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CCM_04.05_Editorial.v4 3/11/05 2:57 PM Page 6 fromtheeditor by Jay Swartzendruber Bethany Dillon The Files Rock & roll. iPods. tobyMac. DVDs. Concerts. Activism. Hymns. These are several examples of things that are definitely ! right now in the world of Christian music. Whether you’re wondering what’s cool, fresh, hot, it, now or the next big thing, ! marks the spot. I doubt we could have picked a more exciting time in Christian music to tackle this special edition of CCM. From our community’s increasing profile and influence in mainstream music, to the bevy of raw talent emerging in the pool of new artists, to the way changing music technology is keeping record companies (and artists) on their toes, to the ever-growing supremacy of rock & roll, there is simply nowhere else I’d rather be. Are you a fan of surprises? If so, then this month’s issue is for you. Consider Mark Joseph’s feature on Christians in mainstream music CCM MAGAZINE Your Christian Music Magazine Since 1978 volume 27 issue 10 For those whose lives are strengthened through faith-informed music, CCM Magazine goes behind the scenes to celebrate the artistry of Christian music. CCM Magazine is a publication of Salem Publishing, a division of Salem Communications. •••• ••••••• CCM Magazine Publisher James R. Cumbee Associate Publisher & Editor in Chief Roberta Croteau Editor Jay Swartzendruber Managing Editor Stephanie Ottosen Departments & Creative Ventures Editor Christa Farris 6 ccm april 05 (beginning on page 48). I thought I’d heard it— and, to a degree, lived it—all. Joseph’s article repeatedly raised my eyebrows—he connected some unexpected dots for me, changing my historical perspective on musicians being salt and light in the broader music world. And new artists. Do the names MuteMath, Bethany Dillon, Mat Kearney, BarlowGirl, Kiki Sheard and John Davis mean anything to you? They will—each one of them. And they’re the tip of the iceberg. Just as new as many of those artists, is the key technology that’s making its way into music production, distribution and aural consumption, and, as a result, redefining the ways artists and labels respond to your preferences. While our main ! spread will get you up to speed on the latest trends with downloads and ringtones (see page 39), our “Presidential Briefing” feature (beginning on page 54) will give you, among other things, a fresh perspective on where labels are headed technologically. Editorial Assistant Andrea Bailey Art Director Lee Steffen Production Director Ross E. Cluver Contributing Editors Andy Argyrakis, Margaret Becker, Michael Card, Richard Farley, Gregory Rumburg, Chris Well Contributors Andy Argryakis, Anthony DeBarros, Richard Farley, Thom Granger, David Jenison, Mark Joseph, David McCreary, Bart Millard, Jessica Robin, Greg Rumburg, Russ Taff, Michael TenBrink Web Editor Christa Farris Circulation Director Buffy Booker Customer Service Representatives Amy Cassell, Emeka Nnadi Fulfillment Manager Leesa Smith Executive Director of Advertising L. Smitty Wheeler 615/312-4235 Senior Director of Advertising DeDe Tarrant 805/987-5072 Account Executive Gregory Byerline Account Executive Phil Davis Marketing Coordinator Michael TenBrink Advertising Coordinator Carol Jones Supremacy—is that the right word to have used with regard to the current emergence of rock & roll in Christian music? You tell me. In addition to being the most popular genre among Christian music fans, rock album sales in 2004 actually doubled the amount sold the year before. And its momentum doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon. All told, who would have expected what we’re seeing today? The fact that insiders are speculating about Jeremy Camp being the next Michael W. Smith, Bethany Dillon the next Amy Grant, Relient K the next Switchfoot and MuteMath the next, well, whatever “the Coldplay of Christian music” means… one thing’s for sure, these are fascinating times. And without a doubt, a fantastic time for CCM to do our first ! issue. While this special edition of CCM has been a load of fun to work on, this month has been bittersweet. With the conclusion of this issue, we say “farewell” to our friend and esteemed managing editor, Stephanie Ottosen. After four impressive years with the CCM team, Stephanie recently returned to her hometown of Houston, Tex., where she and her husband Micah are preparing to welcome their first child. Perhaps no one will be hit by Stephanie’s departure as much as yours truly. You see, Stephanie taught this onetime publicist “the way of the editor.” I, we, will miss her. [email protected] Special thanks: Chuck Anderson of NoPattern for the wonderful cover illustration. Chuck has worked with Audi, McDonalds, Microsoft, Computer Arts Magazine, ESPN The Magazine and Creativity Magazine to name a few. Check out nopattern.com for more info. Sales/Marketing Associate Craig Felker Sales Assistant Lindsay Stowers Main Office 104 Woodmont Blvd., Suite 300, Nashville, TN 37205 615/386-3011 (ph) • 615/386-3380 (business fax) • 615/385-4112 (editorial fax) • 615/312-4266 (advertising fax) Subscriptions/Customer Service CCM, 104 Woodmont, Ste 300, Nashville 37205, 800/333-9643 or [email protected]. Annual subscription rates: United States, $19.95/one year, $35.95/ two years, $53.95/three years; Canada, (U.S. funds) $27.95 per year; all other countries, (U.S. funds) $33.95 (surface) or $67 (airmail). For address changes or other inquiries, please include both old and new addresses and mailing label. Allow four to six weeks for new subscriptions to begin. Cover illustration by Chuck Anderson (nopattern.com) NASDAQ SYMBOL: SALM ccmmagazine.com CCM_05.05_Feedback.v7 3/11/05 12:49 PM Page 8 feedback the pictures as wallpaper, seeing as I am the more “expressive type fan”; but I have problems tearing up the magazine. Thanks for continuing to be creative and helping to make my month better. —Jenny Stracener, Soddy Daisy, TN READERS’ CHOICE INDEED I’m loving the February issue of CCM. (I was especially looking forward to it to see who was in the Readers’ Choice Awards.) After I opened it up [“CCM Readers’ Choice Awards 2005”], I was floored. The photography that David Dobson did for the issue is amazing and is enough, by itself, to tide me over until the next issue! As Mr. Swartzendruber stated in his letter from the editor, I would love to use I have been a dedicated CCM subscriber for almost seven years and wanted to commend the CCM staff for the wonderful work on the 2005 Readers’ Choice Awards. This issue is by far the best visual-looking issue ever! Kudos to photographer David Dobson and the rest of the CCM staff for the amazing layout and design of all the Readers’ Choice Award winners. It was evident that each photograph was deeply thought about and planned out. All of the photos showed creativity by Dobson and individuality by each artist. The design of this issue rivals most mainstream magazines. I hope that David Dobson and the rest of the CCM staff get awarded for this beautiful masterpiece. —Tim Kong, Nyack, NY I just wanted to let you know that the artist photos from the readers’ poll were outstanding. I don’t know who came up with the concept, but give them a pat on the back. Very creative and fun! —Kevin Avery Program Director/Morning Show Host 104.7 The Fish/Atlanta, GA Unbelievable! Maybe the best issue ever. The photography of the artists is amazing. Great job. —Danny Clayton Program Director/morning show 105.3 The Fish/Milwaukee, WI Just got my copy of CCM at work and was blown away by your photos of the Readers’ Choice winners. These pictures look great and are so creative. As another media hound, I grew weary of seeing the same press kit photos that I would get across my desk. However, these photos of tobyMac, Rebecca St. James and everyone else look phenomenal. What a breath of fresh air to see our favorites in a new light. Thanks, CCM! As always, you guys rock. —Jennifer E. Jones, CBN.com Producer, Virginia Beach, VA The trailer park [Jeremy] Camp family photo made me laugh out loud! It’s good for these artists to have fun with a photo op, not just the same old posing. Original and fun pictures for the whole article were 8 ccm april 05 ccmmagazine.com appreciated, not a "barefoot on the beach" or "gazing out to sea" in sight. —Nicola Topsom, Edmonton, AB Canada I just got through reading the Readers’ Choice issue and saw that Apologetix and Disciple were voted the top two indie bands. It would really be great to see an article on these two bands in your mag. I have been a subscriber for a long time and enjoy it, but to see a story on these two groups—especially Disciple— would be awesome. --Darrell Gibson, via email Thanks for your suggestion, Darrell. Did you happen to catch our full-page interview with Apologetix alumnus (and Word Distribution sales rep.) Keith Harrold last July? Also, you’ll be pleased to know that Disciple just signed a recording agreement with INO Music’s new modern rock label, S/R/E Recordings. It’s safe to say you’ll be seeing Disciple amidst future pages of CCM. BACKSTREET WISE In the February issue of your magazine, you wrote a short article about Backstreet Boys’ Brian Littrell [“The Insider”]. This put the biggest smile on my face. I have been a fan of his group for 10 years. They have been a vital part of my life (including helping me decide that the music industry is the place for me). I believe the Lord put the Backstreet Boys on this earth to help others and myself get through tough times. Brian Littrell has especially touched my heart. I am CCM_05.05_Feedback.v7 3/11/05 12:49 PM Page 9 likes of Randy Stonehill, Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney and Bob Dylan. As I watched McCartney play the halftime show of the Super Bowl, I could not help but think of Norman’s poignant message of our Savior’s love. —Brent Kohlenberger, Swansea, IL bands, etc. have become part of my daily life. I really enjoy the music and the positive messages I get from the songs. Thanks again, and keep up the good work. —Ron Morrison, Park Forest, IL CHRISTIAN MUSIC FANDANGO I just wanted to drop a line to tell everyone at CCM how much I enjoy reading your magazine. A friend introduced me to Christian music in 2001 (and also CCM), and I do not listen to anything else. Listening to and reading about Christian music, We welcome your comments. Address your letter to Feedback, CCM Magazine, 104 Woodmont Blvd., Suite 300, Nashville, TN 37205; fax 615/385-4112, Attn: Feedback; or e-mail [email protected]. Always include your full name, address and phone number. Letter may be edited for length and clarity. Correction: In last month’s issue, CCM incorrectly cited two important songwriting credits and quotes about the songs in our ZOEgirl feature. It was actually Kristin Swinford who was the primary writer of the song “Skin Deep” and spoke about it. Likewise, Chrissy Conway was primary writer and spoke of “Not the One.” Our apologies to them both. TRUTH BE TOLD glad that he is a man of God and does amazing things through his celebrity status. I cry every time I think of the great work he is doing for children with heart disease. I do, however, have one complaint about your article. In it you write the following line: “Pop music aficionados won’t have to say ‘bye, bye, bye’ to its favorite boy band...” With this sentence you are implying that the Backstreet Boys sing the song “Bye Bye Bye.” That, however, is false. The song “Bye Bye Bye” is sung and performed by *NSYNC. —Janet Valdez, via e-mail Janet, might we have used an *NSYNC song title on purpose? We’ll never tell... WHAT ABOUT LARRY? In your short list of Songs To Or About Famous People [“List-O-Rama,” February], I was surprised that you failed to mention a timeless classic by Christian rock pioneer Larry Norman. “Song for a Small Circle of Friends” is a beautiful song to the What’s your favorite Christian music legend or supposedly tall tale? What about that nagging question concerning your favorite artist that, apparently, no one’s been able to answer? That’s where we come in. Check here each month as CCM distinguishes fact from fiction, and e-mail your questions to [email protected]. Dear CCM, I saw a commercial for the Adam Sandler movie, Spanglish, and it had a Jars of Clay song playing during it. It got me wondering how songs make it into movies. I figured you guys would have the inside scoop. —Film Buff in Philadelphia Good question! To get the answer for you, we went straight to an expert in Los Angeles—Tyler Bacon, who executive produced albums by Sixpence None the Richer, The Choir, Fleming & John and Living Sacrifice in the mid ’90s and is now the president of Position Music. His company pitches songs (“cuts”) to the film and television industry and has landed tracks in such shows as “Smallville,” “The O.C.” and “Malcolm in the Middle” as well as in major motion pictures such as Elf and The Butterfly Effect. Position is hired by record labels (including EMI Christian Music Group, which includes Gotee, Sparrow and ForeFront Records) and/or music publishing companies to work their catalog of songs in Hollywood. According to Bacon, much of the process of landing a song’s placement into film or television is simply relational. He stays in close contact with music supervisors at film studios and production companies as well as— to a lesser extent—producers, directors or music editors. These contacts keep companies, such as Position, in the loop as to what they are looking for. For example, Bacon said he’ll get a call from a studio that is shooting a film with a party scene for which they’re looking for a dance song, or a dinner scene for which they’re seeking a jazz song. Bacon will then select the songs from his clients’ catalogs that are best suited for said scenes and send the songs to the studio for consideration. Position also does “blind pitching” by putting together compilation discs of songs from its clients’ catalog that are the most TV/film-friendly and sending them to music supervisors. Bacon said such pitching does result in phone calls from parties interested in using certain songs. In fact, with television Bacon will sometimes get a desperate call from a music supervisor who, for whatever reason, has just had a song drop from a show. Exemplifying how quickly things in Hollywood can turn around, Bacon said he’s put together deals on a Friday for a show that airs the following Monday! Once a song is selected for use, two licenses need to be negotiated: a master license, which grants permission from the record label to use the recording of the song under the agreed-upon terms, and a synchronization (“synch”) license, which likewise grants permission from the song’s publisher. And, yes, that process is really done for every single song you hear in a film or a television show! Nothing happens by accident in Hollywood! According to Bacon, a ballpark figure for use of a song in a movie trailer is $7,500 to $60,000, while placement in a TV show will pull in between $1,000 and $15,000, depending on the length and placement of the music clip. This amount is then split between the songwriter, the publisher and the label—and, of course, it also pays Position’s fee. ccmmagazine.com april 05 ccm 9 CCM_04.05_Insider.v19 3/11/05 1:46 PM Page 11 C insider GMA Music Awards preview, Grammy round-up and more. by Christa Farris A Time for Recognition The nominees have been announced for a while now. The location has been decided (the legendary Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville), and the artists are probably even shopping for their fashionable outfits as we speak. But what everyone wants to know is: Who’s going to take home the most Doves on Christian music’s biggest night? On the eve of the 36th annual GMA Music Awards, CCM’s own editorial team weighs in with its predictions... Jeremy Camp photographed by Brandon Dickerson THE PANEL: Jay Swartzendruber, Editor Christa Farris, Departments Editor Stephanie Ottosen, Managing Editor >>> Diego Rock: Switchfoot reconnects with producer John Fields and hits the studio anticipating a July ccmmagazine.com april 05 ccm 11 >>> CCM_04.05_Insider.v19 3/10/05 10:50 PM Page 12 C insider MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR [Nominees: Jeremy Camp, Jason Crabb, Mark Hall, Israel Houghton, Fernando Ortega] Should Win: Swartzendruber: Jeremy Camp Farris: Jeremy Camp Ottosen: Jeremy Camp Will Win: Swartzendruber: Jeremy Camp With all due respect to his competition this year and the next 10 years, J.C.’s in the house, and he’s not renting! Farris: Jeremy Camp While last year’s victories were, well, more of a surprise, it’ll be no surprise this year when he walks away with yet another statue for his great vocal delivery. Ottosen: Jeremy Camp It’s been a year of radio hits, big sales and successful tours for this new dad.Why shouldn’t he win again? her voice has never sounded better, but Nicole is an old favorite; and voters won’t soon forget the voice that sang “Redeemer.” GROUP OF THE YEAR [Nominees: Casting Crowns, The Crabb Family, MercyMe, Selah, Switchfoot] Should Win: Swartzendruber: Switchfoot Farris: Switchfoot Ottosen: Switchfoot Will Win: Swartzendruber: Casting Crowns How many bands have managed to sell more than two million albums, mostly in the mainstream, while loving the Savior, His church and its neighbors with such humility, integrity and artistic excellence? Yes, Switchfoot “should” win. But I believe the nod will actually go to Christian music’s new favorite sons (and daughters). Will Win: Swartzendruber: Bethany Dillon and his brilliant work on Steven Curtis Chapman’s All Things New. BarlowGirl has sold more albums, but Bethany connects with both a young and older (as in voting!) audience. Farris: Brown Bannister Farris: Bethany Dillon A talented girl with a guitar—what’s not to love? Like one of her guitar-wielding mentors, Jennifer Knapp, Bethany should walk away with the “New Artist” crown. Ottosen: BarlowGirl This trio sold the most of any debut artist last year and had a No. 1 radio hit to boot. These sisters will take the bird home. [Nominees: Bethany Dillon, Natalie Grant, Nicole C. Mullen, Christy Nockels, Joy Williams] Should Win: Swartzendruber: Bethany Dillon Farris: Bethany Dillon Ottosen: Natalie Grant Will Win: Swartzendruber: Bethany Dillon [Nominees: Casting Crowns, MercyMe, Selah, Michael W. Smith, Switchfoot] Should Win: Swartzendruber: Switchfoot Farris: Switchfoot Ottosen: Switchfoot While this category is as closely matched as they come, it came down to this for me: Who would I vote for if I was one of the other nominees? Will Win: Swartzendruber: Casting Crowns Ottosen: Casting Crowns They deserve it, and they’ve been exemplary as Christians in the mainstream. Farris: Nicole C. Mullen NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR When it comes right down to it, I think the more familiar, powerhouse chops of Nicole C. Mullen will be the ones the voters will award this time around. [Nominees: BarlowGirl, Building 429, Day of Fire, Bethany Dillon, Matthew West] Ottosen: Nicole C. Mullen Natalie’s continuing to reinvent herself and >>> MTV, VH-1 and beyond, Switchfoot has had the kind of year that artists dream about in terms of mainstream visibility. But when it comes to the mainstream sector of Christian music fans, I think it’s the catchy conviction of Casting Crowns that’ll ultimately translate to a victory. No doubt, Switchfoot’s been everywhere this year and continues to blow us away with its success in the mainstream, but I think voters will cast for a group that stays closer to the Christian music industry home. Should Win: Swartzendruber: Bethany Dillon Farris: Bethany Dillon Ottosen: BarlowGirl Ottosen: Brown Bannister Ed Cash is the “it” producer this year, but I think voters can’t help choosing Brown Bannister because they have so many years in a row. SONG OF THE YEAR ARTIST OF THE YEAR Farris: Casting Crowns FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR Look at the credits of some of Christian music’s most creative outings to date, and you’ll see Ed Cash’s name. But Brown Bannister has the kind of name recognition that should keep his Dove track record solid. Because Switchfoot is “Christian by faith, not by musical genre.” Farris: Switchfoot I dare them to vote for anyone else… Ottosen: Switchfoot PRODUCER OF THE YEAR [Nominees: Brown Bannister, Ed Cash, Israel Houghton, Pete Kipley, Mark A. Miller] Should Win: Swartzendruber: Ed Cash Farris: Ed Cash Ottosen: Ed Cash [Nominees: “Blessed Be Your Name”-Tree63, “Dare You to Move”-Switchfoot, “Friend of God”-Israel Houghton, “Glory Defined”-Building429, “Healing Rain”-Michael W. Smith, “Meant to Live”-Switchfoot, “More”-Matthew West, “Through the Fire”-The Crabb Family, “Who Am I”-Casting Crowns, “You Raise Me Up”-Selah] Should Win: Swartzendruber: “Dare You to Move” Farris: “Dare You to Move” Ottosen: “Meant to Live” Will Win: Swartzendruber: “Who Am I” Because Casting Crowns owns Christian radio and, thanks to “Meant to Live,” Switchfoot’s votes in this category will be split between two songs. Farris: “Healing Rain” “Dare You to Move” was the empowering anthem du jour of the year; you just couldn’t escape it. But Michael W. Smith’s “Healing Rain” is the power track that’s going to edge it out. It has all the makings of a Dove winner: a big chorus, worshipful accessibility and, don’t forget, the crucial Michael W. Smith stamp. Ottosen: “Healing Rain” Will Win: Swartzendruber: Brown Bannister Thanks to both Bannister’s higher profile “Meant to Live” was all over the charts, but Michael’s got to win at least one category—right? release, expected to be a “darker” and “louder” rock album • She’s One Busy Girl: Ginny Owens Writes 12 ccm april 05 ccmmagazine.com >>> CCM_04.05_Insider.v19 3/10/05 10:50 PM Page 13 >> pop/rock From left: Avalon’s Melissa Greene, Jody McBrayer and his wife Stephanie with Norah Jones. Inset: Steven Curtis Chapman and Matchbox 20’s Rob Thomas L.A. Story In a star-studded event, several of your favorite Christian artists strolled the red carpet in style at this year’s Grammy Awards. Now get the scoop on Skillet’s first trip to the festivities, along with other great artist photo ops that probably wouldn’t happen in any place other than Los Angeles. The Grammy Diaries Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you probably already know that the late Ray Charles, Alicia Keys, Kanye West, Usher, Green Day, John Mayer and Maroon5 scored some pretty key wins recently on Grammy night. But Christian music’s finest were also wellrepresented. Before we dive into the winners, did you catch the constant pans of Amy & Vince or happen to spot Jars of Clay after Green Day’s performance of “American Idiot?” I must say it was cool to see someone other than, well, Usher getting some love from the Grammy cam. As for that aforementioned Grammy gold, Steven Curtis Chapman added another trophy to what must be an overflowing collection for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album for All Things New. Third Day also chocked up another accolade for Best Rock Gospel Album for its latest, Wire. Smokie Norful scored in the Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album category with Nothing Without You, while Randy Travis’ Worship & Faith also took top honors in the Best Southern, Country or Bluegrass Gospel Album. “This is way cooler than prom!” > >>> Songs Skillet may have lost to Third Day in the Best Rock Gospel Album category, but the band definitely relished its opportunity to hang out in L.A. for music’s most glamorous night as these exclusive photos reveal. Band pictured with Zach Kelm, Manager, Q Management Group “We’re on our way now.” “We just lost and are pretending not to care.” Skillet’s Lori Peters and Ben Kasica pictured at Warner Bros.’ postGrammy party. “He’s cool, and yes, his beard is real.” Skillet’s John Cooper is pictured with Z.Z. Top’s Billy F. Gibbons at a post-Grammy event. “Best Friends 4Ever” Skillet’s Korey Cooper, John Cooper, Ben Kasica and Lori Peters are pictured with “Scrubs” and Garden State star, Zach Braff. for Her Upcoming October Studio Project, wraps up Next Month’s Release of Live From New Orleans ccmmagazine.com april 05 ccm 13 >>> CCM_04.05_Insider.v19 3/10/05 10:51 PM Page 14 C insider Sightings: A Passionate Makeover Can you believe that it’s already been more than a year since the release of the worldwide movie phenomenon known as The Passion of The Christ? And now for something even more unbelievable: A toned-down (read: less gory) version of the movie, The Passion Recut, was recently released in theaters for those who weren’t comfortable with the extremely graphic crucifixion scenes in the original. While it hasn’t been finalized at press time, there are talks of the Mel Gibson film being an annual event release. A River Runs Through It Speaking of what’s new at the multiplex, Passion star James Caviezel is set to star in Madison, an independent, feel-good movie in the vein of Field of Dreams or Hoosiers that recently premiered at The Sundance Film Festival. Based on a true story of a dying river town (Madison, Ind.), the film is a father/son tale of the come-from-behind win in the 1971 race for the gold cup of hydroplane boat racing. Complete with 180 mile per hour, flat-bottomed boat racing, the underlying theme is the spirit of smalltown America and the difficulties of generational transition from the ’60’s to the ’70’s. For more information, visit madisonthemovie.com. New Must-See TV: “The Logan Show” While touring the Christian music festival circuit during the summer of 2004 to encourage voter registration, 19-year-old Logan Sekulow and his friends came up with a winning concept for a new T.V. show. >>> Now the first show of its kind in Christian T.V. land, “The Logan Show” is a new youth-oriented variety program that takes the best elements of late-night shows such as “Saturday Night Live” and “Conan O’Brien” with a little “Austin City Limits” musical flavor mixed in and offers a funny, enjoyable diversion from the usual late-night fare for the whole family. Hosted by Sekulow along with co-host John Drake Windsor, the show features a cast of eight guys and girls who provide the bulk of the entertainment via comedy sketches in front of a live studio audience in Nashville, Tenn. Christian music’s preeminent artists also get in on the fun with live performances and interviews. Currently broadcast into 60 million homes in the U.S. on FamilyNet, INSP, JC-TV, iLife and more, a live stream of the show is also available on ja-tv.net and tct-net.org. CD • Speaking of Rocketown Artists: Label Signs Singer/Songwriter >>> CCM_04.05_Insider.v19 3/10/05 10:52 PM Page 15 >> pop DVD Picks from Your Favorite Artists This month we've got two artists endorsing the same film. If you have yet to see this late ’80s classic, take it from them... Blake Knight, Ill Harmonics: My favorite comedy is an oldie but a goodie. I would recommend that anyone who likes dry wit rent The Princess Bride on DVD. The movie is hilarious but also touches some heart strings with an intricate love story and, of course, the ever brilliant Fred Savage ("The Wonder Years"). A must-see and a must-own. Eric Lemier, The Rock 'N' Roll Worship Circus: The Princess Bride is a movie that everyone needs to see. There's action, comedy, love, deceit, and the movie is "really historically accurate." It's a timeless classic that