02/16/2010
MERCYME ENCOURAGES “ALL OF CREATION” TO ‘LOVE WELL’ WITH RELEASE OF “THE GENEROUS MR. LOVEWELL” ON MAY 4
2/10/10

Multi-platinum and award-winning band MercyMe is encouraging “All Of Creation” to “love well” with their upcoming studio album “The Generous Mr. Lovewell” (INO Records), scheduled to arrive May 4th nationwide.                                          

“The album, “The Generous Mr. Lovewell,” revolves around a fictional character we created who reminds us that we simply need to love others well,” explains MercyMe frontman Bart Millard. “For some of us, it means that we need to put hands and feet on our ideology and rhetoric. For others, it means that we need to continue in doing well, but to not stop there. We need to let people know why we are called to make a difference. Our prayer is that this album would mobilize the body of Christ to encourage people in word and deed.”

MercyMe recently had the opportunity to share this concept as they personally premiered their first single, “All of Creation” to radio stations across the U.S. The band split up into three teams of two, making stops at major market stations such as K-LOVE, Z88 in Orlando, The Fish Los Angeles, KCMS in Seattle, WCSG in Grand Rapids and dozens more.

Produced by Brown Bannister and Dan Muckala, the project features 11 tracks, and with each member sending regular tweets throughout the recording, photo shoots and more, fans have been able to stay connected to the process.  The band plans to continue this process, and has already posted YouTube videos talking about the idea behind Mr. Lovewell and the new single:

Millard Describes the idea behind “The Generous Mr. Lovewell”-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yS4Q8xiP6N8

Millard Introduces “All Of Creation”-
http://www.youtube.com/user/INORecords#p/a/u/0/q-tywXLREik

“We as a band are all very excited about “The Generous Mr. Lovewell,” continues Millard. “And hopefully it will create a movement of encouraging people to make a difference in the world whether it’s helping your neighbor or just loving each other.”

Also this spring, fans can catch MercyMe on the Rock And Worship Roadshow as they travel across the country alongside fellow acts David Crowder*Band, Family Force 5, Francesca Battistelli, Fee, Remedy Drive and Sidewalk Prophets. To see if the tour is coming to a city nearby please visit: www.rockandworshiproadshow.com.

For more information on MercyMe and “The Generous Mr. Lovewell,” please go to www.mercyme.org or www.mrlovewell.com, or via Twitter @MrLovewell.

02/16/2010
INO RECORDS COLLABORATES WITH CHURCHES NATIONWIDE FOR THE RELEASE OF THE CATALYST MUSIC PROJECT
   BEST OF TODAY’S LOCAL CHURCH CULMINATES IN ALBUM FEATURING PERFORMANCES FROM PHIL WICKHAM, LAURA STORY, FEE, HEATHER WILLIAMS AND MORE

INO Records and Catalyst, a leadership development organization, recently joined forces to create the Catalyst Music Project – an album inspired by churches and songwriters nationwide.
 
Acknowledging that it was time to let the Church show the world what songs are impacting this generation, INO Records asked worship leaders and songwriters to submit music that was already connecting in their communities and churches – ultimately permitting the voice of the people to be heard. More than 350 worship leaders and songwriters submitted 750 songs – from which the Catalyst Music Project emerged.
 
Produced by Nathan Nockels (Phillips, Craig & Dean, Passion and Matt Redman), the resulting Catalyst Music Project features 12 organic anthems performed by the creators and worship leaders, along with artists like Phil Wickham, Laura Story, Fee and Heather Williams.
 
Jeremiah Jones, writer of “What A Savior” – the first radio single released from the Catalyst Music Project – says, “While there have been countless inspired worship songs produced for the Church by the music industry, it's refreshing to hear well-worn, time tested songs written by local leaders.”
 

Released to radio on January 15, 2010, “What A Savior” – featuring Laura Story – is already being played on more than 30 radio stations nationwide. INO Records and Catalyst are streaming a preview of the album, as well as offering the single and the accompanying chord chart as free downloads, at http://buzzplant.com/catalyst/ecard1/.
 
TRACK LISTING and PERFORMERS:
Love Is The Answer
- written by Rod Attaway & Scotty Willbanks
Performed by Rob Attaway
One Who Overcomes - written by Nic Carver
Performed by Phil Wickham
What A Savior - written by Jeremiah Jones
Performed by Laura Story
Beauty Of the Cross - written by Casey & Corey Parnell
Performed by Fee
A Thousand Amens (Doxology) - written & performed by Tim Timmons
Hallelujah (All I Need) - written & performed by Stephen Cole
Emmanuel - written by Miriam Ah Kuoi & Rudy Vaughn
Performed by Heather Williams
Better Than I Know- written & performed by David Walker
Revivals Fire - written & performed by Andy Cherry
Because Of Your Love - written by Miriam Ah Kuoi & Nick Kirk
Performed by Miriam Ah Kuoi
God Of All - written by Scott Reed & Paul Taylor
Performed by Scott Reed
Won’t You Be My Love - written by Nick Kish & Thad Cockrell
Performed by Thad Cockrell
 
The Catalyst organization was conceived at a Next Generation Leaders Conference in 1999 by Andy Stanley, Reggie Joiner, John Maxwell, Lanny Donoho and several young leaders. It was created to meet the felt need that existed for a leadership event that was focused on a new generation of church leaders, by creating a conference specifically focused on leaders under the age of 40. In October of 2000 in Atlanta, GA, partnering with North Point Community Church, Catalyst convened 1500 church leaders for this inaugural experience. Currently, over half a million leaders around the world are connected to the Catalyst community through events, resources, unique gatherings, online communities, social media and relational networks.
http://www.catalystconference.com/


02/16/2010
CHASEN MAKES MAJOR LABEL DEBUT WITH THAT WAS THEN, THIS IS NOW MARCH 9, 2010

Feb. 5, 2010

“On and On” Garners No. 1 Spot on CHR Chart for Three Weeks in a Row
Fresh from the back-to-back radio success of “Crazy Beautiful.” “Drown” and now “On and On,” Chasen will release That Was Then, This Is Now on March 9, 2010 marking their major record label debut with INO Records.
 
The record, co-produced with Rob Hawkins (Fireflight), features 10 personal tracks, most written by band front man Chasen Callahan who has penned songs for Addison Road and Stellar Kart among others. Fellow artist and good friend Edwin McCain was among the music influences for the project as well as Switchfoot, David Crowder*Band and Hillsong.
 
“On and On,” the album’s first radio single which already has taken the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Christian CHR for three weeks in a row and is in the Top 15 on Billboard AC Indicator/Top 20 AC Monitored, is a stirring anthem penned by Callahan. “The nation was reacting to the recession and weighty political issues as well as all the negativity in the media,” Callahan recalls. “We’d lost that joy, but when all else fails, God’s love never does. I serve a God that is much bigger than the economy or who our president is. His grace goes on forever so I’m not going to worry about tomorrow.”
 
Another standout tune on That Was Then, This Is Now is “Castaway” which praises the gift of redemption and a second chance. Callahan teamed up with Sam Mizell (Matthew West, Michael W. Smith, Jordin Sparks) for “Slow Down” which was inspired by a conversation Callahan had with his mother on a rough day about the comfort and peace found in Christ.  Among other tracks, “There Is Love,” also deeply personal, was inspired by the amount of love God has for His children from the perspective of the Callahan’s own love for his family.  
 
Chasen is comprised of Chasen Callahan, Evan Silver, Aaron Lord and Jared Barber. Callahan entered the music scene after nearly a decade of service as a worship pastor. The Greenville, South Caroline based band released their first independent project Shine Through the Stars in 2008 and experienced solid radio success with two songs landing in the Top 5,“Crazy Beautiful” and “Drown.

# # #
 
www.chasenmusic.com
www.facebook.com/chasenmusic
www.twitter.com/chasenmusic

01/22/2010
MERCYME’S RADIO TOUR DRAWS TO AN END
The journey has come to an end as MercyMe wraps their radio tour after a successful week of visiting numerous radio stations across the U.S. introducing them to their new single “All of Creation,” from the band’s upcoming INO Records CD, THE GENEROUS MR. LOVEWELL (May 4).

Teams Barty (Bart and Barry), Team Jathan (Jim and Nathan) and Team Mobby (Robby and Mike) grew a friendly competition as they split up their route between the members and conquered the country. Bringing their fans along for the ride through each members tweets, fans were able to get up close and personal with the band through text, pictures and videos!

Check out the band’s final moments during the last days of their voyage:

“Spending the morning with fish-fm in LA! These people know radio! http://twitpic.com/z833j
(bartmillard from KFSH in Los Angeles, CA)

http://twitvid.com/640BA - Team Barty...BartenBarry...BartnoBarry whatever our name is, is still in action.”
(bartmillard from the road)

“Thanks a ton to @kduvfm in Visalia, Ca for a great morning. Lovewell Cometh!”
(bartmillard and barrygraul from KDUV in Visalia, CA)

“Thanks to Don Star 88.3 for having us today. Oh and also for share DeBrand chocolatier w/ us.
http://twitpic.com/yyc2s
(robbyshaffer from WLAB in Ft. Wayne, IN )

“Team Mobby hit 22 stations and we didn't have an RV tobstreyxh out in. MOBBY RULZ!!!”
(jimbrysonmm and mikescheuchzer from the road)

“Awesome pizza time w/ you guys!!! RT @KTIS @mercyme @mikescheuchzer @robbyshaffer Thanks for stopping by. Great to see you all again.”
(mikescheuchzer from KTIS in Minneapolis, MN)

“SpiritFM Lynchburg VA morning show. Great people and a great station! http://twitpic.com/z27lx
(jimbrysonmm from Lynchburg,VA)

Stay tuned for more details on THE GENEROUS MR. LOVEWELL!

01/20/2010
THE FUN CONTINUES WITH MERCYME ON CROSS-COUNTRY RADIO TOUR TO REVEAL NEW SINGLE “ALL OF CREATION”
The competition continues to build between the members of MercyMe and their various “teams,” as they proceed with their radio promo tour across the U.S. to premiere their new single, “All of Creation,” from the band’s upcoming INO Records CD, THE GENEROUS MR. LOVEWELL (May 4).

Bart and Barry (Team Barty) are conquering the West coast, Jim and Nathan (Team Jathan) the East Coast, and Robby and Mike (Team Mobby) the midwest and while on the road the band has been bringing their fans along for the ride through their tweets. Have you decided which team you are on?

Check out the band’s tweets below, along with a few photos/videos to see their journey thus far:

“On the air with @1041thefish in Portland. Good times! http://twitpic.com/yv74p
(bartmillard from KFIS The Fish in Portland, OR)

“The awesomeness of Team Barty! http://twitvid.com/F3BB7
(bartmillard and barrygraul from the West Coast)

“Just had a great time w/ @mynameiscorey@ the pulse radio!!! Thanks for the road snacks!!! http://twitpic.com/yxf7c
(from mikescheuchzer and robbyshaffer from WHPZ in South Bend, IN)

“This the way we roll @ 8:16 am http://twitvid.com/AE1A6
(from mikescheuchzer from the midwest)

“Jim acting like the child he is on 106.9 The Light here in Ashville. Great to be here! http://twitpic.com/yx4ws
(nathancochran from WMIT in Ashville, NC )

With more details soon to be announced on THE GENEROUS MR. LOVEWELL, the band debuted the album cover for the upcoming release today. To view please visit http://www.mercyme.org/2010/01/20/the-generous-mr-lovewell-cover%E2%80%A6part-2/.

Watch for updates throughout the week!
###

01/18/2010
MERCYME HITS MULTIPLE RADIO STATIONS THIS WEEK TO UNVEIL NEW SINGLE “ALL OF CREATION”
MercyMe is hitting the road this week with visits to multiple radio stations all across the country to premiere their new single, “All of Creation,” from the band’s upcoming INO Records CD, THE GENEROUS MR. LOVEWELL (May 4).

The band has a ‘divide and conquer’ approach to this promo tour, with band members Bart and Barry hitting the West coast, Jim and Nathan the East Coast, and Robby and Mike the midwest.

We thought it’d be fun for you to see what they’re saying as they trek across the U.S. this week. Watch for updates throughout the week!

On Day 1 of the tour, the band brought their fans along via twitter, check out their tweets below, along with a few photos:

“Let's see who has the best radio road trip. Barry and Bart aka Team Barty. Jim and Nathan, Team Jathan. Or Mike and Robby, Team Mobby”
(via BartMillard from KBIQ in Colorado Springs, CO)

“Ok Colorado Springs, about to Play the new single.”
(via barrygraul from KBIQ in Colorado Springs, CO)

“Our biggest fan! Working hard in Florida on the radio promo tour.”
http://twitpic.com/yntns"
(via jimbrysonmm from WPOZ in Orlando FL)

“Jim and I are on Z88.3 this morning here in Florida. I think the other guys are missing out not being on the east coast with us.”
(Via nathancochran from WPOZ in Orlando FL)

“Top o' the mornin' to ya!!! Tune into Klove @ 7 this morning for the world premiere of our new single All of Creation!!! Here we go!!!!
http://twitpic.com/yn7ie"
(via mikescheuchzer from KLOVE in Indianapolis, IN)

“So... Eric & Lisa are going rogue and playing our new single once an hour!!! They didn't want anyone to miss it.”
(via robbyshaffer from KLOVE in Indianapolis, IN)

“ Lunch with Star 93.3.
http://twitpic.com/yoapu
(via robbyshaffer from WAKW in Cincinnati, OH)
###

01/13/2010
SKILLET SLAMS INTO 2010 WITH NO. 4 MAINSTREAM RADIO HIT, SHINEDOWN TOUR, MORE WWE AND MASSIVE SALES
Rock outfit SKILLET has slammed into 2010 following an incredibly successful 2009 with their best selling project, AWAKE: Already over 300k in scans in just 20 weeks (more than double that of the GOLD selling COMATOSE), AWAKE was a critic and fan fave last year, Amazon.com’s best selling Christian CD of 2009, and now boasts the No. 4 mainstream Active Rock single in the country with “Monster,” which was also AOL Music’s No. 4 mainstream rock song of last year.

“Monster” has proven to be just that for Skillet, with fans purchasing so many digital copies over the holiday, their sales increased almost 300%. In addition to all the success “Monster” is having, their No. 1 Christian rock and CHR track, “Hero,” has been creating a great buzz as well: ‘Hero” will be used in the upcoming trailers and promos for the new Twentieth Century Fox film, “Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief,” which stars Pierce Brosnan and Uma Thurman and is based on the best-selling book by Rick Riordan.

-“Hero” has been used all season long by the NFL in their, Sunday Night Football and NFL Weekend Kickoff promos.

-The WWE will use the song once again as the official theme song for WWE’s Royal Rumble Pay-Per-View on January 31st. “Hero” was also featured as part of the soundtrack to the WWE’s Tribute To The Troops TV Special, which aired just before Christmas on NBC. Skillet was promoted alongside other contributing artists including Bob Dylan, Bon Jovi, and Nickelback. WWE programming reaches nearly 16 million people per week in the U.S., and WWE.com currently averages 14 million unique visitors worldwide monthly, providing more than 28 million video streams.

-In follow up to their fall AWAKE & ALIVE tour, which, due to numerous sell out shows made Pollstar’s Concert Pulse’s Top 50 tours for the fall, Skillet will hit the road with mainstream rockers Shinedown and Puddle of Mudd for the Sound of Madness 2010 tour beginning January 21st in Providence, RI.

- In March and April Skillet will co-headline the AWAKE TONIGHT tour with TobyMac for one of the most anticipated tours of the spring for the Christian concert arena. Tour dates will be announced soon.

For tour dates go to http://www.skillet.com

Skillet’s latest, AWAKE, continues to propel the incredible momentum the rock outfit has going for them with a blockbuster debut at No. 2 on Billboard’s Top 200, selling over 67,000 units and peaking at No. 1 on iTune’s “Top Albums” chart and “Top Rock” chart within 24 hours of its release. Since 2006’s breakthrough RIAA Gold certified project “Comatose,” Skillet has toured with the likes of mainstream megastars Breaking Benjamin, Three Days Grace, Seether and Flyleaf, and headlined a slew of major Christian festivals, all followed by solo tours that ranked within Pollstar’s Concert Pulse Top 50 Tours. Along the way, the two-time Grammy®-nominated alternative rockers also scored seven consecutive number one Christian radio singles, a 2008 GMA Dove Award for “Rock Song of the Year,” and a 2009 nomination for Artist of the Year. Along with a trio of singles on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock charts, a pair of BMI Songwriting Awards, and being chosen as Reader’s Poll favorites on several top ccm websites, they also released their first ever concert CD/DVD combo pack “Comatose Comes Alive.”

For more information on Skillet, go to: www.skillet.com and/or www.myspace.com/skilletmusic

01/06/2010
2010 LINEUP FOR 2ND ANNUAL ROCK AND WORSHIP ROADSHOW REVEALED STELLAR CAST INCLUDES MERCYME, DAVID CROWDER* BAND, FAMILY FORCE 5, FRANCESCA BATTISTELLI, FEE, REMEMDY DRIVE AND SIDEWALK PROPHETS
In follow-up to its successful debut in 2009, the 2010 lineup has been revealed for the 2nd Annual Rock and Worship Roadshow. The stellar cast includes the talents of MercyMe, David Crowder*Band, Family Force 5, Francesca Battistelli, Fee, Remedy Drive and Sidewalk Prophets. Watch a hilarious video created by MercyMe as they announce the lineup by going to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzFOgprYaw4.

Last year, the Rock and Worship Roadshow drew more than 170k fans to major cities across the U.S. and this year hopes to continue to attract people by the thousands providing them the best entertainment along with a meaningful message. The 25-city tour will kick off March 18 in Indianapolis and will carry through to April 25 in Columbia, SC. (see tour dates below)

“We are so excited to be back for this tour with such an incredible group of artists,” says MercyMe’s Bart Millard. “We’re going to have a great time.”

Admission prices will again be $10 at-the-door, as the tour aims to be an event for fans of all ages, especially families. In addition to bringing a night of exciting performances, the tour is also dedicated to a much greater purpose: helping children with juvenile diabetes via “Imagine A Cure”, a non profit organization geared to raise awareness and to support research that will lead to a cure along with Compassion International, a Christian child advocacy ministry that releases children from spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty and enables them to become responsible, fulfilled Christian adults. For more information on “Imagine A Cure,” go to: http://www.imagineacureonline.com/. For more information on Compassion International go to http://www.compassion.com For more information on the Roadshow please log on to www.rockandworshiproadshow.com.

Tour Dates for Rock and Worship Roadshow 2010 (dates subject to change)

March 18, 2010 Indianapolis, IN
March 19, 2010 Madison, WI
March 20, 2010 Council Bluffs, IA
March 21, 2010 Colorado Springs, CO
March 23, 2010 Billings, MT
March 25, 2010 Tacoma, WA
March 26, 2010 Portland, OR
March 27, 2010 Boise, ID
March 28, 2010 Spokane, WA
March 31, 2010 Bakersfield, CA
April 1, 2010 Fresno, CA
April 2, 2010 Sacramento, CA
April 8, 2010 Long Beach, CA
April 9, 2010 Ontario, CA
April 10, 2010 Phoenix, AZ
April 11, 2010 Las Vegas, NV
April 13, 2010 Albuquerque, NM
April 15, 2010 Oklahoma City, OK
April 16, 2010 Dallas, TX
April 17, 2010 Tulsa, OK
April 18, 2010 San Antonio, TX
April 22, 2010 Cedar Rapids, IA
April 23, 2010 Ft. Wayne, IN
April 24, 2010 Columbus, OH
April 25, 2010 Columbia, SC

MercyMe:
Since their debut in 2001, Grammy-nominated, American Music Award and multiple GMA Dove Award winners MercyMe have sold over 5 million units in CD and DVD sales, including “Almost There”, nearly triple platinum, “Spoken For,” which is approaching platinum sales, and the RIAA Gold certification for “Undone,” the MercyMe Live DVD, and “Coming Up to Breathe.” Their latest, “All That Is Within Me,” entered the Billboard Top 200 chart at No. 15 and sold an impressive 83,626 units, the most they’ve ever sold in a project’s first week. Recently, Billboard named MercyMe’s “Word Of God Speak” the No. 1 Song of The Decade and the group the No. 1 Christian Songs Artist of the Decade.

MercyMe is one of few Contemporary Christian music groups to have had all of their recordings certified Gold or Platinum, as well as garner 22 No.1 multi-format Christian radio singles, and four consecutive mainstream radio hits with “I Can Only Imagine,” (No. 4 AC/top 25 on Top 40/Hot AC), “Here With Me” (No. 4 AC), “Homesick” (top 10 AC), and “So Long Self.” In 2008 the band was named R&R’s Christian AC Artist of the Year, and as one of the industry's most notable talents, MercyMe has sold out venues including Radio City Music Hall and has been seen on The Tonight Show, CNN, Fox New Channel’s Fox & Friends, ABC News, CBS’ Early Show, and on the pages of Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, USA Today, Billboard, and more. For all things MercyMe, please visit: www.mercyme.org.

DAVID CROWDER *BAND: Church Music is the follow-up to David Crowder*Band’s 2007 release of Remedy. Along with the group’s 6 GMA Dove Awards and 17 nominations, David Crowder*Band has toured with Michael W. Smith, Third Day and Mercy Me including a headlining tour with Mute Math. The first Christian artist to be named MSN.com’s Artist of the Year in 2006 as well as foster a partnership with M-Audio/Propellerhead’s Reason software, Crowder is also the namesake behind premiere guitar maker Tom Anderson Guitarworks’s Crowdster Acoustic. They have received media coverage from such major news outlets as CNN, Fox and the New York Times. Despite the success, David Crowder*Band makes it a point to get back to University Baptist Church on most Sundays, a church they helped found on the campus of Baylor University in Waco, TX. The band is also featured at the enormously popular Passion gatherings. The group’s leader David Crowder is further an acclaimed author, having penned two books, including his acclaimed, highly personal, Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven, But Nobody Wants to Die. www.davidcrowderband.com

Family Force Five: Formerly known as The Brothers Olds, Family Force Five have been doing things their way since the band’s inception nearly 10 years ago. In follow-up to their debut album Business Up Front, Party In The Back (2006), FF5 released their sophomore release Dance or Die on their record label Transparent Media Group in 2008. Dance was a near-perfect amalgam of dense grooves (“Radiator”), synthesizer-driven funk (the title track), techno-pop nostalgia (“How In The World”) and inspired emo (“The First Time”) that seemingly erased the lines of demarcation between dirty rock clubs and cosmopolitan dancefloors.

Anyone familiar to their mythology knows, when Family Force 5 activate their collective booty-movin’ powers, there’s not a single rock club, dance floor or house party they cannot vanquish. Now, the band is writing new material for their third album, tentatively slated for release later in mid-2010. www.myspace.com/familyforce5

FEE: From national worship conferences to local youth group meetings, the GMA Dove nominated Fee has brought a new level of abandon and talent to rock worship, gifting today’s church with riveting songs of praise. The band has been associated with some of today’s most forthcoming faith-based events including Passion, 7:22 and Catalyst conferences. Hailing from Atlanta, GA, Steve Fee, Matt Adkins, Heath Balltzglier and Brandon Coker still lead worship at the North Point Community Church. Fee released their sophomore project Hope Rising in the fall of 2009. The newest album contains the successful digital and radio single “Glory to God Forever.” www.feeband.com

FRANCESCA Battistelli: This New York City-born singer and songwriter has been going non-stop since her debut project, My Paper Heart, released last summer on Fervent/Reprise Records, which boasts the #1 hit for multiple weeks, "Free to be Me." The single reached an unheard of #1 on four radio charts, and is also the first #1 song from a female at AC radio since 2005. This ranks her as the most added female artist and new artist in Christian radio history. She was named one of iTunes' best new artists of 2008 within the Christian/Gospel category and received accolades for her single "I'm Letting Go" as the #3 "Best iTunes Song" of the year.

Francesca Battistelli was nominated an astounding five times for the 2009 Dove Awards for Female Vocalist and New Artist of the Year, while "I'm Letting Go" received nominations for Song of the Year and Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year. My Paper Heart was nominated for Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year. Adding to her accolades, Battistelli's music has been featured in feature films, on AOL Music's homepage, in ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," NBC's "Biggest Loser," and The Style Network's new reality show "Running In Heels."

Visit www.francescamusic.com for her blogs, current tour dates, and more.

REMEDY DRIVE: There's a passionate honesty to middle America - it's deep-rooted and straightforward. Few places embody that better than Lincoln, Nebraska, home to Word/Warner Bros. newest rock outfit, Remedy Drive. A four-piece, four-brother band (David, Philip, Paul and Dan Zach), Remedy Drive has been cranking out their own brand of music as a full time indie for the past 5 years. The band's debut release, "Daylight Is Coming" was produced by Ian Eskelin (All Star United).

With a message of hope for the searching and a desire to reach beyond a static life for something bigger, Remedy Drive combines a heart-on-a-sleeve sensibilities with their one-of-a-kind live show - the Midwest has never felt like this before! www.remedydrive.com

SIDEWALK PROPHETS: As one of Christian music's fastest rising new bands, Sidewalk Prophets highly anticipated debut record These Simple Truths scanned more than 25,000 copies since releasing in August 2009. Their first single, "The Words I Would Say" made a huge impact at radio holding the #1 at AC Indicator for 5 weeks in a row. Gaining their start leading chapel at Anderson University where founding members Dave Frey and Ben McDonald met, Sidewalk Prophets began playing anywhere they could get an audience. Moving to Nashville on a wing and a prayer with nothing but an EP the band eventually signed with Fervent Records. www.sidewalkprophets.com

10/21/2009
PHILLIPS, CRAIG & DEAN’S “REVELATION SONG” NO. 1 CHRISTIAN SONG FOR 15 WEEKS
Phillips, Craig & Dean’s “Revelation Song” continues to be unstoppable at Christian radio. This week marks the 15th week in a row “Revelation Song” has sat atop the Billboard Christian AC Monitored chart, making it the longest running No. 1 song in any format in Christian radio this year. 100% of the Christian AC panel has added the single.

“We are so grateful to radio that after 18 years, they are still making a place for us,” says band member Randy Phillips.

“Phillips, Craig & Dean’s ‘Revelation Song’ continues to have remarkable impact with radio. After all these months at the top of the charts, I continue to hear that this song is testing extraordinarily high with listeners,” explains Dan Michaels, Senior Vice-President of Marketing and Promotions for INO Records. “I am thankful to radio and very happy for Phillips, Craig & Dean.”

In the midst of the single’s successful stay at the top of the radio and iTunes ® Christian Singles charts, Randy Phillips, Shawn Craig and Dan Dean continue to visit radio outlets across the country including K-LOVE, KLTY/Dallas, The Fish/Sacramento, KSBJ/Houston, HIS Radio/Greenville, KXOJ/Tulsa and WPOZ/Orlando. KLTY, KSBJ, KXOJ and WPOZ also hosted concerts with an average of 4,000 people in attendance.

To hear more about the story behind “Revelation Song” from Randy Phillips, Shawn Craig and Dan Dean, visit: http://video.inorecords.com/streaming/?video=PCD-RevelationSongFinaledit05-18-09

“Revelation Song” is from the group’s latest release on INO Records titled Fearless that debuted at No. 1 at Christian retail. Below is just a sample of the media’s praise of Fearless.

“The musical performances and production are cutting-edge… the best feature on this album is the performance of PC&D – they have a way of infusing the songs with an honest passion that connects as effectively as a live worship concert.” – Worship Leader

“The trio has nailed their niche and sound in this fantastic arrangement of worshipful lyrics, contemporary sound and pleasing harmonies, making it their best album to date.” – Advance Magazine

“If you had told me several years ago that some of the best executed modern rock of 2009 would be released by Phillips Craig and Dean, I would have personally signed your commitment papers. But....well, that is exactly what has happened. The beauty of the trio's new project, Fearless is its lack of pretense: They aren't trying to set the worship world on fire with their artistry, yet they are making seriously good worship music that is just as viable in the modern rock arena as in the church... Fearless finds the group at the height of their powers.” - Christian Musician

With 12 albums, two million plus records sold, nine Dove Award nominations and 19 No. 1 radio hits, Phillips, Craig & Dean have no doubt achieved longevity in their 18 years of ministry as a staple in the ever changing Christian music industry. If the success of “Revelation Song” is any indication, Phillips, Craig & Dean show no sign of stopping anytime soon.

10/20/2009
PHIL WICKHAM FINDS HIS VOICE ON THIRD STUDIO ALBUM HEAVEN AND EARTH SET TO LAND NOVEMBER 17
Since the release of his critically acclaimed sophomore album Cannons, distinguished singer/songwriter Phil Wickham finds his voice on his third studio album Heaven and Earth set to land on November 17.

Even with the critical acclaim he’s garnered, for the first time in his career, Wickham feels that he has a story to tell: he wants to remind the Church for what and who we are created for.

Produced by Pete Kipley (MercyMe, The Afters, Kutless) Heaven and Earth is not only an encouraging album from a lyrical standpoint, but a delight to listen to with guitar parts that feel like they are literally plucking strings connected to your chest and lonesome yet lush string arrangements, recorded at famed Abbey Road Studios.

Writing much of the record while in the studio certainly paid off for Wickham, as a story began to unfold in the songs, and for the first time Wickham found himself writing specific songs to connect the dots and join the threads that were beginning to weave themselves in and out across the tapestry that was becoming Heaven and Earth.

The first single “Safe” featuring MercyMe frontman Bart Millard, has received great support at radio debuting at No. 28 on Billboard AC Monitored and No. 27 on AC Indicator this week. The lyrics of “Safe” serve to encourage, strengthen and remind listeners that they are not alone as they say, “You will be safe in His arms, You will be safe in His arms, the hands that hold the world are holding Your heart, this is the promise He made He will be with You always, when everything is falling apart you will be safe in His arms.”

“If we are Christians, we know God is great and we know what Jesus did on the cross,” says Wickham. “We know all the stories, but to be reminded of and to be compelled to move by those stories, I feel, is in a way a large part of what my goal in music is - to remind the Church of the reality of the Gospel, the importance of the cross, of the excitement and hope that we have in Heaven.”

www.philwickham.com

10/19/2009
AWARD-WINNING POP-ROCK BAND STELLAR KART FINDS NEW HOME WITH INO RECORDS
Group to Release Its Fourth Studio Album March 9

Award-winning pop-rock outfit Stellar Kart has landed a new home with Nashville-based label, INO Records. The band will release its forth studio album, Everything Is Different Now, March 9, 2010.

A favorite among youth group circles, Stellar Kart looks forward to the next phase of its thriving career with INO’s support. “We've been through a lot in the past year and have been searching and praying for what God wants us to do with our ministry,” says Stellar Kart frontman Adam Agee. “We are now proud to say that we have found a home with INO Records! They understand and share our vision, and we can't wait to take on this new project together. We are very excited to see what God has in store for us as we enter this new chapter in our lives. Everything is different now.”

