Scott Eastwood, the son of famed Hollywood actor and director Clint Eastwood, is set to star in a new Christian film "The Perfect Wave," set for a July 11 release in select theaters.
Director Bruce Macdonald has described the movie as "a 'love story with four pillars:' a mother's love, a young man's love for surfing, first love, and most importantly, God's love."
He added, "This film shares the amazing story of God's plan for Ian's life and reminds viewers that no matter how far you run, you can never outrun God's love."
The plot follows Ian McCormack, who grew up surfing the waters of New Zealand, and journeys looking for adventure to challenging destinations throughout Australia, Southeast Asia and Africa. During one evening swim, he is stung multiple times by the deadly box jellyfish and pronounced dead shortly after his arrival at the hospital. Ian "miraculously awakens" following a divine post-mortem encounter, however, and is transformed with a new understanding of life.
Eastwood is a rising star in Hollywood and has already played roles in critically acclaimed films such as "Gran Torino" and "Flags of Our Fathers," and has been cast as the lead of the film adaptation of Nicholas Sparks best-selling novel The Longest Ride for summer 2015.
"The Perfect Wave" also stars Rachel Hendrix ("October Baby") and Cheryl Ladd ("Charlie's Angels").
Christian and faith-based films have performed well at the box office this year, with Darren Aronofsky's "Noah" taking in over $350 million worldwide, while "God's Not Dead," "Heaven Is for Real" and the Roma Downey and Mark Burnett-produced "Son of God" all staying in the top 10 at the box office for several weeks.
Friday, June 27, 2014
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Lee Brice to Record Gospel CD
According to Christian Post, country music artist Lee Brice is planning to record a Gospel album with his mother as a way to pay homage to his original musical influences.
Brice, having earned Grammy nominations and other notable accolades despite his short time in the country music scene, grew up playing Gospel tunes on his aunt's piano and now wants to make the new project a family affair.
"My mom and all her sisters sang gospel music my whole life, and they're amazing. They made a record in Nashville," said Brice, reports Rolling Stone. "I'm going to send a tour bus to pick them all up in South Carolina in July and bring them here to my house, and I'm going to make a new record on them. We're going to sing classic gospel songs and have them sing in the background."
Although his third studio album I Don't Dance, which is set to release in early September, is a priority for the country singer, he says he "cannot wait" to begin the faith-inspired project. However, Brice did not reveal whether the album will be released to the masses.
Despite delving into secular music once his career took off, Brice still acknowledges his Christian upbringing and Gospel influence that led him to pursue his artistic dream.
Despite his fame and success, Brice strives to uphold his faith-based roots and morals.
"I try to be a good man and try to be a Christian man. I want to be remembered as a writer and a singer. That's what I've been doing my whole life – writing songs," Brice said in a statement on his website. "I want people to hopefully one day say, 'he gave his all to it.' Hopefully, that's how they will remember me."
Brice, having earned Grammy nominations and other notable accolades despite his short time in the country music scene, grew up playing Gospel tunes on his aunt's piano and now wants to make the new project a family affair.
"My mom and all her sisters sang gospel music my whole life, and they're amazing. They made a record in Nashville," said Brice, reports Rolling Stone. "I'm going to send a tour bus to pick them all up in South Carolina in July and bring them here to my house, and I'm going to make a new record on them. We're going to sing classic gospel songs and have them sing in the background."
Although his third studio album I Don't Dance, which is set to release in early September, is a priority for the country singer, he says he "cannot wait" to begin the faith-inspired project. However, Brice did not reveal whether the album will be released to the masses.
Despite delving into secular music once his career took off, Brice still acknowledges his Christian upbringing and Gospel influence that led him to pursue his artistic dream.
Despite his fame and success, Brice strives to uphold his faith-based roots and morals.
"I try to be a good man and try to be a Christian man. I want to be remembered as a writer and a singer. That's what I've been doing my whole life – writing songs," Brice said in a statement on his website. "I want people to hopefully one day say, 'he gave his all to it.' Hopefully, that's how they will remember me."
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Inspiration of Possession Film 'Deliver Us From Evil' Says Everyone Born Into Spiritual Battle
Deliver Us From Evil, the latest in a string of Hollywood projects inspired by belief in the demonic, is based on the experiences of a former police officer-turned-demonologist who says everyone born automatically becomes involved in a spiritual battle, whether or not they believe in God. Former New York Police Department Sergeant Ralph Sarchie argues in a behind-the-scenes video on how his work inspired Deliver Us From Evil.
Deliver Us From Evil, starring Eric Bana as Sarchie, and co-starring Olivia Mann, is based on a 2001 book the former NYPD officer wrote with Lisa Collier Cool titled Beware the Night. In Beware the Night, Sarchie "discloses for the first time his investigation into incredible true crimes (and) inhuman evil that were never explained, solved, or understood except by Sarchie and his partner," according to the publisher.
Sarchie, a Roman Catholic, insists that his spiritual work is not to entertain people, but to help people. He says in the video, however, that Deliver Us From Evil might scare some people but that "it should be enjoyed."
"There are messages inside this movie," he says.
Near the end of the 15-minute video featurette, Sarchie insists, "It does not matter if you believe or not. You don't have to believe in God. You don't have to believe in the devil. It doesn't withdraw you from this battle. You're involved in it. You were born into this world. No, you probably didn't ask to be born, but you're here. You need to make a choice. You need to pick a side."
The former cop suggests that the devil would be upset if any moviegoers who watch Deliver Us From Evil become convinced of his Christian beliefs and "turn back to God."
