Chris Tomlin’s “Love Ran Red Tour” Raises More Than $700K to Fund Child Surgeries with CURE International
May 19, 2015 Artist Updates
|
|
|
|
POPULAR CCM GROUP THE KATINAS RELEASES NEW SINGLE
May 19, 2015 Artist Updates
Upbeat Worship Song “Alive” Playing at Christian Radio |
|
|
May 19, 2015 (Nashville, Tenn.) – Popular CCM band The Katinas releases “Alive,” the second single from the group’s current CD, Sunday Set, to AC and CHR-formatted Christian radio stations today. The Dove-award winning five-man band adds its unique vocals to the new arrangement of this popular worship song, written by Aodhan King and Alexander Pappas. “We have been fans of this song from Hillsong Young and Free since its release in 2013,” says James Katina. “Our prayer is that the Katinas’ version will continue the song’s tradition of blessing those who hear it.” The band has been touring heavily since the release of Sunday Set. The Katinas Alaska Tour kicks off June 3, with future dates in Washington, New York, New Jersey, California and Colorado. For a complete tour schedule, visit thekatinas.com/tour. The release of “Alive” follows the debut single, “10,000 Reasons,” which played on more than 200 radio outlets and hit No. 1 on CRC Weekly (ChristianRadioChart.com) and No. 1 on CRC Monthly. A video for “10,000 Reasons” is available at YouTube at https://youtu.be/NVw4swBmQRs. Sunday Set, featuring signature arrangements of 10 popular worship songs, is available at iTunes (digital) and thekatinas.com (physical CDs). Todd Collins, who was one the producers for the first three albums released by the Katinas on Gotee Records, produced Sunday Set, with Steve Lotz mixing the record. For more information about The Katinas, visit thekatinas.com. |
EVA K IMPACTS iTUNES WITH NEW SONG, “SPOKEN FOR”
May 19, 2015 Artist Updates
|
Singer/Songwriter Multi-instrumentalist Taps Into Fresh Creativity For Her Distinctively Pop Single
|
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 19, 2015) – “Spoken For,” the latest retail single from Eva Kroon Pike, reveals a fresh side of the singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist that her previous releases have only hinted at. Available now via digital download from such online stores as iTunes and Amazon.com, “Spoken For” boasts a distinctly pop vibe that reflects another side of her personality, style and sound. While longtime fans of her music will easily recognize her distinctive vocals and unmistakable musical fingerprints on the song, they might be a bit surprised by the artist’s new moniker, Eva K. “‘Eva Kroon Pike’ is a mouthful to say!” Eva K laughs. “We thought the occasion of releasing a new song with a fun, pop-oriented sound would be a great time to unveil a new stage name, Eva K, that rolls more easily off the tongue.” “Spoken For,” the new retail single, is a bouncy, joyous, roll-down-the-windows and crank-up-the-volume pop anthem that showcases Eva K’s captivating vocals. She credits producer Conrad Johnson with providing just the right balance of shimmering pop instrumentation with a hint of rock ‘n’ roll to undergird the song’s encouraging message of hope and redemption. “I actually had no intention of writing a new song when we went into the studio,” she remembers. “I expected to do some work on an older song, but after talking with Conrad, we both felt the time was right to explore a new musical direction that had been welling up in my heart. God led me to re-examine the focus of my ministry and “Spoken For” was born.” The singer/songwriter is quick to point out that she is not abandoning her AC/Inspirational roots. “My earlier projects were more oriented toward inspirational radio,” she acknowledges. “I still love that genre, and will continue to perform those songs. But pop music is another side of my personality that I’ve always loved, and I’m thrilled to be able to move in that direction as an artist as well.” “Spoken For” is available now for digital download. For more information about “Spoken For” or Eva K, visit evaksings.com. |
|
About Eva K:
“Music is my passion,” says Eva K, who has been singing since age 3 and also plays the guitar and piano. During her career, she has performed in front of thousands of people and has shared the stage with the likes of Anne Graham Lotz, Mark Harris, Babbie Mason, Third Day and Tenth Avenue North.
