News Collection Week Of 3-28

Watch Demon Hunter’s New Video
Solid State Records and Demon Hunter present the world premiere of the band’s music video for the single “Collapsing” exclusively on MySpace was a part of the official “50 Days of Demon Hunter” online campaign. The video was filmed in Pittsburgh, PA by Endeavor Media (Anberlin, Owl City) and features Bjorn “Speed” Strid of Swedish death metal band Soilwork, who contributes guest vocals to the song. “We’re all huge Soilwork Fans so this was an honor for us,” says Demon Hunter vocalist Ryan Clark. “Speed was on a very short wishlist of ours for guys that we would want to have do vocals on the record so we were really, really excited when he agreed to do it.”

Wintersoul Signs To Nokternal Hemizphear
The UK based ice-cold legion WINTERSOUL are proud to announce that they have just signed a deal with American record label NOKTERNAL HEMIZPHEAR. A new era has begun and we are confident that the cooperation will be successful for both band and record label. More detailed information on the debut album, including the official release date , cover art revealing, and track streaming will be announced shortly.
Track Listing:
1. Frostland
2. Dawn of the Ice Hearts
3. Thorns of Winter
4. Dark Winter Skies
5. The Awakening
6. Shades of Terror
7. Shadows of Death
8. Blood on Ice
9. …As the Snowfall…

Purple Door Festival Marks 15th Anniversary
Celebrating 15 years as one of the north east’s premier music events, Purple Door Arts and Music Festival announces a new partnership with Facedown Records, an expanded Forum schedule with rare performances and a line up featuring some of the hottest bands from around the country for 2010. Held August 13 and 14 at Ski Roundtop in Lewisberry, PA, tickets are on sale now. With the intent of making the HM Stage line up even bigger and better, Purple Door is partnering with Facedown Records for “Facedown Friday,” featuring all bands from the label’s roster. “We are very excited to have the opportunity to team up with Purple Door to bring the first ever Facedown Night,” says Jason Dunn of Facedown Records. “All four of the Facedown bands playing that night have brand new 2010 albums releasing before the fest and it’s a perfect chance for people to see what Facedown is all about, from our seasoned veterans like War Of Ages and A Plea For Purging to our up and coming young bands like Onward To Olympas and In The Midst Of Lions. The 2009 event saw the addition of a forum, featuring speakers and discussions in an intimate setting. For 2010, the Forum is hitting the stage. With the addition of a fourth stage, the Forum will feature speakers covering the hard-hitting and relevant topics of today, as well as a rare acoustic performances from industry-changing artists like Derek Webb and last year’s headlining band, Family Force 5.
For more information on bands & speakers, visit:
purpledoor.com

Kingdom Bound Announces 2010 Talent Search
Kingdom Bound Ministries of Western New York, in conjunction with The Christian Festival Association (CFA), a coalition of over two dozen Christian music festivals across the country, recently announced plans for its 2010 National Talent Search. Kingdom Bound Christian music festival takes place August 1-4, 2010, at Darien Lake Theme Park, between Buffalo and Rochester. Now through May 17, unsigned American and Canadian Christian, Gospel and Holy Hip Hop artists can enter one original song into Kingdom Bound’s Talent Search online through sonicbids.com. New this year is the chance for up to 30 artists selected through online voting to participate in a live competition at Kingdom Bound’s Park Stage this August. The overall winner of Kingdom Bound’s Talent Search will then advance to the national competition, with the potential to win a development deal with Word Label Group. “What makes this year’s talent search the best yet is you or your band stand a good chance of getting to actually perform at Kingdom Bound, live, during the festival,” says Mark Weber, of ChristianMusicDaily.com. “In the past, people would enter online, and, for example, one out of sixty artists would get that chance. Now, up to thirty artists will be able to say, ‘I played Kingdom Bound,’ and that’s great exposure for aspiring artists.” Regional competitions will take place at 19 CFA-affiliated festivals this summer, including Western New York’s Kingdom Bound, and a regional winner will be determined at each festival. Those winners will be invited to Nashville in September to participate in the national finals. The overall winner will receive a development deal with the Word Label Group family of labels, which includes Fervent Records, Myrrh Records and Word Records.
For more information, visit:
kingdombound.org

Andrew Peterson News
One of Christian music’s most respected singer/songwriters, Andrew Peterson, headed to Washington state to record his new project that is slated for a July release. Peterson was joined in the Northwest by his longtime musical companions; Ben Shive, Andy Gullahorn, Gabe Scott and engineer, Todd Robbins. They loaded up their guitars, hammered dulcimer, accordion, dobro and banjo, started collaborating and in an incredible eight days had a new album! The album is still untitled but features a group of songs written over the past two years.

