Air1 Surprises Listeners With Switch To All-Worship

Air1, the sister radio network of K-LOVE that has brought a "Positive Alternative" to radio for over 20 years by focusing on Christian pop and rock, made a surprise flip to worship on January 1st. 

The new "Air1: Worship Now" will feature current and familiar artists such as Jeremy Camp, Tauren Wells and NEEDTOBREATHE with the majority of the new line-up focusing on worship songs that have received little-to-no airplay from artists like Hillsong, Elevation Worship, Vertical Worship, Jesus Culture and more.

The network of close to 200 stations nationwide kicked off the rebrand with a promise to deliver 10,000 worship songs in a row without DJ or commercial interruption. With an average of 4 minutes per song, listeners may not hear any on-air talent until the end of January.

Air1 has said that the husband and wife duo Dan and Michelle will eventually return to mornings, Mandy will be back at middays, Mike Shaeffer and Lauren Lee will take afternoons and Ashton will wrap up nights. Other pre-recorded segments will also return. 

The switch is a massive reminder of the tremendous impact that the worship genre has had on the industry, but many online are wondering where their favorite music has gone. It's no secret that people don't like change and speak up when their concerned and unhappy, but the mood is not great on socials as many listeners are already voicing their frustrations with the switch.

Third Day Announces Farewell Tour

Third Day will be calling it a career after 25 years and one final farewell tour.

"These last twenty-five years of Third Day have been an amazing ride that we never in our wildest dreams thought we would experience," said founding member and lead guitarist Mark Lee. Vocalist Mac Powell added "We know this is a season that is coming to a close, and we wanted to give our fans one more chance to see us perform live. The live show has been the core fan experience, and this tour will give us an opportunity to go out and say thank you to the fans who have always been so supportive of our music."

The band announced their decision to bring this chapter to an end in a video post on social media: "These last twenty-five years have been an amazing ride that we never in our wildest dreams thought we would experience. We know this is a season that is coming to a close, and we wanted to give fans one more chance to see us perform live."

Third Day will embark on a 12-city nationwide farewell tour beginning May 31 in Seattle, Washington, hitting at least one city in every region of the mainland, including Third Day's home state of Georgia, and wrapping up on June 27 in Denver, Colorado.

VIP tickets go on sale March 7th at noon, and general tickets are available on March 9th at 10 AM local venue time.

The southern rockers, fronted by vocalist Mac Powell, have been releasing CCM worship and pop/rock hits since their self-titled debut released in June 1996. Most recently, they returned to southern rock with Revival in 2017.

Switchfoot Disbanding?

Switchfoot recently celebrated 20 years together as a band this year, and now the guys are announcing "For the first time in twenty years, we are taking an extended break...As this year ends, we're entering into a new season, a season of home." Drummer Chad Butler wrote in a blog entry on the band's website this week.

The band posted a handwritten copy of the blog post announcement on their Facebook page. "It has been an honor to be YOUR band. These are YOUR songs, not just our own. Thank you. Truly. You have no idea how much you've inspired us through the years."

"We are brothers, sons, husbands, fathers, and for now, we are home. We're embracing this new season with open arms and excitement, strengthening the roots that have made us who we are. We do have a few shows already scheduled for next year that we will play but beyond that we will be off the road for the foreseeable future...this hiatus is a celebration of where we've been together. Thank you for being such a huge part of our journey."
 

Nation's Largest Christian Retailer is Shutting Down: Family Christian Stores Announces Closure

“Despite improvements in product assortment and the store experience, sales continued to decline," said Chuck Bengochea, the company's president.  "We have prayerfully looked at all possible options, trusting God’s plan for our organization, and the difficult decision to liquidate is our only recourse.”

At its height, Family Christian Stores represented over 30% of physical sales for many Christian music releases. The retail chain's dominance in the Christian book and music market began to steadily decline with major retailers like Wal-Mart adding key Christian releases to their shelves, along with the launch of iTunes in 2001 and the growing presence of online retail led by Amazon.

