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    Monday, March 29

     

  • Steve Taylor Film Project Underway
  • Switchfoot: True Music
  • Pull up a "Chair and Microphone" in the Worship Circle
  • MTV Loves Blindside
  • Read Bill Mallonee's Journal
  • Celldweller Song in Spidey 2 Trailer
  • Pillar Rocks Christian Radio
  • The Juliana Theory Hits the Road
  • Paste at Cornerstone Schedule
  • Caedmon's Call Chronicles Their Best
  • plus news from The Swirling Eddies, Youth for Christ Choir, Bride, andi and i, Christafari, and more!

  • Steve Taylor Film Project Underway
    29 Mar 2004

    Thanks to our friends at Sock Heaven, and at Cross Rhythms website for bringing this to our attention:

    The American trade magazine Billboard (28th February issue) 
    ran a full page feature in it's The Last Word column on CCM star 
    Michael W Smith, the first time a Christian industry figure has been featured. In the interview Smith also revealed that if he will be appearing in an upcoming film, The Second Chance. 'It's about an associate pastor named Ethan in a suburban church. Ethan ends up being sent to an inner city church. He does not want to go, but he goes. He falls in love with the people and it changes his life. Steve Taylor, Ben Pearson and Chip Arnold wrote it.'

    Enter the Worship Circle's Ben Pasley Sits at the Mic
    29 Mar 2004

    Enter The Worship Circle and Grassroots Music Distribution announce the March 18 release of Chair and Microphone Vol. 1 featuring Ben Pasley, the creative force behind the previous Enter The Worship Circle recordings, which have sold more than 100,000 units combined.

    Continuing in the development of eclectic music that blends spiritual conversations and modern music, Chair and Microphone Vol. 1 spotlights the songwriting and performing talents of Ben Pasley, 100 Portraits, who not only wrote all of the songs on the album, but produced them as well with no overdubs and only a handful of microphones.

    Describing the vulnerable nature of such a recording Ben Pasley says, “For a musical era where slick production, vocal pitch correction, and glossy promo is the norm, doing a project like Chair and Microphone, Vol. 1 is both frightening and freeing. I have written songs in the quiet of my living room for years, but I usually imagine, even during the writing process, the other instruments and the other artists, that will accompany the final song. To write songs knowing they would have to stand-alone was a challenge both to my musical ego and to my musical ability. I have a great admiration for those singer-songwriters who, as a creative commitment, write and perform in the vulnerable loneliness of the ‘Chair and Microphone’ styling. 

    “On the other hand,” continues Pasley, “being able to write a song, record it in the same hour and then change it on a whim the next day without concern for any greater arrangement was an incredibly freeing experience. Several songs were recorded right from the loose, hand-written notes of my journal, filled out in front of the microphone improvisation ally, and then simply left alone because they felt complete. This is the way I like my concerts, and now, I can say, that it also is an intense way to make a record.”

    MTV Loves Blindside
    29 Mar 2004

    Last week you made "All of Us" the most downloaded song on MTV.com. Blindside, the band behind the song, says, "We hope you all enjoyed this special remake and shared the link with your friends so that everyone gets to hear this great new version of the song. It is also a great help to the band for you to visit this page and check out what MTV.com has to share on Blindside." So check out the "ALL OF US" video, a behind the video, the exclusive track and lots more a mtv.com

    After New York the band will hide themselves away again to prepare a brand new live set. We spoke with the band about what we can expect and they have never sounded so excited about a live set. They all feel this new album will translate to the stage better than ever before. After such a long break from touring expect these shows to be insane.

    The band will announce some very special warm up dates before the P.O.D. tour later this week. These will be in some of the places the P.O.D. tour won't be going to and should provide fans with some really special shows - stay tuned! 

    Bill Mallonee's Studio Journal
    28 Mar 2004

    Wanna know how Bill Mallonee of Vigilantes of Love fame is doing in the studio? Check this site for Bill's recording journal. 

    Celldweller Song in Trailers for Spider-Man 2
    22 Mar 2004

    Celldweller, known for his previous work with Circle of Dust is making a name for himself on the big screen.

    "Switchback" has been licensed for an upcoming full length trailer for Spider-Man 2. The new trailer should be available online sometime in the coming month. With this latest addition to Celldweller's media placements we are continuing to
    create an industry buzz about the Celldweller movement.

    Over the past year, a webiste called FlashFlashRevolution.com has been using "Stay With Me (Unlikely)" and "The Last Firstborn" as part of an online "Dance Dance Revolution" game. The exposure has led to a hundreds of people becoming Cellmates. There are over 250,000 registered members on flashflashrevolution.com and Celldweller is being exposed to all of them, holding 2 of the first 6 songs in their rock category. Play the game at http://www.flashflashrevolution.com.