“We are extremely happy to welcome Stellar Kart to the INO family of artists,” says INO Records President Jeff Moseley. “I’m impressed with their heart for ministry, their tremendous work ethic and dedicated fan following. The guys have recorded what we believe is their best project to date, and we are excited to see its impact on youth around the world.”

Stellar Kart will kick off its new label partnership with the release of Everything Is Different Now this spring. The album’s first radio single “We Shine,” debuts at CHR Oct. 30, 2009 and will be available for purchase at iTunes beginning Nov. 3.

Punk pop-rock band Stellar Kart launched onto the music scene with its 2005 Word Records debut, All Gas. No Brake. The project landed Stellar Kart a Gospel Music Association Dove Award nomination for Best New Artist, and the band was honored as New Artist of the Year by readers of Ignite Your Faith magazine. In 2006, Stellar Kart debuted at No. 1 on SoundScan’s Christian retail chart with its sophomore release, We Can’t Stand Sitting Down. Furthermore, the band’s single, “Me And Jesus,” held the No. 1 spot at Christian Hit Radio for seven consecutive weeks. The group also received a 2007 Dove Award for Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year (“Me And Jesus”) as well as three other nominations in the categories Artist of the Year, Rock Recorded Song (“Activate”), and Rock/Contemporary Album (We Can’t Stand Sitting Down). Additionally, Stellar Kart was recognized by SESAC with four 2007 National Performance Activity Awards.

Stellar Kart’s last release, Expect the Impossible (2008), debuted at No. 66 on the Billboard 200, spawning the tenth most played CHR song of 2008, “Jesus Loves You,” and garnering the band Dove Award nods for Rock Recorded Song ("Shine Like the Stars") and Rock Contemporary Album (Expect the Impossible). The foursome has toured alongside such CCM powerhouses as Kutless, newsboys, and Superchick, and is currently on “The Revolve Tour,” additionally featuring Britt Nicole and Group 1 Crew, among others. For more information on Stellar Kart, visit: www.stellarkart.com myspace.com/stellarkart

10/13/2009
CHRISTIAN MUSIC VETERAN MARK HARRIS CREATES FIRST SOLO HOLIDAY ALBUM, CHRISTMAS IS, AVAILABLE NOW
INO Records’ recording artist, Mark Harris, who over the course of fifteen years gave Christian music 22 No. 1 hits and received 8 Dove awards as a member of 4Him, has created his first solo Christmas album titled Christmas Is. Now available nationwide, Christmas Is speaks to the warmth of the season’s true spirit: giving to those who have less, celebrating with loved ones, and recognizing the beauty and the mystery of Christ’s birth.

“I’ve always loved Christmas music and everything that goes with the holiday season, and my goal was to create a warm, intimate, simple production environment so that the music could be about the songs themselves,” says Harris.

Produced by Luke Denton the 10-song project reflects traditional classics while Harris strikes out with new arrangements of old songs and his own original compositions with classics such as “ O Holy Night,” “Silent Night” and “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.” The songs’ acoustic bones and Harris’ strong, clear voice combine to create a well-balanced album that is at once uplifting, holy, prayerful, and high-spirited.

The title track will be the first single from the record, as well as introduce the world to Harris’ 13-year-old daughter, Maddison. Harris says having the chance to sing with her was one of the most rewarding parts of recording. The day before he went into the studio to record the CD’s title track, he decided he didn’t want to sing the song alone. Maddison had been leading First Priority, a worship service at her school, and Harris had noticed the growing strength of her voice; having her sing “Christmas Is” with him “made the album,” he says, “because the innocence in the message of the song came through her voice.”

Harris reminds us of the reason we celebrate Christmas with Christmas Is. Harris will launch his “Christmas Is” tour in November where fans can hear the Dove Award winner perform many of these holiday favorites and more. For more information and tour schedule, please visit www.markharrisonline.com.

10/08/2009
SARA GROVES DELIVERS ’SONGWRITER’S ALBUM’ WITH “FIREFLIES & SONGS”
As one of the industry’s most prolific and most–celebrated artists, Sara Groves will deliver her most personal recording yet, and what she describes as her ‘songwriter’s album,’ “FIREFLIES & SONGS,” on November 17th.

With her two previous INO recordings, Add to the Beauty and Tell Me What You Know, Groves focused on a theme and wrote poetic commentary with songs about social justice and the impoverished. However, early in the pre-production process of “Fireflies & Songs,” INO Record’s president Jeff Moseley suggested that "It's been a long time since we've heard from you," saying, "I want to check in with you. What's happening now in your life? What is life like for you as a wife, mother, daughter and friend?"

"As soon as he said that, I knew it was true. As a songwriter, it's easier to step back and take an observer's view, and that's what I'd been doing the last couple albums,” she recalls. “Of course, I'm in all those songs, and they're personal, but I wasn't 'digging in the dirt' for sure. It's hard to do that. It's hard to say, 'Here's my stuff. I'm not writing about other people's stuff.'

"As I started writing, I revisited some things that have taken place over the last 15 years of marriage," she says. "It wasn't all exactly current, but it was stuff that I hadn't written about yet, and it was good to do so." Soon she had her first conversations with producer Charlie Peacock about the album and, at one point, asked if he had any early direction for her. "I want you to enjoy God and the gift of songwriting," he replied.

"I just burst into tears," says Groves. "I don't think anyone has ever told me to do that. And that's what I did. I cried like a baby as every single song came out. And as they did, I thought, I'm more grateful today that I get to do this than ever before." Even now, as she recalls the experience, her eyes well with emotion.

Listeners will relate as songs like "From This One Place," calls out to God in response to tangible and recurring anxiety, while the flowing, moody "Eyes Wide Open," is both confessional and declarative, saying, "I’ve got layers of lies that I don’t even know about yet," and concludes, "When the lights come up on this town/When the thing goes down/... I wanna be telling the truth." The gently pleading "It's Me" is at once stark and reassuring as it paints a personal picture of the often polar push and pull couples experience as they pursue a genuine marriage relationship.

Fireflies & Songs also expands on the Groves' determined efforts to nurture other marriages by being open about their own shortcomings and lessons learned. Perhaps the most intimately vulnerable song of all is the stealthily titled "Different Kinds of Happy." As she sings, "I’ve got to ask you something/But please don’t be afraid/There’s a promise here that's heavier/Than your answer might weigh," she foreshadows redemptive truth amidst emotional danger.

While Groves is the first to confirm Fireflies & Songs is the "most her" musically, it's also the singer's most candid recording. "I tried not to teach on this album," she explains. "And I'm a natural-born teacher. I turn everything into a lesson--for myself, for the people around me. That's how I process my life, that's how I learn. But I wanted Fireflies & Songs to feel more like friends and I are talking at Don Pablo's over nachos and cheese. I'm trying to be more confessional, and I hope these songs encourage other people to live confessionally."

Groves is currently doing one-off dates throughout the U.S., and will launch her own O HOLY NIGHT Christmas tour later this fall (tour dates below). For more information please visit http://www.saragroves.com.

Fall Dates:

October 2009

10/2, 3 Alexandria, MN
Bridging the Gap Womens Retreat
Lake Geneva Christian Center
320-763-3680

10/13 Nashville, TN
International Justice Mission Benefit
www.ijm.org

10/ 14 San Diego, CA
Maranatha Chapel
7:00pm
858-613-7800
www.maranathachapel.org

December 2009 O HOLY NIGHT Christmas Tour

12/3 Scotch Plains, NJ
Evangel Church
8:00pm
908-322-9300
www.evangelchurch.com

12/4 Presque Isle, ME
Presque Isle Weslyan Church
207-764-5187
7:00pm

12/5 Bangor, ME
Bangor Baptist Church
207-947-2751
6:00pm

12/6 Manchester, NH
Manchester Christian Church
603-622-9677
6:00pm

12/8 Hershey, PA
Hershey Free Church
7:30pm
717-533-4848
www.hersheyfree.com

12/10 Des Moines, IA
First Assembly
7:00pm
515-279-9766
www.desmoinesfirst.org

12/ 11 Green Bay, WI
Cup O' Joy
920-435-3269
6:30pm and 8:45pm

12/13 Niles, OH
Pleasant Valley Church
6:00pm
330-979-1440
www.pvchurch.net

12/17 Alexandria, MN
Alexandria Covenant Church
6:30pm
800-658-2229
www.praisefm.org
www.alexandriacovenant.org

12/18 Maple Grove, MN
Church of the Open Door
7:00pm
www.thedoor.org

12/ 20 Springfield, IL
Calvary Temple Christian Center 7:00pm
217-546-9700
www.calvaryspringfield.org

10/08/2009
TODD AGNEW’S NEED GARNERS CRITICAL ACCLAIM AS ALBUM STREETS THIS WEEK
Need, the fifth studio album from Ardent and INO Records’ artist Todd Agnew, is raking in acclaim across the board from media as the album released this week on October 6.

“ The music is great, and his vocals seem to be at the top of his game this time around.” – JesusFreakHideout.com

“Some tracks will make you want to lift your hands in worship, and others will make you want to jump in row for a line dance.” – ChristianmusicToday.com (Christianity Today)

“Todd Agnew has always been known for his insightful and astute lyrics, as well as being famous for his deep, low baritone. And both shine out in this album: Need does not lack strong vocals or perceptive lines.“ - theChristianManifesto.com

“When it comes to beautiful worshipful music that doesn't fit the ‘modern worship’ pigeonhole, Todd Agnew's Need is as good as it gets.” - BeyondtheTurntable.com

“... a compelling new project that explores the perceptions of our true desires.” - NewReleaseTuesday.com

Agnew is currently a part of the “Promise Remains” tour with Building 429 and Kimber Rising, sponsored by Christian humanitarian organization World Vision. The tour started in Sept. and will visit around 40 cities. Visit www.thepromiseremainstour.com for the most updated tour information.

Todd Agnew is a five-time Dove Award nominee, garnering numerous hit radio singles including two No. 1 hits, “Grace Like Rain” and “This Fragile Breath (The Thunder Song).” Agnew continues to perform over 150 dates per year and has currently sold over 500,000 units. His most recent release Better Questions entered Billboard’s Christian Retail Chart at No. 1.

10/08/2009
FEE’S HOPE RISING CONTINUES CLIMB AT RADIO AND GARNERS MEDIA PRAISE AS ALBUM HITS STORES TODAY
After nabbing the No. 1 position on the iTunes ® Christian and Gospel Album chart and the No. 22 spot on the overall iTunes ® album chart upon its release, Fee’s Hope Rising streets today with the radio single “Glory to God Forever” mounting on the charts and media giving acclaim to the band’s latest efforts.

Below is just a sample of the media’s response to Hope Rising:

“Hope Rising is a definite necessity for any avid CCM or praise & worship fan. It once again shows us how powerfully talented the group is, which is no big surprise for existing Fee fans out there.” – GospelMusicChannel.com

“I can’t get enough of this album and every song is worshipful, totally catchy and instantly sing-able.” – ChristianMusicReview.org

“The sort of anthemic, powerful worship album that makes you want to jump up and kneel at the same time. “ – Group Magazine

“... a cut above much of what you'll find in an overcrowded worship music industry.” – JesusFreakHideout.com

5 out of 5 stars! “Their follow-up, Hope Rising, will make you forget the term, “sophomore slump.” Now that the worship music genre has established itself as its own entity, Fee has claimed a spot as front-runners and trendsetters.” – TheChristianManifesto.com

Fee’s current single “Glory to God Forever” is at the No. 21 spot at AC and is No. 8 on the Soft AC/Inspo charts. To watch the making of Hope Rising as well as hear more about new songs such as “Glory to God Forever,” visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ebQGURnNiE&feature=channel_page.

The Atlanta-based band is teaming up with multi-platinum and GRAMMY® nominated group MercyMe as well as newcomer Jonny Diaz as they visit auditoriums and churches across the country this month. All tour dates listed below.

Produced by Jason Hoard and lead singer Steve Fee, Fee’s newest release Hope Rising contains twelve original tracks. Though the band continued with their signature worship sound on the record, Hope Rising also includes statement songs that the band hopes will transcend one style of music.

From national worship conferences to local youth group meetings, Fee has brought a new level of abandon and talent to rock worship, gifting today’s church with riveting songs of praise. Known for amazing live performances and the No. 1 hit "All Because of Jesus" plus "Glorious One," and Christmas song “All Creation Sing (Joy To The World),” Fee continues to inspire the church musically with this all-new release of soon-to-be modern classics. The band has been associated with some of today’s most forthcoming faith-based events including Passion, 7:22 and Catalyst conferences. Fee released their debut INO project & GMA Dove nominated We Shine in September 2007. The band’s hit single “All Because of Jesus” also garnered the No. 10 spot on R&R’s AC Songs of the Year. Fee Front man Steve Fee was also selected to lead worship at the 92nd annual Indianapolis 500 chapel services in 2008, the biggest event of the Indy Car Series. Hailing from Atlanta, GA, Steve Fee, Matt Adkins, Heath Balltzglier and Brandon Coker still lead worship at the North Point Community Church.

10/08/2009
THIS FALL MERCYME INVITES YOU TO SPEND “AN EVENING WITH MERCYME” ALONG WITH SPECIAL GUESTS FEE, TENTH AVENUE NORTH AND JONNY DIAZ
Multi-platinum and GRAMMY® nominated band MercyMe is inviting fans to spend “An Evening with MercyMe” this fall, as they visit auditoriums and churches across America.

For each night of the tour, audiences will be entertained not only by the award-winning band as they perform hits to include “Finally Home,” “You Reign,” “Word of God Speak,” “Homesick,” and of course “I Can Only Imagine,” but some special guests as well. Worship band FEE and new artist Jonny Diaz will be taking the opening spots for the month of October, while GMA’s New Artist of the Year Tenth Avenue North and Jonny Diaz will join forces to open the shows in November. The tour begins October 9 in Jackson, MS and concludes November 22 in Johnson City, TN (full tour listing below).

For more information on ”An Evening with MercyMe” please visit www.mercyme.org.

Tour Dates for “An Evening With MercyMe"

October with FEE and Jonny Diaz
9-Oct Friday Jackson, MS FBC Jackson
15-Oct Thursday Plymouth, MI NorthRidge Church
16-Oct Friday Bowling Green, KY Hillvue Heights
18-Oct Sunday Akron, OH Akron Civic Theatre
23-Oct Friday N. Charleston, SC North Charleston Performing Arts Ctr.
24-Oct Saturday Dothan, AL Dothan Civic Center
25-Oct Sunday Montgomery, AL Frazer Memorial United Methodist Church
29-Oct Thursday W. Monroe, LA FBC West
30-Oct Friday Fort Walton Beach, FL Emerald Coast Conference Ctr.

November with Tenth Avenue North, Jonny Diaz
5-Nov Thursday Omaha, NE Bellevue Christian Ctr.
6-Nov Friday W. Des Moines, IA Lutheran Church of Hope
7-Nov Saturday W. Des Moines, IA Lutheran Church of Hope
8-Nov Sunday Valparaiso, IN Valparaiso Nazarene Church
12-Nov Thursday Midland, TX Stonegate Fellowship Church
14-Nov Saturday Austin, TX Austin Music Hall
15-Nov Sunday Mercedes, TX Rio Grande Valley
19-Nov Thursday Louisville, KY Valleyview Baptist Church
20-Nov Friday Knoxville, TN Knoxville Christian
21-Nov Saturday Dayton, OH Far Hills Community Church
22-Nov Sunday Johnson City, TN Freedom Hall Civic Ctr.

09/08/2009
33MILES PARTNERS WITH FOOD FOR THE HUNGRY TO PRESENT THE “ONE LIFE” TOUR
INO Records’ trio 33Miles will partner with international philanthropic organization Food for the Hungry for the “One Life” tour hitting approximately 20 cities this fall. They kick off the tour in Sept. and will also be joined by recording artists John Waller and Pocket Full of Rocks.

“We are so excited about hitting the road this fall on our very first headlining tour with John Waller and Pocket Full of Rocks!” states 33Miles frontman Jason Barton. “We look forward to seeing our friends at radio and all those who support and pray for us. It is such a blessing to be able to travel and spread the hope of Christ through music and to encourage people to make the most of their ‘One Life.’”

In addition to the tour, 33Miles is prepping to release their first Christmas album titled Believe available exclusively with Family Christian Stores this year.

09/03/2009
Skillet debuts at #2 on Billboard 200!
"Awake," the acclaimed new album from Atlantic/Ardent/INO recording group Skillet, has made a blockbuster chart debut, entering the SoundScan/Billboard 200 at #2, with sales of 67,611. The project also debuted at #1 on SoundScan’s overall Contemporary Christian sales chart.

The album is also shaping up as a digital phenomenon, with the Deluxe Version reaching the #1 spot on the iTunes Store’s “Top Albums” chart and “Top Rock Chart” within 24 hours of its release. The “AWAKE” Deluxe Version is currently #3 on iTunes’ “Top Rock Albums” chart, while standing strong as a top 12 success on the overall sales ranking.

Produced by Howard Benson (Daughtry, Flyleaf), “AWAKE” is highlighted by the electrifying new singles, “Monster” and “Hero.” “Monster” is currently approaching the top 20 at Active Rock outlets nationwide, while a companion video is in post-production. In addition, the band’s performance of “Monster” will open as the official theme song each week during the upcoming ACC College Football season, as well as on the soundtrack to MTV’s new hit series, Bully Beatdown. NBC recently aired the song during The 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania special, and “Monster,” along with “Hero,” will be a part of the upcoming video game, WWE® SmackDown® vs. Raw® 2010.

What’s more, “Hero” (already #1 at Christian rock and currently #2 at CHR) is featured in the promotional campaign heralding the new season of NBC Sunday Night Football. A companion video for “Hero” is also in production, with a premiere date to be announced soon.

One of America’s hardest working live acts, Skillet will celebrate the breakthrough success of “AWAKE” with the 50-city “Awake & Alive Tour,” set to launch on September 24th at Fort Wayne, Indiana’s Embassy Theater. The headline tour will then travel the country through early December. Skillet’s special guests on the “Awake & Alive” tour will be Hawk Nelson, Decyfer Down, and The Letter Black.

Skillet frontman John Cooper and producer Brian Howes recently collected two BMI Music Awards for “The Last Night” and “The Older I Get,” both featured on 2006’s Grammy® Award-nominated “COMATOSE.” That album proved Skillet’s most popular work to date, with sales now approaching RIAA gold certification. “COMATOSE” followed the band’s 2003 label debut, “COLLIDE,” which launched Skillet into the mainstream while also garnering their first Grammy® Award nomination.

For up-to-the-minute news and information, visit www.skillet.com or www.myspace.com/skilletmusic.

08/26/2009
Skillet Soars Into Street Week With #1 Album Album At iTunes
As their new album “Awake” hits stores and digital domains all over the nation this week, Skillet is psyched to know that digital fans have responded immediately on iTunes®. In less than 24 hours it became the #1 and #4 best-selling project on the overall iTunes® sales chart as well as it’s rock sales chart.

Their first Christian radio single “Hero” continues to climb the charts as well, reaching #2 this week, previously hitting #1 on the Christian Rock format earlier this month.

Skillet’s 50 city “Awake & Alive” fall tour launches on September 24th amd will feature Hawk Nelson, Decyfer Down and The Letter Black. They will rock accross the country, landing in cities including New York City, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Phoenix, Seattle, Dallas, and their hometown base of Chicago.

”AWAKE” is also continuing to get media’s attention in a big way with spectacular reviews, including the following:

“… Skillet has once again outdone the competition.” – CCMmagazine.com “The bottom line here is that Awake shows us all that Skillet is like a fine wine ... better and better with age. All 12 tracks come as close to excellent as you will find in today's musical landscape. This is a "must have" CD for any Christian rock fan and it's one that will be gracing my CD player for many years to come.” – About.com “Skillet's music has a, 'Midas-like gold touch'” – CMSpin.com “… this should be another Grammy nomination for Skillet.” – RockEyez.com “… best Skillet record to date.” – Melodic.net “Awake is Skillet’s action-adventure summer blockbuster....aggressive, splashy and entertaining.” – ChristianMusicToday.com (Christianity Today) “… a new noticeable evolution of their music sure to connect with longtime panheads and open the floodgates to mainstream music rock fans who have never heard their music.” – StereoTruth.net “It's been a long wait for an all-new Skillet CD, but the result is worth it. Skillet fans are sure to embrace Awake, another strong addition to the band's discography.” - Beyondtheturntable.net “ Skillet is truly one of today’s most innovative, entertaining and inspiring modern rock bands.” - Andy Argyrakis (freelancer writer with ChristianMusicToday.com, HearSay magazine, CCMmagazine.com and GospelMusicChannel.com) “ .... thunderous, motivating, and will do its best to wake your heart up and sync it with its rhythms. The beats are pulsing in our brains, the truth is resonating in our hearts—we love this album!” -YouthWalk magazine “ .. this record easily stands out as the best work the band has done in years, possibly of their career. This is the one that will fully bring Skillet into the mainstream spotlight.” -UndertheGunreviews.net
08/25/2009
The Comedy Bus Series Gives Reasons To Laugh During Tough Times With New Discs "Laugh Tracks" and "Cracked Up" Available Aug. 25th
The Comedy Bus is giving us reasons to laugh during tough times this fall with the release of their CD/DVD Laugh Tracks and Cracked Up, available in stores August 25. This hilarious family friendly series features some of today’s top Christian comedians: Bean and Bailey, Mike Williams, Leland Klassen, Rich Praytor, Kristy Byers, Robert G. Lee, Paul Aldrich, Gordon Douglas and Kelly Sisney, all performing clean stand-up from a Christian perspective.

Laugh Tracks features Kristy Byers’ side-splitting take on being single, while the comedy duo Dave & Brian use their musical talents to explore young love and heartbreak through the lens of pop culture. Canadian Leland Klassen offers some hilarious observations about our neighbors to the North and Gordon Douglas riffs on the myriad of differences between men and women. Robert G. Lee, Mike Williams and Bean & Bailey round out this outrageous crew.

For a double dose of comedy, Cracked Up serves up a whole new batch of laughs kicked off by hilarious host Mike Williams. On this DVD, funnyman Paul Aldrich offers his take on the TV theme songs of our youth, Atlanta’s Kenn Kington jokes about the problem of too many choices today, and Kelly Sisney admits to being afraid of the parking crew at her Kansas mega-church. Dave & Brian, Gordon Douglas and Leland Klassen return as well, bringing the laughs in a family- and faith-friendly format that doesn’t require the kids to leave the room.

“Comedy fans are going to love these DVDs! We need to laugh…and the Comedy Bus delivers the goods. Buy all four of the current DVDs and you’ll never get off of the floor,” says Roy Morgan of Premier Productions.

Laugh Tracks and Cracked Up are the follow-ups to 2008’s Class Clowns and Laugh Out Loud. These new titles are the second phase of The Comedy Bus Series from INO Records and Premier Productions, with a total of five in the making.

The laughs don’t just stop on your television screen with The Comedy Bus either. Fans can see the comedians live this fall as The Comedy Tour makes its across America, reminding us all that God definitely has a sense of humor. For more information on The Comedy Bus series, great comedy products or to find out how you can bring The Comedy Bus Tour in your area, log on to www.TheComedyBus.com.

08/21/2009
Building 429 And Todd Agnew Embark On Fall "Promise Remains Tour"
Building 429 and singer/songwriter Todd Agnew will embark on the fall “Promise Remains Tour” sponsored by World Vision. In addition, new female trio Kimber Rising is slated to open the tour as they visit 40+ dates across the U.S. beginning September 17th.

Both Building 429 and Todd Agnew have been long-time partners with World Vision. In the past year, Building 429 and the organization paired up for the “Truth Hope and Love Tour” and the highly successful World Vision Summerfest tour.

“It's been over five years since Todd and Building have toured together,” explains Building 429 lead singer Jason Roy. “When we drew up a vision for the tour, the thought process was simple: God's promises remain true today, even with the economic hardships and the continuing wars that are being waged around the world. Our fans are sure to leave each night reminded of the fact that God is still in control and that all of His promises are guaranteed for those who know Him as King.”

Building 429 will be performing songs off their latest self-titled release including their current and powerful single “Always,” and upcoming single “Overcome” that will release to radio in October.

Preparing for his new studio release in October, Agnew will be playing fan favorites “Grace Like Rain” and “This Fragile Breath”, as well as giving audiences a preview of new songs off his upcoming record NEED releasing Oct. 6. Included in the set list is the first radio single, “Joy Unspeakable” which went for adds July 17.

“We are really excited about getting back on the road this fall,” states Agnew. “We look forward to sharing some songs from the new record and are really glad to be back with some dear friends, Building 429. We’re also happy to have Kimber Rising back with us after touring together last Christmas. It should be a great tour and we are excited to see what God will do this fall!”

Log on to www.thepromiseremainstour.com to see if the tour is coming to a city near you.

08/12/2009
MercyMe: Continuing To Pray
August 12, 2009

Late last night MercyMe posted an updated statement about the accident their bus was involved in this past Saturday morning in Ft Wayne, IN. We are passing along this statement at the band’s request, and also due to the numerous inquiries we have received for the band:

MercyMe would like to thank everyone for the overwhelming support and prayers that have been said not only for them, but for the families affected by this tragic accident. We have been in continued communication with the chaplaincy program at the Ft. Wayne Police Department, and our thoughts and prayers continue to be with everyone affected by this situation.

Every night on stage when we introduce our song, “Bring the Rain”, we talk about God being in control. If we believe what we say, then we must continue to look at how He will get the glory through this, and bring healing to so many.

We resumed our touring schedule in Milwaukee Monday evening. Before beginning the concert Bart addressed the crowd for all of us, expressing our heartbreak for the families in Ft. Wayne and our desire to pray for the families and for the young lady who still remains hospitalized. The crowd joined us in prayer specifically praying for healing, comfort, peace and understanding. We thank all of you for continuing to pray.

Bart, Mike, Jim, Nathan, Barry & Robby MercyMe

08/08/2009
MERCYME EXPRESSES HEARTACHE OVER ACCIDENT
Following the accident earlier this morning involving their tour bus, MercyMe gave the following statement:

"MercyMe would like to express their incredible heartache over this horrible accident. They are praying for the families of all who this will affect, and are asking others to please pray as well. The band and crew sustained minor bumps and bruises, however their hearts are heavy. They appreciate the concern they have received from people all over the world."

08/04/2009
Phillips, Craig & Dean- Album Release Concert Sells Out with Hundreds Being Turned Away
It’s a good week to be Phillips, Craig and Dean! Their latest recording Fearless hit stores today, August 4th, and “Revelation Song” continues to reign in the No. 1 spot for the fourth week in a row on Billboard Christian radio charts.

The album release concert garnered a sell out crowd on Fri. Jul. 31 in Dallas, TX. The Gateway Church fittingly served as host to the event, where the band and Gateway church member/"Revelation Song” songwriter, Jennie Riddle, were presented with a plaque commemorating the #1 radio single in front of the sold out crowd.

The album features songs co-written by each band member including “The Distance,” “Nothing to Prove” and “The Spirit of God is Here.” Fearless was born out of struggles from people in the congregations that the three pastors face and offers hope for these tough situations.

07/21/2009
FEE’S “GLORY TO GOD FOREVER” JETS TO NO. 1 SPOT ON iTunes ® CHRISTIAN AND GOSPEL SINGLES CHART IN LESS THAN 12 HOURS
After being released to iTunes ® earlier this morning, the newest single from Fee, “Glory to God Forever,” has shot up to the No. 1 spot on iTunes ® Christian and Gospel Singles chart. “Glory to God Forever” is from Fee’s new album Hope Rising, which is scheduled to release on Oct. 6.

“It is a really simple song, but it is based on a massive concept,” says band front man Steve Fee of the new single. “The massive thought is that everything in our lives gives glory to God. It strikes the very core of why we were made. I believe this is a song that was already in us to say that God created us to give glory to Him.”

To hear Fee explain the story behind “Glory to God Forever,” visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-29pHKxVcZ8&feature=channel_page

www.feeband.com

07/17/2009
SKILLET ANNOUNCES ‘AWAKE & ALIVE’ 50 CITY FALL TOUR WHILE CELEBRATING #1 ROCK SONG
As they prepare for the August 25th release of their already-critically acclaimed CD “AWAKE,” the GRAMMY® nominated band SKILLET is celebrating a new #1 Rock single with “HERO” and has announced plans for their 50 city “AWAKE & ALIVE” fall tour, which will feature Hawk Nelson, Decyfer Down and The Letter Black.

On the heels of fall and spring legs of their “COMATOSE” tour, which saw an average of 70% of their shows sell out and also landed them in Pollstar’s Concert Pulse Top 50 tours, SKILLET will spend September to December rocking across the country, hitting major markets like New York City, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Phoenix, Seattle, Dallas, and their hometown base of Chicago. As they become more and more well known for their rocking live show, lead singer John Cooper says the band will continue to push the envelope when it comes to giving their fans the best show possible:

“Skillet wants this to be the biggest, baddest tour we’ve ever done, and we’re happy to be going out with these bands” he says. “We always try to put everything we have into our shows and the “Awake and Alive” tour will not disappoint – we’re pulling out all the bells and whistles we can, and these new songs are going to be incredible to perform live. We can’t wait to get out there and see everyone – our fans are amazing.”