NewReleaseToday's roots are closely tied with Family Christian Stores. Its founder, Kevin McNeese, started the site in 2002 while managing music marketing at FamilyChristian.com. "It was such an incredible time," recalls Kevin. "But I could certainly see the beginnings of the shift. Between Napster's quick rise and fall, Apple launching the iPod and iTunes and major retailers beginning to latch onto our biggest products, the writing was on the wall."

The nation's largest Christian retailer, Family Christian, is closing after 85 years.

The non-profit company, employing more than 3,000 people in 240 stores in 36 states, said in a brief statement that the retailer had been facing declining sales since filing for bankruptcy protection in 2015 and had no choice but to shut down.

Sanctus Real's Lead Singer Announces Departure

After a 20 year history together, GRAMMY nominations, Dove Awards, seven albums and six No. 1 singles, Matt Hammitt, the lead singer of Sanctus Real, has announced he will be leaving the band this December. Both Matt and his fellow band members have taken time to draft personal statements so that their fans can hear from them first hand and in their own words.

The band has announced their “Farewell To A Friend” tour this fall, which will be Hammitt’s final tour with the band. Sparrow Records will release a Greatest Hits project from Sanctus Real this October, featuring the band’s top hits over their 20 year career and a new single, which will release in the fall as well.

Matt Hammitt (read full statement below -- link to this and prayer requests here):

"Last November, I started to feel a spiritual restlessness, sensing that God was leading me into a new season of life. After many conversations with God, family and friends, I came to realize a new calling, one that would require me to make the difficult decision to leave Sanctus Real.

Both the band and I have prepared heartfelt statements about this change, and about where God is leading us. Below is my full statement about this news, as well as Episode 1 of "The Lead Me Lifecast," also about my decision to leave Sanctus Real..."

Dear Friends,
A blog post isn't nearly enough space to recount or describe what I've experienced with my friends in Sanctus Real over the past twenty years. I'm so grateful for what God has allowed a few guys from Toledo, Ohio to experience together. I don't take it lightly, the ability that songs have to impact the hearts and lives of those who hear them. Experiencing this God-given mystery with my friends in the band has been one of the greatest joys of my life. 

I want to thank my band mates, current and former, but especially Mark and Chris for allowing me to share in this incredible season of life with them. And of course, to our families, you are the backbone God has blessed us with. Thank you for holding down the fort. I love and appreciate you. 

And to you, our friends and fans, you've been so good to Sanctus Real and to my family. The support you have given us has been more than we could have wished for, and for that I'm eternally grateful. 

To everyone in the Christian music industry, from our label, agents, managers, friends in radio, promoters, other artists and everyone in-between, I sincerely thank you. I am proud to be in Christian music. 

Like all children, when I was young, people would ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I remember answering, "A missionary." It may seem like unconventional missionary work, but I have genuinely viewed my time in Sanctus Real as a mission to build Christ's church through words and music. If you've listened to Sanctus Real or supported us in any way, you've been a vital part of that mission. Thank you from the depths of my heart. 

Over the past few months, I've felt the Lord calling me into a new mission field, into a new season of life. If you want to hear the intricate details about my decision to leave Sanctus Real, I've discussed it at length in the first two episodes of "The Lead Me Lifecast." I open each episode by saying that, "I've been traveling far and wide singing the song 'Lead Me', but now I want to sing it less and live it more." I mean that genuinely, with all of my heart. I've always struggled to reconcile my life on the road away from Sarah and the kids, but after all these years I'm now confident that my calling is to be at home more, consistently making God and family my ultimate priority. My primary gifting as a communicator is simply sharing my life and heart with people, and they're going to get the best of that.