    Pillar Rocks Christian Radio
    27 Mar 2004

    The new Chris Lord-Alge mix of "Bring Me Down" hit Christian Rock Radio last week. You can find a listing of all Christian rock radio stations at this link

    "We've been silent too long - now is the time to let the world know there's some new Pillar music about to drop like a bomb. Don't forget the new CD releases on June 15, 2004! "

    Juliana Theory on Tour
    25 Mar 2004

    The guys from the Juliana Theory write to says they're back on the road. "We are so psyched to be on the road again. We've been having a great time at home writing (we've got 25+ new songs now) - but there's nothing as fun as playing shows and meeting all of you every night."

    "This tour is going to be a blast. Most of the shows are in really cool small clubs - which we've really missed playing the last couple of years. And we're playing with some really great friends: Anberlin, Bayside and Number One Fan. If you don't have their new records yet, go get em. As for what you can expect from us...we'll be playing a good mix of songs from all of our albums, as well as trying out a couple of different, brand new, unreleased songs every night. If you've been to absolutepunk.net or purevolume.com recently, you've probably heard at least 2 of those new songs: "French Kiss-Off" and "My Heart Is A Soldier".

    Paste at Cornerstone Schedule
    25 Mar 2004

    Friday, July 2nd
    1:00 - 1:45 pm Miranda Stone
    2:05 - 2:50 pm Urban Hillbilly Quartet
    3:10 - 3:55 pm All Things Bright & Beautiful
    4:15 - 5:00 pm Ric Hordinski

    Saturday, July 3rd
    1:00 - 1:45 pm The Wayside
    2:05 - 2:50 pm Jonathan Rundman & Beki Hemingway
    3:10 - 3:55 pm Annie Quick
    4:15 - 5:00 pm Brindley Brothers

    Sunday, July 4th
    1:00 - 1:45 pm Doug Burr
    2:05 - 2:50 pm Steven Delopoulos
    3:10 - 3:55 pm The Regal Line
    4:15 - 5:00 pm Jeff Elbel & Ping

    Caedmon's Call Chronicles Their Best
    25 Mar 2004

    "As we close out the month of March and head toward April, we want to bring you up to speed on some big Caedmon's Call events coming up soon. In particular, April 6th is a day we're looking forward to for a couple of exciting reasons... 

    Hard to believe, but Caedmon's Call has been around for just over a decade now and to commemorate this milestone, we are proud to introduce our limited-edition release of Chronicles in stores April 6th. 

    Chronicles gathers the best of Caedmon's Call to date into the ultimate collector's package. It includes rarities, remixes, live favorites, and two brand-new songs. Featured titles on this special project include "Lead of Love," "Hope to Carry On," "Thankful", the radio version of "Hands of the Potter" and lots more. Don't forget- it's a limited release, so once it's gone, it's gone!  Chronicles also offers a sneak preview into the future of Caedmon's Call via special enhanced CD materials and an interview that discusses our upcoming fall release, (tentatively-titled Third World Symphony). Recorded in India, Ecuador, and Brazil, the fall project will blend the signature sound of Caedmon's Call with that of local musicians from each country. 

    In fact, we're in India right this minute writing songs, collecting sounds, and having amazing experiences in our new native Indian clothes. Check out the Journal section of our website for up to the minute photos and reflections on our journey thus far. We'll be adding more new entries over the next several days so keep checking back and see what we're up to...(hint: watch for us riding elephants and playing with puppets.) 

    Switchfoot: True Music
    29 Mar 2004

    Switchfoot has just launched their first full-length DVD performance. This was the show filmed at Soma in San Diego on Nov 7, 2003. Don't forget to check out the e-card and pass it along. 

    Budweiser.com is helping Switchfoot celebrate this release by making them artist of the month! Be sure and check out their feature at www.budweiser.com!

    Be sure and mark your calendars for a live Switchfoot performance of the new single, "Meant To Live," on MTV's TRL on Tuesday, April 5th! 

    "Last Train Home" A "Wannabe" again on TRL. You guys are thisclose to getting this track into the Countdown. Rock those request lines! Call in every day and request it at 1.800.DIAL.MTV! 


    The Swirling Eddies Return!
    22 Mar 2004

    Immediately following the massive success of their pop crossover hit release Sacred Cows, the Swirling Eddies retired to the island retreat they had purchased with the well-earned fortunes acquired from that ever popular album. At the time, it seemed like the perfect way for the Eddies to go out with a bang - O, and what a glorious bang it was. Nevertheless, the Eddies soon found themselves longing once again for human contact and the love and adoration that life in the limelight had always brought them.

    Sure they had started up friendships with the various pelicans and the many turtles of the island, but that just wasn't the same. Plus, it seems that animals just don't appreciate the Eddies music the way the human fans do. For starters, they didn't always have to tie the human fans to a pole to make them listen, and the human fans only occasionally tried to pull their heads, arms and legs inside their hardened outer shells. Additionally, the numerous double albums and feature films the Eddies created targeting the turtle and bird population ended up being a major financial disappointment.