"The devil hates that s***," he says.
According to movie review website Rotten Tomatoes, audiences are highly anticipating Deliver Us From Evil's July 2 release, which is not surprising considering Hollywood's recent successes in its exploration of the demonic. Deliver Us From Evil comes on the heels of films like Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones and The Conjuring, two of the top-grossing horror films of all time, and precedes titles like Paranormal Activity 5 and Jessabelle. A 2013 YouGov survey revealed that at least half of all Americans believe in demonic possession, with that number climbing dramatically among born-again Christians, at 72 percent.
The film is rated R for bloody violence, grisly images, terror throughout, and adult language, according the MPAA.
Deliver Us From Evil, starring Eric Bana as Sarchie, and co-starring Olivia Mann, is based on a 2001 book the former NYPD officer wrote with Lisa Collier Cool titled Beware the Night. In Beware the Night, Sarchie "discloses for the first time his investigation into incredible true crimes (and) inhuman evil that were never explained, solved, or understood except by Sarchie and his partner," according to the publisher.
Sarchie, a Roman Catholic, insists that his spiritual work is not to entertain people, but to help people. He says in the video, however, that Deliver Us From Evil might scare some people but that "it should be enjoyed."
"There are messages inside this movie," he says.
Near the end of the 15-minute video featurette, Sarchie insists, "It does not matter if you believe or not. You don't have to believe in God. You don't have to believe in the devil. It doesn't withdraw you from this battle. You're involved in it. You were born into this world. No, you probably didn't ask to be born, but you're here. You need to make a choice. You need to pick a side."
The former cop suggests that the devil would be upset if any moviegoers who watch Deliver Us From Evil become convinced of his Christian beliefs and "turn back to God."
"The devil hates that s***," he says.
According to movie review website Rotten Tomatoes, audiences are highly anticipating Deliver Us From Evil's July 2 release, which is not surprising considering Hollywood's recent successes in its exploration of the demonic. Deliver Us From Evil comes on the heels of films like Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones and The Conjuring, two of the top-grossing horror films of all time, and precedes titles like Paranormal Activity 5 and Jessabelle. A 2013 YouGov survey revealed that at least half of all Americans believe in demonic possession, with that number climbing dramatically among born-again Christians, at 72 percent.
The film is rated R for bloody violence, grisly images, terror throughout, and adult language, according the MPAA.
Monday, June 23, 2014
Imprisoned As I Lay Dying Singer Claims Other Christian Bands Fake Faith
Take this one with a grain of salt considering its source, but I'm sure there's some truth to the following.
'Shock' doesn't even begin to describe the collective feeling of confusion and bewilderment that reverberated throughout the music community when Tim Lambesis was arrested May 7, 2013. Lambesis, the As I Lay Dying frontman who was sentenced to six years in prison for conspiring to kill his estranged wife in May, now claims that his band eventually faked their faith in order to continue to appeal to Christian fans.
Speaking at length to Alternative Press in the days ahead of his sentencing, Lambesis described his obsession with the gym and steroids, as well as his views on philosophy and relationship with religion. Although often touring with a circle of Christian bands, the singer said:
He seems to be coming back to his faith, based on several quotes. This quote in particular is revealing:
'Shock' doesn't even begin to describe the collective feeling of confusion and bewilderment that reverberated throughout the music community when Tim Lambesis was arrested May 7, 2013. Lambesis, the As I Lay Dying frontman who was sentenced to six years in prison for conspiring to kill his estranged wife in May, now claims that his band eventually faked their faith in order to continue to appeal to Christian fans.
Speaking at length to Alternative Press in the days ahead of his sentencing, Lambesis described his obsession with the gym and steroids, as well as his views on philosophy and relationship with religion. Although often touring with a circle of Christian bands, the singer said:
We toured with more “Christian bands” who actually aren't Christians than bands that are. In 12 years of touring with As I Lay Dying, I would say maybe one in 10 Christian bands we toured with were actually Christian bands. I actually wasn't the first guy in As I Lay Dying to stop being a Christian. In fact, I think I was the third. The two who remained kind of stopped talking about it, and then I’m pretty sure they dropped it, too. We talked about whether to keep taking money from the “Christian market.” We had this bizarrely “noble” thing, like, “Well, we’re not passing along any bad ideas. We’re just singing about real life stuff. Those kids need to hear about real life, because they live in a bubble.”As I Lay Dying have released six studio albums. Although originally stating the band were Christians, it has been noted that Lambesis showed growing scepticism in interviews regarding faith in recent years. Before he was sentenced, Lambesis announced a side project, Pyrithion. Many fans believed the lyrics featured on the project's debut EP were satanic, however he was quick to address the accusations: "I wanted it to represent a point of views that aren't necessarily my own, a way to get people thinking and to be more philosophical," Lambesis said in a YouTube video.
He seems to be coming back to his faith, based on several quotes. This quote in particular is revealing:
Q: There’s the saying, “God answers all prayers, but sometimes the answer is no.” But there’s also, “Be careful what you wish for, because you just might get it.”
A: I did fall flat on my face. I hit rock bottom. I lost everything. The trauma, the solitude: It made me the person I think they hoped I would eventually become. I know I have a long road ahead of me. I know that making amends will be a difficult process. But if they are open for it, this story of tragedy turning into redemption, it’s a story that’s just as much in their hands at this point as it is mine. They wanted to see me go through whatever it took to make me a good father. Now I have, and I’m not allowed to be a father.
