With multiple GRAMMY nominations and Dove awards, “Songwriter of the Year” nods and musical talent that has driven the sales of five RIAA Certified Gold records, over seven million albums sold and 25 No. 1 songs, Peter Furler returns to music after ending his long tenure in 2009 as the lead singer of newsboys, the band he founded in Mooloolaba, Queensland, Australia. Refreshed and reawakened to the joy of music, Furler steps out with his first solo album, on fire, releasing today amidst wide critical acclaim on Sparrow Records and available on iTunes, Amazon, Walmart, Family Christian Stores, LifeWay Christian Stores or at your favorite Christian retailer.
With July cover features coming from CCM Magazine, Christian Musician and others, Furler is also being featured in a Gretsch guitar giveaway at HearItFirst.com. One grand prizewinner will receive a guitar similar to the one Furler is playing on the on fire album cover, as well as an autographed poster and a copy of the new album, on fire. Four runner-up winners will each receive an autographed poster and the new CD. To enter the giveaway contest, go to www.hearitfirst.com.
Furler’s music has always been about making a difference and leaving the listener encouraged, and with these new songs comes a sense of confidence like he has never experienced before as a singer. His first radio single from on fire, “Reach,” has been vibrating across the airways, breaking into the Billboard Top 10 overall Christian radio airplay chart and continuing to climb the AC Monitored chart. The song also becomes Furler’s first video as a solo artist. The full video made its debut yesterday at www.godtube.com/music-videos, and today at http://new.music.yahoo.com/peter-furler/videos/view/reach–221561703.
Producing all the tracks for on fire with Seth Mosley (Me In Motion), Furler and Mosley trade parts playing most of the instrumentation heard on the album, but also bring in Furler’s long-time collaborator, Steve Taylor, as well as John Painter (Flemming and John), Jimmy Abegg (Ragamuffin Band) and fellow former newsboys member Phil Joel. Summer Furler also joins her husband for the first time in the recording studio, singing background vocals, while joining as keyboardist in his band. Peter’s father, Bill Furler, adds his voice to one of the four corporate worship tracks on the album, “Greater Is He,” and DJ Andy Hunter brings his brilliant programming on the songs “Psalm 23” and the bonus track, “Water To Wine.”
After amicably leading newsboys through its transition to the current lineup, Furler stepped away from non-stop touring, sold much of what he owned – cars, home, his shares in Inpop Records, a label he’d co-founded in 1999 that launched the careers of such notables as Newworldson, Mat Kearney and Shane & Shane, among others, etc. – moved to the Gulf of Florida and took time to reflect, express himself through visual art, surf and play music just for pure enjoyment. Although initially not planning to release any of the new music created during this time, the result of this redefining period led to the most joyful and uplifting music of Furler’s career.
As one of the most successful, award-winning artists today continues his musical journey, here is what the critics are saying:
“The organic way this album came about is a testament to the closeness and richness of relationship Peter shares with God. He never set out to make a solo project, and yet, in just ‘living life’ this project of hope, encouragement, vigor and excitement about the greatness of God developed. The humility with which Peter continues to present his music and his art is further proof that he is a man genuinely called to share his great gifts with the Kingdom. I couldn’t think of a better cover artist for July…a time when we celebrate independence and freedom. Peter’s delivered the soundtrack of the summer!” – Caroline Lusk, Editor, CCM Magazine
“The former newsboys’ leader takes a stab at solo life, blending the best styles from his tenure with the band. Catch plenty of high octane pop anthems alongside moving moments of worship.” – Gospel Music Channel
“A Return Worth Waiting For… There isn’t a dull moment on the record… This is one of CCM’s ‘must-own’ albums of 2011 and it doesn’t disappoint.” – NewReleaseTuesday.com.
“Sounding refreshed and creatively sharp as ever, Peter Furler takes listeners on a journey that features familiar stops with a few unexpected twists and turns along the way. While newsboys fans will likely gravitate to Furler’s debut solo effort, there’s no doubt a new generation of listeners will also be impacted by this solid collection of reflective and worshipful songs that meshes pop, rock and electronic influences.” – Beliefnet.com
“On Fire is a thought-provoking, immensely entertaining project at its core, and a polished product from an industry veteran.” – JesusFreakHideout.com
“There’s plenty of programming, power chords, and praise, all tied together by alt-pop arrangements and his signature Aussie accent…Furler remains a catchy songwriter.” – ChristianityToday.com
“Peter Furler’s On Fire on Solo Debut… And it sounds great… vertical lyrics, straight-ahead electric guitars, and pulsating electronic rhythms… That’s something to get fired up about.” – Crosswalk.com
“It’s great to hear Peter back, with his strong vocals which you instantly know as Peter Furler when you hear him singing. It’s good to see the man who helped craft the sound and noise of the newsboys take a step forward on his own, and create an album a little bit different to what we have known him for with his old band. Now with a brand new era of anthemic songs and sounds, Peter Furler is definitely On Fire.” – LouderThanTheMusic.com.
Peter Furler is one of Australia’s biggest exports of any musical genre. Writing, producing, recording and singing such international classics as “He Reigns,” “Shine,” “Something Beautiful” and “It is You,” Furler has a raw honesty and ability to turn a rock show into a deep worship experience. He has collectively performed to over 15,000 Muslims in Morocco, for the Pope during World Youth Day, at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, at a 9/11 service for U.S. military leaders at the Pentagon, at a New Age festival on the shores of Galilee in Israel, rocked the punters at an outback pub in Australia, and was enthusiastically received last month in front of 20,000 people at Easterfest in Mooloolaba as his first concert since returning to music.
More information Peter Furler can be found at: http://peterfurler.com, www.facebook.com/peterfurlerofficial, www.twitter.com/peterfurler_
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