Many of you know that my son, Bowen, is living with severe heart disease. I'm thankful for so many of you, who have walked and prayed with us through this. We're so grateful that he's almost five now, but we live with the realities of his chronic, progressive disease each and every day. Because of our work assisting hurting families through Whole Hearts Foundation, we are constantly reminded that we can't take a day we get with Bowen for granted. This is another reason my family needs me, and I need them.
It's important for me to be clear that I'm not giving up music. Music is in my soul and is my primary expression of life and faith. In addition to making music, I'll be talking a lot about marriage and family in the coming years. There are a lot of people encouraging others to go out and be great in the world (and they should), but I feel a calling to encourage others, especially men, to be great behind their own front doors. As I dedicate myself to being a greater husband, father and spiritual leader, I'll be encouraging others to do the same through my music, "The Lead Me Lifecast" and the "Lead Me Live" events coming in 2016. 

Your support has meant so much to me and my family, and I'm inviting you to join our mission moving forward. At the bottom of this letter, I've put a list of simple, practical list of ways that you can join us. 

With Love and Gratitude,
- Matt

read more 

Audio Adrenaline 4.0

Founding member of Audio Adrenaline Will McGinniss, as well as his supporting cast of Jared Byers, Dwayne Larring and even the newly minted lead singer Josh Engler (Abandon), all have left the band, reflecting the first time Audio Adrenaline has existed without an original member.

Audio Adrenaline is now fronted by lead vocalist Adam Agee, who was referred in the band's official press release as the "former Stellar Kart frontman"- reflecting a shake-up in that band as well.

Joining Agee will be former Wavorly frontman Dave Stovall, guitarist Brandon Bagby and drummer Jack Campbell.

As for McGinniss, his transition out of the band he started in the early 1990s comes with an increased role in the organization that inspired the band's 2012 comeback. He currently serves as Board President of the band-founded nonprofit orphan care organization Hands and Feet Project.

"To get to bring back Audio A, for one sole purpose- to champion the cause of the orphan and abandoned children through our work at the Hands & Feet Project in Haiti- was incredible. But now God is calling me to a new season in Him off the road. I have every confidence that with this new group of guys and an incredible bunch of new songs, Audio A will be all about that same goal. I pray God's heart and blessing over them." McGinnis shared.

"I'm so excited to be a part of the ongoing legacy that is Audio Adrenaline," said new lead singer Agee. "The band was a huge influence on me and my decision to pursue music. My hope is to continue to inspire Audio A fans with new songs we are passionate about. We can't wait to share them live as we hit the road with the Newsboys this spring."

Following the band's hiatus in 2007 in the wake of founding lead singer Mark Stuart's vocal health issues, a new lineup of veteran artists rekindled Audio Adrenaline in 2012. Continuing on to answer the band's original call to bring the story of orphans in Haiti--and around the world--to the forefront, Audio Adrenaline partnered with Fair Trade Services and the Know Hope Foundation to release Kings & Queens, which saw multiple radio singles impact listeners, including the smash title-cut.

So what does Stuart think of version 3.0?

"Watching the guys practice for this upcoming tour and record has been such a joy," he said. "Hearing the old classics with the new Audio A message makes me proud to be part of a legacy that continues to focus on the Glory of Christ and the absolute joy of becoming His hands and feet."

Tai Anderson Announces Hiatus From Third Day

After twenty years as the bass player for the Christian band, Third Day, Tai Anderson has announced that he is leaving the band to focus on his personal life and family.

Anderson and the group released this statement over on their Facebook page:

"I am currently in a season of life where I find that God is leading me to place my identity as a child of God and as a husband and father above the touring lifestyle. Therefore, after a lot of prayerful consideration and discussion with my family, the members of the band and our incredible support team, we have all agreed that I should take a break from the upcoming touring season with Third Day. This decision obviously doesn't come lightly - I've always been, and will remain THIRD DAY's biggest fan."

In 1992, at a performance at guitarist’s Mark Lee‘s church, Third Day performed with a band known as the Bullard Family Singers, featuring members David Carr and Tai Anderson. A few days later, Third Day invited Anderson and Carr to join Third Day.

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:

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.

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 

Study: Movies Impact Religious Belief

According to a recent Barna Group study, practicing Protestants (those who have attended church in the last month and who agree their faith is important to them), are most likely to say a movie has affected their thinking on serious issues.