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Christian Film The Song Defies Categorization
Faith-based films tend to wear their Christianity heavily on their sleeves. "Son of God" centered on the life, death and resurrection of Christ. In "Heaven Is for Real" a four-year-old claimed he met Jesus. "God's Not Dead" depicted a Christian college student challenging atheism.
"The Song," the latest faith-based film to hit theaters and set to open this September is taking a different approach. With a protagonist who struggles with greed, fame and staying faithful to his wife, "The Song" may challenge audience notions of a stereotypical Christian film.
That's part of the plan, Tony Young, the movie's producer, told The Christian Post.
"Our film is a redemptive tale inspired by the life and writings of Solomon, on his quest for fame, fortune, love, acceptance and ultimate satisfaction and certainly our film is made by people of faith, but I think the term 'faith-based' film means different things to different people," explained Young. "I believe when most people hear that term today, they think of films that are more 'conversional' in nature as opposed to 'conversational,' which is what we are trying to create in our films."
The inspiration for the film's story comes from the life of Solomon. The film follows the music career of aspiring singer songwriter Jed King as he rises to fame following the release of a hit song, which he writes, inspired by his love for his wife. As he finds his stock rising, King, who has long struggled in the shadow of his father, the musically successful and ethically troubled David King, soon finds himself and his own career at a crossroads.
The moral complexities in the life of Solomon are part of what made the content of the film interesting for Ramsey.
"One of the things that intrigues me about the Wisdom Literature section of the Bible, specifically the works by Solomon, is just that he deals with really gritty, rough, not sugar-coated issues. Song of Solomon, Ecclesiastes-- it's very unlikely you're going to see any verses lifted out and made into a cross-stitch to hang on your mom's wall," he said. "I think he's really intriguing that way."
"The way I look at it as a believer myself, I feel like reality and Christianity are not separate spheres and that includes sex, that includes self-destructive things we engage in to find meaning and satisfaction," he added.
When adapting Solomon's story to a 21st context, Ramsey said he and his team considered "how these issues worked themselves out in a modern context."
"In our culture that kind of polygamy isn't chic and that kind of idolatry isn't chic and fashionable, but there are certain approaches and beliefs about sex that are chic and fashionable and there are different worldviews that are chic and fashionable that are in their own way idolatrous, so what does that look like in the modern era? How can you bring them into the story in a way that reveals new insights into a timeless and old story?" commented Ramsey.
Young believes that the movie's message and music will give "The Song" far-reaching appeal.
"We think this film will appeal to a broad range of audiences…particularly anyone who enjoys movies with great music, an engaging love story, and an overall message of what truly satisfies in life," said Young. "We feel like these things are equally appealing to both Christians and non-Christians alike and will play well with both audiences because the acting, production values and storytelling are what the audience of a film are most focused on when they come to see it and all are great in this film."
The movie stars Alan Powell, who himself grew up as a pastor's son, as Jed King, Ali Faulkner as his wife Rose, and Caitlin Nicol-Thomas as King's fellow performer, Rose.
"The Song," the latest faith-based film to hit theaters and set to open this September is taking a different approach. With a protagonist who struggles with greed, fame and staying faithful to his wife, "The Song" may challenge audience notions of a stereotypical Christian film.
That's part of the plan, Tony Young, the movie's producer, told The Christian Post.
"Our film is a redemptive tale inspired by the life and writings of Solomon, on his quest for fame, fortune, love, acceptance and ultimate satisfaction and certainly our film is made by people of faith, but I think the term 'faith-based' film means different things to different people," explained Young. "I believe when most people hear that term today, they think of films that are more 'conversional' in nature as opposed to 'conversational,' which is what we are trying to create in our films."
The inspiration for the film's story comes from the life of Solomon. The film follows the music career of aspiring singer songwriter Jed King as he rises to fame following the release of a hit song, which he writes, inspired by his love for his wife. As he finds his stock rising, King, who has long struggled in the shadow of his father, the musically successful and ethically troubled David King, soon finds himself and his own career at a crossroads.
The moral complexities in the life of Solomon are part of what made the content of the film interesting for Ramsey.
"One of the things that intrigues me about the Wisdom Literature section of the Bible, specifically the works by Solomon, is just that he deals with really gritty, rough, not sugar-coated issues. Song of Solomon, Ecclesiastes-- it's very unlikely you're going to see any verses lifted out and made into a cross-stitch to hang on your mom's wall," he said. "I think he's really intriguing that way."
"The way I look at it as a believer myself, I feel like reality and Christianity are not separate spheres and that includes sex, that includes self-destructive things we engage in to find meaning and satisfaction," he added.
When adapting Solomon's story to a 21st context, Ramsey said he and his team considered "how these issues worked themselves out in a modern context."
"In our culture that kind of polygamy isn't chic and that kind of idolatry isn't chic and fashionable, but there are certain approaches and beliefs about sex that are chic and fashionable and there are different worldviews that are chic and fashionable that are in their own way idolatrous, so what does that look like in the modern era? How can you bring them into the story in a way that reveals new insights into a timeless and old story?" commented Ramsey.
Young believes that the movie's message and music will give "The Song" far-reaching appeal.
"We think this film will appeal to a broad range of audiences…particularly anyone who enjoys movies with great music, an engaging love story, and an overall message of what truly satisfies in life," said Young. "We feel like these things are equally appealing to both Christians and non-Christians alike and will play well with both audiences because the acting, production values and storytelling are what the audience of a film are most focused on when they come to see it and all are great in this film."