With over a month before “AWAKE” hits the market, SKILLET is already garnering critical acclaim for their 7th studio project:

“While Comatose marked Skillet’s arrival on the mainstream scene without ever abandoning its Christian roots, Awake marks its full-fledged domination of both scenes simultaneously. Loaded with fist pumping rockers, heart wrenching ballads and thought provoking lyrics of social and spiritual sensibility no matter what the style, Skillet is truly one of today’s most innovative, entertaining and inspiring modern rock bands.” - Andy Argyrakis (freelancer writer with ChristianMusicToday.com, HearSay magazine, CCMmagazine.com and GospelMusicChannel.com)

“ ’Awake,’ the latest from hard rockers Skillet, is thunderous, motivating, and will do its best to wake your heart up and sync it with its rhythms. The beats are pulsing in our brains, the truth is resonating in our hearts—we love this album!” -YouthWalk magazine

“ ‘Awake’ wastes no time giving fans plenty to cheer about. In fact, I would say this record easily stands out as the best work the band has done in years, possibly of their career. I know I’m going out on a limb here, but I predict this record will be at least twice as successful as the last. This is it. This is the one that will fully bring Skillet into the mainstream spotlight.” -UndertheGunreviews.net

“AWAKE & ALIVE” TOUR DATES (*all dates subject to change and more to be added soon)
SEPT
9/24/09 Embassy Theater- Ft. Wayne, IN
9/25/09 Grace Brethren Church -Columbus, OH
9/26/09 Awakening Music Festival -Leesburg, VA
9/27/09 The Tabernacle -Atlanta, GA
9/29/09 Freedom Hall -Johnson City, TN

October
10/1/09 Washington Avenue Armory Convention Center -Albany, NY
10/2/09 Manhattan Center Studios - Hammerstein Ballroom -New York, NY
10/3/09 The Palladium -Worster, MA
10/4/09 Electric Factory—Philadelphia, PA
10/6/09 Salem Civic Center -Salem, VA
10/8/09 Minglewood Hall -Memphis, TN
10/9/09 Riverfest Amphitheater -Little Rock, AR
10/10/09 Cullman County Fairgrounds - Youthquake Cullman, AL
10/11/09 Mobile Civic Center -Mobile, AL
10/15/09 Spirit Bank Event Center -Tulsa, OK
10/16/09 South Plains Fair Coliseum- Lubbock, TX
10/17/09 Abraham Chavez Theater- El Paso, TX
10/18/09 Kiva Theater -Albuquerque, NM
10/20/09 Mcgee Park - Memorial Coliseum -Farmington, NM
10/22/09 Celebrity Theater -Phoenix, AZ
10/23/09 Club Nokia LA Live- Los Angeles, CA
10/25/09 Warnors Theater -Fresno, CA
10/27/09 Redding Convention Center Auditorium -Redding, CA
10/29/09 Medford Armory -Central Point, OR
10/30/09 Ost Pavillion -Salem, OR
10/31/09 Showare Center -Seattle, WA

November
11/1/09 Inb Performing Arts Center Spokane, WA
11/3/09 Toyota Center Kennewick, WA
11/5/09 Qwest Arena Boise, ID fall tour
11/6/09 Saltair Salt Lake City, UT
11/7/09 Paramount Theater Denver, CO fall tour
11/13/09 Stephens Auditorium - Iowa State Univ. Ames, IA
11/14/09 Minn Convention Center Aud -Minneapolis, MN
11/15/09 House of Blues- Chicago, IL
11/19/09 Maude Cobb Center- Longview, TX
11/20/09 Palladium Ballroom -Dallas, TX
11/21/09 The Berry Center- Cypress, TX
11/22/09 Abilene Civic Center- Abilene, TX
11/27/09 Remingtons- Springfield, MO
11/28/09 Adler Theater- Davenport, IA
11/29/09 Duluth Entertainment Conv. Center -Duluth, MN

December
12/3/09 Memorial Auditorium- Chattanooga, TN
12/4/09 Hobart Arena Troy, OH
12/5/09 Agora Theater -Cleveland, OH
12/6/09 Deltaplex -Grand Rapids, MI

07/16/2009
TODD AGNEW ANNOUNCES NEWEST RECORDING NEED RELEASING OCT. 6
First Single “Joy Unspeakable” Hits Radio Waves Jul. 17

Inspired by recent life changes and learning experiences, Todd Agnew will release his fifth studio project Need Oct. 6 on Ardent/INO Records.

Speaking into the title Need, Agnew says, “Once we finished recording this record, I looked back at it trying to find the theme running throughout. I started to realize how much of this project is about need. My need to be loved. My need for answers. My need for assurance. Our need to worship. Our need to be rescued, redeemed, restored. I noticed that God has been teaching me all year that all of my needs are met in Jesus.”

Much has happened since listeners last heard from Agnew as the singer/songwriter married early last year. Among the twelve tunes on the album, the record includes tracks showcasing Agnew’s worshipful tones and signature sound in songs such as “Gloria,” “I Need No Other,” “Breakable” and more.

As for the first single “Joy Unspeakable,” Agnew says, “I got married in Feb. of 2008, so there was a great deal of joy added to my life through this amazing gift God had given me. Now, being over a year into it, I know that it’s not all easy and fun; some of life is still quite difficult. But what I have found is that joy runs through it all, and that is God’s plan for His bride as well. The strength, the comfort and the joy that comes from our relationship with Him is ever present, even in our troubled times. That is a joy that I do not have words to describe.”

Agnew will join forces this fall with Building 429 and newcomers Kimber Rising for the “Promise Remains” tour sponsored by Christian humanitarian organization World Vision. The tour will visit around 40 cities starting in Sept. Visit www.thepromiseremainstour.com for the most updated tour information.

www.toddagnew.com
www.myspace.com/toddagnew

07/16/2009
PHILLIPS, CRAIG & DEAN’S “REVELATION SONG” # 1 CHRISTIAN SONG IN THE NATION
Overwhelming Momentum Grows As New Album Fearless Releases Aug. 4

Phillips, Craig and Dean’s smash hit “Revelation Song” has claimed the top spot on Billboard's Hot Christian AC, Mediabase/All Access Christian AC and the CRW AC charts, and created an overwhelming momentum for the band’s upcoming release, Fearless, on Aug. 4.

“The voice on the other end of the phone said to me, ‘Randy, ‘Revelation Song’ just went to #1,’” recalls member Randy Phillips. “I inhaled surprise and exhaled gratitude. 18 years of singing contemporary Christian music – and radio, retail and audiences still find our music relative and desirable. It’s beyond me. Way beyond me. It’s actually … above me.”

Phillips, Craig and Dean’s timing could not be better as they are releasing their tenth studio album Fearless on Aug. 4, highly anticipated due to the success of “Revelation Song.” Fearless was born out of struggles from people in the congregations that the three pastors face and offers hope for these tough situations. Produced by Bernie Herms (Casting Crowns, Mark Schultz, Avalon), the 10 track album features songs co-written by each band member including “The Distance,” “Nothing to Prove” and “The Spirit of God is Here.”

After 18 years of ministry, 16 No. 1 radio hits, 10 albums, two million plus records sold and nine Dove Award nominations, see what people are saying about their latest endeavor.

“The first time I heard Revelation Song I got chills... In fact, every time I hear it, I get chills! After 18 years, Phillips, Craig and Dean deliver their best yet... K-LOVE listeners love it!” - Scott Smith, MD K-LOVE Radio Network

“PC&D's Revelation Song is ridiculous. Ridiculous test scores (highest ever at KXOJ), ridiculous phones, ridiculous passion levels from listeners. You really do not see this level of response on a song very often. Congratulations to some old friends that still gain new fans every single day.” - Bob Thornton, PD KXOJ Tulsa

“Revelation Song” is a rising anthem in churches across the country that the trio has wanted to record for sometime.

“It’s not just a lyric, it’s not just the music, it’s a combination of all of that together that takes you on a journey,” says Dan Dean. “It lifts your spirit. I have seen it happen many times in our church as we do the song in worship. Now we just hope we can see that happen on a larger scale.”

www.phillipscraiganddean.com
www.myspace.com/phillipscraiganddean

07/09/2009
INO RECORDS AND DEREK WEBB SILENT NO MORE WITH RELEASE OF STOCKHOLM SYNDROME ON SEPT. 1
After nearly two months of silence, and several months of delay Derek Webb and INO Records are announcing the release of his newest album Stockholm Syndrome set to street Sept. 1, 2009. Over two years in the making, Webb co-produced Stockholm Syndrome with former Caedmon’s Call bandmate Josh Moore (Watermark, Bethany Dillon, Bun-B, Slim Thug).

Stockholm Syndrome delivers everything listeners have come to expect from Derek Webb: killer pop hooks and lyrics as thought provoking as they are emotionally revealing. Sonically, however, this record is a radical departure for Webb, who has left his acoustic, folk/rock roots behind for a sound he describes as “intentionally inorganic.” Together, Webb and Moore have succeeded in creating a dense, richly absorbing sonic vernacular that pays homage to an entire century of music. From 1920’s jazz to 1950’s doo-wop, from disco and dance music to old-school R&B, Webb uses this album as a means of exploring deep issues through the central metaphor of Stockholm Syndrome, illuminating the ways in which a society can fall in love with an oppressive culture and become enslaved by it. That sound is palpable in every track from the strut of “Black Eye” and “Cobra Con” to the electropop of “Jena & Jimmy” and Webb’s ironic Fred Phelps-inspired love song, “Freddie, Please.”

“Instead of writing a dozen songs and then trying to figure out the best way to record them, Josh and I spent a year collecting sounds we loved – beats, loops, odd bits of programming – then weaving those elements into tracks that moved us and made us feel something,” comments Webb. “Only then did we even begin to think about song structures and melodies and lyrics. It was the total reverse of my usual process and by far the most fun I’ve ever had making a record.”

Due to what some are calling the provocative content and nature of the record, Webb has the most pre-release awareness of his career. Nearly 5,000 people regularly followed details of Webb’s release of Stockholm Syndrome daily as he leaked information via websites, twitter feeds, independent blogs, google searches and more. In that time Google recorded over 7,100 google searches and 1,200 independent blogs reporting on all or some aspect of Webb and Stockholm Syndrome. Webb was also among the top 70 google searches (internet wide) the first day information was released through his website.

As part of the campaign, Webb also engaged 20 cities in the U.S. such as Orlando, Nashville, Dallas, Los Angeles and more on a scavenger hunt for “artifacts,” USB drives that contained new music. 1,500 people participated per day in finding the pieces of music in these U.S. cities. Webb also plans to tour this fall in all 20 markets where the scavenger hunt took place on the ‘Black Eye’ release tour.

The search drew to a climactic close on Fri. Jul. 3 as Webb hosted a “secret” event for over 300 fans at The Rutledge in Nashville, Tenn. to watch a sneak peek of a documentary about Stockholm Syndrome and to participate in a Q&A with Webb and Moore. Supporters came from as far as Seattle, WA, Lincoln, NE and Austin, TX. 18 lucky fans who solved the final puzzle, which actually continued into the venue that night, found themselves whisked away to Webb’s home studio after the Rutledge show for an intimate listening party with Webb and Moore and exclusive, pre-release copies of Stockholm Syndrome.

Webb and his free distribution tactics will be among the topics that author and editor Chris Anderson discuss in his upcoming book Free: The Future of a Radical Price, released on Jul. 7 from Hyperion.

A former member of the Houston, Texas-based Caedmon's Call, singer/songwriter Derek Webb has seen career sales approaching one million records, 10 Dove Award nominations, a Billboard Music Video Award nod and six No.1 radio hits. Webb’s innovative music marketing and distribution strategies have received national news coverage in USA Today and the LA Times.

# # #

www.derekwebb.com

07/02/2009
SMASH ANTHEM “REVELATION SONG” HERALDS PHILLIPS, CRAIG AND DEAN’S RELEASE OF FEARLESS ON AUG. 4

Revelation Song” Garners Unparalleled Momentum at Radio and on iTunes ®

Nashville, Tenn. Jun. 23, 2009… Decorated Christian trio Phillips, Craig and Dean will release their tenth studio album on INO Records on Aug. 4 titled Fearless. Preceding the late summer release, the band’s first single “Revelation Song” is already a smash hit at radio and iTunes ® landing in the Top 5 AC and Top 10 INSPO positions at radio while maintaining a Top 5 spot on iTunes ® Christian & Gospel “Top Songs” chart for the past four weeks.

Uniquely gifted and positioned in their dual roles as musicians and full-time senior pastors in three different U.S. cities, Randy Phillips, Shawn Craig and Dan Dean know well the current struggles people in their congregations face, which is where the compelling idea behind Fearless was created. Produced by Bernie Herms (Casting Crowns), the 10 track album features songs co-written by each band member including “The Distance,” “Nothing to Prove” and “The Spirit of God is Here,” which Phillips co-wrote with Paul Baloche.

“We were talking about how afraid our church members are today,” recalls Phillips. “A look at your finances right now might mean kids who wanted to go to college can’t, and so on. The fear that brings can be so paralyzing; it puts you in a cage. But then we asked ourselves, Shouldn’t believers who have the heart of eternity in them be different? That’s when we found our theme: fear less, hope more. This is an opportunity to show our power is in God alone.”

Among the band’s new music, each admits that “Revelation Song” is a tune the band has wanted to record for some time and aptly supports the theme of Fearless. To hear the story behind “Revelation Song” in the band’s own word, visit http://video.inorecords.com/streaming/?video=PCD-RevelationSongFinaledit05-18-09.

“This song captures the moment of looking up into Heaven, peeling back the curtain of eternity so we can peek in,” says Phillips. “If you keep your eyes on the Dow Jones or nuclear weapons in North Korea, you’ll always be nervous. Look to the awesomeness of God instead.”

Amidst “Revelation Song’s” success at radio, the song is receiving support from major markets & stations such as K-LOVE, KLTY/Dallas, KSBJ/Houston, WPOZ/Orlando, KCMS/Seattle, The Fish/Nashville and American Family Radio among many others.

In addition, national radio network K-LOVE recently partnered with Phillips, Craig and Dean for a Father’s Day contest they called “Hoosier Daddy?” The winner, Jeff Hannan, of Ft. Smith, Arkansas won the trip of a lifetime to the Hoosier State – Indiana. Later this fall, Jeff and his dad will be VIP guests to a Phillips, Craig and Dean concert, enjoy a round of golf at the prestigious Brickyard Crossing golf course, take a tour of the Indianapolis 500 Raceway and experience Opening Day of the NFL season at the Indianapolis Colts game! KLOVE Brand Manager Mike Tedesco said of the promotion, “It was fun watching as this promotion transformed from a simple idea to something memorable.”

During street week, the band will be making promotional stops (to be announced) in support of Fearless. Phillips, Craig and Dean will also be performing tour dates across the country including appearances at Gateway Church, Atlanta’s Celebrate Freedom and at Brooklyn Tabernacle. For the most update tour info, please visit www.phillipscraiganddean.com.

In their 18 years of ministry as a Christian music staple, Phillips, Craig & Dean has no doubt achieved longevity in the ever changing music industry with 16 No. 1 radio hits, 10 albums, two million plus records sold and nine Dove Award nominations.

www.phillipscraiganddean.com
www.myspace.com/phillipscraiganddean

Phillips, Craig and Dean Touring Schedule: * all tour dates subject to change

Jul. 10 Lifefest - Oshkosh, WI
Jul. 31 Gateway Church Southlake, TX
Sept. 5 Celebrate Freedom - Atlanta, GA
Sept. 11 First Church of the Nazarene - Indianapolis, IN
Sept. 25 Central Christian Church - Mt. Vernon, IL
Oct. 4 Brooklyn Tabernacle - Brooklyn, NY
Oct. 15 Southeast Christian Church - Parker, CO
Nov. 5 Cedar Rapids, IA - First Assembly
Nov. 6 Emmanuel Christian Center - Minneapolis, MN
Nov. 19 Pentecostals of Alexandria - Alexandria, LA
Dec. 17 Christian Celebration Center - Midland, MI
06/22/2009
SKILLET TO UNVEIL “AWAKE” ON AUGUST 25th

NEW SINGLE ‘HERO’ CLIMBING CHR AND ROCK RADIO CHARTS
Band Creating Big Buzz at Summer Festivals with ‘Electric’ Live Show

“AWAKE” Follows Massive Radio, Sales & Tour Success of “Comatose”

NASHVILLE, TN…6/22/09…On the heels of the most successful record of their career, Atlantic/Ardent/INO Records’ active rockers Skillet will end the nearly 3-year spanse between projects with “AWAKE,” available in stores and at all online retailers on August 25th.

The new album was produced by Howard Benson who has also produced Daughtry, My Chemical Romance, and The All American Rejects. "AWAKE" is available now for pre-order via the band’s official website,

"http://skillet.com"

A variety of packages are being offered, pairing the album with such bonuses as an exclusive Skillet t-shirt, an autographed VIP pass, and membership in Skillet’s official fan club. All pre-orders of “AWAKE” come with an immediate download of “Hero.”

Skillet is currently headlining and creating a big buzz at several summer Christian festivals with their ‘electric’ live show. They are also preparing to unveil what lead-singer/bassist and primary songwriter John Cooper calls a “turning of a page” for the band. “This album is even more immediate than “Comatose,” but there’s also a noticeable maturity,” he says. “Some of the songs are complex, others are just really intense rockers and overall there’s a real sense that we’re opening a new chapter. There are definitely some classic rock elements on the record, some very melodic moments with orchestration and piano, along with a lot of today’s heavier rock influences as well. ”

The first example is the hook-heavy lead single “Hero,” already climbing Christian CHR (#15) and Rock radio (#6) charts, and getting an excellent reception:

“We've anxiously awaited a new song from Skillet for months and they've lived up to our lofty hopes,” commented WAY-FM’S Zach Boehm. “Our initial listener response has been great!”

Other outpourings include the first Mainstream and Active Rock single “Monster,” the militant “It’s Not Me,” and the hopeful “Forgiven.” There are also a handful of gripping ballads and crossover songs like the loss-centered “Lucy,” the melodic “Don’t Wake Me” and “One Day Too Late.” “Never Surrender” came from a conversation with a fan about their eating disorder, and what is sure to become a live show favorite is the rocker “Awake & Alive.” To listen to a clip of “Hero,” go to

"http://www.inorecords.com/inoradioemail/090510/heroclip.mp3"

“We’re living in hard times right now between the news that seems to get crazier every day and all the uncertainly throughout society in general,” says Cooper. “Sometimes it doesn’t seem like there’s hope, and sure you can choose to give up, but why not face it ‘Awake and Alive’? Life is full of challenges, and sometimes when you look deep into yourself, you can feel weighed down by sin and the ‘Monster’ that lives inside us all. But the more you realize your need for Christ, the less you focus on that, and on Him instead. Everything we sing about on this album is something someone can relate to, and if anything, the songs will let you know you’re not alone.”

06/17/2009
FEE UNVEILS SOPHOMORE PROJECT HOPE RISING ON OCT. 6
INO Records’ Band Releases “Glory To God Forever” to Radio on Jun. 19 As Follow-Up to Mega Hit “All Because of Jesus”

Nashville, Tenn. Jun. 17, 2009… After a stellar debut, Fee is prepping to release their sophomore album titled Hope Rising with the first single “Glory to God Forever” going for adds at radio on Jun. 19.

“We are thrilled that the success of the first record is giving us a platform with Hope Rising to inject God into the equation of tragedy and uncertainty going on in the world,” says front man Steve Fee.

The band’s second project comes after much acclaim from their freshman album We Shine which garnered a No. 1 radio smash hit in “All Because of Jesus,” a Worship Leader Praise Award for “Breakout Artist” and four GMA Dove Award nominations including a nod in the “New Artist of the Year” category.

Produced by Jason Hoard and lead singer Steve Fee, the Atlanta-based foursome’s newest release contains twelve original tracks. Though the band continued with their signature worship sound on the record, Hope Rising also includes statement songs that the band hopes will transcend one style of music. It was after recording tracks such as “Everything Falls” and “Promised Land,” that the group decided on the title Hope Rising. In fact, the song “Arms that Hold the Universe” was born out of a concert the band did shortly after the March church shooting in Maryville, Ill for the congregation as a message reminding listeners that when you factor in God to any circumstance, you will find hope.

As for the band’s first single, Steve says, “There is a message for us here in this era and period in church history. I’m confident that songs which echo the victory of Christ are exactly what we, the Church, want to say and God, in his timely way, put songs in us like ‘Glory To God Forever.’”

This summer, Fee will also participate in some of the country’s biggest festivals including Atlanta Fest, Creation East and Unity Festival. For the band’s most updated touring schedule, please visit their website, www.feeband.com.

From national worship conferences to local youth group meetings, Fee has brought a new level of abandon and talent to rock worship, gifting today’s church with riveting songs of praise. Known for amazing live performances and the No. 1 hit "All Because of Jesus" plus "Glorious One," and Christmas song “All Creation Sing (Joy To The World),” Fee continues to inspire the church musically with this all-new release of soon-to-be modern classics. The band has been associated with some of today’s most forthcoming faith-based events including Passion, 7:22 and Catalyst conferences. Fee released their debut INO project & GMA Dove nominated We Shine in September 2007. The band’s hit single “All Because of Jesus” also garnered the No. 10 spot on R&R’s AC Songs of the Year. Fee Front man Steve Fee was also selected to lead worship at the 92nd annual Indianapolis 500 chapel services in 2008, the biggest event of the Indy Car Series. Hailing from Atlanta, GA, Steve Fee, Matt Adkins, Heath Balltzglier and Brandon Coker still lead worship at the North Point Community Church.

06/08/2009
NEW ARTIST JOY WHITLOCK HEADLINES ACOUSTIC TESTIFY TOUR
New artist Joy Whitlock is headlining the Testify tour as it kicks off June 28 at Cornerstone Festival in Bushnell, IL. The acoustic tour will also introduce audiences to indie duo Carolina Story who are also launching a “Spare Change” campaign to help in sending aide to needy children in Africa. For tour dates please see below.

Whitlock received raving reviews for debut album God And A Girl, which released last fall on INO/Ardent Records’. Since then, she has been busy writing music and entertaining audiences across the country. Formerly having toured with mentor Todd Agnew, Whitlock is ready to head back on the road where she will be performing songs from her debut that reveal the struggles she has encountered and how she conquered them through Christ. Carolina Story is comprised of husband & wife duo Emily and Ben Roberts. The Memphis-based band just released their debut album.

For more information on Joy Whitlock go to: www.joywhitlock.com and for Carolina Story go to: http://www.myspace.com/carolinastorymusic.

Testify Tour Dates (dates subject to change) 06/28/09 Bushnell, Ill Cornerstone Festival (The Anchor Stage)
06/29/09 Bushnell, Ill Cornerstone Festival (Sean Michels Stage)
07/01/09 Bushnell, Ill Cornerstone Festival (Sean Michels Stage)
07/02/09 Kansas City, MO Gashland Presbyterian Church
O7/03/09 Lawton, Ok TBA
07/04/09 Lawton, Ok I Love America Celebration--Elmer Thomas Park
07/05/09 Lennox, SD Lennox City Park
07/08/09 Little Rock, AR Juanitas
07/09/09 Pine Bluff, AR TBA
07/12/09 Bryant, AR Brand New Church
07/15/09 Nashville, TN The Anchor Fellowship
07/16/09 Murfreesboro, TN World Outreach Church
07/17/09 Kingston Springs, TN Red Tree Coffee
07/18/09 Jackson, TN Town Central Associated Building
08/01/09 Macon, GA The 567 Cafe
08/02/09 Athens, GA TBA

06/01/2009
BUILDING 429’S “ALWAYS” MUSIC VIDEO PREMIERES ON GOSPEL MUSIC CHANNEL JUNE 1
THE CURRENT SINGLE TOUCHES THE HEARTS OF AMERICA

On June 1, Gospel Music Channel will host the music video premiere for Building 429’s current single “Always, ” following the recent online premiere on yahoomusic.com. Check out the music video at: http://www.tangle.com/view_video.php?viewkey=83f0f1fdc92eae48201f

The Dove Award winning band’s current single “Always” has been touching the hearts of America as evidenced by the following comments from fans:

“Always” has been a huge encouragement to me as I go through times of asking God why things have to happen...like cancer, divorce, struggles with co-workers, among many other things. This song is a sweet reminder that God is with us always, no matter what the circumstances!” – Kristin, fan of Building 429

“The song “Always,” has touched my life tremendously. It reminds me of just how important it is for us to turn to God and how we can always depend on Him. There is nothing as wonderful as knowing that whatever you go through, God is always going to be with you and He never fails.” – Trishia, fan of Building 429

“I am 49 years old and the first time I heard your song “Always”, I stopped my truck and cried. I cannot remember when a song moved me so much. God bless you—you most definitely helped me through a very dark and rough time in my life.” – Dave, fan of Building 429

The song shares the story of an encounter that lead vocalist, Jason Roy had with a woman whose son was murdered by his father and encourages those who are in the midst of hard times that they are not alone.

The music video was directed by Carl Diebold who has worked with artists such as Third Day, Switchfoot, Skillet, Kutless and more.

The song is being played on major radio networks such as: K-LOVE, SiriusXM, American Family Radio and more.

Check out special behind the scenes footage from the “Always” video shoot held in downtown Nashville, at HearItFirst.com http://www.hearitfirst.com/artist/videos.aspx?artist_id=1701

05/21/2009
ROCK & WORSHIP ROADSHOW WRAPS AFTER ALL-STAR LINEUP PERFORMS BEFORE 170,000 SCREAMING FANS IN 20 CITIES NATIONWIDE
May 21, 2009…Nashville, TN...The all-star lineup on The Rock & Worship Roadshow recently wrapped having stationed in 20 cities before a total of 170,000 screaming fans. Sharing the stage on the Roadshow were multi-platinum selling and GRAMMY ® nominated, Dove and AMA winning band MercyMe along with gold selling and multiple Dove award winner Jeremy Camp, Hawk Nelson, 2009 Dove Award winner for New Artist of the Year Tenth Avenue North and Addison Road. The Roadshow celebrated a sold out crowd of 18,000 in Dallas, TX along with sold out shows in Boise, Portland, LA, Phoenix, Fresno, Wichita, Springfield, MO and Cedar Rapids. In addition, a sum of 78,000 fans tuned in to watch the tour LIVE online at www.rockandworhiproadshow.com.

Not only were concertgoers treated to an amazing night of ministry and entertainment those thousands of people across the country responded to also impact those far beyond the venue walls. Through MercyMe’s Imagine A Cure in partnership with Compassion International, 3,000 children were sponsored by fans attending the Rock & Worship Roadshow. These sponsorships will help children in third world countries receive medical treatment, balanced nutrition and a Biblical education. Additionally 600 of those children will receive the additional medical care needed to treat their special medical conditions. For more information on “Imagine A Cure,” go to: www.imagineacureonline.com. For more information on Compassion International go to www.compassion.com.

“This tour has been a dream of ours since the very beginning and to see it come alive is truly remarkable,” says MercyMe’s Bart Millard. “We were overwhelmed by the number of people that came out to each show and we appreciate their support. With this tour we strived to put the fans first and believe the gospel was and continues to be shared with millions.”

Plans are currently underway for the Second Annual Rock & Worship Roadshow scheduled to hit the road in February 2010. For more information on the Roadshow please log on to www.rockandworshiproadshow.com.

05/18/2009
WORLD VISION UNVEILS SUMMER CONCERT SERIES FEATURING BUILDING 429
Nashville, TN, World Vision unveils World Vision’s Summerfest '09, their first-ever summer concert series featuring pop-rock band Building 429. Other acts appearing on stage will be 33Miles, Lanae Hale and new act Kimber Rising. The Summerfest will visit 12-15 cities and it kicks off in Joplin, MO on June 2. World Vision hopes to have more than 800 child sponsorships by the end of the tour.

"World Vision is thrilled to once again be teaming up with Building 429,” said World Vision’s Artist Representative Ben Greene. “During 2008, in concerts all across the US, Building 429 connected over 4000 vulnerable children to new World Vision sponsors. We are so excited to be partnering with them to create a new summer event that will surely be an incredible concert series. Concert goers are sure to leave a Building concert with a renewed passion for being the hands and feet of Christ, and that makes our relationship such a perfect fit."

The family friendly summer concert is joining with churches and radio stations around the country including large market stations such as WBFJ in Winston Salem, NC, WVFJ- Atlanta, GA and KWND in Springfield, MO. Tickets are being sold for a convenient $5 at the door.

The tour dates lead up to Building 429’s World Vision mission trip to Uganda this July where the band will be performing to approximately 30,000 people in Rwanda with Andrew Palau of the Luis Palau Association. The band will continue their tour with World Vision in August for 15 dates across Canada.

For more information on World Vision Summerfest ‘09 and the tour dates, please visit http://www.worldvisionsummerfest.com.

05/12/2009
FANS RESPOND TO DECYFER DOWN¹S NEW CD CRASH, MAKING IT NO. 3 ON CHRISTIAN SOUNDSCAN CHART
FANS RESPOND TO DECYFER DOWN’S NEW CD CRASH, PURCHASING NEARLY 9,000 COPIES IN FIRST WEEK Fans responded to Decyfer Down’s new album Crash purchasing nearly 9,000 copies in its first week. The project landed in the No.3 spot on Christian Soundscan chart, debuted at No. 66 on Billboard’s Top 200 and topped the iTunes ® Christian chart at No. 1. The band garnered their second consecutive No. 1 hit with “Fading” at Christian Rock Radio charts last week and the single is continuing to build at CHR following the No. 1 success of the album’s title cut, “Crash.” iTunes ® and Rhapsody will also be offering exclusive bonus songs for Decyfer Down fans from the new album. iTunes ® will feature the bonus studio cut, “Now I’m Alive,” and Rhapsody will present an acoustic version of “Best I Can." There has been an outpour of raving reviews about Crash since the album became available nationwide on May 5: “It’s truly excellent, mixing it up but remaining true to who they are as a band. Melodic and guitar-driven… keeping the hard-rocking feeling throughout but varying how that’s interpreted. This is ten out of ten stars!”-Hollywood Jesus “Crash is a must have for fans of Decyfer Down as well as for those who simply like their music loud, proud and uncompromised.”-About.com Rock music fans have also had the opportunity to hear the new songs from Crash as Decyfer Down has opened Skillet’s Comatose Tour, which has seen several sell-out dates in the 17 shows they have held thus far. Playing for over 35,000 people so far on the tour, nearly 70% of the shows have been sold out or capacity-filled crowds, in cities including Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, Nashville, and Oklahoma City. The 30+ city tour launched on Apr. 2 and will continue through May 24.
05/04/2009
THE AFTERS 2ND CAREER DOVE AWARD
April 24, 2009
The Afters took home the top prize in the “Rock/Contemporary Album” category at the 2009 GMA Dove Awards held yesterday evening at the Grand Old Opry House in Nashville, Tenn. and broadcasted live on Gospel Music Channel. The band was recognized for their record “Never Going Back to Ok” which was produced by Dan Muckala. The band dedicated the award to their late manager David Lipscomb. This is The Afters’ second Dove award, the band was the “New Artist of the Year” in 2006.

The Afters earned a No. 1 hit at Christian CHR radio with "Never Going Back To Ok.” Their current single, "Ocean Wide" is No. 25 and rising at CHR with airplay from WAY-FM network, WONU/Chicago, WAY-FM/Denver, KLFF/San Luis Obispo, WORQ/Green Bay, KDUV/Visalia, WYLV/Knoxville among others.

