War Of Ages Resigns With Facedown
Facedown Records is proud to announce that War of Ages will be continuing on with the Facedown Family & they will be re-signing for another release. They will be heading into the studio this fall to record for an early 2012 album release. War of Ages have been a part of our family since releasing their self titled debut with Strike First Records in 2005 and we are delighted to be able to get behind what will be their 5th studio album next year. Known for being an unstoppable touring machine, it’s no surprise that War of Ages’ summer will be packed with plans. They will soon be announcing US summer tours to go along with their headlining European summer tour, which will include European festivals. They will also be appearing at Cornerstone and Sonshine Festivals on Facedown Night. Label head Jason Dunn has this to say about War of Ages re-signing: “I am beyond excited to continue our relationship with War Of Ages. I view them as a flagship band for Facedown and one of the hardest working bands in metal today. From our start with them in 2005 on Strike First Records, these guys have proven themselves as individuals and as artists. Every album they write gets better than the previous and it’s an honor to be able to work with them on their upcoming 5th album and to have them headlining night 1 of Facedown Fest and Facedown Night at Cornerstone Festival.” War of Ages frontman Leroy Hamp agrees: “We are honored and excited to continue our career with Facedown records! In 2005 Facedown looked to the north western tip of PA to find 5 passionate guys who loved to play music with a purpose. We promised to work hard and do so with honor and integrity, holding onto every value God has given us. With 6 years of album writing, touring, ups and downs, bumps and busies, Facedown stood behind us pushing War Of Ages every step of the way. As we grow as men every album gets better and better due to the strong foundation Facedown has built. We are blessed to not only call them our label, but FAMILY!”
Paramore Added To Warped Tour Dates
The VANS WARPED TOUR® 2011 has announced a new addition for a portion of this summer’s trek. Paramore will join the tour for the July 14 (Scranton), July 15 (Toronto), July 16 (Montreal) and the July 17 (Hartford), July 19 (Milwaukee), July 20 (Cleveland) and August 9 (San Diego) shows. “So much for surprises,” says tour founder Kevin Lyman. “Word got out that Paramore will be coming back and I couldn’t be more stoked.” Paramore will join previously announced main stage acts including: 3OH!3, A Day To Remember, Against Me!, Gym Class Heroes, and more.
For a list of tour dates, visit:
warpedtour.com
Third Day Honored With ASCAP Vanguard Award
Third Day has been honored with ASCAP’s Vanguard Award, which recognized the band for its “extraordinary impact on Christian music.” Third Day is the first Christian music artist to receive the ASCAP Vanguard Award. Past ASCAP Vanguard Award honorees include The Killers, Sara Bareilles, Santigold, All-American Rejects, Arcade Fire, The Mars Volta, Jack Johnson, The Strokes, Modest Mouse, Built To Spill, Beastie Boys, Nine Inch Nails, Beck and Bjork. Reunion recording artists Brandon Heath and Kerrie Roberts each had focused performances during the awards show as well.
Andrew Peterson To Appear On Music City Roots
One of Nashville’s most revered singer/songwriters, Andrew Peterson, is scheduled to perform on the highly popular Music City Roots: Live from the Loveless Cafe. The concert series is emceed by Keith Bilbrey and hosted by singer/songwriter Jim Lauderdale. The show will air live 7:00 – 9:00 PM CDT on Nashville’s WRLT Lightning 100 and streamed worldwide at musiccityroots.com. Tickets are $10.00 for general admission and $5.00 for anyone with a student ID. Tickets may be purchased at New Grimey’s New and Preloved Music, 1604 8th Avenue South and online.
Worship Artist Jeremy Horn to Release Sound of the Broken
Jeremy Horn is announcing his debut with Ardent and INO Records titled Sound of the Broken. The newest music from the Memphis-based worship leader will hit retailers on May 3. With Sound of the Broken, Horn offers an album of worship meant to remind us that the Spirit of God rests inside of broken people, and that God wants to use us to tell His story of redemption. The album was recorded at Ardent Studios and co-produced by Horn alongside James Joseph (Todd Agnew) and Curry Weber (Todd Agnew, Joy Whitlock). Among the 10 songs featured on the album, “Surrender” is a bright song with a simple message about the beauty of letting go of control and the madness that tends to come with it. Equally powerful is “Father of Lights,” turning the words from James 1:17 into a proclamation of praise to the source of every good and perfect gift. Another standout is the closing song, “This Reflection.” It’s a gentle reminder, Horn says, that “we’re all broken, and we must not forget that. Don’t become prideful. Grace is the only thing in our lives that we have. Jesus is it. That’s all we have in life.” Amidst his debut, Jeremy Horn’s single “Only God Who Saves” hit radio Friday, March 18. The single introduces the album’s theme with a humble opening verse and a metaphor from Acts 3 that describes our human condition and the healing that comes through Christ.