The movie stars Alan Powell, who himself grew up as a pastor's son, as Jed King, Ali Faulkner as his wife Rose, and Caitlin Nicol-Thomas as King's fellow performer, Rose.
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Grits' Golden Ooh Ahh
Grits’ “Ooh Ahh” featuring TobyMac recently received RIAA Gold certification for surpassing the 500,000 thresholds with downloads and on-demand streams. Grits is the only Christian hip-hop/rap artist to earn Gold single certification.
Jamie Grace Holds Gold
Jamie Grace’s “Hold Me” featuring TobyMac recently received RIAA Gold certification for surpassing the 500,000 thresholds with downloads and on-demand streams. She becomes one of four female Christian artists to receive this status.
Gotee has fostered over the last 20 years five RIAA Gold certified albums and launched numerous successful artist careers in R&B, rap, reggae and rock such as Out of Eden, GRITS, Jennifer Knapp, Relient K, Jamie Grace, Capital Kings, Finding Favour and more.
Gotee has fostered over the last 20 years five RIAA Gold certified albums and launched numerous successful artist careers in R&B, rap, reggae and rock such as Out of Eden, GRITS, Jennifer Knapp, Relient K, Jamie Grace, Capital Kings, Finding Favour and more.
Monday, June 16, 2014
'American Bible Challenge' Up, 'It Takes a Church' Down
American Bible Challenge from Thursday night (6/12) had 536,000 total viewers, up four percent from last week's 512,000 viewers.
It Takes a Church from Thursday night (6/12) had 385,000 total viewers, down eight percent from its series premiere which had 417,000 viewers.
It Takes a Church from Thursday night (6/12) had 385,000 total viewers, down eight percent from its series premiere which had 417,000 viewers.
Friday, June 13, 2014
‘Duck Dynasty’ Season 6 Premiere Ratings Off Significantly
Season 6 of the A&E reality hit premiered Wednesday night, drawing significantly fewer viewers than the Season 5 premiere in January.However, the show still remains the number one cable show on Wednesday night.
Wednesday's “Duck Dynasty” premiere drew 4.6 million total viewers — nearly 4 million less than the 8.5 million who tuned in for the Season 5 premiere.
The slide continues a sharp downward trajectory for the show. The 8.5 million who tuned in for the Season 5 premiere was itself a dramatic drop from the 11.8 million total viewers who tuned in for the Season 4 premiere in August 2013. Granted, the Season 4 premiere set a record for the series, but still — those are pretty big back-to-back declines.
Wednesday night's numbers are also a drop from the Season 5 finale in March, which had 6 million total viewers.
Wednesday night's premiere featured a special guest appearance by Louisiana Gov .Bobby Jindal, who awarded Willie Robertson the inaugural Governor's Award for Entrepreneurial Excellence for his success in making the Duck Commander family business a multi-million dollar company.
"It was really neat to have the governor on our show," Willie Robertson told The Daily Advertiser. "His family loves watching the show, and they all came up to West Monroe to participate."
Jindal's guest appearance evidently did not do much to help the show salvage its declining ratings. Although many media outlets are blaming the drop in ratings over controversial statements Phil Robertson made to GQ Magazine last December, others argue that "Duck Dynasty" is simply following the usual, short lifespan of docusoaps.
"Critics and ratings-gazers will be quick to attribute Duck Dynasty's fall from grace to any number of factors -- one of them obviously being star Phil Robertson's controversial persona in the wake of anti-gay comments made in a GQ profile -- but the fact of the matter remains that docusoaps have a short lifespan. And A&E has already milked more out of Duck Dynasty than anybody could have imagined," wrote Michael O'Connor for The Hollywood Reporter.
Wednesday's “Duck Dynasty” premiere drew 4.6 million total viewers — nearly 4 million less than the 8.5 million who tuned in for the Season 5 premiere.
The slide continues a sharp downward trajectory for the show. The 8.5 million who tuned in for the Season 5 premiere was itself a dramatic drop from the 11.8 million total viewers who tuned in for the Season 4 premiere in August 2013. Granted, the Season 4 premiere set a record for the series, but still — those are pretty big back-to-back declines.
Wednesday night's numbers are also a drop from the Season 5 finale in March, which had 6 million total viewers.
Wednesday night's premiere featured a special guest appearance by Louisiana Gov .Bobby Jindal, who awarded Willie Robertson the inaugural Governor's Award for Entrepreneurial Excellence for his success in making the Duck Commander family business a multi-million dollar company.
"It was really neat to have the governor on our show," Willie Robertson told The Daily Advertiser. "His family loves watching the show, and they all came up to West Monroe to participate."
Jindal's guest appearance evidently did not do much to help the show salvage its declining ratings. Although many media outlets are blaming the drop in ratings over controversial statements Phil Robertson made to GQ Magazine last December, others argue that "Duck Dynasty" is simply following the usual, short lifespan of docusoaps.
"Critics and ratings-gazers will be quick to attribute Duck Dynasty's fall from grace to any number of factors -- one of them obviously being star Phil Robertson's controversial persona in the wake of anti-gay comments made in a GQ profile -- but the fact of the matter remains that docusoaps have a short lifespan. And A&E has already milked more out of Duck Dynasty than anybody could have imagined," wrote Michael O'Connor for The Hollywood Reporter.
Friday, June 6, 2014
Tamela and David Mann To Star in New Reality Series on BET
You've met the Browns, now meet the Manns. Grammy-Award Nominated Tamela Mann and husband David Mann will be the focus on "Meet The Manns" to launch on BET in 2015. Currently in production, "Meet The Manns" follows the lives of the Texas-based power couple and their family as they juggle their successful entertainment careers, marriage and adventures with the family.