“Never Going Back to Ok” entered the Billboard Top 200 at #41 and the Contemporary Christian SoundScan charts at #1 selling 15,856 units. In digital sales, the project entered at #1 for Christian SoundScan album and track sales plus hit as high as #14 on the iTunes® overall digital chart and #4 on their digital Rock chart. “We Are The Sound” from the new record was also used in promotion for last season’s American Idol with the viral video for “MySpace Girl” being featured on E! News, Seventeen.com and TV Guide Channel’s website. Songs from “Never Going Back to Ok” were also used on the Rachael Ray show and Grey’s Anatomy as well as on Dr. Phil. Releasing their debut project “I Wish We All Could Win” in 2005, the hit single from that project “Beautiful Love” was awarded with an mtvU Award for Best Streaming that Video in 2005.
05/04/2009
SKILLET’S COMATOSE TOUR RAKES IN SOLD OUT AND CAPACITY CROWDS WHILE BAND GARNERS TWO BMI SONGWRITING AWARDS
After just 14 shows, two time GRAMMY ® nominated rock band Skillet has already received an overwhelming response to their headlining “COMATOSE” tour featuring label mates Disciple and Decyfer Down. Playing for over 26,000 people so far on the tour, nearly 70% of the shows have been sold out or capacity-filled crowds, in cities including Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, Nashville, and Oklahoma City. The 30+ city tour launched on Apr. 2 and continued through May 24.

“SKILLET consistently sells tickets, and we have multiple sold out shows with them every tour. However, one of the most rewarding aspects is that we consistently have concert goers tell us they beat an addiction or healed a relationship because of the songs and the live concert experience”. Nothing like have a huge show and making a positive impact on the world at the same time! – Dan Fife, Awakening Events.

Last year, the first leg of the Comatose tour 60% of the shows were sold out placing the tour in Pollstar’s Concert Pulse Top 50 Tours .

Continuing to reel in recognition for their most recent and best-selling album of their career “Comatose,” band front man John Cooper with Brian Howes collected two BMI awards for “The Last Night” and “The Older I Get.” U.S. performing rights organization BMI saluted the writers and publishers of the past year’s most performed songs on Christian radio and television during the annual BMI Christian Music Awards in Nashville on Apr. 18, 2009.

Skillet spent the last few months in Los Angeles recording their highly anticipated next studio project titled “Awake” with producer Howard Benson (Three Days Grace, Daughtry, Flyleaf, P.O.D.) due out this August.

Following the spring tour Skillet will be headlining several summer festivals, including Creation, Agape, Red Letter Rock, Ichthus, Alive, Atlantafest, Summerfest, Sonshine, Hills Alive, Soulfest, Kingdom Bound, Newsong and Disney’s Night of Joy, all leading up to the new release.

2008 GMA Artist of the Year nominee Skillet’s explosive 2006 Grammy®-nominated release, “Comatose” followed 2004’s “Collide,” which launched the group into the public eye and garnered the band their first prestigious Grammy® nomination. A critical fave, “Comatose” has become their best-selling project to date, nearly GOLD certified with more than double the sales of “Collide” in half the time. In follow up to packed out headline club shows, a tour with FlyLeaf, and summer festivals, Skillet spent the fall of 2007 opening for mainstream rockers Breaking Benjamin and Three Days Grace.

In the process of becoming one of the hardest working, most rocking, and broadly appealing acts of its generation, radio welcomed “Comatose” with open arms, as the first single, “Rebirthing” spent seven-weeks at No.1 on Christian Rock, while their five follow up singles all rose to No. 1 as well. Their single for the title track received a 2008 GMA Dove Award for “Rock Song of the Year,” as well, and at the end of 2007 the band was named the No. 2 top artist on both CHR and ROCK radio year –end lists, and in 2008 named R&R’s Top CHR Artist of the Year for 2008. Since R&R began publishing Christian radio charts, Skillet has garnered more #1 songs from one recording (COMATOSE/Ardent/Atlantic/INO) than any other artist in the industry, with their 6 consecutive radio hits. 60% of their 2008 “COMATOSE” tour shows were sold out, placing the tour in Pollstar’s Concert Pulse Top 50 Tours.

03/06/2009
VOTA RELEASES DEBUT ALBUM TO RAVE REVIEWS
NEW POP/ROCK BAND, VOTA, RELEASES DEBUT ALBUM TO RAVE REVIEWS

BAND TEAMS UP WITH FOOD FOR THE HUNGRY, AND GIVES OVER $80,000 TO EFFORTS IN KENYA

New INO Records’ pop/rock band, VOTA, released their debut album to stores nationwide on Feb. 10 and has received rave reviews from media outlets far and wide. Check some of them out:

“VOTA takes a fresh spin on the same players' arena-filling alternative rock offerings and occasional dance-floor fillers.”-CHRISTIANITY TODAY

“Olesen’s syrupy vocals are perfect for this sort of music, and most of the songs are electric. Vota shows its writing chops here, re- minding listeners of God’s love and redemptive power, making this a strong debut.” –CHRISTIAN RETAILING

“ Catchy, honest, and encouraging, 2009 looks to be a big year for VOTA.” -JESUSFREAKHIDEOUT

"Lyrically, VOTA exhibits a maturity and depth that belies their newcomer status. VOTA delivers a memorable debut and effectively breaks into the Christian mainstream. They expertly blur the line between cutting edge and familiar while leaving you glad you gave VOTA a chance." - ON COURSE MAGAZINE

After a mission trip to Kenya in 2007, the men of VOTA left Africa with the burden to help those in need. They teamed up with Food for the Hungry, and with their digital album release last fall they sold digital download cards and gave a portion of the proceeds to efforts in Kenya, while U.S.Aid also contributed by offering a matching grant toward every dollar they gave to Food for the Hungry. Together they have given over $80,000 to date. To find out more about VOTA’s collaboration with Food for the Hungry and their efforts with Kenya, visit: http://votaband.com/kenya.

For more information on VOTA, visit www.votaband.com.
03/02/2009
SKILLET TO LAUCH "COMATOSE" TOUR
SKILLET TO LAUNCH “COMATOSE” SPRING TOUR WITH DISCIPLE AND DECYFER DOWN

Spring Tour Follows Band’s 2008 Pollstar’s Concert Pulse Top 50 Tour

On April 2nd, two time GRAMMY®-nominated band Skillet will launch the second leg of their “COMATOSE” tour in follow up to their 2008 run where 60% of the shows sold out, placing the tour in Pollstar’s Concert Pulse Top 50 Tours. Completing the bill and joining Skillet in 32+ cities will be fellow rockers Disciple and Decyfer Down.

Skillet has spent the last few months in Los Angeles recording their next studio project with producer Howard Benson (Three Days Grace, Daughtry, Flyleaf, P.O.D.), and with the “Comatose” album approaching Gold status and having just received GMA Dove Award nominations for Group of the Year, Rock Album of the Year and Long Form Video of the Year (for the critically acclaimed live CD/DVD project, “Comatose Comes Alive”) they are ready to hit the road. Following the spring tour Skillet will be headlining several summer festivals, including Creation, Agape, Red Letter Rock, Ictchus, Alive, Atlantafest, Summerfest, Sonshine, Hills Alive, Soulfest, Kingdombound, Newsong, and Disney’s Night of Joy, all leading up to the new release.

“We’re pumped up and ready for this tour to get started,” remarked Skillet frontman John Cooper. ”I personally have wanted a tour with Disciple for several years now and I think it’s going to be an awesome tour package. We have been working incredibly hard on this new record, so we are also looking forward to playing some new material for everyone!”

01/30/2009
"ROCK & WORSHIP ROAD SHOW" TOUR
"ROCK & WORSHIP ROAD SHOW" TOUR - COMING MARCH 2009 FEATURING MERCYME JEREMY CAMP, HAWK NELSON, TENTH AVENUE NORTH AND ADDISON ROAD

‘ROCK & WORSHIP ROAD SHOW’ TOUR - COMING MARCH 2009
FEATURING MERCYME JEREMY CAMP, HAWK NELSON, TENTH AVENUE NORTH AND ADDISON ROAD

Tour to Benefit ‘Imagine a Cure’ and Medical Missions with Compassion International


One of the most anticipated tours of the spring, the “Rock & Worship Road Show” will launch on March 17th in Billings, MT. The diverse line up boasts current GRAMMY® nominee and multi-platinum band MercyMe, Award-winning and multi-Gold selling male vocalist Jeremy Camp and Hawk Nelson, as well as new bands Tenth Avenue North and Addison Road.

With a $10 admission price, the “Rock & Worship Road Show” aims to be an event for fans of all ages, especially families. In addition to bringing a night of exciting performances, the tour is also dedicated to a bigger purpose: helping kids with juvenile diabetes via “Imagine A Cure,” a non-profit organization to support research that will lead to a cure and those with medical needs around the world through Compassion International. For more information on “Imagine A Cure,” go to: http://www.imagineacureonline.com/. For more information on Compassion International go to http://www.compassion.com

“We are all living in a new world today, and an economy that is affecting everyone around us,” comments Bart Millard, lead singer for MercyMe. “We all wanted to be able to bring some family-friendly and Christ-centered entertainment that will uplift people and not break the bank. We are really excited to get out on the road with all of these acts. It’s going to be a blast!”


www.mercyme.org
www.jeremycamp.com
www.hawknelson.com
www.tenthavenuenorth.com
www.addisonroad.com
01/30/2009
MERCYME CELEBRATES 10 YEARS
MERCYME CELEBRATES 10 YEARS SINCE "I CAN ONLY IMAGINE"

UPCOMING “10” PROJECT TO FEATURE NEW RECORDING OF TIMELESS ANTHEM WITH THE LONDON SYMPHONY

2 DISC SET ALSO FEATURES #1 HITS, 13 VIDEOS, GOSPEL MUSIC CHANNEL’S “FAITH & FAME,” PLUS NEVER BEFORE HEARD SONGS

It’s been 10 years since MercyMe frontman Bart Millard penned “I Can Only Imagine,” a touchingly personal song about his father’s early death that catapulted the group to nothing short of superstardom. The down-to-earth Texas-based band’s breakthrough hit would sell almost 3 million copies, race up the radio charts, and be adopted as an anthem by hurting people around the world. In a testament to “I Can Only Imagine’s” timelessness, it remains a favorite on radio playlists nationwide today.

To mark this epic anniversary, and to celebrate one of the most powerful songs and popular groups in Christian music history, MercyMe is releasing “10,” on April 7th. “10” is a new CD/DVD set that showcases twelve number one singles and videos that span MercyMe’s career.

The “10” audio CD features hits from all of their previous albums, plus three bonus tracks including a new recording of “I Can Only Imagine” with the famed London Symphony Orchestra. The companion DVD brings the music to life, featuring a diverse mix of videos that showcase how the band’s music has won hearts in local venues and around the world. The fans can also view an inside glimpse of the story behind “I Can Only Imagine” and get up close and personal with the band through their appearance on Gospel Music Channel’s “Faith & Fame” feature.

For listeners who first met MercyMe through the story of Millard’s father, which inspired “I Can Only Imagine,” “10” will be a musical marker of a career that has changed lives and continues to inspire. For others, it may be an introduction to a group that has scaled great heights and yet remains firmly grounded by their faith and their families.

MercyMe is also offering a special edition, exclusive pre-sale for fans. To learn more, visit: http://www.mercyme.org/mercyme10

www.mercyme.org
01/15/2009
BUILDING 429 HITS THE ROAD AGAIN THIS SPRING
HEADLINING THEIR “TRUTH, HOPE AND LOVE TOUR”

Pop-rock trio Building 429 has recently announced plans for the spring 2009 continuation of their “Truth, Hope & Love Tour.” Once again, After Edmund will be accompanying the band alongside The Golden State and emerging female group, Kimber Rising.

With 30 dates on the calendar, the “Truth, Hope & Love Tour” will travel across the country from February to March of 2009 partnering with World Vision. The band had a successful fall 2008 Tour sharing the stage with the new female-fronted band Addison Road and After Edmund.

“It has been a thrill to be a part of the ministry of Building 429 this last year,” says front man Jason Roy. “With the release of our new record, the success of the debut single, ‘End Of Me’ and fall tour, we now have the blessing of cranking up the bus and heading back out on the spring leg of the ‘Truth, Hope and Love Tour.’ In the fall, we saw thousands of children sponsored through World Vision and countless numbers of decisions for Christ, which was far above and beyond our expectations.”

Building 429 recently released their fourth self-titled studio album with INO Records on Oct. 21st, and their debut single “End Of Me” is currently climbing the radio charts. The band’s second single “Always,” is scheduled to release this spring. It is a powerful ballad that Roy wrote following an encounter with a woman who shared her heartbreaking story about how her son’s life was taken away by his own father.

Roy explains, "There is a moment in each of our lives that will undoubtedly define our existence from that point on. The moment when, for the first time, we stare injustice in the face. When an innocent child is murdered, when a father walks out on a family, when life seems completely unfair. That moment undoubtedly brings us to our knees asking the question: ‘God, Where are you?’ This is the true story of two people who faced that very question and found peace in the storm in the truth of God with us."

For more information on Building 429 please visit their website at www.building429.com and get an idea of what the tour will be like by watching a special spring tour video.

Click here to watch youtube video.
01/14/2009
MERCYME NOMINATED FOR SECOND GRAMMY®
MERCYME NOMINATED FOR SECOND GRAMMY®

BART MILLARD NOMINATED FOR FIRST SOLO GRAMMY®

MERCYME NAMED R&R’S CHRISTIAN AC ARTIST OF THE YEAR; TO LAUNCH ‘ROCK & WORSHIP ROAD SHOW’ TOUR IN MARCH

MercyMe has been nominated for their second GRAMMY® Award with their #1 Single, “You Reign” for Best Gospel Song, which was also co-written by Steven Curtis Chapman. The band was first nominated in 2007 for their COMING UP TO BREATHE recording. In addition, Millard’s second solo offering, HYNMED AGAIN was nominated for Best Southern, Country, Or Bluegrass Gospel Album. “In response to the nominations, Millard commented, “I am so excited for my brothers in MercyMe and Steven Curtis Chapman! Apparently scrambling to get "You Reign" on the album, at the last minute, was the right decision! To perform at the Grand 'Ole Opry, and then to have HYMNED AGAIN receive a GRAMMY® nod has made the past two weeks a dream come true! Pardon me while I go buy some cowboy boots.”

In addition to the GRAMMY® nominations, the band has also been named R&R’s Christian AC Artist of the Year, a result of their two long-standing #1 singles, “God With Us” and “You Reign.”

This March MercyMe will launch their national “Rock & Worship Road Show” tour, which will also feature Jeremy Camp, Hawk Nelson, Tenth Avenue North and Addison Road. More tour details to come in January.

On a fun note, be sure to check out the “Casting Pounds” weight loss competition between Millard and Casting Crown’s lead vocalist Mark Hall at: http://mercyme.org/blog/2008/12/01/casting-pounds/
www.MercyMe.org
12/16/2008
THE FRAY- NEW SELF-TITLED PROJECT
NEW SELF-TITLED PROJECT FROM THE FRAY HITTING FEBRUARY 3, 2009

NASHVILLE, TN....After nearly four years, The Fray returns with their sophomore effort, The Fray on February 3, 2009, and for the first time, due to a partnership with EPIC Records and INO Records, the band’s project will be available at Christian retail stores. TV placement on shows like Grey’s Anatomy and Scrubs launched them into major radio play with their songs, “How To Save A Life” and “Over My Head (Cable Car).” Now the band’s new emerging hit "You Found Me" will be hitting Christian radio at the top of 2009.

“’You Found Me’ is a tough song for me,” comments The Fray’s frontman Isaac Slade from the band’s MySpace page. “It’s about the disappointment, the heartache, the let down that comes with life. Sometimes you're let down, sometimes you're the one who lets someone else down. It gets hard to know who you can trust, who you can count on. This song came out of a tough time, and I'm still right in the thick of it. There's some difficult circumstances my family and friends have been going through over the past year or so and can be overwhelming. It wears on me. It demands so much of my faith to keep believing, keep hoping in the unseen. Sometimes the tunnel has a light at the end, but usually they just look black as night. This song is about that feeling, and the hope that I still have, buried deep in my chest."

The Fray has recently collaborated with ABC’s hit show, “LOST” in a series of videos featuring the first single for the newest season of the show. Over the first weekend of airing, the “LOST” video had over one million views and can be seen at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mX7md0HoR8E. In addition to the “LOST” video, the band also has an official music video for “You Found Me”, which can be seen at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obhdTlImFBo) and a viral video with behind the scenes studio footage ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lb-Z_wH3SFQ).

http://www.thefray.net/
http://www.myspace.com/thefray

11/26/2008
THE AFTERS RING IN HOLIDAY SEASON WITH 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS TOUR
THE AFTERS RING IN HOLIDAY SEASON WITH 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS TOUR “Keeping Me Alive” Used In Promotion for FOX’s “The Secret Millionaire”

Teaming up with bands Nevertheless and Remedy Drive, The Afters are bringing music and Christmas cheer as the headliner for the 12 Days of Christmas tour. The tour will make stops in nine cities starting Dec. 2nd. The band has just finished wrapping up their new music video for “Never Going Back to Ok” and it will have its world premiere on the Gospel Music Channel on Dec. 9th.

Adding to an already impressive list of TV exposure, The Afters’ “Keeping Me Alive” was recently used in promotion for FOX’s “The Secret Millionaire.” The new inspirational show sends millionaires undercover into the most impoverished neighborhoods in America and documents their investment in those less fortunate. “Keeping Me Alive” is off of The Afters’ sophomore project Never Going Back to Ok.

www.theafters.com
myspace.com/theafters

* All Below tour dates, subject to change, for most updated dates go to www.theafters.com or myspace.com/theafters

Dec. 2 Indianapolis, IN - Ransburg Auditorium
Dec. 3 Dallas City, IL - Dallas City High School
Dec. 4 Columbus, OH - Brown Road Community Church
Dec. 5 Orion, MI - The District
Dec. 6 Richmond, IN - First Assembly of God
Dec. 7 Bourbonnais,IL - College Church of the Nazarene
Dec. 10 Decatur, AL - Wesley Memorial United Methodist
Dec. 12 Lafeyette, LA - Café Chi Alpha
Dec. 13 Dallas, TX - Live at Moka

11/24/2008
AMAZON CEO ECHOES SARA GROVES SENTIMENTS ABOUT WRAP RAGE IN HER NEW CHRISTMAS SINGLE TOY PACKAGING
NASHVILLE, TN....11/20/08.... In a recent letter to Amazon.com customers, the company's CEO Jeff Bezos talked about the "wrap rage" many feel when trying to get products out of "nearly impenetrable packages," and even included a link to videos from customers showing this frustration (www.amazon.com/upload). You can read Bezos' full letter here.

Likewise, critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Sara Groves humorously talks about this in her new Christmas single, aptly titled Toy Packaging, from her new holiday offering, O HOLY NIGHT.

Comments Groves, "Last year at Christmas I had to use a screwdriver, wire-cutters, and scissors to open a toy and nearly cut off my finger in the effort. I was relieved to see on Amazon.com that I am not the only one who suffers from 'wrap rage' - where better to vent my feelings about toy packaging than on a Christmas album!

To get a free download of Toy Packaging, just go to this link: http://www.inorecords.com/saragroves/downloads/mp3download.php?file=08_ToyPackaging.mp3. Lyrics for the song are below, and for more information on Sara Groves, please visit: http://www.saragroves.com.

###

Toy Packaging Sara Groves and Ben Shive © 2008 Sara Groves Music (ASCAP) admin by Music Services / ????

Nothing makes me lose my cool like
Toy packaging
Ask the kids to leave the room for
Toy packaging
I have no choice the money's spent
I've worked for hours to make a dent
I guess it's anger management
Toy packaging

Nothing makes me lose my cool like
Toy packaging
Ask the kids please leave the room it's time for
Toy packaging
I'm drawing up a battle plan
to extricate this robot man
My self-esteem is in the can
Toy packaging

In the old days you could hold a box and shake it
And hear the pieces rattling around
My eyes tear up with these grommets, tape and twisty ties
Remembering their beautiful sound

Nothing makes me lose my cool like toy packaging
Kids you need to leave the room, mom's opening toy packaging
I'm sorry you have to see this sight
You must be brave, no please don't cry
I promise it will be alright
I hope to have it by tonight
Nevermind this dynamite
Toy packaging

11/06/2008
SARA GROVES’ ART*MUSIC*JUSTICE TOUR SUCCESSFULLY WRAPS AND IMPACTS WITH MESSAGE OF JUSTICE AND HOPE
AUDIENCES RESPOND NATIONWIDE TO SPONSOR OVER 500 RWANDAN CHILDREN FOR FOOD FOR THE HUNGRY, AS FINANCIAL GIVING SURPASSES GOAL SET FOR INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE MISSION

NASHVILLE, TN.... 11/6/08....This September and October, critically-acclaimed singer-songwriter Sara Groves gathered a group of fellow-acclaimed artists and friends Brandon Heath, Derek Webb, Sandra McCracken and author/artist Charlie Peacock, to join her on the ART*MUSIC*JUSTICE tour which benefited both the International Justice Mission (IJM) and Food For the Hungry (FH). The tour was such a success on so many levels that plans are already underway to put together a follow-up tour in the fall of 2009.

“ I can't say what a joy it has been to collaborate with these incredible artists to take a small step towards a night like we had on the Art Music Justice Tour,” remarked Groves. ”To be surrounded with like-minded artists with a common goal and message, to ask the larger questions about what Jesus is doing in our world, and how we can be the art of God was very life-giving. The responses from audiences confirmed what we had hoped, as they responded generously to the work of Food for the Hungry and International Justice Mission.”

In over 20 cities, the artists brought a unique concert opportunity to “add to the beauty, seek justice and give God praise,” each evening, desiring to further educate the church on God's heart for justice, gain advocates for the oppressed, and show evidence of a God at work in this world. Each evening brought with it inspired music and videos of God's people in action and their heroic experiences across the globe. Incredible stories of rescue from the International Justice Mission were told, while giving audience members the opportunity to be involved in Groves 'adopted' village in Rwanda thru Food for the Hungry.

As the tour wrapped, 550 kids had been sponsored in the Rwandan Village of Gisanga that the AMJ tour and Groves family support, and their goal to raise $50k for the International Justice Mission was surpassed. Food for the Hungry (www.FH.org) works in more than 26 developing countries providing disaster and emergency relief, and implementing sustainable development programs to transform communities physically and spiritually. The International Justice Mission (www.IJM.org) is a human rights agency that secures justice for victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression.

About the shows, Heath stated, “The sound and feel of the night couldn’t have been more like a family joining other families to end slavery,” while Derek Webb and Sandra McCracken echoed those sentiments, commenting, "we have all been knit together on this tour like a traveling music community, and at the end of the day, we've been able to be part of this larger story of redemption through IJM and FFH."

To further cement their commitment to the oppressed, the Groves family will be traveling to Rwanda in March with Food for the Hungry. They will be taking a team of 12 people with them, working on clean water projects, an IJM day to hear from their office about the legal challenges for Rwandans 14 years after tragic genocide, and just loving the kids in the Village of Gisanga. Grove’s site will have updates, pictures, and video footage from the village to keep the FH sponsors plugged in to what is happening there.

Aside from the incredible success seen on the road each night, the tour also received critical acclaim, including the following from Relevant Magazine’s official blog, a sponsor of the tour:

“ Over the years, there have been many Christian festivals/events/tours, trying to promote some kind of cause/get people involved/push a message. The vast majority of them are quickly forgotten, tossed into the large bin of failed trends within our own subculture. This tour, however, is unique in that rather than pushing a certain action (”wear this purity ring!” “sign this petition against [fill in the blank depending on the year]!”) the audience was encouraged to take what they’d learned, pray deeply about it, and discover their own role in ending injustice.”

11/06/2008
DISCIPLE CELEBRATES SUCCESFUL STREET WEEK WITH WHIRLWIND PROMO RUN
INO Records’ Band Completes Nationwide Radio Station Visits, Fan Meet and Greet Events, Hard Rock Cafe's Pinktober™ event and More

** Disciple’s Southern Hospitality landed in the No. 7 position on the Christian soundscan charts and the No. 98 spot on the Billboard Top 200 after its Oct. 21 release its first week out the door. On top of scans, the band’s newest rock single “3,2,1,” is currently at No. 12 moving towards the top ten on the R&R Rock chart with their CHR single "Whatever Reason" recently going for adds. CHR stations and networks such as Air-1, Yes-FM, WAY-FM in Denver, KLFF and many others are also spinning the song.

** In support of Southern Hospitality, the band just finished a two-week promo tour with stops in Portland, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Phoenix and Nashville, while also partnering with Air-1 for national promotions and a series of free concerts in Portland, Rocklin, CA and Phoenix, AZ.

**Amidst radio station interviews, Disciple also made visits to Yahoo Music!, Sony’s LA branch and HearitFirst.com, and treated fans to exclusive meet and greets at the Huntington Beach Pier and Santa Monica Beach Pier.

** On top of the promotional stops, the INO Records’ rock band came home to play Hard Rock Cafe's Pinktober™ event in Nashville. All proceeds from the event went to the Nashville chapter of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

** Disciple will continue touring throughout the U.S. and Germany for the remainder of 2008, tour dates listed below.





Disciple’s first release on INO Records “Disciple” (2005) brought home three No. 1 hits, while their sophomore album “Scars Remain” (2006) became the highest selling record of their career, scanning 100,000 units. Disciple has been nominated for a whopping eight GMA Awards including a win for “Rock Album of the Year” in 2007, while their hit single “Game On” received massive placement in sports shows across the country including “Best Damn Sports Show,” NFL’s “Total Axxess,” WWE’s “Cyber Sunday” and Speed TV’s “Speed Report,” as well as in venues such as Wachovia Center in Philadelphia and even Madison Square Garden in New York City. The single was also used in promotion for CBS shows “Criminal Minds” and “CSI Miami.” This year, the rockers were chosen to write a song for “WWE: The Music Vol. 8” and WWE superstar duo Hawkins and Ryder.

# # #

www.disciplerocks.com
myspace.com/disciplerocks

* all tour dates below, subject to change

Nov 7 2008 7:00P
Grace Community Church
Aurora, Missouri

Nov 8 2008 7:00P
Granada Theater
Emporia, Kansas

Nov 9 2008 6:00P
Madrid Elementary School Gym
Madrid, Iowa

Nov 12 2008 7:30P
Jamestown, North Dakota

Nov 13 2008 7:30P
Club 3 Degrees
Minneapolis, Minnesota

Nov 14 2008 7:30P
Cup O Joy Coffeehouse
Green Bay, Wisconsin

Nov 16 2008 7:00P
The Rock
Dallas City, Illinois

Nov 22 2008 7:00P
Jireh Fest 2008
Santiago

Dec 5 2008 8:00P
Haus Ennepetal - Christmas Rock Night
Ennepetal, Germany

Dec 6 2008 8:00P
Haus Ennepetal - Christmas Rock Night
Ennepetal, Germany

Dec 31 2008 7:00P
Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia

10/28/2008
INO RECORDS AND PREMIER PRODUCTIONS INTRODUCE “THE COMEDY BUS” SERIES
DEBUT DOUBLE CD/DVD SET, LAUGH OUT LOUD AND CLASS CLOWNS TO HIT NOVEMBER 11TH

NASHVILLE, TN….10/27/08…..Touted as the best clean, faith and family friendly comedy around, INO Records and Premier Productions have partnered to introduce “The Comedy Bus series.” The first of a six piece series, “Laugh Out Loud” and “Class Clowns” will be available on CD and DVD digitally and in CBA stores nationwide on November 11, 2008, with the next installment due in April 2009.

The “Laugh Out Loud” CD and DVD feature hilarious performances from comedians CLETO RODRIQUEZ, often called the funniest man to tunnel under the Mexican border; musical funny guy PAUL ALDRICH and comedy duo BEAN & BAILEY who will teach audiences how to have more fun with a guitar than should be allowed by law. Comedy superstars ROBERT G. LEE and RICH PRAYTOR round out the “Laugh Out Loud” project with insanity that hopes to make heads spin. Lastly, the project’s producer, MIKE G. WILLIAMS delivers a bit that may leave you on the floor looking for those socks.

Promising that it’s not the same old ha-ha, “Class Clowns” is what happens when you put seven class clowns and a case of high octane coffee on the same stage in the same hour. This CD and DVD also features the maniacal music of MIKE G. WILLIAMS, musical comedy duo BEAN & BAILEY demonstrating how to crack it up acoustic style, RICH PRAYTOR driving Atheism back into its primordial ooze, ROBERT G. LEE upstaging the world from the perspective of the worlds funniest class clown, CLETO RODRIGUEZ stepping up to the plate and hitting the comedy ball out of the park, as well as KENN KINGTON showing viewers why he wears women’s socks.

“Class Clowns” also features behind the scenes stories from the comedians sharing their weirdest road stories ever.

Premier Productions, known for some of the most successful entertainment ventures in the Christian music industry, will also launch “The Comedy Bus Tour” to 20 cities nationwide in the late Spring of 2009. For more great comedy products or to find out how you can bring The Comedy Bus Tour in your area, log on to TheComedyBus.com.

For more information on INO Records and their artists, go to www.inorecords.com .

For more information on Premier Productions and their events go to www.premierproductions.com

10/25/2008
DECYFER DOWN ANNOUNCES ADDITION OF NEW LEAD SINGER
DECYFER DONW'S SOPHMORE PROJECT, “CRASH” TO HIT SPRING ‘09

Rockers Decyfer Down have recently announced the addition of a new lead singer, TJ Harris. Formerly with the band Fighting Instinct, Harris has joined the band effective immediately.

“TJ brings a unique vocal edge to the band with his dynamic style, and is an exciting and engaging live performer,” remarks drummer Josh Oliver. “Combined with his heart for ministry, Decyfer Down is looking forward to starting this new chapter in the band’s career. “

TJ has been filling in at recent shows for Caleb Oliver, and will now be a permanent fixture on stage with fellow members Josh Oliver (Drums), Brandon Mills (Guitar) and Chris Clontz (bass).

Addressing the changes,“Caleb (former lead singer) is dealing with some personal things,” continued Oliver. “We had hoped they could be dealt with in the context of the band, but it has become apparent that he needs to step away to find resolve. He is my brother, I love him, and we as a band support him and still consider him a brother as well. Moving forward with Decyfer Down, we are excited to have TJ as our new lead singer – the shows we’ve done together have been great.”

“At first, I filled in with Decyfer Down for a couple of shows,” recalls Harris. “It felt great on stage, and hanging out with the guys before and after felt good as well. We had toured together a few times before, but now I was really able to sit down and hear their testimonies and see where their hearts are. I'm really excited about this new chapter that God has opened in my life. It's a great opportunity as a writer and a performer. I'm glad to be a part of the Decyfer Down family."

Decyfer Down’s new Digital EP released on Sept. 30th, and their new single, “Crash,” recently peaked at No. 1 on Christian Rock radio. The digital EP is a preview of four-selected tracks from their upcoming sophomore record, aptly titled CRASH, due April 2009.

www.DecyferDown.com

###

10/24/2008
VOTA DEBUTS NEW SOUND
SELF-TITLED DEBUT RELEASE WITH INO RECORDS DIGITAL ALBUM RELEASE NOV. 11 WITH PHYSICAL CD RELEASE FEB. 10


Oct. 23, 2008…Nashville, TN… VOTA has come together and created a new sound for Christian music fans to experience. Over the past year the band Bryan Olesen (front man/guitar/songwriter), Case Maranville (bass), Scott Rutz (drummer) and Riley Friesen (guitar/keyboard) has become part of the INO Records family and are preparing for the release of their self-titled album. The project will be released digitally only on Nov. 11 along with a physical CD retail release following on Feb. 10, 2009.


