Reasons" incredible songs. We lead[...] Mon, 18 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=622 Musical depth and Christian joy have rarely come together as compellingly as they do in the music of Dara Maclean. Hers is a joyful mix of pop idioms and eternal truths, danceable beats and the good news. I love making music you can move and groove to," she says, "but at the same time, as Christian artists we have a responsibility to speak the truth in love." A singer of incredible grace, power and control as well as a gifted songwriter, Maclean has, with Dove Award-winning producer Ian Eskelin, put together a debut album[...] Mon, 18 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=621 CREATION NORTHEAST 2011 was held from June 29 to July 2, 2011 at the Agape Farm near Mt. Union, Pennsylvania. The farm has become a second home to the tens of thousands who travel to the festival each year to attend, camp and to be spiritually enriched. Creation's theme is A Tribute to Our Creator. From the moment you step on to the grounds and set up your camp, there is a sense that this place and this time is about Jesus. At times it feels like a family gathering because you get to meet and have fellowship with people[...] Thu, 14 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=613 Leslie Jordan has been leading worship since age 14, both in her own church and for churches and conferences across the United States. She graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in 2007 and was hired on staff at Journey Church in the Nashville suburb of Franklin, Tenn. as the Worship Designer in January 2008. David Leonard grew up in Southeast Arkansas. He attended college at John Brown University. While attending the university, Leonard started the Word Records band Jackson Waters. After disbanding in 2008, Leonard began touring with the Atlantic Records rock band NEEDTOBREATHE, and completed his[...] Tue, 12 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=599 God, give us grace to see all things, to see man's heart the way you see, we've gotta get that vision--love vision. --Beckah Shae, #putyourloveglasseson It all started when the homeless guy asked me if it was Sunday. It was a bright Sunday morning after church. I'd gone with my mom to service that morning, and since she had had something important do at church for a few hours, I figured I'd walk across the street and sit at a coffee shop to get some work done. Plus, I could use the me[...] Tue, 12 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=616 As the summer heats up, bands are staying busy with lots of travel, lots of new releases and new developments, and a lot of tweets detailing every step of the way. As always, if you'd like to keep tabs on over 1,200 Christian artists, check out our exclusive NRTwitter page to read the latest tweets from the Christian music community. TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS @anberlin AMERICA. In case you don't have it already, get our[...] Tue, 12 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=619 Chris Tomlin recently returned with his much-anticipated new album And If Our God Is For Us... which features the hit song "I Will Follow" and a new studio recording of "Our God," the anthemic declaration of faith that spent weeks on top of the Christian radio charts. The new songs on And If Our God Is For Us... came from Chris' experience as a worship leader over the years, and currently at Passion City Church in Atlanta, led by communicator and pastor, Louie Giglio. As the songwriter behind the worship favorites "How Great is Our God," "Jesus Messiah," "Holy[...] Mon, 11 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=620 Blessid Union of Souls exploded onto the music scene in 1995 with the smash hit "I Believe," which hit No. 1 in the UK, Asia and the USA--where it became the fourth-most played song of the year. The band's hits play like a soundtrack of the last two decades, thanks to numerous hit singles including "Hey Leonardo (She Likes Me for Me)", "Let Me Be The One", and "Oh Virginia" to name a few. With a new album and a renewed focus, the band is ready to add more to the list. Thanks to the seamless merger of[...] Sun, 10 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=614 An important emerging voice on the new spirit-filled pop and urban scene, Deshon "Shonlock" Bullock takes his sonic inspiration from R&B and contemporary pop and rock music, finding a high energy groove in the fields of the Lord. A master showman who sold more than 15,000 CDs out of his suitcase to newly converted fans at his concerts, Shonlock shares his connection to God's love and his love of God's music with his audience every time he hits the stage. The road to Shonlock's solo artistry and national debut album, the palindromed NEVERODDOREVEN was paved[...] Sun, 10 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=615 In the two years since Abandon's Forefront Records debut Searchlights, the San Antonio-based band scored a Dove nomination, throngs of critical acclaim and tours alongside Fireflight, Building 429, Remedy Drive, Teen Mania's Acquire the Fire, plus a plethora of major faith-based festivals. Amongst all the activity, the modern rockers crafted its sophomore CD Control, which finds the five-some taking the next natural evolutionary musical step, while also turning inward for their greatest lyrical depth to date. It's been a lot of hard work, and when you're in the audience looking at a band on stage, it's easy to[...] Tue, 05 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=609 Tricia Brock is known for her high-energy, positive pop as frontwoman of the band Superchick; her first solo effort, The Road, shows a refreshing new side of the familiar voice. The Road features new versions of the popular songs Always and Jesus I Am Resting, Resting, in addition to new songs of worship penned from moments deep within Tricia's personal journal. The Road is an open window into the intimacy of her heart. We may be broken, but we're never destroyed, the album's lyrics proclaim. Tricia wants to share that at times the listener[...] Tue, 05 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=610 This week artists were busy tweeting and connecting through two of the major Christian festivals (Cornerstone and Creation Northeast). Meanwhile, it seems like all the artists NOT at those festivals were attending the U2 show in Nashville (and tweeting about it, of course). As always, if you'd like to keep tabs on over 1,200 Christian artists, check out our exclusive NRTwitter page to read the latest tweets from the Christian music community. [...] Tue, 05 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=611 Ichthus Festival in Wilmore, Kentucky holds the rather prestigious distinction of being the longest-running Christian festival around. In its 41 years, the festival has seen a lot of legendary artists on its stages. This year was no exception. The festival boasted one of the best line-ups I had ever seen, enough so to make a 13 hour roadtrip well worth it. This year's Main Stage headliners included Red, Family Force 5, Skillet, and Chris Tomlin, but each of the other five stages boasted an impressive array of talent as well.[...] Tue, 05 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=612 Beth Williams grew up in a musical family, singing in churches with her parents and two older sisters from the time she was old enough to hold a microphone. Her voice was so powerful that she was invited to join the worship team at her home church at the tender age of 10. She grew in her gifts and skills, but when the call came from a church in Las Vegas looking for a new worship leader, she was hesitant to accept. "I already had a job at my church in Bakersfield that I was[...] Mon, 04 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=608 Although some artists are still working on new songs, new albums and the like, most artists are out and about having adventures--whether that means crossing genre boundaries to sing with each other on stage or simply looking at yard work in an unusual way. As always, if you'd like to keep tabs on over 1,200 Christian artists, check out our exclusive NRTwitter page to read the latest tweets from the Christian music community. EPIC TUNES @johnlcooper We r rehearsing new music today for the first time. Playd 7 new songs. Getting ready[...] Tue, 28 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=605 Jonny Diaz is an artist whose mission in life is to serve the body of Christ. From the beginning of his music career, Diaz's desire has been to write songs that entertain, encourage and challenge fellow believers. His latest album, simply titled Jonny Diaz, is a collection of songs that accomplish his mission. I attempted to break free from some of the traditional confines of Christian music, but I couldn't get away from the fact that most of my songs revolve around my relationship with Christ, he explains. He is the focus of my[...] Tue, 28 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=607 The most engaging art can come out of the most challenging personal circumstances, a concept which boldly manifests itself across Echoing Angels' self-titled album. The sophomore outing for the Atlanta-based act isn't just a diary exposing the five members' extremely personal emotions, but also a springboard to solace for listeners encountering hardship across any spectrum. The band--Trey Heffinger, Jon "JP" Poole, Shannon Cochran, Josh LeBlanc, and Neil Tankersly--has embraced its cultural roots to create a distinctive sound that encompasses Southern rock, pop, and worship from the likes of James Taylor to Kenny Loggins, from Train[...] Mon, 27 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=606 Anytime an album prompts listeners to jump in their car, crank up the stereo, hit cruise control, roll down the windows and sing-a-long loud and proud, it's pretty much considered a sure fire winner. And that's exactly the ethos behind FM Static's fourth long player, My Brain Says Stop, But My Heart Says Go (Tooth & Nail Records), which finds primary figureheads Trevor McNevan and Steve Augustine (both of Thousand Foot Krutch fame) turning in its most melodic, memorable and meaningful album to date that will make it feel like summer outside no matter what the season. It's funny[...] Tue, 21 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=598 One of the nation's fastest growing worship centers, Victory World Church is experiencing an incredible expansion, and is internationally active through missions, leadership training and pastoral mentorships. Now Victory World Church will continue this outreach through the power of music with this mission being embraced through the launch of Victory World Music. Senior Pastors Dennis & Colleen Rouse announced today that the new music ministry's debut project is Shake Heaven, which is spearheaded by R&B legend Montell Jordan, worship pastor at Victory World Church. The project, due for an Aug. 23 release, will be the[...] Tue, 21 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=601 Often an artist's strengths inspire their best work. But for acclaimed pop-and-gospel singer Mandisa, it's her very human flaws and frailties that gave birth to her stellar third album, What If We Were Real. The two-time GRAMMY nominee knows that nobody is perfect, and she wants her fans to realize that, too. Her new career-defining project, released on Sparrow Records, reminds us all that everyone struggles. A lot of people think we as Christians have to put our masks on and pretend that everything is great, Mandisa says. But I was really amazed at the[...] Tue, 21 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=602 This week a lot of artists shared glimpses into their songwriting pursuits as many bands begin looking forward to their next releases. Meanwhile, a few other musicians were enjoying some out of the ordinary moments both on and off stage. As always, if you'd like to keep tabs on over 1,200 Christian artists, check out our exclusive NRTwitter page to read the latest tweets from the Christian music community. [...] Tue, 21 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=603 More than 20,000 university-aged students converged on Atlanta, Ga. the first week of January 2011 for the Passion Conference four days of worship, teaching and encounters with God, with the purpose of refreshing, restoring and inspiring the emerging generation to live for Jesus and to be filled with His love. With a veritable all-star line-up of gifted and consecrated worship leaders, the albums made from the times of worship at Passion conferences have given birth to many much-loved songs in the global Church. Passion Here For You, the much-anticipated collection of new songs features sixstepsrecords artists Chris Tomlin,[...] Tue, 21 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=604 The most engaging art can come out of the most challenging personal circumstances, a concept which boldly manifests itself across Echoing Angels' self-titled CD. The sophomore outing for the Atlanta-based act isn't just a diary exposing the five members' extremely personal emotions, but also a springboard to solace for listeners encountering hardship across any spectrum. Right after our first record, You Alone, we hit the road and at that point we asked ourselves what this ministry was all about, notes beat-keeper Jon Poole. The consensus was it was about serving God and spreading His word, and while everything appeared[...] Mon, 20 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=597 The origins of MIKESCHAIR took place in a freshman guy's dorm room one night at Belmont University in Nashville. The band's peculiar name begs for an explanation. The 'chair' was the central gathering point where we got our start, says Sam Tinnesz. All of us lived on the same floor of our dorm at Belmont, except for Mike. But since he was always hanging out with us on our floor, we decided to get him a piece of furniture to make him feel a little more at home. The chair was his only piece of property on[...] Tue, 14 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=594 Owl City's Adam Young--a 24-year-old small-town Minnesotan who had never been on an airplane until two years ago--has experienced many extraordinary moments over the past 18 months (including calling his mom back home on his cellphone while standing on The Great Wall of China). Young's travels came in the wake of the blockbuster success of Owl City's major-label debut album--the lush, lovingly created Ocean Eyes, which was released by Universal Republic Records in July 2009. Filled with whimsical melodies and blissful beats, Ocean Eyes topped the Billboard Rock, Alternative, and Dance/Electronic charts, and was[...] Tue, 14 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=595 Suburba by House of Heroes is hooky, ambitious, and dripping with honest, candid emotion. This is what a rock record is supposed to sound like. This is what a rock record is supposed to feel like. I like this album because we chose to write about things that we knew, states House of Heroes front man Tim Skipper. We wanted it to sound very American and full of youthful energy. We kept a lot of what we loved about the last record, but we just applied it differently and I think it came out exactly the way we[...] Tue, 14 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=596 In addition to several live releases this week, Christian music showed up in some unusual places--both on TV and on the news--thanks to some creative uses of Google's doodle honoring Les Paul. Several artists also shared some insights into music and songwriting, as well as their daily lives on and off the road. As always, if you'd like to keep tabs on over 1,200 Christian artists, check out our exclusive NRTwitter page to read the latest tweets from the Christian music community. [...] Mon, 13 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=592 So just throw me out for not fitting in, I will stand my ground and be an outcast. --"Outcast" by Kerrie Roberts, from the album Kerrie Roberts I think I learned early on in my walk with God what it meant to go against the flow. I was around the age of 16 when God was really dealing with me on the issue of emotional purity, something you don't hear a lot of average 16-year-olds thinking about. I remember sitting in a room at church, eating lunch with a couple[...] Mon, 13 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=593 Depending on how you look at it, not much has changed for Tim Hughes. He is today--as he ever was--just a guy with a guitar who does what he can to help people sing a better song of praise and live a bolder life of worship. Whether as a teenager in a church house group or as director of worship at Holy Trinity Brompton, the essentials have remained the same for Hughes. Tim's story goes beyond job-stats or discographies, all of which are impressive. Talking to him in the final days of the creation of his fourth studio album, [...] Sun, 12 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=591 After nearly a decade in the national spotlight, Building 429 has teamed with Provident Music Group for their fifth album, Listen To The Sound. It really is the overflow of the life that we've lived over the last two or three years, especially this past year, says lead vocalist Jason Roy. I'm a worship pastor now and that has been a huge part of the lyrical content of this record. It's about the lives that I've been involved with. This really does come from a much more honest place. Drummer Michael Anderson agrees. Individually we're all on a[...] Fri, 10 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=590 Lots of artists were on the move this week, using their tweets to stay connected as they toured, went on mission trips, and traveled for the sake of adventure. Of course, tweets were constantly dropping with the typical excitement regarding new albums and the wisdom and chatter from everyday life. As always, if you'd like to keep tabs on over 1,200 Christian artists, check out our exclusive NRTwitter page to read the latest tweets from the Christian music community. [...] Tue, 07 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=586 Life, in general, is noise, says Geoff Hunker, lead singer and founder of Satellites & Sirens. And we busy ourselves so much that a lot of times we miss out on hearing what God's direction is. The band--which recently received a GMA Dove Award nomination for best rock album for their debut album, Satellites & Sirens--consists of Hunker, Jonathan Dimmel, David Troyer and Dave Willey. They are a band both defined by and concerned with what it means to make music in a world filled with the deafening voices of the information age. Their sound is a modern[...] Tue, 07 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=589 With a mission to be not just a band, but a youth movement that can shake generations, rock-infused worshipers Worth Dying For released its newest project, Love Riot. The five-member band has been part of Phenomenon--the youth ministry of Calvary Temple of Modesto, Calif.--for almost six years. What started out as a simple vision to write original worship songs for the annual Ammunition Conference turned into a youth movement of worship and originality. Now the band is poised to let their songs resonate in the hearts of the young people across this nation. Fans[...] Mon, 06 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=588 FM Static returns with My Brain Says Stop, But My Heart Says Go!, which finds primary figureheads Trevor McNevan and Steve Augustine (both of Thousand Foot Krutch fame) turning in its most melodic, memorable and meaningful album to date that will make it feel like summer outside no matter what the season. It's funny because every artist is excited about their new record and there are a lot of cliché things people say, like it's their best work yet, but this was honestly such an inspired process and it all came out so naturally, notes[...] Sun, 05 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=587 This week was busy with news of upcoming releases (with the artists employing twitter for some unique advertising techniques), stories from the road, and daily excitement (everything from a police escort to youth ministry). Catch up on the latest chatter from the Twitterverse below. As always, if you'd like to keep tabs on over 1,200 Christian artists, check out our exclusive NRTwitter page to read the latest tweets from the Christian music community. RELEASES IN THE[...] Tue, 31 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=580 Nobody does tours like NewSong. When the group introduced its annual "Winter Jam Tour Spectacular" in 1995, NewSong started to change the public face of Christian music. The mega-event on wheels has become one of the Gospel music world's biggest annual tours, with some history-making moments along the way. To this day, NewSong's multi-artist, ticketless concerts give thousands the opportunity not only to hear incredible music but, of course, to also hear the Gospel message. During 2011's Tour, more than 90,000 Winter Jam attendees made either a first-time commitment to follow Christ or rededicated their lives to Him. More[...] Tue, 31 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=583 Andy Kirk's much anticipated 1CN Records debut release, Wake Up My Soul, recently hit stores and radio stations across the nation. The title of Kirk's new record reflects his heart as he explains, I hope to see God's people awake from their slumber. Awaking from the numbing effect of culture and society, to the knowledge and revelation of who Christ is and what He can do through us. I'm truly humbled to see what God has done with a small seed of talent in my life, and I am eager to share these new songs of[...] Mon, 30 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=581 Jonathan Lee is a passionate worship leader with a heart to lead people into the presence of a holy God. He is the co-writer to the songs Jesus I Surrender, Nothing Less Than All of Me, Revolution and You Are My Shepherd with Tricia Brock. Jesus I Surrender and Nothing Less are featured on Jeff Deyo's latest album Surrender and Revolution is on the Promise Keepers album called Uprising. Jonathan Lee's vision and goal, first and foremost, is to lift up the name of Jesus so that all people might be drawn to God, as[...] Mon, 30 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=582 CREATION NORTHEAST 2011 will be held June 29 to July 2, 2011 at the Agape Farm near Mt. Union, Pennsylvania. The farm has become a second home to the tens of thousands who travel to the festival each year to attend, camp and to be spiritually enriched. Creation's theme is A Tribute to Our Creator. From the moment you step on to the grounds and set up your camp, there is a sense that this place and this time is about Jesus. At times it feels like a family gathering because you get to meet and have fellowship with[...] Mon, 30 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=585 Mary's taking a week off, so I had the great opportunity to trek the Twittersphere in search of greatness of up to 140 characters. There wasn't a lot of album-related news over the past week... perhaps because everyone was preparing for the May 21 rapture? Or not... Christian band @raptureruckus surprisingly was quiet on the 21st, missing what might have been their most fantastic marketing opportunity. Many of your favorite artists weighed in on the purported end of the world, as well as host of other things. As always, if you'd like to keep tabs on over[...] Tue, 24 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=577 It Is Well (Expanded Edition) was released last October. It is Kutless' follow up album to the gold-selling worship release Strong Tower. It Is Well features several brand new singles such as "What Faith Can Do", "Amazed" and favorites such as "Hungry", "Give Us Clean Hands" and "God of Wonders." The heart of worship is something the band loves bringing to their audiences, sharing and coming together as one to give glory to God. With the new album, fans have been able to sing along to the classics as well as add some new favorites into their[...] Tue, 24 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=579 In the two years since Abandon's Forefront Records debut Searchlights, the San Antonio-based band scored a Dove nomination, tons of critical acclaim and tours alongside Fireflight, Building 429, Remedy Drive, Teen Mania's Acquire the Fire, plus a plethora of major faith-based festivals. Amongst all the activity, the modern rockers crafted their sophomore album, Control, which finds the quintet taking their next natural evolutionary musical step and finding their greatest lyrical depth to date. Control released on April 19, 2011, and substantially builds Abandon's pedigree. I can't get enough of the sound and message of[...] Mon, 23 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=578 Fervent Records' red-hot debut artist Chris August proved why he is quickly becoming a favorite in the genre at the 42nd Annual Dove Awards earning an impressive three awards. August celebrates his first ever Dove Award wins with the prestigious New Artist Of The Year and Male Vocalist of the Year honors. I'm absolutely speechless, shared August. I am truly blessed to be able to make and share music. And then to receive this recognition is quite humbling. While he may be considered a "new" artist, singer-songwriter Chris August is anything but a rookie in the music industry.