the whole family will enjoy. * Faith in Hollywood: Christina Milian She may not be a household name just yet, but with turns in the muchhyped reunion of John Travolta and Uma Thurman in Be Cool and in the recent Tommy Lee Jones vehicle Man of the House, rising star Christina Milian is having the kind of career start that many aspiring actresses dream about. Describing how she stays grounded in spite of her newfound acclaim, Milian recently told USA Today she maintains her strong Catholic convictions, even pausing to pray before she enjoys her salad. “I pray constantly and appreciate life,” she says. “The struggles I’ve been through have gotten me to where I am today.” > >>> ccmmagazine.com april 05 ccm 15 CCM_04.05_Insider.v19 3/11/05 12:19 AM Page 16 C >> insider pop Escape to Seattle When it comes to recording his brand new live disc, there is no place like home for Shawn McDonald. True Love Completely Took Me By Surprise... By 2005 GMA Awards Nominee Christy Nockels While my five-hour flight from Nashville to Seattle was a bit of a whirlwind experience for a onenight concert stop, this kind of travel is nothing new for Seattlebased singer/songwriter Shawn McDonald, who’s been on the road in support of his Sparrow debut, Simply Nothing, for months on end. But even the most experienced artist isn’t particularly fond of a 6 a.m. wake-up call, even in the rainy java capital where there’s a caffeine rush available on practically every street corner. However, despite his lack of sleep, McDonald persevered as he spent the better part of the morning before his live CD recording making radio appearances, conducting interviews and participating in a photo shoot. But if all the running around caused this soft-spoken artist any stress, you wouldn’t have guessed from his calm composure onstage later that evening at the packedout venue of Seattle’s Mars Hill >>> church. With a chill atmosphere accentuated by candlelight and the handiwork of an onstage artist who painted as McDonald sang, the evening seemed to go off with very few hitches. After the show CCM caught up with McDonald for the inside track on his first live recording and more. CCM: What stood out to you about this particular recording experience? McDonald: “It was a neat night. Not only was I at home playing, but I had a lot of friends and family in the audience. I was just really moved tonight.” CCM: You seemed just a little nervous at the beginning but as the night went on, you seemed so much more assured. Was that the case? McDonald: “Yeah, I’d say so. There was a lot of pressure tonight—pressure that it has to sound good… But at the same time, there were also a lot of folks out there. It was intimate with all the people just right there, and so I think there was a little nervousness at first. I think as it went on, though, I realized that God was doing His thing, so the nervousness kind of left.” CCM: I’ve heard rumblings that you are writing some new songs and getting the process started for what’s going to be your true sophomore record. Tell me a little about what’s been happening so far. McDonald: “Well, I think the plan is to go into the studio in mid-June, July and August. I’ve written about eight new songs right now, and then I’ve got about 10-15 older ones that I haven’t pulled out of the pot yet. So we’ve got a good number, and I’m taking the whole month of May off just strictly to write. My goal is to have 25-30 songs coming into this record, so that we can really lay down all the songs and pick the best ones.” I’ll never know why self-respecting, God-fearing young women give their heart and soul to guys they know are not God’s best for them. I remember my daddy telling me, “Christy, there will always be a guy around who is willing to spend his life with you—even a good guy—but it’s God’s heart for you that you wait for His best.” As I grew a little older, I fell into that trap… keeping an unguarded heart and allowing myself to go from one relationship to another. How I wish now that I would have just embraced the alone time that surrounded me. Somehow I dreaded breaking off relationships because I hated being alone, and I feared that my prince might never come. Because of fear I wasted many of my high school and college years. I remember the day when God began to soften my heart toward truly understanding what it means to prepare myself for His best. I attended a small girls’ retreat where we were asked to write a letter to our future husbands. We poured our hearts out in pen and paper and then wrapped them neatly with wedding paper. I clung to this letter, keeping it visible as a reminder that someday he would come. I wanted to open it and read it again and again, until one day it dawned on me that the letter could continue. I began to keep a journal for my husband-to-be, full of thoughts, prayers and promises for the years to come. This journal kept hope alive within me and effectively helped me pinpoint places in my dating life where I was settling for something short of God’s perfect design for me. God pierced my heart when I met my sweet husband, Nathan Nockels. I was broken before God that He would bring Nathan into my life in spite of my immaturity. The grace and mercy of God came and took my breath away. As a wedding gift, I gave Nathan the letter and journal I had been writing in. What a treasure for both of us to enjoy for years to come. We will celebrate our 10-year anniversary this year, and I am still amazed at the incomparable and priceless reward of recognizing and preparing for God’s best for my life. For more information, please visit eharmony.com. Michael Olson to Its Roster • Nicol Sponberg Leaves Selah to Pursue Ministry With Her Husband; Melodie 16 ccm april 05 ccmmagazine.com >>> CCM_04.05_Insider.v19 3/11/05 1:49 PM Page 18 C >> insider C Tell CCM I had a very depressing time last week, and I happened to play the CD Still the Cross by FFH. The song “You Love Me Anyway” stood out; it made me realize that, no matter what I do, God still loves me. The first verse struck me especially when it said: “I thought I had it all but then I messed it up/ The same old thing got the best of me.” That has happened to me so often, and that is why I got depressed last week because I was feeling like, “I can’t do this!” Then when I heard this song, I knew that I could do it with God’s help. Thank you, FFH, for writing this song. You helped me to want to keep going! —Jamee Lee, Ohio fan fare 04.05 Birthdays 02 04 11 13 15 17 19 22 26 29 Kirk Sullivan (4HIM) Mitchell Jones (Commissioned) Michael Card Josh Schwartz (Seventh Day Slumber) Chrissy Conway (ZOEgirl) Alisa Girard (ZOEgirl) Christine Dente Ginny Owens Danielle Young (Caedmon’s Call) Mark Nash (PFR) Hitched A few months ago, Caedmon’s Call percussionist Garret Buell celebrated the best New Year’s Eve yet… at his own wedding to Alathea member Carrie Theobald. The couple took their vows in Carrie’s East Tennessee hometown. Sanctus Real’s drummer, Mark Graalman and his wife, Susan, recently welcomed a baby boy to their family. The couple’s firstborn, Benjamin Yo-Sup, arrived on Feb. 4 weighing 8 lbs. 8 oz. and measuring 21 inches long. About his son’s name, Mark said, “It’s Korean tradition that grandfathers give newborns their middle names. Since Susan is Korean-American, we asked her father to choose a biblical name that he liked. He chose Yo-Sup, which is Korean for Joseph.” >>> Photo by David Dobson Welcome to the World Crittenden Steps In • They’re Back: Anointed Set to Make its Return As a Duo This Month With Now is 18 ccm april 05 ccmmagazine.com >>> CCM_04.05_GetReal.v6 3/11/05 12:24 AM Page 20 getreal Russ Taff’s ministry and 5 Questions with Tonéx by Stephanie Ottosen Takin’ it to the Streets By Russ Taff C 5 Questions with Tonéx For some strange reason, extremely talented artists often seem to go unnoticed. The brilliant Tonéx, however, is not one of those artists. Since releasing his nascent album, Pronounced Toe-Nay, in 1997, the then unknown performer has watched his career take off. The artist and pastor followed his debut with 02, which garnered six Stellar nominations and a Dove Award for “Urban Album of the Year.” And this year, his latest album, Out the Box, won a whopping six Stellar Awards. 1. If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be and why? I really would like to visit Shangri La. It’s somewhere in the Tibetan mountains. To find out more information about this [fictitious] place, you should rent a movie entitled Lost Horizon. This place is beautiful, and the only rule there is “be kind.” 2. What’s your most embarrassing moment onstage? One time I was walking over to the organ to play it, but it was kind of dark. I missed a step and fell on the staircase leading over to the organ. To keep my balance I ended up using the organ keys for support, so it sounded really funny—like a cartoon. >>> 3. As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be a prosecuting attorney and an amusement park owner. 4. What’s one goal you have as an artist? To be universal in my appeal to affect the world and bring change to a dying society. To be a humanitarian of Christian principle and a Nobel Peace Prize winner. A few years ago, if you had handed me a list of society’s most serious problems and asked me to name the one closest to my heart, street prostitution would probably not have been my first choice! My thoughts would probably have been something like this: “They brought that on themselves; it’s not like it’s a birth defect or something they couldn’t help.” This attitude doesn’t reflect a lack of compassion, just a lack of understanding. And now that I have met the women of Magdalene, I know better. A few months after my wife, Tori, and I started attending St. Augustine’s Chapel, we got involved with Magdalene House, a long-term residential housing and recovery program for Nashville women with a criminal history of prostitution and drug abuse. It was founded by our pastor, Rev. Becca Stevens. I was asked to take her down to Nashville’s infamous Dickerson Road strip to pick up a woman who had asked for shelter. When I saw the hopeless eyes of the women on that street and watched the cars prowling along like predatory animals, it was a reality check for me. I had lived in Nashville for more than 20 years, and I didn’t even know this part of town existed. So Tori and I educated ourselves. We discovered that 100 percent of the women Magdalene served were addicted to drugs, usually crack cocaine. Many were victims of violent homes or domestic abuse. Almost all of them had children, but almost none of them had custody. And most heart- breaking of all, we learned that the average age of the first sexual experience for women on the street is between the ages of 7 and 11—often at the hands of a family member. But the women are truly remarkable. They don’t whine about being “victims.” They take responsibility for their actions, and they are working hard to take full advantage of the opportunity they are given. There are sometimes setbacks and relapses, but the success stories are staggering. Magdalene women are getting their G.E.D. certificates, attending college and learning computer, job, financial and life skills that will enable them to become productive members of society. The Magdalene program now has four residences and even its own cottage industry, Thistle Farms, which produces a line of nurturing body products handmade by the residents. Tori and I serve on the board of directors and continue to be moved and inspired by these amazing women. This ministry is about helping to change the world one life at a time until we all live in a society in which it is no longer acceptable anywhere for people to be bought and sold. For more information, visit magdalenehouse.com Before establishing a prolific career as a solo recording artist, Russ Taff burst upon the Christian music scene in 1977 as the widely-acclaimed lead vocalist for The Imperials. He has won a total of 5 Grammy Awards and 9 GMA Dove Awards. Russ Taff at a Magdalene Celebration event at Fisk University Chapel 5. What’s one question you’d like to ask God when you get to heaven? “God, explain what purpose ‘tragic death’ served in your overall purpose.” the Time • Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Mich. makes headlines after unveiling new course titled Kicking 20 ccm april 05 ccmmagazine.com >>> CCM_04.05_IndBeat.v8 3/10/05 11:18 PM Page 22 K industrybeat A conversation with Jim Worthen and the latest industry buzz by Jay Swartzendruber When you look at today’s Christian music scene, what stands out to you? I wish there was more of a sense of history for our market. What you guys have done with the “Hall of Fame” page is great. I would just like to encourage the gatekeepers of the catalogs to get songs up on iTunes. Now that they don’t have to be pressed onto CD, there’s no excuse for them not to be online so kids can check out some of the older stuff. TOOTH & NAIL—JIM’S FUN FACTS • “According to SoundScan, Tooth & Nail/BEC sold more than two million albums in 2004—of that exactly 50 percent Christian market and 50 percent general market.” • “No Tooth & Nail band that has sold 20,000-plus on their debut album has ever sold less on their follow-up release.” • “No band signed directly to Tooth & Nail or its imprints Solid State or BEC for a multi-album deal has ever gone on to another label and sold more records.” C According to Jim And the beat goes on… Jim Worthen (third from the right), flanked by Tooth & Nail’s Demon Hunter For more than 11 years Seattle-based Tooth & Nail Records has laid claim to the Christian community’s most rabid fans. With a stunning roster that includes Jeremy Camp, Underoath, Kutless, Starflyer59, Anberlin, KJ-52, Norma Jean, Aaron Sprinkle and Thousand Foot Krutch, among others, Tooth & Nail has joined Sparrow and Integrity as one of the Christian market’s top three selling labels. While founder Brandon Ebel has long had a cult following, his second in command, Vice President/Chief Financial Officer Jim Worthen, takes a more stealth approach. When Jim departed Diamante Music Group in 1997 to join Tooth & Nail, he reunited with Ebel, whom he had befriended when the two worked at the now defunct Frontline Records in the early ’90s. How would you describe your job? Don’t you have your hands in almost everything? Yes. I may be working on budgets or come out of a finance meeting and go right into another meeting looking at T-shirt designs or listening to new bands. I always want to keep that focus where I’m not just stuck doing finance or one thing. Tooth & Nail is certainly a label to watch for breaking artists. Jeremy Camp, Kutless, Underoath and Thousand Foot Krutch come to mind in recent years. Who do you expect to emerge in the coming months? I think of artists whose first albums did extremely well and are now getting ready to release their second CDs—Falling Up, Emery, Hawk Nelson. Each of these artists’ debut sold 40 to 50,000-plus. In our history, you know, second albums just take off from there. Norma Jean’s new album [released] March 1, and we have big expectations for the group. [Editor’s note: First week’s sales exceeded 19,000 copies!] It’s one of the heavier bands out there, and the members worked that first album for years and sold 60,000 copies. The Mae record [released] in March also, and that one’s going to be big. >>> A Day Behind the Scenes with Jim 8:30 Download current sales report and discuss with Brandon [Ebel] 9:00 Answer e-mail 10:00 Company prayer meeting 10:30 Watch brand new Haste The Day video 10:45 Review updated budget reports and make necessary adjustments 12:00 Lunch with new T&N signing Number One Gun 1:00 Answer e-mail 1:45 Proofread new Living Sacrifice layout 2:00 Production/new release scheduling meeting 3:15 Starbucks! 3:30 Review month-to-date expenditures 4:00 More e-mail 4:30 Instant message with sales managers in Nashville and L.A. 5:00 Review invoices before submitting for payment 5:45 Discuss new Telecast recording progress with Josh White An impressive rendition of the Ashley Cleveland song “Power of Love”— originally featured on her 2002 album Second Skin—aired on FOX’s hit TV show “American Idol” in February. Performed by semifinalist Nadia Turner, the song was written by Cleveland and her husband, musician/producer Kenny Greenberg. Entertainment Weekly’s Michael Slezak stated that Turner’s “flawless take on the gospel-rock song ‘Power of Love’ was week 1’s biggest—and best— surprise.” The Passion ‘05 Live EP, which features new songs by Chris Tomlin and Matt Redman, cracked iTunes’ overall Top 10 in February. Look for the April 12 release of Passion: How Great Is Our God (sixsteps), the full-length album from the ‘05 conference. at the Darkness: Social Justice, Spiritual Longing and U2 • Dead Poetic Working on sophomore record • 22 ccm april 05 ccmmagazine.com CCM_05.05_Bible.v7 3/11/05 12:54 PM Page 24 livingthemessage by Michael Card “You, God—don’t put off my rescue. Hurry and help me!” —PSALM 22:19 AS PARAPHRASED IN THE MESSAGE Our Next Companion on the Journey of Lament: David We now come to the third leg of our journey of lament. Last month we met our first traveling companion, Job. He was an example to us of someone who understood that true worship means offering our suffering to God as well as our praise. Job taught us about not letting go of God no matter how painful the David’s life was a wilderness; struggle might be. He helped us but as we have seen, to see that the real answer to wilderness is the place prayer is always the presence of where the journey of true God, for in the close of his story worship begins. he didn’t get back the children he had lost (though God gave him other children). He got God back! Now we meet up with David, the great composer of lament in the Bible. By far, the majority of the psalms are his, and the majority of these are laments. David’s life was fashioned for lament. He was born in the wilderness outside Bethlehem, the youngest of eight brothers. He was confronted all his life with powerful enemies such as Goliath and Saul. He was betrayed by his own son. In the end, he almost forfeited his kingdom because of an adulterous affair that led to murder. David seems to have had only one true friend in his lonely life—Jonathan, the son of Saul, his most bitter enemy. When Saul and Jonathan were killed together in the battle of Mount Gilboa, David composed a lament for both of them. David’s life was a wilderness; but as we have seen, wilderness is the place where the journey of true worship begins. 24 ccm april 05 ccmmagazine.com As we join David on this journey of lament, he reminds us that the path is taking us somewhere. The course of this trip is outlined in David’s psalms. It began in the Garden of Eden, where the simple obedience that God required was lacking in the first couple and will end someday in the New Jerusalem, where His presence will be restored to us. It is a journey toward true intimacy with God. If we follow the path David marks out for us in Psalms, it will lead us from the starting point of obedience, to the law (Ps. 1), to an unheard-of closeness to Him that will be reflected in our worship (Ps. 150). (If you remember, this is the same journey Job made in his experience of lament.) Let’s look at some of the signposts David has provided for us on our journey: PSALM 13 The key phrase “How long?” gives voice to the lament of all of us who struggle to maintain the hope that God will “show up.” Lament helps us to hold on until He does. PSALM 27 This psalm seems to make a confusing step backward, beginning with confidence and ending with doubt. But the truth is, often we do lose ground in our struggle to hold on to God. Here David provides us with the words for when we do falter, because the truth is, no matter which direction we find ourselves moving, there is always a reason to hold on to hope. PSALM 51 In this psalm David provides the words we need to realize the depth of our sin. This was a lament he composed after his adultery with Bathsheba (II Sam. 11). Here we learn that all sin is, ultimately, sin against CCM_05.05_Bible.v7 3/11/05 12:55 PM Page 25 God (v.4). David learned that all he had left—a broken spirit and a repentant heart—was all God ever wanted. PSALM 22 This may be the darkest of all the psalms in the Psalter. The musical title “The Deer of the Dawn” hardly seems to match the forsaken lyrics. Psalm 13 asks the question, “How long?”; this psalm simply asks, “Why?” This is, of course, the psalm Jesus quoted from the cross. In these dark words Jesus found the perfect expression of His own agony. As He experienced the hell of the hidden face of God, Jesus screamed the question most every lament asks: “Why have You forgotten me?” In verse 19 a long-awaited shift occurs: 19 O Lord, do not stay away! You are my strength; come quickly to my aid! Rescue me from a violent death; spare my precious life from these dogs. 20 Snatch me from the lions’ jaws, and from the horns of these wild oxen. 21 Then I will declare the wonder of Your name to my brothers and sisters. I will praise You among all Your people. 22 “‘Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted’ (Matthew 5:4). These are the words of Jesus, part of His introduction to the Sermon on the Mount. Many believe that this blessing and the seven others that make up the Beatitudes are a roadmap of sorts, guiding us from being an enemy of God to trusting in God and finally to living like His Son daily. Early on in this journey towards godliness, Jesus stresses the importance of mourning; it’s a step that cannot be skipped. This mourning He blesses isn’t over the loss of a loved one or a job. It is lament over the poverty in our spirit – the lack of anything right in us (Matthew 5:3). Without this kind of sorrow we cannot fully trust Jesus for salvation. Wailing over our sin is key to repentance and to understanding what it is we have been saved from by Jesus Christ. So we cry out with Paul when we examine our hearts, ‘What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?’ (Romans 7:24).” —Shaun Groves Praise the Lord, all you who fear Him! Honor Him, all you descendants of Jacob! Show Him reverence, all you descendants of Israel! 23 For He has not ignored the suffering of the needy. He has not turned and walked away. He has listened to their cries for help. 24 I will praise You among all the people; I will fulfill my vows in the presence of those who worship You. 25 The poor will eat and be satisfied. All who seek the Lord will praise Him. Their hearts will rejoice with everlasting joy. 26 The whole earth will acknowledge the Lord and return to him. People from every nation will bow down before Him. 27 For the Lord is king! He rules all the nations. 28 Let the rich of the earth feast and worship. Let all mortals—those born to die— bow down in His presence. 29 Future generations will also serve Him. Our children will hear about the wonders of the Lord. 30 His righteous acts will be told to those yet unborn.They will hear about everything He has done. —New Living Translation 31 The lament concludes with a long passage of praise in which the psalmist reaches out to every conceivable group. The journey of Psalm 22 is the journey of lament—from the darkest dark to the brightest light, from the most forsaken suffering of Jesus to His eventual experience of the “joy that was before Him” (Hebrews 12:2). On an infinitely smaller scale, this is the journey we, too, must walk: the journey that lament bids us to make—from the painful experience of the effect of our own sin to the glorious freedom that only comes from breaking through the darkness of that impenetrable cloud and into the glory of Presence. Michael Card is an award-winning scholar, musician and radio broadcaster who resides in Franklin, Tennessee. His latest book and study guide titled A Sacred Sorrow deal with the painful circumstances surrounding the lives of Job, David, Jeremiah and Jesus: circumstances that that provoked these men into a unique song of worship. Visit MichaelCard.com for more information. ccmmagazine.com april 05 ccm 25 CCM FESTIVAL ADVERTORIAL S P E C 3/11/05 I 12:18 PM A L Page 27 A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N CCM’s EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CHRISTIAN SUMMER FESTIVALS B Y The A N D Y snow is finally melting for those in America’s most arctic areas, and the spring chill all across the country is slowly fading into a summer breeze. In addition to barbecues, parties will envelop backyards and jeans will be traded in for shorts. But the real celebration of the season comes in the form of Christian music festivals. Indeed, there’s no better way to ring in the warmer months than with the biggest and best ministers of live music. And this year’s festivities are proving to be among the grandest yet. Need proof? Just read on and see. Some concertgoers are extremely dedicated, hopping around from city to city and event to event—literally planning their summers around such spectacular soirées. Perhaps they’ll divide their destinations by region, visiting the most acclaimed in each area and meeting up A R G Y R A K I with new friends along the way to explore the nation’s best to their fullest potential. Less intense but still fervent regulars often have a singular, annual routine of hitting the open trail (well, more like the yellow-lined road), unfolding gigantic maps and packing a cooler of Coke for the journey in the car. Some drive four hours; others may spend an afternoon, while the extremely dedicated make a day-long pilgrimage to their all-time, most awesome hot spot for guaranteed satisfaction. Then there are those who may be major fans of Christian music but, perhaps, have yet to experience the festival circuit firsthand. Granted, the veterans are probably chuckling right now, but they must remember back to the days of being in the inexperienced travelers’ shoes when someone had to S GUIDE 2005 show them the ropes. No matter what the audience, CCM’s 2005 festival guide is the surefire manual to making this summer the coolest ever. It features some of the most popular, jam-packed extravaganzas of all time, which promise to not only warrant an unforgettable experience but also a spiritually uplifting encounter. So sit back in a hammock, kick off those sandals, splash on that sunscreen and get ready to bask in the glory of this year’s many incredible festivals. Alive Festival June 22-25 / Canal Fulton, Ohio (Clays Park Resort) Those anywhere near Ohio, its surrounding states or the whole nation for that matter have been flocking by the thousands to the Alive Festival since it first opened its doors in 1988. The extended weekend event takes place within some of the most spacious and scenic confines of the Canal Fulton vicinity, including the acoustically pristine and visually stunning ccmmagazine.com april 05 ccm 27 CCM FESTIVAL ADVERTORIAL S P E C 3/11/05 I A 12:19 PM L Page 28 A D V E R T I S I N In addition to that unforgettable music lineup, there’s also a three-day worship conference sponsored by WorshipTogether.com (free with every festival admission). Such an addition will enlighten, equip and educate those within the worship field with some of the most notable experts in that arena. Whether involved with small services or mega-churches, everyone who attends is sure to return home renewed. Amphitheatre Stage, Woods Stage, Beach Stage, Alive Café and Family Fun Tent. These variety-filled venues have housed legends, leaders and breakthrough artists, providing something for virtually every demographic, denomination and artistic disposition. Over the years such sights have been a mecca for cultures to combine, various visions to merge and the body of Christ to be lifted up with one rousing voice. “Alive started as a festival that would offer a chance to hear over 50 concerts and speakers at one huge festival and a way to reach out to people who may not come into a church, but would come if invited to a music festival,” says director Bill Graening.