“We are looking forward to being a part of this new chapter in VOTA’s career,” says Jeff Moseley, President of INO Records. ”They are a band who has consistently proven their talent and passion in their music at shows all across the U.S. and we’re excited for audiences to get to hear their new sound on their debut with INO.”


Formerly known as Casting Pearls, the group felt that with a fresh sound, new band member, new label and management it was important to rename the band to signal all the changes. There was also one other small issue:
“With Casting Crowns having such a name in the Christian music industry, we felt at this point being named anything that starts with Casting may cause some confusion,” jokes Olesen. “We felt it best to set ourselves apart from the possible puzzlement and start fresh.”

Produced by Nathan Dantzler (Relient K, Audio Adrenaline, Tree63) the 11-track album exerts high-energy artistic sounds, taking cues from the players’ previous alternative dichotomy and adding dance elements influenced by dance poppers Maroon 5 to ethereal rockers Augustana.


“Hard To Believe” is the first single from the new record and it impacted CHR on Oct 3. Olesen wrote it at a time when he realized what God is capable of and all that He has done. When he really thought about it, he realized God’s power and love is truly hard to believe. To listen to the single visit: http://wmedia.buzzplant.com/content/ino/VOTA-HardToBelieve.wma


Fans can also expect an explosive entertaining show when seeing VOTA live. The pop-rock band can be seen on the Sanctus Real “We Need Each Other” Tour this fall, accompanied by Tenth Avenue North and Sammy Adebiyi. For tour dates and other information on VOTA please log onto www.votaband.com and http://www.myspace.com/votaband

###

“We Need Each Other” Tour Dates Listed Below:

9/4/08 Cedar Creek Church Perrysburg, OH

9/5/08 The Underground-OH Forest Park, OH

9/6/08 Spring Arbor University Spring Arbor, MI

9/10/08 Pioneer Center Elk City, OK

9/11/08 First United Methodist Stillwater, OK

9/13/08 Schreiner University Kerrville, TX

9/14/08 Paramount Theater Abilene, TX

9/19/08 Taconic High School Pittsfield, MA

9/20/08 Abundant Life Church Bangor, ME

9/21/08 Calvary Church Souderton, PA

9/25/08 Wausau East High School Auditorium Wausau, WI

9/26/08 Club 3 Degrees Minneapolis, MN

9/27/08 Trinity Christian College Palos Heights, IL

10/8/08 The City Salina, KS

10/10/08 Turning Point Community Church Lubbock, TX

10/14/08 Desert Springs Bible Church Phoenix, AZ

10/16/08 Cornerstone Community Church Wildomar, CA

10/17/08 Pacific Christian Center Santa Maria, CA

10/18/08 Immanuel Baptist Church Highland, CA

10/19/08 Valley Bible Fellowship Las Vegas, NV

10/23/08 Sunset Presbyterian Portland, OR

10/24/08 Mountain Christian Fellowship Medford, OR

10/25/08 Oakland Christian Center Redmond, WA

10/26/08 The Service Station Spokane, WA

10/28/08 Shrine Auditorium Billings, MT

10/29/08 The Bellfoursche Bell Comm. Ctr Foursche, SD

11/6/08 Frauental Theatre Muskegon, MI

11/7/08 McMorran Place Theatre Port Huron, MI

11/8/08 Gaylord E-Free Church Gaylord, MI

10/22/2008
TiVO ALERT FOR BART MILLARD!
MERCYME UNVEILS NEW MUSIC VIDEO!

October 22, 2008

**Having recently launched their fall tour with special guest Bebo Norman (tour dates below), and fresh off their recent (and third!) American Music Award nomination, MercyMe has some news to share this week:

**Bart Millard and MercyMe on Gospel Music Channel TOMORROW:

-MercyMe’s lead singer Bart Millard's national broadcast on GMC show "The Kitchen Sink" will re-air Thursday October 23rd – 7pm and 11pm Eastern. Millard performs 3 songs from his latest solo effort, "Hymned Again" - including his hit INSPO single "I Stand Amazed."

-With two number one singles from their latest hit project, ALL THAT IS WITHIN ME, the band’s third single “Finally Home” will go for adds December 26th. Their second single , *"You Reign" (INO) became their eighth chart topper on the Nielsen BDS-driven Christian AC list in late August 2008, givng MercyMe the most No. 1 singles by any artist on that chart since it was launched in July 2003.

-Before you can hear the new single on the radio you can see the music video when you catch Millard on the Gospel Music Channel as they broadcast the music video for “Finally Home” Thursday October 23rd. To watch the video now, go to: http://video.inorecords.com/#mercyme

###

10.23.08 07:00 PM Harvest Time Revival Center Waco, TX

10.24.08 07:00 PM Summer Grove Baptist Church Shreveport, LA

10.25.08 06:30 PM Evangel Temple Wichita Falls, TX

10.26.08 07:00 PM Shoreline Christian Center Austin, TX

10.30.08 07:00 PM Central Wesleyan Church Holland, MI

10.31.08 07:00 PM Thomas Road Baptist Church Lynchburg, VA

11.02.08 07:00 PM Bethel Assembly Life House Church Hagerstown, MD

11.06.08 07:00 PM Stonegate Fellowship Church Midland, TX

11.07.08 07:00 PM The Church at Quail Creek Amarillo, TX

11.08.08 06:00 PM First Baptist Church Lubbock, TX

11.09.08 07:00 PM Beltway Park Baptist Church Abilene, TX

11.13.08 07:30 PM Calvary Church Naperville, IL

11.14.08 07:00 PM Lincoln Berean Church Lincoln, NE

11.15.08 07:00 PM Adler Theater Davenport, IA

11.16.08 06:00 PM Christian Fellowship Church Evansville, IN

11.20.08 07:30 PM Northside Christian Church New Albany, IN

11.23.08 06:00 PM Frazer Memorial United Methodist Church Montgomery, AL

10/21/2008
ABC’S “GREY’S ANATOMY” USES THE AFTERS’ “OCEAN WIDE” IN SHOW PROMOTION
The INO/Columbia Recording Artists Signs Booking Deal with William Morris Agency

** ABC’s hit drama “Grey’s Anatomy” is currently using “Ocean Wide” from The Afters' sophomore record Never Going Back to Ok in promotion for the show.

The Golden Globe winning show rakes in around 14 million viewers a week in its fifth season and features a renowned cast including Patrick Dempsey and Katherine Heigl. This will add to the band’s already impressive list of TV exposure, Lifetime TV’s “Army Wives” used “Ocean Wide” as well in early August.

** The Afters’ also recently signed an exclusive booking contract with the well known literary and talent agency the William Morris Agency. Founded in 1898, the William Morris Agency has offices in New York, Beverly Hills, Nashville, London, Miami Beach and Shanghai and represents artists such as the Foo Fighters, Hootie & The Blowfish, Switchfoot and Whitney Houston.

“The Afters are poised to break out as major headliners in our industry, and with the added exposure and opportunities they have had that spill over to other formats beyond Christian Music, WMA and The Afters are a perfect fit,” says William Morris Agent Mark Claassen. “We are excited to be a part of the team!"

** After spending weeks at No. 1 at the CHR format, the title track "Never Going Back To Ok" is currently impacting AC radio with stations like WFHM/Cleveland, WJQK/Grand Rapids, WMUZ/Detroit and KKSP/Little Rock recently adding the single.

“Never Going Back to Ok” entered the Billboard Top 200 at #41 and the Contemporary Christian SoundScan charts at #1 selling 15,856 units. In digital sales, the project entered at #1 for Christian SoundScan album and track sales plus hit as high as #14 on the iTunes® overall digital chart and #4 on their digital Rock chart. “We Are The Sound” from the new record was also used in promotion for last season’s American Idol with the viral video for “MySpace Girl” being featured on E! News, Seventeen.com and TV Guide Channel’s website. Songs from “Never Going Back to Ok” were also used on the Rachael Ray show as well as on Dr. Phil.

Releasing their debut project “I Wish We All Could Win” in 2005, The Afters received top attention from their fans and media outlets. The Afters’ music has appeared on the networks of MTV, mtvU, ABC Family and E! News as well as on HOT AC and VH-1 radio along with outlets such as Billboard, BOP and Popstar. The MTV college network and mtvU have been strong supporters of the band as their music video for “Beautiful Love” was awarded with an mtvU Award for Best Streaming Video in 2005. The Afters were awarded the Dove Award for “New Artist of the Year” (2006), and has had over 250,000 downloads to date. The foursome composed of Josh Havens, Matt Fuqua, Brad Wigg and Marc Dodd, met while working at a Starbucks in Mesquite, Texas.

# # #

www.theafters.com
myspace.com/theafters

10/17/2008
DISCIPLE TO ROCK FOR A CURE AS PART OF HARD ROCK CAFÉ’S PINKTOBER WITH OCT. 29 NASHVILLE PERFORMANCE
The INO Rock Band Preps for Oct. 21 release of Southern Hospitality with Coast-to-Coast Promo Tour and New Radio Singles

** With the release date of Southern Hospitality less than a week away, Disciple has been selected to participate in Hard Rock Café’s Pinktober in Nashville, Tenn. on Wed. Oct. 29. In its ninth consecutive year, Pinktober is Hard Rock's signature Breast Cancer Awareness Concert Series to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer charities around the globe with all proceeds benefiting The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF).

With Pinktober celebrations taking place across the world in other locations such as Maui, Paris, London and Toronto, Disciple is joining the likes of The Donnas, Melissa Etheridge, All American Rejects and Jon McLaughlin who also have pledged their Hard Rock Café performances to finding a cure for breast cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates that over 150,000 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer this year alone. Below are more details about the Oct. 29 show, 100% of the door charge proceeds for the show will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Nashville Chapter:

The Hard Rock Café in downtown Nashville 100 Broadway Nashville, TN 37201 (615) 742-9900 Date: Wed. Oct 29th Time: Doors - 8:30pm Start - 9pm Cost: $5 at the door

** Following the best selling record of their 15-year career, Scars Remain, celebrated rock act Disciple offers Southern Hospitality releasing Oct. 21. Produced by Travis Wyrick (P.O.D., Pillar), Southern Hospitality offers 12 new tracks from what lead singer Kevin Young describes as their most incredible record making experience to date. In support of Southern Hospitality, the band will be making promo stops and radio visits in Portland, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Phoenix and Nashville.

** The first rock single off of Southern Hospitality, “3,2,1” continues to rise on the rock radio charts while their upcoming CHR single, "Whatever Reason" is going for adds this Friday Oct. 17. Disciple has also been selected as an Artist to Watch for Clear Channel's online program called NEW! The band’s rock genre feature will be posted throughout the month of Oct. and will appear on over 400 radio station websites.

Disciple’s first release on INO Records “Disciple” (2005) brought home three No. 1 hits, while their sophomore album “Scars Remain” (2006) became the highest selling record of their career, scanning 100,000 units. Disciple has been nominated for a whopping eight GMA Awards including a win for “Rock Album of the Year” in 2007, while their hit single “Game On” received massive placement in sports shows across the country including “Best Damn Sports Show,” NFL’s “Total Axxess,” WWE’s “Cyber Sunday” and Speed TV’s “Speed Report,” as well as in venues such as Wachovia Center in Philadelphia and even Madison Square Garden in New York City. The single was also used in promotion for CBS shows “Criminal Minds” and “CSI Miami.” This year, the rockers were chosen to write a song for “WWE: The Music Vol. 8” and WWE superstar duo Hawkins and Ryder.

# # #

www.disciplerocks.com
myspace.com/disciplerocks

10/09/2008
SKILLET BRINGS EXPLOSIVE LIVE SHOW TO THE FANS ON COMATOSE COMES ALIVE DVD AND CD OCTOBER 21ST
**GMA's Artist of the Year nominee and two-time GRAMMY® nominated band Skillet’s explosive live show will soon be available for fans as the first-ever live concert CD and DVD combo, COMATOSE COMES ALIVE, hits on October 21st. This is the first live project for the band in their 12 year history.

**COMATOSE COMES ALIVE features songs from their 2006 Lava/Atlantic/Ardent/INO release COMATOSE, which has become their best-selling project to date, with sales over 400,000 units, along with their 2003 best-selling CD COLLIDE, and more.

** In follow up to a spring ’07 tour with FlyLeaf, and fall ’07 with Breaking Benjamin and Three Days Grace, this winter Skillet played to over 300,000 on Winter Jam, and in the spring launched their own theater tour, during which this footage was garnered at the Tivoli Theater in Chattanooga, and where 60% of the shows sold out placing the tour in Pollstar's Concert Pulse Top 50 Tours throughout the spring . Skillet’s electric live show was also a highlight of numerous summer festivals.

** The CD of COMATOSE COMES ALIVE includes the full live concert audio plus six enhanced acoustic versions and bonus tracks, while the DVD, recorded in 5.1 surround sound audio, includes the full live concert plus four music videos and a photo gallery of live shots (full track listings below.)

** In the process of becoming one of the hardest working, most rocking, and broadly appealing acts of its generation, radio has welcomed SKILLET and COMATOSE with open arms, garnering 5 back-to-back #1 singles: the first single, "Rebirthing" spent seven-weeks at No.1 on Christian Rock. Their second single, "The Last Night," also took the top spot, this time at both Rock and CHR (CRW/R&R), while "The Older I Get" (CHR/Rock) and "Comatose," which received a 2008 GMA Dove Award for “Rock Song of the Year,” became their third and fourth consecutive No. 1 singles. Most recently "Those Nights" hit number one as well on CHR.

**At the end of 2007 the band was lauded with R&R’s No. 1 Christian CHR Song of the Year for “The Last Night”, which was also R&R's No. 2 Christian Rock song of the year. In addition, Skillet was named 2007s No. 2 top artist on both the CHR and ROCK yearend lists.

www.skillet.com
www.myspace.com/skilletmusic

###

TRACK LISTING

CD
1. Intro
2. Comatose
3. Whispers In The Dark
4. Collide
5. Forsaken
6. The Older I Get
7. Last Night
8. Better Than Drugs
9. Those Nights
10. Yours To Hold
11. Rebirthing
12. My Obsession
13. Angels Fall Down
14. Savior
15. Best Kept Secret
16. Live Free Or Let Me Die (b-side)
17. Rebirthing (acoustic)
18. Yours To Hold (acoustic)
19. The Older I Get (acoustic)
20. Whispers In The Dark (acoustic)
21. Say Goodbye (acoustic)

DVD
1. Intro
2. Comatose
3. Whispers In The Dark
4. Collide
5. Forsaken
6. The Older I Get
7. Last Night
8. Better Than Drugs
9. Those Nights
10. Yours To Hold
11. Rebirthing
12. My Obsession
13. Angels Fall Down
14. Savior
15. Best Kept Secret
16. Rebirthing (video)
17. Whispers In The Dark (video)
18. Making of the Album (video)
19. Savior (video)

10/08/2008
33MILES LANDS POPULAR iTunes ® DISCOVERY DOWNLOAD WITH “ONE LIFE TO LOVE”

The INO Records’ Trio Also Contributes to Napster ® Feature

** After celebrating a successful street week with their sophomore record One Life, 33Miles’ first single “One Life to Love” has been selected as the iTunes ® Discovery Download starting Oct. 7. Appearing among the few "Free on iTunes" selections for the week, the song will be available for free download through Monday Oct. 13. To download “One Life To Love,” go to http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=292674314&s=143441

** Another popular music streaming and download service Napster ® will be featuring a play list from the band starting the week of Oct. 21. Members Jason Barton, Chris Lockwood and Collin Stoddard recommended a dozen songs that they deemed “Favorite Songs Everyone Should Know.”

** “One Life to Love” has also been making an impact on the radio charts garnering the No. 9 spot on the R&R AC-Indicator, No. 13 R&R AC-Monitored and No. 14 CRW-AC charts. On the Inspo/Soft AC charts, the single has also hit # 2 on CRW and # 10 on R&R. Below is just an example of what radio stations across the country have been saying about “One Life to Love.”

"Message fans can't get enough of this soon-to-be CLASSIC from 33Miles! The guys have really struck a chord when it comes to life's PRIORITY!" - Jim Epperlein, XM 32 The Message

"From someone who's job keeps him busy 10-12 hours per day, this song speaks to me every time it plays." Jim McDermott, Spirit FM-KCVO

“One Life to Love” sounds good on our airwaves at WJIE. Glad to be playing this single from one of the most talented bands in any genre of music." Chris Crain, WJIE

After logging in over 120,000 miles (not including air travel), performing at over 200 churches, garnering radio hits and a Dove nomination for “New Artist of the Year,” 33Miles released their sophomore record One Life on Sept. 16 to much praise. Critically acclaimed One Life entered the Top Christian Soundscan Album Sales chart and the Christian Digital chart at No. 5, while debuting at No. 160 on the Billboard Top 200. Since their debut in 2007, 33Miles’ Jason Barton (lead vocals), Chris Lockwood (guitar) and Collin Stoddard (keys) celebrated one of the highest-selling freshman albums of 2007 with their GMA Dove nominated project 33Miles. In addition, the band made tremendous impact on the radio charts with their first record garnering three consecutive radio hits with “What Could Be Better,” “There Is A God” and “Thank You,” two of those hits breaking the Top 10.

# # #

www.33milesonline.com
myspace.com/33miles
10/07/2008
DECYFER DOWN GAVE FANS A TASTE OF THEIR UPCOMING ALBUM CRASH, WITH DIGITAL EP RELEASED ON SEPT. 30
SOPHOMORE RECORD CRASHES INTO STORES FEB.10

FIRST SINGLE “CRASH” PEAKS AT NO. 1 ON CHRISTIAN ROCK RADIO

Oct. 6, 2008…Nashville, TN…. INO/Columbia Records’ rock band Decyfer Down gave their fans a taste of their upcoming album with their Digital EP that released on Sept. 30. Along with the first single, “Crash,” which recently peaked at No. 1 on Christian Rock radio, the digital EP is a preview of four-selected tracks from their upcoming sophomore record, aptly titled CRASH, which crashes into stores Feb. 10.

CRASH is the follow up to their 2006 debut album End Of Grey, which garnered 4 No. 1 Christian Rock singles and received airplay on both mainstream and Christian radio. After entering the R&R Active Rock Chart, the band’s single “Fight Like This” was also featured in a promotion for an Ultimate Fighting Championship title fight. In addition, “Break Free” also received placement and was heard by more than 9 million sports fans during some of the most watched sports games of the year in the NBA, NHL, MLB and NCAA including games between the LA Lakers, Boston Celtics, NY Yankees, Chicago Cubs and more.

Decyfer Down has come a long way since End of Grey, entertaining sold out crowds at festivals and concerts around the country sharing the stage with artists such as Cold, Puddle of Mudd, Breaking Benjamin, Strata, Theory of a Dead Man, Smile Empty Soul, Crossfade, Seven Mary Three, Red, Pillar, Thousand Foot Krutch, Skillet and more.

Get a sneak peak of Decyfer Down’s new single “Crash” http://www.inorecords.com/inoradioemail/080623/content/DecyferDown-Crash.mp3 and for more information on the rock band visit www.myspace.com/decyferdown or www.decyferdown.com.

09/26/2008
33MILES’ ONE LIFE MAKES STRONG DEBUT ON SALES AND RADIO CHARTS
Trio’s Sophomore Album Garners Praise From Media

Nashville, Tenn. Sept. 25, 2008… INO Record’s 33Miles is celebrating a successful street week with their sophomore project One Life entering the Top Christian Soundscan Album Sales chart and the Christian Digital chart at No. 5, while debuting at No. 160 on the Billboard Top 200.

The Dove-nominated group has been visiting radio stations across the country in promotion of One Life including stops at K-LOVE and KLTY, while the record's first single "One Life To Love" is already a solid hit having reached No. 9 R&R AC-Indicator, No. 17 R&R AC-Monitored and No. 18 CRW-AC charts. On the Inspo/Soft AC charts, the single has hit #2 on CRW and #10 on R&R.

One Life is not only highly favored on the charts, but has also received its share of critical acclaim:

“The charm and polish of 33Miles' sophomore record are hard to resist… only a handful of artists convey those themes with as much magnetism as Jason Barton's heartfelt vocals. – All Music Guide

“POP MUSIC NEVER SOUNDED SO GOOD… the men of 33Miles have created an incredible second set… All comparisons aside, 33Miles is seriously good. One Life emits massive crossover appeal, and considering the wealth of musical enthusiasm the band showcases, 33Miles has music for many lifetimes to come.” – CCM magzine.com

“It gives fans of country pop and Christian music a balanced middle ground on which to stand, with just enough liveliness, balladry, quality musicianship, heartland sentimentality, and faith to keep both camps happy.” - Christianity Today

One Life was produced by a team of well-known producers including Nathan Nockels (Passion, Point of Grace, Phillips, Craig & Dean), Sam Mizell (Matthew West) and Brown Bannister (Amy Grant, MercyMe, Third Day). In addition to the single, One Life offers up beat tracks such as “When It All Comes Down” and “One of Those Days” as well as the transparent “Apologize” and a song inspired by the band’s partnership with Food for the Hungry titled “Little Bit of Love.”

After logging in over 120,000 miles (not including air travel), performing at over 200 churches, garnering radio hits and a Dove nomination for “New Artist of the Year,” 33Miles released their sophomore record One Life on Sept. 16. Since their debut in 2007, 33Miles’ Jason Barton (lead vocals), Chris Lockwood (guitar) and Collin Stoddard (keys) celebrated one of the highest-selling freshman albums of 2007 with their GMA Dove nominated project 33Miles. In addition, the band has made tremendous impact on the radio charts garnering three consecutive radio hits with “What Could Be Better,” “There Is A God” and “Thank You,” two of those hits breaking the Top 10.

# # #

www.33milesonline.com
myspace.com/33miles

*all dates subject to change
09/27/2008 Williamson, WV West Williamson Softball Park
10/04/2008 Humboldt, KS Humboldt Town Square
10/05/2008 Wichita, KS Westlink Christian Church
10/08/2008 Elizabethtown, NC Elizabethtown Middle School Gym
10/10/2008 Lithicum Heights, MD Lindale Middle School
10/11/2008 Woodstock, VA Shenandoah County Fairgrounds
10/16/2008 Franklin Lakes, NJ McBride Field
10/18/2008 Lucedale, MS Praise in the Park - Lucedale City Park
10/25/2008 Stuart, VA Patrick County High School
11/01/2008 Zephyrhills, FL Zephyr Palms Events Centre
11/07/2008 Decatur, IL Tabernacle Baptist Church
11/16/2008 Goshen, IN The Life Center
11/23/2008 Chesapeake, VA Faith Alive Ministries
12/31/2008 Huntington West Virginia Christ Temple Church

09/25/2008
SANDI PATTY SPREADS HOLIDAY CHEER WITH INTIMATE CHRISTMAS TOUR
GOSPEL MUSIC ICON ALSO HOSTS BALTIMORE SYMPHONY HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR TO CELEBRATE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS DEC. 12 THROUGH DEC. 23

Sept. 25, 2008…Nashville, TN… Christmas is just around the corner and the most decorated Christian female artist of all time, Sandi Patty will help spread Christmas cheer with an intimate Christmas tour, kicking off in Fort Lauderdale on Nov. 28th and running through December 7th (all tour dates listed below).

The Gospel music legend will be singing holiday classics from her 2005 critically acclaimed Christmas album Yuletide Joy, which includes famous carols “Oh Holy Night,” “Star of Bethlehem” and “Angels We Have Heard on High.” Patty will be performing the Yuletide celebration in grand fashion accompanied by a local symphony in select cities on the tour.

“The celebration of Christmas is the foundation on my faith,” says the singer. “Christmas is a celebration of family, life and love and the birth of Jesus. His birth meant freedom for the rest of us.”

In addition to the tour, to celebrate the 12 days of Christmas, Patty will be hosting the Baltimore Symphony Holiday Spectacular for 12 days starting on Dec. 10 and carrying on until Dec. 23. The event will take place at the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore, MD. This will be the singer’s second time to host the event as she previously participated in 2006.

For more information on the Baltimore Symphony Holiday Spectacular, please log on to www.bsomusic.org and for the latest on Patty, visit www.sandipatty.com.

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As the single most award-winning female vocalist in the Christian Music industry, Sandi Patty released her 30th recording May 13, 2008 titled Songs For The Journey. Patty has won 39 Dove Awards, five Grammy Awards, four Billboard Music Awards and was recently honored and named a member of the prestigious Gospel Music Hall of Fame. She has released 24 albums over the last 26 years, selling more than 11 million units, while the RIAA has certified three of her recordings platinum and five of them gold. Patty has appeared on The Tonight Show, 7th Heaven, E! Entertainment, Dr. Phil, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and most recently appeared on Extreme Makeover Home Edition.

Tour Dates:
11/28/2008 Ft. Lauderdale, FL First Baptist Church of Ft. Lauderdale
11/30/08 Richardson, TX First United Methodist Church
12/2/08 Hattiesburg, MS Temple Baptist Church
12/4/08 Belleville, IL St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church
12/5/08 Evansville, IN The Centre
12/6/08 Findlay, OH Central Auditorium
12/7/08 Effingham, IL The Rosebud Theatre
12/8/08 Kansas City, MO Hyatt Regency Hotel
12/12/08-12/23/08 Baltimore, MD Meyerhoff Symphony Hall

09/23/2008
MIKE FARRIS HONORED AS 2008’S EMERGING ARTIST OF THE YEAR AT AMERICANA MUSIC AWARDS
"Must-see" Sunday Night Shout residency returns in October

Sept. 22, 2008…Nashville, TN…INO Records’ Mike Farris has traveled far in his journey from wild front man of the hard-rockin' Screamin' Cheetah Wheelies to being honored as 2008's Emerging Artist during last week’s Americana Music Awards and Honors, which took place at The Ryman Auditorium. He chronicles the heart of that journey in his Salvation in Lights album as well as his “must see” Sunday Night Shouts, which will pick up again in October at Nashville’s iconic Station Inn. Farris’ debut solo album Salvation in Lights (2007) critical raves helped raise the front man's profile enough so that he was firmly in position to be heralded as this year's Emerging Artist in the rootsy truths of the Americana music format. "We've taken the music of the long-lost Deep South, dug it out of America's collective attic and brought it back to life for everyone to enjoy," is Farris’ explanation for the album's power and purpose. Salvation is such a strong and personal statement, one that can't be contained on a single recorded document. It must see light, or stage lights in this case.

That is why he began his first round of Sunday Shouts and why he is set to return. Backed by his shouting, stomping, shuffling and wailing 11-piece Roseland Rhythm Revue, the singer continues his quest to document, with rock fervor and soulful splendor, his personal and musical revival.

During these Sunday Night Shouts, the singer-songwriter allows the audience to peer into his soul while he delivers weekly installments of rafter-raisin' boogie stew, equal parts honky-tonk spirit and Christian revival. Farris says he's been told that if Sunday morning services were as spirited and spiritual as his evening shows, more folks would go to worship services. While he is continuing to host Sunday Night Shouts, he will also be performing at various festivals and venues throughout the remainder of the year. For more information on Farris please visit www.mikefarrismusic.net and to hear his testimony http://wmedia.buzzplant.com/content/ino/MikeFarris_EPK.wmv

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About Mike Farris
Founder and former front man of the highly successful rock group Screamin’ Cheetah Wheelies, Mike Farris has lived through it all, literally. The SCW band has toured with artists/groups Meatloaf, Sheryl Crow, Dave Matthews Band, Allman Brothers Band, Blues Traveler and more. Then, nearly dead from an accidental overdose of pills and alcohol before he turned 21, Farris made a desperate cry out to God, and He responded. Farris’ struggles through addiction slowly turned into hope as he and the band, Screamin Cheetah Wheelies, played their final show in Spain to 30,000 fans then two years later, he signed with INO/ Columbia Records releasing what many call a “uniquely redemptive story” with Salvation In Lights.

Tour Dates: (dates subject to change)
9/19 - Nashville, TN - 3rd & Lindsley
9/20 - Harrodsburg, KY - Terrapin Hill Harvest Festival
9/20 - Louisville, KY - Ear X-tacy Records (In-store)
9/27 - Austin, TX - Stubb's (Gospel Brunch)
9/28 - Austin, TX - Austin City Limits Festival
10/4 - San Francisco, CA - Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival
10/8 - Wausau, WI - Artsblock: Grand Theater
10/9 - Madison, WI - Overture Center for the Arts
10/12 - Nashville, TN - Station Inn (Sunday Night Shout)
10/19 - Nashville, TN - Station Inn (Sunday Night Shout)
10/26 - Nashville, TN - Station Inn (Sunday Night Shout)
11/2 - Nashville, TN - Station Inn (Sunday Night Shout)
11/7 - Murray, KY - Lovett Auditorium
11/9 - Nashville, TN - Station Inn (Sunday Night Shout)
11/23 - Nashville, TN - Station Inn (Sunday Night Shout)
11/28 - Nashville, TN - Schermerhorn Symphony Center

09/18/2008
DISCIPLE OFFERS SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY WITH OCT. 21 RELEASE
Celebrated Rockers Bring Forth Most Relevant Material of Their 15-year Career with New Project

Nashville, Tenn. Sept. 18, 2008… Following the best selling record of their 15-year career, Scars Remain, celebrated rock act Disciple offers some of their most relevant material yet with Southern Hospitality releasing Oct. 21.

With 12 total tracks, lead singer Kevin Young admits that this was the “most incredible record-making experience” to date for the band. “I think we’ve written more current songs than ever before.” The band teams up with producer Travis Wyrick (P.O.D., Pillar, Superchick) once again for the new record. Another step for the new project is the heavy guitar solos also embraced by the band. Whether it is the poetic imagery behind “Romance Me” or the genuine plea in ”Savior,” Southern Hospitality was written and created with more attention paid to the craft and less to the clock.

A few months before Disciple began working on Southern Hospitality, the original guitarist Brad Noah stepped down from full-time touring with Disciple as the result of long-term health issues. He decided, however, to continue writing and recording with the band. Adding to their recognizable rock sound are three new members, guitarist Andrew Welch (formerly of Capital Lights), guitarist Micah Sannan (formerly of Falling Up) and Israel Beachy (formerly of Staple). While Young still says that Noah is the best guitar player he knows, he can’t help but heap compliments on his new band mates. “I’ve been in Disciple since day one, and we’re in the best place we’ve ever been,” says Young. “We’re writing the best songs we’ve ever written, and we’re putting on the best shows we’ve ever put on. I just can’t wait to share this with people. I can’t wait to see how these songs affect people’s lives. It’s fully God. We can’t take any credit for that.”