Tamela and David shared "We'll take America behind the scenes of our day-to-day life, living out all our dreams as a family, at home and on the road. Of course, with 5 Mann kids, 8 grandkids, and extended relatives nearby, even the most ordinary family activities bring unexpected, outrageous results. There'll also be some news and reveals we're saving to share on the show - you'll have to tune in to find out what's in store."
Tamela and David shared "We'll take America behind the scenes of our day-to-day life, living out all our dreams as a family, at home and on the road. Of course, with 5 Mann kids, 8 grandkids, and extended relatives nearby, even the most ordinary family activities bring unexpected, outrageous results. There'll also be some news and reveals we're saving to share on the show - you'll have to tune in to find out what's in store."
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Hitmakers Behind Courageous and Fireproof Go Independent
The production team behind the hit movies, Courageous, Fireproof and Facing the Giants have launched a new production company.
With the support and blessing of their pastor, Alex and Stephen have expanded their movie making endeavors beyond Sherwood Baptist Church's walls. Kendrick Brothers Productions has launched an independent movie production company designed to partner with believers across the nation and help train the next generation of Christian filmmakers. The Kendrick brothers plan to make their next movie under this new paradigm.
Pastor Catt said, “Jim and I are blessed to call Alex and Stephen our friends and co-laborers for the Gospel. They will continue to live in Albany and be an active part of the ministry of Sherwood Baptist Church. We love these guys and are grateful for God sending them to our staff over a decade ago. It will be exciting for us to take the steps of faith required to see where God will take us. No matter what lies ahead, this has been an incredible ride for all of us. Our prayers are with them as they pursue future endeavors.”
In a recent update on their site, Stephen posted that filming will begin next week:
With the support and blessing of their pastor, Alex and Stephen have expanded their movie making endeavors beyond Sherwood Baptist Church's walls. Kendrick Brothers Productions has launched an independent movie production company designed to partner with believers across the nation and help train the next generation of Christian filmmakers. The Kendrick brothers plan to make their next movie under this new paradigm.
Pastor Catt said, “Jim and I are blessed to call Alex and Stephen our friends and co-laborers for the Gospel. They will continue to live in Albany and be an active part of the ministry of Sherwood Baptist Church. We love these guys and are grateful for God sending them to our staff over a decade ago. It will be exciting for us to take the steps of faith required to see where God will take us. No matter what lies ahead, this has been an incredible ride for all of us. Our prayers are with them as they pursue future endeavors.”
In a recent update on their site, Stephen posted that filming will begin next week:
Over the last five months we set up a production office, conducted online and live casting sessions, locked in our crew, and scouted the needed locations for the story. Every location is visually rich and completely fresh to us. God has provided an amazing cast of strong believers. Some are new faces to us, others you will recognize from our previous films, and there are a few surprises that many will recognize from the Christian ministry world. The Lord has also provided an excellent crew of Christian filmmakers and film-school interns. Many of them have been praying for God to open the door for them to work on a movie project that honors Him. Our production office is humming along. Lots of buzz. Tons of progress every day. We are very grateful that multiple pastors and churches are working together and surrounding this effort in prayer.
Audio Adrenaline Announces New Lead Vocalist as Kevin Max Goes Solo Again
fter nearly two years and over 150 shows, Audio Adrenaline has announced that Kevin Max is stepping down as lead singer of the band. Josh Engler, formerly of the band Abandon, will replace Max as the group's new lead vocalist.
Kevin Max spent the last two years utilizing his unique vocal and writing talents along with bass player Will McGinniss, drummer Jared Byers, and guitarist Dwayne Larring, who joined the group in August of 2013. Together their efforts continued to share Audio A's foundation, which was started by the band's original lead singer Mark Stuart, as well as McGinniss and former band mate Bob Herdman, which is caring for "the least of these" in Haiti and providing support and care for the orphaned and abandoned children residing at the Hands & Feet Project in Jacmel and Grand Goave.
Audio Adrenaline's musical direction will remain focused on vertical-based songs complemented with their signature energetic rock sound. The band has also recently partnered with Teen Mania's Acquire The Fire to provide a renewed worship experience for future Acquire The Fire events, and will join its founder Ron Luce in expanding the organization's worship programming.
This is a mutual decision between Kevin Max and the band. The transition will allow Max to further pursue solo and creative opportunities through song and word, one of his biggest passions.
"It has been an honor and a great privilege to be a part of the work Audio Adrenaline has done these last two years," Max shares. "Mark Stuart and Will McGinniss have always been close friends of mine, and this chapter of our lives in service together has been beautiful. I look forward to continually being involved in the Hands and Feet Project and also as a creative ally in anything Audio Adrenaline does in the future." Josh Engler previously was Abandon's lead singer for eight years (2004-2012), leaving that role in 2012 to focus on his family and his church. In 2013, he became the worship arts pastor of Bethel Church in Evansville, IN. Now, with the full support of his church leadership he is excited to continue the role that Stuart so passionately created before permanently losing his vocal abilities more than seven years ago.
Audio Adrenaline co-founding member Will McGinniss shares, "I love Kevin and it has been nothing but an honor and a joy to get to journey life with him these last two years. During every show I would look across the stage and smile and think 'God, you are a Creative and Redemptive God.' AudioA and the Hands and Feet Project will be forever grateful to Kevin. I pray that God will continue to use Kevin in a powerful way through music. He is and always will be a dear brother to us all."
