Adam Young (Owl City) has announced via his YouTube channel that he will be releasing two brand new songs from his upcoming full-length album on October 7th. These songs are "Tokyo" featuring the Tokyo-based group SEKAI NO OWARI, and "You're Not Alone" featuring the Christian pop artist (and one of Young's favorite artists) Britt Nicole.
Young shared that "You're Not Alone" is "a bit more weighty" than his traditionally light-hearted and sometimes goofy synth pop.
"It's very much based on my own personal faith and my own personal relationship with God", says Young. His faith is something listeners have gotten glimpses of in the past ("Meteor Shower" and "Galaxies").
Young also hinted that "Tokyo" was written as a result of spending late, jet-lagged nights in the busy city. He is thrilled to share the track with his "new, but very good friends from Japan". Owl City's synth-y tracks mixed with the energy from SEKAI NO OWARI is definitely something to look forward to.
This will be the second release of new music this year from Owl City. His EP Ultraviolet released this summer and featured dance hits like "Beautiful Times" featuring pop/dubstep violinist Lindsey Stirling. Fans will have to wait for more details on the exciting upcoming release of Owl City's fifth full-length album.
Monday, September 29, 2014
Saturday, September 27, 2014
Colton Dixon Drops Anchor at #23
Anchor is the second studio album from eleventh season American Idol contestant, Colton Dixon. The album debuted at No. 23 on the Billboard 200.
The song "More of You" was the last song recorded for the album, and it was released as the lead single on June 24, 2014.
According to Dixon, the title of the song "Anchor" came from a need for anchor as the foundation of life because at times he felt he was drifting. The idea behind the song then turned into this theme-based record.
The song "More of You" was the last song recorded for the album, and it was released as the lead single on June 24, 2014.
According to Dixon, the title of the song "Anchor" came from a need for anchor as the foundation of life because at times he felt he was drifting. The idea behind the song then turned into this theme-based record.
Thursday, September 25, 2014
For King & Country Debut at #13 on Billboard
The sophomore album from For King & Country, Run Wild. Live Free. Love Strong., released Sept. 16 and immediately soared to No. 1 on the Christian/Gospel and top 5 on the overall iTunes Albums charts. This week the album from Australian brothers Joel and Luke becomes the duo's first top 15 on the Billboard Top 200, landing at No. 13. Reflecting the duo's mission to stand and fight for something bigger than oneself, "to live a life that is for others - a life that is others-focused, God-focused," says Joel, the recording also beats by nearly five times the first week sales of their debut album, Crave, which became the highest-selling debut from a new artist when it released in 2012.
In addition to the success of the new album, the recording's lead single, "Fix My Eyes," was featured this week on NBC's TODAY show. The song, slated to be heard during the show over the next few weeks, has also sold well over 112,000 downloads, hit No. 1 on the Billboard Christian Songs Chart and continues to hold the No.1 position for the seventh consecutive week at CHR radio.
Remarkably, "Fix My Eyes" is not the only song featuring For King & Country to land at No. 1 this week. The duo's collaboration with Lecrae, "Messengers (feat. For King & Country)," lands on top of Billboard's Gospel Digital Songs chart. The song is featured on LeCrae's Anomaly, which was the No. 1-seller on Billboard's Top 200 last week, and has now sold over 120,000 copies. For King & Country and Lecrae kept close company this week on iTunes' Albums chart, sitting side-by-side in the top 10.
In addition to the success of the new album, the recording's lead single, "Fix My Eyes," was featured this week on NBC's TODAY show. The song, slated to be heard during the show over the next few weeks, has also sold well over 112,000 downloads, hit No. 1 on the Billboard Christian Songs Chart and continues to hold the No.1 position for the seventh consecutive week at CHR radio.
Remarkably, "Fix My Eyes" is not the only song featuring For King & Country to land at No. 1 this week. The duo's collaboration with Lecrae, "Messengers (feat. For King & Country)," lands on top of Billboard's Gospel Digital Songs chart. The song is featured on LeCrae's Anomaly, which was the No. 1-seller on Billboard's Top 200 last week, and has now sold over 120,000 copies. For King & Country and Lecrae kept close company this week on iTunes' Albums chart, sitting side-by-side in the top 10.
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Christian Artist Andy Cherry Appears on The Voice
Andy Cherry appeared on Tuesday, Sept. 23, during the "blind auditions" segment of Season 7 of NBC's vocal competition The Voice.