“[It’s] also a way to bring various churches together as a celebration of our faith and belief in Christ regardless of denomination or church affiliation.” That far-reaching scope has served its purpose, reeling in seekers who’ve eventually become new believers, while becoming a source of sustenance, encouragement and entertainment for the faithful. This year’s lineup is packed with diversity, sure to please virtually any palette. It includes major players Switchfoot, Third Day, Relient K, tobyMac, Audio Adrenaline, Pillar, Superchic[k], John Reuben and Blindside. Also along for the ride are rising stars Sarah Kelly, Sanctus Real, Tree63, KJ-52, Kutless, Mars Ill, House of Heroes, Building 429, Starfield, Across the Sky, Palisade, Mute Math, Tomorrow Today and Day of Fire. “We love to serve the artists who come to Alive and make them our guests,” Graening says. “Many artists say Alive is their favorite festival…because we treat them as our honored guests, not just artists we pay to play. That’s due to our amazing staff of volunteers, many of whom have helped serve at Alive for all 17 years!” 28 ccm april 05 ccmmagazine.com “[It will include] training for modern worship with 18 seminars for worship leaders, pastors, musicians, vocalists and technicians,” Graening continues. G S E C T I O N Like the aforementioned desire to reach beyond the church’s walls, this is yet another example of Alive extending its arm into the community for the good of the gospel. In fact, it’s been found that besides having an enjoyable time, many attend for all four days and receive Christ by the end. For Graening, his wife and the staff, “It’s all about serving the customers by providing a safe, diverse festival with great camping, hot showers and clean restrooms,” he says. “[There’s also] swimming, waterslides, basketball, volleyball and tons of concerts with the best Christian music available, giant video walls with sound and lighting [plus] encouraging speakers and teachers…We give a clear gospel message each evening at main stage and love to see thousands come to know Jesus as their personal Savior through the ministry of Alive! That keeps us excited to work on another festival year in and year out.” For additional information, log on to alive.org. Kingdom Bound July 31-August 3 / Buffalo, New York (Six Flags Darien Lake) Imagine all the opportunities a festival can bring merged with all the enjoyment of an amusement park, complete with roller coasters, shows and spectacles. That’s exactly what the New York area gets treated to every year with Kingdom Bound Ministries, an undertaking that began in the late ’80s with the goal of sharing the Good News through Christian music. The initial dream first came together with talent agent Fred Caserta and musician Mike Caputy, who moved at a grassroots level, corralling local pastors to get involved. One of the tag team’s earliest events was “Seminars and workshops will be led by Chris a mid-’80s concert featuring Sheila Walsh, Russ Tomlin, David Crowder, Vicky Beeching, Taff and Mylon Le Fevre, which eventually Peter Furler of Newsboys and speakers attracted the attention of a special events Malcolm DuPlessis and Pete Greig. Also coordinator at Six Flags Darien Lake. we have added more worship to the festival “The festival began and continues to be and continue to offer youth leaders a special presented in an amusement park, which is tent to get free CDs, resources, water and open to the public during the event,” explains snacks. [They can] meet artists and speakers executive director Donna M. Russo. “In 1986, while getting time to rest during the festival.” our president, Fred Caserta, was approached by Even beyond these outreach extensions, a direct the park and asked to put together a Christian invitation is given to 500 youth and counselors day of music [which] grew into the first festival from children’s homes and youth organizations in in 1987. 2005 will mark the 19th festival at the area that don’t have funds to otherwise attend. Six Flags Darien Lake.” CCM FESTIVAL ADVERTORIAL S P E C 3/11/05 I A 12:19 PM L Page 30 A This summer truly promises to be a milestone year, culling together fan favorites from the past two decades, along with today’s top new talent. The line-up is led by the likes of Michael W. Smith, tobyMac, MercyMe, Rachael Lampa, Newsboys, Rebecca St. James and Jeremy Camp. And fest-goers will also likely want to check out Denver & the Mile High Orchestra, Bethany Dillon, Jason Upton, Andrew Carlton and Tree63. On the speaking side, all are looking forward to acclaimed actor Stephen Baldwin, who will share his story of coming to Christ and his career in the movies, along with testimonies from several others with prominent pasts. “Kingdom Bound 2005 will feature the BMX demonstrations of ‘Livin’ It,’ along with skateboard demos and the Word from Stephen Baldwin,” Russo relates. “Also, relatively new to the festival is the ‘Send a Friend’ program in which sponsors help to send over 500 underprivileged or handicapped young people to the festival for a day. The ‘Send a Friend’ day will include the amusement park, all festival activities and a special message from Reggie Dabbs.” After nearly 20 years in operation, Kingdom Bound remains focused in its vision and flawless in its execution. “The purpose for this event is two-fold: to bring people to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and to encourage believers in their walk with God,” Russo says. “Personally, it is always amazing to see people touched and changed by an encounter with the living God, and that is what we hope to accomplish every year.” For additional information, log on to kingdombound.org. GMA Music in the Rockies July 31-August 6 / Estes Park, Colorado (YMCA of the Rockies Estes Park Center) Formerly known as Seminar in the Rockies, GMA Music in the Rockies has been the premier Christian music seminar series and talent competition since 1974. Since then, the festival-style event has been the meeting point for aspiring artists and songwriters who come from all corners of America to share their stories, perform songs and receive feedback from several established industry veterans. “Music in the Rockies is unique because it’s 30 ccm april 05 ccmmagazine.com D V E R T I S I N more than a concert festival,” says GMA spokesperson Tricia Whitehead. “There is the talent competition, which has been responsible for launching the careers of artists including Jars of Clay, Stacie Orrico, Rachael Lampa, Nichole Nordeman and BarlowGirl. There are seminar tracks for aspiring songwriters, artists and worship leaders taught by the most respected professionals in the industry, including some seminars taught by artists.” In this year’s illustrious line-up (with additional G S E C T I O N acts to be announced as the event date nears) are Newsboys, Jeremy Camp and Salvador. The genre lines continue to be blurred with additional style shifts courtesy of Tree63, Brian Free & Assurance, Margaret Becker, Paul Baloche, Ginny Owens, Chris Rice, Tonéx, Natalie Grant and Denver & the Mile High Orchestra. Add in key industry executives, and GMA Music in the Rockies is a must attend event for those looking to lift their music ministries to the next level. CCM FESTIVAL ADVERTORIAL S P E C 3/11/05 I A 12:19 PM L Page 32 A “Music in the Rockies is so important because it provides a unique and unparalleled opportunity for aspiring artists and songwriters to be seen and heard by the key music industry decision makers. During the music competitions and performances, they are also given priceless mentoring and professional development. And the seminars help them to succeed wherever they go and at whatever level of music they pursue,” Whitehead summarizes. “With Music in the Rockies, we always hope to discover the next Jars of Clay or Stacie Orrico; but even more important to us, we want to equip and inspire future generations of artists and music ministers.” On top of that education and countless enhancement opportunities, the YMCA of the Rockies Estes Park Center is set within the breathtaking confines of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. Between the fresh mountain breezes, awe-inspiring sunshine, roaming wildlife and natural beauty, the creative juices and inspirational streams are likely to flow. With such an abundance of things to see, lasting memories are sure to be formed and greater artistic ventures achieved. For more information about Music in the Rockies, log on to gospelmusic.org. Creation Festival East June 29-July 2 / Mt. Union, Pennsylvania (The Agape Farm) Creation Festival West July 27-30/ George, Washington (Gorge Amphitheater) Since the late 1970s, Creation Festival has become a leading entity in music lovers’ summertime vacation planning. Though it’s now a national dynasty, the festival’s roots were humble, starting with east coast concert promoters Tim Landis and Harry Thomas, who spent much of the psychedelic period promoting “Jesus Music” line-ups. “After one of the New Jersey concerts, Tim came over to [my] house and at the kitchen table [we] found out [we] both had a similar vision,” says director Harry Thomas. “Music is a very effective way to translate the gospel to the next generation, and [we] both felt it was time to do a festival featuring a strong emphasis on teaching and music directed to the youth. After prayer and taking some bold steps in faith, Creation ’79 was launched. From the very first 32 ccm april 05 ccmmagazine.com D V E R T I S I N festival, we recognized the calling God had upon this event to reach young people with His love.” And that mission has continued since the East’s edition took residency at the Agape Farm halfway between Harrisburg and Pittsburgh, truly a gorgeous environment with its expanse of wooded areas. Between the natural main stage amphitheater, the incredibly beautiful G S E C T I O N stunning views of various cliffs only adding to the mind-blowing production within the facility. A similar pool of artists to Creation East is on deck for the West, including Audio Adrenaline, Newsboys, TobyMac, Michael W. Smith, Jeremy Camp, Relient K, David Crowder Band, Casting Crowns and MercyMe. Regardless of which one a fan attends—or both for the especially brave—all are promised amazing extracurriculars, along with avenues for spiritual enhancement. “We have communion, a candlelight service, extreme games, after-hours events, a youth workers’ VIP hospitality tent, a children’s tent, vertical worship tent and seminars,” Thomas shares. “Creation is more than a music event. We have kept focus on our goals, and we always honor the Word of God…Our main goal is to communicate the gospel of Christ. Nothing beats seeing thousands of young people hiking trails streaming forward to the prayer and the tent to yield their lives to Christ.” uplifting spectacle of For additional information about both Creation Festivals, log on to gospelcom.net/creation. nearby mountains, the facility is truly one of a kind June 30-July 3 / Bushnell, Illinois and enhances (Cornerstone Farm) the already The origins of the central Illinois-based enormous Cornerstone Festival date back to conversations list of star at the magazine of the same name in 1984. That power on periodical had already been a source of spiritual each year’s insight for those who lived within the Jesus round-up. People USA (a.k.a. JPUSA) community and Included eventually translated to the stage for a wide array in the of musical, artistic, athletic and meditative ranks for expression. “[Cornerstone started as] a this summer are Switchfoot, Newsboys, place where Christians and even Michael W. Smith, MercyMe, TobyMac, those who weren’t so sure what they Audio Adrenaline, David Crowder Band, believe could come together and Casting Crowns and Relient K. enjoy great music and engage in With consistently solid line-ups like that meaningful discussions and every year, it’s no wonder why the Creation workshops about art and faith and legend reached concertgoers in the West, life on this earth,” recalls festival inspiring a second edition eight years ago at the director John Herrin. “A festival that equally magnificent Gorge Amphitheater. The wasn’t so steeped in ‘Christianese,’ one that stage is one of the world’s most recognized and young people could feel free to explore their faith frequently visited, marking the grounds where and yet be themselves.” the Dave Matthews Band recorded its latest And for the past 20-plus years that tradition concert collection. Pollstar (one of the has continued, focusing on many of the more industry’s leading tour publications) named it alternative acts in Christian music, along with the nation’s best outdoor concert facility, with those who’ve made significant impact in their Cornerstone Festival CCM FESTIVAL ADVERTORIAL S P E C 3/11/05 I A 12:19 PM L Page 34 A D V E R mainstream spillover. Keeping up with such a balance and offering attendees a chance to look, dress and encounter faith in a variety of forms has made Cornerstone one of the most progressive and well-planned gatherings throughout the whole nation. As a result of regularly rising attendance, expansion is also in order, including 10 official stages featuring over 300 artists, in addition to what Herrin describes as “campsite/generator stages” with tons of new bands. The line-up is virtually endless as well, including heavy hitters Switchfoot, Jars of Clay and Third Day, plus niche regulars Ashley Cleveland, Joy Electric, Starflyer 59, Zao, Over the Rhine and Duvall. On top of that illustrious list, many of the other attractions have been beefed up on an incredibly massive farm nestled in Illinois’ attractive rolling prairies. “We have expanded T I S I N G S E C T “It is an event where young people can have lots of fun fellowshipping in a safe environment. Safe from drugs and alcohol but, just as important, safe to figure out what God has for them.” For additional information on Cornerstone Festival, log on to cornerstonefestival.com. DC Fest with Luis Palau October 8 - 9 / Washington, D.C. (The National Mall) Western New York’s Premier Christian Festival Newsboys • Rebecca St. James • Mercy Me • Michael W. Smith • and more! 34 ccm april 05 ccmmagazine.com N just people like myself coming together to explore our faith and challenge o n e a n o t h e r t o g r o w in o u r understanding of God’s love,” Herrin concludes. 19 TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL • JULY 31 - AUGUST 3, 2005 www.kingdombound.org O ‘Cornerstone yoU’ to 10 tents with over 250 hours of workshops and seminars,” Herrin continues. “Our commitment to the arts has grown with the introduction of the ‘Burning Brush’ and multiple ‘pilgrimage sites’ scattered across the grounds, where artists will be sharing their work. ‘Flickerings,’ our independent film fest, is in its fifth year and growing. Sports, skateboarding, children’s ministry and lots of great fun and fellowship are on the menu this year at Cornerstone.” Whether a committed believer or an observer on the fringe, a trip to this Midwest haven is sure to re-ignite or light a faith fire, superceding background, musical tastes or personal interests. Though everything will make for round-the-clock entertainment, spiritual growth is also an essential component of organizers’ blueprints. “Cornerstone is really Central Oregon Festival with Luis Palau 1-800-461-4485 • 716-633-1117 I July 23 / Bend, Oregon Putting together a festival of any magnitude is an enormous task that takes an incredible amount of planning, prayer, resources and assistance. Add in variables like setting up in a major city, bringing along Christian music’s most prominent acts and having state-of-the-art sound, lights and sporting contests, and it’s truly a daunting task. But despite all of the work needed and the exorbitant costs, the Luis Palau Evangelistic Association continues its roll of amazing outpourings, which are remarkably free to the public on each and every occasion! “In 1999, we started a new ‘model’ of mass evangelism focusing on free, family-friendly festivals that combined an evangelistic message with major Christian artists, a food court, Veggie Tales’ kids area and extreme sports demos,” explains Andrew Palau, national festival director for the Luis Palau Association. “Since then, close to four and a half million people have attended a Luis Palau Festival! CCM FESTIVAL ADVERTORIAL S P E C I A 3/11/05 12:19 PM L D A V E Page 35 R T I S I N G S E C T I O N “What makes these unique is that young people and families are drawn to hear the Good News in a welcoming, fun environment where believers and seekers are equally welcome.” OCTOBER 8-9, 2005 T H E N AT I O N A L M A L L The tagline for this cutting-edge and relevant outreach direction is cleverly called “Great Music /Good News,” in which churchgoers are encouraged to invite their fellow parishioners but also friends, family and co-workers who may not already know the gospel. The fact that each event is held in a neutral setting (often a giant public gathering place) helps break down any discomfort barriers and brings together everyone in various aspects of the community. “This is the first year where we are focusing most of our resources on a single-major U.S. event—the D.C. Festival on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on October 8 and 9,” Palau continues. “Besides being within steps of the U.S. Capitol and the Washington Monument, the D.C. Fest will bless the city through service projects in the schools and neighborhoods, as well as a massive food drive. Our ‘Livin’ It’ action sports demo team will be wrapping up a big summer tour featuring skate and BMX pro demos on a custombuilt skate park.” Aside from that nationally attractive event (which will be broadcast on more than 1,000 radio stations and later as a television special), a second effort is being staged near the Palau camp’s home turf in Oregon. “For our friends in the Pacific Northwest, we will be having a one-day festival on July 23 in Bend, Ore., which is a couple hours from our hometown of Portland,” Palau offers. “It will have most of the components of our big-city events, just on a smaller scale.” Though the final musical array for each has yet to be announced, previous acts have included Steven Curtis Chapman, Kirk Franklin, MercyMe, TobyMac, Point of Grace, Jump 5 and Audio Adrenaline. Expect a similar selection and many more in what is sure to stir the soul and hopefully impact an entire region with the timeless message of truth! w w w. d c f e s t i v a l . c o m COME SERVE ON A MISSIONS TEAM, THEN ENJOY THE WEEKEND LINK FIND A LIVE SATELLITE PARTY IN YOUR CITY HOSTED BY CCN LISTEN OVER 1,000 CHRISTIAN RADIO STATIONS BROADCASTING LIVE WATCH TV SPECIAL COMING IN LATE 2005 TOP CHRISTIAN ARTISTS LIVIN IT ACTION SPORTS VEGGIETALES CHILDREN’S AREA COMMUNITY SERVICE 703.838.8791 •• www.dcfes tival.com For additional information about these Luis Palau festival events, log on to palau.org. GREAT MUSIC! GOOD NEWS! ccmmagazine.com april 05 ccm 35 FF RR EE EE AA DD M M II SS SS II OO NN CCM FESTIVAL ADVERTORIAL S P E C 3/11/05 I A 12:19 PM L Page 36 A D V E R T I S I N Fish Fest April 16 / Irvine, California (Verizon Wireless Amphitheater) Kicking off the summer festival season in sunny Southern California is the fourth annual Fish Fest sponsored by 95.9 The Fish radio station. “When The Fish went on the air in August of 2000, we launched Splash Bash at Raging Waters in San Dimas that October to celebrate,” on-air personality Chuck Tyler explains. “It was very well received.” In 2002 the festival was moved to the 16,000-seat Verizon Wireless Amphitheater. “The turnout shows there’s a real appetite for a family-friendly festival. You can bring the kids and not be fearful of over-the-top language coming at you from the stage or the audience,” Tyler says. Appearing at this year’s Fish Fest are some of contemporary Christian music’s biggest rock and pop artists, including Michael W. Smith, Audio Adrenaline, tobyMac, Selah, Kutless, Watermark, By The Tree and Hawk Nelson. Also slated to perform are some exciting up-and-coming bands, such as Day of Fire, Olivia the Band, Hyper Static Union and Krystal Meyers. “Who gets to perform at Fish Fest is really chosen by the public, who buy their albums and call in requesting them at the station,” says Tim Taber, president of Costa Mesa-based Transparent Productions, the leading Christian concert promotions company in Southern California and promoter of Fish Fest. Fish Fest will feature bands on the stage of the amphitheater, called the Mainstage, and at the smaller Festival Stage by the main entrance. This year Fish Fest will also feature the third-annual Starfish Winner. “It’s our version of ‘American Idol,’” Tyler jokes. “We went on the air telling people to send us a CD of one song they’d sing. We narrowed it down to 10 finalists, and snippets of their songs were then put on the Internet, where listeners could go and hear and vote for their favorite.” “The station representatives and the public thus chose the winner,” Taber says. The lucky winner then gets the chance to have a professional demo made of his/her song and gets to perform at Fish Fest and share the stage 36 ccm april 05 ccmmagazine.com G S E C T I O N with his/her favorite artists. The “original” Fish station, 95.9 KFSH-FM, covers Southern California from its base in Anaheim and received the NAB Marconi Award for Best Religious Station for 2002. Today, 15 Fish format stations across the country offer programming that’s safe for the whole family. For additional information, log on to thefish959.com. Fish Fest By The Tree Michael W. Smith Olivia the Band Kutless April 17 / Sacramento, California (Arco Arena) Fish Fest is excited to expand the festivities to Northern California. This year marks the inaugural Fish Fest sponsored by 105.5 KKFSFM and features the same line-up as its Southern Cali sister festival, with the addition of Lincoln Brewster. A Starfish winner from 105.5 will also get the chance to perform. The all-day festival also has two stages, one indoor and one outdoor, to keep patrons entertained. Similar to the Southern California Fish Fest, there will be family attractions, vendor booths and various exhibits surrounding the arena. The radio stations will be broadcasting live with artist interviews and backstage commentary. Exclusive to the Northern California Fish Fest is a skate park from Glory Skateboards. The mission of Glory Skateboards is to combine trendy clothes and apparel, professional skateboard decks, accessories and services from skate demos, with live music. Glory’s focus is on one-on-one mentoring as a way of reaching the youth culture in a positive manner. It wants to let youth know they can still be a part of what’s in without sacrificing their personal beliefs. Whether you live near Irvine or Sacramento, Fish Fest offers something for everyone. “‘Christian music’ is a label that encompasses a variety of genres because it’s faith-based, not style-based,” Taber explains. “Whatever the style, the message has to do with faith and a life in Christ. So it’s positive music.” Tickets to both events, presented in conjunction with Transparent Productions, are available through Ticketmaster. For additional information, log on to 1055thefish.net. CCM FESTIVAL ADVERTORIAL 3/11/05 12:19 PM Page 38 CCM Back Issues COVER ISSUE DATE NEWSBOYS POINT OF GRACE DC TALK REBECCA ST. JAMES SUPERTONES AVALON CAEDMON’S CALL ANOINTED STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN OUT OF EDEN THIRD DAY BEBO NORMAN/JILL PHILLIPS AMY GRANT MICHAEL W. SMITH JARS OF CLAY NEWSBOYS JENNIFER KNAPP SIXPENCE/STEVE TAYLOR JACI VELASQUEZ CHRIS RICE REBECCA ST. JAMES REBECCA ST. 