Audio Adrenaline - McGinniss, Engler, Byers and Larring - has been hard at work writing songs and are currently in the studio working on their follow-up to the band's 2012 critically-acclaimed release, Kings & Queens. The new album is slated for release in 2015 by their record label and ministry partner, Fair Trade Services. Connect with Audio Adrenaline by visiting AudioA.com.
A Letter From Kevin Max Announcing His Solo Career and New Single
Kevin Max spent the last two years utilizing his unique vocal and writing talents along with bass player Will McGinniss, drummer Jared Byers, and guitarist Dwayne Larring, who joined the group in August of 2013. Together their efforts continued to share Audio A's foundation, which was started by the band's original lead singer Mark Stuart, as well as McGinniss and former band mate Bob Herdman, which is caring for "the least of these" in Haiti and providing support and care for the orphaned and abandoned children residing at the Hands & Feet Project in Jacmel and Grand Goave.
Audio Adrenaline's musical direction will remain focused on vertical-based songs complemented with their signature energetic rock sound. The band has also recently partnered with Teen Mania's Acquire The Fire to provide a renewed worship experience for future Acquire The Fire events, and will join its founder Ron Luce in expanding the organization's worship programming.
This is a mutual decision between Kevin Max and the band. The transition will allow Max to further pursue solo and creative opportunities through song and word, one of his biggest passions.
"It has been an honor and a great privilege to be a part of the work Audio Adrenaline has done these last two years," Max shares. "Mark Stuart and Will McGinniss have always been close friends of mine, and this chapter of our lives in service together has been beautiful. I look forward to continually being involved in the Hands and Feet Project and also as a creative ally in anything Audio Adrenaline does in the future." Josh Engler previously was Abandon's lead singer for eight years (2004-2012), leaving that role in 2012 to focus on his family and his church. In 2013, he became the worship arts pastor of Bethel Church in Evansville, IN. Now, with the full support of his church leadership he is excited to continue the role that Stuart so passionately created before permanently losing his vocal abilities more than seven years ago.
Audio Adrenaline co-founding member Will McGinniss shares, "I love Kevin and it has been nothing but an honor and a joy to get to journey life with him these last two years. During every show I would look across the stage and smile and think 'God, you are a Creative and Redemptive God.' AudioA and the Hands and Feet Project will be forever grateful to Kevin. I pray that God will continue to use Kevin in a powerful way through music. He is and always will be a dear brother to us all."
Audio Adrenaline - McGinniss, Engler, Byers and Larring - has been hard at work writing songs and are currently in the studio working on their follow-up to the band's 2012 critically-acclaimed release, Kings & Queens. The new album is slated for release in 2015 by their record label and ministry partner, Fair Trade Services. Connect with Audio Adrenaline by visiting AudioA.com.
A Letter From Kevin Max Announcing His Solo Career and New Single
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Tedashii Debuts in Top 20 on Billboard 200
Below Paradise, the latest project from hip-hop artist Tedashii, has debuted at No. 17 on the Top 200 Billboard Album chart while also grabbing the No. 2 positions on the Rap, Independent and Christian charts. This is the highest debut for Tedashii since his first album dropped in 2006.
Below Paradise, Tedashii's fourth career studio release, features such artists as Lecrae, Trip Lee, Crowder, Andy Mineo, Kam Parker, Christon Gray and Britt Nicole. The deluxe version is available exclusively through iTunes, which includes three bonus tracks that features KB, Dimitri McDowell, and Derek Minor.
Below Paradise, Tedashii's fourth career studio release, features such artists as Lecrae, Trip Lee, Crowder, Andy Mineo, Kam Parker, Christon Gray and Britt Nicole. The deluxe version is available exclusively through iTunes, which includes three bonus tracks that features KB, Dimitri McDowell, and Derek Minor.
Crowder Shines in Top 10 on Billboard 200 with Solo Debut Neon Steeple
Crowder is celebrating a Top 10 entry on the Billboard 200 with his solo album debut, Neon Steeple, hitting No. 9. The album released last week to critical acclaim, with outlets praising his innovative sound and new musical direction.
Last Saturday, Crowder fulfilled a lifelong dream in making his Grand Ole Opry debut. Performing a tribute to Hank Williams Sr. with "I Saw The Light," Crowder was a fan favorite in a night of Opry performances that included Deana Carter and country music legend Ricky Skaggs. Following the performance of his original track "Come As You Are," which Rhapsody referenced as evidence of Crowder as a "creative wordsmith," an emotional Ricky Skaggs in a rare moment championed Crowder as an "international harvester," declaring his music as joy filled and something that he envisions will free people from "addictions, drugs and alcohol, and most importantly, religion, things that bind us and hold us down and make us think that we have to do it a certain way."
Last Saturday, Crowder fulfilled a lifelong dream in making his Grand Ole Opry debut. Performing a tribute to Hank Williams Sr. with "I Saw The Light," Crowder was a fan favorite in a night of Opry performances that included Deana Carter and country music legend Ricky Skaggs. Following the performance of his original track "Come As You Are," which Rhapsody referenced as evidence of Crowder as a "creative wordsmith," an emotional Ricky Skaggs in a rare moment championed Crowder as an "international harvester," declaring his music as joy filled and something that he envisions will free people from "addictions, drugs and alcohol, and most importantly, religion, things that bind us and hold us down and make us think that we have to do it a certain way."
Soul Surfer Bethany Hamilton and Husband To Join The Amazing Race
The Amazing Race’s Season 25 cast will have two familiar names –Bethany Hamilton and her husband Adam Dirks. Hamilton, a professional surfer and author whose story of surviving a shark attack was the subject of a hit 2011 movie.
