FRANCESCA BATTISTELLI HITS NO. 1 ON FIVE CHARTS SIMULTANEOUSLY
Jun 29, 2015 Artist Updates
‘Holy Spirit’ is third straight chart-topper from fan-favorite album If We’re Honest
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – (June 26, 2015) – Francesca Battistelli’s 2014 album If We’re Honest has yielded its third consecutive No. 1 single as “Holy Spirit” reaches the top of five charts in an astounding 13 weeks.
“Holy Spirit” raced up the charts even faster than previous multi-week No. 1’s, “Write Your Own Story” and “He Knows My Name,” bringing her career total to five chart-topping songs.
“I’m truly in awe of what God is doing through this song,” Battistelli said. “The cry of my heart is for His presence to saturate my life, and it’s beautiful to share that prayer with so many others who want more of Him. Bryan and Katie Torwalt wrote an incredible song, and I’m honored to get to sing it!”
The new No. 1 continues quite the run for Battistelli this spring. She recently won the fan-voted Female Artist of the Year award at the KLOVE Fan Awards where she performed “Holy Spirit” with the song’s writers – the Torwalts are well-known worship leaders. She also performed for nearly 600,000 fans on the Winter Jam 2015 tour. In addition, she received her first Billboard Music Awards nomination for the No. 1 song, “He Knows My Name.”
Battistelli was already a rising star in the Christian music world with more than 1.5 million units sold, six Dove Awards and three Grammy Award nominations. But If We’re Honest has pushed her to a new level.
“Holy Spirit” reached the top of the BDS National Christian Audience, AC Monitored, AC Indicator, and Soft AC charts and Mediabase’s Christian AC chart.
Battistelli will be performing select solo and festival dates over the summer. For more information or to buy tickets, visit www.FrancescaMusic.com and follow @francescamusic on Twitter and Instagram.
About Word Entertainment
A leader in the music industry for over 60 years, Word Entertainment, a Warner/Curb company, is a unique, comprehensive faith-based company comprised of multi-faceted artist service departments including publishing, merchandising, booking and online initiatives. Word Entertainment represents some of the top names and brands in music, including About A Mile, Meredith Andrews, Chris August, Francesca Battistelli, Big Daddy Weave, Blanca, Jason Castro, Everfound, Family Force 5, Jon Foreman, for KING & COUNTRY, Group 1 Crew, Love & The Outcome, Dara Maclean, NEEDTOBREATHE, Point of Grace, Sidewalk Prophets, Skillet, Stars Go Dim, Switchfoot, VERIDIA, We Are Messengers, We As Human and Zealand Worship, and is home to 25 Entertainment, Word Distribution (representing Curb Records and Big Idea/VeggieTales among others), Word Church Resources, Word Films, Word Music Publishing and Word Label Group’s Word Records, Word Worship and Fervent Records.