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It’s a little something we at CCM like to call !. Now for all of you who’ve ever relished the fact that you discovered something grand before your friends did, this cheat sheet of sorts is for you. Get the inside track as we break down everything that’s ! in 2005--from the best in rock to ringtones, from southern gospel to Smokie Norful, from politics to hot pop and everything in between. By the CCM staff and contributors CCM_04.05_!.v16 3/10/05 11:13 PM Page 40 It’s no secret Pillar and Kutless have led the way in the recent “mainstreaming” of hard music within the Christian community. Impressive album sales aside, consider it was just last year that Pillar performed on the nationally televised GMA Music Awards broadcast, and Kutless has already rocked the stage at one of the Rev. Billy Graham’s crusades. In the broader music world, though, there’s no faithdriven hard music group that’s been more influential than P.O.D. These San Diego-based rockers signed with Atlantic Records without ever toning down their message, and even with radio success, the band has no plans to tone down its music either. With a new album slated for 2005, the Southtown boys have recruited producer Greg Fidelman, best known for working with such hard rockers as Slipknot, System of a Down and Audioslave. The future looks especially bright for Christian hard music with other extremely credible bands on the rise. For example, consider the momentum of current hardcore breakout Underoath. And nothing says “Give grandma a heart attack” like Demon Hunter, whose songs include such church choir faves as “Beheaded,” “Coffin Builder” and “My Throat Is An Open Grave.” Jokes aside, the kids love this Solid State Records band, and when it comes to faith-sharing, who’s going to interrupt a group of guys who call themselves Demon Hunter? The same boldness can be seen in their labelmates Norma Jean, who just released O’ God, The Aftermath and saw a whopping 19,000-plus copies of the album snatched up its first week out. (To give you perspective, that’s 5,000 more than Switchfoot’s The Beautiful Letdown sold its first week!) “From our merchandise to the album artwork to our stage show, we like everything to have meaning,” says Norma Jean drummer Daniel Davison. “We want to make sure everything is pleasing to the Lord and pleasing to His glory.” D. J . Thanks to the diligence and vision of so many artists, rock & roll claims more credibility in today’s Christian music scene than most anyone might have imagined just a decade ago. Switchfoot and Relient K lead the new wave of Christian acts attaining mainstream success, as artists like Skillet and Thousand Foot Krutch seem poised to follow suit. Mainstay rockers Third Day continue to pick up honors such as the second Grammy trophy they nabbed in February, while rising rockers Sanctus Real dominate the dial as Christian radio’s most played rock act of late. Of course, let’s not forget SoCal product Jeremy Camp, who continues winning fans over at an astronomical rate. Indeed, Christian rock’s current success owes a debt of gratitude to all the acts that fought for creativity and credibility in the ’90s. From Sixpence None the Richer to MxPx, bands expressed their art and faith on the very same stages as their general market counterparts. Starflyer 59 is one such band that remains as relevant today as it was over a decade ago when it struck its first chords. “I have never wanted to be one of those bands that, if you listen to its album ten years later, you’re embarrassed you ever bought it in the first place,” says Starflyer singer-guitarist Jason Martin, whose band was one of the inaugural Tooth & Nail acts. “As artists, we are hoping to accomplish what we have been trying to do since we started, simply put out good music.” DAV I D J E N I S O N 40 ccm april 05 ccmmagazine.com CCM_04.05_!.v16 3/10/05 11:35 PM Page 41 Get out of the box—fast. That seems to be a common thread linking ! pop acts MercyMe and Casting Crowns. As debut artists (2001 and 2003, respectively) each shot to popularity as though shuttled by the Superman ride at Six Flags. Already with a tail of success as long as Haley’s Comet, these stars still have that ! brightness today. American Music Award-winning MercyMe recently landed its third mainstream hit single with “Homesick” on the heels of hits “I Can Only Imagine” and “Here With Me.” With platinum and gold-selling projects to its credit, the six-man group didn’t have to imagine being one of the top-selling acts of 2004. Indeed, MercyMe was the only group with two albums—Almost There and Undone (INO)— appearing in the Top 10 of the year end Christian album sales chart. Casting Crowns—boy, what else can we say about these kids? The stats are well-known, and when a cynical fellow journalist declared the other day he really digs this record, that summed it up. Mark Hall & Co. are the real deal. With seven nominations to convert to Dove statuettes this month and a boatload of records sold, Crowns are polished and ready to rule. Veteran pop acts stand at the gate ready to challenge the younger, newer establishment, however. Seven-time Dove Award-winning Nichole Nordeman releases her project produced by Jay Joyce (Patty Griffin, Abra Moore) next month after a two-year hiatus. May also finds Latin diva Jaci Velasquez bowing a new record, and August is tentatively slated for Rebecca St. James’ next offering. Now who’s it? G R E G O RY RU M B U R G Earlier this year the Gospel Music Association sent out a state-of-the-industry press release which announced: “…there has definitely been a shift [in Christian music sales] toward rock, hip-hop, urban and other styles particularly popular with younger consumers.” While faith-based hip-hop has benefited from this increasing momentum in recent years--make no mistake--it has been a slow build. Keeping the faith, Christian hip-hop’s high profile advocate tobyMac continues to create inventive music while also helping equip a younger generation of artists. And breakouts such as GRITS, Tonéx and The Cross Movement have shown fans that the church’s hip-hop community is not only talent-filled, but extremely diverse. Since the late ’90s, GRITS has emerged as Christian music’s most high-profile hip-hop group. The Tennessee two’s resume includes Dove Awards, a Grammy nomination, film (Something’s Gotta Give) and television (“The Real World,” “MTV Cribs”) soundtracks, along with editorial love from the likes of SPIN, XXL, Vibe, The Source and URB. Tonéx, meanwhile, continues to make surprising in-roads for faith-based hiphop, especially in the more traditional gospel music world. The 28-year-old minister from Southern California owned this year’s Stellar Awards, walking away with six, including “Artist of the Year” and “Song of the Year”—the latter for his standout “Make Me Over” off his double-disc release, Out the Box (Verity). The Cross Movement is another primary reason the future looks bright for Christian hip-hop. The group has not only managed to grow its fanbase— approaching 100,000 strong—with each release, it’s even launched its own record label, appropriately dubbed Cross Movement Records. Founding member and label head John Wells is preparing to unveil a new campaign called “Why Hip-Hop?” He explains, “This will unite various forces already thriving in the Christian hip-hop arena and look to educate the industry about the facts and the potential of hip-hop music, appeal to those who can help this genre and ministry be better represented to a seeking generation, and demonstrate what hip-hop music, art and culture can look like when submitted to the Kingdom agenda of Jesus Christ.” JAY S WA RT Z E N D RU B E R ccmmagazine.com april 05 ccm 41 3/11/05 12:33 AM Page 42 MuteMath photos by David Dobson CCM_04.05_!.v16 Though entertainment choices are plentiful amongst a series of package tours, this year’s ! list topper has to be the tag team between MuteMath and Mat Kearney. Those familiar with the former can trace members’ roots back to Earthsuit, though its eclecticism and initiative boil over into an entirely new format via the debut EP Reset (Word). Vocalist Paul Meany is one of today’s most charismatic alternative front men, which, when coupled with an array of keyboards and percussion, is truly a lethal combination. Add in a series of electronic loops, pulsating programming plus laptop derived arrangements, and the group’s one of the most innovative and experimental acts of the modern era. Singer/songwriter Kearney is cut from the same ingenious cloth. His freshman effort Bullet (Inpop) is known for its assorted amalgamation of pop, acoustic rock and hip-hop. Originally signed to Inpop, the breakthrough artist recently branched out his deal to the mainstream via Aware/Columbia and is likely to remain an unstoppable creative force. The tour promises top-notch talent and is sure to tantalize every concertgoers’ sensory tentacles. A N DY A R G Y R A K I S It’s been said before, but we now have the numbers to back it up: Southern gospel is the new alternative music. Don’t believe it? According to concert tracker Pollstar, Bill Gaither’s Homecoming tour sold more tickets in 2004 than Rod Stewart, Elton John and Fleetwood Mac. In fact, Homecoming charted at #16 of all tours last year. The tour even landed on Rolling Stone’s 2004 “Rock’s Rich List.” Gaither, 68, remarked, “At this stage of my life, I’m just delighted to still be touring and included on a list with such great talent!” Speaking of southern gospel, The Crabb Family continues to make surprising in-roads for a group reared on “that old time gospel music.” Following its significant showing in the CCM 2005 Readers’ Choice Awards, the family also nabbed no fewer than eight nominations for the 36th annual GMA Music Awards—including Group of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year (Jason Crabb) and Song of the Year (“Through the Fire”). Of course, none of this is a surprise to readers of Homecoming Magazine. (Where have you been?) C H R I S W E L L — E D I TO R , H O M E C O M I N G M AG A Z I N E 42 ccm april 05 ccmmagazine.com CCM_04.05_!.v16 3/10/05 11:40 PM Page 43 One look at 2005’s release schedule and one thing is clear: If Christian artists have anything to do with it, hymns will define the next wave of modern worship. But, that’s then, and this is now. Top 10 Worship Songs 1) “Here I Am to Worship” by Tim Hughes 2) “Open the Eyes of My Heart” by Paul Baloche 3) “Lord I Lift Your Name on High” by Rick Founds 4) “Shout to the Lord” by Darlene Zschech When it comes to gospel and R&B music, today’s hottest names are Smokie Norful and Kierra “Kiki” Sheard. Just look at what they’ve done recently. Norful’s Nothing Without You (EMI Gospel) landed the 2005 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album, while the teenage Kiki recently nabbed nominations from the GMA Music Awards, the Soul Train Music Awards and the NAACP Image Awards. “You can chase after success and recognition all you want, but the truth is that unless God ordains it, it really doesn’t matter,” says Norful, as if he isn’t polishing that Grammy trophy this very second. “My goal has always been to see people blessed by the music God gives me, and that’s happened beyond anything I ever imagined.” Of course, the Grammy wasn’t the first award for this Arkansas-born sensation, whose debut disc, I Need You Now, won three Stellar Awards on its way to making Norful Billboard’s No. 1 Gospel Artist in 2003. Coincidentally, Kiki’s Top 10 single “You Don’t Know” produced by Rodney Jerkins (Destiny’s Child, Britney Spears) was just recognized itself as Billboard’s 2004 R&B Gospel Single of the Year. Though still not old enough to vote, Kiki continues to ignite radio and win fans with countless urban praise classics. Indeed, R&B Gospel is entering a new era, and it’s one where these talents will finally get the acclaim they rightfully deserve. D. J . 5) “Come Now is the Time to Worship” by Brian Doerksen 6) “You Are My King” by Billy Foote 7) “Forever” by Chris Tomlin 8) “God of Wonders” by Marc Byrd and Steve Hindalong 9) “You Are My All in All” by Dennis Jernigan 10) “Breathe” by Marie Barnett These are the top 10 songs sung in Sunday morning worship services across the United States at press time, according to CCLI, the official global reporting service for worship music. For more information on CCLI, visit ccli.com. ! Worship Song: “Here I Am to Worship” by Tim Hughes It’s probably a good thing that worship leader Tim Hughes didn’t go with his gut on whether “Here I Am to Worship” would be a good Sunday morning praise song because Hughes frankly wasn’t impressed with his own work— especially on an early rendition. “I was playing some stuff on my guitar when the verse came out,” Hughes modestly recalls. “But I just couldn’t get a chorus that I was happy signing off on. The original one was so embarrassingly bad.” While leading worship at his home church, Soul Survivor in Watford, England, Hughes sang a retooled version of “Here I Am to Worship” for his pastor Mike Pilavachi, who promptly told him he should start using the song more often. Shortly after having that pastoral encouragement, the song became the title track for Hughes’ 2001 debut Worship Together. “I’d been reading about the cross and thinking about Jesus’ amazing sacrifice and how sometimes we don’t know how to respond to that,” Hughes says. “It’s often too much for us to comprehend. And in the song I hope the chorus captures that feeling in a small way.” C H R I S TA FA R R I S ccmmagazine.com april 05 ccm 43 CCM_04.05_!.v16 3/10/05 11:44 PM Page 44 Pictured at a recent ONE Campaign event, with wristbands in tow, are (L-R): Stephen Mason (Jars of Clay), Charlie Peacock, Matt Odmark (JoC), Margaret Becker, Dan Haseltine (JoC), Charlie Lowell (JoC), Peter Furler (Newsboys) and Michael W. Smith Is your favorite artist an activist? Based on recent trends in Christian music, the answer, most likely, is “Yes.” Whether they support a pro-life culture by advocating adoption, encourage sexual purity via the True Love Waits campaign, draw attention to persecuted Christians under oppressive governments, or call us to love convicts through ministries like Prison Fellowship, today’s artists are making profound differences in our world. Some are actual pioneers in educating the church about important global, yet extremely personal issues. Consider Caedmon’s Call and its activism to help the 250 million persecuted Dalits in India, or Natalie Grant and her heroic efforts on behalf of young children forced into slave-based prostitution. And today’s Christian artists aren’t just daring; they’re determined. Think about the fact that for three years now, their biggest emphasis has been on the AIDS and poverty emergency in Africa. There’s a reason for that. Can you imagine if a tsunami of Indonesian proportions occurred every 6 weeks? That’s the sobering reality of the drastic situation in Africa. Every month and a half, more than 200,000 people die from HIV/AIDS on the world’s poorest continent. This year you may have noticed some of your favorite artists wearing white wristbands, the international symbol for the fight against poverty. In America this movement is being spearheaded by The ONE Campaign, a coalition organized by World Vision, Bono’s DATA organization, Bread for the World and others. The ONE Campaign calls for “compassion and justice to help the poorest people of the world overcome AIDS and extreme poverty.” (To obtain your own white wristband and discover ways you can help, visit ONE.org.) J.S. If you had to think of just one book that’s exploded over the past few years, there’s a good chance it has a purple cover. Pastor Rick Warren’s The Purpose-Driven® Life, which hit 20 million copies and outsold mainstream blockbusters My Life by Bill Clinton, The South Beach Diet and The DaVinci Code combined, has become the best-selling hardback in U.S. history. The reader-friendly 2002 book, which describes how meaning in life comes through following God’s purposes, has ignited a spiritual movement in countless communities around the world. Despite its unapologetic gospel orientation, The Purpose-Driven® Life has been embraced by the mainstream culture and even reached #1 on the New York Times Hardcover Advice list. Now, that’s a crossover. 44 ccm april 05 ccmmagazine.com Among Christian artists, Blue Like Jazz (Nelson Books) by Donald Miller is the other current, undisputed gem. Almost a catchphrase in the creative community of late, this fresh and practical tome is packed with accessible theology that reads like a memoir. Why all the buzz? The book resonated with almost everyone who read it, but especially those who wrestle with the paradoxical nature of faith, the trouble with getting spiritual needs met by organized religion and the desire to be culturally relevant. It may well be that Donald Miller is the new voice speaking to and for this generation. His recent work is Searching For God Knows What (Nelson Books), and this summer he will release Through Painted Deserts (Nelson Books). A N D R E A B A I L E Y CCM_04.05_!.v16 3/10/05 11:46 PM Page 45 Everyone knows the download has become the up-to-the-minute link between Christian music and its listeners, and since downloading turned a regulatory corner, the practice emerged legit in 2004. Today every Christian music fan has the hits at his/her fingertips. From Mp3.com, you can now download these Top 5 Songs of 2004 (according to About.com which combines and averages national charts from Billboard, R&R and others.): 1. “Here With Me” - MercyMe 2. “Who Am I” - Casting Crowns 3. “Blessed Be Your Name” - Tree63 4. “Glory Defined” - Building 429 5. “Never Alone” - BarlowGirl And for the Christian music junkie whose cell phone is glued to the side of his head, there is a new way to make a joyful noise. Yes indeed, when your friends hit you up, your phone can promptly proclaim the latest Christian chart-topper. For a minimal fee, Christian ringtones can be downloaded off the Internet and sent to your phone, or if your cell has Web access, simply scroll and click. Hottest Ringtones of 2004 (according to JesusTones.com): 1. “Jesus Freak” - DC Talk 2. “History Maker” - Delirious 3. “Beautiful One” - Tim Hughes 4. “The Heart of Worship” - Matt Redman 5. “Majesty (Here I Am)” - Delirious Hottest Ringtones Right Now: 1. “If We Are the Body” - Casting Crowns 2. “Stay” - Jeremy Camp 3. “Dare You to Move” - Switchfoot 4. “Wire” - Third Day 5. “This is My Life” – Salvador A . B . For so many years, Christian artists have worked to “spill over” into the mainstream, but these days the general market is spilling right back. One need only look at country legend Randy Travis, the consummate radio chart-topper who broke into the gospel market with his Dove Award-winning Inspirational Journey (Word). The singer/actor’s faith-filled music even inspired the two-part season finale for CBS’ “Touched By An Angel,” which also starred Travis. Another TV personality making the jump to gospel music is “The West Wing” actress Kristin Chenoweth. “I grew up basically wanting to ‘be’ Sandi Patty,” explains the Tony Award-winning actress, whose new faith-based album is called As I Am (Sony/Integrity). “Her records had an impact because she was not only a great singer, but she had a great message. I wanted to make a record that could influence Christian women of all ages.” Still, there’s more to come. Backstreet Boys’ member Brian Littrell recently signed with Reunion Records for his solo Christian debut, set for a fall release, even as his group lights up pop radio with their new single “Incomplete.” Littrell, who sold more than 55 million albums with the super-group, can be heard on WOW #1s with his version of “In Christ Alone.” D. J . Following President Bush’s secondterm win, the strength and zeal of “evangelicals” was the big topic of discussion among Democrats and Republicans alike. And when you look at the number of organizations, congregations and, yes, artists who got involved, it’s no wonder the media paid so much attention. From Point of Grace, The Katinas and Steven Curtis Chapman on the campaign trail to Michael W. Smith, Nicole C. Mullen, Third Day and Jaci Velasquez performing at the Republican National Convention in New York City, these Christian artists and many others got quite a bit of exposure to the general public, thanks to Dubya. For some artists, taking such a public stance on politics might seem a bit overboard, but for others like Steven Curtis Chapman, it was just a matter of expressing his beliefs and support. “I respect President Bush and the way he has led our country through these difficult times,” Chapman said of his involvement with the campaign. “I will never forget his strength in the days immediately following 9/11. I appreciate his commitment to his faith and the depth of his conviction, and he has my support.” S T E P H A N I E OT TO S E N ccmmagazine.com april 05 ccm 45 CCM_04.05_!.v16 3/10/05 11:51 PM Page 46 C Ed Cash photographed by Jeremy Cowart Take a look at today’s Christian music scene, and it becomes clear that an especially versatile breed of producer is emerging at the forefront. While the magnificent veteran Brown Bannister (Amy Grant, Steven Curtis Chapman) remains king of the hill, a younger crop of helmsmen have been tapping into their resources as innovative multi-instrumentalists. 46 ccm april 05 ccmmagazine.com One such individual is the resourceful Ed Cash, who also represents another growing trend among producers—the “home studio dweller.” The Charlotte, N.C. native entered the scene in the mid-’90s as an independent artist before becoming Bebo Norman’s producer of choice. From there he helmed recordings by Caedmon’s Call, Wes King and Kathy Mattea, then brought us 2004’s standout albums by Bethany Dillon and Chris Tomlin. “Anytime you mix art and commerce, the potential for danger is just enormous,” says Cash. “To me the great challenge is, in some sense, being a liaison between the deepest art and trying to get records out there. Rather than talking about ‘hit songs’ or ‘radio songs,’ I love the word ‘connectivity.’ ‘How does this song connect?’ There are a lot of ‘hit songs’ out there that, to me, don’t connect—to the heart, anyway. I’m just more and more drawn to those tunes that not only have a catchiness and a hookiness, but a real vibrancy and a life behind them.” J . S . CCM_04.05_!.v16 3/11/05 1:58 PM Page 47 MUTEMATH: Artists, books, movies or trends that some of your favorite artists think are ! tobyMac Pink is still the new black Classic Nikes are all that King James is back The original “Rat Pack” plus Nat Anything and everything Mac Red, gold, green and the Jamaican flag Indie coffee over Starbucks There are the haps, per tobyMac Jim Bryson MercyMe 1. Daniel Amos (Horrendous Disc album)...reliving my past right now. 2. Macintosh computers (is there really anything else?) 3. NASCAR racing (also IRL, F1, Champ cars) 4. Hangin’ with my son Riley 5. The movie National Treasure (for now) Ronnie Martin Joy Electric 1. C.S. Lewis’ The Great Divorce 2. Finding Neverland 3. SF59 Talking Voice VS. Singing Voice 4. Hank Hanegraaff 5. R.C. Sproul Barry Graul Mercy Me 1. The Practice Of The Presence Of God (Brother Lawrence) 2. The Afters 3. Napoleon Dynamite 4. Switchfoot 5. Mac computers Remember the excitement you felt the first time you heard dc talk’s Jesus Freak or Jars of Clay’s stunning debut? That’s exactly what it feels like to listen to the electrifying, innovative sounds of MuteMath. RELIENT K: Mike Scheuchzer Mercy Me 1. U2 2. Napoleon Dynamite...an incredibly funny and clean movie. 3. The Afters...the next big thing in rock & roll 4. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis...gotta get ready for the movie. 5. Switchfoot Just when you thought the band couldn’t possibly top what it had already done, Mmhmm did just that. Now these Ohio boys seem poised to become household names the same way Switchfoot did in 2004. TONEX: Bethany Dillon Like some mad inventor rock star, Tonéx continually breaks the laws of time and space, fusing imaginative lyrics with funk, guitar rock, hip-hop and straight-up foot-stomping urban gospel music into a fresh new genre all its own. THE DAVID CROWDER BAND: With its strong presence at the massive “Passion” gatherings and progressive praise catalog, The David Crowder Band has never been content to do worship the same ol’ way. And the best is likely still yet to come… Robby Shaffer MercyMe 1. Napoleon Dynamite 2. Jeremy Camp 3. Co-headline tours in Christian Music 4. tobyMac 5. TV shows complete seasons on DVD SHAWN MCDONALD: He’s got a fresh sound for Christian music circles, a moving story of faith, and he’s totally new to the “industry,” which only makes him more appealing. MAT KEARNEY: His killer music fuses a little of this and a little of that—from rap to rock to hip-hop to pop—and he’s poised to break into mainstream music right out of the gate, thanks to a deal with Columbia. BarlowGirl 1. C-28 CLOTHING 2. Day of Fire 3. The Passion 4. Modern Modesty 5. Sparkles chapstick and girl rock Shawn McDonald THE CRABB FAMILY: Expanding its musical reach beyond the confines of southern gospel music, The Crabb Family keeps breaking new ground, making fans in some of the most surprising places. BETHANY DILLON: Danielle Kimmey Out of Eden Not since a young Amy Grant has the Christian community seen such titanic teen talent in both songwriting and performing. 1. Old hymns sung new ways 2. Smokie Norful 3. Young people watching TBN 4. Christian singers becoming preachers 5. Cool Christian hangouts and nightspots (i.e. Rocketown in Nashville, Example House in Chicago, The Last Wave in Orlando) JOHN DAVIS: He may be a “new artist” to the Christian music world, but the dramatically-converted lead singer of Superdrag may single-handedly—and inadvertently— ignite a mass reconnection with 1970s “Jesus Music.” UNDEROATH: This act’s latest album, They’re Only Chasing Safety, has sold more than 140,000 copies. Um, did we mention this is a Christian hardcore band? Mat Kearney ccmmagazine.com april 05 ccm 47 CCM_04.05_Mainstream.v8 3/11/05 12:02 AM Page 48 >>> Clockwise from left: Kirk Franklin, Kanye West, Korn co-founder Brian “Head” Welch and Daniel Bedingfield ? why should the church have all the good music? When the “Jesus Music” movement of the late ’60s and ’70s grew into a bonafide industry by the 1980s, few could have imagined the current influx of artistic believers into mainstream music. Yet, today, groups such as Switchfoot, MercyMe and many others are embodying the dreams of Christian music’s pioneering artists. Who knew? By Mark Joseph From Edwin Hawkins’ “Oh Happy Day,” to Amy Grant’s “Find A Way,” from Jars of Clay’s “Flood” and Bob Carlisle’s “Butterfly Kisses” to Kirk Franklin’s “Lean on Me,” for years now artistic Christians have occasionally appeared on the nation’s pop music charts with songs that, to varying degrees, reflected their beliefs. But what was once a trickle has become a steady stream over the past three years, as numerous artists who profess faith in Christ and Christian-flavored songs have been consistently emerging on the pop music scene. Many artists heretofore only known to Christian music fans such as Switchfoot, Skillet, Smokie Norful, Stacie Orrico, Pillar, MercyMe, Thousand Foot Krutch, Natalie Grant and Daniel Bedingfield suddenly appeared on the mainstream charts, while others like Evanescence, Kanye West, Mindy Smith, Lifehouse and Dana Glover went straight to mainstream labels. And then there was the equally fascinating prospect of watching 48 ccm april 05 ccmmagazine.com musicians who had been popular in the mainstream experience conversions and completely change their artistic perspective. Among these were Dave Mustaine of Megadeth, rapper Mase and, most recently, Korn cofounder Brian “Head” Welch. By mid-2004, amid Switchfoot’s challenging “Meant to Live,” MercyMe’s blatant “I Can Only Imagine” and Kanye West’s unflinching “Jesus Walks,” it seemed the dreams of those artists who had begun performing “Jesus Music” in the late 1960’s and early ‘70s were finally coming true: Christians were making music about their faith in God and finding an audience for it among Christians and non-Christians alike. >>> That 70s Show In the 1970’s the hotbed of the Jesus Movement was a Southern California church called Calvary Chapel. The church produced Saturday night concerts that featured up-and-coming “Jesus Music” musicians, created a record label called Maranatha! Music and even had a bustling bookstore where the music from this emerging group could be purchased. Dozens of bands emerged from the movement with names such as Love Song, Sweet Comfort Band, Mustard Seed Faith, The Way and Parable. The church’s concerts were intentional, evangelistic events, and these artists had high hopes that their music would be heard by unbelievers. Furthermore, they intended to be proactive, taking their music beyond the confines of the church itself. While this was in many ways new territory for rock artists of faith, Christians in other genres had been steadily making significant in-roads. Consider the legendary Statesmen Quartet and the Blackwood Brothers. These two southern gospel groups regularly made forays onto high-profile television programs during the CCM_04.05_Mainstream.v8 3/10/05 11:10 PM Page 49 ‘50s and ‘60s, even starting their own nationally televised shows at one point. In addition, the Statesmen Quartet anchored multiple motion picture soundtracks. And then there was Johnny Cash. The maverick Christian not only incorporated hymns and gospel songs into his regular repertoire, but he went so far as to openly discuss his faith on his own network television program, “The Johnny Cash Show,” which aired for three seasons on CBS beginning in 1969. But Calvary Chapel wasn’t sponsoring southern gospel giants or the king of country music; it was helping introduce “Jesus rock & roll.” This was the 1970s, and Jesus and rock didn’t mix—at least, not as far as most gatekeepers in the American church and in entertainment were concerned. One of the artists hoping to take songs of faith into mainstream rock was the band Love Song, led by popular musician Tommy Coomes. “The minute the members of Love Song were awakened by the truth of the gospel, we knew we had to make an album to tell our generation,” Coomes remembered. “We were artists and songwriters–that was our skill and trade. It was natural to continue in but now with new meaning and focus. Maranatha! was an upstart label out of