More than one in five say they've seen a movie in the last two years that has made them think seriously about their religion or spirituality (22%). And an additional one in 10 say such a movie has caused them to change something they believed about Christianity (9%). Evangelicals, while more likely than the average adult to say a movie has made them think seriously about religion or spirituality (17% of evangelicals compared to 11% of Americans overall) are much less likely to say that such a movie has changed their beliefs about Christianity (less than 1% of evangelicals compared to 3% of all Americans).

Americans professing a faith other than Christianity are also more likely than average to think more seriously about religion or spirituality (18%) as a result of watching a movie.

Group 1 Crew's Blanca Exits Duo To Pursue Solo Career

Today, Blanca Callahan, one-half of Group 1 Crew, has announced that she is leaving the hip hop/pop group to pursue her own solo career. Manwell will be continuing Group 1 Crew without Blanca, while she prepares for her first solo project. I first learned of this at the Dove Awards, but agreed to not share until she was ready to go public. 

On Group1Crew.com, Blanca made the following announcement, and shared an announcement video:

Dear Group 1 Crew Family,
As many of you know, in July of this year, my husband and I welcomed a new member to our family - our baby boy London. I never thought someone so small could affect my life so much, but he has done just that. Our whole world has changed in so many ways. Prior to him arriving, I felt a transition coming in my life. It was as if the Lord had been preparing me not only for the birth of my child, but also for the birth of a brand new season. As I’ve wholeheartedly welcomed my son, I welcome this new season. No matter how scary it all may feel, I've never been more excited to trust the Lord with whatever he has in store for my life. Since I was a little girl, I’ve always dreamt of the moment when I’d get to fully share my heart and voice with the world, and I’m humbled that moment has finally arrived. So with that said, this letter is to announce that I will be stepping down from Group 1 Crew.
This decision did not come easy, but after months of prayer, we knew that it was the right one. It will be sad for me to leave the Group 1 Crew family, but I am confidant God is in this transition. Looking back, Group 1 Crew has been ten of the most amazing years of my life. When I first started with the group, I was a 17 year old new believer in Christ who was terrified of the stage. I will forever be grateful to the Lord for placing Manny and Pablo in my life at that time. They taught me so much about my identity in Christ and encouraged me to be confident in the voice that He has given me. We have so many great memories of everything God has done over this last decade. Having been given the privilege of making music, touring all over the world, and changing lives for Christ, was more than I could have ever dreamed of! I am SO THANKFUL for Group 1 Crew and all of you who have loved and supported us since the very beginning!
Though I am leaving the group, a beautiful part in all of this is that Group 1 Crew will be continuing on. Manwell will be leading the group into their new season, and will keep giving you that great music that we all love so much. The vision that we carried together for years, remains the same today, and I know Manwell is going to give his all in keeping that vision alive. I too will be making new music of my own, and cannot wait to share it with you. So many of you have been a part of my journey thus far. Whether it's been me, as the "new girl" in Christian Music, the death of my Father, marrying my best friend, or the birth of my son, you all have been there to walk through it with me. This new season will just be the next chapter in our book together. I pray that you will continue to support Manwell and I in our new endeavors.
As I reflect on my time in Group 1 Crew, I’m at peace knowing that if I’ve ever touched a life, brought someone hope, or turned someone to Jesus, I’ve done my part. I have given you the best that I have, and can promise that I will continue to do the same in this next chapter. If I've learned anything in this process, it's that life is all about walking out of what’s comfortable and into the unknown. When God has called you to something you can't be afraid to step out. It's in those moments that you are challenged the most, God can use you the most and you truly understand the meaning of trusting Him. I love you all so very much, and want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your continual love, prayers and support!
Love,
Blanca E. Callahan

Superchick Releases Final Album On October 29; Includes Five Brand New Songs

On October 29, Grammy nominated Superchick will celebrate its legacy with the release of Recollection, a CD/DVD that combines five brand-new songs with 11 of the band's best-loved hits. The first single will be "Sunshine" on November 1, while "This Is The Time" is set to be featured in the upcoming film "God's Not Dead."