Disciple’s longevity and philosophy among their peers in Christian rock music is something the band is incredibly grateful for says Young. “Just like any band, we’ve been through ups and downs. All of us are in constant process, but since day one, our goal has been to stand onstage and tell people about Christ, and then provide an opportunity for people to receive Him. Our music is about providing the backdrop for that moment to occur. The fact that that is happening more effectively than at any time in our 15 year career is humbling to say the least.”

“3,2,1” is the first rock single from Southern Hospitality. The song went for adds on Sept. 12 to Christian rock and was the format’s No. 1 most added single this week according to R&R.

In support of Southern Hospitality, Disciple will appear on the upcoming cover of the Nov./Dec. issue of HM Magazine. HM is a bi-monthly publication for hard music audiences. This will mark Disciple’s first appearance on the cover.

Disciple’s first release on INO Records “Disciple” (2005) brought home three No. 1 hits, while their sophomore album “Scars Remain” (2006) became the highest selling record of their career, scanning 100,000 units. Disciple has been nominated for a whopping eight Gospel Music Awards including a win for “Rock Album of the Year” in 2007, while their hit single “Game On” received massive placement in sports shows across the country including “Best Damn Sports Show,” NFL’s “Total Axxess,” WWE’s “Cyber Sunday” and Speed TV’s “Speed Report,” as well as in venues such as Wachovia Center in Philadelphia and even Madison Square Garden in New York City. The single was also used in promotion for CBS shows “Criminal Minds” and “CSI Miami.” This year, the rockers were chosen to write a song for “WWE: The Music Vol. 8” and WWE superstar duo Hawkins and Ryder.

# # #

www.disciplerocks.com
myspace.com/disciplerocks

09/17/2008
BUILDING 429 HEADLINES 30-CITY TRUTH, HOPE & LOVE TOUR THIS FALL

Tour Kicks Off Oct. 2, With Special Guests Addison Road & After Edmund

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – September 17, 2008 – Dove Award-winning trio Building 429 will headline the 30-city “Truth, Hope & Love Tour” this fall in support of their brand new self-titled album releasing Oct. 21, on INO Records. The Truth, Hope & Love Tour features special guests Addison Road and After Edmund.

Kicking off Oct. 2, in Ft. Smith, Ark., the Truth, Hope & Love Tour will hit 30 markets across the country including Minneapolis, Minn.; College Station, Texas; Springfield, Ill.; and Cincinnati, Ohio, to name a few. The tour, which takes its name from the track “Your Love Goes On” from the band’s new album, also gives Building 429 a chance to partner in ministry with World Vision, an international Christian humanitarian organization.

“We are totally amped about the Truth, Hope & Love Tour,” says Building 429 frontman Jason Roy. “All of the artists we have chosen to join us are amazing talents and have incredible hearts, which gives us great hope for the ministry and music on this tour. It is an honor for us to headline this show and we’re looking forward, with great anticipation, to unveiling the music and media surrounding our new record. We can’t wait to share the stage with these extremely talented new bands!”

“I’m really excited about the Truth, Hope & Love Tour with Building 429,” adds concert promoter Dan Fife of Awakening Events. “We have worked with Jason, Michael and Jesse since we first met them back in 2005, and this particular tour is exciting because we are now seeing more families share the music of Building 429. The band has worked with us so that we could provide a ticket price the entire family can afford. I feel like the more opportunities we have to bring the family together as a unit and share together in the live concert/worship experience, the stronger the family. We know that every time we work with these guys we are fulfilling our mission.”

- more -

About Building 429
Building 429 has had a history of success with the release of three albums and now the rock band is joining forces with INO Records for their fourth studio record. The self-titled project, produced by Chris Stevens (TobyMac, Sanctus Real) will hit stores on Oct. 21. The album’s first single, “End of Me,” is impacting Christian CHR and AC radio stations now. In 2005 “Glory Defined” was named BMI’s Christian Song of the Year, they were named the Gospel Music Association’s 2005 New Artist of the Year and nominated that same year for Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year and Song of the Year. They have toured with artists such as TobyMac, Family Force 5, Casting Crowns and Thousand Foot Krutch. Jason, Michael and Jesse are excited for their fans to hear a record that reflects where they are as individuals and artists.

About Addison Road
Together for six years before signing with INO Records, the female-fronted pop/rock band from Dallas, TX, Addison Road is making waves with their self-titled debut release. The first radio single “All That Matters”, made the top ten on the Christian CHR chart within weeks and was featured as an iTunes discovery download, receiving over 165,000 downloads in one week. Produced by Chris Stevens (TobyMac, Sanctus Real), this self-titled release is the culmination of the band’s mission to inspire people from all walks of life to find their hope and identity in God, to be changed by His grace and to extend that grace to a world in need. Lead singer Jenny Simmons, husband and guitarist Ryan Simmons, Jeff Sutton, Ryan Gregg and Travis Lawrence all came together in 2001 when some of the members were attending Baylor University and since then have been accumulating fans in all genres.

About After Edmund
Named after the Edmund character in C.S. Lewis’ best-selling book series The Chronicles of Narnia, Slanted Records recording artists After Edmund has been making a name for themselves in the Atlanta region and beyond since 2001. A modern pop/rock outfit from LaGrange, Ga., After Edmund’s debut release, Hello, hit shelves in February garnering acclaim by various industry insiders. Known for their high-energy live set and their distinct modern rock style, the band recently performed alongside rock icons Linkin Park, Chris Cornell, The Bravery and others at Atlanta’s Lakewood Theater as one of three winners of MTV2’s “Rock the Revolution” contest in the Atlanta area.

09/15/2008
NEW ARTIST JOY WHITLOCK EMBRACES LIFE’S HARDSHIPS ON DEBUT ALBUM GOD AND A GIRL ON SEPTEMBER 16

Sept. 15, 2008…Nashville, TN… New artist Joy Whitlock embraces her life’s hardships in her debut album God And A Girl set to release on Sept. 16 on Ardent/INO Records. Produced by Jeff Powell (Tonic, Bob Dylan, Bottle Rockets), Ian Eskelin (All Star United, Krystal Meyers) Curry Weber (Skillet, Todd Agnew) and James Joseph, the record showcases her compelling testimony highlighted by captivating vocals and candid lyrics infused with an alternative pop/rock sound.

“Holding Onto Me” is the first single off the 14-track album, which impacted CHR and AC Radio in August. In addition, the God And A Girl digital EP has been available at all digital service providers along with Whitlock’s limited edition Fake EP.

Co-written by Ian Eskelin, Barry Weeks and Tony Wood “Holding Onto Me,” encourages people encountering rough patches in life to draw closer to God instead of running away from Him. To preview the single go to http://www.inorecords.com/inoradioemail/080728/JoyWhitlock-HoldingOnToMe.mp3.

Through God And A Girl, Whitlock encourages fellow Christians who also face trials and tribulations with a message of hope and encouragement.

“Because I still have many struggles in my life, even as a child of God, the subject matter of most of my songs tends to gravitate towards struggle,” admits Whitlock. “I want people to know that pain is not working against us. It brings us closer to the one who knows pain better than anyone else...Jesus Christ.”

Having grown up in Mississippi as the daughter of a minister, Whitlock’s family was involved in a few churches, which caused them to travel often. Throughout this process, Whitlock began to fall away from her faith and tried to numb the pain with drugs and promiscuity. It wasn’t until she saw Mel Gibson’s The Passion Of The Christ her heart softened and rededicated her life to Christ. From that moment on she has never been the same.

To celebrate God And A Girl, the singer/songwriter had an album release concert in Memphis, TN, the city that she now calls home. The performance took place on Sunday, Sept. 14 at the The Love of Christ Church.

To find out more about Whitlock and her testimony visit www.joywhitlock.com or watch her EPK at http://video.inorecords.com/video/JoyWhitlock_EPK.wmv. The brand new website features Whitlock’s new interactive blog www.joywhitlock.com/blog where the artist will post photos, videos, written thoughts and twitter updates. All the blog posts will allow fans to communicate with Whitlock and also with one another.

09/10/2008
BUILDING 429 LAUNCHES INTO A NEW SEASON WITH NEW LABEL AND NEW RECORD

DOVE AWARD-WINNING TRIO JOINS FORCES WITH INO RECORDS TO RELEASE BUILDING 429 ON OCT. 21

Sept. 10, 2008…Nashville, TN… The Dove award-winning trio, Building 429 launches into a new season, recently signing a new label deal with INO Records and creating a new, self-titled album scheduled to release on Oct. 21. “End of Me” is the first single from their fourth studio record and it impacted Christian CHR and AC on Aug. 22.

Jason Roy, Michael Anderson and Jesse Garcia have come a long way since their debut album Space In Between Us (2004) and are excited for the new changes that have come their way and for the new relationship with INO Records.

“We are really excited about the future with Building 429,” said President of INO Records, Jeff Moseley. “With this record they are pouring life into their fans, clearly making their passion for music, people, and more importantly, God, known in a great way.“

Produced by Chris Stevens (TobyMac, Sanctus Real) Building 429 is using this album to help find their true identity as individuals and artists.

“This record is a new beginning,” said Roy, Building 429’s front man and chief lyricist. “Its no longer about what everybody wants us to be or what we think we should be but a season of finding what God has in store for us. I’m more confident than I’ve ever been in my life when it comes to my calling, when it comes to my brothers and when it comes to my band. That confidence is not in myself. That confidence is in the fact that the Lord is going to do something great with us. We’re just excited to be along for the ride,” Roy concludes.

One of the more buoyant songs Building 429 has ever recorded is the album’s first single “End of Me.” The song is a reminder that true fulfillment in life is found in surrendering control to Christ.

“It is my constant reminder these days to live my life by God's design, says Roy. “To leave the burdens and the comforts of believing I have the power to find true life. When I admit I have no control and that God gets that responsibility, everything seems to make a little more sense.”

To listen to “End of Me” visit: http://wmedia.buzzplant.com/content/ino/Building429-EndOfMe_ACMix.wma.

Be on the look out for the launch of the band’s Truth Hope and Love fall tour with additional details to be announced soon. For more information on Building 429, go to: www.building429.com.

Building 429 has had a history of success with the release of three albums and now the rock band is joining forces with INO Records for their fourth studio record which will be hitting stores this fall. In 2005 “Glory Defined” was named BMI’s Christian Song of the Year, they were named the Gospel Music Association’s 2005 New Artist of the Year and nominated that same year for Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year and Song of the Year. They have toured with artists such as TobyMac, Family Force 5, Casting Crowns and Thousand Foot Krutch. Jason, Michael and Jesse are excited for their fans to hear a record that reflects where they are as individuals and artists.

09/05/2008
BART MILLARD’S 6 YEAR OLD SON SAM WINS CONTEST SPONSORED BY FORD AND THE JUVENILE DIABETES RESARCH FOUNDATION
NASHVILLE, TN....9/5/08....Last week MercyMe’s Bart Millard was celebrating the debut of his second critically-acclaimed solo project, HYMNED AGAIN, but some of the most exciting news came later in the week, when his six year old son Sam, who was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes when he was two, won a contest sponsored by the Ford Customer Service Division (FCSD) and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) to help raise awareness of the disease.

JDRF kids had three weeks to submit a design for the Motorcraft/Quick Lane/Custom Accessories Shelby Mustang Funny Car, driven by Bob Tasca III, which was featured on the car during the NHRA U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis over Labor Day weekend. To view designs, go to: http://www.jdrf.org/index.cfmfuseaction=home.viewPage&page_id=B607291E-110A-9BB5-F8AE5884A2F4FC4E

For the car design contest, each child’s submitted design was featured on the www.JDRF.org/Ford website from June 23 to July 31, during which the public was invited to vote for their favorite car design by making a monetary donation vote to JDRF. The top five donation-earning designs were recently narrowed down to one, and therefore Sam’s design was featured on Tasca’s Shelby Mustang Funny Car during the U.S Nationals in Indianapolis Aug. 29 – Sept. 1. Millard, his wife Shannon and Sam were invited to Indianapolis for the official unveiling of his paint scheme, and a chance to see the car run during qualifications for the race.

“What a thrill for Sam to see his creation on a race car!,” recalls Millard. “Of course we were the over the top proud parents, but I think the thing we are most proud of is the fact that the contest raised over $84,000 to help find a cure for juvenile diabetes. After making the MercyMe bloggers aware of the contest, they came through in a huge way! We are eternally grateful.”

With a desire to create a lifelong legacy for all children suffering from Juvenile Diabetes, Millard, along with his bandmates created Imagine A Cure last year, a non profit organization to support research that will lead to a cure. For more information on Imagine A Cure, please visit http://www.imagineacureonline.com/.

08/26/2008
SARA GROVES TO RELEASE FIRST CHRISTMAS PROJECT ON OCTOBER 14TH
O HOLY NIGHT BRINGS COMBINATION OF SACRED AND FAMILY TRADITION

NASHVILLE, TN….8/26/08…During the last month of the year, you don’t have to travel far to see what Christmas is for many people—a combination of sacred celebration and family tradition. Sara Groves’ first Christmas album, O Holy Night, which will bow on INO Records this October 14th, sits snugly in that spot where the magnificent story of Bethlehem coalesces with the sounds of yuletide gathering of friends and family.

“I’ve always dreamed of doing a Christmas album,” Groves says. “Christmas music was such a part of life growing up. We had a huge stack of records that only get played for one month of the year. Ultimately I wanted to convey this story of Christ that’s been told so many times with as much artistry and creativity as possibly because it bears repeating,” she says.

Produced by Ben Shive, O Holy Night was originally intended to be an advent album for her family that would consist solely of sacred Christmas songs. When she began working on it, though, she decided to include some of her favorite songs about her family’s Christmas traditions.

One such song (one of four originals) is “To Be With You,” about Groves’ family Christmas, a sentimental snapshot of their gathering at her grandma’s house. Another is the fun song any parent who’s stayed up late on Christmas eve can relate to, “Toy Packaging,” which mimics how manufacturers twisty-tie and rivet everything to pieces of cardboard, saying, “my self-esteem is in the can, trying to open the robot man.”

Among the sacred Christmas songs included, “It Came Upon A Midnight Clear” and “Go Tell It on the Mountain” both have personal meanings to Groves; the latter recorded with family and friends gathered around, singing together.

About the first, which turned out to be one of her favorites on the album, Groves says, “I hadn’t really thought about this song, but the lyrics jumped off the page to me. My family has had a really hard year. We’ve had some death and pain. The second verse of this song talks about “over our sad plains the angels sing.” It talks about how they come to sing about Christ, and “still through broken skies they come.” I was in tears reading the lyrics. It goes back to the theme of peace. You’re not traveling alone. You’re not laboring in vain. You’re not carrying this hardship for no reason. Over this, God still has His way.”

For more information on Sara Groves, go to: http://www.saragroves.com

08/18/2008
33MILES RELEASES “ONE LIFE” ON SEPT. 16
First Single “One Life to Love” Has High Impact at Christian Radio

Nashville, Tenn. … Aug. 18, 2008… After logging in over 120,000 miles (not including air travel), performing at over 200 churches, garnering three consecutive radio hits and a Dove nomination for “New Artist of the Year,” 33Miles is releasing their sophomore record “One Life” on Sept. 16. The new project on INO Records includes efforts from a trio of well-known producers including Nathan Nockels (Passion, Point of Grace, Phillips, Craig & Dean), Sam Mizell (Matthew West) and Brown Bannister (Amy Grant, MercyMe, Third Day).

To kick off the new record, the first single "One Life to Love" has already been one of the most added singles at Christian AC since its release as well as earning airplay at CHR and Inspo formats. The single is now No. 25 on the R&R AC-Monitored charts and is currently No. 18 on the AC-Indicator charts. “One Life to Love” also exploded on to iTunes reaching the No. 25 position on the Christian & Gospel Top Song charts in only a matter of days.

“’One Life to Love’ still gives me chills,” says lead singer Jason Barton. “It also goes back to the meaning behind 33Miles—the idea that life can be short, that Christ lived only thirty-three years on this earth. So the question remains: what will you and I do with our miles, with the years we are given?”

33Miles continues to be committed to their original goal of loving the church which is evident throughout the entire record. The album also offers up beat tracks such as “When It All Comes Down” and “One of Those Days” that are comparable to today’s biggest selling country pop acts.

This overall mission and heart of the band is not only reflected in the single, but also in the lives of Barton, Lockwood and Stoddard. Whether it is serving the people of Guatemala on a Food for the Hungry mission trip (photo attached) or lead singer Barton and his wife being featured in Redbook magazine’s June issue discussing their covenant marriage (also a front page story on MSN.com), the members of 33Miles are living every moment to the fullest.

“The people of Guatemala returned the charity I expected to administer with a relationship I didn't know existed,” recalls member Collin Stoddard after their trip to the third world country with Food for the Hungry. “They showed me the gracious, selfless love of a Sovereign God who chose a specific place for me on heaven and earth, and the equivalent place for every person in this world. I think the size of my God grew exponentially in my heart and mind.”

From March to the launch of “One Life” in mid-September, 33Miles will have played for just under 100,000 young adults and youth ministers across the country including five of the largest youth events in the states. Their schedule also includes stops at some of the summer’s biggest festivals such as Alive, Spirit West Coast, Big Ticket, Kingdom Bound, Rock the Light, Unity and Lifelight. Continuing their mission of loving the church, the band will also be headlining fall tour dates across the country starting Sept. 16 (tentative dates listed below) as well as an extensive list of radio visits and events throughout the upcoming months.

Since their debut in 2007, 33Miles’ Jason Barton (lead vocals), Chris Lockwood (guitar) and Collin Stoddard (keys) celebrated one of the highest-selling freshman albums of 2007 with their GMA Dove nominated project 33Miles. In addition, the band has made tremendous impact on the radio charts garnering three consecutive radio hits with “What Could Be Better,” “There Is A God” and “Thank You,” two of those hits breaking the Top 10.

# # #

www.33milesonline.com myspace.com/33miles

*all dates subject to change
8/21/2008 Harford, PA The Harford Fair
8/23/2008 Simpsonville, SC Standing Springs Baptist Church
08/24/2008 Cumming, GA First Redeemer Church
08/29/2008 Kansas City, MO Rock the Light Festival
08/31/2008 Sioux Falls, SD Lifelight Festival
09/06/2008 Wilson, NC Bible Missionary Baptist Church
09/07/2008 Wilson, NC Bible Missionary Baptist Church
09/12/2008 Deer Park, TX Youth Explosion
09/13/2008 Livingston, TX Faith Christian Center
09/18/2008 Hazard, KY Black Gold Festival
09/20/2008 Greenville, OH Darke County Fairgrounds
09/27/2008 Williamson, WV West Williamson Softball Park
10/04/2008 Humboldt, KS Humboldt Town Square
10/08/2008 Elizabethtown, NC Elizabethtown Middle School Gym
10/11/2008 Woodstock, VA Shenandoah County Fairgrounds
10/16/2008 Franklin Lakes, NJ McBride Field
10/18/2008 Lucedale, MS Praise in the Park - Lucedale City Park
11/01/2008 Zephyrhills, FL Zephyr Palms Events Centre
11/07/2008 Decatur, IL Tabernacle Baptist Church
11/09/2008 Goshen, IN The Life Center
11/23/2008 Chesapeake, VA Faith Alive Ministries

08/13/2008
SARA GROVES TEAMS WITH ACCLAIMED ARTISTS FOR ART*MUSIC*JUSTICE TOUR
SARA GROVES TEAMS WITH ACCLAIMED ARTISTS FOR ART*MUSIC*JUSTICE TOUR

Fall Tour to Feature Brandon Heath, Derek Webb, Sandra McCracken, and Charlie Peacock

Benefiting the International Justice Mission and Food For the Hungry, tour Aims to “Add to the Beauty, Seek Justice and Give God Praise”

NASHVILLE, TN....8/13/08.... Critically-acclaimed singer-songwriter Sara Groves has gathered a group of fellow-acclaimed artists and friends Brandon Heath, Derek Webb, Sandra McCracken and author/artist Charlie Peacock, for her ART*MUSIC*JUSTICE tour this fall, which will benefit both the International Justice Mission and Food For the Hungry. The International Justice Mission (www.IJM.org) is a human rights agency that secures justice for victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression. Food for the Hungry (www.FH.org) works in more than 26 developing countries providing disaster and emergency relief, and implementing sustainable development programs to transform communities physically and spiritually.

With dates running from Sept 19th through October 26th (concert listing below), the tour is a unique concert opportunity to “add to the beauty, seek justice and give God praise,” desiring to further educate the church on God's heart for justice, gain advocates for the oppressed, and show evidence of a God at work in this world. Each evening will bring inspired music and stories of God's people in action and their heroic experiences across the globe. Incredible stories of rescue from the International Justice Mission will be told, while giving audience members the opportunity to be involved in Groves 'adopted' village in Rwanda thru Food for the Hungry.

"God is mighty to save and is actively rescuing the oppressed through His people,” comments Groves. “ Scripture references to the 'slave, the poor, the oppressed' are not figurative. There are 27 million people enslaved today, after more than in 400 years of trans-atlantic slavery. God is calling us to respond. All of us on this tour want to convey, it is not a burden to help, it is an adventure. We’re excited to get out there and share what God is doing!" To listen to audio of Sara sharing about the tour, and for more tour information, please go to: www.myspace.com/artmusicjustice.

In addition, all of the artists on the tour are offering songs on NoiseTrade.com for the price of telling three friends about them or paying any amount they choose in exchange for an immediate download. Webb co-created NoiseTrade.com after the success of giving away over 80,000 full downloads of his project “Mockingbird,” Through NOISETRADE, any artist can freely distribute their music online via NoiseTrade’s embeddable widget. For the Art*Music*Justice Tour widget, go to www.myspace.com/artmusicjustice

08/13/2008
PHIL WICKHAM’S LIVE WORSHIP ALBUM SINGALONG RECEIVES OVER
PHIL WICKHAM’S LIVE WORSHIP ALBUM SINGALONG RECEIVES OVER 8,000 DOWNLOADS IN THE FIRST WEEK CANNONS HITS TOP 10 ON ITUNES® AND TOP 21 ON MOZES

Phil Wickham recently invited listeners to sing along with him and other fans in his first-ever recording of a LIVE worship album, aptly titled SINGALONG. Available only as a free download from his website www.philwickham.com, the album has received more than 8,000 downloads within the first week of release (8/8/08).

SINGALONG was recorded at Solid Rock Church in Portland, OR where 3,000 fans gathered together to see the critically acclaimed singer/songwriter perform 15 songs from his self-titled debut album and sophomore record Cannons.

Three days after Wickham released the live worship album, his debut CD climbed the iTunes ® Top Christian Albums chart to No. 25 after being released over two years ago. Wickham’s most recent release Cannons peaked at No. 10 on iTUNES ® Top Christian chart and No. 11 on national mobile platform Mozes, surpassing artists such as Nelly and Jewel. The chart numbers for Mozes are based on artists’ mobile fanbase activity and fan texting interactions with their favorite artist.

08/04/2008
HIT TV SHOWS ARMY WIVES, RACHAEL RAY AND DR. PHIL CHOOSE SONGS FROM THE AFTERS’ LATEST RECORD “NEVER GOING BACK TO OK”
HIT TV SHOWS ARMY WIVES, RACHAEL RAY AND DR. PHIL CHOOSE SONGS FROM THE AFTERS’ LATEST RECORD “NEVER GOING BACK TO OK” The Band Finishes Mainstream Radio Promo Tour in Support of “Never Going Back to Ok”

Nashville, Tenn…. July 31, 2008… INO/Columbia Record’s The Afters continue to be heard on the small screen with songs from their sophomore project “Never Going Back to Ok” being used in episodes of Army Wives and Rachael Ray as well as in promotion for Dr. Phil. The Texas based band also recently finished a mainstream radio promo tour with a final stop in Los Angeles speaking with Premiere Radio Networks and the TV Guide Channel.

“Ocean Wide” can be heard this Sunday Aug. 3 on Lifetime’s hit series Army Wives. Now in its second season, the series is the highest-rated show in the channel’s 24-year history. The episode will air at 10pm EST with encore presentations on Monday Aug. 4 at 8pm EST and Saturday Aug. 9 at 11pm EST.

Rachael Ray’s daytime television show used The After’s “Tonight” in May of this year as well. Winner of the 2008 Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Talk Show-Entertainment, Rachael Ray is a daily one-hour syndicated talk show in its third season and is watched by millions of viewers.

“One Moment Away” from the band’s sophomore record will be used to promote the new season of Dr. Phil. Now preparing for its seventh season since the show’s launch in 2002, the show’s advertisement can be seen starting next week.

The Afters visited key mainstream radio markets in June such as Chicago, Denver, Albuquerque and Charlotte on a promo tour in support of their Hot AC single “Never Going Back to Ok.” The band’s final stop in Los Angeles included an interview on the nationally syndicated Premiere Radio Network’s Daily Music News and an interview with the TV Guide Channel. To view The Afters’ segment on TV Guide’s broadband channel visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoiBbe-Bx1E

"Never Going Back To Ok" is presently being promoted to the Hot AC format. Stations currently playing the track include KVLY/McAllen, TX, KSII/El Paso, TX, KLCA/Reno, NV, KLTG/Corpus Christi, TX and WAYV/Atlantic City, NJ.

The band was also on the July 30 edition of the nationally syndicated morning radio program The Bob and Sheri Show. Though based in Charlotte, NC, the program runs live on over 60 stations nationwide. To listen to The Afters’ segment on the show, you can visit: http://bobandsheri.1079thelink.com/archive/audio.cfm;jsessionid=a630cb9dce69764b14f45d612a6952c76284?ID=1051

“Never Going Back to Ok” entered the Billboard Top 200 at #41 and the Contemporary Christian SoundScan charts at #1 selling 15,856 units. In digital sales, the project entered at #1 for Christian SoundScan album and track sales plus hit as high as #14 on the iTunes® overall digital chart and #4 on their digital Rock chart. “We Are The Sound” from the new record was also used in promotion for last season’s American Idol with the viral video for “MySpace Girl” being featured on E! News, Seventeen.com and TV Guide Channel’s website.

Releasing their debut project “I Wish We All Could Win” in 2005, The Afters received top attention from their fans and media outlets. The Afters’ music has appeared on the networks of MTV, mtvU, ABC Family and E! News as well as on HOT AC and VH-1 radio along with outlets such as Billboard, BOP and Popstar. The MTV college network and mtvU have been strong supporters of the band as their music video for “Beautiful Love” was awarded with an mtvU Award for Best Streaming Video in 2005. The Afters were awarded the Dove Award for “New Artist of the Year” (2006), and has had over 250,000 downloads to date. The foursome composed of Josh Havens, Matt Fuqua, Brad Wigg and Marc Dodd, met while working at a Starbucks in Mesquite, Texas.

www.theafters.com myspace.com/theafters

07/28/2008
LAURA STORY PERFORMS ON CRYSTAL CATHEDRAL’S HOUR OF POWER
THIS WEEKEND, JULY 26TH AND JULY 27TH Catch INO Records’ artist Laura Story on Crystal Cathedral’s “Hour of Power” this Saturday and Sunday on TBN and Lifetime. She will be performing “Indescribable” and “Perfect Peace” from her debut album Great God Who Saves. Check for your local TV listings and times by visiting www.crystalcathedral.org/hour_of_power/tvlisting/index.php. “HOUR OF POWER” airs on Saturday at 6PM (CST) on TBN and Sunday at 8AM (EST)/(PST) on Lifetime Story’s current single “Mighty To Save” hit No. 1 at R&R Soft AC/Inspo chart, Top 10 AC-Indicator and Top 20 AC-Monitored. The singer/songwriter continues to perform at various churches across the U.S. and remains active as a worship leader at her local church in Atlanta, GA. For the latest news and tour information on Laura Story, visit www.laurastorymusic.com and to hear her testimony watch www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hawO1Ulek4.
07/10/2008
PHILLIPS, CRAIG & DEAN FINDS FOLLOWING AT TEXAS RANGERS’ BALLPARK
The Trio Continues Tour Dates Across the Country and Readies for Third INO Record’s Studio Release Nashville, Tenn… July 9, 2008… As it continues to draw interest from fans, Texas Rangers’ Outfielder Josh Hamilton enters the Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, TX in front of nearly 25,000 people at each game to the sounds of Phillips, Craig and Deans’ “Saved the Day” from their 2006 INO Records’ release “Top of My Lungs. ” Pegged as the Rangers’ “Miracle Man,” the Major League Baseball player opened up to the Fort Worth Star Telegram recently about his choice in music and the impact that it is having on the fans. "So many people have asked about it," Hamilton said. "The Rangers get e-mails all the time asking 'What song was that?' I've had a lot of people say they love the song." Currently leading the Major Leagues in RBIs, Hamilton believes the song reflects his strong faith in Jesus Christ and in the transforming power of the gospel. "It's one of those things," Hamilton said. "A lot of guys want to listen to their song. What I want to do is I want everyone else to hear my song." “Saved the Day” can also be purchased as a ring tone and ring back tone at major phone service providers including Verizon Wireless, Virgin, AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint. Phillips, Craig & Dean continue to tour the country (tour dates below) and have begun work on their 12th studio project titled “When Grace Walks In” set to release next year. Some things you do for the money. Some things you do out of obligation, responsibility or a sense of nobility. But some things you do simply because you love-love-LOVE it. You can’t imagine not doing it. It’s the joyous gift God has put in your heart that makes passionate living possible. For Randy Phillips, Shawn Craig and Dan Dean—Phillips, Craig & Dean—that thing is ministry through music. More succinctly put: These guys love-love-LOVE to sing about God. And way beyond the 10 albums, 18 No.1 singles and 2 million+ records sold in the past 17 years, the story of God’s grace in their lives just keeps getting bigger. Their individual lives are steeped in local church ministry, but it’s the power of song that keeps them coming back to the studio and stage. “Most of our songs come from real life experiences,” Dan says. “We sing to reach out to people who are going through difficult places in their lives. We choose songs that will bring the reality of Christ into those places.”
06/23/2008
ROCK WORSHIP GROUP FEE RELEASES iTunes ® EXCLUSIVE
The Single Continues to Maintain Position on Radio Charts

Fee’s “All Because of Jesus Complete EP” will be sold exclusively on iTunes ® starting this Tuesday June 24. Along with two versions of “All Because of Jesus” including an acoustic and radio mix, the EP will also contain a live performance video as well as words from lead singer Steve Fee. The complete EP from the INO Records’ band will be a worship resource kit. The hit radio single “All Because of Jesus” reached the No. 1 spot on the R&R AC Indicator and remains in the top 5 on both the R&R and CRW AC radio charts.