our church and did not have the funds to make the kind of album we envisioned, nor did it have the mechanisms to get it out.” If Calvary Chapel wasn’t equipped to help artists such as Coomes and Love Song fulfill their mission, neither were its mainstream counterparts, leaving Coomes and hundreds of other Jesus Music era musicians in a bind. “There was no contemporary Christian music industry in 1970. The only kind of gospel music we could find was either southern gospel or black gospel,” he recalled. “We instinctively knew that we had to find another path. We spent the first two years doing concerts, writing songs and learning more about the Bible. We did showcases for Columbia and Atlantic records and finally signed a deal with a new label that had funding and distribution with United Artists Records. The mainstream media was hip to spiritual themes and looking for artists who were compelling. The frustrating thing was that they didn’t know how to promote the music. It was too close to the culture for religious radio and too gospel for regular radio.” In the words of the late Mark Heard, one of Christian music’s prophetic voices: “We were too saved for the sinners, and the saved didn’t want us around.” >>> The Butlers Did It Parable, an early Jesus music favorite led by a talented musician named Chuck Butler, released its debut album in 1977 on Maranatha! Music with dreams of affecting rock fans with its faith. But the label, like most other fledgling Christian record companies, was simply not equipped to take the artists on its roster out into the mainstream music world. Functionally, it was music by the church made for the church. Butler’s dreams of reaching out into the world of rock with his music on the same level as the Eagles or Led Zeppelin died as his band faded from the scene. Or did they? Nearly three decades later another Butler, Chuck’s son Chad, better known as the drummer of a dynamic rock band named Switchfoot, hit the top 5 of both the alternative and pop radio airplay charts with a song called “Meant to Live.” As the group approached rock star status, Chad’s bandmate bassist Tim Foreman offered perhaps the most succinct quote of the last 30 years to clearly represent believers who intentionally create music for the world at large: “We are Christian by faith, not genre,” he first noted in a 2003 interview with Rolling Stone. Of course, during the last three decades, others have attempted to say the same thing, but the words never rolled off the tongues of these artists as smoothly as they did Foreman’s. Take, for example, B.J. Thomas’ tortured attempts to say he was an entertainer who happened to be a Christian and not a Christian entertainer, Creed’s denials that it was a “Christian band,” even though it filled its songs with tributes to the only Deity who had ever claimed that His yoke was easy and His burden light, U2’s endless attempts to explain what they didn’t believe instead of what they did believe and Evanescence’s plea to be removed from Christian-owned bookstores. Artist after artist awkwardly—and often embarrassingly— struggled in their attempts to be in the world but not of it. There is little disagreement that for years, mainstream music was not very hospitable to musicians who wanted to sing about religious or spiritual ideas that were orthodox in nature. But by the turn of the century, in the aftermath of numerous artists such as Stryper, King’s X and Jars of Clay chipping away at the wall that seemed to keep God’s more outspoken followers out of rock music, the wall seemed to be slowly coming down. There was Michael W. Smith’s “Place In This World,” Kathy Troccoli’s “Everything Changes,” Newsong’s “The Christmas Shoes,” Bob Carlisle’s “Butterfly Kisses,” P.O.D.’s “Alive” and, of course, the song that many credit with finally knocking the wall down, MercyMe’s “I Can Only Imagine.” That “I Can Only Imagine” tipped the scale is a historical event riddled with irony. Not only are the song’s lyrics so unmistakably “Christian,” but the band wasn’t even pondering the mainstream market when it was recorded. “We never saw it coming!” emphasized lead singer Bart Millard, whose band is now enjoying its third major pop radio hit. “All logic >>> From top: Johnny Cash, Jars of Clay, Skillet, Michael W. Smith ccmmagazine.com april 05 ccm 49 CCM_04.05_Mainstream.v8 3/11/05 12:07 AM Page 50 >>> Clockwise from left: Steven Curtis Chapman, P.O.D, Love Song and Switchfoot says that a song like ‘Imagine’ should have never seen the light of day on mainstream radio. Having one song played on mainstream blew our minds, but to have ‘Here With Me’ and now ‘Homesick’ played as well, we simply cannot explain. We hope that more artists who wear their faith on their sleeves are given this same opportunity. God opened a door that we never thought to knock on.” “Imagine” and other songs showed the dream was indeed possible, and by the time Switchfoot prepared 2003’s The Beautiful Letdown, the mainstream music business was open, as never before, to a band with a clear spiritual vision who knew how to express it with care to a waiting and watching world. Driven by two major radio hits—the second being “Dare You to Move”—The Beautiful Letdown took less than two years to surpass the 2 million sold mark. >>> Stacking the Deck Mainstream gatekeepers weren’t the only ones who delayed the recent emergence of Christians in the world of rock. For decades, believers had all too often circulated stories among themselves about how difficult—indeed how impossible—it was to make an impact in the cultural mainstream. “Certain spiritual concepts can’t cross over,” one influential Christian rock pioneer had said. “Talk about God, talk about love—no problem. Talk about Jesus, his death, sin… Those concepts are very offensive. The cross is still a stumbling block. The mainstream rejects music that is straightforwardly Christian.” The problem with this attitude was that such declarations assumed a static situation and didn’t take into account the “X” factor—that as more and more Christians got involved in the mainstream culture at every level, such moves would pave a path for themes which would have 50 ccm april 05 ccmmagazine.com once been anathema. Such warnings also had the effect of frightening away those who sought mainstream impact and became a sort of selffulfilling prophecy. As more young Christians came to believe such statements, they were discouraged from entering occupations where their influence could be felt—radio programmers, deejays, music critics, music executives—and where they could actually play a role in ensuring that such themes made it to the mainstream. >>> Rapturing Lambs During the 1970s many Christian denominations, including the principal movements that helped establish contemporary Christian music, were convinced that Christ’s return would take place within a matter of months at any given time. Naturally, the notion of the imminent return of Jesus Christ to rapture His church didn’t exactly create an environment in which young Christians were encouraged to go into cultureshaping careers: broadcasting, journalism, the music business or other vocations where their impact would be felt not within months, but decades. In addition to a rapture theology which frowned on higher education and careers that would require planning and foresight, this popular movement of the 1970’s all too often encouraged a separatism from the world. This did not result in masses of believers entering mainstream venues from which to affect the larger culture. Thus, when rock stars converted to Christianity, they were often encouraged to leave their careers at mainstream record companies and record for Christian labels. “We had just left Egypt, and we didn’t want to go back,” remembered Mike Macintosh, one of Maranatha!’s executives. “A prime example of this was when Leon Patillo, the lead singer of Santana, left the group and began recording solo albums for the label.” >>> The Turning The theology of separation that profoundly manifested itself during contemporary Christian music’s foundational years has been modified by the current crop of artists who appear to reject the notion that physical separation from the world leads to holiness. Rather, a theology of spiritual separation while being physically integrated has taken hold, which has allowed artists such as Jars of Clay to tour with mainstream artists, Steven Curtis Chapman to appear on “The Howard Stern Show” or P.O.D. to regularly take up residence on MTV. Another factor that cannot be overlooked is a greater openness to Christian ideas on the part of many mainstream media gatekeepers. Part of this is the result of Christians themselves joining mainstream institutions where they have affected change. Michael W. Smith’s top five smash hit song “Place In This World,” for instance, came about because a young Christian named Claire Parr (nee West) happened to be working at radio promotions at Geffen Records and insisted on working the single to pop radio on her off hours. Other Christians have gone to work at MTV, VH1, Entertainment Weekly, Billboard, The Chicago Tribune and dozens of other mainstream institutions and have created more accessibility for these artists through their mere presence there. Key philosophical changes are also taking place in the Christian marketplace. The Gospel Music Association, for instance, made an important change in the group’s mission statement. What had traditionally been a declaration that affirmed the group’s goal as CCM_04.05_Mainstream.v8 3/11/05 12:17 AM Page 52 advancing gospel music, the GMA enlarged to say that the group’s goal was now to advance the Gospel in every genre of music—a significant shift that reflected the growing desire of many artists to be identified as Christians who worked in jazz, pop, rock or R&B, instead of “Christian music artists.” The Christian music industry, meanwhile, has helped to galvanize and organize a group of artists and fans who may not otherwise have found each other and enabled dozens of artists to hone their craft and prepare to be salt and light in the culture at large. ”Some good things have happened along the way,” noted Love Song’s Coomes. “Michael Omartian, Seawind, Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Steve Taylor, Steven Curtis Chapman, Steve Green, Dann Huff and Tommy Sims paved a path. Many more opportunities are available today because of artists who’ve followed their hearts. I rejoice at the success of MercyMe, Kirk Franklin, Mary Mary, Switchfoot and Jars of Clay. They’re courageous and confident and have made great records that have connected with millions of listeners. Those who are culturally relevant may always be suspect to some folks, but who did Jesus hang out with?” >>> Brave New World The movement of Christians into the cultural mainstream has been slow and steady, with fitful starts and stops; but with a multi-pronged approach, it is attaining significant ground. Between Christians who made their way into mainstream music (Jason Wade of Lifehouse, Scott Stapp of Creed, P.O.D.), artists who have converted to Christianity after achieving fame (Alice Cooper, Dave Mustaine, Lauryn Hill), to those who got their start in the Christian market and made their way across the cultural divide (Switchfoot, Chevelle, Relient K, MercyMe, Skillet, Sixpence None The Richer), the American mainstream music scene is today home to hundreds of artists who are writing and performing songs with a distinctly Christian world view. But these artists stand on the shoulders of their forefathers—literally in cases such as the Butler family—a generation of artists whose purpose in creating “Jesus Music” was to have that music heard by a generation of unbelievers and provide hope and transformation. And today, older and wiser, they have advice to give to their musical offspring: “It seems like we need to rethink many things,” said Coomes who has recently started a non-profit company to mentor artists called Music Compass. “It’s time to ask the 5 ‘W’ questions: who, what, where, when and why? We’ve accomplished a lot over the last 35 years; but, as my friend Reggie McNeal says in his book, The Present Future, ‘We need to get outside the bubble.’” Many artists are doing just that. And like Moses who himself never made it to the promised land but was at least given a glimpse of Canaan from a distance, today some of these Jesus Music era artists look on with satisfaction as their children and children’s children take their music and beliefs to all, for all to hear. CCM Church Celebration >>> From top: Tommy Sims, Sixpence None the Richer, Alice Cooper, Lauryn Hill 52 ccm april 05 ccmmagazine.com Artists of faith in the mainstream may generate that “wow” factor that’s something special, but Christian music’s blue-chip artists remain those who serve, primarily, church audiences day in, day out—Point of Grace, Nicole C. Mullen, Avalon, Selah and FFH come to mind. They’re to this genre what General Electric and CocaCola are to Wall Street—symbols of quality, sound investments paying dividends no matter which way the wind blows. And if last year’s Dove Awards were any sort of tipping point, a new crop of blue chip names may be emerging. Making huge gains is Atlanta’s Casting Crowns. The Dove-nominated, seven-piece outfit packs churches coast to coast. It touts a platinum record, three No. 1 singles, a platinum DVD—plus 3 CCM’s Readers’ Choice Awards in major categories, to name a few. “Our passion is to see the body of Christ both walk with God and use the gifts He’s given them to bring glory to Him,” says Casting Crowns lead singer Mark Hall when asked about being called to “build up the saints.” “Our ministry is no more noble or spiritual than anyone else’s. We glorify Him when we bloom where we’re planted.” And Jeremy Camp’s high-stakes decisionmaking appears to be paying off. Though he accumulated six No. 1 singles with his rock debut, Stay, Camp chanced a career identity crisis by following up with Carried Me: The Worship Project. Image czars cringed; the church cried hallelujah. Insiders are whispering Jeremy—both a Dove Award-winning “New Artist of the Year” and “Male Vocalist of the Year”—is as versatile as one Michael W. Smith. Still cultivating its initial public offering is BarlowGirl. The band’s self-titled debut has traded hotly over the past year, spinning off the breakout single “Never Alone.” This month it hopes to make good on at least one of four Dove nominations—all while being an all-girl band, the rarest of species in Christian music. Give ‘em all an “Amen.” G R E G O RY RU M B U R G CCM_04.05_Presidents.v12 3/11/05 2:01 PM Page 54 Jim Van Hook Terry Hemmings PRESIDENTIAL In the business of selling Christian music, there has been—almost since the beginning—the trinity: three major companies and their respectively owned and distributed labels that have shared this market for many years. Though now wholly owned by major music and entertainment conglomerates, each is still managed by veterans of this business whose careers began with independently owned and operated labels. Bill Hearn was formerly the president of Sparrow Records prior to being named president and CEO of EMI Christian Music Group, a division of EMI Recorded Music North America. His father, Billy Ray Hearn, who founded Sparrow, continues to function as chairman of the group. A 27-year industry veteran, Bill oversees management of EMI CMG Label Group, EMI CMG Distribution and EMI CMG Publishing. He also serves on the board of The Sparrow Foundation and TJ Martell Foundation. Jim Van Hook is currently CEO at Word Entertainment, the industry’s oldest label that was started in 1951 as Word Records. Van Hook was a music professor at Nashville’s Trevecca Nazarene University for six years before starting his own company, Brentwood Music, with $500 in 1981. The company was sold to Zomba Music Group in 1994 and had become an $85 million business when he officially retired in 2003. In a unique arrangement with Word (owned by the Warner Music Group), Van Hook concurrently maintains his role as dean of the Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business at Belmont University in Nashville. Terry Hemmings, who spent a decade with Reunion Records, now serves as president and CEO of the Provident Music Group, which includes labels as diverse as the benchmark Benson, Brentwood, Reunion and Essential and recently acquired distribution rights to Integrity Music. Provident is now a division of Sony BMG Music Entertainment, operating under the umbrella of RCA Label Group Nashville. These are the men who steer the present and shape the future of the Christian music business on a day-to-day basis.We believe you will find it fascinating to get a deeper insight into their world, hear their reflections on the buying trends of 2004 and catch a glimpse of their future goals and plans. 54 ccm april 05 ccmmagazine.com CCM: It was an interesting year for Christian music, wasn’t it? Though overall sales of Christian and gospel music were almost identical to 2003 (43.4 million units in ’04 compared to 43.7 million in ’03), sales of rock titles more than doubled. Is rock selling better because of general market exposure and availability, or has the church finally just gotten comfortable with more aggressive musical styles? Jim Van Hook: I think it’s both. I think praise & worship has sort of loosened up the church a bit to accept a wider variety of styles than in years past. Look at an artist like BarlowGirl whose debut album has sold more than 200,000 units and is what we would have always classified a rock record but is now really in the center of the market. Terry Hemmings: There has always been an audience for rock, and the roots of this business were in rock; but we kind of got away from it in the ‘80s and early ‘90s. Over the last decade, people like Brandon [Ebel, founder of Tooth & Nail], in particular, have really done an CCM_04.05_Presidents.v12 3/11/05 12:15 AM Page 55 Bill Hearn BRIEFING incredible job of developing a market again for rock. Once that happens, and tools like Internet sites and the like develop around that, expectation develops in the consumer; and they start looking for it. Combine that with a greater access to the products, and you have a formula to reach those people who were always there for rock music. Bill Hearn: I think a lot of those sales came from labels like Tooth & Nail, which sell a lot of product in the general marketplace. In the case of Jeremy Camp, in particular, almost 50 percent of his sales are coming from the general market. TH: We exceeded our general market sales last year by 35 percent, and that was without any support at mainstream radio for any of our records. It’s really just due to a focused effort on retail, in general, as 50-60 percent of our sales now are coming from mainstream retail outlets like Target, Wal-Mart, etc. We actually consider those to be Christian retail outlets for us in that they are sold as clearly Christian records racked BY THOM GRANGER in the Christian or gospel music section of their music departments. This is not the same situation as Switchfoot, for example, that is being marketed as a pop act and racked that way in the mainstream. We really try to define these things by the artist’s intent. Casting Crowns has no desire to be anything but a Christian band, yet its records sold very well in those outlets. We went platinum on that record in 15 months. It’s extraordinary. BH: What’s happening is that mainstream retailers are finally realizing that Christians are shopping in their stores, too, and that it’s OK to put Christian artists on their samplers, end-cap displays or promotional items because a large part of their consumer profile is made up of faithbased individuals. The real story about 2004 is that, since 2000, Christian music sales have been flat because in that same four-year period, sales of all music in the United States were down 15 percent. So during a very difficult economic period in the music business, Christian music held its own. So, in reality, we gained market share during that period because we went from about 5.5 percent of the overall music market to about 6.5 percent by maintaining flat sales. The question is what do we do to grow sales? That’s where I think you will see the industry becoming more creative, addressing the needs of the church more with worship music—which I’ve kind of termed the Christian pop music of the new millennium—and with the new stream of artists who are choosing to position themselves as mainstream artists as opposed to a crossover Christian music artist. CCM: Speaking of new artists, another trend seems to be that the AC/pop that defined contemporary Christian music for so long appears to be falling out of favor with the fans. Several historically top-selling AC/pop artists who released projects in 2004 sold far less than each did just a few years ago. Is this also a result of rock’s increasing popularity, or are Christian music fans just ready for some new faces? TH: I think it’s a function of a couple of things. I ccmmagazine.com april 05 ccm 55 CCM_04.05_Presidents.v12 3/11/05 12:16 AM Page 56 think the market turns over every so often, and there will always be a hunger for new artists in pop music. I think our opportunity with “new” is greater than it has been at any time that I can remember because radio is responding to newer artists much quicker than they have in the past and responding to a hotter AC sound more than in the past as well. We will probably release more records from new artists this year than ever before. JVH: I think it all gets back to the songs. So many records try to cover up an average song with great production, and it just never works. A great song has to have heart and meaning, be reflective of its culture, expressed by a poet and recorded by musicians who adequately carry that expression through the art of music to a listener who hears it and responds, “Yes! That’s how I feel.” Other things have value but none are as important as the core, which is the song. Make great songs and chances are, money and product are going to tend to change hands. CCM: Money and product continue to change hands for Christian music but in new and different ways all the time, of course. Have any of these “new wineskins” caused you to rethink how much CD’s cost and what buyers pay for them? JVH: Pricing pressure is tremendous now, as the perception today (because of downloads) is that a song is worth 99 cents. Multiply that times 10 or 12, and you have a price point far below the 17 or 18 dollars that has been the standard for years. We’re going to hold up the price point as much as we can but not more than the market will allow. Frankly, the relationship between the record company and the artist has to change now as well. We can’t spend the kind of money on masters that we used to, or marketing, for that matter. TH: We have a 60-day introductory price on new artists, which has been fairly effective, but after 60 days we move to full price with little downside. Casting Crowns has been at full price for a year now and is still selling well. JVH: I fully believe CDs are going away as the primary delivery system of content. I don’t know when, but I believe it will happen; and therefore, there have to be multiple revenue streams at a company like Word, and the relationship with the artist has to be redefined. I still think there is a place for this type of company because most artists cannot become totally viable by themselves. But the way to help them succeed is changing. CCM: Let’s talk about digital media, downloads and the like. What are your thoughts about the area of the business currently, and what are you doing at your companies to take advantage of these new markets? BH: We have come to see that Christian music consumers are just as wired as any other music consumer and are consuming digital music at or slightly above the rate of mainstream music consumers. 56 ccm april 05 ccmmagazine.com We have been very aggressive in providing content to the digital service providers. As of this spring, we have over 1,000 full albums available on the DSPs, which means over 10,000 songs, all of our new releases and about 80 percent of our back catalog available digitally. Individual songs are running at about 80 percent of our total digital downloads and full albums the other 20 percent. We have about 60 ringtones available now and will have over 300 available by June. The prediction is that, while digital music will continue to grow exponentially, mobile music— ringtones, voice tones and images to cell phones—could surpass digital downloads in the next few years. TH: We have increased our alternative marketing staff to four, and those people communicate with their parent company counterparts on a daily basis about new opportunities and the like. Sony/BMG is the worldwide leader in the digital realm right now, and that includes ring tones, wallpaper, ringbacks as well as downloads. Ring tones for Casting Crowns are running about equal to their business in downloads right now, for “ I LOVE CHANGE; I LOVE A CHALLENGE, AND THIS HAS BEEN A TREMENDOUS CHALLENGE, TO THINK OF US AS A MUSIC COMPANY AS OPPOSED TO A RECORD COMPANY THAT ONLY PRODUCES PLASTIC DISCS. -BILL HEARN “ example. Now we’re finding a demand for artists recording personalized messages for personal voice mail, and I think that fits well with the Christian music lifestyle. JVH: This is a huge priority for me. We know now that more than 10 million iPods have been sold; five million of those were sold just last quarter. And that does not include the new iPod Shuffles. I haven’t yet talked to a single individual who owns an iPod and doesn’t completely love it. But the majority of sales in downloads is in individual songs, and we have to look at that very closely and come up with a new strategy to better accommodate a new type of buyer. Instead of looking for 10-12 songs to take into the studio with an artist, maybe we just record the two or three that really knocked our socks off and sell those when they’re ready, as opposed to an entire album. I don’t think we’re at that point today, but I think we have to be open to new approaches like that. BH: The bottom line is, while digital music is an important part of the future of the music industry, it is still only two percent of our total music sales, though our sales through digital increased five times from ‘03-’04. So even though we expect to see exponential growth in digital music, we don’t anticipate it being more than 20 percent of our business in the next 5-8 years. What is wonderful about all of this is that consumption of music is at an all-time high. If you combine sales of physical CDs and digital downloads, music surpassed 800 million units in 2004, which is the first time it has been that high since 2000. CCM: What is your greatest challenge now, and what motivates you to face it on a daily basis? JVH: As a survivor of leukemia [Van Hook was on interferon treatments for over three years and has been declared cured for more than 2 1/2 years now], every day is a blessing and a gift for me. As far as challenges go, obviously, Word knew it was losing Integrity Music months before its contract officially expired at the end of 2000. And as of Jan. 1, Word’s market share dropped from 28 percent to 14.8 percent, so I came in with a full crisis in effect. The four things that I am focusing on are getting the right people in key leadership roles, managing the managers, changing the business model to address the changing landscape in the music business and changing the corporate culture. BH: The greatest challenge for us at the labels is to make the paradigm shift from thinking that the consumer relationship is the responsibility of the retailer, to one that desires to understand their needs and wants to better guide our marketing and A&R to provide music that is more relevant to them, making it available in ways that are more in line with their lifestyle. I love change; I love a challenge, and this has been a tremendous challenge, to think of us as a music company as opposed to a record company that only produces plastic discs. There are no rules anymore, and that makes it exciting for people like me to be a part of changing things at this time. I’m just glad it happened at a time when I was young enough to cope with it! TH: I absolutely love music; and when I get up in the morning, I can’t wait to listen to it. If one is not motivated by that love, I would imagine it would be a pretty dry experience. We have the opportunities to do incredible things with our parent companies, but that also requires us to think in new ways; and the businessman in me loves that as well. We’ve got the biggest platform to take the gospel to people through music that we’ve ever had, and our challenge is to find the very best talent and make the very best music we can so that we have something to offer. Trying to break new artists is a daunting task; but when you find something that you can’t stand the thought of people not knowing about, it’s very motivating to go the extra mile to try and make it happen. CCM_04.05_Presidents.v12 3/11/05 12:18 AM Page 57 * POP QUIZ 1. If you could sign any artist in the world to your label, which one would it be? Jim Van Hook: The Beatles Bill Hearn: U2 Terry Hemmings: Sarah McLachlan 2. Of all the recent infiltrations of Christians/Christianity into mainstream culture, which one (outside of music!) is most intriguing to you? Van Hook: George W. Bush Hearn: Ministries focused on professional athletes and sports celebrities. Their ability to have an impact on the culture as role models is significant, and I am seeing more of that in the last few years. Hemmings: There are some television programs that have a positive impact and remain viable programming. “Seventh Heaven” is a good example. 