On Point Introduces New Speaker
On Point Audio, Inc., an innovative designer and builder of professional loudspeaker systems, is introducing the OPA-28 NP at prolight+sound 2011 in Halle 8.0 booth # J70 C in Frankfurt, Germany. The OPA-28 NP is a high-output dual 8-inch coaxial speaker system housed in a small enclosure with a very slim silhouette. Using On Point Audio’s exclusive Narrow-ProfileTM driver technology, the system features two woofers with 8-inch cones that have a diameter of only 6.8 inches / 172.72 mm. The system also includes a powerful, coaxially mounted 1.35-inch (34.3 mm) pure titanium compression driver. Thanks to these revolutionary 8-inch drivers, the outside width of the OPA-28 NP’s enclosure is only 7.3 inches / 185.4 mm, making it the slimmest dual 8-inch full-range system available. The OPA-28 NP features 400 watts continuous, 1,600 watts peak power handling. Thanks to its high power handling and sensitivity, the OPA-28 NP is capable of delivering 127 dB maximum output from an enclosure only 18.4 x 7.3 x 8.1 in / 467.4 x 185.4 x 205.7 mm (H x W x D). The OPA-28 NP’s acoustic output / size ratio is one of the highest in the professional audio industry. The OPA-28 NP’s enclosure is built of 12 mm birch plywood and is very rigidly braced and well damped. The enclosure is equipped with 10 x M8 suspension points that accommodate optional low-cost eyebolts, a pivoting U-Bracket as well as other mounting hardware for specialized applications. The enclosure is equipped with a heavy-gauge, acoustically transparent steel grille and is coated in On Point Audio’s PowerCoatTM, a rugged, tough yet attractive external finish. The OPA-28 NP’s input section features two Neutrik Speakon connectors as well as a 4-position barrier strip, making it usable for mobile or fixed install applications. The OPA-28 NP’s coaxially mounted compression driver features 80-degree conical radiation so that the system can be placed horizontally or vertically without changing its coverage pattern. The OPA-28 NP’s vented enclosure and well-designed drivers deliver very smooth response to the limits of audibility. Like all On Point Audio products, careful attention was paid to minimizing spurious acoustic and mechanical resonances to ensure accurate vocal intelligibility, excellent musical clarity and timbre.
“The OPA-28 NP’s unique combination of pristine sound, superb power handling capability, high output and slim, elegant enclosure is unmatched. Our dealers and customers will be thrilled by this product” says On Point Audio president and founder Doug MacCallum.
BEC Signs Jessa Anderson
BEC Recordings’ brings out the softer side with the newest signing of female singer/songwriter Jessa Anderson to the label family. Anderson will release her label debut, Not Myself Anymore, on May 17th. The label-debut album was produced by Brandon Perdue (Kellie Pickler, The Ember Days) and Kevin Bruchert (The Glorious Unseen, Abandon). Already, this artist has been making a name for herself with her radio debut single, “Not What I Thought,” impacting AC and CHR radio as it was New and Active as well as on the National Christian Audience chart. New fans can check out two of Jessa’s songs from the forthcoming label debut on her Facebook by simply “like”-ing her page. This young mom is grateful for this opportunity to share her heart and music on a larger scale. “I seriously almost had a nervous breakdown the night before we left to start doing concerts [full-time], because it was weird to picture myself doing what I wanted to do and being on the stage,” shares Jessa, “now it’s up to me to say what I want to say and present [these] songs that are so personal to me.”
Drawing from an influential pool of strong female songwriters such as Sara Groves, Nichole Nordeman and Ginny Owens, Anderson’s music reflects a constant wrestling with the unknown and the darkest parts of humanity right alongside the gritty, everyday things that make up the human life. “I always gravitated toward women who were writing their own music and just that honesty. That’s what I like to listen to, and hopefully that’s what I’m communicating when I’m writing songs, too,” she shares.