FEE, known across worship circuits world wide, released their debut INO project & GMA DOVE Nominated “We Shine” in September ’07. Endorsed by the likes of MercyMe’s Bart Millard, Casting Crown’s Mark Hall and author David Nasser, FEE has also received praise from visionary, architect & director of the Passion Conferences Louie Giglio saying “Steve Fee has a unique voice in the world of worship, effectively leading a new generation to live in a story so much bigger than their own … ‘We Shine’ is one of the best worship projects of the year.” As part of the Passion Conferences with Louie Giglio and Chris Tomlin, FEE has worshipped with and performed in front of thousands. Hailing from Atlanta, GA, Steve Fee still leads worship at the North Point Community Church. # # # www.myspace.com/stevefee www.feeband.com

06/23/2008
Five-time GRAMMY Award Winner, Sandi Patty
Nashville, TN...June 22, 2008...INO Records’ five-time GRAMMY award winning recording artist, Sandi Patty was recently honored at the 2008 GRAMMY Salute to Gospel Music ® last week at the Lincoln Theater in Washington D.C. alongside other honorees Edwin and Walter Hawkins and the Winans. President Neil Portnow presented the gospel music legend with The Recording Academy President’s Merit Award, an award she feels privileged to have received. “It is a tremendous honor to be associated with the outstanding company of honorees at the GRAMMY Salute to Gospel Music,” says Patty. “It was a joy to be apart of a celebration that was all about the heritage of our music. Gospel music was born because a story needed to be told. That story is about God’s faithfulness, no matter what life may bring. I’m humbled to be a vessel for such an important story.” Prior to Patty’s appearance on stage, contemporary Christian artist Natalie Grant performed one of Patty’s classics “Love In Any Language.” Following Grant’s performance, Avalon, the Christian vocal quartet sang “Another Time, Another Place,” all in tribute to the honoree. The evening continued with powerful concerts as the legendary singer herself wowed the audience when she performed Dottie Rambo’s “We Shall Behold Him.” Other artists who entertained throughout the night were gospel singer Rance Allen, gospel artist Kim Burrell, gospel singer/composer/arranger Maurette Brown Clark, honorees Edwin and Walter Hawkins, two-time GRAMMY winner Patti LaBelle and gospel composer/pianist/arranger Richard Smallwood. The GRAMMY Salute To Gospel Music event honors those who have made significant contributions to gospel music, while supporting the history and importance of the genre. The Recording Academy® President's Merit Award recognizes the contributions that key individuals have made in the music industry and the impact their efforts have had on music and the business of music. Patty continues to stay strong touring across the country with Women of Faith while performing and sharing her testimony. For more information on Patty please visit www.sandipatty.com or www.myspace.com/sandipatty ### Sandi Patty Being the most award-winning female vocalist in the Christian Music industry, Sandi Patty released her 30th recording May 13, 2008 titled Songs For The Journey. This album features a duet with Shelia Walsh and another duet with husband Don Pesli. Patty has won 39 Dove Awards, five Grammy Awards, four Billboard Music Awards and is a member of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. She has released 24 albums over the last 26 years, selling more than 11 million unites, RIAA has certified three of her recordings platinum and five of them gold. Patty has appeared on The Tonight Show, 7th Heaven, E! Entertainment, Dr. Phil, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and most recently appeared on Extreme Makeover Home Edition.
06/19/2008
MERCYME FRONTMAN MILLARD TO RELEASE SECOND HYMNS PROJECT/Features Duet with Vince Gill
“Hymned Again” Hits August 19th and Features Duet with Country Superstar Vince Gill “I Stand Amazed” Goes to Radio July 4th NASHVILLE, TN....June 19, 2008.....In follow up to HYMNED, MercyMe frontman Bart Millard’s 2005 solo project, named one of Billboard and ChristianMusicToday.com’s Top Ten albums of 2005, comes his second effort, HYMNED AGAIN, which will hit nationwide on August 19th. The first single to be serviced to AC and Inspo radio formats will be “I Stand Amazed,” on July 4th, which features guest vocals by Christy Nockels. Taking the production helm once again is Brown Bannister, who along with Millard’s passionate vocals and a famed line up of studio musicians, has created an impressive and diversified musical landscape on HYMNED AGAIN. Raised in East Texas relatively close to where many musical styles originated, Millard wanted to create an authentic sound with these old hymns, most of which date back to the 1800s and talk about sharing one’s faith during this era when evangelism was on the rise. Therefore, HYMNED AGAIN runs the stylistic gamut from New Orleans style horn-driven jazz to Texas blues-rock guitar, and country/bluegrass to banjo-featuring Dixieland, '70s soul/gospel flavor, and one song centered on nothing more than a ukulele. To top it off, the sole original track on the CD, written by Millard and Thad Cockrell, “Jesus Cares for Me,” features a duet with country superstar Vince Gill. "The one thing I've been looking to do is sing with Bart and check that off my Bucket List.” laughed Gill, who had some fun with Millard in the recording studio with his ‘Bucket List,’ video from which is featured on MercyMe’s blog page at http://www.mercyme/org/blog. All kidding aside, the duet is surely a dream come true for Millard, who states, “I never imagined I would sing a duet with Vince Gill, and especially that it would be on one of my records. It was truly an incredible ‘pinch myself’ moment.” While HYMNED was inspired by Millard’s grandmother, and the hymns she used to sing, HYMNED AGAIN was inspired moreso by his three kids. "My three kids know every word of the first hymns record I did,” he says. “These are songs that were a huge part of my upbringing, and now they are a part of my kids’ as well, so I had to do another one! And, true to form, they already have the new album memorized too." Millard is currently touring a full summer schedule with MercyMe supporting their latest hit project, ALL THAT IS WITHIN ME. The band will be touring this fall as well, dates for which are available on http://www.mercyme.org. Millard also just taped a special HYMNED AGAIN episode of the Gospel Music Channel’s Kitchen Sink program which is scheduled to air on September 27th.
06/19/2008
PHIIL WICKHAM PERFORMS ON THE KITCHEN SINK, THIS SATURDAY, JUNE 21ST
· INO Records’ critically acclaimed singer/songwriter Phil Wickham, dives into the sizzling summer this Saturday evening on Gospel Music Channel’s, The Kitchen Sink, as he performs his latest single “True Love” along with “Desire.” Check out www.gospelmusicchannel.com for Wickham’s exclusive performance of “Divine Romance” from his debut album. · The Kitchen Sink airs on GMC at 8PM ET/PT · In addition, Wickham fanatics can catch the artist performing in numerous churches and festivals across the country. For most current tour info go to www.philwickham.com
06/12/2008
Glory Unleashed: Mike Farris and the Redemptive Power of Music
Career Rebirth Explodes with Incendiary Live Shows Receives "New/Emerging Artist of the Year" Nomination from the Americana Music Association Nashville, Tenn.—There is music that soothes and satisfies the soul and there is music that saves the soul. There is music—southern, communal, and powerful—that is a sweet balm for the ravaged heart, the broken spirit. This is the music of Mike Farris. It is elemental, essential, and ultimately redemptive. Farris has been winning fans to his vibrant fusion of rock, soul and gospel music since the release of his Salvation in Lights album in 2007. Word of mouth buzz and rave reviews in publications such as Harp, Billboard, and No Depression stoked the fervor higher, leading to upcoming high profile appearances at Bonnaroo in June, the Austin City Limits Festival in September, and an ongoing Sunday night residency at Nashville's Station Inn called Sunday Night Shout. The Sunday Night Shout series epitomizes the wide-ranging appeal of Farris and the testimony he preaches from the stage in his own rockin' redemptive style. In his own words Farris says the mission of Sunday Night Shout is "to provide musical manna to the hearts, souls, and minds of the good people of Nashville and beyond… Our wish is for every person to leave us on Sundays to go back into the world feeling excited, delighted, and loved." What started as a small gathering of musicians and friends has quickly grown into a must-hear event in Nashville. But Farris is ranging further afield as his reputation grows. Music is a calling and a mission and he continues preaching the gospel from the stage throughout the rest of 2008. In addition to Bonnaroo and the Austin City Limits Festival, he appeared at the Blind Willie McTell Blues Festival in Georgia and is looking forward to the Strawberry Festival in California. This fall he will also be opening several dates for Ricky Skaggs and Bruce Hornsby. Like all great artists, Farris transcends boundaries. His career kicked into hyper-drive after a soul-stirring and poignant rendition of "Green, Green Grass of Home" at the Porter Wagoner Tribute during the Americana Music Conference. Yesterday, the Americana Music Association announced Farris' nomination for the "New/Emerging Artist of the Year." The award winner will be announced at the 2008 Americana Honors and Awards in September. In addition to the Americana format, his music has been embraced by both Triple A radio and the Gospel Music Channel. Music luminaries including Buddy Miller and Marty Stuart are raving about Farris, the former hard rocking frontman for the Screamin' Cheetah Wheelies. The rock and roll lifestyle led Farris down the dark path of addiction, but music ultimately brought him through the darkness. His recovery and salvation were wrapped up in writing the songs that ultimately formed the foundation of Salvation in Lights. Farris' second solo album, Salvation in Lights, is a deeply powerful and personal collection of original and traditional hymns. In addition to the original compositions he wrote for the album, he brought new energy to old standards. The traditional hymns and spirituals he recorded are part of the very fabric of this country. Farris says, "We've taken the music of the long lost deep south, dug it out of America's collective attic and brought it back to life for everyone to enjoy." The album was greeted with great critical acclaim, but it was his rafter-raising live shows that stopped folks in their tracks and began creating converts by the thousands. As word began to spread about the intensity of his shows and the positive energy and joyful noise being created, his renewed career began taking a life on its own. Street teams began forming, then growing. Now there's a palpable excitement, a spirit if you will, of energy that's undeniable. Mike Farris is working out his salvation one song at a time. Come along for a listen and join him on an incredibly journey to a better place. ### *Photo credit: Ed Rode Praise for Mike Farris - "Mike Farris is a soul man...way cool! When I saw him on TV the first time, even though I didn't know who he was, I thought he was a star. When I heard his record, I knew he was." - Marty Stuart - "Mike Farris has enough heart, soul, and power to light up a city. He mixes up the elements and turns them into something new, beautiful, and uniquely his own." - Buddy Miller - "It's impossible to listen to this album and not be moved. No matter what your religious beliefs, there's something so soulful and primal about Mike Farris' delivery that it's hard not to be shaken to the core." - Billboard - "Farris' voice has moved unexpectedly higher - and stronger - and melds seamlessly with his female backup singers." - No Depression - "Farris surrounds himself with a heavenly soundtrack that slides effortlessly between Stax soul, New Orleans gospel and shuffling Southern blues, all of it punctuated with Farris' smoldering vocals and clear message of redemption." - Harp - Sometimes you have to go through hell to reach heaven, & watching Mike Farris perform songs off Salvation In Lights with a full band, I'd have to think someone earned his wings. Fantastic show bordering on a religious experience." - Larry Timko, WIKX, Charlotte Harbor/Fort Meyers, FL - Mike had the room mesmerized with his soaring vocals and stage presence. If Mike brings this ensemble on the road to a town near you, you had better go because you WILL NOT be disappointed, I guarantee it!" - Big Kev Ploghoft, WXLV, Schnecksville, PA
06/10/2008
P.O.D. TO PERFORM ON LAST CALL with CARSON DALY THIS THURSDAY, JUNE 12TH
*INO/COLUMBIA rockers P.O.D. will kick off the summer this Thursday night on Last Call with Carson Daly when they perform “Tell Me Why” from their latest CD, “When Angels and Serpants Dance.” In addition, the band will pre tape a performance of " Shine with Me" to air on the show at a later date this summer.

*Last Call with Carson Daly airs on NBC at 1:35am ET/12:35 am CT, following Late Night with Conan O’Brien.

*In addition, fans can catch the band at several summer music festivals, including (for up to date tour info go to http://www.payableondeath.com.
05/28/2008
WORSHIP ARTIST STEVE FEE PERFORMS AT INDIANAPOLIS 500 CHAPEL SERVICES
Fee’s “All Because of Jesus” Hits No. 1 on R&R’s AC Indicator While Continuing to Climb Charts Across the Board Nashville, Tenn. … May 28, 2008 … Recognized in worship circuits across the country, Fee front man Steve Fee performed at all three chapel services at the highly anticipated 92nd annual Indianapolis 500 on Sunday May 25th. Fee’s hit single “All Because of Jesus” has also landed in the No. 1 spot on the R&R AC Indicator charts while climbing to No. 2 on R&R’s AC Monitored as well as the CRW No. 3 spot on the AC charts. The biggest event of the Indy Car Series included famous racing names such as Danica Patrick, Helio Castroneves, Marco Andretti and John Andretti. ABC televised the live race event that took place at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway known to racing fans worldwide as “The Brickyard.” Scott Dixon took top honors as the winner of this year’s race. The three chapel services took place early Sunday morning at 7:30 am just feet away from the winner’s circle in the pressroom. Attendees included drivers, crews, track officials and the president of the Indy Racing League and owner of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Tony George. “It was an immense honor to take part in such an amazing event,” says Fee. “The experience was unforgettable.” Hailing from Atlanta, GA, Steve Fee is a 13-year worship veteran and continues to lead worship at the North Point Community Church. Lead singer of INO Record’s band Fee, the rock worship group released their debut & GMA Dove nominated “We Shine” in September ’07. Endorsed by the likes of MercyMe’s Bart Millard, Casting Crown’s Mark Hall and author David Nasser, Steve Fee has also received praise from visionary, architect and director of the Passion Conferences Louie Giglio saying “Steve Fee has a unique voice in the world of worship, effectively leading a new generation to live in a story so much bigger than their own … ‘We Shine’ is one of the best worship projects of the year.” As part of the Passion Conferences with Louie Giglio and Chris Tomlin, Fee has worshipped with and performed in front of thousands.

05/27/2008
SKILLET SELLS OUT 60% OF COMATOSE TOUR
SKILLET SELLS OUT 60% OF COMATOSE TOUR packed houses in Chicago, Kansas city, more NASHVILLE, TN….5/15/08….Atlantic/LAVA/Ardent/INO rockers Skillet completed their “COMATOSE” headline tour with Thousand Foot Krutch and Decyfer Down this past weekend to a SOLD OUT crowd in Lancaster, PA., something they got used to during the 2.5 month tour with 60 % of the shows selling out, turning away hundreds, while packing out houses in Birmingham, AL (2482/The Basement), Kansas City, MO (1870/First Baptist Raytown), Des Moines (1656/Val Air Ballroom), Chicago (1142/House of Blues), Springfield, MO (1817/Remington’s), Anderson, IN (1383/Reardon Auditorium) and South Bend, IN (Elco Theater/1665). “Skillet never ceases to amaze me. These guys bring a high energy show packed with great songs, production and an encouraging message. Everyone in the industry is always asking ‘who is the next great headliner’? I believe we just found it.” -Shane Quick, Premier Productions “Very few rock bands stir the kind of excitement that Skillet does,” said Chris Barrett, President of Rock the Sound Concerts who promoted the NYC concert. “We sold out with 9 days remaining and had to turn away hundreds. We believe so much in Skillet and what they do and that we have booked them for Rock the Sound IV in Bridgeport, CT, our biggest concert, at the Arena at Harbor Yard.” NEW YORK CITY/Hammerstein grand ballroom SOLD OUT MINNEAPOLIS, MN/Club 3 Degrees SOLD OUT CINCINATTI, OH/The Underground SOLD OUT ALBANY, NY/northway auditorium SOLD OUT LANCASTER, PA/lmhs fine arts center SOLD OUT KALAMAZOO, MI/ wings stadium SOLD OUT EAU CLAIRE, WI/memorial h.s. SOLD OUT DAYTON, OH/the avenue SOLD OUT PORTLAND, ME New life Christian fellowship SOLD OUT HAGERSTOWN, MD/ north Hagerstown h.s. SOLD OUT LONGVIEW, TX/Letourneau university SOLD OUT ABILENE, TX/CIVIC CENTER SOLD OUT JACKSONVILLE, FL/MURRAY HILL THEATER SOLD OUT MOBILE, AL/CIVIC CENTER SOLD OUT CHATTANOOGA, TN TIVOLI THEATER SOLD OUT www.skillet.com myspace.com/skilletmusic
05/21/2008
Sandi Patty astounds LISTENERS once again with
Nashville, TN…May 21, 2008… Sandi Patty astounds listeners once again with her 30th studio album Songs For The Journey as the legendary artist continues make her mark in music, drawing attention from press all around the country. With her latest record dropping less than a week ago, the renowned gospel music singer has already caught the interest from Christian Music Today receiving a four out of five stars being described as “the Sandi Patty people know and love—big-voiced songs spanning inspirational, adult contemporary, hymns, Broadway, and more.” The praise doesn’t stop there, as Christian Music Planet agrees “Sandi Patty has made an indelible mark on gospel music, and Songs for the Journey further establishes her legendary stay in this industry,” having “fantastic musicianship and seamless production.” Patti is continuing to inspire women by speaking and performing at Women of Faith Conferences every weekend across the country (summer dates below, all dates subject to change). For more information on Sandi Patty please visit www.sandipatty.com or www.myspace.com/sandipatty .
05/16/2008
33MILES’ FRONT MAN JASON BARTON AND WIFE FEATURED IN JUNE ISSUE OF REDBOOK MAGAZINE
The Couple Discusses Covenant Marriage in Feature Story Nashville, Tenn. … May 16, 2008 … 33Miles’ lead singer Jason Barton and his wife Jennifer were selected as the lead-in story in Redbook’s June feature “The State of Our Unions” where nine couples opened up on the basic principles and challenges of marriage. Reaching over two million readers as one of today’s leading women’s publications, Jason and Jennifer talked with Redbook magazine regarding their choice to have a covenant marriage, raising two sons, the importance of faith in their relationship and even about miscarriages the couple had earlier in their marriage. “Jason and I believe that God designed marriage as a covenant, a binding promise never to be broken,” says Jennifer in the June issue. “Our motto is Team Barton, and we live it every day.” The couple was chosen by Redbook, but was submitted by their pre-marital counselor who started the Covenant Marriage Movement. “It was an honor to be chosen by Redbook Magazine to represent a covenant marriage and to express to its readers our belief that God designed marriage to be forever ... just like His commitment to love us is forever,” says Jason about the magazine feature. You can view the online version of “The State of Our Unions” article by going to http://www.redbookmag.com/love/types-of-marriages. Since their debut in 2007, well-respected newcomers 33Miles celebrated one of the highest-selling freshman albums of 2007 with their GMA Dove nominated project 33Miles. Jason Barton, Chris Lockwood and Collin Stoddard performed over 130 concerts last year alone continuing to build new fans across the country. In addition, 33Miles has made tremendous impact on the radio charts garnering three consecutive radio hits with “What Could Be Better,” “There Is A God” and “Thank You,” two of those hits breaking the Top 10. The band is now at work on their sophomore album set to release this fall.
05/06/2008
GOSPEL MUSIC LEGEND, SANDI PATTY SET TO RELEASE HER 30TH STUDIO RECORDING, SONGS FOR THE JOURNEY ON MAY 13TH
May 1, 2008…Nashville, TN…Gospel music legend, Sandi Patty set to release her 30th studio recording Songs For The Journey (INO Records), on May 13th.

On Songs For The Journey, the five-time GRAMMY Award winner captures the soul, passion and praise of irreplaceable hymns of faith, which have inspired generations past. Through 11 new vibrant performances purposefully chosen to reflect her walk in faith from her childhood to today, listeners are sure to recognize their own stories among the selections, connecting with the struggles, joy, and peace along the way.

Sharing her thoughts on the foundation of the album, Patty explains, “The idea for this project came from watching my kids get older. I recently began to wonder and hope about what things they will someday look back upon as being foundational in their lives,” continues Patty, mother of eight. “Then I asked the same question of myself in relation to my passion for music—what are the songs that have inspired me and come to represent my journey, and how can I give those back to others as an encouragement?”

It was through songs like “Were It Not for Grace” and “Through It All” that gave Patty the encouragement and inspiration she needed during struggles in her life. “In a manner of speaking, the unconditional love and grace of God doesn’t mean as much to people until they really need it,” Sandi says in relation to that past. “But like the Andrae Crouch song suggests, I wouldn’t trade anything if it meant I wouldn’t have the current understanding of who God is and who I am because of Him.”

Produced by David Hamilton, Songs For The Journey was created in various parts of the world ranging from Nashville, Bill Gaither’s studio in Indiana and even Prague where powerful record with orchestral segments were recorded for stirring operatic numbers such as “Panis Angelicus,” a duet between Patty and her husband, Don Peslis.

Songs for the Journey, a lovingly crafted achievement that’s as diverse and entertaining as Sandi Patty herself. While previous releases displayed her gift for singing hymns, pop, gospel, Broadway, and even opera, none have ever combined these styles into one grand expression as pleasing and effective as this one.

05/06/2008
PHIL WICKHAM STREAMS AND RECORDS LIVE CONCERT ONLINE MAY 9TH
This week fans of INO Records’ artist Phil Wickham can experience him from their very own computer. On May 9th at 7:30PM (PST) Wickham will stream and record his concert LIVE from Portland, OR via www.philwickham.com/blog/.

Wickham has been actively involved in spreading the news about the LIVE showcase by interacting with his listeners through written and video blogs on his website.

The singer/songwriter continues to reach new levels in his career as he made his mark as the #74th “Top Watched Musician” on Youtube.com with his intimate acoustic performance of “Hallelujah,” which was recorded in his hotel room during a visit to Nashville, TN.

Wickham gave an outstanding performance singing his upcoming single “True Love” at the Gospel Music Association’s Dove Awards pre-show at the Grand Ole Opry on April 23rd where he received a standing ovation for his performance. He sang the same powerful song at INO’s acoustic showcase, April 21st at the Bourbon Street Blues Club in Printer’s Alley.

For all things on Phil Wickham please visit: www.philwickham.com

04/25/2008
NEW ARTIST FAVORITE 33MILES CELEBRATES FIRST GOSPEL MUSIC AWARD NOMINATION AS CURRENT SINGLE “THANK YOU”
NEW ARTIST FAVORITE 33MILES CELEBRATES FIRST GOSPEL MUSIC AWARD NOMINATION AS CURRENT SINGLE “THANK YOU” MAKES A SPLASH AT RADIO
INO Records Trio Prepares for Intense Summer Touring Schedule and Begins Work on Anticipated Sophomore Release


Nashville, Tenn. … 4/11/08 … Freshman favorites and INO Record’s trio 33Miles is enjoying an accolade-filled beginning to 2008 after collecting a Gospel Music Award nomination in the competitive “New Artist of the Year” category and watching their current radio single “Thank You” enter the top 10 on the R&R AC charts. On the heels of their self-titled freshman success, 33Miles is gearing up for youth events and festivals across the country and entering the studio to work on a sophomore follow-up, set to release in the fall of this year.

Recognized with one of the industry’s highest newcomer honors, 33Miles’ Collin Stoddard is thrilled with their nomination saying, “We are so honored to be recognized by the Gospel Music Association, and are excited to be a part of this year’s Dove Awards. This has been an amazing journey for us as a band, and we look forward to what God has in store for us in the years to come.” The band will also be performing at this year’s live telecast of the Gospel Music Awards which will air on Gospel Music Channel on April 23 at 8 pm EST.

In addition to ChristianMusicPlanet.com readers naming 33Miles as one of the “Best New Artists of 2007,” their current single “Thank You” is climbing up the charts on both the R&R AC and INSPO charts. The single is currently No. 9 on the AC charts while entering in the top 20 on the INSPO charts. This is the band’s third consecutive radio hit following “What Could Be Better” and “There Is A God.”

After logging in tens of thousands of miles last year alone, the trio is preparing for a packed summer as they hit the road for tour dates across the country including stops at youth events and the Summer’s biggest festivals (tour dates listed below, subject to change).

Since their debut in 2007, well-respected newcomers 33Miles scanned over 50,000 units with their GMA Dove nominated project 33Miles. The band’s freshman project also received praise on iTunes as a staff favorite, reaching No. 5 on the Christian/Gospel genre list.

# # #

www.33milesonline.com

myspace.com/33miles
04/25/2008
SKILLET AND DISCIPLE ROCK THE 2008 GMA DOVE AWARDS
SKILLET AND DISCIPLE ROCK THE 2008 GMA DOVE AWARDS Both Bands Receive First Dove Wins

Nashville, Tenn. … April 24, 2008 … Atlantic/Ardent/INO artist Skillet and INO Record’s Disciple are celebrating rock wins at last night’s 39th annual GMA Dove Awards with each bringing home their first career statues.

After 16 nominations, Skillet won “Rock Recorded Song of the Year” for “Comatose” written by John Cooper and Brian Howes from their 2006 release of the same name. “The GMA Award show was absolutely awesome! It made me feel even more proud to be a part of the Christian music industry. Winning the Dove was an unexpected highlight of the night, second only to saying ‘Hi’ to Amy Grant and giving her a high five,” says Skillet front man John Cooper. Skillet is currently headlining their COMATOSE tour and selling out numerous venues across the country, recently including New York City’s Grand Ballroom.

Disciple took top honors in the “Rock Album of the Year” category for their sophomore project “Scars Remain” (2006). With seven nominations to the band’s name, lead singer Kevin Young is pumped about their first win saying "We are all so very happy and honored to have won the Dove Award for ‘Rock Album of the Year’ with ‘Scars Remain.’ This was our eighth nomination and our first win. Over the years I always would get butterflies every time our category would come up , but would always hear someone else's name called every time until last night. So needless to say, I was truly shocked. We are so thankful to God for using our music, and to the Gospel Music Association for recognizing us.” Currently on the “Cross the Line” tour with Superchick, the band is also working on a new project set to release this fall.

Skillet’s explosive 2006 Lava/Atlantic/Ardent/INO Records GRAMMY-nominated release, Comatose follows 2004’s Collide, which launched the group into the public eye and garnered the band their first prestigious Grammy nomination. A critical fave, Comatose has become their best-selling project to date, doubling the sales of Collide in half the time. In follow up to packed out headline club shows, a tour with Flyleaf, and summer festivals Skillet spent last fall opening for mainstream rockers Breaking Benjamin and Three Days Grace. In the process of becoming one of the hardest working, most rocking, and broadly appealing acts of its generation, radio welcomed Comatose with open arms, as the first single, “Rebirthing” spent seven-weeks at No.1 on Christian Rock. Their second single, “The Last Night,” also took the top spot, this time at both Rock and CHR (CRW/R&R), while their latest singles, “The Older I Get” (CHR/Rock) and “Comatose” have become their third and fourth consecutive No. 1 singles. At the end of 2007 the band was lauded with R&R’s No. 1 Christian CHR Song of the Year for “The Last Night”, which was also R&R’s No. 2 Christian Rock song of the year. In addition, Skillet was named 2007’s No. 2 top artist on both the CHR and ROCK year end lists. For more information go to www.skillet.com and www.myspace.com/skilletmusic .

The Knoxville, Tenn. foursome’s first self-titled studio release “Disciple” (2005) sold nearly 100,000 units and brought home three No. 1 hits. Disciple has also been nominated for a whopping eight Gospel Music Awards, and their sophomore album “Scars Remain” (2006) has already garnered a No. 1 hit. “Game On” from their sophomore project that also received massive placement in sports shows across the country including “Best Damn Sports Show,” NFL’s “Total Axxess”, WWE’s “Cyber Sunday” and Speed TV’s “Speed Report,” as well as venues such as Wachovia Center in Philadelphia and even Madison Square Garden in New York City. The single was also used in promotion for “Criminal Minds” and “CSI Miami.” The rockers were also chosen to write a song for “WWE: The Music Vol. 8” and WWE superstar duo Hawkins and Ryder. For more information go to www.disciplerocks.com or www.myspace.com/disciplerocks .
04/17/2008
P.O.D. DANCE ONTO BILLBOARD TOP 10/CHRISTIAN SOUNDSCAN AT # 1
P.O.D. DANCE ONTO BILLBOARD TOP 10 /CHRISTIAN SOUNDSCAN AT # 1

"WHEN ANGELS & SERPENTS DANCE" MARKS P.O.D.'S 4TH TOP 10 DEBUT!!

BAND ALSO CELEBRATES #1 ROCK ALBUM ON iTUNES CHART

Nashville, TN - April 16, 2008 - Multi-Platinum rockers P.O.D. are back to reclaim their place atop the rock scene with their INO/Columbia Records debut, When Angels & Serpents Dance. The disc nabs the #9 spot on this week's Billboard Albums Chart and #1 on the Contemporary Christian SoundScan chart. This marks P.O.D.'s fourth Top 10 release. "Satellite" (2001), "Payable On Death"(2003) and "Testify" (2006) also debuted in the Billboard Top 10 when released. In addition, P.O.D. have landed the coveted #1 spot on iTunes Rock album chart this past week.

Lead vocalist Sonny Sandoval says: "After 16 years of being in P.O.D., the loyalty of The Warriors continue to make us look good. We are truly grateful and blown away to see another Top 10 debut."

The San Diego quartet’s renewed vigor is evident throughout When Angels & Serpents Dance. From the searing guitar which kicks off the hard-rocking first single, “Addicted," and the striking and poignant, “End Of The World” (complete with gospel choir); to the album’s most ferocious track, the savage “God Forbid,” the disc has been receiving rave reviews in both the CBA and General Market:

The Oakland Press says: “The band deliver their most mature and ambitious outing to date. It's a fresh start to P.O.D. rather than merely returning to the good old days."

The disc also received an impressive 2 1/2 stars from USA Today and the band’s hometown San Diego Union Tribune quipped: "It's during the softer moments, such as the questioning acoustic ballad "Tell Me Why" and the meticulously layered "Rise Against," that P.O.D. best demonstrate its new maturity, dynamic range and emotional and musical depth."

CCM magazine boldly stated that ”If this amazing album doesn’t get the music world’s attention upon its release, there just might have to be a revolution,” while Aspiring Retail remarked, “P.O.D. reemerge as aggressive as ever, but have a more mature, passionate pulse, purposed to please their passionate fan base. “When Angels and Serpents Dance” displays an impressive range in this13-song collection.”

When Angels and Serpents Dance (produced by Jay Baumgardner: Evanescence, etc.) is ultimately a record of P.O.D. in 2008. “As far as P.O.D. goes it’s always for the moment,” Sandoval says. “I just kind of go through it and whatever the song brings out in us that’s it. There’s a lot of passion on this record.”

Indeed, When Angels and Serpents Dance is the sound of a rejuvenated band: passionate, aggressive and with a message for our times.