3. Which one in music? Van Hook: U2/Bono Hearn: Great music created by Christians. Music from Christians is having more of an impact on mainstream culture than ever. Hemmings: I am watching The Afters. 4. Name your top three “Desert Island” discs. Van Hook: The Carpenters, Henry Mancini, Collection of Hits of The Bee Gees, Louis Armstrong. (However, I would would prefer an iPod with my favorites included.) Hearn: My iPod with a long-lasting battery. Hemmings: Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon, Dire Straits’ Love Over Gold and Rich Mullins’ A Liturgy, A Legacy and a GENTLEMEN, TAKE OUT A SHEET OF PAPER AND NUMBER FROM 1 TO 11... Hemmings: I consider the most important thing to be the number of people who have worked for us that are in leadership positions in this or other industries and companies. I believe one of the most important aspects of this job is to provide a platform for others to grow and succeed. 8. What is your most embarrassing industry moment? Van Hook: Passing on Sandi Patty in 1979 Hearn: Why would I tell you that? I’d have to relive it all over again. Hemmings: Ironically, it just happened yesterday. I was meeting with a new band and asked one of the guys if he was related to another. They were sitting at opposite ends of the table, and I had not taken a hard look. Turns out they are identical twins. 9. What word or phrase do you most overuse? Hearn: “I was listening to you, honey!” Hemmings: “Did we sell any records?” Sometimes good news is just good news, even if it does not produce an immediate result. 10. a. Hard music or southern gospel? Van Hook: Neither Hearn: I am a pop music fan. Give me a great song any day! Hemmings: Hard music b. Napoleon Dynamite or Ferris Bueller? Van Hook: Neither, but my friends tell me it would be Ferris Bueller. Hearn: Ferris Bueller Hemmings: Ferris Bueller, my life story Ragamuffin Band 5. Who do you think is today’s most overhyped mainstream artist? Van Hook: Britney Spears Hearn: Any finalist from “American Idol” 6. What’s your usual at Starbucks? Van Hook: A latte Hearn: I try not to drink coffee. Hemmings: I prefer Peet’s. I order it online. 7. What do you consider your greatest accomplishment in this industry? Van Hook: Starting with $500 and building the company [Provident] into one of the “big three” Hearn: Supporting great artists in achieving their vision c. Simon, Paula, or Randy? Van Hook: Randy Hearn: I don’t watch “American Idol.” Hemmings: Peter, Paul and Mary (Actually, I have the most respect for Simon. He is direct, but most often correct.) 11. Presidential Picks: Who would you like to see face off in the 2008 election? Van Hook: Rudy Giuliani vs. [Tennessee’s] Governor Bredeson Hearn: The two or three people who believe in God, with the greatest character and integrity and who have the best interests of this country and our way of life as their platform. Hemmings: Arnie and Hillary—too bad it can’t happen. CCM ccmmagazine.com april 05 ccm 57 CCM_04.05_List.v10 3/11/05 12:22 AM Page 58 4 12 9 8 17 7 101814 13 19 11 16 15 * FUTURAMA: 1 235 20 arched” musings. A compendium of arguably useless and “rese 6 ama -R -O st Li M C C S U IO IC IL R P A l’s el Chris W 5 Things About Christian Music That Will Definitely Happen in the Next 10 to 12 Months (15 months, tops) Every April, the think tank at CCM Magazine looks ahead to the important trends in what we now call “Contemporary Christian Music.” It’s an annual tradition as old as crackers and as timeless as your local boat show. Tapping the experts here at CCM Industries, our researchers have come up with this list. (Be sure to clip this page out and save it for future reference.) 1. GENRE Speedgrass. Members of Relient K studying under 4. FASHION More felt. Watch for big fashion spread from master banjo player even now. members of Avalon. 5. TREND Eventually, all labels will merge into one, single, über imprint. End of artist development as we know it. 2. TECHNOLOGY Apple introduces the iHat. Sponsors big BarlowGirl spring tour. 5 APRIL FOOLS PRANKS 1. The one where you put the bucket of Elmer’s Glue over the door and then when someone comes in, the bucket falls on his/her head. Oh—and feathers. Gotta have feathers. 2. The one where you go online to your favorite artist’s message board and start a rumor about him/her doing a concert in your backyard for everyone who brings food. Sure, you made the whole thing up, but hey! Free food! 3. MOVIE SOUNDTRACKS In 2005, the MPAA will require every motion picture soundtrack to include at least one Christian label artist. Every. Single. One. 3. The one where you staple your sleeve to the door of your office and tell everyone who passes by, “Oh, look, my sleeve is stapled to the door.” It’s funnier than it sounds. 4. The one where you hit the “page” button on your office phone and then page yourself. Bucket o’ laughs. 5. The one where you wear your heaviest coat and stuff the pockets with frozen meat. As the day goes on and the meat in your pockets thaws, enjoy the puzzled looks of your co-workers. Or school chums. Or dogs. 58 ccm april 05 ccmmagazine.com 5 Signs GMA Week Has Arrived B 1. Big banner “Welcome to Music City, USA” switched to “The House That Amy, Michael and Steven Built.” 2. One in three people in downtown Nashville has a Christian record deal. 3. Rickshaw service sponsored by Third Day and the good people of Chevrolet. 4. Members of your favorite classic Christian rock band reunite to serve fajitas. 5. Jimi Hendrix memorabilia at Hard Rock Café replaced by laundry belonging to Jay Swarz...Jay Swartzen...by laundry belonging to the guy who edits CCM. CCM_04.05_Listening.v8 3/11/05 12:32 AM Page 60 listening in... Rebecca St. James & Evie Tornquist When Rebecca St. James had the honor of inducting her mentor, Christian music’s first bonafide star Evie Tornquist, into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame this past February, it made for an unforgettable and extremely personal evening. Since Rebecca asked Evie to be her mentor almost three years ago, these two women have stayed closely connected, resulting in a bond that far surpasses their obvious commonality: music. On the heels of the Hall of Fame event, CCM had the chance to listen in on a phone conversation between these two distinct generations of Christian artists: Evie, a Norwegian singer who laid the groundwork for contemporary Christian music in the 1970s and ’80s, and Rebecca, a beloved vocalist whose 11-year career continues to flourish with modern pop/rock sensibilities and uplifting lyrics. RSJ: Many people are aware, Evie, that you are my mentor. It’s a huge honor for me to tell everyone how much you’ve meant in my life and how God has used you to breathe life into me and into my ministry. It’s totally been a God thing! Evie: It’s been a two-way blessing, Bec! I was very humbled and honored that you would think that much of me--that I would have something I could share with you. But then, I understand mentoring to be just another fancy word for discipling. Another way of describing it would be “journeying together” in this walk with Jesus. Now that doesn’t sound all that difficult to me. It sounds like something that’s very natural, and I am all for being natural with other people, with friends and with the Lord. 60 ccm april 05 ccmmagazine.com When you approached me [to be your mentor], I of course went to prayer right away. One thing I did understand: When you connect with a friend or someone, like you and I have hooked up in the relationship of being a friend and discipling one another—because you do that for me too—there’s an understanding that this is a long-term commitment. This just isn’t a week or two. We’re in it for the long run. RSJ: We are! One of the biggest things that has had an impact on me is just your sense of understanding. You’ve walked where I’ve walked, and that’s been one of the most valuable things to me in my life as a ‘mentee.’ You understand the pressures of my life and what I’m feeling, as well as the stress of being in the spotlight as regularly as I am. Evie: Yes, though things have changed a little since I walked in those shoes! I do know that when you call and perhaps need a little encouragement, when we hang up, I am the one that feels lifted, encouraged and brought before the throne of God! Just about every time on these calls, we pray together on the phone. That’s really where the majority of our relationship is these days—by phone and e-mail and such! I would even say that in this kind of “mentoring” relationship, you’ll never have exactly the same history and experiences of life that you’re both CCM_04.05_Listening.v8 3/11/05 12:32 AM drawing from. But what God has given us, Bec, is an understanding and a common ground that is just extraordinary! Page 61 then simultaneously working on an album or book and doing lots of media—it all seems to hit at once sometimes. That’s when I start feeling the weight of those expectations. RSJ: It is! I very much believe in the importance of mentoring for young people! I encourage them to let God show them who He would choose as a mentor for them. If I had just randomly picked a lady from my church without asking God to provide for me, my experience would never have been the joyous, truly blessed friendship we have, Evie! Evie: Yes! It’s so important that God do the matching! I think it’s also important that people know they don’t have to find someone who has walked the very same walk to have him or her be a mentor. They can find that person or persons through the work of the Spirit—through a work of God—and all that’s really needed for this wonderful relationship to grow is time. The gift of time and a listening ear. And then we together just say, “God, what do You want here?” It’s when two people sit and share but listen to what God impresses. Mentors should listen with their hearts. the responsibility to fulfill the plans He has for you. You don’t have to worry— it’s in His hands! I’ve found a whole lot of comfort in that, in just learning to surrender and let it go. As we say in Australia, “No worries!” Evie: How rough they can be! And how difficult to deal with on a regular basis! We have expectations about ourselves that can sometimes be so unrealistic. Expectations that others put upon us can be equally unrealistic—either too good to be true or too tough and difficult. Expectations in and of themselves are dreadful! I’d much rather deal with “hope,” which is kind of a ‘cousin word’ to expectation. Evie: I love that! And by the way, if I could describe you in a single word, it would be “genuine!” The real thing, the real McCoy. What you see is what you get. I always tell people that the transparent heart that is obvious in your music and when you’re onstage is just as evident one on one. I tell them, “That’s why I love Rebecca so much. She’s down-to-earth. She is one who’s RSJ: I told someone the other day, if I could describe Evie in one word it would be “encourager.” Those times on the phone are when I gain so much encouragement and wisdom. They’re times when, as you’re praying for me and just speaking truth into my life, you’ve encouraged me so much with some of my biggest challenges— including the dreaded “E-word!” Evie: (Laughter) Yes…the dreaded “Eword!’ RSJ: Expectations! What it comes down to is expectations of self, largely. When you’re a performer and artist, those expectations can generally be very high. You’re constantly striving for excellence and can be pretty hard on yourself. I think you and I have agreed that we’re both pretty hard on ourselves. And then come the expectations of other people, which is constant. When you’re in leadership, that’s something very normal. I’ve struggled with that when I’ve been exhausted from being on the road and From Left: Rebecca, Evie and Amy Grant at the GMA Hall of Fame event Hope, of course, is a much more positive thing. The context of the “Eword,” that you and I have so often talked about, is that our expectations have to be pulled back into alignment with God, with His Word, and with a realistic understanding of our frailties and the frailties of others—coupled with the hope that we have in Him and in one another. I think unmasking and revealing these expectations that we deal with everyday in ourselves and in others helps us get through it. RSJ: One of the awesome things we’ve talked about that has great meaning for me in facing expectations is, “God knows the plans He has for you, and He will fulfill them.” When your life is totally given over to Him, He will take things about our relationship with family and friends, decorating, cooking and who’s got the best sale going— that’s the wonderful thing! We have lots of similar enjoyments in everything from Thai food to a good sale at H&M— one of our favorite stores! unassuming and real through and through. Her love for Christ is everything you would think it is when you listen to her music and more. Her love for family and friends—her infectious passion for the Lord—and to boot, she’s an awful lot of fun! RSJ: We’re not always serious. We do have fun and laugh a lot. Evie: We can find something hilarious in just about everything, can’t we, Bec —especially if we’re tired! We share quite a few laughs about things that go wrong and where we feel insecure. We laugh at bad hair days, when the humidity makes your hair go curly and makes mine totally go flat! We laugh at everything and nothing. We share RSJ: We talk very little about music when we hang out, but I know people will want to know your thoughts about Christian music, Evie, and how it’s changed from the days you were walking much the same path I’m walking now. I can appreciate how you paved the way for artists like me, and for that I am totally grateful. I know we’ve talked about the fact that for you it was somewhat of a lonely road as you were often out there on your own, trying to be in a music ministry when the concept of [contemporary] Christian music still barely existed. Evie: Really, come to think of it, the music part of our friendship is almost a sideline—it really is! But to talk about music for a minute--while clearly this is a new day and a new era—there are certain things that are very similar and other elements that are different. I never had a manager or a PR gal for instance! My mother helped with all the particulars of booking me on concert tours and with Billy Graham and television stations and that. But really, it was just my mom and me. Today, what you have, Bec, is a much larger team that is, in a very real way, supporting you everyday. I sure wish I’d had more of that myself. It was often lonely for me. I traveled the entire world many times over. It was a little bag with my soundtracks and me—and that was it! I’m grateful you don’t have to be so alone. But on the other hand, there’s a lot that comes with having this larger support team— challenges come with that. Rebecca…does being the mentor in this relationship mean I get the final few words? RSJ: Yes! Evie: I love you, Bec, and we together love and adore You, Jesus! EDITED BY ANDREA BAILEY ccmmagazine.com april 05 ccm 61 CCM_05.05_Music.v9 3/11/05 1:03 PM Page 63 inreview music You Say You Want an Evolution… 4th Avenue Jones forges forward with well-crafted hip-hop that breaks the mold on all levels of musicianship. 4TH AVENUE JONES Stereo: The Evolution of HipRockSoul Gotee/Lookalive Records Hip-hop that’s not for the timid Ahmad Jones’ 1994 solo platinum hit “Back in the Day” was a nostalgic ode to a simple time in life and music. But today neither he nor his band seems particularly interested in nostalgia. Perhaps that’s because their File under: Grade: Aprofessional lives have been neither simple Hip-Hop nor ideal since 4th Avenue Jones’ formation in A “must have” for those who... enjoy a musical tour-de-genres highlighted by a 2000. After releasing a buzz-driving indie knack for brutal lyrical honesty. debut, No Plan B, the band landed a recording agreement with industry giant Interscope Records. With L.A. as its hub, 4th Avenue Jones continued to build a thriving “underground” fanbase during 2002, anticipating the release of its first Interscope album, No Plan B, Part 2. While the band shared the stage with the likes of Black Eyed Peas, Macy Gray, Sheryl Crow, The Roots and others, 4th Avenue Jones eventually found itself in that notorious red-tape nowhere land known as “record label limbo.” And as time would tell, Part 2 never released. Fast forwarding on all counts and freed from its Interscope deal, 4th Avenue Jones has entered a partnership with Gotee Records and constructed the equivalent of a musical “perfect storm”; an intriguing sonic convergence of angular alt-rock riffs, gospel fervor, thick urban funk, tight beats, catchy choruses and experimental production. Although clichés are challenged and genre lines are blurred at every turn, somehow this band manages to stay securely tethered to its L.A. hip-hop roots. Confidently asserting their prowess, Ahmad and Tena Jones give Stereo: The Evolution of HipRockSoul an uncommon visceral lyricism and emotional immediacy. The details of a squabble in “Unhappy Birthday” are so honest that listening feels a little invasive, while the realness of “Overloaded” hits so close it’s almost cathartic. While many of the tracks lack such personal weight, nearly every song carries something else equally rewarding. Longtime fans thrown by Ahmad’s unexpected adventure into singing are specifically rewarded when he reverts back into a hungry, hip-hop revolutionary on tracks like “Caesar” and “Monumental Continental,” featuring labelmates GRITS. Not to be outdone, each time Tena adds her gospel, blues and rhyme flavor to a track, she brings much needed balance and beauty to a disc that vibrates with intensity. Those seeking safety in his/her music or lyrics may find Stereo too bold and brash. But for anyone looking for something a little out of the ordinary, this is a truly special band. ANTHONY BARR JEFFREY ccmmagazine.com april 05 ccm 63 CCM_05.05_Music.v9 3/11/05 1:03 PM Page 64 NATALIE GRANT File under: Grade: A Pop/Adult Contemporary A “must have” for those who... want to get beyond spiritual comfort zones. NATALIE GRANT Awaken Curb It’s Natalie like you’ve never heard her before. Confession time: As soon as I was assigned to review Natalie Grant’s new CD, a not-so-flattering, preconceived notion came to mind. Isn’t she just another generic-sounding pop diva? But after just one spin of her aptly titled Awaken disc, that thought was quickly relegated to “oh-so-mistaken” status. Following an eye-opening overseas journey and a recent time of spiritual introspection, Grant now releases her most poignant and intimately reflective project to date. Musically and lyrically, Awaken propels Grant to an artistic pinnacle that should give her some much-deserved street cred. Whether it’s through the powerhouse praise evidenced on the CD’s title track or the piano-driven disclosure of “The Real Me,” the album’s evocative arrangements convey the heart of someone 64 ccm april 05 ccmmagazine.com who confronts reality head on and embraces social responsibility as an integral part of her faith. One hard-hitting issue Grant tackles is the harrowing problem of human trafficking, not exactly standard Christian music material. But after traveling to India and visiting the appalling red-light district there, Grant was shaken by the experience. Her cathartic rally cry of sorts is found on “Home,” a compelling magnum opus featuring the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra. Further admonition comes on “What Are You Waiting For,” a catchy, up-tempo track that issues an alert to Christians to abandon complacency and make a meaningful difference for eternity. Other weighty themes emerge, including selfesteem (“Make Me Over”) and personal tragedy (“Held”). Also memorable is gospel-tinged selection “Bring It All Together,” a soul-stirring duet about restoration beautifully executed with country music legend Wynonna Judd. Throughout the disc, Grant’s robust vocal delivery shines through brilliantly. Moreover, full-bodied instrumentation and solid production enhance an already stellar effort. Clearly her finest performance, this release certainly bodes well for Grant’s continued fruitfulness. DAVID McCREARY File under: Grade: BRock A “must have” for those who... enjoy a heaping platter of modern rock guitar punch. ANBERLIN Never Take Friendship Personal Tooth & Nail Proficient rock rings with plenty of potential. Modern rock’s deep-fried sound tastes mighty fine in small morsels. But over the course of a whole album, a homogenized mix of strident, distorted guitars, pounding drums and angstdrenched vocals sparks ear fatigue. So it is with Anberlin’s Never Take Friendship Personal—a disc that, while its individual songs (and sing-along hooks) often satisfy, fails to transcend a formulaic plateau. That’s surprising, in part because producer/engineer Aaron Sprinkle (Poor Old Lu) has such fine indie credentials. And to be sure, ample moments here prove that Anberlin packs plenty of inspiration. On “(The Symphony of the) Blasé,” a spiraling, 16th-note high-hat loops around a revolving guitar figure. It’s a steely, key-of-C ballad, spiked with ghostly bell tones, suggesting some exotic hybrid of The Cure and Toad the Wet Sprocket. Yet much of Personal opts for a driving, top-down, volume-up approach—which is not to say the rest of the album lacks highlights. With the title track, singer Stephen Christian’s choppy verse syncopation provides a catchy setup for the calland-response chorus, while his yearning performance on “A Day Late” is countered nicely by creamy harmonies. And on “The Feel Good Drag,” a descending bass line wrestles with ascending guitars and an angry vocal, until the tune breaks down like a car gasping for gas. Perhaps the juxtaposition of the last two tunes, though, illustrates the contrast between what could have been and what is. “A Heavy Hearted Work of Staggering Genius” may last little more than a minute, but it is a stunner: a sparse spaghetti-western instrumental that conjures images of an abandoned nuclear test site. It is followed by “Dance, Dance, Christa Paffgen,” a song that clocks in at an epic 7:09 but lacks the dynamics or twists to justify its length. Personal belongs in that category of records that deserves points for its spiritual earnestness but smacks of something approaching sonic calculation. What hints of artistic risk that arise are obscured, alas, behind a too-obvious wall of guitars. LOUIS R. CARLOZO ANBERLIN File under: Grade: BPop/Rock A “must have” for those who... resonate with anthems of positive empowerment. SUPERCHIC[K] Beauty From Pain Inpop More positive messages that even your parents will love After following up its first two smash releases with the remix project Regeneration, the band with the bracketed “k” is back with 10 new songs to empower Christian youth. It’s a good thing, too, since Superchic[k] seems to fill the pop/punk/rock/ female singer niche that no one else has yet to touch. Not only does the opening tune “Anthem” kick off the album with a bang, but it also sets the recurring theme of confidence and positivity. Loud and fast, the song is dedicated to “girls on the boards with bruises and scars” among others and reminds kids to not give up. “Bowling Ball,” “Wishes,” and “It’s On” continue the trend, radiating self-esteem builders as their short-yetmemorable choruses loop over rebellious guitars. With lyrics like “You need that boy like a bowling ball dropped on your head which means not at all” and “No matter how you feel it’s what you do that matters,” songwriter Max Hsu maintains a balance CCM_05.05_Music.v9 3/11/05 1:04 PM between lighthearted rhymes and poetic depth. Also an accomplished producer (tobyMac, Jump5), he blends affected vocals with synthesized notes and clean beats for a blended, atmospheric effect in “Suddenly.” A similar technique sets the mood in “Courage,” betraying the heavy subject matter of struggling with an eating disorder. Ironically, the title track and most impressive composition, “Beauty from Pain,” is about as far from the signature Superchic[k] sound as it gets, although pinpointing the group’s sound is not a simple task. While Superchic[k] comes across live as rockers with punk-tinged guitar chords, its radio singles portray more melodic traits like acoustic guitar mixed with delicate orchestration. “Beauty from Pain” could have been lifted from a Sarah McLachlan album, with its gorgeous vocals and a piano foundation. The emotion of the song is almost overwhelming with a promising message of hope: “After all this has passed, I still will remain. After I’ve cried my last, there will be beauty from pain.” The band truly hits its stride with tracks “Pure” (the record’s first single), “Stories (Down to the Bottom)” (a slightly different mix of the song it originally recorded for tobyMac) and “We Live.” Mixing its pop/punk guitars with hints of reggae and rap, this is a style that makes the most of the