Letters To God: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack To Be Released March 30th
Bonded Records and Universal Music Christian Group have partnered for the March 30th release of the Letters to God: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack – a 2-disc, 23-song collection consisting of original score compositions and inspirational songs inspired by the upcoming feature film. Letters to God, from one of the producers of Fireproof and Facing the Giants, opens in theaters nationwide on April 9th via Possibility Pictures and Vivendi Entertainment. Letters to God: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack includes songs from chart-topping country music group The Warren Brothers, as well as Matthew West, Jeremy Camp, Sanctus Real, Between the Trees, Addison Road, Paul Colman, Wintley Phipps and more. The Warren Brothers recorded the film’s theme song, “Dear Mr. God,” which is headed to multiple radio formats, as is the song “You Give Me Hope” from popular Christian music group Between the Trees. Inspired by a true story, Letters to God is about an extraordinary eight year-old boy named Tyler that faces his daily battle against cancer with bravery and grace. To Tyler, God is a friend, a teacher and the ultimate pen pal. Tyler’s prayers take the form of letters, which he composes and mails on a daily basis. The letters find their way into the hands of a beleaguered postman standing at a crossroads in his life. At first, he is confused and conflicted over what to do with the letters. But the decision he ultimately makes becomes a testament to the quiet power of one boy’s shining spirit and unshakeable faith. Letters to God is an intimate, moving and often funny story about the galvanizing effect one child’s belief can have on his family, friends and community. There are major cross promotional campaigns in place with participating book, film and music partners, as well as three weeks of heavy media advertising including television, radio, print and online in advance of the film’s release date. A major Christian broadcast network will be airing a music special that will focus on behind the scenes stories and interviews with artists from the soundtrack, and Letters to God will be the exclusive online sponsor of the 41st Annual GMA Dove Awards which airs on the Gospel Music Channel on April 25th.

Jonny Lang On The Move
JONNY LANG is a touring maniac and he’s not slowing down anytime soon. As he gears up for the April 20 release of his first-ever live album, LIVE AT THE RYMAN (Concord Records), he’s criss-crossing the U.S. as part of the “Experience Hendrix Tour,” which features an all-star line up of music greats paying homage to the music and legacy of Jimi Hendrix including: Joe Satriani, Brad Whitford of Aerosmith and Kenny Wayne Shepherd, among many others. The trek concludes March 28 in Durham, NC. From there, he won’t have much time to rest. After spending a week off, he’ll head back on the road for a brief run in Canada, followed by a number of festivals and headlining shows. Then starting May 21, he’ll kick it up a notch as his “Live By Request” tour launches in Clearwater, FL at Ruth Eckerd Hall. For that round of dates, lasting through the Fall, Lang’s fans will be able to log on to his website starting on May 1 and submit a song request for the show they are attending. Lang will then build a set list every night from the requests for those specific shows. LIVE AT THE RYMAN captures that passion and energy with the release of Lang’s first record since 2006’s TURN AROUND, which earned him a Grammy® Award for Best Gospel Album. Recorded at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee, in the summer of 2008, Live at the Ryman, Lang’s first ever live recording, offers a compelling glimpse of a young guitarist at the height of his creative powers, yet still open to exploring the depth and range of the blues and its relationship to R&B, soul, rock, gospel, funk and so may other emotionally riveting forms of music. LIVE AT THE RYMAN is the record that Lang has wanted to make because it paints a vivid picture of how his blues-launched career led him to successful soul, rock, R&B, and gospel recordings. His inability to be complacent or safe in his musical journey is amplified in his powerful and electrifying live performance of these genre-crossing songs. “I’ve wanted to do a live record for a long time, because I feel like our band is strongest in the live setting,” says Lang. “I think this record is a good representation of our live show, and an accurate reference for people who haven’t seen us yet. Hopefully it will be an inspiration for them to come out and see us.” Backed by the five-man crew of guitarist/vocalist Sonny Thompson, keyboardist Tommy Barbarella, bassist Jim Anton, drummer Barry Alexander and percussionist/vocalist Jason Eskridge, Lang burns through a dozen songs first heard on studio albums dating back to 1997. This time, though, the songs heat up in the kind of pressure-cooker setting that can only take shape in the vibrant Nashville club scene.
Tour Dates:
3/27 – Atlanta, GA
3/28 – Durham, NC
4/9 – Fort Worth, TX
4/11 – Thunder Bay, ONT
4/12 – Winnipeg, MB
4/13 – Saskatoon, SK
4/15 – Calgary, AB
4/16 – Edmonton, AB
4/18 – Vancouver, BC
4/20 – Spokane, WA
4/22 – Grants Pass, OR
4/23 – Tacoma, WA
4/25 – New Orleans, LA
5/1 – Stateline, NV