The new songs found on Recollection showcase a fresh sound for Superchick. And it's not just the production flourishes that stand out - the lyrics run deeper than typical pop bumper sticker sloganeering. The past year has been one of tragedy and loss for the band, marking the passing of Superchick's drummer, Chase Lovelace, after a battle with cancer. While many of the lyrics were written in hospital waiting rooms, the songs are still a celebration of life and hope.

"When he first started chemo, Chase called me to say, 'Don't finish the record without me; I'm coming back in the fall,'" Superchick's founder and band member Max Hsu recalls. "Some of Chase's rhythmic creativity lives on in these songs. These new songs are dedicated to his fighting optimism and I hope they honor his memory."

In addition to the new songs, Recollection takes listeners on a journey from the very first Superchick song ever written right through to the present day. What started in a basement in a Chicago suburb grew into a musical journey that lasted over a decade. From movies and TV shows to video games to radio charts, Superchick's brand of girl-power pop snuck its way into living rooms and headphones all over the world. Eleven of those hits were chosen personally by the band for Recollection, and most Superchick fans will find their favorites among them.

Lead Singer Departs Family Force 5

Family Force 5 has a devoted fan base that has faithfully followed the band for the last eight years. Throughout its career, the band has established itself as a successful artist, independently selling more than 250,000 units. The band shared a personal letter with its fans announcing the line-up change from frontman Solomon Olds to his brother (previously the drummer) Jacob Olds.

The band also announces new drummer Teddy Boldt to take Jacob's place as he transitions into the role as frontman for Family Force 5. The band is working on its fourth studio album, releasing in 2014, and Solomon will continue to help co-write with the band as he takes time to be at home pursuing other creative roles. He performed his last show as lead vocalist on Saturday in Shippensburg, PA.

    As a family that has played together and prayed together for countless years, we know that our fans expect Family Force 5 to continuously evolve. It is out of respect to that encouraging sentiment that we will be making changes in the line-up of Family Force 5. As of today, Solomon will be coming off the road, and Jacob will be transitioning into the position of lead singer.
    Our family, inclusive of our fans, has been blessed by the adventure of making music and performing globally for the last 8 years, and this development is a continuation of that journey: one that finds tremendous growth and change. Solomon will remain within arms reach, as he takes time to be at home with his wife and son, while also pursuing his creative ambitions of co-writing and remixing. In addition, he will continue to be a part of FF5's songwriting team, as we are daily creating new material that could potentially blow up your stereo speakers.
    Throughout the last several months, the five of us have been in Los Angeles writing and recording some of our best music to date, and we are thrilled to be moving toward the release of our fourth studio recording in early 2014. We are also proud to welcome our talented new drummer Teddy Boldt into the fold, and we look forward to hearing all of your remarks about his impressive drumming skills and his extraordinarily colorful suits. The new lineup has been hard at work in a sweaty rehearsal space, woodshedding in preparation of elevating the live show to levels that we previously considered impossible. Prepare yourself for dueling drum-beats and space-boot leans as we uncover the fun-loving, reinvigorated version of Family Force 5 that will make you remember why you fell in love with the band in the first place.
    Thank you for everything, and we look forward to getting cray with each and every one of you.
    Family Force 5 

Audio Adrenaline Says 'Adios' to Band Members

It looks as if two members of the newly reformed Audio Adrenaline are already saying “adios.” New Release Tuesday has learned that guitarist Dave Ghazarian and keyboardist/ secondary vocalist Jason Walker have quietly and by all reports amicably parted ways with the group to pursue other interests.

The details are slim, but according to band management (as well as singer Kevin Max), Walker is pursuing his solo career as a singer/songwriter, and Ghazarian also has other musical endeavors.

The announcement comes a year or so after the new incarnation of Audio Adrenaline appeared, boasting a who’s who from Christian bands, including representation from the original Audio A, dcTalk, Bleach, and Superchick.