Eva K says her ministry is about “spreading the Gospel, one song at a time.” She believes that God has a plan for her life and that He chose, through her adoption as an infant, a very special family for her to grow up in to learn life’s lessons. Her heart’s desire is to point people to her loving Father who sent His Son to die so that everyone who believes in Him will live eternally. She focuses on the theme of adoption in her song, “Grace That Chose Me,” in which she sings, “If I’m anything close to what I’m meant to be, I owe it to the hands of Grace that chose me.” Eva K’s current video, “Grace That Chose Me,” has aired at UP TV (formerly Gospel Music Channel) and has been featured at various events, including the Florida Baptist Convention. Eva K, who has experienced firsthand the blessings of being adopted into a loving Christian home, is an outspoken advocate for adoption. She has partnered with the Florida Baptist Children’s Home, a Christ-centered organization that provides services for abused, neglected, and orphaned children, where she helps to promote the organization’s adoption and other ministry services to hurting children and families. Eva K’s current EP, Love Is All About You, produced by six-time Dove Award winning producer and songwriter Don Koch (producer for Avalon, 4HIM, and many others; songwriter credits include classics “In Christ Alone,” “Adonai” and “Mercy Said No”), was released in 2013. It is the singer/songwriter’s fourth recording project. Her current radio single is “Born To Run.” Eva and her husband, Jonny, live in Central Florida with their two young sons. For more information about Eva K and Love is All About You, visit evaksings.com. |
WILLOW SPRAGUE, DAUGHTER OF DOVE WINNER BILLY SPRAGUE, RELEASES DEBUT RADIO SINGLE
May 19, 2015 Artist Updates
|
‘Overflow,’ the Second Single from Billy Sprague’s Recently Released CD, Songs in the Key of Awe, Impacts Radio Today |
NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. (May 19, 2015) – Willow Sprague, daughter of beloved multi-Dove Award winning recording artist and worship leader Billy Sprague, is set to release her very first radio single, “Overflow.” The second single from Billy Sprague’s latest musical project, Songs in the Key of Awe, “Overflow” goes for adds today through A-Sides Radio Promotion.
Willow illuminates this tender, vertically-directed prayer for anointing with her fresh and inviting alto voice, making it keenly personal, yet open and inviting. With its lilting cadence and wistful lyrics, “Overflow” is equal parts intimate prayer and corporate worship. “This song created one of the high points of my life,” says proud papa, Billy Sprague, “to see and hear my daughter deliver her heart and musical gift in the studio like she was born for it. On our cross-country move to Florida in August of 2014, we spent four days recording in Nashville. Willow stood at the mic and delivered every day, spectacular background vocals on half a dozen songs and two lead vocals. During the final days of recording, “Overflow” was the pinnacle of the week – and a Mount Everest experience for me. As you listen, I think you will hear what I mean, and be moved to make this song your own prayer.” “Overflow” is available on Billy Sprague’s CD, Songs in the Key of Awe, which is distributed by Elevate Entertainment. For more information about Willow Sprague, “Overflow,” Billy Sprague and Songs in the Key of Awe, visit billyspraguemusic.com. |
About Willow Sprague: At age 11, she formed the vocal group Harmony Park with three friends in Denver. Together they performed hymns and pop songs and even sang the national anthem for NBA fans at several Denver Nuggets basketball games. The talented pre-teens caught the attention of America’s Got Talent, which flew them to Atlanta to perform on the popular TV show, and two years later they brought 5,000 people to their feet in front of the X-Factor judges in Kansas City. Willow’s captivating voice adds harmonies and background vocals to many of the songs on Songs in the Key of Awe, her dad’s recently released worship project. She adds background vocals to many of the songs on the CD and shines on lead vocal on two titles: “Overflow,” her first CCM radio single, and “Only Jesus” a modern, Celtic-like hymn.
Willow lives with her parents, her two younger brothers, Wyatt and Sawyer and their dog she named, Lucy Loo Hoo, in New Smyrna Beach, Florida.
Multi-Dove Award winner Billy Sprague is an accomplished songwriter, performer, author and recording artist. His songs, which include the classic “Via Dolorosa,” have been recorded by such well-known artists as Sandi Patti, Debbie Boone, BeBe & CeCe Winans, Susan Ashton and John McDermot.
Currently serving as Worship Leader at Edgewater Alliance Church in Edgewater, Florida, Sprague balances family life with worship leading, speaking, writing and retreats. He currently lives in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. with his wife, Kellie, and their three children, Willow, Wyatt and Sawyer, and their dog, Lucy Loo Hoo.