[...] Tue, 17 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=575 Over the last 10 years, Andrew Peterson has quietly carved out a niche for himself as one of the most thoughtful, poetic, and lyrical songwriters of his generation. More recently he's established himself as the grassroots facilitator of an online literary and songwriting community and an emerging fantasy novelist as well. But it's still ultimately that sense of rootedness that listeners, readers and fans seem to respond to most deeply—because Peterson's songs (and books) remind us again and again of simple, solid things like love and friendship and hope and redemption and beauty and how our stories were meant[...] Mon, 16 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=574 From fish tales to free songs, boy bands to principals on planes, your favorite artists provided yet another week of entertainment in 140 characters or less. As always, if you'd like to keep tabs on over 1,200 Christian artists, check out our exclusive NRTwitter page to read the latest tweets from the Christian music community. RELEASING NOW AND LATER @anthemlights For all you awesome people buying the record on itunes, make sure you rate it[...] Mon, 16 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=576 This week the Twitterverse was busy with tour stories, celebrations of unusual holidays, and some interesting deviations from typical professions. As always, if you'd like to keep tabs on over 1,200 Christian artists, check out our exclusive NRTwitter page to read the latest tweets from the Christian music community. DOWNLOAD THIS! @owlcity "Alligator Sky" music video is now available on the Owl City Galaxy. (May 5) Owl City[...] Tue, 10 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=571 The title track from rock band Building 429's latest album, Listen to the Sound, has quickly made an impression with fans, who have embraced the song as the best since Glory Defined. The song has become a personal worship anthem for me with the very inspiring lyrics, You'll never know what faith is, till you don't understand. Sometimes it takes the silence to finally hear HIS plan. So listen to the sound of Hope that's rising. I had the great opportunity to interview lead singer Jason Roy about "Listen to the Sound." [...] Tue, 10 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=572 Dove Award nominee Kristian Stanfill performed at the Pittsburgh East Community Church on April 15, 2011. This was the same place where I covered Kutless and the Sidewalk Prophets back in October and the place has really changed … for the better. They've added ceiling trusses to mount additional stage lighting, extended the front of the stage and added a host of LCD and rear projection monitors. It has come a long way and it's certainly becoming a fantastic venue to host a smaller show such as this. You may not be familiar with Kristian's name, but if you[...] Tue, 10 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=573 If you ask Abandon Kansas frontman Jeremy Spring what motivates him and his band, you may be shocked at the answer. The answer to that question lies the very thing that sets his band apart from the endless parade of fame-seekers in the music industry. As far as long term goals, none of us have any desire to be rich and famous, Spring said. If we can keep connecting with people through music then we'll be content. There are way too many bands out there already so we're trying to make what we do a little bigger than[...] Mon, 09 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=570 John Waller--the artist who touched the world with the gripping single "While I'm Waiting" from the motion picture "Fireproof"--is back with a brand new collection of Scripture-based songs and declaration-style anthems designed to inspire listeners to fight the good fight of faith. Waller's eagerly anticipated enhanced album, As For Me and My House, released May 3 through Provident-Integrity distribution. It is his first project since signing with Nashville-based City of Peace Media. Waller first captured the attention of the Christian music community as frontman for the pop band According to John. But the[...] Wed, 04 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=568 Known for her unusually poignant, poetic and honest songwriting, Indie-pop artist Christa Wells released her highly anticipated second solo album, How Emptiness Sings, on March 15. With a fan base that has come to expect nothing less than unaltered truth, Christa brings even more authenticity to her lyrics with her strong, soothing voice. With a strong musical background and a voice reminiscent of Sarah McLachlin and Sara Groves, Christa has a unique way of penetrating the soul one chord at a time. Christa is, in essence, a seeker of truth and a witness to the beauty that only God[...] Tue, 03 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=567 This week in the Twitterverse, an unusual number of bands filmed or released new music videos, spreading the news through their followers. Meanwhile, other artists spent time hiding from (or chasing) the storms that rolled through the South. As always, if you'd like to keep tabs on over 1,200 Christian artists, check out our exclusive NRTwitter page to read the latest tweets from the Christian music community. RECORDING AND RELEASING @redmusiconline On our way to[...] Tue, 03 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=569 Just a short time after finishing the 2011 Rock and Worship Roadshow with Mercy Me, Jars of Clay were back at it, launching their own tour. Joined by musical guests Audrey Assad, Matt Maher and Derek Webb, The Shelter Tour kicked off on a snowy March evening in Greensburg, PA. The Shelter Tour goes deeper than just a name. It comes from an old Irish proverb, Ar Scath a cheile a mhoureas na daoine, translated, It is in the shelter of each other that people live. Jars of Clay front man Dan Haseltine interprets[...] Wed, 27 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=566 The North Carolina native John Mark McMillan, whose music has been described as "gutsy, poetic rock 'n' roll," has already built a faithful following, drawn unparalleled praise for his three independent releases, and his major label signing was greatly anticipated. Last July, Integrity released The Medicine as an exclusive limited edition CD with four bonus tracks and live video performances. Among the bonus material is a moody performance of McMillan's modern classic, "How He Loves" and the swaggering, raucous "Carolina Tide," an allegorical narrative of resurrection told from the perspective of a second chance love, admittedly inspired[...] Tue, 26 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=563 The 42nd Annual Gospel Music Association Dove Awards were handed out Wednesday, April 20, 2011, at the historic Fox Theater in Atlanta, GA. I had the great privilege to attend and cover the event with NRT founder Kevin McNeese. Our time in Atlanta started two days before the awards show, and we had a blast as 11 artists visited the NRT hotel suite for interviews, which we streamed live online. (You can view 10 of those interviews here.) The night was full of special collaborations. Chris Tomlin and the Passion artists kicked off the evening with a praise[...] Tue, 26 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=564 The Twitterverse was even busier than usual this past week due to the 2011 GMA Dove Awards. The biggest night in Christian music kept artists tweeting before, during and long after the event. As always, if you'd like to keep tabs on over 1,150 Christian artists, check out our exclusive NRTwitter page to read the latest tweets from the Christian music community. DOVES TWEETS @markhallCC Working thru parts for Dove performance tonight! Me Mac and[...] Tue, 26 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=565 In the spring of 2009, Josh White decided to take a huge step of faith. Previously the lead singer of the band Telecast, White quickly became a church planter and worship leader in Portland, Ore. His church is located in the Hawthorne District of Southeast Portland, a bohemian part of town, known more for its hippies and hipsters than churches. I met my wife, Darcy, in this neighborhood 14 years ago, recounts White. We know the culture and the people. Which in turn fuels the heart and vision of the church to preach the gospel to[...] Mon, 25 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=562 Singer-songwriter Jason Gray has an uncanny ability to absorb images, emotions and truths from a variety of sources--theology, literature, relationships, his own struggles, pop culture, poetry, and more--and pulls together those diverse strands into a unified whole. Over the years he has developed a razor sharp knack for saying deep things in a way that the rest of us can relate to. His latest effort, Everything Sad Is Coming Untrue is a thought-provoking collection of artful, emotional and radio-friendly tunes that achieve a high level of accessibility without sacrificing any of the Jason Gray's personality or creativity. [...] Tue, 19 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=558 With plenty of chatter about new albums and videos, reflections on past tours and songs, summer plans and the everyday excitement of touring, it's safe to say there's a lot of record-breaking news (because lots of records are breaking)! As always, if you'd like to keep tabs on over 1,150 Christian artists, check out our exclusive NRTwitter page to read the latest tweets from the Christian music community. MUSIC AND VIDEOS @relientK For those that[...] Tue, 19 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=559 While many signs led to the formation of Luminate, the path to where they are today wasn't always clear. It was during the writing and recording of Luminate's album Come Home that the band's reason for being would become apparent. Luminate frontman Sam Hancock (lead vocal/guitar) grew up in Washington, IN, and began leading worship at his church at 14. While Sam continued this role through high school, he also struggled with the same issues of many teens. Upon graduation, Hancock was at a crossroads of choosing business school or music school. He chose music and enrolled[...] Tue, 19 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=560 You don't have to walk the line to get the call, you don't have to be afraid against the wall, and you don't have to live in L.A. to be beautiful. --L.A. by Melodie Joy, from the L.I.F.E. EP Here's a little something a lot of people probably don't know about me I spent a year of my life acting in Hollywood. No joke. I'm don't even remember how the whole thing came about. One day I got phone call about possibly auditioning; the next, I was sitting in a theater in downtown L.A., listening to[...] Tue, 19 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=561 Twelve songs worth of praise, worship, surrender and rocking joy make up Stars, Guitars and Megaphone Dreams, the latest release by singer/songwriter/worship leader/author Yancy. This follow-up to Rock-N-Happy Heart keeps you rocking while pointing towards Christ and His plan for your life. While some people tend to play it safe, musically, and do what's always worked, others are constantly raising the bar and leaping off cliffs in an attempt to differentiate themselves. To hear Yancy tell it, her stylistic coin has landed on its edge. Not to say that she's lukewarm, but rather she[...] Mon, 18 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=556 ...Continued From Part 1 I understand that you've been pretty busy over these last twenty-three years. What kinds of things have you been up to? Can you try to tell us a little? What have I been up to in the last twenty-three years? Well, most importantly, I raised three daughters. I took some years off--sort of a forced retirement--a while back to help my wife. I don't think that people quite understood what I was doing because I was in the prime of my career, but I said, My family is more[...] Thu, 14 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=555 Matthew Ward is an icon of Christian music. A pioneer of the genre, first known as Jesus Music, he is one of the reasons that you are sitting here surfing this website right now. Starting out in 1971, singing with his sisters in the groundbreaking group, Second Chapter of Acts, his rich, undulating voice is unparalleled. In celebration of his fortieth anniversary in Christian music, Ward has decided to resurrect, as a new, solo recording, Easter Song, which is one of Second Chapter of Acts' most recognizable and classic songs. Recently, NewReleaseTuesday.com's Lauren Kleist had an opportunity to catch[...] Wed, 13 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=554 Raised on a farm in the small town of Quincy, Washington, Holly Starr is not afraid of hard work. In fact, the farm girl in Starr much prefers the dirt and grime to the glamour of the spotlight. That's why she's still confounded as to how she arrived at this place in life, releasing her second full-length record, Tapestry; working with one of the industry's most sought-after producers, this year's Dove Award-winning producer Rusty Varenkamp (Tenth Avenue North, Meredith Andrews); and performing on countless stages across the country, including Creation Festival, Lifest and an opening spot for LeAnn[...] Tue, 12 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=549 Blessid Union of Souls has become one of this generation's most beloved and consistent pop-rock groups. With gold and platinum records and chart topping singles, the band has toured the world sharing stages and busses with the likes of Goo Goo Dolls, Bon Jovi, Third Eye Blind, Sister Hazel, Vertical Horizon, Edwin McCain and more, while making appearances on such top-rated television programs as Late Night with Conan O'Brien, Live with Regis & Kelly," Good Morning America, Top of the Pops" and VH1 to name a few. The band, known for its hit Top 40 singles "I Believe"[...] Tue, 12 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=550 There's no denying some of the blessings in Laura Story's life. She wrote the No. 1 worship hit Indescribable recorded in 2004 by Chris Tomlin, married a handsome athlete named Martin Elvington the next year, and began working in music and women's ministry at the 4,000-member Perimeter Church in Atlanta. After signing an artist deal with the INO Records, her 2008 national debut Great God Who Saves, won a Dove Award for Inspirational Album and earned Laura two consecutive nominations for Female Vocalist of the Year—all blessings, indeed. But[...] Tue, 12 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=551 The Seas We Sail, the debut full-length album from Tidewater, will be released April 12, 2011, available exclusively at iTunes and other digital outlets. Originally released independently in 2010, the one-man band, helmed by singer/songwriter Brett Allen, followed it with the 2011 EP The Way That I Want You, which peaked at No. 4 on iTunes' Singer/Songwriter chart. With the success of The Way That I Want You, it seemed like the right time to re-release The Seas We Sail as a digital-only version, including a new cover of the Matt Maher[...] Tue, 12 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=552 This week was a full one in the Christian music Twitterverse with new releases, band lineup changes, and an unusual concentration of Star Wars-related tweets. As always, if you'd like to keep tabs on over 1,150 Christian artists, check out our exclusive NRTwitter page to read the latest tweets from the Christian music community. FEEDBACK AND STATIC @derekwebb supposedly, physical copies of 'FEEDBACK' are also available today in retail stores. if anyone can find[...] Tue, 12 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=553 The following is a partner review from our friends at ChristianMusicReview.org. Soul Surfer is the inspiring true story of teen surfer Bethany Hamilton. Bethany lost her left arm in a shark attack and courageously overcame all odds to become a champion again, through her sheer determination and unwavering faith. I had the great privilege to attend a screening of this very inspirational and moving faith-based movie in February. I have three young daughters, ages 11, 7 and 4 and my youngest daughter is named Bethany. Thankfully I didn't sob out loud as much as I feared I[...] Fri, 08 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=548 More than 20,000 university-aged students converged on Atlanta, Ga. January 1-4, 2011. The four-day event centers on worship, teaching and encounters with God that will refresh, restore and inspire the emerging generation to live for Jesus and to be filled with His love. With a veritable all-star line-up of gifted and consecrated worship leaders, the albums made from the times of worship at Passion conferences have given birth to many much-loved songs in the global Church. Passion Here For You, the much-anticipated of new songs features sixstepsrecords artists Chris Tomlin, David Crowder Band, Matt Redman,[...] Wed, 06 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=547 Natalie Grant wears a lot of hats. She's a powerhouse vocalist, social activist (and founder of the Home Foundation to rescue victims of human trafficking), working mom, entrepreneur and four-time GMA Female Vocalist of the Year. She released her eighth album, Love Revolution, on Curb Records last August, which has such singles as Greatness Of Our God, Human and Your Great Name. Natalie doesn't play it safe or get overly cliché in her lyrics. For me, this album is a great mix of worship and pop. In my opinion, this is Natalie's best overall album and[...] Tue, 05 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=543 This past week, your favorite Christian artists were doing what they're known to do in the twitterverse post pics, talk about albums and tours, wax poetic, and crack jokes. But they also were trying to get their wits about them. Musicians were confused as to whether or not they were on tour, forgetting to pay certain "administrative" bills, and pondering a career change to wrestle alligators. We appreciate--and are entertained by--the vulnerability. Well, in case you missed it, NRT cracked some jokes of our own this week using Twitter. (If you didn't see them, check out this page to[...] Tue, 05 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=544 Jeremy Camp has been touring in support of his 2010 release We Cry Out, welcoming multiple less-known worship acts to open for him. On March 26, 2011, Camp played at the Belcher Performance Center in Longview, Texas, and I got the opportunity to attend. New artist Adam Cappa and recent rocker-turned-worship artist Aaron Gillespie opened. The selection of artists made it immediately clear that the evening would be focused on worship. Jeremy Camp released his worship project, We Cry Out, last August. Aaron Gillespie, best known for his previous work with Underoath and his current work with The[...] Tue, 05 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=545 A lot has changed for Francesca Battistelli since she released her 2008 hit debut album, My Paper Heart. She married percussionist Matthew Goodwin, gave birth to a son, moved to a new city, and garnered six Dove Award nominations in 2010, among other changes. All of that change has been woven into Battistelli's latest album, Hundred More Years. "There are some very personal songs on this record," she said, "because what I tend to write naturally is songs from my life, what I'm struggling with and what I'm excited about. But this time I'm definitely[...] Tue, 05 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=546 Sidewalk Prophets initially made a name for themselves at Indiana's Anderson University where frontmen and main songwriters Dave Frey and Ben McDonald met. Although they don't consider themselves to be a worship band, they admit they probably do more worship music than original tunes--and that's just fine with them. Integrating worship with real life is one of the simple truths Sidewalk Prophets has learned to live by. These Simple Truths, the debut album by the GMA Dove Award-winning band, centers on the hope that Christ's love provides. The more we look at today's problems, the[...] Mon, 04 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=542 Combine the strengths of two super groups that have sold millions of records, achieved an astounding number of #1 radio hits and received numerous Dove Awards. The result? A reborn Newsboys. Now that longtime members Jody Davis (guitar), keyboardist Jeff Frankenstein and drummer Duncan Phillips have welcomed the vocal strengths, writing talents and boundless energy of former dc Talk member Michael Tait to the band, this is clearly a good reason to feel born again and in fact, share some new songs. Recently, newsboys released their 15th studio project, aptly titled Born Again.[...] Tue, 29 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=536 Indeed, whether or not you know him by name yet, Aaron Gillespie is already one of the most dynamic, outspoken, and visible artists in Christian music today. It's just that the redheaded 27-year-old--former drummer of Underoath and frontman of The Almost--isn't always where one might expect to find a faith-based performer, a fact that defines his sense of ministry and what Anthem Song--his first worship/solo album--is all about. Bill Lurwick, the voice of NRT, took time to chat with Aaron about the experience that led him to a more passionate pursuit of worship. [...] Tue, 29 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=538 A lot of names flew around the Twitterverse this week, as Christian musicians named new projects and new babies. They also got city names confused, and tossed around the names of quotable people. What's in a name? Read this week's round-up of memorable tweets. As always, if you'd like to keep tabs on over 1,150 Christian artists, check out our exclusive NRTwitter page to read the latest tweets from the Christian music community. SPRING IN THE[...] Tue, 29 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=539 The Oscars are long over, March Madness is coming to an abrupt close, and the upcoming NFL Draft seems like a snooze given the fact that no one will be playing ball this fall. What's left to obsess over? The 2011 GMA Dove Awards, of course! That's right, the Gospel Music Association's annual honoring of Christian music's best is just around the corner--Wednesday, April 20, taking place at Atlanta's historic Fox Theater. NRT will be reporting live from backstage at the event and the Doves will be broadcast Easter Sunday, April 24, at 7 p.m. (6 p.m. Central) on cable's Gospel Music Channel[...] Tue, 29 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=540 Hope—the feeling that events will turn out for the best—can be hard to sustain when you lose your livelihood, lose a relationship, or witness firsthand a natural disaster that takes more than 200,000 people and leaves another one million homeless. How could someone believe there might be grace from these moments or a purpose in such unraveling stories? Mark Stuart, former lead singer of beloved Christian band Audio Adrenaline, had to start asking those questions a few years ago. At the height of his musical success, he began to lose his trademark gravelly rock voice as well as[...] Tue, 29 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=541 Meredith Andrews, a worship leader since high school, currently serves at Harvest Bible Chapel in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. She is passionate about God's grace, love and hope for the broken, demonstrated in both her music and her work with orphans in India and Guatemala. Meredith's current GMA Dove Award-nominated worship album As Long As It Takes is the result of a two-year wait since the release that launched the hits You Invite Me In, You're Not Alone and New Song We Sing. She was accurately described as one of Billboard Magazine's Faces to Watch in 2008.[...] Mon, 28 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=535 If you like praise & worship, don't hesitate to attend the current And If Our God Is For Us…tour featuring Rend Collective Experiment and Chris Tomlin. Both artists recently released solid new worship albums and I had the privilege to attend their show on Friday, March 18th in Hershey, PA. Hailing from Bangor, Northern Ireland, Rend Collective Experiment's acclaim began at home as a movement of 20-somethings that has now begun to spread across Europe to the Americas and beyond. The modern worship sounds of this band are receiving praise as their debut album, Organic Family Hymnal,[...] Sat, 26 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=537 After tremendous indie success in the Pacific Northwest, Shawn McDonald entered the national scene in 2004 with Simply Nothing. The singer/songwriter has since released two additional recordings--Ripen (2006) and Roots (2008). Shawn's fourth album with Sparrow Records, Closer, released March 22, and is a collection of songs about the hope and redemption God brings during the storms of life. McDonald wrote most of these 13 songs while going through it–a painful few years that brought about the kind of brokenness that brings one closer to God. It's a recurrent theme on the new[...] Tue, 22 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=529 To be truly human is to be in community, sharing our lives with one another. Our stories are threads woven together to tell the story of God's redemption and hope. We are His story. Addison Road's new album, Stories, is filled with pop-driven melodies and soul-stirring lyrics inspired by personal trials and real-life stories from fans. Stories is one of my top albums of 2010 and includes several amazing songs like Fight Another Day, This Little Light Of Mine and My Story. My favorite song on the album is Change In The Making. [...] Tue, 22 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=530 Your March Madness bracket busted in round one, and you're looking for something else to obsess over. What to do? Well, the Dove Awards are a slam-dunk! That's right, the Gospel Music Association's annual honoring of Christian music's best is just around the corner--Wednesday, April 20, taking place at Atlanta's historic Fox Theater. NRT will be reporting live from backstage at the event and the Doves will be broadcast Easter Sunday, April 24, at 7 p.m. (6 p.m. Central) on cable's Gospel Music Channel (gmc). This week, we continue our series of roundtable opinions regarding the various award categories. NRT Founder Kevin McNeese, Senior Editor [...] Tue, 22 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=534 From phenomenal tour-ending team-ups to candy impersonations, Christian musicians certainly had a lot to tweet about this week. As always, if you'd like to keep tabs on over 1,150 Christian artists, check out our exclusive NRTwitter page to read the latest tweets from the Christian music community. COOKING IN THE KITCHEN @eleventyJthan QUOTA drops in 9 days! Who's ready??? (March 13) Electronic pop band eleventyseven's next project, a five track EP, will be releasing soon.[...] Tue, 22 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=533 This week, Christian artists tweeted through new releases, touring, their favorite causes and more, before collectively reacting to the devastation in Japan and the adjustment of Daylight Savings Time. As always, if you'd like to keep tabs on over 1,150 Christian artists, check out our exclusive NRTwitter page to read the latest tweets from the Christian music community. MANY NEW RELEASES, TOURING, FUNDING @scribblepotemus 40 Days of Water... Yes, here we go again.