Chasen Lands iTunes Discovery Download Spot
“Castaway,” off of Chasen’s March 9 release of That Was Then, This Is Now, was be featured as March 23rd’s free Discovery Download on iTunes. The coveted iTunes spot comes just weeks after Chasen released their debut project with INO to much critical support. The record, co-produced with Rob Hawkins (Fireflight), features 10 personal tracks, most written by band front man Chasen Callahan who has penned songs for Addison Road and Stellar Kart among others. In addition to “Castaway,” the new album features “Slow Down,” “Love In Your Name” and “On and On” which was No. 1 on the CHR radio chart for over a month. The band will also be joining Kutless for the “It Is Well Tour” starting in April.

Superchick News
Grammy nominated pop/rock band Superchick will embark on its spring 2010 “Alive Tour” March 19, 2010. Visiting an expected 20 cities through late May, Superchick will be joined by guest artists Gotee Records’ John Reuben, new Sparrow Records signing Luminate, and touring veterans Bread of Stone. Known for its legendary, explosive live performances, Superchick’s “Alive Tour” will kick off in Minneapolis and travel to major markets including Cincinnati, San Antonio, and Chicago. “We are so excited to get back on the road after being in the studio finishing our new album,” says Tricia Baumhardt, lead singer of Superchick. “We can’t wait to connect with our fans, tour with long-time friend John Reuben, and bring fresh new artists with us! It will definitely be a fun night. You never know what may happen at a Superchick show!”
For a list of tour dates and more information, visit:
superchickonline.com

Leeland Hit The Road
Three-time GRAMMY®-nominated progressive rock act Leeland and acclaimed Dove Award-nominated singer-songwriter Phil Wickham will co-headline the 26-city A NIGHT OF WORSHIP TOUR featuring special guest, songwriter/artist/worship leader Matt Maher. Kicking off April 8, in Temple, Texas, the tour will make stops in Denver, CO; Reno, NV; Fresno, CA; Seattle, WA; Bend, OR; Tucson, AZ; and more before wrapping up in Belen (Albuquerque), NM on May 10. The Night of Worship Tour unites a group of the Christian music industry’s most critically-acclaimed artists, songwriters and architects of modern worship music – all of whom continue to influence a generation of new worshippers across the globe. Along with some collaborative moments on some of today’s best-loved worship songs, the tour will also feature music from Leeland’s GRAMMY-nominated third album Love Is On The Move, Wickham’s chart-topping third album Heaven And Earth, and Maher’s Dove-nominated sophomore project Alive Again.
“We’ve known Phil and Matt for quite some time now, and we’ve dreamed of doing a tour with them for even longer!” says Leeland keyboardist Jack Mooring. “It’s going to be a collaborative worship night that ebbs and flows. We know that every night will be powerful, as we seek after God together in each city. I can’t wait!”. “I am so excited to be a part of this tour,” Wickham adds. “Leeland and Matt are two of my favorite worship leaders and to be able to share the stage with them will be an honor. I hope everyone that comes to the shows will be ready to sing!”. The Night of Worship Tour couldn’t come at a better time for this celebrated trio of artists. For Houston-based progressive rock band Leeland, the tour comes on the heels of the group’s third career GRAMMY nomination for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album, continuing a streak of GRAMMY honors for each of the outfit’s three projects to date. Wickham’s latest release, Heaven and Earth, has been lauded by critics as one of the top Christian albums of 2009, and gave him his first No. 1 radio single (“Safe”) along with the highest chart placement of his career when it debuted at No. 5 on the Christian music sales chart in December. Maher recently garnered six nominations as a top nominee for the upcoming 41st Annual GMA Dove Awards, and was called “this year’s breakthrough nominee” by the Associated Press. A Night of Worship with Leeland and Phil Wickham, and special guest Matt Maher, is presented by Christian relief organization Food for the Hungry. Founded in 1971, Food for the Hungry provides emergency relief and implements development programs in more than 26 countries to help the world’s most disadvantaged people.
Tour Dates:
4/8 – Temple, TX
4/9 – Abilene, TX
4/10 – Tyler, TX
4/11 – Edmond, OK
4/12 – Lenexa, KS
4/13 – Wheat Ridge, CO
4/15 – Reno, NV
4/16 – Fresno, CA
4/18 – Twin Falls, ID
4/19 – Idaho Falls, ID
4/22 – Spokane, WA
4/23 – Puyallup, WA
4/24 – Seattle, WA
4/25 – Meridian, ID
4/26 – Tualatin, OR
4/27 – Bend, OR
4/30 – El Dorado Hills, CA
5/1 – Brentwood, CA
5/4 – Camarillo, CA
5/6 – Mesa, AZ
5/7 – Oceanside, CA
5/8 – Riverside, CA
5/9 – Tucson, AZ
5/10 – Belen, NM