She and Dirks, a youth minister, married last summer and now are among the 11 teams racing around the world for a million dollars. The teams kicked off the race in New York City's Times Square Saturday. Photos featured on CBS.com show Hamiliton and Dirks wearing blue shirts. Hamilton appears to be wearing floral surfing shorts.
Other famous faces in the race include actress and celebrity trainer Kym Perfetto and Survivor Season 23 stars Whitney Duncan and Keith Tollefson.
The 25th edition of The Amazing Race will premiere this fall on a new day and time, Fridays (8:00 PM), on CBS.
Last month Hamilton released a new book entitled "Body and Soul" encouraging girls to live physically and spiritually healthy lives.
She and Dirks, a youth minister, married last summer and now are among the 11 teams racing around the world for a million dollars. The teams kicked off the race in New York City's Times Square Saturday. Photos featured on CBS.com show Hamiliton and Dirks wearing blue shirts. Hamilton appears to be wearing floral surfing shorts.
Other famous faces in the race include actress and celebrity trainer Kym Perfetto and Survivor Season 23 stars Whitney Duncan and Keith Tollefson.
The 25th edition of The Amazing Race will premiere this fall on a new day and time, Fridays (8:00 PM), on CBS.
Last month Hamilton released a new book entitled "Body and Soul" encouraging girls to live physically and spiritually healthy lives.
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
SEAL Team Six Book 'Fearless' Will Become a Movie; Will It Keep Christian Themes?
Relativity Media has acquired the rights to turn Eric Blehm’s best-selling book “Fearless” into a movie, Fox News is reporting.
In the same vein as Navy SEAL books “Lone Survivor” and “Act of Valor,” “Fearless” tells the personal story of Team Six operator Adam Brown, who died in combat in 2010.
But beyond Brown’s heroism on the battlefield in Afghanistan – the story delves into his battle with personal demons and a drug addiction that at one point land him behind bars. Yet ultimately, it was Brown’s faith in God that pulled him through – and we’re told that making sure the Christian element remains strong in the film version was a must.
“These guys (the Relativity team) are committed to honoring Adam, and telling the story like it is,” said a source with knowledge of the deal. “Maybe even set a new trend in Hollywood, where they don’t have to put their artistic license into a story to make it good, the power is truth and accuracy of the portrayal.”
As initially reported by Fox News earlier this year, the best-selling book was in the process of being shopped around with a number of offers on the table, but the book team and the Brown family took time in choosing the best outfit to take on such a poignant story of courage and sacrifice.
“A film version could impact others in ways that are unimaginable,” Adam’s wife Kelley Brown said. “It brings us great joy to witness the path this has all taken, and we trust when it happens, it will be done right to honor Adam, his memory and what he and his fellow SEALs stand for.”
In the same vein as Navy SEAL books “Lone Survivor” and “Act of Valor,” “Fearless” tells the personal story of Team Six operator Adam Brown, who died in combat in 2010.
But beyond Brown’s heroism on the battlefield in Afghanistan – the story delves into his battle with personal demons and a drug addiction that at one point land him behind bars. Yet ultimately, it was Brown’s faith in God that pulled him through – and we’re told that making sure the Christian element remains strong in the film version was a must.
“These guys (the Relativity team) are committed to honoring Adam, and telling the story like it is,” said a source with knowledge of the deal. “Maybe even set a new trend in Hollywood, where they don’t have to put their artistic license into a story to make it good, the power is truth and accuracy of the portrayal.”
As initially reported by Fox News earlier this year, the best-selling book was in the process of being shopped around with a number of offers on the table, but the book team and the Brown family took time in choosing the best outfit to take on such a poignant story of courage and sacrifice.
“A film version could impact others in ways that are unimaginable,” Adam’s wife Kelley Brown said. “It brings us great joy to witness the path this has all taken, and we trust when it happens, it will be done right to honor Adam, his memory and what he and his fellow SEALs stand for.”
Is Louisiana the New Hollywood?
The latest batch of big-budget films set to be shot in Louisiana over the summer speaks to the state's success with its tax credit program.
Among planned shoots are "Fantastic Four," ''Terminator 5," ''Pitch Perfect 2" and "Jurassic World," the fourth film in the "Jurassic Park" series. The television series "NCIS: New Orleans" and "American Horror Story: Freak Show" are also being shot this summer.
The flurry of activity is encouraging entrepreneurs who provide services for production companies, in turn creating jobs. Louisiana ranked ahead of California — and anywhere else — in the number of live-action movie shoots in a study of 2013 releases from Hollywood's largest studios.
Louisiana offers tax credits of up to 40 percent of the money spent to buy, build and use movie production facilities.
Since the tax credit program began in 2002, services that have grown in the state include studios, sound stages, special effects, casting, costume rental, post-production and editing.
Louisiana's progress was demonstrated in a recent report by the permitting agency Film L.A. that examined the locations for shoots by the six major movie studios and five of the biggest independent studios. The agency said that 18 of the studios' 108 motion pictures released last year were shot in Louisiana, including "G.I. Joe: Retaliation," ''Dallas Buyers Club" and "Grudge Match."
California and Canada had 15 projects each, followed by Britain with 12 and the state of Georgia with nine.
"Now we represent about 14,000 jobs, up from roughly zero 10 years ago, and that's a pretty important thing for us to do," said Will French, president of the Louisiana Film and Entertainment Association.