[...] Tue, 15 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=523 The Oscars have come and gone, and so what awards show can you obsess about now? The Dove Awards, of course! That's right, the Gospel Music Association's annual honoring of Christian music's best is just around the corner--Wednesday, April 20, taking place at Atlanta's historic Fox Theater. NRT will be reporting live from backstage at the event and the Doves will be broadcast Easter Sunday, April 24, at 7 p.m. (6 p.m. Central) on cable's Gospel Music Channel (gmc). This week, we begin the first in a series of roundtable opinions regarding the various award categories. NRT Founder Kevin McNeese, Bill Lurwick (the voice of[...] Tue, 15 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=524 The first thing you notice about JJ Heller is a wide grin that stretches across her face and welcomes you in as a friend, whether you've known her for years or are shaking her hand for the very first time. Perhaps it's her insight and sensitivity that consistently draw a female audience to JJ's music. She touches on issues of self-image and worry, questions of faith, and feelings of loneliness; her songs resonate with women and offer encouragement. For some reason, Christians (including myself) sometimes think, ‘if I'm following the Lord and doing the best I can,[...] Tue, 15 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=526 Every coin has two sides heads and tails. Both are necessary to the value of the coin. Neither is more important than the other. So it is with Tooth & Nail band Hawk Nelson. Flip heads, you get the band's signature punk rock fun. Flip tails and find an introspection that fuels it all. The band's fifth studio album, Crazy Love, reveals the right combination of heads and tails a return to the early days of Hawk Nelson rock with an ever-maturing look at life and the need for truth. Bill Lurwick, the voice of[...] Tue, 15 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=527 Hard work and seeking answers became a passion for young singer/songwriter Josh Wilson, and his songs have become richer as a result. In the two years since his critically acclaimed debut release, Josh has discovered a marked clarity regarding his vision and mission for his music, and it is aimed squarely at followers of Christ. I feel like I am called to challenge and encourage the Church, he declares. I want to make people think, particularly about why they believe what they believe. As soon as your faith is challenged, that is when you'll realize that Sunday school[...] Tue, 15 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=528 Raised on a farm in the small town of Quincy, Wash., Holly Starr is not afraid of hard work. In fact, the farm girl in Starr much prefers the dirt and grime to the glamour of the spotlight. That's why she's still confounded as to how she arrived at this place in life, releasing her second full-length record, Tapestry, and working with one of the industry's most sought-after producers (Dove Award-winning Rusty Varenkamp). Named after her grandmother, Starr definitely lives up to her name, though being a star is the furthest thing from her mind. Grace[...] Mon, 14 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=525 One of my top 10 albums of 2010, and my favorite overall album by the Texas-based adult contemporary band MercyMe, is their latest project, The Generous Mr. Lovewell. The album revolves around a fictional character the band created who reminds us that we simply need to love others well. For some of us, it means that we need to put hands and feet on our ideology and rhetoric. For others, it means that we need to continue in doing well, but to not stop there. We need to let people know why we are called[...] Wed, 09 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=519 The Oscars have come and gone, and so what awards show can you obsess about now? The Dove Awards, of course! That's right, the Gospel Music Association's annual honoring of Christian music's best is just around the corner--Wednesday, April 20, taking place at Atlanta's historic Fox Theater. NRT will be reporting live from backstage at the event and the Doves will be broadcast Easter Sunday, April 24, at 7 p.m. (6 p.m. Central) on cable's Gospel Music Channel (gmc). This week, we begin the first in a series of roundtable opinions regarding the various award categories. NRT Founder Kevin McNeese, [...] Tue, 08 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=520 Singer/songwriter Audrey Assad, originally from New Jersey and most recently Florida, weaves her captivating voice into a thread of contemplative yet accessible music and lyrics on her debut release The House You're Building, one of my top 10 albums of 2010. "A lot of new artists come and go quickly in this business, says Charlie Lowell of Jars of Clay. Audrey Assad will not be one of those. She's a refreshing artist--a voice comforting and challenging together. Her melodic sensibilities are infectious, and she communicates God's caring and creative heart in a way that cuts[...] Tue, 08 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=517 I had the amazing opportunity to attend the final show of the sold-out 2 Friends Tour with Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith at American Music Theatre in Lancaster, Penn. on Sunday night, March 6, 2011. The signs in the lobby were for upcoming shows by Melissa Etheridge, Gary Allan, Chicago and Meat Loaf. The message and light of the Gospel was being brought into the heart of Lancaster. I've been listening to Amy Grant for more than 25 years as I first heard El-Shaddai, Thy Word and Tennessee Christmas when I was in high school in[...] Tue, 08 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=521 I had the amazing opportunity to attend the final show of the sold-out 2 Friends Tour with Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith at American Music Theatre in Lancaster, Penn. on Sunday night, March 6, 2011. In Part I of this article, I talked about the amazing performance by Amy Grant, which took us through a legacy that's still looming large. After the break, Michael W. Smith's timeline was on display. Following intermission, Michael came out by himself and just sat at his keyboard and started playing "Place In This World" which caused the crowd to[...] Tue, 08 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=522 I've had the opportunity to attend many concerts throughout the years. Nearly every time, I come away with a greater appreciation of the artists' music and a deeper understanding of their songs through stories told and videos played. This tour, however, took that depth of understanding to a whole new level, and I can honestly say it was the most moving and engaging show I've seen to date. If you've read anything about Matthew West's latest project, The Story Of Your Life, you probably know that Matthew locked himself in a cabin for months, pouring over thousands of fan[...] Sun, 06 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=515 This week was full of studio updates, busy touring and a surprising amount of artists having their identities confused. As always, if you'd like to keep tabs on over 1,150 Christian artists, check out our exclusive NRTwitter page to read the latest tweets from the Christian music community. NEW PROJECTS AND RELEASES @owlcity Change of plans. New record coming May 17! http//www.owlcitymusic.com (February 28) Owl City moved the release of his[...] Sun, 06 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=516 After erupting onto the music scene, Francesca Battistelli is breaking multiple records as her radio singles rocket up the Christian charts. Francesca's enthusiasm can't help but find its way into her music. In fact, whether she's talking about her accept-yourself-as-you-are anthem Free to Be Me, hit songs I'm Letting Go, It's Your Life or Beautiful, Beautiful, Francesca says, I really love this song. It's so much fun to sing. That pervasive joy, along with Francesca's adventurous musicianship and relatable songwriting made My Paper Heart an impressive debut, which was also re-released as a deluxe edition with some additional[...] Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=510 Sometimes the most compelling art can come from life's greatest struggles, which in the case of Tooth & Nail newcomers I Am Empire, only added fuel to the group's already blazing alternative rock fire. Though the San Jose-bred fivesome had no trouble igniting the local scene since forming in 2008, much of the catalyst behind the band's label debut, Kings, stems from front man Austin Lyons' fractured upbringing. The whole record is about abandonment, particularly the fact that my father is the one who abandoned me, says Lyons, the scorching singer/songwriter for I Am Empire[...] Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=513 Your story burns upon our hearts, a beautiful and binding scar, forever we will, forever will think of You… -Newsboys, We Remember, from the album Born Again Miracles Edition I think we all have that one memorable near-death experience story back from when we were kids. Okay, so maybe it wasn't exactly near death, but it sure did feel like it for most of us. For me, it was back when I was about 11 or 12. I was at a friend's house for the day and we decided we were going to take our[...] Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=514 After a three-year departure, Audio Adrenaline lead singer Mark Stuart and bassist Will McGinniss return with some of their favorite emerging voices of worship as the Know Hope Collective, a ground-breaking initiative that combines worship music with stories of hope and inspiration. The Know Hope Collective will be an ever-changing group of musicians from a variety of backgrounds who come together to create worship music and share their unique experiences and testimonies. The group introduces new cuts on their debut album Know Hope including Attention and Jealous God, and re-works some Audio Adrenaline hits like Ocean Floor, Good[...] Mon, 28 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=511 This week, twitter was busy with news of upcoming releases and Spring tours. Let's dive in to see what the artists were tweeting about during the past week. As always, if you'd like to keep tabs on over 1,000 Christian artists, check out our exclusive NRTwitter page to read the latest from the Christian music community. IN THE STUDIO, UPCOMING RELEASES @superchicktrish Sister and I backstage waiting, listening to Michael Gungor. Good day start music! Love his new stuff. P.S. Almost half my album mixed!!! (February 25) Tricia[...] Sat, 26 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=512 An Introduction By NRT Founder, Kevin McNeese Twitter has quickly emerged as a powerful social networking tool used by millions around the world, including many Christian music artists. These artists use Twitter as a way to quickly engage and interact with their fans and many post pictures, links, jokes and even make major career and personal announcements that you won't find anywhere else. For the past year, NRT has been building the largest database of Christian music tweets online. We not only follow over 1,150 Christian artists and bands, but we archive the "tweets" (or posts) that they make and display[...] Tue, 22 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=506 Sparrow Records' critically acclaimed singer/songwriter, Josh Wilson, released his third album, See You, on Feb. 8. This is the follow-up to his acclaimed sophomore release, Life Is Not A Snapshot, that garnered year-end awards with the hit track Before the Morning, taking the No. 4 spot on Billboard's Year-End Christian Songs chart and established Wilson as Billboard's eighth most played artist on Christian Radio. Bringing all his musical influences to bear—pop, folk, rock, classical, hymns, and more, See You paints a refreshingly relevant musical palate that frames its message beautifully. With a probing spiritual curiosity and imaginative, self-examining lyrics,[...] Tue, 22 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=508 The Parachute Band spends most of the year living out of suitcases, trekking to churches and events around the globe. Musically, their sound is fresh and experimental – pulsing drums, angular guitars and the odd synth-breakdown – but spiritually they consistently seek to usher in the presence of God wherever they go. Frontman Omega Levine and drummer/producer Sam de Jong formed New Zealand's "next gen" Parachute Band in 2007, picking up from where the original Parachute Band (1996-2006) had left off. Three years on, the five-piece has toured relentlessly throughout America, Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe. To[...] Tue, 22 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=509 Bethel Music is proud to present its latest live album, Be Lifted High – a sonically and lyrically refreshing work where God is exalted and His love is on display. This album was created with excellence in mind and combines anointed worship and quality production to create a truly epic album. Be Lifted High sets the stage for God to move through these original songs and moments of prophetic worship, where you'll find your passion rises and hunger for the Lord is stirred. This album features Bethel Music artists Brian and Jenn Johnson, Jeremy Riddle, William[...] Mon, 21 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=507 Jaci Velasquez juggles for a living. The 31-year-old Latin pop artist has to. She's currently finishing up her latest album, Diamond, starring in two upcoming films, The Encounter and Jerusalem Countdown, as well as authoring a book, Coffee and Concealer. If that hasn't kept her busy enough, the award-winning singer and her husband, Nic Gonzalez of the band Salvador, are trying to teach their two sons to potty-train. Velasquez, whose warm, smooth voice has sold over 4 million albums, is also now using her voice as a new co-host for a morning radio show. NocheLatina.com recently had[...] Wed, 16 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=505 Hillsong United, the "next generation" worship movement out of Sydney's Hillsong Church, got its name from the times when the middle school, high school and young adult groups would gather together for "united" worship. That name, much like United's music, began as an expression of one church that evolved into an expression of the global church. Now, after 12 years and 12 albums, Hillsong United worship leader, co-founder, visionary and pastor Joel Houston says that while much has changed, everything that's important hasn't changed. I think the central message for us is keep it simple, Houston[...] Tue, 15 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=501 When listening to The City Harmonic, you instinctively turn up the volume and join the chorus as the music dynamically bounces from sparse intimacy to soaring celebration and back again. It's a musical metaphor for the band that plays it—with their feet in the dirt and their eyes toward the heavens. It isn't long before you find yourself singing along and not because you ought to, but because you want to. Like a spontaneous outbreak of Hey Jude around the campfire, you want in on the moment. And getting people in on the act—hearts pounding and feet moving—is at[...] Tue, 15 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=503 Essential Records' two time GRAMMY-nominated hard rock outfit RED packs a potent sonic punch on its third project, Until We Have Faces, a record that leaps out of the speakers with a ferocity and complexity reflecting the band's growth and intensity. The new album's overarching theme is a search for true identity, inspired by a number of sources, including author C.S. Lewis' book of similar title, Till We Have Faces. Until We Have Faces takes listeners down the path of recognizing the hollowness of life until finding their true identity (revealed on "Faceless"), the idea of creative[...] Tue, 15 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=504 Hailing from Bangor, Northern Ireland, Rend Collective Experiment's acclaim began at home as a movement of 20-somethings that has now begun to spread across Europe to the Americas and beyond. The modern worship sounds of this band are receiving praise as the debut album, Organic Family Hymnal, hits stores. Charting a unique course, Rend Collective Experiment is a group of friends collectively wondering how to make sense of the conundrum of life, God and community. What Rend Collective Experiment's 15-plus members add to the conversation are melodies, harmonic progression and lyrics that are scriptural and contemporary,[...] Mon, 14 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=502 David Crowder Band, the highly accessible worship group from Waco, last year released their most innovative effort to date, Church Music. Packed full with 17 full tracks, the band hopes this Dove Award-winning album serves as a reminder of the continual evolvement of music within the Church. David Crowder Band's beautiful cover of "How He Loves," originally written and recorded by John Mark McMillan, is spectacular. The band finds a unique balance of sweet lyrical moments and passionate crescendos. The genuine sound of the song reminds us of the simple yet magnanimous love God has for[...] Tue, 08 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=498 New from the writer of At The Foot Of The Cross and I Belong, We Still Believe features Northern Ireland's Kathryn Scott in an amazing night of worship. My deepest prayer is that as people listen to this live worship album, they will feel the presence of the King and move into all that God has for them. May there be healing for hearts that have become despondent and may the spirit of the suffering servant breathe new life that provides strength for today and a bright hope for tomorrow. NRT's Bill Lurwick recently[...] Tue, 08 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=499 Three very different artists slammed the Theatre in the Clouds at the Rose Garden on Saturday, Jan. 29, during the Portland, Ore. stop of the Winter Wonder Slam tour. Harmonic rockers House of Heroes and singer-songwriter Brandon Heath warmed up the crowd for tobyMac and his Diverse City Band. A quick summary All three bands excelled in their respective genres. House of Heroes melted faces. Brandon Heath elicited tears and rhythmic head-nods of agreement. TobyMac stuck to his crowd-pleasing formula with only a few tweaks to past performances. Not a lot new with Toby, but[...] Tue, 08 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=500 Canadian pop-rockers Hawk Nelson have sold more than 500,000 albums so far in their career and are poised for more success as they release their fifth studio album, Crazy Love, featuring the singles "Crazy Love", "We Can Change the World" and more. With Crazy Love, band mates Jason Dunn, Danny Biro, Jonathan Steingard and Justin Benner continue the call for action heard on the band's last studio album Live Life Loud. Inspired by Francis Chan's book Crazy Love, Dunn and producer Ian Eskelin wrote the title track and debut radio single as a[...] Mon, 07 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=497 Essential Records' two time GRAMMY®-nominated hard rock outfit RED packs a potent sonic punch on its third project, Until We Have Faces, a record that leaps out of the speakers with a ferocity and complexity reflecting the band's growth and intensity. From the opening seconds of "Feed The Machine" through the final, contemplative moments of "Hymn For The Missing," the four-man unit of singer Michael Barnes, guitarist Anthony Armstrong, bassist Randy Armstrong and drummer Joe Rickard shows both maturity and musical abandon. The new album's overarching theme is a search for true identity, inspired by[...] Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=495 An unlikely story stands behind the man known by many as "Lecrae." From the southside of Houston to a leader in the movement of urban reform, a rocky road provides a window into the grace he experienced throughout his life, with every situation molding him into the artist and leader that he is today. Born and raised by his mother in a struggling community on the south side of Houston, Lecrae moved around to several places giving him the versatile background and cultural awareness he carries with him. San Diego, Denver and Dallas have also once been home[...] Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=496 For the sisters of BarlowGirl, their album Our Journey... So Far is all about their fans. It's a collection of the 15 songs that effectively tell the story of the 13-time Dove Award-nominated band through their first 10 years. The album not only tells the story of the band musically, including their No. 1 radio hits Never Alone, I Need You To Love Me and Let Go, but it also tells their story, visually. Included in the packaging is a 16-page booklet that dips into the Barlow Family archives and reveals the history of the band through[...] Mon, 31 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=494 Best described as passionate, stirring and worshipful, Luminate's musical core is formed around an ambient rock sound. Their songs challenge us to rise above the apathy in today's society and to pursue our dreams with purpose, while reminding us our lives and what we do has worth. Singer/lyricist/rhythm guitarist Sam Hancock writes poignant and meaningful lyrics with anthemic choruses that usher crowds into a corporate experience with God. Lead guitarist Cody Clark complements the melodies with reverb and delay-laden guitar riffs, while keyboardist/background vocalist, Dustin DeLong, adds ambient warm touches. Mix in the rhythmic bass lines of bassist,[...] Tue, 25 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=489 AJ Cheek was born and raised in Chattanooga, where he began playing music at 14. He attended Hixson High School where he and friends formed the band Nevertheless. After a year or two of building a Chattanooga following, Nevertheless signed with Provident Label Group/Sony BMG and toured nationally. Seven years, two albums and two independent EPs later, Nevertheless called it quits in 2009. Soon after, labelmates Revive asked AJ to play guitar and piano with them on tour. Recently, while out with Revive, AJ was inspired to write and record his own project, and Revive's bassist, Rich[...] Tue, 25 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=490 From all outward appearances, Kristian Stanfill was like a lot of teenage kids growing up in the suburbs in the 90's in a fairly typical American home. He went to church, loved music, and even taught himself to play guitar. While the upbringing might have been typical, the kid was not. He didn't just pick up the guitar because it was cool. He picked it up because, even without knowing how to play a single instrument, he had been writing songs in his head for years. He recognized a profound need to praise this God he was[...] Tue, 25 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=491 We wrap up our Year That Was 2010 coverage with a special countdown of the Top 10 Artist Stores of last year as well as the Top 10 Music Stories of 2010, both compiled by Rick Welke at CMW Christian Music Weekly. We thank them for sharing this reporting with NRT from a year that was filled with tragedy, triumph, new possibilities and lots of drama. It was certainly a year packed with huge releases and even bigger headlines. After you get done reading, let us know what stories impacted you the most! [...] Tue, 25 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=492 When Brandon Heath approached titling his new 11-song collection, he leaned into the project's opener. The concept of Leaving Eden speaks to a new awareness in Heath's life, as well as a continuation of his career-long focus on reconciliation. The album opens with the title track stating the obvious pain in the world, by just reading the headlines. With the state of things around us, it's clear we've left Eden, he says. And what did Adam and Eve want? What was the temptation in eating that apple? They already knew good, but now they had knowledge of both good[...] Tue, 25 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=493 Most recently known for his energetic and powerful song Say Say, featured on Passion Awakening, the newest member of the sixstepsrecords roster, Kristian Stanfill, unveiled his sophomore record Mountains Move on Jan. 11. Produced by Jason Ingram (Tenth Avenue North, MercyMe, Sanctus Real) and Rusty Varenkamp (Michael W. Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman), the songs featured on Mountains Move stand ready to bring hope and a voice to people and churches all over the world. These songs are about having faith in God, Stanfill notes, and believing that God is who He says He is, no[...] Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=485 There's evidence that everyone else feels otherwise—he has sold three million records, charted nineteen No. 1 hits, GRAMMY-nominated and won several major Dove Awards—but Jeremy Camp is tired of himself. Not in any self-deprecating way, but in that positive spiritual sense to which we should all aspire. You can hear him working this out on his sixth recording, We Cry Out The Worship Project. It's common to say, ‘It's not about me, God. It's about You.' Yet I'm really at that point right now, Jeremy admits. The Lord says in Jeremiah 2913, ‘You will seek me and[...] Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=487 It's safe to say Brandon Heath is doing something right. Christian music's back-to-back Male Vocalist of the Year garnered his fourth career radio No. 1 single last year with Love Never Fails. Topping Billboard's Christian Adult Contemporary indicator chart, Love Never Fails was the third single released from Heath's Grammy-nominated sophomore album What If We, which followed the blockbuster, Dove Award Song of the Year Give Me Your Eyes and hit song Wait And See. Heath first landed atop AC radio in 2007 with I'm Not Who I Was from his debut album Don't Get Comfortable. [...] Mon, 17 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=486 Might not be what I would choose, but this is the stuff You use to break me of impatience, conquer my frustrations, I've got a new appreciation--it's not the end of the world. -Francesca Battistelli, This Is The Stuff from the album Hundred More Years I'm convinced now more than ever that God has a sense of humor. Sometimes I can't help but wonder if He allows me to see certain things for a reason, certain things others might not be aware of, yet they happen to catch my attention. An example? I was[...] Sun, 16 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=488 Amy Grant, an icon and Christian music pioneer, brought her show to a sellout crowd at the elegant Palace Theater in Greensburg, Penn. I have to admit I was really excited when I got the confirmation to cover this show for NewReleaseTuesday.com. I had never seen Amy live before, though I can remember back in the day cranking her Lead Me On album in my cassette player cruisin' the park in my station wagon brown Chevy Chevette. Dude, it was "da bomb." Amy's come a long way since then six Grammies, numerous Dove Awards and even a star[...] Tue, 11 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=478 To the delight of about 1,500 fans, Kutless brought their It Is Well Worship Tour to a small church in the suburbs of Pittsburgh. Kutless was joined on this tour by the Sidewalk Prophets and Christian music newcomer Above The Golden State. Walking into the venue, I recognized immediately this was going to be a very intimate show. The stage rose only about two feet off the floor, making it the perfect footrest for those sitting in the first row. It also meant that I'd be relegated to shooting pictures primarily from the side[...] Tue, 11 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=479 Charlotte, North Carolina-based pop/rock band Philmont announced the release of its latest offering, The Transition EP, this past October, 2010. The follow up to Philmont's critically acclaimed Attention (August 2009), The Transition EP delivers a high-energy, melodic pop sound with singable choruses like on debut single You Will Remain, currently vying for adds at Christian Hit Radio. Lyrically, the project ventures a bit more in-depth than previous Philmont efforts, touching on themes that include God's divine nature, the case for creation and value of human life. Philmont frontman Scott Taube explains, It's been a couple of years[...] Tue, 11 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=484 How will the legend of the age of trees Feel, when the last tree falls in England? When the concrete spreads and the town conquers The country's heart; when contraceptive Tarmacs laid where farm has faded So begins the C.S. Lewis poem from which the San Diego quartet Future of Forestry cribbed its name. In it Lewis describes an England overtaken by industrialization, but the band sees it as more than just an environmental warning. "It's not about saving trees, but about saving our lives from being taken over by technology," frontman Eric Owyoung said. "It's[...] Mon, 10 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=483 Songwriter, musician and worship artist Todd Agnew, known for anthemic hits such as Grace Like Rain, This Fragile Breath and My Jesus, returns with a compelling new project that explores the perceptions of our true desires, which ultimately can only be defined by acknowledging our need for a Savior. Known for his introspective writing that often parallels the teachings of the Church and celebrates the character of God, Agnew's signature voice belts out joyful declarations of praise ("Gloria", "Joy