Before his performance, Cherry shared on the show about his career in Christian music, his being dropped from his record label, and his wife that stayed close by his side. Cherry's audition song choice was the 1985 hit "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" by Tears for Fears.
Throughout the performance, the judges' expressions stayed focused and thoughtful, but none of them pressed their "I Want You" buttons, which would have placed Cherry on one of four teams (Team Adam Levine, Team Gwen Stefani, Team Pharrell Williams or Team Blake Shelton).
He finished the song with evidence of disappointment on his face, but seemed positive through the next few moments on screen. In the end, none of the judges turned for Cherry, but left him with critique and advice for his music-related future.
There's no doubt that remembering the names of every artist you hear on the radio is a difficult task, but remembering the uniqueness in their voice and lyrics is another story.
Cherry's most successful single, "Our God's Alive," hit the airwaves in Spring of 2012 and seemed to charm listeners' ears with its heavy, guitar-lead intro, and Cherry's one-of-a-kind tone. The song was in the top ten of two big-named Christian radio networks and became a favorite of many. The single was a follow up to his March 2012 album Nothing Left to Fear, which snagged him shows alongside artists such as Tenth Avenue North, Laura Story, Jimmy Needham, Matt Maher, and Trip Lee.
The album didn't have quite the success that was anticipated and Cherry was dropped from his record label, leaving "Our God's Alive" standing alone on national radio stations and fans disappointed. Since then, Cherry released an independent EP, City of Light, earlier this year, but it remains to be seen what the South Carolina native's next move will be.
"Thank so much for all the support!" Cherry posted to social media after the episode aired. "It was disappointing not to get a chair to turn, but I'm not done yet. God Bless you all."
Before his performance, Cherry shared on the show about his career in Christian music, his being dropped from his record label, and his wife that stayed close by his side. Cherry's audition song choice was the 1985 hit "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" by Tears for Fears.
Throughout the performance, the judges' expressions stayed focused and thoughtful, but none of them pressed their "I Want You" buttons, which would have placed Cherry on one of four teams (Team Adam Levine, Team Gwen Stefani, Team Pharrell Williams or Team Blake Shelton).
He finished the song with evidence of disappointment on his face, but seemed positive through the next few moments on screen. In the end, none of the judges turned for Cherry, but left him with critique and advice for his music-related future.
There's no doubt that remembering the names of every artist you hear on the radio is a difficult task, but remembering the uniqueness in their voice and lyrics is another story.
Cherry's most successful single, "Our God's Alive," hit the airwaves in Spring of 2012 and seemed to charm listeners' ears with its heavy, guitar-lead intro, and Cherry's one-of-a-kind tone. The song was in the top ten of two big-named Christian radio networks and became a favorite of many. The single was a follow up to his March 2012 album Nothing Left to Fear, which snagged him shows alongside artists such as Tenth Avenue North, Laura Story, Jimmy Needham, Matt Maher, and Trip Lee.
The album didn't have quite the success that was anticipated and Cherry was dropped from his record label, leaving "Our God's Alive" standing alone on national radio stations and fans disappointed. Since then, Cherry released an independent EP, City of Light, earlier this year, but it remains to be seen what the South Carolina native's next move will be.
"Thank so much for all the support!" Cherry posted to social media after the episode aired. "It was disappointing not to get a chair to turn, but I'm not done yet. God Bless you all."
Friday, September 19, 2014
Lecrae First Christian Rapper on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon
On The Tonight Show Thursday, Jimmy Fallon congratulated Lecrae for his No. 1 album, Anomaly, and invited him to return for another performance.
For the night, Lecrae joined Fallon’s house band, The Roots, for musical interludes between segments. He rapped portions of songs from his new album, including “Nuthin,” “Fear,” “All I Need is You,” “Say I Won’t,” and “Welcome to America.”
James Poyser and Frank Knuckles, both members of the band, posted pictures with Lecrae, as fans and friends tweeted along. #LecraeOnFallon trended nationwide.
“I'm really excited for Lecrae,” tweeted fellow Christian rapper Sho Baraka. “I pray for wisdom for that brother. This can't be easy navigating new waters. #116Circa03.”
The rapper caught the eye of NBC as fans began to hashtag #lecraeonfallon.