French said TV production is also thriving in Louisiana. Among the newest is a pilot now filming in Shreveport called "Salem," based on the colonial-era witch trials.
Among planned shoots are "Fantastic Four," ''Terminator 5," ''Pitch Perfect 2" and "Jurassic World," the fourth film in the "Jurassic Park" series. The television series "NCIS: New Orleans" and "American Horror Story: Freak Show" are also being shot this summer.
The flurry of activity is encouraging entrepreneurs who provide services for production companies, in turn creating jobs. Louisiana ranked ahead of California — and anywhere else — in the number of live-action movie shoots in a study of 2013 releases from Hollywood's largest studios.
Louisiana offers tax credits of up to 40 percent of the money spent to buy, build and use movie production facilities.
Since the tax credit program began in 2002, services that have grown in the state include studios, sound stages, special effects, casting, costume rental, post-production and editing.
Louisiana's progress was demonstrated in a recent report by the permitting agency Film L.A. that examined the locations for shoots by the six major movie studios and five of the biggest independent studios. The agency said that 18 of the studios' 108 motion pictures released last year were shot in Louisiana, including "G.I. Joe: Retaliation," ''Dallas Buyers Club" and "Grudge Match."
California and Canada had 15 projects each, followed by Britain with 12 and the state of Georgia with nine.
"Now we represent about 14,000 jobs, up from roughly zero 10 years ago, and that's a pretty important thing for us to do," said Will French, president of the Louisiana Film and Entertainment Association.
French said TV production is also thriving in Louisiana. Among the newest is a pilot now filming in Shreveport called "Salem," based on the colonial-era witch trials.
Monday, June 2, 2014
Kirk Franklin Expresses Disappointment in 'Preachers of LA' Amid Suggestion Reality Show Turned People Away From God
Gospel singer Kirk Franklin, who declared months ago that fans would never see him on "Preachers of L.A.," stated during a recent radio interview that he was disappointed in the reality show, while a radio host D.L. Hughley suggested the Oxygen program has turned people away from God.
Franklin, asked during an appearance on "The D.L. Hughley Show" this week if he would appear on "Preachers of L.A.," revealed that he was not a fan of the show which gives an inside look at the ministries and personal lives of its leading men.
In a trivia segment of his radio program called "This or That," actor/comedian D.L. Hughley asked Franklin if he would "rather star in the next season of ("Preachers of L.A.") or have your beautiful wife, Tammy (Collins), star in the 'Real Housewives of Atlanta?'"
After Franklin declined to choose either one of the reality show options, Hughley went on to give his take of "Preachers of L.A.," which was renewed earlier this year for a second season.
"I lived in L.A. my whole life, and to me, I thought the purpose of that show was to drag nonbelievers, people who don't have access to God and don't have relationship with Him, that it would be so attractive that it would draw them to Him," said Hughley. "I think it's done the opposite."
Franklin responded by stating that there were people on "Preachers of L.A." whom he considers friends and whom he respects, but rejected the program. "I'm very disappointed in that show," he told Hughley.
The award-winning gospel artist and "American Bible Challenge" co-host previously had hinted at his feelings toward the faith-based reality show during a December 2013 concert in Detroit, Mich., when he told fans, "You'll never see your boy on real 'Preachers of L.A.'"
The Oxygen network reality show was controversial even before it aired, with some Christians debating whether the program would harm or help the faith community, while others called for a boycott. One of the major points of consternation for critics was the portrayal of the apparent flashy lifestyles of the ministers involved in the program.
Despite the controversy, "Preachers of L.A." was a major hit for Oxygen, averaging more than one million total viewers during its eight-episode run that started in Oct. 2013. In addition to being renewed by Oxygen Media for a second season, "Preachers of L.A." could have potential spin-off series for major cities like New York, Dallas, Atlanta and Detroit.
Franklin, asked during an appearance on "The D.L. Hughley Show" this week if he would appear on "Preachers of L.A.," revealed that he was not a fan of the show which gives an inside look at the ministries and personal lives of its leading men.
In a trivia segment of his radio program called "This or That," actor/comedian D.L. Hughley asked Franklin if he would "rather star in the next season of ("Preachers of L.A.") or have your beautiful wife, Tammy (Collins), star in the 'Real Housewives of Atlanta?'"
After Franklin declined to choose either one of the reality show options, Hughley went on to give his take of "Preachers of L.A.," which was renewed earlier this year for a second season.
"I lived in L.A. my whole life, and to me, I thought the purpose of that show was to drag nonbelievers, people who don't have access to God and don't have relationship with Him, that it would be so attractive that it would draw them to Him," said Hughley. "I think it's done the opposite."
Franklin responded by stating that there were people on "Preachers of L.A." whom he considers friends and whom he respects, but rejected the program. "I'm very disappointed in that show," he told Hughley.
The award-winning gospel artist and "American Bible Challenge" co-host previously had hinted at his feelings toward the faith-based reality show during a December 2013 concert in Detroit, Mich., when he told fans, "You'll never see your boy on real 'Preachers of L.A.'"
The Oxygen network reality show was controversial even before it aired, with some Christians debating whether the program would harm or help the faith community, while others called for a boycott. One of the major points of consternation for critics was the portrayal of the apparent flashy lifestyles of the ministers involved in the program.
Despite the controversy, "Preachers of L.A." was a major hit for Oxygen, averaging more than one million total viewers during its eight-episode run that started in Oct. 2013. In addition to being renewed by Oxygen Media for a second season, "Preachers of L.A." could have potential spin-off series for major cities like New York, Dallas, Atlanta and Detroit.
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