Unspeakable"), cries for the urgency of Christ ("I Need No Other"), and yearns for answers and assurance ("Written[...] Tue, 04 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=481 Happy New Year from NRT! As we begin a brand new year, we're excited about all the great music that's coming out. Our very own NRTeam members Kevin Davis (kevindavis) and Marcus Hathcock (marcustar) picked their top 10 most anticipated albums of the first half of 2011, using our "coming soon" list. (Click here to browse that list yourself.) Without further adieu, here's what got our writers excited (listed in chronological order, from closest release date to latest) Please note all release dates are subject to change without notice. KEVIN DAVIS' TOP 10[...] Tue, 04 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=482 Brenton Brown, one of the most gifted of worship leaders and writers at work today returns March 22, 2011 with a new album full of standout songs, Our God Is Near. From the writer of Adoration and Everlasting God comes a stunning brand new album that will strengthen and inspire the church the world over. Our God Is Near features songs Our God Is Mercy, Joyful, Glorious and We Lift You Up. The first single to be released from the highly anticipated album is Joyful, which is available now. After a recent run[...] Tue, 28 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=476 My friend Michael has Degenerative Disc Disease. He's been through several surgeries and spent many sleepless nights on his bedroom floor. He keeps prescription meds in his pocket for when things get unbearable during the day. I've heard that back pain is the worst kind. I think Michael would agree. Last week he told me that his C-spine (the discs in the neck that support the head and protect the spinal cord) have eroded and shifted dangerously close to puncturing his spinal cord, causing permanent damage to his central nervous system. At this point control of bowel and[...] Tue, 28 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=477 Teach me to number my days, and count every moment before it slips away, taking all the colors before they fade to gray, I don't want to miss even just a second more of this. --Revive, Blink, from the album Blink I went to the beach over the summer, one of the many perks of living in California. This beach has to be one of my favorite places in the world, one of the main reasons being because is has an amazing rock-laden landscape. It is one of the most distinct things you'll ever see. There[...] Tue, 28 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=480 Advent Christmas Volume 2 by Future of Forestry[...] Tue, 21 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=472 I believe that everything we do should start with relationship. Now when I say relationship, I mean a true and honest relationship, based on meeting the needs of others and always serving before selling. Relationship is the cornerstone on which everything in the music business relies. But again, it must be genuine. I worked in the music business for more than 7 years, and the best piece of advice I was ever given when I first started was to buy a lot of lunches. In other words, it is good to be in community, always building a network of[...] Tue, 21 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=474 It's Christmas week here at NRT! A lot of new Christmas music dropped this year, as it does every year. With so many choices of remakes, original songs and crazy collaborations out there, four of our NRT contributors each sifted through the pile to pick their top two Christmas albums released this year. Here are their picks NRT Founder Kevin McNeese (Kevin_McNeese) Happy Christmas Volume 5 by Various Artists The longest running Christmas compilation returns for[...] Tue, 21 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=475 Due to the popularity of the original 2007 Bethlehem Skyline project, Centricity Music released Bethlehem Skyline Vol. 2 on Sept. 28, 2010. The Christmas album features eight Centricity Music artists Downhere[...] Mon, 20 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=471 Are we at the end of 2010 already? Wow! I can't believe that we are wrapping up yet another year. The first year of the new decade was packed with some amazing releases and I feel incredibly blessed to be able to reflect and share with you my picks for the best albums of the past twelve months for the ninth year in a row! Next year, I'll have to carve out some additional time to write a "Best Of The Past Ten Years" article. I'm sure there are a couple handfuls of albums that I'll be happy to dust off[...] Mon, 20 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=473 It happened in a blink. One day, Revive was an Australian-based Christian music band on the outside of the country's decidedly secular music scene. The next, the quartet was living in Atlanta, about to become a key addition to America's growing Christian music industry. Under the tutelage of Third Day frontman Mac Powell, who produced the band's first Essential album, Revive earned a New Artist of the Year nomination in the Gospel Music Association's 2010 Dove Awards. But that stamp of approval from the group's peers was only a marker on Revive's creative journey—the best was yet[...] Tue, 14 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=469 What if kindness really could change the world? For that simple hearted question to engage today's complex society requires a bit of creativity. So when a duly imaginative group desired to write penetrating new music about loving well, a character was born. He's like Buddy the Elf meets Forrest Gump, says MercyMe singer Bart Millard of the fictitious namesake behind his band's sixth studio album, The Generous Mr. Lovewell. He sees the good in everyone and knows his neighbors enough[...] Tue, 14 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=470 It Is Well (Expanded Edition) was released on October 26, 2010. It is Kutless' follow up album to Gold-selling worship release Strong Tower, and features several brand new singles such as "What Faith Can Do", "Amazed" and favorites such as "Hungry", "Give Us Clean Hands" and "God of Wonders." The heart of worship is something the band passionately seeks, and they love bringing that to the forefront, sharing and giving glory to God. With the new album, the audiences have been able to sing along to the classics as well as bring[...] Mon, 13 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=468 Jimmy Needham has always followed his own path. Whether that mantra is applied to his music, his spirituality or his modesty, Needham has built a successful career on his own terms—and his third full-length CD, Nightlights, is an affirmation of that approach. Correspondingly, if his bride Kelly inspired his last album Not Without Love, Nightlights was the result of a lot of hard thinking about his priorities in life. “Christian music is an interesting paradox because the ambition should be the promotion of Christ and yet everything in your industry is telling you that it’s a promotion[...] Tue, 07 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=461 Fireflight’s first three albums have been a thematic travelogue of sorts. While the band’s debut emphasized resiliency amidst hardship, Unbreakable focused on emerging victorious beyond such difficulty. The band's current album, For Those Who Wait, is a maturation in understanding that sometimes you don’t appreciate why you’re on the path that you’re on, lead singer Dawn Michele explains. “A lot of times, we get bogged down thinking about things that we’re waiting for,” she says. “As soon as I get my bills paid, then things are going to be great. As soon as my family member’s not[...] Tue, 07 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=463 The growth shown with each Disciple album instantly is noticeable, but the evolution between their previous trio of projects for INO/Columbia Records and the brand new Horseshoes Handgrenades is exponential. The Dove Award-winning band honed in on its heavy rock n’ roll roots for several of their most explosive offerings to date, while also exploring the more melodic side of the dial, attracting the previously unfamiliar. “Every time we write a song, one of our goals is how it will affect somebody, not just the lost, but believers who also need to be encouraged, guided and[...] Mon, 06 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=462 Welcome back for the second edition of The Indie Road. Last time, I wrote about that dreaded four letter word, work. I am hoping though, that if you read it and took it to heart, maybe it’s not such a terrible word anymore! The next (very) important step that unfortunately most musicians neglect, is getting a vision for our show. For some, this might take more work than practice. If you’re fortunate enough to have people at your show, whether five or 5,000, know this They have set aside time, and probably money, and have given you permission to[...] Tue, 30 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=455 Genesis, Petra, Van Halen. They all did it. Many legendary acts have introduced a new lead singer amidst their career without missing a beat. So when Newsboys announced that dc Talk vocalist Michael Tait would take over for exiting front man Peter Furler--after a natural period of surprise--the band and its fans alike began to relish the positives and possibilities of this fresh start. And all signs would point to a phrase loaded with creative and spiritual significance that has become the title of Newsboys’ 2010 album, Born Again, which released June 8, 2010. Of course, Tait hardly[...] Tue, 30 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=457 Pocket Full of Rocks released their long awaited new project, More Than Noise, on March 2, 2010. Featuring the current single “Come As You Are,” More Than Noise was produced by Dove Award-winning producer Ed Cash. The album also includes a recording of “Let It Rain,” a worship standard in the contemporary church, written by frontman Michael Farren and made popular by Michael W. Smith.  “A lot of what I’ve been sharing out on the road deals with losing your religion and finding relationship with an amazing God,” says Michael Farren, the band’s lead singer/songwriter. Farren set[...] Tue, 30 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=459 Prolific singer/songwriter Phil Wickham continues to gain momentum with his modern style of vertical worship and poetic lyrics. Leading corporate worship nationwide, Wickham--known for such hits as You're Beautiful and Divine Romance--describes the daily truths he is learning with a tender yet poignant voice and a passionate cry of worship. I loved Phil Wickham's critically acclaimed sophomore album Cannons and the distinguished singer/songwriter finds his voice on his third studio album, Heaven and Earth, which finds him creating infectious melodies that have contemplative and honest messages of surrender and abandon. For the first time in his career, Wickham felt like[...] Mon, 29 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=458 “I will love you for you, not for what you have done or what you will become, I will love you for you, I will give you the love, the love that you never knew.” —“What Love Really Means” by JJ Heller, from the album When I’m With You There came a time in my life when I finally realized I was never going to be “worthy” enough to earn the love I desperately wanted from people. Okay, hold up a second. I think I’ve gotten ahead of myself. Let’s go back and start from the beginning… Like so many others[...] Sun, 28 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=453 Individualistic. A free spirit. Untraditional. In junior high those labels are a death sentence. In adulthood, they usually describe people the rest of us wish we could be--creative, intriguing people like Audrey Assad. “I was 19 when I started to fully understand the idea of surrendering my life--not just as a concept, but the daily hopes and dreams and disappointments--and giving that away to God,” she says. “That’s when I first started to realize He had gifted me with music.” Truly one-of-a-kind, this intensely honest singer-songwriter is carving out her own unique path in the music industry and opening[...] Tue, 23 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=452 Dorothy Savage brings to Christian music with her debut album Glorious Mess, the energy of a fresh, relevant message of hope. Glorious Mess is just the beginning of Dorothy's story, marking a new chapter in a life that has already lived more than one amazing dream come true. From the college where she earned her music degree, to the bright lights of Broadway, to the recording studios of Nashville, Dorothy Savage has won the personal battles in her young life with the simple realization that real strength comes in letting go and letting God. Crafted around the message of[...] Tue, 23 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=450 Raising Up the Dead is the newest and highly anticipated release from Caedmon's Call. With career sales exceeding 1 million albums and going on 16 years in the industry, the Texas-based band has made the leap from independent act to Christian music mainstay. Caedmon’s Call has launched 16 national releases and seven No. 1 radio singles. This is our most collaborative project ever, member Derek Webb says of Raising Up the Dead. Everyone was involved in the writing process because we wanted to make a record that reflected the idea of community very strongly. It's a big[...] Mon, 22 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=449 Chris Tomlin offered his thoughts regarding his latest single, I Will Follow, from his 2010 release And If Our God Is For Us. The chorus of I Will Follow, makes some pretty bold claims Who you love, I’ll love. How you serve, I’ll serve. Where you go I’ll go. Even if I lose my life I’ll follow you. While those words might be a true expression of the heart, when we hear them coming out of our own mouths it should still be a little sobering. Are we really considering the implications of what we’re saying? Or are we just[...] Sun, 21 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=451 Georgia rock band Third Day delivers its soul-stirring, 11th studio album, MOVE, showcasing members Mac Powell, Mark Lee, Tai Anderson and David Carr at their melodic and lyrical best peering insightfully at life within the church as well as pointedly seeking to understand the needs and questions of those without faith. It's an often difficult balance to achieve, but Third Day succeeds in speaking candidly and hopefully to listeners of every stripe, challenging each not just to a place of faith, but a place of faith in action. Third Day released its self-titled, debut album[...] Tue, 16 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=445 Over the last ten years, Andrew Peterson has quietly carved out a niche for himself as one of the most thoughtful, poetic, and lyrical songwriters of his generation. More recently he’s established himself as the grassroots facilitator of an online literary and songwriting community (www.RabbitRoom.com) and an emerging fantasy novelist as well. But it’s still ultimately that sense of rootedness that listeners, readers and fans seem to respond to most deeply—because Andrew’s songs (and books) remind us again and again of simple, solid things like love and friendship and hope and redemption and beauty and how our[...] Tue, 16 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=448 Not many women would be comfortable on the front page of a magazine... with no make-up. Chances are, Nichole Nordeman wasn't either. But she braved it and came clean for CCM Magazine's special issue on true beauty. It was this very cover that led Big Idea, the production machine behind the VeggieTales franchise, to connect with Nichole on their latest project, Sweetpea Beauty—A Girl After God's Own Heart. The new children's show is all about discovering inner beauty and our identity in Christ. Oddly enough, Nichole is all about the same things. God's the one who sees us as beautiful, and we can either choose to[...] Mon, 15 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=444 NEEDTOBREATHE's third album is called The Outsiders and listening to the anthemic title track that opens the 14-song collection, it's clear that they embrace this label as both a badge of honor and a battle cry. The sons of an Assembly of God pastor, Bear and Bo Rinehart had inherited their father's gift with words, and put it to good use in their songwriting; their mother taught piano, making music a constant part of their young lives. NEEDTOBREATHE was formed in 1999 by Bear and Bo with childhood friends Joe Stillwell and Seth Bolt from Possum Kingdom, South Carolina.[...] Mon, 15 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=446 As Max Lucado entered his 25th year of ministry and writing, he connected with Third Day's bassist Tai Anderson and together they came up with the Make A Difference worship tour. It's so much more than just music and worship, says Tai. We as the church have been called to really make a difference in the world around us. To get outside the four walls of our building and do something, anything. And this is just what they did as they gathered the biggest names in Christian music and partnered with World Vision to make a[...] Mon, 15 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=447 For his new record, The Story Of Your Life, Matthew West did something unusual he turned the microphone around. Rather than write about what he was experiencing in his life, he asked his fans to submit the stories of their lives. When he opened up this opportunity to his fans, the message spread quickly--and soon almost 10,000 stories were submitted. Radio stations, media outlets, and retailers caught the vision and helped spread the word of this unique album. The stories gave Matthew a window into what his fans had experienced in their lives. And they covered a wide[...] Tue, 09 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=442 I am really impressed with the quality of new Christian releases this year. For sure, 2009 was the best year in the past decade in Christian music with career albums by Jars of Clay, Needtobreathe, David Crowder*Band, BarlowGirl, Switchfoot, Relient K, Mark Schultz, Phil Wickham and Sara Groves. 2010 has also been loaded with quality albums making it an incredible follow-up, and two of the most amazing years for Christian music that I can ever remember. I can now name over twenty artists who have released the best albums of their careers these past two years, and on both[...] Tue, 09 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=443 The Afters returned with their third album Light Up the Sky on September 14, 2010. Music from the new record, including the single “Light Up the Sky,” has already been picked up by MTV’s The Hills for the show’s final season. The Texas-based band, who formed while working at a Starbucks, were propelled into the national spotlight with their INO/Sony Music Label Group debut, I Wish We All Could Win. The project spawned the swirling, melodic hit “Beautiful Love,” earning the band an enthusiastic following when the song was selected as the theme track for MTV’s 8th[...] Mon, 08 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=441 BEC Recordings welcomed The Museum to their lineup earlier this year. This compelling foursome took shape when singer Ben Richter and guitarist Geoffrey Ashcraft moved from Texas to Georgia and plugged into a church where drummer/programmer Josh Kirk was the janitor. Soon they were leading local worship services together and then traveling on musical mission trips overseas. The Museum's uplifting debut album was recorded in Nashville, Seattle, and Atlanta with producers Jason Ingram and Rusty Varenkamp (Tenth Avenue North, Brandon Heath, Sanctus Real), Aaron Sprinkle (Jeremy Camp, Kutless, Hawk Nelson), and Jason Hoard (Shane Shane, FEE). Let[...] Fri, 05 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=440 Since releasing their self-titled debut in 2004, Rebecca, Alyssa and Lauren Barlow have continuously inspired fans with such intimate portraits, as with their sophomore set, Another Journal Entry and with such bold challenges as 2007’s How Can We Be Silent. For BarlowGirl the focus is always on sharing what God has placed on their hearts. They continue to do just that with Love War, my favorite overall album by BarlowGirl and one of my top albums of 2009. Love War reflects a passion for ministry as well as a respect for their platform. “There’s just an urgency to[...] Tue, 02 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=439 Britt Nicole released her debut album, Say It on Sparrow Records in 2007, which spawned the hits You, Set the World On Fire and Believe. Her current single “Hanging On” is her newest hit song from The Lost Get Found. The Lost Get Found in Britt’s words is ”... simply about being who we are called to be as Christians, and through that, seeing the lost get found. I believe that when we become who we are called to be, the lost will come to know God. They will see that God is real, and that His love is[...] Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=438 After his most recent, and highly successful release, A New Hallelujah, Michael W. Smith spent time on the road touring in the U.S. and internationally. This allowed him time to once again let his heart view the world we live in, and using his gift of music, begin to express the feelings and thoughts that arose out of these trips. These moments, and other life milestones were the genesis for his latest CD, Wonder. Ten new songs pack this new Michael W. Smith project with subject matter that is sure to pierce your heart, backed by a[...] Tue, 26 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=435 It all began when Ben Richter (Lead Vocals Guitars) and Geoff Ashcraft (Guitar) left behind their home of Texas to land in Atlanta, GA where Josh (drums) and Chris (bass) also joined to form the band. Right around that time, Josh spent a couple weeks in Timisoara, Romania on a mission trip and heard an amazing story of that nation while in the center square. In 1989, communism was overthrown in that very town square by what began as just a small group of Christians gathering to protest. That night a man took Josh around the corner to show[...] Mon, 25 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=436 If you like praise & worship, don't hesitate to attend the current tour featuring Phil Wickham and MercyMe. Both artists recently released their best albums in my opinion and I had the privilege to attend their show on Friday, October 15th in Reading, PA. In some ways, the seed that eventually grew into Phil Wickham's third studio album, Heaven and Earth, was planted while reading Donald Miller's Searching For God Knows What, which happens to be one of my all-time favorite books. There is a chapter about Adam and Eve and how humanity falls in the third[...] Mon, 25 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=437 At first glance, Kerrie Roberts is the unassuming girl with a huge voice. But once her voice captures you, it is clear there’s much more going on here. Dynamic yet intimate, uniquely emotive and soulful, her self-titled debut reveals the heart of an empathetic artist. These are the songs of a distinctly relational and prolific songwriter. “My father is a pastor, so my whole family has been shaped by the church,” says Kerrie. “From a young age, my parents always taught me to reach out to the broken and to those who need hope.” With her first performance at[...] Tue, 19 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=433 The first thing you notice about JJ Heller is a wide grin that stretches across her face and welcomes you in as a friend, whether you've known her for years or are shaking her hand for the very first time. These days especially, the twenty-nine year old west coast native has a lot to be happy about. We're definitely two halves of a whole, she explains. I write the bulk of the lyrics and Dave is the editor and arranger, making the songs more effective. He also does everything on the business side, which is great because it frees[...] Mon, 18 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=434 Acclaimed for its music and leadership as humanitarians, Jars of Clay geared up for the October 5th release of its community-inspired project, Jars of Clay Presents The Shelter. The four men at the heart of the project--Dan Haseltine, Charlie Lowell, Matt Odmark and Stephen Mason--find their calendars filling up with appearances designed to shed light on the new project, inspired from an old Irish proverb, “It is in the shelter of each other that the people live.” I am a long-time fan of Jars of Clay and credit the Gospel messages from their landmark debut album for leading[...] Mon, 11 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=430 With their latest project Reinvention, Grammy-nominated Superchick goes back to the studio to reinvent their favorite songs. Drawing inspiration from the 100+ TV shows, video games and movies that use their music, Superchick has created a soundtrack album for fast car chases, giant fighting robots, teen romance and bad guys walking in slow motion. Three new singles including Still Here and a solo breakout from bassist Matt Dally entitled Let It Roll accompany nine reinventions pulled from every album in the band's discography. These are songs we love; it means a lot to us to get the chance to[...] Mon, 11 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=431 Rarely has a new band delivered an album with more emotional punch than Tenth Avenue North’s 2008 debut, Over and Underneath. Musically inventive and lyrically compelling, the collection helped earn the band the New Artist of the Year accolade at the 2009 Dove Awards and placed them in headliner status on its fall tour. Needless to say its 2010 follow up album was one of the most highly anticipated albums of the year. With one listen to The Light Meets The Dark, it is obvious Mike Donehey, Jeff Owen and Jason Jamison are taking a bold step forward[...] Mon, 11 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=432 You’ve practiced your hearts out, night after night. Envisioned in your mind the kind of experience you want for your audience. Wrestled on paper and in rehearsals for the best placement of each song. Confident that you’ve got something worthwhile. Amazing! Lights go up. It’s show time. From the first chord, you take the crowd on an amazing roller coaster ride--visually, sonically and emotionally. They clap their hands, sing along, cry, laugh and get challenged to change. And, they want more. An encore! All because you have given them what they came for. An experience. Isn’t that why we do this? I hope[...] Thu, 07 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=429 Singer-songwriter Francesca Battistelli earned her first GMA Dove Award wins for Best Female Vocalist and Best Music Video for her hit single, “Free To Be Me,” from her debut record, My Paper Heart. “Free To Be Me” shattered records when it became the most added song by a female artist in Christian radio history, holding the number one slot for ten consecutive weeks and becoming the first number one song from a female at AC radio since 2005. Additionally, the song was the #4 most downloaded Christian Digital track for 2009. After erupting onto the music scene, Francesca Battistelli[...] Tue, 05 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=427 “Take your past, say ‘so long’, start dancing to your new song… you’ve got a new song.” “Back To