Owl City Tour News
Owl City announces a Spring headlining tour of the US kicking off on March 30th in Boise, ID and hitting every major US market including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, San Francisco, Denver, DC and more before ending on May 2nd in Milwaukee. As the band gears up for a busy 2010, Owl City can reflect on what has been an unbelievably successful 2009. Ocean Eyes was recently certified gold in the US and the first single “Fireflies” has sold more than 2 million copies making it double platinum. “Fireflies” also hit the #1 position on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart twice and went #1 on iTunes in the US, Canada, Denmark, Holland and New Zealand. In addition, the video for “Fireflies” found fans at MTV, FUSE and VH1 where it is currently the #1 Most Played video on the channel and the band established themselves as a viable live act thanks to sold out headlining tours of the US, China and Japan – making this small town artist an international phenomenon. Additionally, Owl City earned numerous accolades from the media over the past six months. He was featured in Rolling Stone who said “…Ocean Eyes is filled with appealing dreamy electro-pop…,” USA Today who wrote “…Young belongs to a grand pop-music tradition – the bedroom musical savant,” and Entertainment Weekly who said “Young’s album Ocean Eyes contains quite a few catchy tunes, so we’re betting radio programmers won’t be leaving Owl City soon” and post Owl City’s NYC show in September Rob Harvilla at the Village Voice wrote “Owl City…gets a more intense reaction from a Bowery Ballroom crowd than even Nine Inch Nails did…too infectious to resist.” He’s also graced the covers of HITS and Pollstar and was featured in the New York Times, NME, and Billboard who have been incredible supportive since the beginning.
Tour Dates:
3/30 – Boise, ID
3/31 – Spokane, WA
4/1 – Seattle, WA
4/3 – Portland, OR
4/5 – San Francisco, CA
4/6 – San Francisco, CA
4/7 – Pomona, CA
4/8 – San Diego, CA
4/9 – Los Angeles, CA
4/10 – Phoenix, AZ
4/12 – Salt Lake City, UT
4/13 – Denver, CO
4/15 – Austin, TX
4/16 – Houston, TX
4/17 – Dallas, TX
4/19 – Nashville, TN
4/20 – Atlanta, GA
4/22 – Washington, D.C.
4/23 – Boston, MA
4/24 – New York, NY
4/25 – Philadelphia, PA
4/28 – Cleveland, OH
4/29 – Detroit, MI
4/30 – Chicago, IL
5/1 – Minneapolis, MN
5/2 – Milwaukee, WI
5/4 – West Des Moines, IA

Call To Preserve News
Call To Preserve are currently recording their latest album at Warrior Sound Studios (Advent, He Is Legend). The album is titled Life of Defiance and is due out on June 8, 2010. After wrapping the recording of their sophomore Facedown release at the end of the month, the band will leave for a European tour with Agnostic Front.
Tour Dates:
3/28 – Kassel, Germany
3/29 – Wroclaw, Poland
3/30 – Bratislava, Slovakia
3/31 – Kosice, Slovakia
4/1 – Leipzig, Germany
4/2 – Bydgoszcz, Poland
4/3 – Rostock, Germany
4/7 – Traun, Austria
4/8 – Cham, Germany
4/9 – Castelletto Cervo, Italy
4/10 – Montpellier, France
4/11 – Badalona, Spain
4/12 – Madrid, Spain
4/13 – Lissabon, Portugal
4/14 – Arrasate, Spain
4/15 – Biarritz, France
4/16 – Lyon, France
4/17 – Arlon, Belgium
4/18 – Eindhoven, Netherlands
4/19 – Karlsruhe, Germany
4/20 – Montbeliard, France
4/21 – Weinheim, Germany
4/22 – Bochum, Germany
4/23 – Meerhout, Belgium
4/24 – Berlin, Germany