“Remember when y'all had #lecraeonfallon trending?,” Lecrae tweeted, “Well guess who is a guest on the show this week?! Tune-in to @FallonTonight on 9/18.”
His new album Anomaly reached No. 1 on albums sold with 88,000 copies.
To celebrate, Reach Records put on a new track by Lecrae called "Non-Fiction."
"We want to celebrate this milestone with 116 everywhere across the world," Reach announced, "You have been a part of the journey God has taken all of us on from the early days until now. Thank you for all the support."
They continued, "Below is a song called 'Non-Fiction' where Lecrae reflects on his journey. It's our gift to you. We are excited about the days ahead and glad to share this moment with you."
The prolific hip hop-soul band The Roots joined Jimmy Fallon when he took over Late Night in 2009, and they’ve invited several legendary artists to sit in with them, including Aerosmith’s Brad Whitford, Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley, and John Oats.
Lecrae's Tonight Show gig follows recent features on MTV.com, the Billboard site, and the front page of the Washington Times.
Previous Christian acts who have made late-night appearances (under Fallon’s predecessor, Jay Leno) include Third Day, Switchfoot, and For King & Country.
For the night, Lecrae joined Fallon’s house band, The Roots, for musical interludes between segments. He rapped portions of songs from his new album, including “Nuthin,” “Fear,” “All I Need is You,” “Say I Won’t,” and “Welcome to America.”
James Poyser and Frank Knuckles, both members of the band, posted pictures with Lecrae, as fans and friends tweeted along. #LecraeOnFallon trended nationwide.
“I'm really excited for Lecrae,” tweeted fellow Christian rapper Sho Baraka. “I pray for wisdom for that brother. This can't be easy navigating new waters. #116Circa03.”
The rapper caught the eye of NBC as fans began to hashtag #lecraeonfallon.
“Remember when y'all had #lecraeonfallon trending?,” Lecrae tweeted, “Well guess who is a guest on the show this week?! Tune-in to @FallonTonight on 9/18.”
His new album Anomaly reached No. 1 on albums sold with 88,000 copies.
To celebrate, Reach Records put on a new track by Lecrae called "Non-Fiction."
"We want to celebrate this milestone with 116 everywhere across the world," Reach announced, "You have been a part of the journey God has taken all of us on from the early days until now. Thank you for all the support."
They continued, "Below is a song called 'Non-Fiction' where Lecrae reflects on his journey. It's our gift to you. We are excited about the days ahead and glad to share this moment with you."
The prolific hip hop-soul band The Roots joined Jimmy Fallon when he took over Late Night in 2009, and they’ve invited several legendary artists to sit in with them, including Aerosmith’s Brad Whitford, Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley, and John Oats.
Lecrae's Tonight Show gig follows recent features on MTV.com, the Billboard site, and the front page of the Washington Times.
Previous Christian acts who have made late-night appearances (under Fallon’s predecessor, Jay Leno) include Third Day, Switchfoot, and For King & Country.
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Lecrae Earns First No. 1 Album on Billboard 200
Rapper Lecrae collects his first No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 as his new Anomaly opens atop the list. It sold 88,000 copies in the week ending Sept. 14. It's also the first chart-topper for Lecrae's label, Reach Records.
Anomaly's launch is Lecrae's best sales week, trumping the 72,000-unit start of 2012's Gravity, which debuted and peaked at No. 3. (Gravity was also Lecrae's highest-charting album — and only top 10 — until Anomaly's arrival.)
Anomaly is the Grammy winner's sixth No. 1 on the Gospel Albums chart and his fifth leader on Christian Albums. (Most Christian hip-hop releases are eligible to appear on both sales charts.)
Thus, Anomaly is the first title to crown both Gospel Albums and the Billboard 200, and just the fifth set to lead both Christian Albums and the Billboard 200. In terms of the latter achievement, it follows Chris Tomlin's Burning Lights (in 2013), TobyMac's Eye on It (2012), LeAnn Rimes' You Light Up My Life — Inspirational Songs (1997) and Bob Carlisle's Butterfly Kisses (Shades of Grace) (1997).
While Lecrae, 34, might not quite be a household name — he's yet to chart a single on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 — he has sold 1.4 million albums and 2.9 million track downloads. He has released seven studio albums, and made his chart debut in 2005 with Real Talk (No. 39, Gospel Albums). He reached the all-genre Billboard 200 for the first time in 2008 with Rebel, which peaked at No. 88.