band’s eclectic talents. JESSICA ROBIN Page 65 File under: Grade: B+ Pop/Rock A “must have” for those who... enjoy hearing a vulnerable singer-songwriter find the light PAUL COLMAN doing really matter at all?” he sings before answering: “But the one thing I don’t question is you.” Songs like “I’m Coming Home” and the melancholy “Last Night in America” offer similar thoughts, but the best is “Sweet River.” On it, Colman shifts from brooding, tribal-drummed verses to a lush chorus, perfectly matching lyrics about a dark night of the soul that gives way to blessing. PAUL COLMAN continued on page 66 >> Let It Go Inpop A satisfying solo outing from the outspoken Aussie Christian music fans in America know Paul Colman best as the leader of his Trio, which released two highly regarded albums and won accolades including a Dove Award for “New Artist of the Year” in 2003. But Colman, who disbanded his group last year, is no stranger to life as a solo artist. Before the trio, he released three independent albums and traveled the globe. Clearly, it’s in his blood. Perhaps that’s why Let It Go is less a solo revelation and more an extension of what Colman has done all along — smart, Europeanflavored power pop. This time, Colman is surrounded by top Nashville producers and writers, including Ed Cash (responsible for Chris Tomlin’s excellent Arriving), Newsboy Peter Furler and worship leader Jason Ingram. Even so, the guitar-driven rock and Colman’s strong but understated vocals will be instantly recognizable to fans of his trio’s New Map of the World and One. The acoustic-driven “The One Thing” launches the album with a Paul Wrightmeets-John Mayer vibe, with Colman revealing themes of soul searching, questioning and, ultimately, finding rest in God. “I’ve questioned significance, meaning and relevance/Does the work I’m Find it Online... Print it Today... Sing it on Sunday! Charts for all your singers and instrumentalists: the next step beyond a lead sheet Flexible two-key arrangements for every song in a variety of instrument combinations New and emerging worship songs, plus the most complete collection of CCLI's top rated songs New titles continually being added to the site Featuring arrangements of worship songs from: Register with our site and we'll keep you up-to-date with all of the new additions. Registration is totally free! When your church registers, you’ll be able to download a free arrangement that you can use in worship immediately! No one else offers worship song arrangements this complete and this flexible! Visit http://wordmusicnow.com to register CCM_05.05_Music.v9 3/11/05 1:04 PM Page 66 >> continued from page 65 About the only thing missing from Colman’s trio days is that band’s slightly edgier treatment. With all the Nashville cats playing, Let It Go leans toward standard pop rather than the focused tightness of three guys rocking. But his sweet melodies and vulnerability allow him a free pass on that one. File under: Grade: B+ Rock/Emo A “must have” for those who... dig innovative rock that keeps you guessing, both musically and otherwise. ANTHONY DeBARROS SUBSEVEN Free To Conquer Flicker Redemptive rock flourishes with a decidedly mainstream sound. SEVENTH DAY SLUMBER File under: Grade: B+ Modern rock A “must have” for those who... want to rock but don’t mind downshifting for ballads SEVENTH DAY SLUMBER Once Upon a Shattered Life BEC A little something for every breed of rock & roller Seventh Day Slumber’s debut for BEC feels like an album from a band flirting with two identities. On the one hand, there’s a thundering riff-monster capable of hammering listeners with pile-driver licks. On the other, there’s a glossy, radio friendly ballad machine able to soothe us with sweet songs of redemption. The band sounds best when it’s rocking hardest, but both sides of its personality mesh well enough that the duality doesn’t become more than a minor distraction. Singer and primary songwriter Joseph Rojas has a powerful set of vocal pipes, and he can veer from a croon to one of those throatrattling grindcore screams in a flash. On “Break Me,” when he growls that “… you tried to break me down,” it’s with an intensity that 66 ccm april 05 ccmmagazine.com effectively relays his frustration over the shots he took from his adversary. But then, on album closers “Masquerade” and “Oceans From the Rain,” his singing finds a far more subtle tone. His voice might not be any more unique than most on modern rock radio, but it’s one of the rare ones that combines intensity with grace. Producer Aaron Sprinkle (MxPx, Starflyer59) gives that voice a crisp bed. Jeremy Holderfield’s warm, crunchy guitar tones leap out of the mix, especially on the riffhappy “Make Believe” and “Chris’ Letter.” Drummer Ray Fryoux’s kit gets plenty of punch, and bassist Joshua Schwartz’s lines range from the melodic upper range to deep lows, particularly on “Back in Time.” All this elevates the album even when some songs—like the ballads “Caroline” and “I Believe”—lean too close to generic modern rock. Ultimately, the album’s best point is that it speaks deeply of redemption. Several band members’ stories include bouts with drug addiction and the pain of a broken home, and in that context songs of finding God amid the fires of life resonate strongly. A solid effort. ANTHONY DeBARROS File under: Grade: B Modern Worship/Pop-electronica A “must have” for those who... want to experience an ultramodern approach to Crowder’s music. DAVID CROWDER BAND Sunsets & Sushi: Experiments and Spectral Deconstruction sixsteps/Sparrow This sushi is some tasty stuff. Modern worship purveyors the David Crowder Band bring 21st century technology to the forefront on this unconventional, eight-song remix project. Sunsets and Sushi dismantles tracks from the sextet’s 2003 Illuminate album and reassembles the material into something Joy Electric or New Order might covet. The current disc showcases newly interpreted, electronica-driven versions of previous standouts including vertically oriented songs “O Praise Him (All This for a King)” and “Revolutionary Love.” Continuing to siphon from M-Audio/Propellerhead Reason software, Crowder further extrapolates on the electronic sequencing and sampling techniques used to record Illuminate. By and large, the retooling experiment succeeds, especially when it comes to the mesmeric intonations of synth-heavy numbers like “No One Like You “ and “Open Skies. “ A few moments surface when listeners may wonder what chemicals got spilled in the process. To wit, the droning beats of “Intoxicating” sound like the Human League on Paxil. Then there’s mid-tempo cut “Deliver Me, “ which possesses abundant spiritual depth yet lacks sonic intensity. Those searching for an aural experience that pushes the boundaries of contemporary praise should find enough to satisfy here, as will readers of Crowder’s first book, Praise Habit: Finding God in Sunsets and Sushi (NavPress), releasing concurrently with the CD. DAVID McCREARY It’s hard to put a stylistic label on what the band Subseven is all about. Just when you think you’ve pegged it as yet another assembly line, emo/poppunk combo, the noteworthy track “Family Secrets” comes along to stir up the pot. Introduced by a wiry, almost new wave-ish electric lead guitar intro, vocalist Wesley Fite sings it with a sarcastic snarl worthy of the garage band renderings of The Hives. It’s obvious that Subseven has no intentions of getting stuck on any assembly line. In his role of vocalist, Fite also has his share of vocal screaming fits here. They all do, it seems, these days. But he also sings melodically in places, too, which reveals how Subseven is daring enough to experiment with a few basic formulas now and again. Although the group is unabashedly Christian, these tracks don’t always fit into nice, neat, spiritual lyrical categories. “Mayday” is a desperate cry for God’s help, whereas “Free to Conquer” offers big guitars and big encouragement. The quiet “Breathe,” which speaks about God’s assuring love, is also a standout. But “Game of Love” is something much more difficult to pigeonhole. It alternates between being a fast screamer and a fast CCM_05.05_Music.v9 3/11/05 1:04 PM smoothie, and seemingly addresses the oftentimescruel game of love. Being hard to categorize can sometimes be a good thing. As so many new bands are obviously jumping Page 67 the latest stylistic musical trains these days, it’s always refreshing to find a group with the guts to ride its own unique rails. These musicians have created a CD that will speak to both believers and non-believers alike and in a manner that demands listeners be just as adventurous as the band that created it. DAN MacINTOSH newreleases APRIL 5 Anointed Now is the Time Kent Bottenfield Take Me Back (Sony/Integrity Gospel) Kristin Chenoweth As I Am Donnie McClurkin Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs The Wedding The Wedding Various Wow #1s (Provident) Various Wow #1s (DVD) (Provident) (IBB) (Sony/Integrity) (Verity) (Rambler) APRIL 12 Mighty Clouds of Joy In the House of the Lord: Live in Houston Various Gospel Instrumental, Vol. 2 (EMI Gospel) (New Day) Various 16 Great Praise & Worship Instrumentals, Vol. 2 (New Day) Various 16 Great Gospel Classics, Vol. 4 (New Day) Various Passion: How Great is Our God (Live) (sixsteps/Sparrow) APRIL 19 The Lads The Lads The Soul Seekers The Soul Seekers The Tonic The Dash (BHT) (Gospo Centric) (Cross Movement/Provident) Greater Vision, Legacy Five & The Perrys (New Day) Singing News Favorites APRIL 26 SUBSEVEN House of Heroes House of Heroes The Kry God of Infinite Worth (Gotee) Shawn McDonald Live in Seattle (Sparrow) Julian Road Julian Road (New Day) Jason Upton Great River Road (Independent) (Gotee) ccmmagazine.com april 05 ccm 67 CCM INDIE ADVERTORIAL 3/11/05 12:20 PM Page 69 S P E C I A L A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N CCM is pleased to present our special annual spotlight on some of today’s finest independent artists. Read on as our guest columnist (and bleeding heart for the indie artist), Keith Mohr, gets things started with an inside look at his company, IndieHeaven. IndieHeaven is a Web-based community dedicated to bringing together independent Christian artists from around the globe to enable, equip, affirm and empower them to fulfill God’s call on their lives. The Web site also provides independent artists with an advanced set of tools to promote, market and distribute their music. IndieHeaven offers artists ample server space for music files, pictures and a calendar. We also fulfill orders for their CDs from our Nashville-based office. Artists can easily add and manage their content and create and send e-mail campaigns to their fans via IndieHeaven’s exclusive “Fan Finder” tool. IndieHeaven also has an exclusive online radio servicing program where stations log in and preview songs submitted by the IndieHeaven roster. Stations can rate and comment on the songs, and if desired, can download a high-quality MP3 file and play the song on the air. Promoters can also schedule artists for concerts through a special “Book This Artist” form found on each artist’s page. IndieHeaven provides a thorough and up-to-date listing of nationwide venues. In fact, IndieHeaven’s online community is one of its best features, with artists sharing information on a wide range of topics on the forums. Most importantly, however, IndieHeaven emphasizes interdependency with its roster, providing artists with opportunities to help one another succeed. This component makes IndieHeaven different from other music Web sites. IndieHeaven is the vehicle to take on your path to success. IndieHeaven.com launched in 1997 under the name BrokenRecords.com and sur vived the dot-com era boom and subsequent bust when other indie music sites launched with tremendous financial backing but disappeared quickly. In 2002, BrokenRecords.com evolved into IndieHeaven, which better reflected the organization’s core mission. In just two years, IndieHeaven has more than 315 active members and remains truly independent. Visit IndieHeaven today and learn more about its roster. You can listen to music, purchase CDs and leave comments, ratings and more at indieHeaven.com. P.S. Look for our double-page ad in this issue of CCM. Keith Mohr is the founder and president of IndieHeaven.com, a co-operative marketing, promotions and distribution community serving over 315 artists. Online non-stop since 1997, Keith has worked with thousands of indie artists, and has also produced many custom independent recording projects. Based in Nashville, Tenn., Keith also operates Indieuniversity.com, and founded the upcoming “Will Play for Change” summer tour. by Keith Mohr ccmmagazine.com april 05 ccm 69 CCM INDIE ADVERTORIAL 3/11/05 12:20 PM Page 70 S P E C I A L A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N WILL PLAY FOR CHANGE IndieHeaven.com, the leading Christian independent artist organization, and Mission of Mercy (missionofmercy.org), a Christian relief agency, announce a strategic partnership offering child sponsorship opportunities to independent artists. IndieHeaven and Mission of Mercy also announce sponsorship of an indie tour called “Will Play for Change 2005” due to hit the road June 1 – June 25 in locales to be announced. “We’ll tap the roster of artists on IndieHeaven to sponsor concerts and festivals in their hometowns. We’ll invite other IndieHeaven artists in the area to participate as well,” states IndieHeaven founder, Keith Mohr. “It’s common in the indie scene for artists to wait for events to find them. Instead of this passive approach, we’ll teach them how to create their own events and how to have an impact on their local communities.” “The purposes of the tour are to raise awareness for Mission of Mercy, make available child sponsorships to attendees, bring IndieHeaven artists together to share their talents and see lives changed,” says Mohr. Mission of Mercy has relief teams in areas affected by the recent Tsunami disaster, and also has an excellent child sponsorship program meeting the needs of children in developing nations. “I personally believe in Mission of Mercy and their much needed efforts. I will do whatever I can to marry Mission of Mercy with proactive indie artists,” comments Mohr. The anchor artist for the tour is Iowa-based group Bread of Stone (breadofstone.com). “These guys have a real heart for countries hard hit by the Tsunami disaster, and have ministry teams on the ground in Indonesia” elaborates Mohr. “God has equipped the group with a tour bus, excellent sound system and everything needed to take out a tour of this size. We are grateful for their generous participation,” adds Mohr. “We’re excited to launch our partnership with Mission of Mercy and Will Play for Change. We’ll see how these three weeks go and in 2006, we’ll take the tour nationwide,” states Mohr. “It’s amazing how God provides if we are willing to make ourselves available.” Visit the tour site at: willplayforchange.com ABOUT MISSION OF MERCY Mission of Mercy is a Christian relief and development agency helping to meet the physical and spiritual needs of hurting children in poverty-stricken areas of the world. Through emergency and support roles, children receive food, education, medical aid and hope in Jesus Christ. Mission of Mercy’s headquarters are located in Colorado Springs, Colo. 70 ccm april 05 ccmmagazine.com Artist Name: Ryan Neely Homebase: Louisville, KY (currently stationed in Iraq) Web site: www.ryanneely.com In A Nutshell: Ryan Neely is a Christian rapper from Louisville, KY. He has been doing Christian rap music for more than four years, and continues to make an impact throughout his surroundings. Sounds like: A Christian version of Nas or Tupac Seen & Heard: Gospel radio, college radio, churches, coffee houses, scholastic extracurricular club events, high school basketball games, house parties, and parking lots in the Louisville area. Also the South Speicher Chapel and the Oasis Coffee House located on FOB Speicher in Iraq. Kudos: Opened for Barlow Girl in 2004. What’s Unique: Ryan is currently serving his country overseas in Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he is able to use his gift to bless the troops. He’s also just become the CEO of his own company, In The House Records, LLC. Discography: Look Into My Heart (2004), Wakem’ Up (2000) Get It Now!: The Look Into My Heart album can be purchased from CDbaby.com, TowerRecords.com, or downloaded from Apple iTunes, Napster, Rhapsody, and many other digital music distribution web sites. Contact: [email protected]. Booking: Jeff Wood (502) 741-3119 or [email protected] hot stuff. cool prices. CCM INDIE ADVERTORIAL 3/11/05 12:20 PM introducing our CCM cover artist line Page 74 S P E C I A L A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N Artist Name: Shofar Homebase: Minneapolis, MN Website: shofarmusicgroup.com In A Nutshell: Shofar melds together a unique ensemble of rock and roll past with the present melodic sound of alternative rock to form the new sound we call Modern Pop Rock, all with a strong Christian message! This music appeals to all ages and denominations. Sounds like: Pop/rock alternative with a twist. Somewhere in-between Switchfoot and The Beatles. Seen and Heard: Club 3 Degrees, MN State Fair, colleges, public schools, churches and coffeehouses throughout the Midwest, including opening for Grammy Award winner Joel Hanson of PFR. Kudos: Participated in the new CD Unsung Heroes, a compilation of the best bands in the Midwest. What’s Unique: Shofar is a blend of the best Minnesota has to offer in musicianship and ministry. No two songs sound alike! The new CD Turn accentuates various forms of unique lyrical and melodic writing, forming a variety of relational songs that appeal to all people, young and old. Everyone can relate to the music of Shofar! Discography: Turn (2005) and Countdown to Eternity (2003) Get it Now: www.shofarmusicgroup.com Contact: [email protected] or call (612) 518-9550 Artist Name: Crossway Worship Band Jeremy Camp T-1 $15.00 Jeremy Camp T-2 $18.00 Jeremy Camp T-3 $18.00 Go to CCMmagazine.com/store to get these great deals! Available at The CCM Store for a limited time only! Homebase: Memphis, TN Website: crosswayworship.com In A Nutshell: CWB has a way of connecting common people with the uncomplicated presence of God. Crossway Worship Music is made of memorable melodies and fun grooves. The straightforward lyrics without all the “Christianese” help the unchurched masses approach God on a level they identify with while helping churchgoers stop taking themselves so seriously and just love God with genuine passion. Sounds like: Gospel Rock Praise & Worship Jam Seen & Heard: Churches, festivals, and community events throughout the Midsouth region (TN, AR, MS) and live Sunday Mornings at WorshipService.net. Kudos: Five band members nominated for Regional Grammy Awards 2003. Led worship at CIA Summit in Franklin, TN 2004; PowerSource Music Fest in Nashville 2003; and Chicago’s famous Cubby Bear Club 2002. Pastor Doug has taught numerous worship conferences across the U.S. What’s Unique: Six piece multi-cultural band with nine vocalists bringing rich harmonies to various styles of all original music. Vocalists alternate leads bringing the diversity of a compilation CD with the consistency and unity of one band. Discography: Crossway Worship Volume 4 (2005), On Bended Knee (2002), Amazed (2002), All Day Long (1999) Get It Now!: IndieHeaven.com, CDBaby.com, Amazon.com, MixClix.com, iTunes.com, Rhapsody, Audio Lunchbox, Mperia, TowerRecords.com, Target.com, and locally at Family Christian Store, SpinStreet, Cat’s Music and Pop Tunes in Memphis and Collierville. Contact: (901) 388-8515 or [email protected] for booking and wholesale distribution information. 74 ccm april 05 ccmmagazine.com CCM INDIE ADVERTORIAL 3/11/05 12:20 PM Page 76 S P E C I A L A D V E R T I S I N G Biblical Principles of Worship By Patsy Fralich Keith “It will reshape the way you worship and look at church. Your eyes will open to a whole other realm, and you’ll say, ‘How did I miss that?’” says Doug Simmers, Pastor of Crossway Church in Memphis, Tennessee. Simmers, on a search to discover real worship, discovered a fresh way to see what is often overlooked. In his soon-to-be-published Biblical Principles of Worship, Simmers compiles what he shared in a six-month sermon series in 1997. In the eight years since publishing these transcribed sermons to their website, thousands of readers have studied them from as far away as New Zealand and Africa. Other authors have referenced it, too. “We’ve seen people repeating Doug’s words, even down to his folksy examples,” says Holly Simmers, Doug’s sister-in-law. Doug Simmers doesn’t mind. He wants churches everywhere set free to worship God with boldness as He commands. The title may sound daunting, but Biblical Principles of Worship is actually a fun read for people who enjoy words and discovering their origins. “The book is a word study,” says Simmers. “There are 840 verses on praise, worship and thanksgiving. This study compares the Greek and Hebrew words for ‘praise’ and ‘worship’ throughout the Old and New Testaments with English translations.” Simmers holds readers’ interest with plenty of S E C T I O N examples from his own life. Simmers says we don’t always grasp the complete meanings of the words for praise and worship. That lack of understanding keeps us from living in the brightness of the original words. For example, the word hallal from hallelujah means “to rave; to clamorously and foolishly celebrate the Lord.” Doug Simmers “Most of us don’t know to worship like that,” Simmers adds. “We’re like movie goers. We just observe. In the Hebrew language, they all participated.” Simmers gets excited about these discoveries and passes that enthusiasm along to anyone he can. “In Zephaniah 3:17 where it says ‘God rejoices over you with songs,’ that means God ‘spins’ around as He rejoices,” Simmers enthuses. “Those kinds of things get to me. I just say ‘Man! So that’s what that means!” Simmers identifies with Matthew 12:20. “I’m like that bruised reed. I felt I would be broken off. Because of all I’d done I thought God could never use me. But God uses broken people.” Crossway Church uses Worship Outreach to restore them. “I love this city,” says Doug. “And I will continue to fight for the outcast.” CCM_05.05_Books.v4 3/11/05 12:08 PM Page 78 inreview books Reading: The Apple of My Eye by Margaret Becker This past summer my next-door neighbor Whitney ran to my front door with book in hand. Wheezing from the jaunt, she whispered, “You gotta read this!” While shaking fresh grass clippings from her furry slippers, she continued, “You’re gonna love it! There’s a dog in it!” My neighbor is 12. Her book was Because of Winn Dixie, a children’s novel by Kate DiCamillo. I read it and loved it. My last vacation, I stopped by the essay section in the Davis-Kidd bookstore and bought a book by a well-known left-wing cultural commentator. While I’m not going to plug the title in this column, let’s just say that my mind was stretched by the time I finished. And I loved it. Then there are the classics offered up in high school that I’ve revisited as an adult, Catcher in the Rye, Old Man and the Sea, and next, if I am on a transatlantic flight or in line at the DMV, War and Peace. Why spend time reading this stuff? Oh, for so many good reasons. Winn Dixie was like getting lost at a matinee with a bunch of kids. There, tucked away in the back, humor becomes simple. Life falls into two categories: good or bad. Good triumphs eventually, and just like Winn Dixie, you’re a little reluctant to close the book at the end—you try to take a little of the simplicity with you into real life. My ‘essay’ book was like having a non-hostile debate with an intelligent adversary. I found new ways to support my own values, and more surprisingly, I found that I had some common ground with the author. I was better for it, sharpened by it. And the classics? They are like music. A great writer has a rhythm, a lilt—both emotionally and literally. Reading his/her finely crafted sentences is like listening to a moving song. The lines contain drama, unexpected revelations and multiple levels of understanding for those who would care to uncover them. Reading them made me a better thinker, a better communicator. Reading a wide range of literature is, at the very least, good for you the way an apple is. It keeps you healthy—in your imagination and in your growth as a human being. It keeps you reaching for intelligence. It helps you solidify what you stand for, and against. But perhaps best of all, in a culture where it is all about “ease of use,” reading actually requires something of us—our full attention and intellectual engagement, all without a remote control and surround sound. How refreshingly retro. Margaret Becker is an award-winning author, speaker, producer, songwriter and recording artist. Her latest work includes her third book, Braving the Elements, which is set for a Fall 2005 release and the recent worship recording, Faithfully Yours. For more information visit maggieb.com. On the Personal Side Inside of Me: Lessons of Lust, Love and Redemption By Shellie R. Warren (Relevant) More people than you think—and more people close to you— fall prey to sexual misuse, or any sexual relationship outside of marriage. Driven to help others who share a similar experience and knowing that it affects everything about you as well as a future spouse and children, author Shellie R. Warren shares her own raw and sometimes shocking memoir of the path that led to sexual misuse. Why Men Hate Going to Church By David Murrow (Nelson) Neither a pastor nor a theologian, Murrow offers a lay “churchgoer’s” perspective on why statistics show 13 million more women than men attend America’s churches. Divided into six parts, Murrow’s book offers his thoughts on topics from the gender gaps present in congregations to meeting men’s spiritual needs and restoring masculinity in the church. Meet Me in the Meadow: Finding God in the Wilderness By Deborah Hedstrom-Page (Revell) This unique devotional hits the shelves at the perfect time— spring. Confessed lover of flowers, Hedstrom-Page pairs her vast knowledge of the growth region and a wide array of blooms with Scripture and a devotional section that allows readers to experience God’s love through His creation. From the Fiction Files Worlds Collide By Allison Strobel (Waterbrook) Releasing this month, Worlds Collide offers a story about a Hollywood couple and the biographer writing its story. When Jack Harrington and Grace Winslow share their life with writer Jada Eastman, Jada is forced to reckon with her own spiritual beliefs in light of the couple’s. Their story reveals how choices can carry lasting consquences. The Whitney Chronicles: Life, Faith and Getting it Right By Judy Baer (Steeple Hill) In the same vein as the “Bridget Jones’ Diary” series, Baer presents heroine Whitney Blake, a 30-year-old, overweight, single young woman who’s looking for “Mr. Right.” Though Ms. Blake and Ms. Jones may share similar characteristics, the point that sets the two apart is that Whitney approaches her life from a biblical perspective. Artist’s Corner Praise Habit: Finding God in Sunsets and Sushi By David Crowder (Navpress) Releasing alongside his remix of favorites and radio hits Sunsets and Sushi—Experiments in Spectral Deconstruction is David Crowder’s first book, Praise Habit. The popular worship leader devotes 156 pages, filled with personal stories and quirky observations, to explore ways to make praising God a lifestyle. Books profiled by Anneka Morgan 78 ccm april 05 ccmmagazine.com CCM_05.05_Gear.v7 3/11/05 12:13 PM Page 80 inreview by Richard Farley gear DAVID CROWDER: The Man, The Myth, The Crowdster A SHURE THING David Crowder Band THE BIRTH OF THE CROWDSTER Tom Anderson’s electric guitars have been played by such music icons as Mick Jagger and Keith Richards (Rolling Stones), Don Felder (Eagles), Steve Miller and many others, including Christian music’s very own David Crowder Band guitarist Jack Parker. Parker received his Anderson electric guitar as a college graduation gift and was the one who first brought the Los Angeles-based company to Crowder’s attention. Amazed at the sound and ease of play, Crowder e-mailed Tom and asked, “Why are you sharing all your love with the electric players?” As a fan of Crowder’s music, Anderson took the e-mail as a challenge and, in collaboration with the singer/ songwriter, developed a prototype known simply as the “Crowdster.” Designed to produce superlative, amplified, acoustic guitar tones in front of large crowds without any feedback, the guitar has been played by Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora. Says Crowder, “It has a Buzz Feiten Tuning System that helps with the intonation and tuning of the guitar. Somehow it resonates more, and I don’t have to meddle with the EQ. When picking up other guitars you are reminded of your limitations. The necks [of Anderson guitars] make you sound and feel like a much better player than you are. To play an Anderson transcends the earthly.” These are lofty words coming from a man who plays more than 250 shows a year. andersonguitars.com INSIDERS' TIP An ever-growing alternative to standard tuning, DADGAD simply involves dropping the 1st, 2nd and 6th string down a whole step. Follow these three easy steps and see what all the hype is about. 