    Camarillo and the rest of the Swirling Eddies have decided to treat you - their human fans - to a new full length Swirling Eddies album, with an added Bonus to those that preorder now at the price of $20 per CD. Those that preorder the album now will receive a special one of a kind password to a secret website page which will contain an exclusive downloadable Swirling Eddies EP, featuring demos, rough mixes and other unique "works in progress" tracks from the upcoming album, before it is released. (Note: The password and link will be sent at a later date, when the "works in progress" tracks are available).

    Individuals that preorder 500 or more copies will receive a special, gold plated, chicken size replica of the original Let's Spin! Tour bus - hand painted and chiseled in marble (or whatever material is available at the time) by Camarillo himself (while supplies last, and the good Lord willin').

    Fun is guaranteed for all!! Preorder Now - lets get the Eddies back in the studio!!

    *The proceeds from the preorders will actually be used to produce the new album. The Swirling Eddies would like to thank you for your continued support. The release date for the New Swirling Eddies album in undetermined at this point. Updates will be as frequent as possible. Keep watching the DA News list, the DADL, the DA message board and the DanielAmos.com News page for more information about this project and other special releases.

    Youth For Christ Choir Re-forms
    29 Mar 2004

    Garnering a Grammy-nomination for Best Live Choir Album in 2000 for producing Youth For Christ’s critically acclaimed debut release, Higher, Troy Sneed has re-formed the youth choir and is preparing to release its sophomore release, Love Comes In All Colors, April 27 on his newly formed record label, Emtro Gospel. Featuring the 350-plus youth who comprise Youth For Christ and their message of hope and unity against racism, the project also includes special guest appearances by Grammy-nominated vocalist and Sony Records artist Kim Burrell and gospel legend Rev. Milton Biggham.

    “Working with the youth was such a pleasure on many different levels,” says Sneed. “We forgot about our skin color and denominational backgrounds to sing in one accord to the Lord. Kids don’t carry around the emotional baggage that adults do, so their innocence brought a whole new dimension to the project, making it natural and fun. We were even able to talk about other pressures they face today such as drugs and teenage sex.”

    andi and i Update
    25 Mar 2004

    andi and i sent an e-mail to says "some of you probably didn't know we've started working for Emmaus Ministries. It's a ministry to men involved in sexual exploitation on the streets of Chicago and Houston. We're developing a program of music and storytelling for them which we'll perform around the country along with the andi and i gigs you've come to know and love. Anyway, if you're interested in finding out more of what we're doing, let me know and i'll put you on the email list."

    Bride Rocks Christianrock.net
    23 Mar 2004

    "Bride has the new single "Revolution" just added to www.christianrock.net please visit the site, request the song, write a favorable review and help us get the song to the top of the charts. Be sure to visit the site daily and give Bride a plug!"

    Dale from Bride says "We want to thank everyone that voted for their 5 favorite Bride songs. We have now compiled the most favorite Bride songs into one set. It is funny because there are some songs that we have never played live as a band so we
    have to relearn them for the upcoming tour. We appreciate everyone of you!"

    Fans selected Rattlesnakes, Would you die for me, Blow it all away, Head Lookin'for a bullet, Psychedelic Super Jesus, Revolution, I miss the Rain, Picture Perfect, White House, Everybody knows my name, The Worm, Hired Gun, Mamma,
    Troubled Times.

    The touring plan is this: Bride will tour Brazil at the beginning of July. In mid July Bride will be in Europe where dates are already being filled. Upon returning to the States Bride will begin a tour and travel until the road runs out.

    Christafari in Trinidad and Tobago
    22 Mar 2004

    Following Christafari's 2003 European tour, founder and lead vocalist Mark Mohr and his wife Avion followed the Lord's undeniable lead and moved to  Trinidad and Tobago, a twin island country in the southeastern Caribbean. After about a month in Trinidad, it became clear why God had brought them there. 

    "After studying the Christian churches of Trinidad I found a major void," said Mark. "While many churches may have a good youth group, when a teenager finishes high school, he/she is stuck with two choices: become a youth leader, or attend their church's general service which can be tough for a 17 year-old teen who watches more BET than TBN."

    After this realization and much prayer, the Mohrs set out to plant "The Gathering" in the city of St. James. The Gathering is redefining the Christian church for today's young adults in Trinidad and Tobago. 

    "It's kind of a Church 2.0," says Mohr. "Before starting The Gathering, I studied the Gospels, the book of Acts, and the Epistles. Comparing that Biblical church model to the typical church of today, it didn't take long to realize most of today's churches carry a lot of excess baggage, 
    jam packed with empty traditions."

    Please visit Christafari's official website at www.christafari.com

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