Sprague’s latest recording project is Songs in the Key of Awe. For more information, visit
About Songs in the Key of Awe: While Songs in the Key of Awe is jam-packed with great songs, Sprague encourages listeners to experience the whole album from start to finish. “From the opening sound of a bird taking flight to the final notes of “Reflection in A,” the songs, pace and spaces are intended to create room for you to ‘breathe deep of His grace’ as one song lyric puts it,” he muses. “I pray this music helps amplify your awe of the Lord, His creation and redeeming touch on your own grace story.” Songs in the Key of Awe was birthed out of Sprague’s eight-year stint as Worship Leader and Director of Momentum for a multi-campus church in north Denver, Colorado. During his tenure, Sprague wrote more than 100 songs. “I’m prompted by the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25 which says the Lord expects me (and you) to do something with what He has entrusted to us,” he explains. “My goal was to harvest the best crop from that field to include on this CD.” Funded through the innovative crowd-sourced Kickstarter program, fan donations shattered Sprague’s initial goal of $20,000 in half the allotted time, and ultimately provided more than $35,000 toward the project’s production costs. The remarkable outpouring of support far exceeded Sprague’s expectations. “So many gracious people shaped, supported and made this happen,” he said. “We are humbled and grateful. In the midst of a jam-packed year of change, challenge and blessing, at last here it is!”
# # #
|
Jason Alvarez Returns with New Gospel Album, Four Decades After First Topping Worldwide Pop and Dance Charts
May 16, 2015 Artist Updates, New Release
The music industry first came to know Jason Alvarez (who briefly went by his birth name Jesus) as the husky voiced singer of R&B act Brother to Brother (whose In the Bottle moved over a million copies in 1974), followed by his partnership with singer/songwriter Sylvia Robinson in the groundbreaking group Shirley & Company, who topped the worldwide dance charts with the #1 international hit Shame Shame Shame in 1975. That song is commonly considered the early blueprint for the disco explosion that dominated the decade.
We really were ahead of the curve and it was definitely a pioneering moment, starting with that drum beat, which was so simple, but definitely an innovator for sure the way it was combined with Shirleys high voice and me screaming my brains out, says Alvarez with a laugh, who also struck gold with the groups follow-up hit Cry Cry Cry. We did a ton of touring, especially through Europe, and went on all of the TV programs of the time alongside Mick Jagger, Patti LaBelle and Elton John, which was just as amazing as it sounds.
With the fame, wealth and pressures of being a superstar came an addiction to drugs that nearly cost Alvarez his life. He recalls sitting on the top floor of a swanky London hotel with fellow songwriter Scott English, whose Barry Manilow hit Mandy was sitting at #2 as Alvarez Shame Shame Shame claimed the top spot.
He looked at me, passed me a joint and said is this all there is to life man? and that made me start thinking, admits Alvarez, who in his stoned state experienced a heightened sense of despair. So I started thinking about taking my own life and even wrote out a suicide letter, but when I looked down from that penthouse window and saw how far it was down, I decided to wait until I got back to the U.S. to do it another way.
At one point I bought a pound of opium and tried to kill myself by smoking day and night, but thank God I didnt succeed. It just so happens that around that time, my wife had given herself to Jesus and started going to church by the grace of God. I remember saying to her one night, are you going to that crazy place? and when she said yes, I actually asked her if she needed a ride. I dropped her off and sat in the car smoking a Columbian joint, but I felt so bummed out by myself that I eventually walked in. Right then and there, I heard the Gospel and how Jesus died to save us from our sins and I said to my wife have you been talking to this preacher about me? She said no, Ive never mentioned what youre going through, so it must be the Holy Spirit. I responded, gave my life to the Lord and have never been the same since.
Alvarez soon signed with Christian music label Light Records, with Andraé Crouch collaborator Bill Cole producing his album, Just Give Me Jesus. He started extensively touring with evangelists R.W. Schambach and Nicky Cruz. I got really turned on to the things of God, so much so that I eventually decided to quit music to preach the gospel and start churches.
Ordained in 1982, Alvarez currently serves as the pastor of The Love of Jesus Family Church in Orange, New Jersey. While he remains committed to his primary responsibility as a pastor, hes also committed to taking Time For Miracles to the masses.