Matthew Ward Releases New Arrangement Of “Easter Song”
Celebrating 40 years in music, pioneering Christian artist Matthew Ward has released ‘Easter Song – A New Arrangement’ on his Matthew Ward Ministry website. Recognized for his signature tenor voice and known to millions of Christians worldwide, Matthew Ward is considered one of the great vocalists of any musical genre. At the young age of 13, Ward recorded his first solo track “Jesus Is” while a member of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame group ‘2nd Chapter of Acts’ along with his two sisters, Annie Herring and Nelly (Ward) Greisen. Matthew and his two sisters performed together from 1973 to 1988. As the trio gradually started singing for local coffee houses and small gatherings, they eventually gained the notice of Pat Boone who arranged a contract to record and release two singles with MGM, “Jesus Is” (1972), recorded on Matthew’s 13th birthday, and “I’m So Happy” (1973). The fledgling trio also came to the attention of 1960s folk singer Barry McGuire, who had recently become a Christian and was preparing to record his first Christian music album, produced by Buck Herring. The siblings provided background vocals for Seeds and McGuire’s 1974 follow-up Lighten Up. Following his Gospel Music Hall of Fame career with 2nd Chapter of Acts, Matthew continues to record solo work and minister in concert. He has worked with other such artists as Donna Summer, Leann Rimes, Randy Stonehill, Sandi Patti, Keith Green, Dennis Jernigan, John Michael Talbot, Jordin Sparks and many, many others. When initially composed in 1974 by Annie, ‘Easter Song’ was envisioned as a possible choral arrangement.. However, after much consideration and prayer, Easter Song was recorded by Ward and his sisters and the rest, as they say, is history. In reflecting on his new rendition of the classic, Ward shares “Doing a new arrangement of Easter Song was a bit daunting. Our drummer years ago probably said it best: ‘Doing a new arrangement of Easter Song, was like putting chrome on the Ark of the Covenant’”. Easter Song has been covered by artists such as the late Keith Green and the group GLAD. ‘Easter Song – A New Arrangement’ is a powerful and refreshing reminder that Jesus truly has risen, just as He said!
The City Harmonic Sees Boost In Sales
The City Harmonic released its debut EP Nov. 22, 2010 from Kingsway amidst wide critical acclaim and momentum that is now beginning to grow exponentially thanks in part to its groundbreaking debut radio single, “Manifesto.” With Air1 and K-Love Radio Networks adding the song early and subsequently seeing it climb to No. 1 on their playlists due to listener’s support of the song, other stations across the country that initially passed on the song have similarly begun to air it amidst significant listener acclaim. The rapidly expanding radio airplay across the country since the beginning of this year has sparked a 6,000 percent weekly increase in sales of the single and a 600 percent weekly increase in sales of the band’s Introducing The City Harmonic EP. The single has also enabled newly signed management and booking teams, The Fuel Music Management and Elite Talent Agency, to bring The City Harmonic’s engaging and worshipful live concert experience to venues across North America, booking numerous concerts this year already as demand from radio listeners is driving concert promoters to request additional tour dates every week. Hitting the Billboard National Audience radio Top 25 and the iTunes overall Christian sales Top 5, “Manifesto” has held remarkably steady on the charts for more than two months. Radio promoters are predicting the song to continue its ascent on the charts, however, as “new believers” in the song at radio are just now beginning to add “Manifesto” to rotation, including WAKW-FM (Cincinnati), WJTL-FM (Lancaster, PA), WXHL-FM (Wilmington, DE) and WBHY-FM (Mobile, AL). “I can’t really understand it. I don’t completely get it. But I am smart enough to realize after the response we’ve gotten, we shouldn’t pass on it. We’re adding ‘Manifesto,’” says Kenny Fowler, WBHY Power 88 music director. “I haven’t had a song in years that generated this many calls! Every time we play ‘Manifesto,’ we get calls. Our listeners are really passionate about this song,” says SOS Network’s Scott Herrold. “We’ve been spinning ‘Manifesto’ for several months now, and it is still generating listener calls daily,” says Chris Behmlander, KXGM-FM/The Spirit (Cedar Rapids, IA) general manager. “It is filling a void with people in some way that only God Himself knows. I certainly can’t explain it.” “‘Manifesto’ tested off the charts for us right away. It’s been an instant hit not only with our audience, but with our staff too!” says Paul Goldsmith, Air-1 Network PD.