CREATION FESTIVALS GOES WORLDWIDE WITH LIVE STREAMING
Jun 29, 2015 Tour
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2015 Creation NE Evening Programming to Live Stream All Week |
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (June 25, 2015) – Creation Festivals partners Pastor Harry Thomas (Co-Founder and Executive Producer) and Troy Duhon (Executive Producer) are thrilled to announce an exciting new component of Creation Festival Northeast: live streaming! For the first time ever, the evening programming will be live streamed/simulcast. Creation Festivals is joining forces with Blue Scout Media and University of Valley Forge to produce the live streaming programming. Blue Scout Media, which has produced such major live streamed events as Disney’s Night of Joy and WinterJam, among others, is a Waco, Texas-based communications services company with a wealth of experience producing and distributing live coverage of everything from large multi-stage, multi-day festivals to intimate coffee shop shows. The Creation Fest programming will be streamed via Blue Scout Media’s Stagehop.com platform (stagehop.com/creationfest). “We believe the addition of live streaming will allow Creation Fest to go worldwide, In doing so, we expect to expand our mission from reaching tens of thousands to potentially hundreds of thousands of people with the Gospel during the course of the week,” explains Duhon. Creation Festivals currently produces four of the largest outdoor Christian Music Festivals in the country, including Creation Festival Northeast (Pennsylvania), Sonshine Festival
“My Healthy Church is thrilled to be the live stream partner because of our passion to equip and enable the local church to effectively present the Gospel in their world. We have partnered with Heath Adamson, author of The Bush Always Burns, to help end the greatest injustice in our world: that a person could live and die without the opportunity to know Jesus. This worldwide movement, called The Human Right, unites Christians to rise from apathy to action; entitlement to responsibility; and silence to advocacy. Heath Adamson, throughout the festival, will be calling individuals to encounter Jesus and inviting them to join The Human Right movement.” “Over the years Creation has seen tens of thousands of lives changed by Jesus Christ at these festivals, and we see them continuing as powerful outreaches to bring the active and living Gospel of Christ to people of all generations,” says Thomas. “We have dedicated ourselves to use music, the spoken word, film, the arts and now advanced live streaming technology to spread the Gospel. “Premier destinations, combined with our continued commitment to excellence that offer great ministry and outreach, enhanced experiences, added value, and better convenience, guarantee your time at a Creation Festival will be the highlight of your summer, and maybe your life!” continues Thomas. For more information, visit creationfest.com. To view the Live Simulcast, go to stagehop.com/creationfest. |
| About Creation Festivals:
Creation Festivals is the oldest and one of the largest operators of Christian music festivals in the United States. We exist to present the Gospel through music, teaching and any other creative means so that those attending will be drawn to salvation and discipleship in Christ. We come together by the thousands to “Give Tribute to Our Creator” and to allow His Spirit to birth many as “new Creations” in Jesus Christ who will love and serve Him. Dates for 2015: Creation Festival Northeast: June 24-27 (Mt. Union, Pennsylvania) For more information visit creationfest.com, sonshinefestival.com and |
Matt Redman’s Unbroken Praise Tops Billboard Christian Albums Chart
Jun 29, 2015 Artist Updates, New Release
Nashville, Tenn. (June 24, 2015) Unbroken Praise, the newest release from double-GRAMMY ® winner Matt Redman, has garnered the top spot on the Billboard Christian Albums Chart. Unbroken Praise marks Redman’s second, consecutive debut to take the No. 1 place on the chart upon it’s release.
Unbroken Praise was heralded by sold-out tour dates, a constant spot a top the iTunes ® Christian and Gospel Chart and critics praising it as “highly anticipated,” “incredible” and “one of the best albums of the year.” Outlets like Beliefnet and Guideposts have chronicled the making of Redman’s latest. The newest album features 11 songs recorded live at the iconic Abbey Road Studios, including “King Of My Soul” and the current radio single, “It Is Well With My Soul.”
Continuing to take his music all around the globe, Redman will be bringing Unbroken Praise and his other well known songs to audiences in the U.S. and abroad throughout the rest of 2015, including Chris Tomlin’s Worship Night in America, which will bring people across the country together for a time of worship and prayer for the nation. Events will take place Aug. 8 in New York City’s Madison Square Garden, Aug. 13 in Denver’s Red Rocks Amphitheater and Aug. 15 in Sacramento’s Sleep Train Arena. To see Redman’s latest tour schedule, click here.
ABOUT MATT REDMAN:
Matt Redman is a key songwriter for today’s church and active worship leader for Passion conferences around the world. Leading a generation of worshipers, his songs have been recorded by Chris Tomlin, Michael W. Smith, David Crowder*Band, Israel Houghton, Jeremy Camp, Jesus Culture and Passion, among others. Redman has over 40 songs in the CCLI Top 500, with six populating the Top 500. Among his powerful well known songs, “10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord)” earned Redman his first two GRAMMY® awards, was certified RIAA Platinum and named ASCAP’s “Christian Music Song of the Year” and “Top Christian Song” at the Billboard Music Awards. Your Grace Finds Me debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Christian Albums Chart and in the Top 30 on the Billboard 200. Most recently, his long awaited new album Unbroken Praise debuted atop the Billboard Christian Albums Chart.