Innocence” from the album Stephanie Smith EP by Stephanie Smith What is the first thing you notice when you hear a song? The answer is different for all people. Musicians will normally say that the first thing they notice is the music. Songwriters will say it’s the lyrics. If you’re anything like I am, you’ll just notice that music is playing--period. Whatever way you listen to a song, you are inevitably going to have to evaluate the song as a[...] Tue, 05 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=428 Award-winning pop-rock band Stellar Kart released its INO Records debut, the band’s fourth studio recording, Everything Is Different Now on March 9, 2010. Unique to this project, Stellar Kart incorporates a more worshipful sound and vertical lyrics. Produced by Dove Award-winning producer Ian Eskelin (Francesca Battistelli, Krystal Meyers), Everything Is Different Now is a unique collection of vertically minded songs that continue in the pop/rock tradition of Stellar Kart’s past work. However, instead of focusing on more relational matters, Everything Is Different Now takes a decidedly worshipful turn, a nod to the band’s roots. Songs like the catchy[...] Mon, 04 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=426 Robbie Seay Band makes their home in Houston, Texas where they work, serve and love their local community. The band leads worship at Ecclesia, a church in the Montrose area of Houston where Robbie's brother, Chris Seay, is the teaching pastor. Robbie and his brother started the church and have watched God do some amazing things throughout the last several years. Many of the songs Robbie Seay Band writes and performs are inspired by events and people within Ecclesia and the community there, so his albums are testimonies of God’s faithfulness, our humanity and how they intertwine as we[...] Tue, 28 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=425 Since releasing their self-titled debut in 2004, Rebecca, Alyssa and Lauren Barlow have continuously inspired fans with such intimate portraits, as with their sophomore set, Another Journal Entry and with such bold challenges as 2007’s How Can We Be Silent. For BarlowGirl, the focus is always on sharing what God has placed on their hearts. They continue to do just that with Love War, my favorite overall album by BarlowGirl and one of my top albums of 2009. Love War reflects a passion for ministry as well as a respect for their platform. “The majority[...] Mon, 27 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=424 This was the second time I've attended the Revelation Generation Festival, historically held on the weekend before Labor Day. I've always been interested in the lineup of artists but my family tends to be busy that weekend. Thankfully, I was able to attend both days of the festival this year and was able to get the privilege to see several artists I've always wanted to see in concert on Saturday, September 4, 2010 starting with Britt Nicole. Britt was a great way to start off an amazing festival as she has so much energy and[...] Tue, 21 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=421 I’ve been a huge fan of Bebo Norman for the past decade as he has written and sung some of my favorite songs including “The Hammer Holds,” “A Page Is Turned,” “Tip Of My Heart,” “Great Light Of The World,” “Nothing Without You” and “I Will Lift My Eyes.” He took it up a notch with his self-titled album which included the standout songs “Britney,” “Pull Me Out” and the Dove Award winning “The Only Hope.” He’s a truth telling folk music style singer-songwriter like Rich Mullins, Derek Webb and Todd Agnew. On the heels of his 2010 Dove Award,[...] Tue, 21 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=423 Already deemed by Alternative Press Magazine as one of the 100 bands to watch in 2010, Deas Vail is ready to let their voice be heard with the recent release their Mono vs Stereo debut Birds Cages, out now. Deas Vail began as college friends playing music together for fun. They didn't begin as a group of musicians trying to start a career. According to Wes Blalock, “A friend and I started playing songs that I had previously written, and it grew before we knew it. People within our local music scene were attracted to what we[...] Mon, 20 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=422 Suburba is an album like nothing else you will hear. Since House Of Heroes' last album, The End Is Not The End, I’ve been convinced that HOH is the top alternative band in all of Christian music. I am a long-time fan of Weezer, Jimmy Eat World, Plain White T’s, Death Cab for Cutie and Relient K. If you like those bands, get this album immediately. House of Heroes won me over 2 years ago with “If,” “Lose Control,” “In The Valley of the Dying Sun” and “Field Of Daggers.” I have had the privilege to[...] Tue, 14 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=419 With giant infectious melodies and occasional dalliances with prog-math and a newfound sense of whimsy, The Classic Crime is for everybody. On their new album, Vagabonds, the band pared down their songs to their most basic elements with electrifying results. I'm obsessed with simple songs, explains vocalist and songwriter Matt MacDonald. Songs that don't change a lot musically but you can feel the dynamics in the melody and rhythm when you listen. With three full length albums and thousands of miles of touring under their belts, these vagabonds sincerely hope the ride never ends. I would like people[...] Mon, 13 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=418 “With the clock running down, we’re gonna leave our fears and failures all behind, this is our time, we’ll reach till we touch the sky.” We Won’t Give Up from the album, Light Up The Sky by The Afters There is a small park in the town where I grew up. I used to go there all the time when I was little. I’d play on all the playground equipment until I was too tired to move, and then I’d go home and nap for a few hours. Fun times. Good memories. I was thinking about this park not[...] Mon, 13 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=420 Out of Gainesville, Florida, Lanae’ Hale developed her style by playing worship in church and trying out her songs in coffeehouses. Like a lot of young women, Lanae’ felt the enormous pressure of living up to our material world’s 21st century expectations and sometimes that pressure sweeps you into a dark corner. “I was into cutting, Lanae’ explains, and if not for the grace of God I may not have made it through. It’s hard to explain but sometimes you don’t like yourself and do bad things to yourself, such as cutting. If I can reach out to God[...] Tue, 07 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=417 As a major fan of the Canadian band Downhere since their Dove Award winning debut in 2001, this band has only managed to get better this decade putting them in the ranks of my other favorite bands Jars of Clay, MercyMe and Sanctus Real. To help tide us over until Downhere’s new album comes out next year, the band released a 2-disc project at festivals this summer called Two At A Time Sneak Peeks and B Sides. This is an album of sneak peeks of new song as well as some never-before released songs and is currently[...] Mon, 06 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=415 Hailing from Boise, ID, Esterlyn brings a fresh artistic sound to modern worship. Playing over 200 concert dates this past year alone, this talented four-piece band has been building their fan base for several years, primarily within the Calvary Chapel system where lead singer Luke Caldwell was a youth pastor for four years. The band started by releasing their debut independent album, Lamps in early 2008, featuring the single “We All Need.” Esterlyn recorded an acoustic worship EP entitled Mending the Meaning in early 2009, which hit the Top 10 Albums on iTunes Christian charts. Over the past[...] Mon, 06 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=416 It Is Well is the follow-up to Strong Tower, the biggest worship album Kutless has released. It Is Well is a perfect blend of well-known worship songs mixed in with some fresh new originals. The heart of worship is something the band as a whole is very in tune with and they love bringing that to the forefront, sharing and coming together as one to give glory to God. With the new album, listeners will be able to sing along to the classics as well as add some new favorites into their time of worship. I got[...] Mon, 30 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=412 Still riding the momentum of its huge-selling Grammy-nominated debut album, End of Silence, RED returned with Innocence Instinct, a provocative new album forged in a perfect storm of inspiration and catastrophe. From the literary spark of Dante's Inferno to the bloody aftermath of a 75-mph highway crash, RED absorbed a flood of ideas and emotions that empowered the band to create next generation rock songs. Finding the sonic sweet spot where epic and primal converge, Innocence Instinct features animated dynamics that super-charge its innocence vs. instinct theme. “Innocence” is where we all begin. “Instinct” can quickly[...] Mon, 30 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=413 On Sunday night, November 8th, thousands of worshipers gathered together in the Sydney Entertainment Center in a collective expression of worship, recording the latest live album from Hillsong Church. The fact that an album was being recorded seemed incidental, inconsequential even, as thousands of voices ascended heavenward, filling the stadium with a heartfelt expression of worship. The presence of God was tangible, the focus singular--a beautiful exchange Perfection took our place, when only love could make a way, you gave your life in a beautiful exchange... From the first song, you are carried on a journey from awakening to awe for this overwhelmingly[...] Mon, 30 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=414 Word Records’ rock newcomers Remedy Drive, nominated for best new artist, recently celebrated multiple weeks at the top of the Christian Rock chart with their breakout single, “All Along.” Like most brothers, Remedy Drive members David, Paul, Philip and Daniel Zach had their fair share of squabbles growing up. With no television at home to distract them, the boys had few other outlets for their energies. Fortunately, they found common ground in their love of music. In fact, the first time they heard a guitar solo, they say it “made them feel alive.” And for four brothers who listened[...] Tue, 24 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=410 While he may be considered a new artist, Fervent Records' newly signed singer-songwriter Chris August is anything but a rookie in the music industry. The self-taught pianist, guitarist and producer previously toured as the keyboard player and opening act for pop sensation Ashlee Simpson before shifting his focus to his solo career. Chris, a native of Dallas, Texas, put his refined skill set to work when he co-produced his debut record, No Far Away with acclaimed producer Ed Cash. While he is not one to shy away from writing about his faith, Chris isn't afraid to embrace relationships[...] Tue, 24 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=411 Natalie Grant is a powerhouse vocalist, social activist, working mom, entrepreneur, four-time GMA Female Vocalist of the Year and founder of The Home Foundation which rescues victims of human trafficking. Her eighth album, Love Revolution, releases on August 24, 2010 from Curb Records. Natalie Grant is also thrilled to announce her latest and greatest “revolution”--her second pregnancy with husband/producer Bernie Herms. This will be the Grant’s third child, following the birth of the couple’s twins, Bella Gracie, in 2007. Love Revolution features Natalie's new single, “Greatness Of Our God,” which was written by Jason[...] Tue, 17 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=408 The origin of MIKESCHAIR was set in a freshman guy’s dorm room one night at Belmont University in Nashville, TN. The band’s name, MIKESCHAIR, begs for an explanation. “The 'chair' was the central gathering point where we got our start,” says lead guitarist Sam Tinnesz. “All of us lived on the same floor of our dorm at Belmont, except for Mike Grayson. Since he was always hanging out with us on our floor, we decided to get him a piece of furniture to make him feel a little more at home. The chair was his only piece of property on[...] Mon, 16 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=409 “We are His story, we are His song, a beautiful melody that shows the world His love when we’re on this journey, when we’re on this road, we are a part of the greatest story ever told.” --“This Is My Story” by Addison Road from Stories I’ve heard it said, about the book of Acts in the bible, that the reason it doesn’t have an ending is because WE are still writing the book today. The more I ponder on this, the more amazed I become. I read about such prominent New Testament figures like Paul, Silas, Peter,[...] Mon, 16 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=407 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins...But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved). --Ephesians 21, 4-5 Before you start reading, I'd like for you to make a list. With a pen and piece of paper, write at the top Things Dead People Do. Take a minute to list out all the activities that can be accomplished by dead folks, and then let’s reconvene... Good to see you back so[...] Wed, 11 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=405 Texas-based worship artist Kari Jobe is all over the place. The serial tweeter often is found writing about airport mishaps, taxi hijinks and playing shows at vastly different locales across the country from week to week. Jobe, 29, is impassioned and focused in her God-given mission to usher people into the presence of God. From the moment the first notes played at 1PM Thursday, July 22, 2010 on the worship stage at Creation Festival Northwest, Jobe’s anointing was evident, as her being lost in worship spilled over to those who had gathered. Between her worship stage and main[...] Tue, 10 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=402 A worshipper dedicated to drawing the eyes, heart and minds of the church toward its heavenly Father, Chris McClarney’s first full-length studio album, Defender, is now in stores. Packed with songs inspired by real life, lessons learned and the truth of Scripture, McClarney delivers this collection of soulful modern worship as 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. Chris caught the attention of the Redding, California-based Jesus Culture youth movement. An “army” of believers in the movement has adopted McClarney’s “Your Love[...] Tue, 10 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=403 Kingsway Records recently announced the release of Brenton Brown’s inspiring, challenging and infinitely appealing new album, Adoration, which features co-writes with Paul Baloche on “Our God Saves” and “Because Of Your Love,” re-recordings of Brenton’s classics “Holy” and “All Who Are Thirsty” together with the stunning title track and first single, “Adoration” and the soon-to-be classics “Amazing God” and “A Thousand Stars.” After a recent run of magazine covers, awards (including one from ASCAP recognizing the popularity of “Everlasting God”), and the generally increasing buzz, there’s a fresh excitement about Brenton and his music. Brenton is one of[...] Tue, 10 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=404 Sisters Tal Acacia grew up in Portland, Maine, in a Christian household and attended an inner-city school their mom and dad ran for underprivileged youth. Tal Acacia first began songwriting and playing guitar in their teen years, while the family spent an insightful year in Russia aiding a humanitarian orphan ministry. After returning from Russia, the sisters developed a stronger sense of the world during separate collegiate pursuits in opposite regions of North America. Now, in their early twenties, Tal Acacia aim to create songs that wake listeners and refresh the soul. The songwriting duo’s music[...] Tue, 03 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=397 Released the same day as the film, the official soundtrack for To Save a Life is available now exclusively as a digital download. Compiled by music supervisor Charlie Peacock, and executive producers Nicole Franco and Scott Evans, the soundtrack includes songs that are featured in the film, songs sharing the spirit of the project, and an original piece scored by Timothy Michael Wynn. “I thoroughly enjoyed working with director Brian Baugh to select the music for To Save a Life,” explains Peacock, “It's rewarding to watch scenes come alive when the right music connects with the visuals. Often times I[...] Tue, 03 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=398 “There is an antidote to heal your broken pain, there is a lifeline that hides inside the Maker of your frame, He gave His life, hold your head up high, you will get by” “Antidote” by B.Reith from the album Now Is Not Forever I am known for being very stubborn when it comes to taking any sort of medication. Perhaps it’s due to my imagined sensitivity to it. You see, I have a tendency to be Miss “Take one teaspoon of cough syrup and fall into a coma for three hours.” Whatever my mental reasoning, taking medicine is[...] Tue, 03 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=399 Chances are, even if Carlos Whittaker’s debut album, Ragamuffin Soul, is new to you, you’ve heard of him before. Whether you saw him get Saul’s conversion tattooed on his arm on an episode of LA Ink or heard him say he was a terrible parent after telling his son, Losiah, that he didn’t qualify to sing Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” song in the car with his sisters, or read his many musings on faith and the Church on his blog, Carlos Whittaker is all over the place. Before leading worship at Creation Festival NW, Carlos took some time[...] Tue, 03 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=400 There's an old cliché about having a lifetime to write your debut record and only a few months to write your second. For some artists, assembling enough material in time to stay current seems a daunting task, but Je’kob and Rachael Washington--collectively known as The Washington Projects--have the opposite problem. In fact, the group’s second effort (after their Warner Bros. release as the now-defunct band, Souljahz) left so much on the cutting room floor that they had a good head start for their latest release, Light Up the Dark, which dropped June 15, 2010 on Swaggerrock Records. The 11-track album-–full[...] Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=394 With more than 11-million albums sold worldwide, Hillsong LIVE returns with 12 new songs for its 19th recording, A Beautiful Exchange. The album was recorded live November 8, 2009 with thousands of worshippers gathered together in Sydney, Australia and features new songs by worship leaders Reuben Morgan, Joel Houston, Darlene Zschech and others. Known for such worldwide worship anthems as “Shout To The Lord,” “Mighty To Save,” “From the Inside Out,” “Hosanna” and “Desert Song,” I eagerly await each new Hillsong release and A Beautiful Exchange is truly stellar and my top overall album by Hillsong LIVE. “Forever Reign”[...] Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=395 Though the music of Sydney, Australia’s Hillsong Church has impacted the global Church for over a decade, it has only been in recent years that the their youth worship team, Hillsong United, has exploded. Their passionate lyrics and fresh brand of modern rock helped catapult them to top-selling status and earned the group the Gospel Music Association’s International Award as well as Dove Award nominations for “Group of the Year” and “Praise and Worship Album.” Amidst the growing zeal for the Aussie group, Hillsong United released their latest album, Tear Down The Walls. Originally, there was no[...] Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=396 I have really enjoyed Addison Road’s self-titled debut album on INO Records for the past two years, and I’ve been looking forward to the new album. One of the most worshipful songs on the debut album is “Hope Now,” which I featured for a “Behind The Song” devotional last year. I find the message especially encouraging, and I love the line “Your love sets me free.” Addison Road’s new album, Stories, opens with a unique song for Addison Road. Never before had they recorded a song written for them by another artist. But when tobyMac came[...] Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=390 New Sparrow recording artist Audrey Assad is a worship-leader, songwriter and gifted singer who is going to be a breakout star in CCM. With her popularity rising from her duet with Chris Tomlin on his Christmas album, she is poised to be one of the brightest stars in CCM. Singer/songwriter Audrey Assad, originally from New Jersey and most recently Florida, weaves her captivating voice into a thread of contemplative yet accessible music and lyrics on her debut release The House You’re Building, released on July 13th. A lot of new artists come and go quickly in this business,”[...] Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=391 This was the fourth time I've attended the Creation East festival and the first time I've covered it for NewReleaseTuesday.com since I started writing reviews and the Behind The Song devotional series. I was thrilled to arrive for the opening night's set as Downhere, David Crowder*Band and Switchfoot are three of my favorite bands and each most recently released the best albums of their career, in my opinion. Sometimes an album doesn't live up to the hype after an excellent album like Wide-Eyed And Mystified,, but every song on Ending[...] Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=392 It’s been almost three months since Middle Tennessee got hit with one of the worst floods in the history of the state. The papers and local TV stations called it a “1000-year” flood, and it sure felt like that to the residents of Nashville, Bellevue, Franklin and surrounding cities and towns. As April showers turned to May torrential rains, it seemed as if the seasons were not ready to move on. On May 1-2, 2010, the Middle Tennessee area received over 19 inches of rain in a 48-hour period while the weather quickly turned from a casual storm into one[...] Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=393 Leeland’s passionate, progressive music is well known for creating a stir among a new generation of worshipers. Love Is On The Move continues the band’s mission of calling believers toward an active role in being God’s hands and feet on earth so that His kingdom can continue to press into the world. With a collection of amazing vertical songs, Leeland’s powerful anthems and penetrating melodies are poised to spark a new revival in the church. I got the great opportunity to interview Leeland Mooring about “New Creation.” You can listen to our entire interview here. Please tell[...] Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=388 Combine the strengths of two super groups that have sold millions of records, achieved an astounding number of #1 radio hits and received numerous Dove Awards. The result? A reborn newsboys. Now that longtime members Jody Davis (guitar), keyboardist Jeff Frankenstein and drummer Duncan Phillips have welcomed the vocal strengths, writing talents and boundless energy of former dc Talk member Michael Tait to the band, this is clearly a good reason to feel born again and in fact, share some new songs. This week, newsboys are more eager than ever to release their 15th studio project, aptly titled[...] Mon, 12 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=387 My responsibilities as a pastor give me the opportunity to talk to every type of person you could imagine on a weekly basis. As I do my best to try and help people navigate through life with a great sense of purpose and hope in knowing Jesus, I have found one issue that distracts people more than almost any other. Farmville. I kid, I kid! The issue that truly confuses people is the issue of identity. People want to fit in. As a matter of fact, according to psychologists, our desire for acceptance is greater than our need for[...] Sun, 11 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=389 I wanna live my life just like you did, and make the most of my time just like you did, and I wanna make my home up in the sky just like you did... Save A Place For Me by Matthew West from the album, Something To Say My church family was rocked a few months back at the passing of a ten-year-old boy. This little boy, the son of one of the leaders in our church, had been diagnosed with cancer in October of 2009, but his parents hadn’t told many people about it. So when the announcement[...] Fri, 09 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=386 Formerly known as The Michael Gungor Band, the socially active, Denver-based foursome is comprised of Michael Gungor, his wife Lisa, as well as friends Brad Waller (guitar) and Josh Harvey (bass). Gungor hits the scene with a different perspective than most bands as the lead singer is perhaps best known for co-writing distinguished songs like “Friend of God” and “Say So,” made famous by Israel Houghton. The music is not the only impressive thing about Gungor, as likewise the band is also incredibly involved in missions both in their hometown and abroad. Michael and his wife moved to Denver[...] Tue, 06 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=384 I recently saw BarlowGirl perform an acoustic concert on Friday, June 18, 2010, at Branch Creek Church in Harleysville, PA. My oldest of 3 daughters, Natalie, 10, joined me at the concert, and she also got the opportunity to meet the three Barlow sisters in person. I've always wanted to see BarlowGirl perform, and this was a great way to truly experience their excellent vocals and musicianship combined with a night of story-telling. Here's my song-by-song description of the concert. The first band to perform was Five Mile Fall, from Souderton, PA. They've recently formed as a band[...] Tue, 06 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=385 JJ Heller's musical career was birthed through the death of a dream to play college basketball. A disappointing basketball debut her freshman year of college led her to pick up a guitar during her sophomore year of school. That same year, JJ met her future husband, David Heller, and shortly thereafter the couple began playing her songs in the San Francisco Bay Area. “I grew up loving creative writing. Once I learned to play the guitar, song writing came with it,” said JJ, who has been a full-time singer/songwriter since the spring of 2003. Five years and four full-length[...] Mon, 05 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=383 British native Oxford theologian Vicky Beeching has been involved in worship ministry since she was a small child. Now, one of modern worship's fresh faces, Vicky brings an intellectual yet responsible melodic voice to today's modern worship. “At the age of 18, Vicky says, I couldn’t figure out whether to go to University and study theology, or hit the road and start full-time worship ministry. God, in his great sense of humor, had a wonderful plan for me that included both. It turned out that my theology degree at Oxford would be my training ground as songwriter--shaping my[...] Tue, 29 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=382 Since releasing their self-titled debut