Lecrae leads a parade of new entries in the top 10 of the Billboard 200, where six more titles arrive. The seven debuts are the most the top 10 has seen since Oct. 26, 2013, when seven titles also stepped in (led by Miley Cyrus' Bangerz).
Anomaly's launch is Lecrae's best sales week, trumping the 72,000-unit start of 2012's Gravity, which debuted and peaked at No. 3. (Gravity was also Lecrae's highest-charting album — and only top 10 — until Anomaly's arrival.)
Anomaly is the Grammy winner's sixth No. 1 on the Gospel Albums chart and his fifth leader on Christian Albums. (Most Christian hip-hop releases are eligible to appear on both sales charts.)
Thus, Anomaly is the first title to crown both Gospel Albums and the Billboard 200, and just the fifth set to lead both Christian Albums and the Billboard 200. In terms of the latter achievement, it follows Chris Tomlin's Burning Lights (in 2013), TobyMac's Eye on It (2012), LeAnn Rimes' You Light Up My Life — Inspirational Songs (1997) and Bob Carlisle's Butterfly Kisses (Shades of Grace) (1997).
While Lecrae, 34, might not quite be a household name — he's yet to chart a single on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 — he has sold 1.4 million albums and 2.9 million track downloads. He has released seven studio albums, and made his chart debut in 2005 with Real Talk (No. 39, Gospel Albums). He reached the all-genre Billboard 200 for the first time in 2008 with Rebel, which peaked at No. 88.
Lecrae leads a parade of new entries in the top 10 of the Billboard 200, where six more titles arrive. The seven debuts are the most the top 10 has seen since Oct. 26, 2013, when seven titles also stepped in (led by Miley Cyrus' Bangerz).
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Will Lecrae Nab His First Number 1 Album on Billboard?
Lecrae's new 'Anomaly' album could be one of eight debuts in the Billboard 200's top 10 tomorrow.
Rapper Lecrae is not only aiming to nab his first No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 with Anomaly, but his album could be one of up to eight debuts in the top 10.
Industry sources forecast his album to sell around 80,000 copies by the end of the tracking week on Sept. 14. He could finish just ahead of Jhene Aiko's new Souled Out (perhaps 70,000) and Maroon 5's current No. 1, V, with maybe 70,000 as well. Earlier, Aiko's forecasted sales were slightly closer to Lecrae's, giving the appearance of a possible race to No. 1. The gap between the two has since widened.
The Billboard 200's new top 10 will be revealed on Wednesday, Sept. 18.
On SoundScan's Building chart (below), Lecrae, Aiko and Maroon 5 are Nos. 1-3, respectively. The Building tally is a precursor to the final Billboard 200 ranking -- reflecting the first four days (Monday through Thursday) of SoundScan's tracking week as reported by six major merchants.
Rapper Lecrae is not only aiming to nab his first No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 with Anomaly, but his album could be one of up to eight debuts in the top 10.
Industry sources forecast his album to sell around 80,000 copies by the end of the tracking week on Sept. 14. He could finish just ahead of Jhene Aiko's new Souled Out (perhaps 70,000) and Maroon 5's current No. 1, V, with maybe 70,000 as well. Earlier, Aiko's forecasted sales were slightly closer to Lecrae's, giving the appearance of a possible race to No. 1. The gap between the two has since widened.
The Billboard 200's new top 10 will be revealed on Wednesday, Sept. 18.
On SoundScan's Building chart (below), Lecrae, Aiko and Maroon 5 are Nos. 1-3, respectively. The Building tally is a precursor to the final Billboard 200 ranking -- reflecting the first four days (Monday through Thursday) of SoundScan's tracking week as reported by six major merchants.
Duck Dynasty's Sadie Robertson Stuns ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Judges
“Dancing With the Stars” kicked off the show’s latest season last night with “Duck Dynasty” star Sadie Robertson taking to the dance floor and stunning the judges.
The 17-year-old danced the cha cha, with parents Willie and Korie Robertson watching from the crowd. And the response to her first performance with partner Mark Ballas was incredible.
“Duckling no more! Here we have a bird of paradise,” proclaimed judge Bruno Tonioli.
Judge Carrie Ann Inaba added, ”You’re a star, honey. You don’t even know it yet.”