Matt Redman is a key songwriter for today’s church and active worship leader for Passion conferences around the world. Leading a generation of worshipers, his songs have been recorded by Chris Tomlin, Michael W. Smith, David Crowder*Band, Israel Houghton, Jeremy Camp, Jesus Culture and Passion, among others. Redman has over 40 songs in the CCLI Top 500, with six populating the Top 500. Among his powerful well known songs, “10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord)” earned Redman his first two GRAMMY® awards, was certified RIAA Platinum and named ASCAP’s “Christian Music Song of the Year” and “Top Christian Song” at the Billboard Music Awards. Your Grace Finds Me debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Christian Albums Chart and in the Top 30 on the Billboard 200. Most recently, his long awaited new album Unbroken Praise debuted atop the Billboard Christian Albums Chart.
ABOUT sixstepsrecords:
Founded in 2000 by Louie Giglio, sixstepsrecords is a worship label and a division of Passion Conferences. sixstepsrecords’ artists include Chris Tomlin (Love Ran Red), Crowder (Neon Steeple), Matt Redman (Unbroken Praise), Christy Nockels (Let It Be Jesus), Kristian Stanfill (Mountains Move) and Passion (Passion: Even So Come). The label partners with Sparrow Records/Capitol Christian Music Group for A&R, marketing, sales and distribution operations. For more information on sixstepsrecords, visit: www.sixstepsrecords.com.
Stay Connected with Matt Redman
Website // www.mattredman.com
Facebook // www.facebook.com/officialmattredman
Twitter // www.twitter.com/matt_redman
Instagram // www.instagram.com/mattredmanmusic
YouTube // www.youtube.com/officialmattredman
Website // www.mattredman.com
Facebook // www.facebook.com/officialmattredman
Twitter // www.twitter.com/matt_redman
Instagram // www.instagram.com/mattredmanmusic
YouTube // www.youtube.com/officialmattredman
Laura Kaczor Announces July 10th Release Date for Ian Eskelin-Produced Fourth Album
Jun 29, 2015 Artist Updates, New Release
The new album is deeply personal to Kaczor, birthed in trials, fears and struggles, but full of hope, faith and trust found in the unfailing, unconditional love of a Savior that restores us. That theme of restoration emerges throughout the album, but most notably in the first radio single, Forever, which is a powerful song of commitment, surrender, salvation and the Lords faithfulness.
The song We Dont Always Understand has proven to be the most emotional songs on the album. Written with Amy Lewis Strother, the song speaks about the inevitable losses and hurts that we all experience in life, such as the grief that comes from losing a child. The chorus echoes, Keep on believing God is good in all things, we dont always understand. He has a plan.
Little did Kaczor know that the song would soon strengthen her and her husband Kelly through a difficult pregnancy and then the open heart surgery of their precious son Samuel.
My sweet Samuel, the joy of my life, born with a hole in his heart, was the reason I was on my knees for most of 2014, says Kaczor. I want to thank my Heavenly Father for seeing me through the most challenging year of my life and speaking to my heart through the most difficult times. I want this album to give others a message of faith, hope and strength, no matter what they are going through.
Restore Me is the follow-up to 2010s Love Enough (LifeThirst/Universal), which was produced by multi-Dove Award-winner Don Koch (NewSong, Phillips, Craig & Dean, Avalon). The album gave her four Top 25 Billboard radio hits with 10 consecutive weeks in Billboards Top 20 and led NewReleaseTuesday to name her as one of the Top 10 new female Christian artists.
Music is such a huge part of our world, and it is one of the most effective mediums for communicating a message, says Kaczor. Ive always felt that songs that speak to the human condition, and offer hope, purpose and beauty, should not be limited to the church. I want my music to communicate Gods love to a broken world – and an amazingly diverse world it is! Its awesome to see how music can bridge generational and cultural barriers, and touch the heart of a person. That is what excites me the most, and keeps me singing every day.