The band moves forward with a new lineup, which includes guitarist Dwayne Larring, one of the producers on the Kings & Queens album who previously played in the Christian bands Seven Day Jesus and Sonicflood, as well as for Kelly Clarkson.

Meanwhile, the band's current single, "Believer" (which prominently features Walker's vocals), is impacting Christian radio.

read full article

Superchick Officially Retires

From the band's Facebook page:

Superchick is closing a chapter. The people you've seen on stage are taking a curtain bow. It's time to go exploring again. Everyone has new stories to write: Tricia has another solo record coming out, Dave is touring with Audio Adrenaline, Melissa started Rosebuds East, Matt is busy being a realtor/songwriter/daddy daycare and I've got plenty of projects to finish up, including a ThumpMonks record years in the making.
There are 5 brand new Superchick songs we will release into the wild soon. When he first started chemo, our drummer Chase called me to say, "Don't finish the record without me; I'm coming back in the fall." We managed to get a couple studio sessions with him and some of Chase's rhythmic creativity lives on in these songs. They are the last words in a sentence that was brought to a full stop by Chase's passing. These new songs are dedicated to his fighting optimism. They are some of the best we've done and I hope they honor his memory.

Read full letter here.

Bebo Norman Retiring from Music

 

Singer-songwriter Bebo Norman's applauded seventeen-year musical career is nearing its end. Norman has announced that as of the end of 2013, he will officially retire from everything music.

"For those closest to me, this really has been a decision that was years in the making, but after a lot of prayer and continued conversation, my wife Roshare and I made the final call back in December," shares Bebo. "And honestly I wasn't sure if I would be done right away, or what the exact timetable would be, but ultimately I decided that I really wanted to honor my label and publishing commitments through 2013 and tour this new record (Lights of Distant Cities) for at least a year from release just to make sure I "finish well."

In October 2012, Bebo released his last full-length studio release, Lights of Distant Cities, on BEC Recordings to much acclaim - as with all of his releases. Media called this album a "triumph," "beacon of hope," "stunning masterpiece" and one of his best pieces of work.

"Everything that I had left in my heart for music, I feel like I squeezed out and emptied into writing and recording this latest project, which I love so dearly. And to have had the chance to write and record such a personal record with my close friend and longtime live collaborator, multi-instrumentalist Gabe Scott, was the perfect way to finish out my recording career."

Pushing the fear of the unknown aside, Bebo knows he is following his heart just as he did 20 years ago when he entered into a musical career. As many may know, Bebo has often called himself an "accidental" musician as he turned away from his plans for medical school to a season of music. "The reality for me is that I don't have any one specific calling moving forward - I feel pulled in quite a few different directions, but none of them are music-related. I don't know that I really feel called to something else as much as I feel called away from music."



Cultivating a substantial national following as a self-supported independent artist in the mid-90's, Bebo became the poster child for Christian music's acoustic singer-songwriter revival with his 1999 major label debut, which landed Norman on the cover of CCM - a rare honor for a new artist. The follow-up, Big Blue Sky, was voted No. 1 Christian album of 2001 by the editors at Amazon. Myself When I Am Real (2002) earned seven Dove Award nods and charted the defining hit, "Great Light of the World." Projects Try (2004) and Between the Dreaming and the Coming True (2006) continued the steady climb. In 2007, Norman partnered with Seattle's BEC Recordings to release his first Christmas project that garnered another Dove nomination. In 2008, he released the critically acclaimed self-titled project. In 2010, Bebo received a Dove Award for "Inspirational Recorded Song" for his song "The Only Hope" from this self-titled project. His next project, Ocean, released in 2010 and explored the theme of finding one's real identity. Bebo resides in Franklin, Tennessee with his wife and two boys Smith and Miller.

Downhere Plays Final Concert

Downhere announced on their Facebook that they're playing their final concert tonight.