1.) Match the note on the 7th fret of the 6th string with an open 5th string 2.) Match your open 2nd string with the 2nd fret of the 3rd string 3.) Match your 1st string with the 5th fret of the 2nd string 80 ccm april 05 ccmmagazine.com The legendary SM57 instrument/vocal mic from Shure is one of the most trusted and popular mics available. Perfect for road travel, this tested, dynamic mic constantly delivers the same warm, natural sound night after night. In addition, the SM57’s wide frequency response (40Hz-15kHz) has helped make it a perfect choice in the studio. Durability and versatility are the hallmarks of the SM57; and, although it can be used for vocals, the mic is most commonly utilized for close-in micing of amps and speakers. “I find the SM57 to accommodate the reproduction of tone,” remarks Crowder in regard to capturing the perfect guitar sound. For the price, durability and history, I believe this is the best instrument/vocal mic on the market. shure.com $89.00 IF THAT ISN’T REASON ENOUGH With the release of its highly acclaimed album Illuminate, the David Crowder Band (DCB) became the first Christian artist to include Propellerhead’s Reason 2.5 software on each CD. This lauded, stand-alone music station software is a complete, virtual studio rack with built-in synthesizers, samples, drum machines, recycle-based loop players, a mixer, effects, pattern sequences and more. In short, Reason 2.5 allows you to create and re-create just about anything in the live setting that your heart desires. The DCB used the software for almost all of the programming featured on the album, and the members continue to use it. “We use Reason with practically every song we do. It has changed the very way we’ve made music in the past couple of years, and the depth of this software is ridiculous,” says Crowder. When asked what gear advice he would give an artist, Crowder responds, “Get Reason software. It is fairly affordable and a bargain for what it can do.” Any questions? Be sure to check out the updated 3.0 version which released in March. propellerheads.se PAINFUL, BUT TRUE During one of his concerts, Crowder actually popped a string from his guitar that, in turn, went directly through his cheek. When talking about this traumatic experience, Crowder commented, “It hurt and was painful on both an emotional and physical level.” No word yet if the “Crowdster” was involved. CCM_04.05_tour.v11 3/11/05 2:05 PM Page 82 t standingroomonly your guide to concerts by Andy Argyrakis REHEARSAL ROUND-UP A dress rehearsal is always essential before hitting the road, but what happens prior to ironing out all those pre-opening night wrinkles? Point of Grace’s Shelley Breen shares a timeline of setting and shaping up: First things first: Usually the biggest question All photos by Andy Argyrakis before a tour is, “Who do we want to take with us?” A lot of artists send over press packages and pitch us to bring them along, so we do a lot of wading through that. Our goal is to get a variety of artists who can appeal to a wide age group since our fan base is often parents, their kids and sometimes the grandparents. Flex those vocal chords: As the sets are L-R: Point of Grace’s Denise Jones, Scott Krippayne, Charity Von “I CHOOSE YOU” TOUR POINT OF GRACE, SCOTT KRIPPAYNE, CHARITY VON CHRIST COMMUNITY CHURCH | FRANKLIN, TN —FEB. 1, 2005 Getting ready for a tour can be just as tedious as putting on a perfect performance night after night and then traveling to the next city on time. Just about any established artist puts in plenty of preparation to get a show down pat, and veteran girl group Point of Grace is no exception. POG has been featured in virtually every type of concert setting over the years, including tiny venues with sparse crowds, worship conferences at churches and package line-ups in major arenas. But the foursome’s latest jaunt comes on the heels of several changes, including last year’s addition of member Leigh Cappillino, a greater grasp of acoustic pop progressiveness on its latest album, I Choose You and signing with a new management company. Though the official tour opening wouldn’t be until two days later in Virginia, the crew, band and performers all set up shop like it was the real deal, arriving at the venue extra early to tweak lighting, stage rigging and other concert logistics. Headliners POG, along with tourmates Scott Krippayne and Charity Von, also arrived ahead of time, testing microphones, finalizing song arrangements and confirming the dialogue they’d later use during the show. The lucky friends, family and press who were invited first faced the outing’s sound check, which was an exhaustively detailed, incredibly intricate undertaking in the tour’s inaugural stage. Besides perfecting melody lines and making last-minute set list changes, final touches were also added to the choreography and order of onstage introductions. After a prayer asking for lives to be touched on the tour and a disclaimer from POG figurehead Shelley Breen that the kinks were still being kicked out, the house lights faded and the extravaganza entered full swing. For the next two hours each artist would rotate through a tightly timed event, which, for the first time in POG history, featured collaborative, family-style billing. Rather than a traditional opening, middle and closing act, Krippayne performed originals and played piano 82 ccm april 05 ccmmagazine.com with the band; and Von unveiled meaty chops from her self-titled solo debut while backing POG (who also returned the favor at various points in the pacing). Future attendees can look forward to highlights including Krippayne’s Maroon 5-meets-Billy Joel piano pop off his stellar Gentle Revolution album and Von’s powerhouse pipes akin to Janis Joplin on cuts such as “Weight of the World” and “You Make It Fine.” POG also lent mighty melodies to earthy new selections like “Down” and “Make It Real,” plus faith affirming classics such as “The Great Divide” and “Keep the Candle Burning.” Catching up with all of the aforementioned parties backstage after the show indicated overall satisfaction with the first take. All breathed a further collective sigh of relief when those gathered passed on pleasing feedback and many promises they’d visit a future date. Fans will have the opportunity to do just that as the tour’s current leg runs through the end of this month. Dates are available at pointofgrace.net. being designed and all the proper people are being hired, the group spends most of its time shaping up the members’ voices. Our bandleader usually makes work tapes that have a lot of the new songs and refreshes us on the old ones as well. Time to try it out: About three weeks before [the tour starts] we get on a schedule so everybody meets a few times a week; and we discuss arrangements, harmony parts and where everyone will be onstage. We also go over pacing and stories we want to share with the audience. All of those days are really intensive, and from then until opening night, we don’t mess around! HERE AND THERE: Are you within a day’s drive? Here are a couple concert dates you won’t want to miss! 4/2 Jaci Velasquez at Club 3 Degrees in Minneapolis, MN 4/22 Rebecca St. James at First Baptist Jaci Velasquez L-R: POG bass player Tommy Magee, Shelley Breen (POG), Leigh Capillino (POG), Scott Krippayne, Denise Jones (POG) in Naples, FL For the latest concert listings, check out CCMmagazine.com’s searchable tour database to find out when your favorite artists will play in a city near you. CCM_04.05_Numbers.v6 3/10/05 10:57 PM Page 84 BYTHENUMBERS 927Kutless018452690 by Gregory Rumburg Conventional sports wisdom posits, “Don’t mess with a streak.” That’s what Kutless aims to do in 2005, extending its rock rampage that dates back to 2002. This year started in the studio with the band wrapping its first worship record and starting its next studio project. Recently replacing Kyle Mitchell and Kyle Zeigler, new members Jeffrey Gilbert (drums) and Dave Luetkenhoelter (bass), both from Seven Places, now join singer Jon-Micah Sumrall and guitarists James Mead and Ryan Shrout as Kutless gears up for tobyMac’s “Welcome to Diverse City” tour this spring, also featuring Audio Adrenaline and Hawk Nelson. 58 105-110 Weeks the debut Kutless spent in the Top 50 Christian album sales chart—a feat typically reserved for the most seasoned artist. “We worked our tails off to make sure the record was really good,” Sumrall says of the band’s followup project. “We felt a lot of pressure to put out a record that was better than the first.” Average decibel range for a Kutless concert. Sumrall enjoys recalling one show during which the sound engineer pushed the technology, and the band peaked at 125 dB. “That’s a little too loud—even for us,” he laughs. 50,000 2 250 1999 400 11 1 Miles driven in the band’s 15-passenger van during Kutless’ first year touring, covering the country from Portland to Montana to Ohio and into the South. GMA Music Award nominations. This month the Portland, Ore.,-based band vies for “Rock Album of the Year” with Sea of Faces. “It would be rad if we won, but I don’t want to get my hopes up—if that makes sense,” Sumrall says. “We’ve been nominated before, and we lost to Audio Adrenaline, which I think was fine. We were opening for them on tour at the time.” Yep, awkward. Average days the band spends away from home per year, Jon-Micah estimates. “It’s one of those deals where you really look forward to getting home whenever you can,” he says. “Pretty much all the guys in the band were ‘homeless’ for those first two years. When we got home we stayed with family and friends. We were nomads.” The year Sonicflood released, eventually inspiring the formation of Kutless and, recently, its worship project, Strong Tower. “I think back to the first Sonicflood record. Everyone was like, ‘Wow, I’ve never heard worship this heavy,’” Sumrall recalls. “In hindsight, it wasn’t that heavy of a record; but at the time it was really revolutionary. I remember hearing it for the first time and loving it.” Tracks that made the final cut of Strong Tower. “We wanted an upbeat, Kutless-sounding style of worship,” he says. “Worship CDs kind of have a certain sound to them, so we decided we’d make this record fresh.” Describing the project as heavy and edgy for worship, Sumrall says, “Hopefully when people listen to this CD they’ll think, ‘Man, I’ve never heard worship done like this before.’” DVD movies, jointly, that save the band from boredom when the guys travel in an old Eagle tour bus without satellite television. Movies remain a popular activity when the guys aren’t gaming or when their wives travel with them. Typical selections include comedies and action flicks—from “Bond” to The Bourne Identity. But the Kutless members’ top choice remains The Count of Monte Cristo. “We watch that at least once a month,” Jon-Micah says. Dumb and Dumber stands as the group’s most quotable title. Encounter with a Count, that is, Cristo star Jim Caviezel. “He was a very nice man,” Sumrall says of the meeting, which took place while Kutless screened The Passion of The Christ at Mel Gibson’s Icon Studios. “He’s probably one of our favorite actors. He’s very nice, very polite, very kind.” 84 ccm april 05 ccmmagazine.com CCM_04.05_Bart.v8 3/11/05 12:46 AM Page 86 apersonalperspective Photo by Rick Diamond C Magnificent Obsession When it comes to Christian music, you’d be hard pressed to find a band with as many fans as INO recording artist MercyMe. And when it comes to the platinum-selling band’s own lead singer, Bart Millard, you’d be even more hard pressed to find a bigger Christian music fan—anywhere. With that in mind, we asked this self-described “Christian music nerd” to spill the beans. When it comes right down to it, I am a product of the system! What I mean is, I grew up on Christian music. I was that kid who, while singing in front of the mirror playing a mean tennis racket, imagined singing with my favorite Christian artist rather than some big rock star. Now, some could say that was just the beginning of what would be a major calling in my life. I tend to think I just needed to play outside more and have fewer imaginary friends. Regardless of how you choose to see it, this is who I am. The first album I ever bought with my own money was Petra’s More Power to Ya. Actually I bought it twice because I literally wore the first one out. Because of that record, I became consumed with Christian music. Growing up, I would spend every penny of my allowance on whatever music the local Christian bookstore carried. From One Bad Pig to Larnelle Harris, you name it, I owned it. It is safe to say that Christian music has played a huge role in my life, and when 86 ccm april 05 ccmmagazine.com I was asked to write for CCM, I thought I would take a stroll down memory lane and see if there are any other “Christian music nerds” like myself. Just a warning: These are not in any kind of order. I'm just typing whatever comes to mind. Remember the days when you could buy four albums, save those little coupons and get the fifth one free? I really thought I was beating the system (no Petra pun intended) until I grew up and found out how much cassettes really cost to make. Ouch. Did anyone else own every Steven Curtis Chapman and Wayne Watson accompaniment tape and sing every chance the church doors were open, or was that just me? I also had a mullet and wore a sweater vest so that I would be taken seriously. I remember hearing Amy Grant’s Lead Me On and knowing my life would never be the same. I remember my youth group learning how to do sign language to Michael W. Smith’s “Friends.” We performed it whenever our youth pastor moved to another church. We later changed that ritual to “Thank You” by Ray Boltz. I remember listening to “Hiding Place” by Steven Curtis Chapman all day at church camp and asking Christ into my heart that night. I remember trying to sing Sandi Patty’s “Love in Any Language” in a Spanish club competition by bart millard because it had “te amo” in it. I lost. Apparently the whole song had to be in Spanish. That’s nitpicking if you ask me. I remember hearing Whiteheart’s Freedom and also knowing my life would never be the same. I remember figuring out what was said at the beginning of Petra’s “Judas Kiss” and flipping out as if I had just made a major medical breakthrough. I remember watching my girlfriend in 7th grade sing some First Call tune and knowing I was in love…well, as in love as you can be for a 7th grader. She is now my wife, by the way. I remember freaking out when I found the 77s’ Sticks and Stones CD in the mainstream section at the local record store. Christian music had arrived! Then it departed back to the Christian bookstores for many more years. I remember hearing Michael W. Smith’s i2(eye) and yet again, knowing my life would never be the same. I remember actually wanting to be Russ Taff. No wait, that’s me now. I remember trying to rap like dc talk at a youth rally. I think I actually pulled a muscle. Huh huh heavenbound! I remember pre-ordering Jars of Clay’s first album when the band opened for PFR and rejoicing the day it came in the mail. I remember hearing dc talk’s Jesus Freak and knowing—without a doubt—my life would never be the same. I remember buying the Chagall Guevara album and thinking Steve Taylor could be the coolest human alive. I later heard Squint and knew he was the coolest human alive. I remember seeing Charlie Peacock, Vince Ebo and Jimmy A. performing acoustically and actually wanting to learn how to play guitar. After one lesson, my ADD kicked in, and I moved on. I remember listening to “Heaven” by Michael English over and over after my father passed away. I remember joining my first praise band. I remember playing my first church camp. I remember when we started MercyMe. I remember making our first independent album. I remember the first time I led a kid to Christ at one of our concerts. I remember the first time I heard one of our songs on the radio. I cried—not because it was on the radio but because my dad believed it would happen one day. I remember writing "I Can Only Imagine" at 3 in the morning. I remember my wife waking up, reading the lyrics and telling me it was going to be something special. I remember Delirious playing on the radio when my first son was born. I remember hoping to never forget those moments in your life that define you. I am a product of the system. Christain music has played an enormous role in who I am today, and for that I am forever grateful. Bart Millard is set to release his solo debut, Hymned, on July 26. CCM_04.05_halloffame.v7 3/10/05 10:57 PM Page 88 halloffame Stryper t is entirely fitting that the mainstream record company known for signing Christian glam metal rockers Stryper in the mid ‘80s was called Enigma, a word defined as “somebody or something that is not easily explained or understood.” There has arguably never been a Christian artist more deserving of such a description than Stryper, a four-piece, “heavenly metal” band that exemplifies the old show-biz saying, “Controversy breeds success.” Formed as Roxx Regime in 1983 in Orange County, Calif., by brothers Michael (vocals, guitar) and Robert Sweet (drums) and friend Oz Fox (guitars), the group changed its name to Stryper when the members rededicated their lives to Christ. The new band name was taken from Isaiah 53:5’s “by His stripes we are I healed.” (The name is also an acronym for Salvation Through Redemption Yielding Peace, Encouragement and Righteousness.) With the addition of fellow believer Tim Gaines (bass), the foursome soon signed a deal with Enigma and—managed by Janice Sweet, mom to Michael and Robert— began spreading the good news in the unlikeliest of places: the debauched heavy metal world. The combination struck a nerve in both Christian and mainstream circles. Many rock fans embraced the band because of its tight harmonies, hookladen songs and fine showmanship, while others didn’t know what to make of a born again metal band that praised the Lord rather than the common ‘80s rock gods of sex, drugs and the occult. In addition to landing videos for hits such as “Honestly” and “Calling on You” on MTV, the foursome was a staple of the thriving metal press of the day, appearing regularly in such rags as Metal Edge, Metal Blade, Hit Parader and Kerrang!, as well as in more mainstream press such as TIME, People and Rolling Stone. The band’s sold-out concerts became the frequent target of picketers and protesters who were upset both by the “worldly” band‘s touring with such mainstream rockers as Motley Crüe and Ratt and the group’s practice of tossing Bibles from stage. In 1990, Stryper released Against the Law, an album showcasing a rougherlooking group and containing very little of its usual overtly faith-based message. The ensuing media frenzy (on both sides of the fence) and the collapse of the group’s record label caused the album to tank, and in 1992 Michael Sweet left the band to pursue a solo career with Benson Records, effectively ending Stryper’s career. In 2003, on the 20th anniversary of Stryper’s formation, the group reunited for a nationwide tour that was so enthusiastically received that a new Stryper album is in the works for this summer, with an extensive tour planned to support the release. Michael Sweet recently told CCM, “We are all honored, yet at the same time, very humbled to have been chosen and inducted into the CCM Hall of Fame. We’re proud to have been part of such a unique and powerful ministry, and we’re grateful for the support that all our fans have given to Stryper throughout the years. We look forward to the future, and we are excited to once again work with CCM to spread the message of Christ.” M I C H A E L C I A N I For more information, check out stryper.com. SELECTED STRYPER The Yellow and Black Attack (1984) Soldiers Under Command (1985) To Hell with the Devil* (1986) In God We Trust (1988) Against the Law (Enigma, 1990) *#99 in CCM presents The 100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music (2001) All releases on Benson/Enigma unless otherwise noted SOME OF STRYPER’S MOST WELL-KNOWN SONGS “Always There for You” “Calling on You” “Free” “Honestly” “I Believe in You” “In God We Trust” “Makes Me Wanna Sing” “Reach Out” “Shining Star” “Sing-Along Song” “Soldiers Under Command” “To Hell with the Devil” “Together as One” “You Know What to Do” “You Won’t Be Lonely” AWARDS, ACCOLADES & ACCOMPLISHMENTS • • • • • • • Two gold records One platinum record One gold video One platinum video One Grammy nomination Two Dove Awards No. 1 “Most Requested” video on MTV (“Honestly”) CCM COVERS December 1986 August 1988 88 ccm april 05 ccmmagazine.com For a complete list of past Hall of Fame inductees, visit CCMmagazine.com. CCM_05.05_Classifieds.v3 3/11/05 1:16 PM Page 89 CLASSIFIEDS RECORDS/TAPES/CDs MUSIC VIDEO EXPERTS! TV/radio production, training, editing, TV/radio station placement and public relations. Call 214/316-1040 or visit our Web site at themediawisegroup.com Free media assessments. MUSICIANS WE’RE LISTENING! SING LOUD! Are you a singer wanting to be heard by music industry executives? Send in your CD for a complete evaluation and receive a FREE t-shirt! Details at SINGLOUD.com ATTENTION ARTISTS! Interested in the international music markets? We have distribution in Europe & Asia. irlmusic.com 949/766-7979 MUSICIANS, SINGERS, SONGWRITERS: If you’re interested in tours, recordings, send contact and promotional information to: LAMPSTAND, P.O. Box 601, Owensound, Ontario N4K 5RA Canada Subscription/Customer Service Information: Write CCM, 104 Woodmont Blvd. Ste 300, Nashville, TN 37205 or call 800/527-5226. In the U.S., $19.95/one year, $35.95/two years, $53.95/three years; Canada, (U.S. funds) $27.95 per year; all other countries, (U.S. funds) $33.95 (surface) or $67 (airmail). For address changes or other inquiries, please include both old and new addresses and mailing label. Allow four to six weeks for new subscriptions to begin. CCM [ISSN 1524–7848] is published monthly by Salem Publishing. Copyright: CCM © 2005 by Salem Publishing, 104 Woodmont Blvd., Suite 300, Nashville, TN 37205. Contents may not be reproduced in any manner, either whole or in part, without prior written permission of the publisher. Editorial: The editor cannot assume responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts and will return only those accompanied by a stamped, self–addressed envelope. Writers’ guidelines available upon request. Advertising: Neither the advertisers nor the contents of advertisements appearing in this publication are necessarily endorsed by Salem Publishing. We cannot accept liability for any products, services, etc., offered in advertisements, but please contact us if you experience any difficulties with advertisers. Periodicals postage paid at Nashville, TN and additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to CCM Magazine, 104 Woodmont Blvd, Ste 300, Nashville, TN 37205. HOW TO PLACE CLASSIFIEDS To place a classified ad, send a check (payable to CCM Communications) or a credit card number and expiration date, along with your ad copy by the 15th of the month—two months in advance of the issue in which you want the ad. (For example, by April 15 for the June issue.) Cost: $3.00 a word with a minimum of $50 per month. Display ads run as follows: $175 (B/W), $225 (2 color) and $295 (4 color). Marketplace ads run as follows: $275 (B/W), $325 (2 color) and $395 (4 color). CMYK colors only. Send ad copy for classified listings and/or an electronic digital file on CD for display/marketplace ads with your check or credit card number with expiration date to: Classified Ads, CCM Magazine, 104 Woodmont Blvd., Suite 300, Nashville, TN 37205. Make sure to include a daytime phone number. Please contact [email protected] for further information. Occasionally, CCM Magazine allows other Christian organizations to mail offers of their products or services to people on our subscriber list. If you do not want to receive mail from these organizations, please contact our customer service department at 800/527-5226. RADIO christianindieradio.com plays the very best music from independent Christian artists, 24 hours a day. 2005 HOLIDAY MUSIC A WONDERFUL NEW ORIGINAL Christmas Song is available for artists who are planning a Christmas release for the 2005 holiday season. Christmastime In Heaven can be heard and publishing information is available at: http://songramp.com/Flyingsheep UPCOMING EVENT LONG VALLEY, NEW JERSEY Junior Women’s Club, a not-for-profit community organization providing programs and service activities for their local youth, adults and senior citizens, invite you to a performance of amateur and professional musicians of all ages. On April 2, 2005, the Women’s Club will be hosting the “Long Valley MusicFest” at the Long Valley Middle School from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Call 908/850-0022 for more information. CCM SUBSCRIBERS: Visit our website to: Renew Renew Subscriptions Subscriptions Report Report Missing Missing Issues Issues Give Give a a Gift Gift Subscription Subscription And And More... More... Click on the Subscriber Services Button CCMMAGAZINE.COM Wanted GRANT CUNNINGHAM Lecture Tapes from Seminar in the Rockies. Years 1999 and Earlier. Paul Cunningham will pay $20 for tapes in good condition. 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