Track Listing for Restore Me:
1) Forever
2) You Know
3) Restore Me
4) We Dont Always Understand
5) Rain Down
6) Once and For All
7) Only You
8) You Make Me Brave
9) If the Path Was Straight
10) Greater
For more information, connect with Laura Kaczor online:
laurakaczor.com
lifethirst.org
facebook.com/laurakaczormusic
twitter.com/laurakzor
FLAME to Release Forward 7.17.15
Jun 29, 2015 New Release
FLAME to Release Forward 7.17.15
With a music career that has spanned over a decade, Christian Hip Hop artist FLAME adds an 8th album to his discography. His last album, Royal Flush, released in 2013 and garnered a Dove nomination for Rap/Hip-Hop Album of the Year. The album included hit single, “Start Over” which received nearly 2 million views on YouTube and radio play on contemporary urban stations. This summer, hip-hop fans will be able to get there hands on FLAME’s newest album titled Forward.
Forward is set to release July 17, 2015. “The world is changing at such a rapid speed that it is important for us to evaluate what is happening and to consider what would be the best way to move Forward. In this album, I discuss the global climate as well as the climate in America and how we can move forward by engaging culture with the gospel,” stated FLAME.
Sonically, Forward is true to hip-hop with little fusion from other genres. The album includes a variety of hip-hop styles from bass heavy to contemplative tracks. “One of the first things you will notice is that there aren’t many features on the album. I had so much on my heart that by the time I felt like I got everything out, there was little room left,” he chuckled. “I think people will be listening to the album for a long time with all of the content that’s in there.”
Themes include the necessity to move forward, which is communicated in songs “1st Freedom,” “Know the Times,” “Positively Eternal,” and “Believe That,” a bass heavy track with a live performance feel. Songs such as “Move Forward” and “We Gon’ Reign” provides the listener with motivation and encouragement to move forward in the midst of challenges. The album also includes the song “Let it Shine” featuring a powerful performance by Dove-nominated gospel artist Melinda Watts.
Colton Dixon’s “Through All Of It” Music Video To Premiere Monday on FoxNews.com
Jun 21, 2015 Artist Updates, New Release
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Unbroken Praise, Latest from GRAMMY ® Winner Matt Redman
Jun 21, 2015 Artist Updates, New Release
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Natasha Owens to Release Sophomore Project “No One But You” August 28th
Jun 5, 2015 Artist Updates, New Release
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BIG DADDY WEAVE HONORED DURING K-LOVE FAN AWARDS WEEKEND FESTIVITIES
Jun 5, 2015 Artist Updates
Thousands Watch as Fervent Records Act Saluted for Run of Four Straight No. 1 Hits; Wins Second K-LOVE Fan Award
Photo caption: Big Daddy Weave’s Mike Weaver, Jay Weaver, Jeremy Redmon, Brian Beihl, and Joe Shirk; along with Jim Scherer and Jen Wolczyk of Whizbang, Inc.; and Word Entertainment President & CEO Rod Riley, Word Entertainment SVP A&R Josh Bailey, and Word Entertainment VP National Promotion Andrea Kleid and team celebrate Big Daddy Weave’s four consecutive number ones and RIAA Gold certification of “Redeemed” on Saturday, May 30, 2015 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, Tenn. Photo credit: Alan Poizner
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – (June 4, 2015) – More than 2,500 K-LOVE Fan Awards Weekend attendees helped celebrate Big Daddy Weave on Saturday night, May 30, 2015, for a sizzling run of hits. And that was just the start of the fun.
The award-winning band was honored at Gaylord Opryland Resort for its string of four consecutive No. 1 hits from the 2012 album Love Come To Life – the title track, “Redeemed,” “The Only Name (Yours Will Be)” and ”Overwhelmed.” Additionally, Word Entertainment President and CEO Rod Riley presented plaques to the band in honor of reaching RIAA gold certification for “Redeemed.”