in 2004, Rebecca, Alyssa and Lauren Barlow of BarlowGirl have continuously inspired fans with such intimate portraits, as with their sophomore set, Another Journal Entry and with such bold challenges as 2007’s How Can We Be Silent. For BarlowGirl the focus is always on sharing what God has placed on their hearts. They continue to do just that with Love War, my favorite overall album by BarlowGirl and one of my top albums of 2009. The themes of love and war are seamlessly intertwined on this new collection. “There are[...] Mon, 21 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=379 Sanctus Real has returned with their new studio album Pieces of A Real Heart. This album finds the band maturing and growing as songwriters and individuals. Pieces of a Real Heart is the sound of a rock band retaining their aggressive edge but incorporating more diverse musical instrumentation and sounds-–as heard on the debut single “Forgiven.” Popularly known for its captivating recordings and live performances, Toledo, OH-based Sanctus Real is all about living out their lives as “real” Christians, not only on the stage and as they interact with fans, but in the quieter moments of their[...] Mon, 21 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=380 Time is precious, and there are a lot of things in today’s culture that waste our time, says Children 183 vocalist and bassist LeeMarie Hostetter. But listening to the band’s sophomore effort, Rain's 'A Comin', isn’t one of them. A sense of urgency propels the sibling punk trio’s 12-song follow-up to their much-lauded self-titled debut. In an age where punk music largely is indistinguishable from pop and the radio offers the same three chords repeated over and over, the Hostetters came out of nowhere with their entrancing, invasive musical stylings. Rain’s 'A Comin’ doesn’t stray too far from[...] Mon, 21 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=381 “When the thief takes, when our hopes cave, You build us back, You build us back When the earth shakes, when the world breaks, You build us back, You build us back.” Build Us Back by Newsboys from the album Born Again I remember a time in my life when I was seriously struggling with condemnation and guilt. It seemed like I kept saying sorry for the same things over and over again, thinking back on bad choices I had made and feeling like there was no way that God was ever going to help me. It was[...] Sat, 19 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=378 Produced by Newworldson and Justin Koop, the sophomore self-titled album features the lead single “There Is A Way, now charting at Adult Contemporary radio. The 12 song album packs a power punch of funky grooves, danceable rhythms and praise-inspiring lyrics, fashioning a style that is uniquely Newworldson. Renowned for its thrilling live performances, Newworldson has shared the stage with artists like newsboys and Kutless and has been featured on major slots at festivals both in North America and Europe. I got the opportunity to interview Joel Parisien about “There Is A Way. You can listen to our entire[...] Mon, 14 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=377 One of Christian music’s top-selling rock bands, GRAMMY®-nominated Skillet returns with its latest recording capturing the raw energy and multi-textured sonic landscape for which they have become known. A mixture of dissonant chords, anthemic builds and memorable vocal interpretation combine to form a progressive, yet classic rock-influenced sound that’s all their own. Skillet’s straightforward message and innovative sound has garnered the band seven #1 songs and an avid fan base. Experience pounding, classically influenced rock with a progressive edge, colored by dissonant chords, and gutsy vocals are all found on Skillet’s latest release, Awake. Relevant, innovative and unforgettable, Skillet[...] Sun, 13 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=376 Formed in 2006 under the name Breaking the Silence, The Letter Black has already built a strong established fan-base by opening for Skillet on multiple dates, and there are no plans to slow down as they get ready to play at major festivals this summer. After an impressive streak of 150 shows a year, this Uniontown, Pennsylvania-based band is sure to bring a major amount of attention on Tooth Nail Records, their new label home that is releasing their national debut, Hanging On By A Thread. With the name change, renewed focus and expanded national platform, The Letter[...] Tue, 08 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=372 Christian super group Point of Grace's new album, No Changin' Us, was clearly meant to be. Whether you want to describe it as God's plan, a perfect storm or simply fate, the natural evolution of the group's country-tinged sound and the expansion of its fan base into mainstream country is occurring exactly at a time when so many have grown increasingly hungry for music that offers hope and positivity during this period of uncertainty. While remaining true to their contemporary Christian roots, Point of Grace is now poised to reach a new audience with No Changin' Us, allowing[...] Tue, 08 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=374 Meredith Andrews has been leading worship since high school, currently at Harvest Bible Chapel in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, and is passionate about helping orphans in India and Guatemala. Singing about God's grace, love and hope for the broken is yet another form of outreach for her. Meredith’s new album, As Long As It Takes is the result of a two year wait since the release that launched the hits “You Invite Me In,” “You’re Not Alone” and “New Song We Sing.” She was accurately described as one of Billboard Magazine’s “Faces to Watch” in 2008. For me, Meredith[...] Tue, 08 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=375 I am writing this on my iPhone during a flight from Phoenix to Nashville. Travel is mostly waiting--waiting to get to the airport, waiting to check in, to get through security, to get Starbucks, to arrive. It's a practice in patience, which is a rare commodity these days. I've noticed that most people don't just wait, they multi-task. The Starbucks employees have to interrupt people on phone calls to take their order, and on the plane, most people with laptops are working. Airlines are now offering Wi-Fi so travelers can be at the office even at thirty thousand feet. I'm just[...] Mon, 07 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=373 Everything Sad Is Coming Untrue is a thought-provoking collection of artful, emotional and radio-friendly tunes that achieve a high level of accessibility without sacrificing any of Jason Gray’s personality or creativity. Jason has an uncanny ability to absorb images, emotions and truths from a variety of sources theology, literature, relationships, his own struggles, pop culture, poetry, etc., and to pull together those diverse strands into a unified whole. Over the years he has developed a razor sharp knack for saying deep things in a way that the rest of us can relate to. Gray’s previous project, All[...] Tue, 01 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=370 The Catalyst organization was conceived at a Next Generation Leaders Conference in 1999 by Andy Stanley, Reggie Joiner, John Maxwell, Lanny Donoho and several young leaders. It was created to meet the felt need that existed for a leadership event that was focused on a new generation of church leaders, by creating a conference specifically focused on leaders under the age of 40. In October of 2000 in Atlanta, GA, partnering with North Point Community Church, Catalyst convened 1,500 church leaders for this inaugural experience. Currently, over half a million leaders around the world are connected to the Catalyst community[...] Mon, 31 May 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=369 I run to the wonders. Surely you’re in the thunder. I can't hear You speaking. Is this Your voice that I'm hearing Can you find Me in the whisper? Revolutionary Thought from the album Love Reality by Charmaine As a child, I traveled all over the world with my parent’s ministry, which meant I was mostly home-schooled from a tour bus. I never really watched a lot of TV but grew up listening to my dad’s stories. When my dad tucked me in bed, at whatever host home we were staying, he would open up a world of fantasies, ancient cities and[...] Mon, 31 May 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=371 War and peace. Safety and emergency. Comfort and dissonance. The tension between opposing forces is a reality we see around us, especially in the sonic realm. Music today, in itself, is a battlefield wrought with adversaries; on one side lies the safe, the pop, the commercial, and on the other lies the daring, the experimental. There are bands on the right, and bands on the left. And very rarely, there is a band that plays the tedious role of double-agent. House of Heroes. The End is Not the End. A spy in form and function, playing both sides against one another.[...] Tue, 25 May 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=368 In November 2008, nearly a year and a half ago, NRT contributor Logan wrote about how females are impacting Christian music. The article was a hopeful look to the future for female artists inside an industry that has largely been dominated by males. Citing bands like Fireflight, BarlowGirl and Flyleaf, along with Francesca Battistelli and Krystal Meyers--all of which have released strong new music in the past 12 months--Logan gave a solid argument for the growing presence of women in Christian music, despite that fact that the sales and radio airplay charts painted a bleaker picture. (read full article[...] Mon, 24 May 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=366 The Rocket Summer is the rock solo-project of Bryce Avary, and is based in Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas. Avary is known for his unique talents as he plays every instrument on his records as well as produces them. The Rocket Summer's live shows are uplifting, energetic and emotionally charged. Avary's music has unique emotional qualities that has created a loyal and rabid following of fans around the world. Of Men And Angels, The Rocket Summer’s spring 2010 release, continues to carry the torch for Avary’s unique and innovative style. I got the opportunity to interview Bryce Avary about Walls, my[...] Mon, 24 May 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=367 “Truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart, But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.” -Psalm 731 Can you relate to any of that? Ever wonder why the wicked seem to have it better than you? Ever wonder why sin seems to be more satisfying than service? Ever wonder if any of this waiting for God is even worth it? I have. “All in vain have I kept my heart clean and washed my hands[...] Tue, 18 May 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=365 On the heels of the successful headline tour last fall, GRAMMY-nominated artist Jeremy Camp kicked off 2010 to reach listeners with his music, message and ministry with another headline acoustic tour. Camp ended his spring tour, Jeremy Camp Live Unplugged, with special guest and wife Adie on Sunday, May 2, 2010 at Calvary Church in Souderton, PA. This tour was created with Camp's fans in mind, providing an intimate night of worship and fellowship with Jeremy as well as Adie, who released her new album in March, Just You And Me. Here's my song-by-song description of[...] Mon, 17 May 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=361 MercyMe’s latest album, The Generous Mr. Lovewell, has quickly become my favorite overall album by the group. It revolves around a fictional character the band created who reminds us that we simply need to love others well. For some of us, it means that we need to put hands and feet on our ideology and rhetoric. For others, it means that we need to continue in doing well, but to not stop there. We need to let people know why we are called to make a difference. The band’s prayer is that this album would mobilize the body[...] Mon, 17 May 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=362 Robbie Seay Band makes their home in Houston, Texas where they work, serve and love their local community. The band leads worship at Ecclesia, a church in the Montrose area of Houston where Robbie's brother, Chris Seay, is the teaching pastor. Robbie and his brother started the church and have watched God do some amazing things throughout the last several years. Many of the songs Robbie Seay Band writes and performs are inspired by events and people within Ecclesia and the community there, so his albums are testimonies of what God’s faithfulness, our humanity and how they intertwine as[...] Mon, 17 May 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=363 Grow me, Holy Spirit mold me, change me by Your mercy God, to be more like You seek You, Father God I seek You.” Seek You by Adie, from the album, Just You And Me What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word seeker? For some, it might be a character in a book or a position in a fictional sport Whatever comes to mind, the word seeker always has the same meaning behind it—to search out, to inquire and to strive for something. We are all seekers. Every single one of[...] Mon, 17 May 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=364 How do I even begin to describe my experience at the Rock & Worship Roadshow in Columbus OH, April 25, 2010? The best way I can think of is a reference to an old Emerson, Lake and Palmer song Welcome back my friends to the show that never ends, We're so glad you could attend, Come inside! Come inside! You've got to see the show, it's a dynamo. You've got to see the show, it's rock and roll .... From being able to watch every show online for free, $10 tickets, seven of the biggest bands in the[...] Sun, 16 May 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=360 “We’re from a small town in South Carolina called Possum Kingdom,” NEEDTOBREATHE frontman Bear Rinehart explains when asked about the place he and his younger brother/co-writer Bo were raised. “Trust me, there was absolutely no music scene there.” The sons of an Assembly of God pastor, Bear and Bo Rinehart had inherited their father’s gift with words, and put it to good use in their songwriting. Their mother taught piano, making music a constant part of their young lives. Formed in 1999, NEEDTOBREATHE also consists of Joe Stillwell and Seth Bolt. On their latest album, The Outsiders, NEEDTOBREATHE[...] Tue, 11 May 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=357 Things that last are often those that are allowed to grow naturally organic talent that develops over time, nurtured along by the love of family and friends, spread by means of a grassroots effort and good old-fashioned word of mouth. That’s the story behind Chasen. Born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina, Chasen Callahan had a gift that was honed during nearly a decade as a worship pastor. He built a following one person at a time, playing youth camps and conferences. Despite all the new opportunities, Callahan’s worship roots still run deep. “I get asked by people to[...] Tue, 11 May 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=358 Taken In 2006, Jesus appeared to me out of nowhere. It didn’t happen all at once. It was spread out over several days, about a week actually, and I was in Africa. It was March and Jennifer, my wife, was at home in Franklin, TN with our two-year-old son, Hutch. A friend had asked me to go to South Africa with him on a missions trip earlier that year and I couldn’t find a reason not to go, so I went. At the end of our trip, the local pastor met with all fifteen of us and thanked us as[...] Tue, 11 May 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=359 “It would be easier if you were just a thought in my head Simply something that I once read A belief needing my defense And it would be easier if you were something I once knew A hope just to hold on to But you’re holding out your hands Chorus Cause you came to take us back to the start You came to touch the hardness of our hearts You gave us truth that truth is who you are It’s who you are And its not enough to just say, “I believe.” Cause truth is that talk is cheap So grace give me eyes to see Flesh and blood you offer us Oh to eat[...] Mon, 10 May 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=356 After the release of Starfield’s critically acclaimed I Will Go album, the band hit the road with a relentless passion to reach as many fans as possible around the globe. Starfield is quickly becoming a global band on a mission to reach the world with a message of hope and salvation. With the momentum built, Starfield returned to the studio to craft their new album, The Saving One, which is a unique mix of songs delivering tracks that will be heard across radio airwaves as well as be sung in Sunday morning services, but most importantly, all[...] Wed, 05 May 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=355 Amy Grant returns with Somewhere Down The Road, a unique album full of brand new songs, previously unreleased songs, re-recordings of classics, and rounded out with 4 of her best loved story-songs. The theme for the album is stories journeys. Amy has always been a great storyteller and many of her most impacting songs have come from her own journey as she sings about the honesty of life, its joys and struggles and ultimately the hope she has found in faith and love. The songs on Somewhere Down The Road read like journal entries that will resonate[...] Tue, 04 May 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=352 “Garbage in, garbage out. What goes in is found out… All can see what goes in me...I pay the price.” Garbage In by Tal and Acacia, from the album, Wake Me The first time I heard this song, I couldn’t understand a single word of it-—not as much lyrically as technically. You see, there is a Christian radio station about 40 miles East of us. Every now and again our car radio likes to play nice and let us get reception from the station, but not without its fair share of static and fuzz. When this song came on the radio, the[...] Tue, 04 May 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=353 “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed...” James 5.16 What? God can’t be serious can He? Doesn’t He already forgive me? Doesn’t He already know every thought before I think it? Can’t He just heal me Himself? Seriously God, what’s the point? Do we really need to drag other people into this? Well...yes. I don’t know when you’ll be reading this little devotional of mine, but as I’m writing it, it’s just a few days after the new year. And I, along with many others have already begun my list of new year’s resolutions. Because it’s a new[...] Tue, 04 May 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=354 Award-winning pop-rock band Stellar Kart released its INO Records debut and the band’s fourth studio recording, Everything Is Different Now on March 9, 2010. Unique to this project, Stellar Kart incorporates more worshipful music and lyrics. Produced by Dove Award-winning producer Ian Eskelin (Francesca Battistelli, Krystal Meyers), Everything Is Different Now is a collection of vertically minded songs that continue in the pop/rock tradition of Stellar Kart’s past work. However, instead of focusing on more relational matters, Everything Is Different Now takes a decidedly vertical turn, a nod to the band’s roots. Songs like the catchy opening track,[...] Sat, 24 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=349 What do 60-mile-an-hour winds, a cracked tour bus windshield, widespread power outages and a concert near Pittsburgh have in common? How about the first ever BarlowGirl/Stellar Kart unplugged show! BarlowGirl brought their Love & War tour to town in the hopes of rockin' the area, but apparently God had other plans. The band arrived in Greensburg, Pennsylvania just as massive storms ripped through the area leaving 36,000+ people without power and knocking out the Palace Theater's power as well. So what do you do? Sitting around under the emergency lighting, the crew and[...] Sat, 24 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=350 “The One (I’m Fighting For)” is a song I wrote for people who are dealing with difficult times in their lives. Recently, I have heard many stories from friends and fans who are going through struggles. I had this sense that so many of us, as a society and as a culture, are caught in this overwhelming heartache, sense of loneliness and sometimes, even a sense of despair. I wanted to write a song that spoke to all people who are hurting in these ways. My goal was to write a song that reminded them that we are not alone[...] Sat, 24 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=351 Though the music of Sydney, Australia's Hillsong Church has impacted the global Church for over a decade, it has only been in recent years that the their youth worship team, Hillsong United has exploded. Their passionate lyrics and fresh brand of modern rock helped catapult them to top-selling status and earned the group the Gospel Music Association's International Award, as well as Dove Award nominations for Group of the Year and Praise and Worship Album. Amidst the growing zeal for the Aussie group, Hillsong United released their latest album, Tear Down The Walls. I[...] Wed, 21 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=346 It Is Well is the follow-up album to Kutless' amazing worship album, Strong Tower. The new worship project, It Is Well, is a perfect blend of well-known worship songs mixed in with some fresh new originals. The heart of worship is something the band as a whole is very in tune with and love bringing that to the forefront, sharing and coming together as one to give glory to God. With the new album, the audience will be able to sing along to the classics as well as add some new favorites into their time of worship. I got[...] Tue, 20 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=348 Britt Nicole released her debut album, Say It, on Sparrow Records in 2007. That album spawned the hits You, Set the World On Fire and Believe. Her current single, “Walk On The Water,” is her newest hit song from her sophomore album, The Lost Get Found. The Lost Get Found in Britt’s words is simply about being who we are called to be as Christians, and through that, seeing the lost get found. I believe that when we become who we are called to be, the lost will come to know God. They will see that God is[...] Mon, 19 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=347 Adie Camp delivers her sophomore album Just You and Me, following up her incredible debut, Don't Wait. This album lives a bit more in the worship category with tracks like Beautiful Lord, Soon, Redemption Song and Only You. When asked about the theme of this album, Adie explained, It is truly learning what it is to seek the Lord with all my heart and sitting at His feet without things being a distraction to me. I want to grow so much more and learn what it is to really worship Him in spirit and truth. He has[...] Tue, 13 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=345 Leeland’s passionate, progressive music is well known for creating a stir among a new generation of worshipers. Love Is On The Move continues the band’s mission of calling believers toward an active role in being God’s hands and feet on earth so that His kingdom can continue to press into the world. With a collection of epic vertical songs, Leeland’s powerful anthems and penetrating melodies are poised to spark a new revival in the church. I got the great opportunity to interview Jack and Leeland Mooring about “Follow You.” You can listen to our entire interview here. [...] Mon, 12 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=344 We lose our way, we get back up again, it’s never too late to get back up again one day, your gonna shine again, you may be knocked down, but not out forever.” Get Back Up by tobyMac, from the album, Tonight There are many popular sayings about never giving up. “If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.” “If you fall off the horse, you’ve got to get back on.” While most of us may not ride horses, the principle of never giving up still stays the same. I think of all the things athletes go through while[...] Sun, 11 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=343 Amid nearly 5 million career album sales, numerous awards and consistent chart-topping radio success in an unprecedented six-year span, Casting Crowns lead singer and songwriter Mark Hall has never strayed from the group’s main purpose “Present discipleship through music.” The band’s message remains rooted in the youth ministry Hall has led on a weekly basis since 1999. The result with each new song collection is a fresh, relevant perspective on our journey with Christ. “Our main purpose, above all else, is to know Him more,” shares Hall. It’s this unwavering pursuit that has inspired Casting Crowns’ latest release, Until The[...] Tue, 06 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=342 Pocket Full of Rocks released their long awaited new project, More Than Noise on March 2, 2010. Featuring the rising single, “Alive,” More Than Noise was produced by Dove Award-winning producer Ed Cash. The new album also includes a recording of “Let It Rain,” a worship standard in the contemporary church, written by front man Michael Farren and made popular by Michael W. Smith. The lead single, “Alive,” instantly engages with its message of living loudly for the One who gives us life. Co-written with Delirious’ Stu G, the song opens with a passionate and intense vocal over[...] Mon, 05 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=341 “I tried my way--it always ends up being a mistake But You’re right when You say that You set the time for the plans You make.” On And On by Chasen, From The Album That Was Then, This Is Now When reading this part of the verse in On and On by Chasen, the word that stands out to me the most is You, referring, of course, to God. I remember a few years ago, not long after I gave my life to the Lord, that I felt God revealing to me the calling He had on my[...] Fri, 02 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=340 Sidewalk Prophets initially made a name for themselves at Indiana’s Anderson University where front men and main songwriters Dave Frey and Ben McDonald met. Although we don't consider ourselves to be a worship band said Dave, we probably do more worship music than our original music, and that's fine with us.” Integrating worship with real life is one of the simple truths Sidewalk Prophets has learned to live by. These Simple Truths, the debut album by Sidewalk Prophets, centers on the hope that Christ’s love provides. The more we look at today’s problems the more we see that a[...] Tue, 30 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=338 One of the premier tours this spring has been Kutless and Casting Crowns. On the surface that seems like an odd combination of bands, however, due to the worship-based lyrics of the newest albums by both groups, the event was one of the best nights of vertical worship I've ever experienced. I attended the concert on Sunday, February 28, 2010 in Hershey, PA. Here is a song-by-song description of the concert. Kutless opened with "It Is Well," an all-time classic hymn with signature Kutless' guitar riffs and frontman Jon Micah Sumrall's powerful vocals. "Give Us Clean Hands/Let[...] Tue, 30 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=339 One of Christian music's most acclaimed singer/songwriters, Mark Schultz's first new studio album in nearly three years is also his most personal recording to date, inviting listeners to come alive through these songs birthed by stories of hope, loss, joy and redemption. I've been collecting Mark Schultz since his debut self-titled album and his sincere songwriting and pure vocals have always caught my attention. The emotion behind his songs "He's My Son," "When You Come Home," "Letters From War," "Walking Her Home" and "Everything To Me" have all made my regular rotation of my favorite songs of the past 10[...] Mon, 29 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=337 “Be Alive In Me” by Abandon is from the group's debut full-length album Searchlights. I’ve been greatly enjoying the song “Hold On” since last year which is one of the energy-gushing songs off the album. “Be Alive In Me” has grabbed me again and I can’t get enough of the sound and message of this great new band. Abandon’s sound has been described as The Killers meet U2. I would also compare them to The All-American Rejects, Fall Out Boy, Mute Math and Christian rock bands After Edmund and Nevertheless. I got the great opportunity to interview lead singer Josh[...] Tue, 23 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=336 Matt Maher is best known for writing the worship anthem “Your Grace Is Enough.” His newest album, Alive Again, captures the penetrating spirit and charisma Matt Maher’s worship songs have become known for in a live setting. This compelling, 12-track journey he hopes will lead people “back to their own hearts” and “prompt listeners to stop and ask some tough questions about who they are and where they are letting God maneuver in their hearts. Matt's current single, “Hold Us Together,” is a powerful anthem for these troubled times; a rallying cry to demonstrate that the love of God, evidenced[...] Mon, 22 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=335 I have been praying about having something like this for a long time. To not only have a place where I could go and share my heart, but also what the Lord has been speaking to me. A place where my passion for music, love for Jesus and joy for writing could reach a larger audience. I see a beautiful concept in taking what God is speaking through the people He has called to create music for His kingdom, and actually applying it to our lives, intertwining it beyond pressing play. Colossians 316 says Let the word of[...] Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=334 tobyMac’s new record Tonight released February 9, 2010 and is the highly anticipated follow-up to the best-selling album Portable Sounds. Continuing Toby’s unique ability to blend musical influences, Tonight has an amazing mix of rock, pop, urban and hip hop sounds and styles. It features the smash hit single “City On Our Knees,” which has topped the radio airplay and digital single charts faster than any other tobyMac single. “'City on our Knees' is really about a moment,” says Toby. “A moment that we all come together to a place where there’s no judgment but really love.[...] Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=332 Guy Penrod is in every sense of the word a man cut from the cloth of rugged individualism. Never is this more evident than in the tracks of his first solo country album project, Breathe Deep. It's more than a collection of thirteen new songs. It's the creative thumbprint of a man with strong values and a positive worldview that harkens back to deep roots in faith and family. His well-publicized departure in recent months after 14 years as a centerpiece of Bill Gaither's celebrated Gaither Vocal Band was not a move for the faint of heart—nor for[...] Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=333 Desperation Band, led by Jared Anderson, Jon Egan and Glenn Packiam, is the youth worship ministry of New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado. All three are associate worship pastors at the church, serving under senior pastor, Ross Parsley. Jared leads worship for the Saturday night service, Jon for _tag (the high school group) and Glenn for theMILL (the college group). In addition to their various responsibilities during the week, they all come together to lead with worship pastor Ross Parsley on Sunday mornings, reflecting the team concept of NewLifeWorship. Light Up The World is the fifth album from[...] Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=331 In the industry of cool known as rock 'n' roll, it's a particularly rare feat when substance actually triumphs over swagger. Even more surprising is when a band blatantly wears its heart on its sleeve, rather than simply championing lyrical ambiguity set to a catchy beat. But in the musical world of GRAMMY-nominated Sanctus Real, substance and style have peacefully co-existed over the course of five albums that have garnered seven No. 1 radio singles (and six more that landed in the Top 5). Not afraid to experiment with new textures or leave things stripped-down and simple[...] Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=330 ...I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. John 1010b “But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 2024 The “abundant life” can be a deceptive term to an American Christian ear. When you and I read that verse in Scripture, we can barely help but to think about things like an increased income, a good family, a nicer ride,[...] Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=329 FFH was originally formed by Jeromy Deibler and Brian Smith in 1991 and soon settled into their final configuration when Michael Boggs and Jennifer Deibler, Jeromy’s new bride, joined the band. Working independently, FFH produced and released six albums and had a busy, productive touring schedule. But when their radio single cracked the Top Twenty on the Christian Adult Contemporary chart and went on to become the highest charting single by an independent artist in the history of contemporary Christian music, major labels started taking notice. Essential Records signed the band. Multiple number 1 radio hits, multiple Dove Award[...] Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=328 Popularly known for its captivating recordings and live performances, Toledo, Ohio-based Sanctus Real’s breakthrough album, The Face of Love, released in April 2006, landing at No. 2 on the Billboard Top Heetseekers chart and amassed a string of radio hits including the No. 1 songs “I’m Not Alright” and “Don’t Give Up.” While The Face of Love was inspired by real-life heartache and rediscovered joy, the band’s fourth studio release, We Need Each Other, marked a completion of that healing process and is a call for unity. Award-winning band Sanctus Real gave fans an early preview of[...] Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=327 “Life, in general, is noise,” says Geoff Hunker, lead singer and founder of Satellites Sirens, a band on the brink of releasing its self-titled debut album on Word Records on March 2, 2010. “And we busy ourselves so much that a lot of times we miss out on hearing what God’s direction is.” The band consists of lead singer Geoff Hunker, Jonathan Dimmel (drums), David Troyer (guitar), and Brandon Owens (bass/synth). They are a band both defined by and concerned with what it means to make music in a world filled with the deafening voices of the information[...] Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=326 Meredith Andrews has been leading worship since high school, currently at Harvest Bible Chapel in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, and is passionate about helping orphans in India and Guatemala. Singing about God's grace, love and hope for the broken is yet another form of outreach for her. Meredith's debut album, The Invitation, showcases powerful vocals accentuated by beautiful piano melodies. The recurring theme of the album is restoration God invites us to come as we are, regardless of where we are in our lives. All we have to do is receive His invitation. I’ve been greatly enjoying the album[...] Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=325 Paul Baloche is one of the most acclaimed worship artists and songwriters of our time. Winner of two Dove Awards, he has penned radio hits such as “Because of Your Love,” “Hosanna (Praise Is Rising),” “All The Earth Will Sing Your Praises” and “Our God Saves” and he has written top-ranking CCLI songs and modern-day classics including “Above All,” “Open the Eyes of My Heart,” “Offering” and “Your Name.” Integrity Music is honored to present Glorious, an all-new collection of songs that reflect his heart, and his passion for the Church. My favorite song on Glorious is the first single,[...] Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=323 Modern worship songwriter, two-time Song of the Year GMA Dove Award winning artist Tim Hughes released in the U.S. his first-ever live DVD/CD, Happy Day on October 20, 2009. The high-energy, celebratory Happy Day was recorded live before a capacity crowd at the famous London venue, Shepherds Bush Empire. Opening with the brand new corporate anthem “Jesus Saves,” the recording features a combination of favorite worship songs and brand new tunes written by Hughes. As the writer and singer of all-time classic worship songs “Here I Am To Worship,” “Beautiful One” and “Consuming Fire,” I’ve been singing Tim’s songs for[...] Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=324 With an awakened hunger and passion, Pillar delivers messages of unity and commitment with the release of their sixth studio album, Confessions. More than just creating great music, their ambition is to revolutionize lives and bring their fans to a place of complete surrender to God. During the aptly named Confessions Tour, Pillar speaks from the stage about the importance of confession and makes a special booth available so that anyone who entered would be isolated and have the opportunity to respond via blank confession cards. If you went into the booth, it was your moment with God, says[...] Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=319 I got the great opportunity to see Jars of Clay live at Sellersville Theater in PA on January 17, 2010. The theater only seats about 250 people and was a great venue to see one of my all-time favorite bands who recently released one of their best albums last year, The Long Fall Back To Earth. This is one of the most amazing albums I've heard in the past decade. Jars of Clay has managed to channel the best of themselves, almost unanimously agreed to be the self-titled debut album, and give fans what they've come to expect[...] Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=321 Over the Grave is a radical re-envisioning of the hymns of Isaac Watts, entirely written, recorded and performed by members of Sojourn Community Church. Since planting in 2000, Sojourn has been a creative and vibrant community, writing and recording songs for six records. The latest record began as an exploration of the hymns of Isaac Watts (1674-1748), who is widely regarded as the father of the English hymn. Using his texts as source material,the songwriters re-crafted them into modern worship songs. The result is an eclectic and vibey record that ranges from 1970’s era rock to modern indie[...] Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=322 “We want our music to bring people into an encounter with God,” declares Unhindered keyboardist and co-front man Ben Smith. “One of the biggest obstacles to worship is believers who are self-conscious. We want to kick down that wall, so we get the whole crowd on their feet, jumping around. It is amazing to watch people when they really feel free to worship.” Unhindered began as a friendship between Ben and Pat in high school. They honed their skills in a youth group praise band before finding themselves in demand at events around the region from Fellowship of Christian[...] Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=320 From the band’s earliest days to the present, innovation has marked each step of Jars of Clay’s musical journey, with The Long Fall Back To Earth serving as no exception. It’s a big, lush, confident, gutsy sound that dominates the new tracks, leaving the listener with a different thought for each new story told, each new emotion conveyed. As with all previous Jars of Clay projects, it’s the lyrical content that draws listeners into a fuller appreciation of the songs. Lead vocalist/lyricist Dan Haseltine delves into the bare bones reality of the beauty and tension of relationships, and what makes[...] Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=317 Credential Recordings piano pop/rock band Seabird recently released its highly anticipated sophomore studio project, Rocks Into Rivers. The group debuted the record live on David Crowder Band’s fall 2009 tour. Cincinnati-based Seabird comprises brothers Aaron (vocals/keys) and Ryan (guitar) Morgan as well as Preston Lane (drums). The band signed with Credential Recordings in late 2007 and released its debut label project ‘Til We See The Shore. “For this album I think we wanted to mature both musically and lyrically,” says Aaron. “We have families now and are experiencing different aspects of life, and we think that our audience[...] Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=318 From time to time I think we all have some pretty funny misconceptions about God. It’s easy to picture a grandfather figure with a flowing white beard shaking his head in disapproval or anxiously waiting to scold us when we screw up. As a kid I envisioned God more like Santa Claus. In my mind I imagined him updating his “naughty” and “nice” list more often than Seth updates his twitter. Bottom line, I just didn’t want to make him mad or even worse get a lump of coal in my stocking. Sometimes our perceptions can simply be that God is[...] Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=316 So 7th grade rolls around. It's time for me to go to a new school in Grove City, OH. This was a time in my life that I dreaded facing because everybody at this age is at some point established in their own cliques, and for a new kid to come in is a pretty hard thing. It was no exception for me. I can remember it being about halfway thru the school year before I was first invited to go and hang out at a new friend's house, let alone, sit by anybody at a lunch table. The feeling[...] Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=315 With career sales exceeding 450,000 units, the acoustic guitar-wielding, Texas-based duo Shane Shane returns with their eighth album, Everything Is Different. Produced by Pete Kipley, the album embraces a more corporate worship style, inspired by Shane Barnard and Shane Everett's role as worship leaders at their home church in Dallas. Influenced by the pair’s ongoing involvement in teaching and training students in the area of worship ministry, Everything Is Different offers moments that range from vertical praise to quiet reflection. I got the opportunity to interview Shane Everett about the title track Everything Is Different. You can listen to[...] Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=314 Chynna Phillips, one third of the pop supergroup Wilson Phillips, announced a new phase in her music career last year, joining independently-famed singer/songwriter Vaughan Penn to form the duo Chynna Vaughan. The group’s debut album, One Reason, released October 6, 2009 on Reunion Records, home to Michael W. Smith, Tenth Avenue North and many others. Phillips and Penn first met in 2007 and although their musical career paths were distinctive and unique, they naturally formed a creative partnership based on their passion to share the hope of Christ with a hurting world. Phillips says, “This is such an[...] Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=313 Singer-songwriter Francesca Battistelli earned her first Grammy Award nomination for Best Gospel Performance for her hit single “Free To Be Me” from her debut record, My Paper Heart. “Free To Be Me” shattered records when it became the most added song by a female artist in Christian radio history, holding the number one slot for ten consecutive weeks and becoming the first number one song from a female at AC radio since 2005. Additionally, the song was the #4 most downloaded Christian Digital track for 2009. After erupting onto the music scene, Francesca Battistelli is breaking multiple records as[...] Mon, 18 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=311 Prolific singer/songwriter Phil Wickham continues to gain momentum with his modern style of vertical worship and poetic lyrics. Leading corporate worship nationwide, Wickham, known for hits such as You’re Beautiful and Divine Romance, describes the daily truths he is learning with a tender yet poignant voice and a passionate cry of worship. I loved Phil Wickham’s critically acclaimed sophomore album Cannons and the distinguished singer/songwriter finds his voice on his third studio album, Heaven and Earth, which finds him creating melodies that are infectious with contemplative and honest messages of surrender and abandon. For the first time[...] Mon, 18 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=312 Lee Steffen is the former Art Director of CCM Magazine, a leading Christian music publication that recently moved to digital distribution. During his tenure, the magazine received a Gold Folio award for his redesign, one of the highest achievable editorial awards. Steffen has worked with nearly every prominent Christian artist and band, including Jars of Clay, Third Day, Newsboys, tobyMac, Family Force 5, Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Steven Curtis Chapman, Jaci Velasquez, Jeremy Camp, Rebecca St. James, Casting Crowns and many others. In 2005, after nearly a decade of experience creating award-winning ideas and products for clients[...] Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=309 When I was asked to give my opinion regarding my favorite records of 2009, I was excited to review the year that brought us a myriad of great new albums, as well as a little stumped on how to make my viewpoints more like suggestions than critiques. I’ve often disliked year-end “best of” lists that only seem to talk about the same ten CDs that have been hyped and sold to us throughout the year. It seems as though the same ten CDs get talked about in every blog, every review site, and on every awards show, or is that[...] Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=310 It's hard to believe that we are already halfway through the first week of 2010. This is the latest I've ever written my year-end wrap-up, now in it's eighth year, and it never gets old to plow through all the releases, recalling the albums that have made a permanent impression during the past year. I'm looking forward to quickly diving back in as I prepare my first ever The Decade That Was. I'm sure there are a couple handfuls of albums that I'll be happy to dust off and dive back into. 2009 will certainly go down as one of the[...] Mon, 04 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=308 Before 2009, I would have said the best year in Christian music was 1999, with Time by Third Day, 40 Acres by Caedmon’s Call, This Is Your Time by Michael W. Smith, Choose Life by Big Tent Revival, Underdog by Audio Adrenaline, Without Condition by Ginny Owens, Speechless by Steven Curtis Chapman, If I Left The Zoo by Jars of Clay, New Way To Be Human by Switchfoot, In A Different Light by Avalon, Watermark by Watermark and Listen Closely by Smalltown Poets. 2009 has been the most amazing year for new Christian music that I can ever remember. I can[...] Sun, 03 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=296 San Antonio rock act Abandon recently released their first full-length album, Searchlights, after their ForeFront Records' label debut last July with the release of a self-titled digital EP, followed up by another EP in April of 2009. Searchlights combines the best tracks released by Abandon over the last year plus three never-before-recorded songs, “Confession,” “Here We Are Now” and “Safe In Your Arms.” With a sound that has been likened to popular bands U2 and The Killers, Abandon comprises brothers Josh Engler (vocals) and Justin Engler (rhythm guitars), cousins Dave Vela (drums) and Stevan Vela (lead guitar) as well[...] Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=302 The Winter Wonder Slam stormed into Pittsburgh's Mellon Arena November 22, 2009, bringing headliner and Grammy-winning artist tobyMac and the Diverse City Band. The tour also brought my kids' favorite band, Relient-K, and newcomers to the Christian music scene Stephanie Smith and B. Reith. Not too many people can remember the last time a Christian show was at the arena, and there was much excitement and anticipation as we waited outside for the doors to open. The Mellon Arena, home to the Pittsburgh Penguins, was transformed from a hockey rink to the ultimate dancehall. It[...] Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=304 “I heard a song by this band Anberlin on the radio today,” said my friend Patrick Brewer, a music aficionado, though our tastes rarely cross paths. “Yeah, they’re a Christian band,” I said. “Are you kidding me? Did I just buy a CD full of ‘praise Jesus’ music?” “No, but they are Christian,” I said. “Well, just as long as they don’t shove their beliefs down my throat,” he said. Anberlin is just one of many bands emerging onto the mainstream market that is comprised of Christian musicians. Though these bands’ lyrics aren’t necessarily filled with “Jesus,” and “God,” Christian ideas and themes[...] Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=305 “Christ Is Come” by Big Daddy Weave is from their new Christmas album Christ Is Come, an inspirational Christmas record the whole family will enjoy. From classic Christmas standards like “Joy To The World” to original songs like “I’ll Be Brave,” the 12 song record is a perfect way to celebrate the coming Christmas season and the birth of Jesus. I got the great opportunity to interview lead singer Mike Weaver about “Christ Is Come.” Here are the answers to the questions I asked Mike. Please tell me the story behind writing the song “Christ Is Come”? “Christ Is Come” was[...] Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=307 The Billboard Best Of 2009 and Best Of The Decade charts have been released, which ranks the top selling albums and songs as compiled by sales data and radio airplay from Nielsen SoundScan. Here's a quick review of the main chart as well as a few others that focus solely on Christian music. Billboard Top 200 Of 2009 Despite one of the best years of quality releases in recent memory, Christian music is surprisingly absent from the Top 100. The Fray's self-titled sophomore release had the sole position from a Christian band[...] Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=301 Switchfoot is a band that has the musical chops to rock a big arena, but front-man Jon Foreman also has incredible charisma and an unmatched ability to personally connect with fans in a small, crowded venue like the Theater of Living Arts (TLA) in Philly, a 1,000-person capacity. I had the amazing opportunity to see this top notch band Friday, December 11, 2009. The new album, Hello Hurricane, acknowledges life's storms while managing to find an element of hope in them. Hello Hurricane is the group's seventh full-length album and its first on Atlantic Records. Switchfoot[...] Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=303 Downhere’s first ever holiday collection retains much of the band’s classic elements, but also stretches to previously uncharted realms. Sure, there’s plenty of melodic vocal interplay from co-front men, guitarist Marc Martel and keyboardist Jason Germain, alongside the ultra-infectious rhythm section comprised of bassist Glenn Lavender and drummer Jeremy Thiessen, but there’s also a compelling experiment with organic instrumentation and ingenious holiday interpretations, alongside equally riveting originals. Though the band carefully preserved the integrity of timeless tunes like “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen,” “What Child Is This?” and “Silent Night” among many others, each rendering has the group’s signature[...] Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=306 Speaking about his new album title Need, his fourth album for Ardent Records/INO, Todd Agnew says, “Once we finished recording this record, I looked back at it trying to find the theme running throughout. I started to realize how much of this project is about need. My need to be loved. My need for answers. My need for assurance. Our need to worship. Our need to be rescued, redeemed, restored. I noticed that God has been teaching me all year that all of my needs are met in Jesus.” Much has happened since listeners last heard from Agnew as[...] Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=299 Josh Wilson’s debut album, Trying to Fit the Ocean in a Cup, includes the Top 10 radio hit, “Savior Please,” and also includes the stand-out songs, “Tell Me” and “3 Minute Song.” Josh’s great blend of personal lyrics and catchy music emerges as a focal point of Josh’s sophomore album, [...] Mon, 07 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=300 Reborn marks Avalon's fourteenth recording in a career that has spanned nearly fifteen years of music and ministry. Few Christian artists can list 22 #1 singles, 6 Dove Awards, an American Music Award, 3 Grammy nominations and over 3 million albums sold. Reborn is the product of two husband-wife teams. Founding powerhouse vocalist Janna Long and her equally skilled husband, Greg, along with Jeremi and Amy Richardson. I got the great opportunity to interview Avalon's founding member Janna Long about “Arise.” You can listen to our entire discussion here. What’s the main message of the song “Arise”? “Arise” is[...] Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=298 This aptly descriptive and intelligent pop effort reveals lyrics, melodies and instrumentation that go far deeper than the stereotypical pop hit. With all songs written or co-written by Jonny Diaz, More Beautiful You captivatingly illuminates Jonny’s heart-–a heart that is passionate about reaching his generation with the message of God’s love, forgiveness and grace. Our society often sends the message to young girls that they have to look a certain way and dress a certain way in order to be beautiful. On the title track, “More Beautiful You,” Jonny exposes these lies in a similar manner as Jon McLaughlin’s “Beautiful[...] Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=297 A focused fire burns bright at the heart of Flyleaf's second full-length album, Memento Mori. The platinum-selling Texas quintet's latest offering is a collection of poignant, passionate and pensive hard rock songs. From the kinetic first single, Again, to the touching album closer, Arise, guitarists Sameer Bhattacharya and Jared Hartman trade orchestral riffs that seesaw from soaring to searing. Drummer James Culpepper smoothly propels every groove forward, while Pat Seals' bass anchors unforgettable hooks. Gliding across this majestic melodic backdrop, Lacey’s vocals build into beauty from pain. Her voice reaches transcendent heights on songs like Set Apart This[...] Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=292 The last few months have been a turbulent time in our country. We have seen things like the rise of unemployment and an unstable economy, a continuing war in the middle east, and uncertainty in our relationships with other countries and what that might mean for our future and our children’s future. But despite the uncertain world that we're living in, I want to offer you some encouragement. If you are like me, I am sure that at some point in your life, you have allowed yourself to daydream about what it would be like to live in a different[...] Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=294 Fee’s second project, Hope Rising, comes after much acclaim from their freshman album, We Shine, which garnered a No. 1 radio smash hit in “All Because of Jesus, and four GMA Dove Award nominations including a nod in the “New Artist of the Year” category. As for the band’s first single, “Glory To God Forever,” Steve Fee says “There is a message for us here in this era and period in church history. I’m confident that songs which echo the victory of Christ are exactly what we, the Church, want to say and God, in His timely way, put[...] Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=295 This one is the songwriter's album for sure. Almost as an afterthought, Sara Groves concludes an in-depth conversation about her new recording, Fireflies Songs. Well put. At the same time, it should be pointed out that Sara's parting descriptor is a testament to how the album was approached and recorded rather than a proclamation of Fireflies' superiority over her other widely-esteemed work. After all, this is Sara Groves we're talking about. Her renown as a potent singer/songwriter merely begins with her avid fanbase. With her two previous INO recordings, Add To The Beauty and Tell[...] Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=293 Sara Groves' is renowned as a potent singer/songwriter. When it comes to songwriting, Sara influences the influencers. Her most vocal admirers range from pioneers of Christian worldview music, including Randy Stonehill, Michael Card and Charlie Peacock, to her peers today, Natalie Grant, Jars of Clay, Nichole Nordeman, Point of Grace and Bethany Dillon, among them. Add to that the fact that Sara has always shied away from hype and spin doctoring, and you have a bonafide headline on your hands. Her new album, Fireflies and Songs is a songwriter's album indeed. As the record's producer, the aforementioned Charlie Peacock,[...] Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=288 And now it is coming to an end. With [...] Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=289 David Crowder*Band, the highly accessible fan-favorites are back with their new release Church Music, arguably their most innovative effort to date. Packed with 17 full tracks, the band hopes this album serves as a reminder of the continual evolvement of music within the church. David Crowder*Band's beautiful cover of How He Loves, originally written and recorded by John Mark McMillan, is spectacular. The band finds a unique balance of capturing the sweet lyrical moments of the song but continually crescendos the intensity of the song and the message as the simple chorus builds over and over again. The genuine[...] Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=290 In 1973, the United States Supreme Court struck down state laws that ban abortion, but the moral controversy surrounding the issue is far from resolved. If it is legally true that a woman can make her own decision regarding her reproductive health, Sarah's Choice is a film that offers compelling moral reasons to choose life. Recording artist Rebecca St. James plays Sarah Collins in her first lead role in a motion picture. She is a young woman on the rise. As a junior account executive at a major advertising agency, Sarah is poised to get it all executive[...] Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=291 Best New Artist of 2006 Aaron Shust returned with his third album, Take Over on August 4, 2009. The writer and singer of hit songs “My Savior My God,” “Give Me Words To Speak” and “Watch Over Me” once again has written songs of praise and worship set to a nice soft rock musical style. Fans of Bebo Norman, Jeremy Riddle, Jeremy Camp and John Waller should enjoy this album. Opening song, “To God Alone,” is my favorite song on the album. The song has an uplifting message captured in the chorus “To God alone be the Glory, To[...] Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=285 Bethany Dillon's Sparrow Records debut stood out because at only 14, she was a serious writer and artist creating her own material mature beyond her years, with an authenticity of expression and an ability to own the emotion in her music. Similar to Amy Grant and Rebecca St. James, Bethany has grown up as an accomplished artist in Christian music. Bethany is now 21 and married to Shane Barnard of the group Shane Shane. Each of Bethany's first three studio albums impressed me, particularly her singing voice. Waking Up really took it up a notch[...] Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=286 With Hello Hurricane, Switchfoot is set to thrive throughout the upcoming year with a newfound independence a new home studio HQ, a new label, and a return-to-roots creativity and sense of purpose. After ten non-stop years of working as the world’s most humble multi-million selling rock band, the hard-charging North County San Diego-based quintet saw recording sessions for their aptly-titled seventh full-length album as a unique chance to reassess, reflect and rededicate. Switchfoot got their start in 1996 when the Foreman brothers and Butler came together around a mutual love of surfing and a passion for rock music spurred[...] Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=287 Former Make-A-Wish child and cancer survivor Paige Armstrong released her first project, Wake Up on October 6th in hopes of inspiring listener’s to find their purpose. The 19 year-old’s journey to this point in her career is unlike most artists. Armstrong was diagnosed with bone cancer at age 11 and endured an extensive stay in the hospital. She was linked to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and traveled to Nashville to make a Christian album as a part of her wish. Her early music also found its way onto the Bath Body Works Holiday album in 2005 alongside such notables[...] Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=283 Caroline, Carolyne and Jordan returned to the studio to record their 4th studio project, The Real Thing, chock-full of the fun, upbeat songs kids and parents know, love, and have come to expect from pureNRG. I got the chance to interview Caroline from pureNRG and ask her some questions about two songs from The Real Thing. You can listen to our entire interview here. How did you all select the songs for The Real Thing? The band has a song picking session and we all voted and picked songs based on beats and positive messages. One of[...] Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=284 Jeremy Camp's Speaking Louder than Before tour rolled into New Castle, PA on September 27, 2009. Joining him for this sold-out show were Bebo Norman and Natalie Grant. The show opened with Bebo Norman and his longtime on-stage collaborator, Gabe Scott. Bebo was born in Georgia under the given name of Jeffery Norman. He got the nickname Bebo when his younger sister couldn't say "big brother." The name stuck, and that's the name he chose to perform by. His acoustic set with Gabe was quite impressive. It was an incredibly relaxing sound and special time of worship.[...] Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=279 Desperation Band, birthed out of the student ministries of New Life Church in Colorado Springs, is a recording artist with Integrity Music. They continue to lead worship both within the student ministries and in the main services at New Life Church, as well as at the annual Desperation Conferences. Led by Jon Egan, the band has always been more of a ministry than a band. They believe that true change comes when people lay aside their agendas to encounter the true and living God. They are passionate about the presence of God and they don't hide it. They are well[...] Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=280 “We’re from a small town in South Carolina called Possum Kingdom,” NEEDTOBREATHE frontman Bear Rinehart explains when asked about the place he and his younger brother/co-writer Bo were raised. “Trust me, there was absolutely no music scene there.” The sons of an Assembly of God pastor, Bear and Bo Rinehart had inherited their father’s gift with words, and put it to good use in their songwriting. Their mother taught piano as well, so making music was a constant part of their young lives. Formed in 1999, NEEDTOBREATHE also consists of Joe Stillwell and Seth Bolt. On their latest album,[...] Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=281 Out of Gainesville, Florida, Lanae’ Hale, who developed her style by playing worship in church and trying out her songs in coffeehouses, is the latest addition at Centricity Records. Like a lot of young women, Lanae’ felt the enormous pressure of living up to our material world’s 21st century expectations and sometimes that pressure sweeps you into a dark corner. “I was into cutting and if not for the grace of God, I may not have made it through, Lanae' explains. It’s hard to explain but sometimes you don’t like yourself and do bad things to yourself, such as[...] Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=282 Matt Redman may be the premier songwriter in Christian music over the past decade as the writer of worship classics “The Heart of Worship”, “Better Is One Day”, “Blessed Be Your Name” and “You Never Let Go”. He is also part of the Passion conferences and most recently his hit song “Shine” was part of the Passion God Of This City album. One of my favorite stories about Matt Redman, a native of England, is that in response to his church having too much focus on music his pastor suggested they take a break from singing which led to[...] Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=277 In an industry where recording artists commonly pay top-dollar producers to create a sound for them, Matt Papa shines all the brighter as one of the rare, raw musical talents. Whether shredding on guitar, crafting a melody on piano, or pouring out his soul vocally, Matt brings something truly fresh and creative to this ever-commercialized art. What’s more is that Matt actually has something to say. Whether between songs in a concert or through writing his lyrics, Matt delivers a clear and persuasive message to move his listeners toward the Word and graces of God. Spend any time talking[...] Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=278 Sometimes an album doesn't live up to the hype after an excellent album like Wide-Eyed And Mystified,, but every song on Ending Is Beginning is amazing. As a major fan of the Canadian band Downhere since their Dove Award winning debut in 2001, this band has only managed to get better this decade putting them in the ranks of my other favorite bands Jars of Clay, MercyMe and Sanctus Real. Their Brit-Rock sound is a blend of all of these great CCM artists and also the driving alternative rock that has made Coldplay an international sensation. Ending[...] Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=275 As I was driving to the Steven Curtis Chapman concert, listening to his latest CD, random thoughts flooded my brain. What should I include in this review? I decided in the car that day that I would not talk about the tragic, accidental death of his youngest adopted daughter, Maria Sue. I felt this was a personal family tragedy that should be kept just that. By the time I left that night, though, my feelings were different. The first thing Steven did, with beaming pride, was introduce both of his sons. Caleb graduated high school last year, and[...] Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=276 I’ve been anxiously awaiting the release of the new album from Jason Gray, Everything Sad Is Coming Untrue, which hit shelves September 1, 2009. Gray’s previous project, All The Lovely Losers, dealt with brokenness and now he takes the subject a step further, dealing with brokenness that begins with confession. Jason’s story of redemption begins as a child who suffered from chronic stuttering, yet despite this handicap he eventually discovered his calling as a singer. Fueled with a passion to serve God, Jason knows firsthand that his weaknesses are nothing to hide. In fact, because of our[...] Sun, 11 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=274 One of Christian music’s top-selling rock bands, GRAMMY®-nominated Skillet, returns with its latest recording capturing the raw energy and multi-textured sonic landscape for which they have become known. A mixture of dissonant chords, anthemic builds and memorable vocal interpretation combine to form a progressive, yet classic rock-influenced sound that’s all their own. Skillet’s straightforward message and innovative sound has garnered the band seven #1 songs and an avid fan base. Pounding, classically influenced rock with a progressive edge, colored by dissonant chords, and gutsy vocals are all found on Skillet’s latest release, Awake. Relevant, innovative and unforgettable, Skillet continues[...] Mon, 05 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=273 While attending Nashville's Belmont University, The Glorious Unseen's frontman, Ben Crist, struggled with a big question that haunts so many college students during the course of their studies What am I supposed to do with my life? After college, Ben starting meeting in a living room with a few people, and the experience certainly wasn't church as usual. In fact, because of that little Sunday night community of believers, Crist wound up becoming a worship leader by accident. As Ben grew in confidence as a worship leader, he began penning his own praise songs. Ben’s music wasn’t about to have[...] Sun, 04 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=272 On the title track and opening song of their fourth album, Hawk Nelson urges its listeners to Live Life Loud That sentiment, founding member Daniel Biro notes, is as Hawk Nelson as Hawk Nelson can be. Live Life Loud. It's not just a matter of volume, mind you; it's a philosophy. Part of living at the extreme that title suggests is embracing all of life, accepting and even celebrating a little pain and darkness and finding a way to let it enrich life. Catchy first single Meaning of Life continues the search for significance, harmoniously determining to “start today for a[...] Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=270 FM Static, composed of Thousand Foot Krutch singer Trevor McNevan, and drummer Steve Augustine, returns with Dear Diary, a concept album where every lyric is the innermost thought of a soul-searching teenager. “This is the first concept album I’ve worked on, and it was a ton of fun,” says McNevan. “It felt theatrical from the start. I imagined this high school boy, new in town, writing through life’s big questions about faith and fitting in as he grows up toward college. “The Voyage of Beliefs” is Dear Diary’s crossroads, a gripping indie rock duet between McNevan and Superchick’s Tricia Brock[...] Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=271 14You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. There is something truly magical about seeing a city lit up at night from a distance. My wife and I did some exploring of west Seattle this weekend and found a place[...] Mon, 28 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=269 If you were in a genre-leading rock band that had sold nearly one million albums, tallied 10 No. 1 radio singles, 13 additional top five hits, a GRAMMY nomination, four Dove Awards and headlined nine national tours on your way to performing for three million people, what would you change about your band's approach? That's easy Absolutely nothing. Yeah? But you're not Rob Beckley, founding front man and leader of Christian music's premier alt-metal-come-hard-alternative band. He knows change has played a recurring and pivotal role in Pillar's success since its formation. For starters, consider the five former members who have come and[...] Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=266 Finally Home is the third number one song from All That Is Within Me, which is my favorite overall album by MercyMe and one of my top 10 albums of the decade. The song is also on MercyMe's 10 Anthology, in essence a greatest hits collection commemorating the 10-year anniversary of I Can Only Imagine, the best-selling Christian song of the decade. It is hard to believe that is has been 10 years since MercyMe frontman Bart Millard penned I Can Only Imagine, a touchingly personal song based on his father's early death. This breakthrough song by the down-to-earth[...] Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=267 This was the first time I've attended the Revelation Generation festival, which is historically held on the Friday and Saturday before Labor Day. I've always been interested in the lineup of artists, but my family tends to be busy that weekend. Thankfully, I was able to attend the entire Friday night session this year, and hopefully, I'll be able to attend both days next year. I got the privilege to see several artists I've always wanted to see in concert on Friday, 9/4/09, starting with up-and-coming worship band, The Glorious Unseen. Once a representative from Tooth[...] Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=268 It’s only one verse, what is the big deal? These are words that I cringe at when I hear them spoken by people in the church. Unfortunately I have heard them more than I would ever care too. Many people see the Bible as being a document that is open to personal interpretation that allows them the leeway to take what they like and leave the rest. I would argue that you would be hard pressed to find someone who would disagree with you about the commandment to love one another but it is a different story when it comes[...] Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=263 The origin of MIKESCHAIR was set in a freshman guy’s dorm room one night at Belmont University in Nashville, TN. The band’s name, MIKESCHAIR, begs for an explanation. “The 'chair' was the central gathering point where we got our start,” says Sam. “All of us lived on the same floor of our dorm at Belmont, except for Mike. But, since he was always hanging out with us on our floor, we decided to get him piece of furniture to make him feel a little more at home. The chair was his only piece of property on our floor. He[...] Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=264 Sidewalk Prophets initially made a name for themselves at Indiana’s Anderson University where front men and main songwriters Dave Frey and Ben McDonald met. Although they don't consider themselves to be a worship band, they probably do more worship music than their original music, and that's fine with them. Integrating worship with real life--that is one of the simple truths Sidewalk Prophets has learned to live by. These Simple Truths, the debut album by Sidewalk Prophets, centers on the hope that Christ’s love provides. “The more we look at today’s problems the more we see that a lot of[...] Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=265 The storms of this life shatter our plans. They tear through our world and destroy our hopes and dreams. They ruin sunny days, flatten the structures we depend on, and shock our world views. Hello Hurricane is an attempt to sing into the storm. Hello Hurricane is a declaration you can't silence my love. My plans will fail, the storms of this life will come, and chaos will disrupt even my best intentions, but my love will not be destroyed. Beneath the sound and the fury there is a deeper order still- deeper than life itself. An order[...] Wed, 09 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=261 CONTINUED... Click Here To Read The First Part Of Hello Hurricane The Songs by Switchfoot's Jon Foreman Hello Hurricane Love does not alter the beloved, it alters itself. --Soren Kierkegaard The capitalist culture of consumption... does not provide meaningful sustenance for large numbers of people. --Cornel West This is a subject matter that I speak of with holy reverence. Having grown up on the East Coast I know firsthand of the houses lost, of the dreams turned into nightmares. I take my shoes off and recognize that this is a matter that is dear to our nation, especially of late- with[...] Wed, 09 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=262 I've been collecting Mark Schultz since his [...] Mon, 07 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=257 Since releasing their self-titled debut in 2004, Rebecca, Alyssa and Lauren Barlow of BarlowGirl have continuously inspired fans with such intimate portraits, as with their sophomore set, Another Journal Entry and with such bold challenges as 2007’s, How Can We Be Silent. For BarlowGirl, the focus is always on sharing what God has placed on their hearts. They continue to do just that with Love War, my favorite overall album by BarlowGirl and one of my top albums of the year. I think there are two continuous messages that we are trying to get[...] Mon, 07 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=258 Where’s the Faith? What is it that we put our faith in? Do we put our faith in the people we surround ourselves with, the government, our jobs, the economy, the church, our family; I am sure the list could be quite lengthy, but the question I would ask is do we have faith in God, and do our lives prove that to be the case? In Romans 117 Paul reminds us that God’s word says, The righteous will live by faith. Depending on what the faith is in, this may or may not be that hard in this[...] Mon, 07 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=259 I came across a verse in the last couple of weeks that seemed to jump from the pages of scripture and really strike a cord with me. Last week I talked about what God’s will is for our lives and I looked at the twelfth chapter of Romans as a jumping off point for finding the direction we are to take with our lives. It is amazing how the more you read from the word of God, the more clear things can become in our lives. When we actually spend time with him reading from his Word it can[...] Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=251 The thing about getting to know Jason Gray is that you immediately want to share him with other people. In that way Jason is a lot like a good movie, or a great book, or some barely discovered band whose music makes you remember what it was you liked about music in the first place. Which brings us full circle, because Jason’s unique brand of emotional, thought-provoking, alternative-pop is that sort of music, and listening to it isn’t much different than having Jason Gray sitting in your living room and telling you what’s on his mind. In either case,[...] Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=252 Brandon Heath, Christian music’s Male Vocalist of the Year, garnered his third career radio No. 1 single this year with Wait And See. Topping Billboard’s Christian AC Indicator chart, Wait And See, is the second single released from Heath’s Grammy-nominated sophomore album What If We, following the blockbuster, Dove Award Song of the Year smash Give Me Your Eyes. Heath first landed atop AC radio in 2007 with I’m Not Who I Was from his debut album Don’t Get Comfortable. Like his breakout song, Heath’s current hit shares truly personal lyrics with listeners, but proves to[...] Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=253 With a big voice that reminds me of Warren Barfield and fellow American Idol alum Chris Sligh and a big smile to match, Phil Stacey found his way into the hearts and living rooms of more than 30 million viewers each week on American Idol. Into the Light is Phil’s debut modern pop Christian album and couples the power vocals America loved with Phil’s biblical testimony to an unshakable loving God. The album includes You’re Not Shaken, which is my favorite song on the album and the first single. You’re Not Shaken tells of faith in a[...] Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=254 There are so many things in life that you and I can choose to worry about—-our finances, job security, paying the bills, or a sickness you or a loved one may be facing. The list goes on and on. Our minds may continually be bombarded with worries and fears that the enemy throws at us, but we must learn to cast them down. As we spend quality time with our heavenly Father, those burdens will begin to vanish. It is not our job to fret. No, it is our job to trust God and obey. The Scriptures even tells us[...] Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=255 I hate, I despise your religious feasts; I cannot stand your assemblies. Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Though you bring choice fellowship offerings, I will have no regard for them. Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps. But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream! (Amos 521-24) When I was 14 years old, my youth pastor came to me and asked me if I would like the opportunity to lead worship for our youth[...] Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=256 Word Records’ rock newcomers Remedy Drive, nominated for Best New Artist at the 2009 GMA Dove Awards, recently celebrated multiple weeks at the top of the Christian rock song chart with their breakout single, All Along. The song is the second hit single from their impressive debut album, Daylight Is Coming. Like most brothers, Remedy Drive members David, Paul, Philip and Daniel Zach had their fair share of squabbles growing up. With no television at home to distract them, the boys had few other outlets for their energies. Fortunately, they found common ground in their love of music.[...] Mon, 24 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=246 Houston Texas-based singer/songwriter Jimmy Needham’s InPop Records debut Speak showcased his down-to-earth lyrics while exposing the rock, pop and gospel-influenced side of his art as well. Speak produced a No. 2 single at Christian Hit Radio with Lost At Sea, and its song Dearly Loved also broke the Top 10 on CHR. Needham’s sophomore album, Not Without Love, is a fitting continuation of his first project and includes standout tracks Come Around, A Breath Or Two, Hurricane, Firefly and Forgiven And Loved. Jimmy Needham blends his signature sound with mainstream artist Jason Mraz and recent American Idol winner[...] Mon, 24 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=247 Since Skillet last hit the studio for 2006's breakthrough project Comatose, the group's toured with the likes of Breaking Benjamin, Three Days Grace, Seether and Flyleaf, followed by a solo headlining ranking within Pollstar's Concert Pulse Top 50 Tours for 2008. Along the way, the Grammy-nominated alternative outfit also scored three top 40 singles on Billboard's Mainstream Rock charts, earned a pair of BMI Songwriting Awards and released its first ever concert CD/DVD combo pack in support of the season called Comatose Comes Alive. Aside from the commercial accolades, the Grammy-nominated modern rockers are rapidly approaching gold sales status,[...] Mon, 24 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=248 King Solomon asked a similar question in 2 Chronicles 618 But will God indeed dwell with mankind on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain You; how much less this house which I have built. The house that Solomon spoke of here was no ordinary house--it was the very temple of God. And it put what you see on MTV Cribs to shame. Words like ornate, stunning, intricate, and more magnificent than anything you've ever seen might be used when describing this crib. Its dimensions were exact, and its materia