"Today we play our FINAL concert for the foreseeable future. We're excited to be closing things out where it all began, on the campus of Briercrest College. It feels like a fitting bookend to a fantastic journey.

Moving forward, we just wanted to give you all a quick update on what we're currently doing individually:

Jason
Aside from serving at his church in Nashville as an artist-in-residence, Jay has carved out a niche for himself as a mastering engineer. JasonGermain.com will be launching soon, so keep checking back (there's no link as there's currently nothing to see yet). We get to celebrate his daughter's first birthday this weekend with her - yet another dh family memory!

Marc
Hey everyone! Just wanted say things are going well. I just finished my second tour (already!) with the Queen Extravaganza. Got to fulfill a boyhood dream of playing in the same arena as the Montreal Canadiens. Wow! Thanks for your continued prayers and support. Always especially nice to see some of you at the QE shows. It blesses me more than you can know. My EP is out! You can find it on iTunes by searching my name. Excited also to put out a full-length album later this year. But right now looking forward to getting back on stage one more time with the guys for our last show (for a while) at the place of Downhere's beginnings. Hope you all are well!

Glenn
Life has changed dramatically for Sherri and I over the past 8 to 9 months. I have accepted a job as Director of Worship Arts at the Williamsburg Community Chapel in Williamsburg, Virginia. My role there is to provide oversight and direction to the entire worship service. Not exactly the same as planning a rock and roll tour but there are definitely skills that overlap, like producing videos and lyric slides and of course arranging, planning and leading the music. One of the major benefits is that I still get to bring my friends in as musical guests from time to time so although I am not on the road I'm still able to bring the road to me! In the next month we'll have Marc, Jason Gray and Andrew Peterson! If you are ever in the area to visit Colonial Williamsburg or Virginia Beach come on out and say hi! Thanks for your prayers and support - stick with us to get us through one more weekend. :) Hope to see you out there!

Jeremy
Funny… as I write this I'm listening through a rough recording of our Farewell Tour set in preparation for tomorrow's show - a full rehearsal will not be possible. And - I'm sure not by chance - the song I'm on right now is "Let Me Rediscover You". I feel like that's what I've been doing over the last couple of months. There's a part of me that wishes I had a simple, concrete answer for you as far as what this new season looks like for my family: "I am working for _____ doing ____." The truth is that _____ has still not been answered. But had that question been answered when I first started asking it, I would have missed out on the gift of the past months. I have enjoyed a season of rediscovery - rediscovering who God is and His desire for me to pursue both Him and holiness above everything else, and rediscovering my family and what it's like to be a father with a "normal" schedule. Liam has turned 4, Karis will celebrate her 3rd birthday in a couple of weeks, and baby #3 will make his arrival sometime mid-April. Erin and I continue to ask the Lord for direction (read Luke 18 and the parable of the Persistent Widow - a good reminder for us all), and He continues to provide in unexpected ways. Thanks for your continued prayers and support - we (the Erin-and-I "we" as well as the Downhere "we") have felt them in very tangible ways over the years and are grateful for your investment in our personal and professional lives.

Well, there you have it. We will do our best to keep you updated as life goes on - and hope to see you at a Downhere show at some point down the road!

Jeremy, on behalf of the guys

Follow Us on Twitter:
Marc - @marcmartel
Glenn - @glennlavender
Jeremy - @normalrockstar
Downhere - @downhere"

Member Changes Announced for Disciple

Rock band Disciple recently released a brand new album, O God Save Us All, but there are a few significant changes happening with the band's lineup. Guitarist Micah Sannan and Bassist Israel Beachy have departed the band, and vocalist/frontman Kevin Young has announced a couple of fill-in members for 2013...

"Tonight in Germany will be the last show with our beloved friends Micah & Israel. Micah is leaving the band to pursue his passion of recording & producing. Israel, a new father, is coming off the road to be near his family. Micah & Israel have been a strong foundation in this band for the last 5 years and have made life very easy for me and the other guys because of their hard work ethic and stress-free environment they create. They will be sorely missed.