Watch Sadie’s dance below:
The “Duck Dynasty” family has become known for their overt Christian faith in recent years including the family praying at the dinner table at the conclusion of each episode of the show.
And it seems Robertson isn't planning to stop talking about and showing her faith. In footage that aired on “Dancing With the Stars” before her performance, she was seen praying with her family.
The 17-year-old danced the cha cha, with parents Willie and Korie Robertson watching from the crowd. And the response to her first performance with partner Mark Ballas was incredible.
“Duckling no more! Here we have a bird of paradise,” proclaimed judge Bruno Tonioli.
Judge Carrie Ann Inaba added, ”You’re a star, honey. You don’t even know it yet.”
Watch Sadie’s dance below:
The “Duck Dynasty” family has become known for their overt Christian faith in recent years including the family praying at the dinner table at the conclusion of each episode of the show.
And it seems Robertson isn't planning to stop talking about and showing her faith. In footage that aired on “Dancing With the Stars” before her performance, she was seen praying with her family.
Thursday, September 4, 2014
Thousand Foot Krutch's "Oxygen: Inhale" Is a Breath of Fresh Air in Top 10
Thousand Foot Krutch's latest release "Oxygen: Inhale" debuts at #7 on the Billboard Top 200 chart. Simultaneously, it lodges in at #2 on the Top Current Rock Albums chart (just behind the Guardians of the Galaxy soundtrack at No. 1), No. 6 on the Top Internet and No. 1 on the Top Christian/Gospel Albums charts. The recording also spent most of last week at No. 1 on the iTunes Rock chart and hit No. 5 on the iTunes overall Albums chart. The fan funded album gives TFK their highest ever position on the Billboard charts.
Driving the successful debut in part is the recording's lead single, "Born This Way," which hits No. 34 at Active Rock this week. NASCAR and SEC colleges also crank up the song's volume on ESPN through mid-December as the single continues to roar up the radio charts. The song further picks up well-over a quarter-of-a-million views and 4,000+ likes on YouTube pushing TFK's YouTube channel views to over 1,100,000 last month alone, a record for the band.
Lead singer Trevor McNevan has this to say about the new record: "We wanted to make a raw rock record. We decided to strip away all the background sounds and popular over-production, so that what you hear are just the instruments and the voice."
"To me, the words are as important as the melody," McNevan says. "The song has to say something important, to connect with the audience on a deeper level. I had this image of prostitutes, addicts, business men/women, people from all walks of life, holding up a sign that reads 'Breathe Through Me.' Love includes everyone. We were called to love one another, help and support one another, and to walk through life together."
Driving the successful debut in part is the recording's lead single, "Born This Way," which hits No. 34 at Active Rock this week. NASCAR and SEC colleges also crank up the song's volume on ESPN through mid-December as the single continues to roar up the radio charts. The song further picks up well-over a quarter-of-a-million views and 4,000+ likes on YouTube pushing TFK's YouTube channel views to over 1,100,000 last month alone, a record for the band.
Lead singer Trevor McNevan has this to say about the new record: "We wanted to make a raw rock record. We decided to strip away all the background sounds and popular over-production, so that what you hear are just the instruments and the voice."
"To me, the words are as important as the melody," McNevan says. "The song has to say something important, to connect with the audience on a deeper level. I had this image of prostitutes, addicts, business men/women, people from all walks of life, holding up a sign that reads 'Breathe Through Me.' Love includes everyone. We were called to love one another, help and support one another, and to walk through life together."
'Dancing with the Stars' Cast Revealed And Includes Famous Christian and Family Friendly Stars
Sadie Robertson of "Duck Dynasty" will appear on the upcoming season of "Dancing with the Stars," as revealed this morning.
The full cast of season 19 of "DWTS" was announced on "Good Morning America" Thursday, when Robertson was announced. The 17-year-old is paired with professional Mark Ballas, and she joins a cast that includes Olympian Lolo Jones and Lea Thompson. Lolo Jones is an outspoken Christian and Lea Thompson has starred in several family friendly movies on UP.
The full cast of season 19 of "DWTS" was announced on "Good Morning America" Thursday, when Robertson was announced. The 17-year-old is paired with professional Mark Ballas, and she joins a cast that includes Olympian Lolo Jones and Lea Thompson. Lolo Jones is an outspoken Christian and Lea Thompson has starred in several family friendly movies on UP.
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