Liberty N Justice Release LP For Epilepsy Foundation
Liberty n’ Justice is trying to create awareness of epilepsy and raise money for research to find a cure. The disease hits very close to home for Justin Murr and his family. Justin’s oldest daughter, Trinity Paige Murr, was diagnosed with epilepsy at age 7. For the past five years she has battled through daily medication, hospital stays, cluster seizures, induced comas, three weeks in the ICU — and finally brain surgery. If you donate $7.50 or more and they will send you a link to download their new EP. Plus you’ll help a great cause. All donations will be given by LNJ to The Epilepsy Foundation in Trinity’s name. This EP is only available to those who donate. It is not on sale in stores or on other music sites. Please take a second and watch this video featuring Paige and their new music.
Track list:
1) Say Uncle (Paul Shortino of Rough Cutt/Quiet Riot/King Kobra, Ron Keel of Keel, and Eddie Ojeda of Twisted Sister)
2) Throwing Stones (Donnie Vie of Enuff Z’ Nuff and JK Northrup)
3) Paige’s Song (Philip Bardowell of MAGDALEN/Unruly Child/The Beach Boys and Tony Palacios of Guardian)
4) Playing God (Terry Ilous of XYZ, Jeff Paris and Richard Kendrick of Near Life Experience)
5) Chasing A Cure (Benny Mardones, John Pine and Bill Leverty of Firehouse)
All the musicians donated their talent and time for this EP. The artwork was donated by Rex Zachary.
Texas In July Readies New Album
Texas In July will be releasing their new album, One Reality on April 26th. Their sophomore full-length album and Equal Vision Records debut, which was produced by Zeuss [Hatebreed, Shadows Fall] this past winter, takes their signature sound to the next level of intensity with wider guitars, technical yet to-the point drumming and a focus on improved song structure. Texas In July is the youngest band on their label, with two members graduating high school just this past year, but they have already racked up an impressive tour history including a recent headlining tour in Europe, a tour of Canada with For Today, and the massive Motel 6 Rock Yourself To Sleep Tour with labelmates, We Came As Romans. The Ephrata, PA-based band will continue their non-stop schedule this Spring when they will join August Burns Red, Set Your Goals and Born of Osiris on tour, followed by the 2011 Take Action Tour with Silverstein, Bayside, Polar Bear Club and The Swellers.
For more information on Texas In July, visit:
myspace.com/texasinjuly
War On Illegal Pornography
A former leader of U.S. Department of Justice prosecutions against the porn industry today dispelled claims by a front group for that industry that they do not distribute illegal material. In a letter distributed to members of Congress by the Association of Sites Advocating Child Protection (ASACP), the group states that Congress does not need to prosecute illegal adult pornography producers and distributors under existing laws because “they are not involved in obscenity.” “Nothing could be further from the truth,” said Patrick Trueman, CEO of Morality in Media and former chief of the U.S. Department of Justice Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Criminal Division. Under the test established by the U. S. Supreme Court, hardcore pornography may be found to be obscene and thus not protected by the First Amendment. Today, hardcore Internet pornography is the lifeblood of the porn industry and should be prosecuted under U.S. obscenity laws. “Many of the very groups that are part of ASACP are the one responsible for giving the children of America unfettered access to hardcore obscene pornography on their websites. The damage to these children is incalculable,” said Trueman. Under the tenure of Attorney General Holder, no illegal adult pornographers have been indicted and the Obscenity Prosecution Task Force in DOJ’s Criminal Division has been shut down. These actions caused U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, and Reps. Mike McIntyre, D-N.C., and Randy Forbes, R-VA. to circulate a letter for signatures in Congress urging U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to enforce existing obscenity laws. The Coalition for the War on Illegal Pornography has been working to get signatures on the letter. “As a result of these efforts, Congress has been flooded with a groundswell of public outcry regarding the lack of obscenity law enforcement, with more than a quarter million people asking their elected officials to sign this letter,” said Trueman, who also serves as director of the Coalition. Pornography addiction is rampant, leading to grave social costs documented at www.pornharms.com and at a groundbreaking conference held by the Witherspoon Institute at Princeton University entitled, “The Social Costs of Pornography” (www.socialcostsofpornogrpahy.org). Addiction to pornography by children and adults, violence against women, increased sex trafficking, divorce and many more societal ills can be traced to pornography consumption, according to research. “We will see which side our elected officials take on this matter now that they’ve been solicited by the pornography industry for support,” said Trueman. “The War on Illegal Pornography has provided a clear way for elected officials to respond. We’re simply asking for the enforcement of existing obscenity laws which would shut down most of the hardcore pornography available today on the Internet.”
©2011 HM Magazine All Rights Reserved
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