Big Daddy Weave lead singer Mike Weaver, Word Entertainment President & CEO Rod Riley, K-LOVE Fan Awards Co-Creator and Producer John Sanders and David Pierce, Chief Creative Officer at K-LOVE and Air1, spoke during the Saturday evening ceremony.
Then, on Sunday night during the K-LOVE Fan Awards at the Grand Ole Opry House, the band learned it won the fan-voted Artist to Appear on a 7UP Can Award presented by Pepsi, which means their image will adorn 3 million 7UP soda cans later this summer.
About Big Daddy Weave
Big Daddy Weave is one of Christian music’s biggest headlining artists, the second most played artist at Christian AC-Monitored radio in 2014 and the recipient of multiple industry awards and nominations, including: K-LOVE Fan Awards, Dove Awards, Billboard Music Awards and ASCAP Awards. With a new studio album coming Sept. 18, 2015, the band is still celebrating its career best-selling album, 2012’s Love Come to Life, which has produced four consecutive No. 1 singles, including the RIAA gold certified “Redeemed.” Formed in 2002, Big Daddy Weave is Mike Weaver, Jay Weaver, Jeremy Redmon, Joe Shirk and Brian Beihl. More information can be found online at www.bigdaddyweave.com and follow @bdwmusic on Twitter.
About Word Entertainment
A leader in the music industry for more than 60 years, Word Entertainment, a Warner/Curb company, is a unique, comprehensive faith-based company comprised of multi-faceted artist service departments, including publishing, merchandising, booking and online initiatives. Word Entertainment represents some of the top names and brands in music, including About A Mile, Meredith Andrews, Chris August, Francesca Battistelli, Big Daddy Weave, Blanca, Jason Castro, Everfound, Family Force 5, Jon Foreman, for KING & COUNTRY, Group 1 Crew, Love & The Outcome, Dara Maclean, NEEDTOBREATHE, Point of Grace, Sidewalk Prophets, Skillet, Stars Go Dim, Switchfoot, VERIDIA, We Are Messengers, We As Human and Zealand Worship, and is home to 25 Entertainment, Word Distribution (representing Curb Records and Big Idea/VeggieTales among others), Word Church Resources, Word Films, Word Music Publishing and Word Label Group’s Word Records, Word Worship and Fervent Records. Visit www.WordEntertainment.com and follow @WordLabelGroup on Twitter.
Blanca Makes Key Appearances at K-LOVE Ultimate Fan Experience and Awards Show
Jun 5, 2015 Artist Updates
Nashville, TN (June 4, 2015) —- Powerhouse vocalist, Blanca, made several appearances at the K-LOVE 2015 Ultimate Fan Experience and Awards Show over the weekend. Blanca’s appearances included the artist luncheon, one-on-one interview with Canada’s 100 Huntley Street, CCM Magazine for a June 15 feature, K-LOVE TV and radio interviews, artist autograph line, a presenter at the K-LOVE Awards Show, and walking the red carpet where Blanca interviewed with numerous media outlets.
Blanca is still receiving rave reviews and great coverage for her Top Ten new album, Blanca that released May 4th. JesusFreakHideout.com says, marks a promising new journey, while NewReleaseTuesday.com states, plenty here to love, CCM Magazine adds, faith-fueling lyrics and Hallels.com gives the album a 5-star review, great debut release. Blanca is the cover story for the May issue of Parenting Teens and Breathecast names Blanca as one of the industry’s top talents. The first single from the album, “Who I Am,” reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Christian Singles Chart in May and continues to see increased plays on stations across the nation.
Blanca will be busy on the tour circuit this summer with festival performances June – August, and these will include Freedom Fest 2015, Jacksonville, FL, J Fest, East Ridge, TN, World Pulse Festival, South Bend, IN, Rock The Desert Festival, Midland, TX, Creation Festival Northeast in Pennsylvania and Creation Festival Northwest in Washington state. For additional tour updates for Blanca please visit online www.officialblanca.com, www.facebook.com/OfficialBlanca, www.twitter.com/TheRealBlanca.
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