I know that their departure will raise some questions, so I will try to answer some of them now. Disciple will continue on with me and Trent. We are very excited about the players that will be joining us for our Spring tour: Rich Ward on Lead Guitar (Fozzy/Stuck Mojo), Josiah Prince on Guitar (Philmont), and Jason Wilkes on Bass (Lead Singer of High Flight Society). So tonight marks the end of an era as we say farewell to the "Beard" and "The Backflip." Please join me in this post as we thank Micah & Israel for their service to this ministry for the last 5 years, and pray that God will richly bless them in the future - Kevin"

BarlowGirl To Retire After Release Of Final Song on October 30

14-time Dove Award nominated band BarlowGirl is retiring after the release of their final song, "Hope Will Lead Us On," on October 30. As their fans have been instrumental in their success, the sister trio want them to conduct their final interview. On October 29, live via Ustream, the band will perform a few of their hits acoustically, take questions from their fans and premiere their final song, "Hope Will Lead Us On," (Ustream link).

Since releasing their self-titled debut in 2004, BarlowGirl has sold over one million albums, received 14 Dove Award nominations and accumulated four No. 1 singles on the Christian radio. Their poignant 2005 hit, "I Need You To Love Me," topped the charts for 13 weeks in 2005 making it the longest No. 1 single in Christian Hit Radio chart history. With a wonderful run, the sisters are ready to leave on a high note.

"The last 10 years as BarlowGirl has been one of the most incredible adventures we have ever been on," said Alyssa, Lauren and Rebecca. "We could not have imagined this journey without our incredible supportive fans who waited in lines to get into shows, called radio stations to play our music, watched all of our ridiculous podcasts, bought or sent us hundreds of pounds of chocolate and encouraged us the entire way. We are so honored to have shared our dream with you. Thank you for being a part of it."

On October 29, fans can log on to Ustream to submit questions. In addition, the sisters will play a few acoustic songs and will premiere "Hope Will Lead Us On" via a lyric video. The following day, their final song will be available at all digital retailers. Alyssa, Lauren and Rebecca Barlow also personally wanted to be the ones to notify their fans of their retirement. To do so, they have drafted a letter that fans can read at barlowgirl.com.

Flyleaf's New CD 'New Horizons' Will Be Last With Current Lead Singer

Flyleaf announced the departure of long time singer Lacey Sturm today. The band's final album with Lacey, New Horizons, will be out on October 30. Kristen May, formerly of the band Vedera, will be stepping in as the band's lead singer for tour dates in support of the new CD.

Lacey commented on her departure:

"I have been beyond blessed to be in Flyleaf for the past ten years, touring with 4 amazing men and the Flyleaf crew, whom I love like my flesh and blood family. They have all given so much. It took everyone on our team to make the beauty in Flyleaf possible. I am honored to have met so many wonderful people who love Flyleaf music all over the world. Your incredible stories continue to inspire me. I am very thankful to have recently become a mom to one of the greatest blessings of my life, my son Jack. You may have also heard that we recently lost our brilliant sound engineer, Rich Caldwell, in a devastating car accident. Now, more than ever, I understand the phrase Memento Mori. I understand that, for me, living life to the fullest in this season means to step down as the lead singer for Flyleaf. I wish the best to Jared, Pat, Sameer and James and I know that as I continue to pursue the highest heights of what I am created for, it will free them all to pursue that for themselves too. 

The guys will continue to tour and write music together. I'm so very grateful that they are able to do what they desire and that there is a beautiful and talented, warm hearted girl like Kristen May to sing for them. Because of this, you will all get a chance to see a new Flyleaf show and support the new album. 

As I take this first step on a new journey, I pray that each one of you would pursue your highest calling with reckless abandon as well, understanding that sometimes the fullness of life comes in doing things that are only understood by you, God, and the special people God has put in your life that truly love you for you… not for what you do, but for who you are. I love you guys so much and in many ways, I will stay in touch. May God bless you all with healthy hearts, full of courage to weather the journey to your own New Horizons."