Best described as a praise and worship album, Time For Miracles will surprise listeners with its versatility, ranging from acoustic anthems to Gospel grooves. Theres even a guest appearance by fellow church member Kory-O of Sugar Hill Gang fame (the groups Rappers Delight scored the rap genres first ever Top 40 hit on Billboard Hot 100).
Gods greatest asset is transparency and Hes not afraid to show who he really is, says Alvarez. Nothing in the Bible is hidden, which is why I dont have a problem sharing each and every dirty detail of my life. My life is amazing now that Im saved and I hope that being honest about all Ive been though can potentially help someone else.
For more information, visit the official website at www.jamm.org.
Track Listing for Time for Miracles:
1) Miracles (feat. Kory-O & Osmond Collins)
2) The Great I Am (feat. Osmond Collins)
3) Magnificent
4) Everlasting Love
5) Te Quiero
6) Let Thy Kingdom
7) Como No Creer
8) You’re Beautiful
Jimmy Needham Releases Lyric Video for Spoken Word Fan-Favorite The Story
May 16, 2015 Artist Updates
Needham describes The Story as the Gospel in five minutes.
The Story was the first track I wrote for Vice & Virtue, says Needham. I actually wrote it as a piece for a friend’s wedding. I’ve always loved slam poetry and have historically ended my albums with a spoken word track. This was the first time that we incorporated music into it. The music helped to really make it a piece of art I’ve never tried before.
Watch The Story on YouTube: http://tinyurl.com/NeedhamTheStory
Watch Vice & Virtue on YouTube: http://tinyurl.com/ViceAndVirtue
For more information, visit the official website at www.jimmyneedham.com.
“God’s Not Dead” Film Producer Launches National Christian Music Tour
May 16, 2015 Artist Updates, Tour
|
|
|
Owl City Announces New Album Mobile Orchestra
May 16, 2015 Artist Updates, New Release
|
|
|
Blanca Reaches No. 1 on Billboard Hot AC/CHR Chart with Debut Single
May 16, 2015 Artist Updates
|
|
|
CHERI KEAGGY SAILS THE HIGH SEAS ALONGSIDE DR. KEVIN LEMAN AND DR. LUIS PALAU
May 16, 2015 Artist Updates
|
Popular Singer/Songwriter Already Slated as Musical Guest On 2016 Wit & Wisdom Cruise
|
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 13, 2015) – Dove Award-winning singer/songwriter and speaker Cheri Keaggy provided music during the recently concluded Wit & Wisdom Cruise. The seven-day voyage to the Virgin Islands also featured New York Times best-selling author Dr. Kevin Leman (The Birth Order Book, Have a New Kid by Friday), international speaker and author Dr. Luis Palau and comedian Dennis Swanberg. Keaggy impressed the cruise producers so much that they have already invited her back for next year’s voyage.
“It was a real joy to work with Cheri Keaggy on the recent Wit & Wisdom Cruise hosted by Dr. Kevin Leman,” says Jeff Templeton of Templeton Tours, Inc. “The combination of her vocals and the anointed lyrics in her songs were truly a blessing to the group. We look forward to sailing with Cheri again on the 2016 Wit & Wisdom cruise.”
“We love Cheri’s heart and her music,” adds Leman. “She’s always real and accessible. We’re excited to have her cruising with us again next year.”
“What a treat it was to have my mom and sister join me on the cruise,” says Keaggy. “We all three shared a cabin and had so much fun together. I’ve sailed with Kevin (Leman) and his sweet wife before. They’ve been such a blessing to me through the years. I also loved hearing Luis’ teachings and Dennis’ hilarious stories. We definitely had our fill of good food and laughter!”
Voyagers not only enjoyed stops at picturesque ports of call like St. Maarten, St. Thomas and Princess Cays, but also had the opportunity to participate in teaching sessions by Leman and Palau, and were entertained by Keaggy and Swanberg.
Plans are already underway for the 2016 Wit & Wisdom Cruise, which will include featured speakers Dr. Kevin Leman and Dr. Tim Kimmel, comedian Dennis Swanberg, and musical guest Cheri Keaggy. The 7-night cruise departs from Ft Lauderdale, Florida on February 21 and will visit Grand Turk, San Juan, St. Maarten and Half Moon Cay. For for more information about the cruise, visit templetontours.com/wit_n_wisdom_cruise/index.shtml.
|