###

www.payableondeath.com

04/08/2008
P.O.D. LIVE ON THE TONIGHT SHOW! *Postponed
4/8/08 UPDATE***....This just in from the P.O.D. newsletter about the Leno performance: "Leno Postponed - Sonny's voice is completely out, the last few days he'd been trying to save up his voice as much as he could as it started going out the last couple days of the tour. By the end of the evening Monday his voice was blown. Please pray that his voice/throat will heal soon. Leno has been postponed as a result. We thank our family for all the love and prayers whenever we're in need!" - P.O.D.

P.O.D. IS BACK WITH “WHEN ANGELS AND SERPANTS DANCE”

HOMETOWN HARD ROCK CAFÉ SHOW LIVE ONLINE TONIGHT!

LIVE ON THE TONIGHT SHOW TOMORROW!

REVIEWS PRAISE CURIEL’S REUNION

NASHVILLE, TN....4/7/08.....If the reviews are any indication, people are exuberant over Marcos Curiel’s reunion with P.O.D. on their INO/Columbia record’s debut, WHEN ANGELS AND SERPANTS DANCE, which hits worldwide tomorrow, Tuesday, April 8th.

Tonight the band will perform at their hometown Hard Rock Cafe in an All Access Warrior Pass Online concert live from San Diego. The band will be online up close and personal before and after the show as well, and fans can experience it all by signing up at www.payableondeath.com/allaccess. This exclusive access will allow fans to have to view exclusive footage, witness the hometown performance and a chance to interact with the band and other fans.

Tomorrow P.O.D will perform their new single, “Addicted,” on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, along with fellow guests Dennis Quaid "Smart People" and Russell Brand "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" - P.O.D

P.O.D. recently took part in Hard Rock Café's month long charity drive for Musicians on Call, performing at various Hard Rock Café's throughout the country, including the March 18 album listening event at Hard Rock locations in Atlanta, Boston, Cleveland, Detroit, Houston, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, Orlando, Philadelphia and San Francisco. The listening parties had a voluntary $5 donation to the Musicians on Call charity and a register to win a drawing for various P.O.D. items.

Media outlets online, in print and in both the CBA and General market are loving what they hear on WHEN ANGELS AND SERPANTS DANCE:

”If this amazing album doesn’t get the music world’s attention upon its release, there just might have to be a revolution” ----CCM Magazine

“P.O.D. have come back and brought the best of their game on “When Angels and Serpents Dance.” ----clevelandleader.com

“Forgive the blasphemy, but for P.O.D., the return of founding guitarist Marcos Curiel is almost the second coming. The longtime Christian rap-rock band welcomes him back warmly, with most of this set celebrating his strengths: crunchy bits of riffs, resounding reverb and even some Spanish acoustic.” ---- Recoil Magazine ”Indeed, “When Angels and Serpents Dance” is the sound of a rejuvenated band: passionate, aggressive and with a message for our times.” ----refuelyoursoul.com

“P.O.D. Is rightly considered one of the best Nu Metal bands (a fusion of grunge, funk, hip-hop and several varieties of metal)......It’s not that other bands don’t do this ‘dance with the devil’ thing – they do – P.O.D. just does it better.” --Christian Retailing

“Positively, I'm happy to report. P.O.D. have matured and progressed from their rap-rock-reggae hybrid, crafting smart songs with groove. “When Angels And Serpents Dance” is a well-manicured collection of radio-ready hard rock” --UNRATEDMUSIC.com

“Fabulous” (04.5 rating) ---HMMagazine

“Multi-platinum rockers P.O.D. reemerge as aggressive as ever, but have a more mature, passionate pulse, purposed to please their passionate fan base. “When Angels and Serpents Dance” displays an impressive range in this13-song collection.” ---- Aspiring Retail

“...their most powerful, purpose-filled album since “The Fundamental Elements of Southtown”... sonically-searing, lyrically-leveling...” ----Soul-Audio.com

###

www.payableondeath.com

04/01/2008
SKILLET LAUNCHES ‘COMATOSE’ HEADLINE TOUR WITH PACKED HOUSES & SELL OUT CROWDS
SKILLET LAUNCHES ‘COMATOSE’ HEADLINE TOUR WITH PACKED HOUSES & SELL OUT CROWDS

NASHVILLE, TN....

4/1/08.....Atlantic/LAVA/Ardent/INO rockers Skillet launched their “COMATOSE” headline tour this past weekend to packed houses and sell out crowds. Both Minneapolis (1609/Club 3 Degrees) and Kalamazoo, MI (2850/Wings Stadium) shows were SOLD OUT, with packed houses in Des Moines (1656/Val Air Ballroom) and the band’s hometown area of Chicago (1142/House of Blues).

"As long as you don't mind answering the phone, you're gonna love bringing the Skillet tour to your town,” remarked WAYK Station Manager Rich Anderson, promoter of the Kalamazoo show. “First it was dozens and dozens of calls from people begging for tickets because we sold out 8 days in advance of the show; Then it was calls and e-mails from the ecstatic 2,850 who got to experience the tour.”

Here's a few comments from some of the e-mails WAYK received:

'SKILLET ROCKED!!!! Thanks, WayFM for bringing them here to West Michigan. It was so awesome to see so many kids and parents totally rockin’ out and having a great time. I have seen many concerts in my day and let me tell you, they are definitely on top of my list and I can't wait to see them again. I am a fan for life!'

'The concert WAS AWESOME!!! My son, daughter & their friends were down in front of the stage and are still saying "huh? I can't hear you." Wow, it was LOUD, but I wouldn't have it any other way! Will said it's the best weekend he ever had! Isn't that great? Each band probably talked about 2 minutes about how they loved Jesus and Rock & Roll in that order. It was really awesome.'

Hitting approximately 30 cities, including New York City,’s Grand Ball Room, also features Thousand Foot Krutch and special guest Decyfer Down, the tour will run through May 11, 2008. Tour dates are listed below and more information can be found at http://www.skillet.com and http://www.myspace.com/skilletmusic.

Criss-crossing the country over the past year and a half with other bands like Flyleaf, Breaking Benjamin, Three Days Grace and on Winter Jam, Skillet is excited to be out on their own tour. As their GRAMMY-nominated COMATOSE continues to be one of the best-selling projects in Christian music, still in the top 10 after 77 weeks of release and 320,000 units scanned, Skillet is also nominated for a GMA Dove Award for ARTIST OF THE YEAR and ROCK RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR (“Comatose”).

Skillet's current rock hit is already #2 on the Christian rock chart with a bullet on their song from the COMATOSE Deluxe Edition, “Live Free Or Let Me Die,” and they’ll be releasing "Those Nights" to CHR this month. In addition, Skillet will headline several rock stages and pre-closing slots at top summer festivals including Creation East and West, Kingdom Bound, Soulfest, Cornerstone, Icthus, NewSong, Rock the Universe, Spirit West Coast, Sonshine, LifeFest Alive, Red Letter Rockfest, and many more.

Skillet’s explosive 2006 Lava/Atlantic/Ardent/INO Records GRAMMY-nominated release, Comatose follows 2004’s Collide, which launched the group into the public eye and garnered the band their first prestigious Grammy nomination. A critical fave, Comatose has become their best-selling project to date, doubling the sales of Collide in half the time. In follow up to packed out headline club shows, a tour with FlyLeaf, and summer festivals Skillet spent last fall opening for mainstream rockers Breaking Benjamin and Three Days Grace. In the process of becoming one of the hardest working, most rocking, and broadly appealing acts of its generation, radio welcomed Comatose with open arms, as the first single, “Rebirthing” spent seven-weeks at No.1 on Christian Rock. Their second single, “The Last Night,” also took the top spot, this time at both Rock and CHR (CRW/R&R), while their latest singles, “The Older I Get” (CHR/Rock) and “Comatose” have become their third and fourth consecutive No. 1 singles. At the end of 2007 the band was lauded with R&R’s No. 1 Christian CHR Song of the Year for “The Last Night”, which was also R&R’s No. 2 Christian Rock song of the year. In addition, Skillet was named 2007s No. 2 top artist on both the CHR and ROCK year end lists.

04/01/2008
TiVo ALERT! AMERICAN IDOL CHOOSES SONG BY THE AFTERS FOR SHOW PROMO!
TiVo ALERT! AMERICAN IDOL CHOOSES SONG BY THE AFTERS FOR SHOW PROMO!

NASHVILLE, TN....4/1/08....As you’re watching TV over the next few weeks, watch out for AMERICAN IDOL commercials featuring The Afters’ song “We are the Sound” from their brand new CD, NEVER GOING BACK TO OK. Fox’s top-rated show picked the song to use with commercials and other promotional opportunities over the next few weeks. To listen to “We are the Sound” go to myspace.com/theafters.

NEVER GOING BACK TO OK entered the Billboard Top 200 at #41 and the Contemporary Christian SoundScan charts at #1 selling 15,856 units. In digital sales, the project entered at #1 for Christian SoundScan album and track sales plus hit as high as #14 on the iTunes® overall digital chart and #4 on their digital Rock chart.

The radio single “Never Going Back to OK,” returned to #1 at Christian CHR this week while “Keeping Me Alive” continues to emerge as their next hit single at Christian AC radio.

The Afters are touring across the country throughout 2008 including headlining their own dates this spring and hitting the major summer festivals. All tour dates are available at www.theafters.com and myspace.com/theafters.

Releasing their debut project “I Wish We All Could Win” in 2005, The Afters received top attention from their fans and media outlets. The Afters’ music has appeared on the networks of MTV, mtvU, ABC Family and E! News as well as on HOT AC and VH-1 radio along with outlets such as Billboard, BOP and Popstar. The MTV college network and mtvU have been strong supporters of the band as their music video for “Beautiful Love” was awarded with an mtvU Award for Best Streaming Video in 2005. The Afters were awarded the Dove Award for “New Artist of the Year” (2006), and has had over 250,000 downloads to date. The foursome composed of Josh Havens, Matt Fuqua, Brad Wigg and Marc Dodd, met while working at a Starbucks in Mesquite, Texas.

03/20/2008
MERCYME¹S iTUNES® ORIGINAL TOPS THE CHARTS
MERCYME’S iTUNES® ORIGINAL HITS MAIN NEWSLETTER AND TOPS THE CHARTS Collection Features Exclusive New Recordings and In-depth Interviews

NASHVILLE, TN.....3/20/08.....As their headline run on the Winter Jam Spectacular closed out this past weekend in Nashville, MercyMe fans needn’t fear as the band’s iTunes ® Original album made its way into the main newsletter from iTunes ® this week, hitting #1 on the Christian album chart for iTunes and #32 on their overall chart.

Recorded in Southern California for iTunes ® during MercyMe’s “All That Is Within Me” Tour last fall, the band spent a day in a recording studio before their show in Irvine. The iTunes ® Original is a collection of six exclusive new recordings, in-depth interviews with frontman Bart Millard and key tracks from MercyMe's previous releases. The set lists includes “I Would Die for You,” the Dove-Award winning and NO. 1 single “Word of God Speak,” a cover of Tom Petty’s “Won’t Back Down,” and of course the biggest fan favorite of all, the multi-format smash hit “I Can Only Imagine.” *See attached for complete track listing.

“We're thrilled to be a part of anything iTunes is doing,” remarked MercyMe guitarist Mike Scheuchzer. “They are so forward thinking in getting our music out for people to listen to, so to have the opportunity to do an iTunes original to share with our fans was awesome! We can't wait to get some more new music and extras out there for the world to hear!”

At the close of 2007, MercyMe was the No. 1 Most Played AC artist (R&R/CRW) and Inspo artist (CRW) in 2007, while their latest studio project, “All That Is Within Me,” garnered their 10th No. 1 Christian single, “God With Us.” The album remains in the top five on Billboard’s Contemporary Christian SoundScan chart after 17 weeks and entering the Top 200 chart at No. 15 and selling an impressive 83,626 units, a personal record for units sold in a project’s first week.

www.mercyme.org

03/17/2008
SKILLET CLOSES OUT WINTER JAM SUCCESS WITH LAUNCH OF HEADLINE COMATOSE TOUR - BAND TO ROCK NYC, CHICAGO, MINNEAPOLIS, AND MORE
‘COMATOSE’ in Christian SoundScan Top 10 After 75 Weeks of Release NASHVILLE, TN....3/17/08....In follow-up to a stellar 2007, in which Atlantic/Lava/Ardent/INO record’s band Skillet received their second consecutive GRAMMY® nomination, garnered 4 back-to-back No. 1 singles and doubled the sales of their 2004 release, the rockers just performed before over 300,000 fans on Winter Jam and are ready to headline their COMATOSE TOUR starting next week on March 27th in Minneapolis. Hitting approximately 30 cities, including New York City,’s Grand Ball Room and Chicago’s House of Blues, the tour will also feature Thousand Foot Krutch and special guest Decyfer Down, running through May 11, 2008. Tour dates are listed below and more information can be found at Skillet.com and Myspace.com/skilletmusic.

Criss-crossing the country over the past year and a half with other bands like Flyleaf, Breaking Benjamin, Three Days Grace and MercyMe, Barlow Girl Mandisa and more on Winter Jam, Skillet is excited to be launching their own tour. “we've had an amazing run with this album and these songs," frontman John Cooper remarks. “We've done everything from arena's to theaters, to churches and small clubs, and it's awesome to finally go on a headline tour where we can play over an hour of rock!!”

As COMATOSE continues to be one of the best-selling projects in Christian music, in the top 10 after 75 weeks of release and 312,000 units scanned, Skillet is also nominated for a GMA Dove Award for ARTIST OF THE YEAR and ROCK RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR (“Comatose”), and became one the most popular bands ever in the history of the Winter Jam Tour Spectacular, Christian music's largest annual musical tour. In 2008 Winter Jam brought in more fans than ever before, with attendance trending 20 percent ahead of last year.

“Skillet was positioned on the Winter Jam 2008 Tour to provide a major part of the rock format for the event,” commented Premiere Productions’ Roy Morgan, who co-produces the Winter Jam Tour with NewSong. “We were pleasantly surprised at the response the audience gave them each night. Thousands of Skillet fans attended Winter Jam and Premier Productions has signed on to promote some of the COMATOSE tour dates. We look forward to growing together with this band in the future.”

Skillet's current rock hit is already #3 on the Christian rock chart with a bullet on their song from the COMATOSE Deluxe Edition, “Live Free Or Let Me Die,” and they’ll be releasing "Those Nights" to CHR in April. In addition, Skillet will headline several rock stages and pre-closing slots at top summer festivals including Creation East and West, Kingdom Bound, Soulfest, Cornerstone, Icthus, NewSong, Rock the Universe, Spirit West Coast, Sonshine, LifeFest Alive, Red Letter Rockfest, and many more.

###

Skillet’s explosive 2006 Lava/Atlantic/Ardent/INO Records GRAMMY-nominated release, Comatose follows 2004’s Collide, which launched the group into the public eye and garnered the band their first prestigious Grammy nomination. A critical fave, Comatose has become their best-selling project to date, doubling the sales of Collide in half the time. In follow up to packed out headline club shows, a tour with FlyLeaf, and summer festivals Skillet spent last fall opening for mainstream rockers Breaking Benjamin and Three Days Grace. In the process of becoming one of the hardest working, most rocking, and broadly appealing acts of its generation, radio welcomed Comatose with open arms, as the first single, “Rebirthing” spent seven-weeks at No.1 on Christian Rock. Their second single, “The Last Night,” also took the top spot, this time at both Rock and CHR (CRW/R&R), while their latest singles, “The Older I Get” (CHR/Rock) and “Comatose” have become their third and fourth consecutive No. 1 singles. At the end of 2007 the band was lauded with R&R’s No. 1 Christian CHR Song of the Year for “The Last Night”, which was also R&R’s No. 2 Christian Rock song of the year. In addition, Skillet was named 2007s No. 2 top artist on both the CHR and ROCK year end lists.

03/13/2008
ROCKERS DISCIPLE LAND NEW SONG ON WWE¹S LATEST ALBUM WITH EXCITEMENT & SUPPORT FROM WWE STARS HAWKINS & RYDER
ROCKERS DISCIPLE LAND NEW SONG ON WWE’S LATEST ALBUM WITH EXCITEMENT & SUPPORT FROM WWE STARS HAWKINS & RYDER The Band Celebrates Two Gospel Music Award Nominations for Latest Project “Scars Remain”

* INO Rockers Disciple’s new song “In The Middle of it Now” will be among the tracks featured on “WWE: The Music Vol. 8.” The song specially written for the record will hit stores on March 25, and includes track from other rock artists such as Saliva, Axel and Airbourne. “WWE: The Music Vol. 8” unleashes right in time for WWE's biggest bash of the year, WrestleMania® XXIV live on pay-per-view on Sunday, March 30 at the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Fla. WWE has sold more than six million CDs worldwide with five WWE Group album titles debuting in the US Top 10.

* WWE stars Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder will also be using the new rock anthem “In The Middle of it Now” as the duo’s theme song.

“We were totally excited when we heard it because we wanted something different unlike anybody else on the show,” says Hawkins. “It definitely gave us a good kick start in the right direction.” Be sure to check out an interview with the star wrestling pair and Disciple lead vocalist Kevin Young in the latest WWE Superstar to Superstar feature. http://www.wwe.com/inside/superstartosuperstar/exclusives/s2shawkinsryderdisciple

* The rock powerhouse group also raked in two Gospel Music Award nominations from their sophomore project “Scars Remain.” The album is nominated for “Rock/Contemporary Album” and their multi-format radio hit “After the World” is nominated for “Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song.” The 39th annual Gospel Music Awards will air live on Gospel Music Channel on April 23.

The Knoxville, Tenn. foursome’s first self-titled studio release “Disciple” (2005) sold nearly 100,000 units and brought home three No. 1 hits. Disciple has also been nominated for a whopping eight Gospel Music Awards, and their sophomore album “Scars Remain” (2006) has already garnered a No. 1 hit. “Game On” from their sophomore project also received massive placement in sports shows across the country including “Best Damn Sports Show,” NFL’s “Total Axxess”, WWE’s “Cyber Sunday” and Speed TV’s “Speed Report,” as well as venues such as Wachovia Center in Philadelphia and even Madison Square Garden in New York City. The single was also used in promotion for “Criminal Minds” and “CSI Miami.”

# # #

www.disciplerocks.com myspace.com/disciplerocks

03/11/2008
P.O.D. ANNOUNCES HARD ROCK CAFÉ TOUR BEGINNING MARCH 25/PERFORMANCE ON TONIGHT SHOW APRIL 8
P.O.D. ANNOUNCES HARD ROCK CAFÉ TOUR BEGINNING MARCH 25

PERFORMANCE ON TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO APRIL 8

NEW ALBUM "WHEN ANGELS AND SERPENTS DANCE" AVAILABLE APRIL 8TH!

Nashville, TN - 3/6/08 - The lineup that P.O.D. to multiple platinum success with “The Fundamental Elements of Southtown” and “Satellite” (featuring “Youth of a Nation,” “Alive,” “Boom,” and "Satellite") is back with their INO/Columbia Records debut, “When Angels and Serpents Dance” on April 8, 2008.

Prior to the release, the band will take part in Hard Rock Café's month long charity drive for Musicians on Call and perform at various Hard Rock Café's throughout the country. On Tuesday, March 18 there will be an album listening event at Hard Rock locations in Atlanta, Boston, Cleveland, Detroit, Houston, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, Orlando, Philadelphia and San Francisco. These listening parties will have a voluntary $5 donation to the Musicians on Call charity and a register to win drawing for various P.O.D. items.

Beginning March 25, P.O.D. will criss-cross the country to perform live in 8 markets at various Hard Rock Café venues including a special hometown show on April 7 in San Diego the night before the CD is released in-stores. The Hard Rock shows will give P.O.D. fans a chance to be up close with the band in the intimate setting of the Hard Rock Café venues. The San Diego show will be broadcast live over the internet on ALL ACCESS Warrior Pass. This will allow fans to have access to exclusive footage, witness the hometown performance and a chance to interact with the band and other fans. P.O.D. will also be special guests on Rockline Radio show on Monday April, 7 before the Hard Rock performance that same evening. Hard Rock Café Club shows:

March 25 Hollywood, CA @ Universal Studios

27 Orlando, FL - THQ Superslam Raw vs Smackdown

at House of Blues. (Not part of Hard Rock tour)

28 Miami, FL - 401 Biscayne Blvd.

29 Washington DC - 999 E. Street N.W.

31 Chicago, IL - 63 W. Ontario



April 1 St. Louis, MO - 450 St. Louis Union Station

2 Denver, CO - 500 16th Street Mall

3 Phoenix, AZ - 3 South 2nd Street

7 San Diego, CA - 801 4th Avenue



“When Angels and Serpents Dance” (produced by Jay Baumgardner: Evanescence, etc.) is ultimately a record of P.O.D. in 2008. “As far as P.O.D. goes it’s always for the moment,” Sonny says. “I just kind of go through it and whatever the song brings out in us that’s it. There’s a lot of passion on this record.”

Indeed, “When Angels and Serpents Dance” is the sound of a rejuvenated band: passionate, aggressive and with a message for our times.



P.O.D. in 2008:

Wuv (Drums) Sonny (Vocals) Traa (Bass) Marcos (Guitar)
03/06/2008
BOOM!: P.O.D. IS BACK!
BAND REUNITES WITH GUITARIST MARCOS CURIEL AND INKS NEW DEAL WITH INO/COLUMBIA NEW MUSIC FROM MULTI-PLATINUM GROUP FEATURES GUEST APPEARANCES FROM: PAIGE HAMILTON OF HELMET, MIKE MUIR OF SUICIDAL TENDENCIES AND THE MARLEY SISTERS! HARD ROCK CAFE… TOUR DATES BEGIN MARCH 25 BAND CONFIRMED AS SPECIAL GUESTS ON ROCKLINE RADIO SHOW APRIL 7 PERFORMANCE ON TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO APRIL 8 NEW ALBUM "WHEN ANGELS AND SERPENTS DANCE" AVAILABLE APRIL 8TH!

Los Angeles, CA - March 3, 2008 - The lineup that took P.O.D. to multiple platinum success with The Fundamental Elements of Southtown and Satellite (featuring “Youth of a Nation,” “Alive,” “Boom,” and "Satellite") is back to reclaim their place atop the rock scene with their Columbia Records debut, When Angels and Serpents Dance on April 8, 2008!

Our fans are excited and we’re having a lot of fun,” says vocalist Sonny Sandoval. “After four years Marcos is back in the band and we’ve got new music. Things are exciting again. When the four of us are in a room making music it’s definitely right and Marcos brings that passion for music into the band.”

The quartet’s renewed vigor is evident throughout When Angels and Serpents Dance. From the searing guitar which kicks off the hard-rocking first single, “Addicted,"(which the band will perform live on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on April 8) and the striking and poignant, “End Of The World” (complete with gospel choir!); to the album’s most ferocious track, the savage “Don't Fake It.”

"It's just great to get back to basics and give it another whirl & tap into our souls." says an inspired Marcos. "This band is a supernatural experience to me! It has literally surpassed many of my vivid dreams...I'm blessed and excited to reconnect with family & friends. I hope to pursue & establish the passion that began in 1992 with 4 brothers who just followed God, dreams & our music."

Prior to the release of When Angels and Serpents Dance the band will take part in Hard Rock CafÈ's month long charity drive for Musicians on Call and perform at various Hard Rock CafÈ's throughout the country. On Tuesday, March 18 there will be an album listening event at Hard Rock locations in Atlanta, Boston, Cleveland, Detroit, Houston, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, Orlando, Philadelphia and San Francisco. These listening parties will have a voluntary $5 donation to the Musicians on Call charity and a register to win drawing for various P.O.D. items.

Beginning March 25, P.O.D. will criss-cross the country to perform live in 8 markets at various Hard Rock CafÈ venues including a special hometown show on April 7 in San Diego the night before the CD is released in-stores. The Hard Rock shows will give P.O.D. fans a chance to be up close with the band in the intimate setting of the Hard Rock CafÈ venues. The San Diego show will be broadcast live over the internet on ALL ACCESS Warrior Pass. This will allow fans to have access to exclusive footage, witness the hometown performance and a chance to interact with the band and other fans. P.O.D. will also be special guests on Rockline Radio show on Monday April, 7 before the Hard Rock performance that same evening. Hard Rock CafÈ Club shows:

March 25 Hollywood, CA @ Universal Studios 27 Orlando, FL - THQ Superslam Raw vs Smackdown at House of Blues. Not part of Hard Rock tour! 28 Miami, FL - 401 Biscayne Blvd. 29 Washington DC - 999 E. Street N.W. 31 Chicago, IL - 63 W. Ontario April 1 St. Louis, MO - 450 St. Louis Union Station 2 Denver, CO - 500 16th Street Mall 3 Phoenix, AZ - 3 South 2nd Street 7 San Diego, CA - 801 4th Avenue

As has always been the case with P.O.D. the band looked to those that inspired them rather than the hot artist of the moment for guests on the album. “That’s what we do on our records; we bring in people that influenced us.” Joining in the fun was Mike Muir of Suicidal Tendencies, who guests on the track “Kaliforn-Eye-A,” and The Marley Sisters (the daughters of Bob Marley), who lend their vocal prowess to what Sonny calls “Our reggae track (I’LL BE READY).” Helmet’s Paige Hamilton sings on “God Forbid,” which Sonny calls “probably our heaviest song.”

When Angels and Serpents Dance (produced by Jay Baumgardner: Evanescence, etc.) is ultimately a record of P.O.D. in 2008. “As far as P.O.D. goes it’s always for the moment,” Sonny says. “I just kind of go through it and whatever the song brings out in us that’s it. There’s a lot of passion on this record.” Indeed, When Angels and Serpents Dance is the sound of a rejuvenated band: passionate, aggressive and with a message for our times.

This is P.O.D. in 2008 Wuv (Drums) Sonny (Vocals) Traa (Bass) Marcos (Guitar)

03/05/2008
NEVER GOING BACK TO OK, THE AFTERS ARE #1 ACROSS THE BOARD SELLING NEARLY 16K IN FIRST WEEK:
NEVER GOING BACK TO OK, THE AFTERS ARE #1 ACROSS THE BOARD SELLING NEARLY 16K IN FIRST WEEK: #1 BILLBOARD CHRISTIAN ALBUM, #1 CHRISTIAN DIGITAL ALBUM, #1 CHRISTIAN SINGLE SALES, #1 CHRISTIAN CHR RADIO AND TOP 50 BILLBOARD SCANS

NASHVILLE, TN...3/5/08....On the heels of a street week filled with smashing reviews, viral video victory with “MySpace Girl” and a No. 1 Christian CHR radio hit, INO/COLUMBIA Record’s act The Afters confirm they are indeed NEVER GOING BACK TO OK as this, their sophomore release, enters the Billboard Top 200 at #41 and the Contemporary Christian SoundScan charts at #1 selling 15,856 units. In digital sales, the project enters at #1 for Christian SoundScan album and track sales plus hit as high as #14 on the iTunes® overall digital chart and #4 on their digital Rock chart. Simultaneously, for the third straight week, the album’s title track, “Never Going Back to OK,” remains #1 at Christian CHR, and hit Top 5 at Christian Rock. Now, “Keeping Me Alive” has just released and is emerging as their next hit single at Christian AC radio.

“After their initial success with “Beautiful Love”, it is gratifying to see The Afters return with such a strong sophomore album,” remarks INO Records’ President Jeff Moseley. “I think the strong showing in sales, welcome arms from radio, media and fans alike is just an early indication of the fact that this band is for real and here to stay.”

Following prime placement on MySpace.com, YouTube, Seventeen.com over the past couple of weeks, the “MySpace Girl” video has now gone out via TV Guide Broadband’s Video on Demand service, which hits 30 million homes, syndicating content across a number of sites like YouTube, veoh, hulu and AOL video. The clip is can be viewed on AOL Videos at http://video.aol.com/partner/hulu/mvids-the-afters-myspace-girl-music-video/eicuKYI2tFTwUk0uWbzzt3YzAysys2Jp and on Youtube at http://youtube.com/watch?v=4HySTiCLYcM

In addition, Clear Channel has also announced they will be featuring the video on their radio station websites for on-demand streaming, starting March 6th. This will be for a feature they call "NEW!", which is available across 393 stations . Also coming up, The Gospel Music Channel will host the television broadcast premiere the video on March 8th. To view the video go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BA_LDKz3Tc0.

"This is an exciting week for us.” exclaimed The Afters’ frontman Josh Havens. “We had so much fun recording this album and it’s wonderful to know how well it is being received. We are very encouraged that so many people are as excited about the new album as we are. Thank you!"

NEVER GOING BACK TO OK is a culmination of all the buzz and excitement of the past three years for this emerging band. After receiving a Gospel Music Award for “Best New Artist of 2006” and having the most downloaded inspirational track (“Beautiful Love”) of the same year on the iTunes® charts, the band is back with a diverse record receiving rave reviews from media outlets including Popmatters, CBNMusic, CCM, Alternative Addiction, All Music Guide and many more.

The Afters will also be touring across the country throughout 2008 including headlining their own dates this spring and hitting the major summer festivals. All tour dates listed below are subject to change.

Releasing their debut project “I Wish We All Could Win” in 2005, The Afters received top attention from their fans and media outlets. The Afters’ music has appeared on the networks of MTV, mtvU, ABC Family and E! News as well as on HOT AC and VH-1 radio along with outlets such as Billboard, BOP and Popstar. The MTV college network and mtvU have been strong supporters of the band as their music video for “Beautiful Love” was awarded with an mtvU Award for Best Streaming Video in 2005. The Afters were awarded the Dove Award for “New Artist of the Year” (2006), and has had over 250,000 downloads to date. The foursome composed of Josh Havens, Matt Fuqua, Brad Wigg and Marc Dodd, met while working at a Starbucks in Mesquite, Texas.

www.theafters.com myspace.com/theafters

02/29/2008
THE AFTERS ROCK STREET WEEK WITH GLITTERING REVIEWS, VIRAL VIDEO DOMINATION, RADIO NO. 1 AND iTUNES HIT!
NASHVILLE, TN....2/28/08.....As their sophomore project, NEVER GOING BACK TO OK hits retail outlets and digital domains worldwide, INO/Columbia Records’ band THE AFTERS street week has been filled with a plethora of glittering reviews, viral video domination with “MySpace Girl” on YouTube, MySpace, Seventeen.com and more, as well as a No. 1 Christian CHR single with their title track. In addition, after only 48 hours of release, the project rocketed to No. 14 on iTunes® overall digital chart, and No. 4 on the digital Rock chart. “Keeping Me Alive,” THE AFTERS emerging single at Christian AC continues to gain support from key stations including KSBJ/Houston, KTSL/Spokane, KPEZ/Austin and KXOJ/Tulsa.

With prime placement on MySpace.com, YouTube, Seventeen.com , upcoming uses scheduled to appear on the TV GUIDE Channel website and E!, as well as a special myspace bulletin sent out by former label mates the Jonas Brothers, The Afters viral video for “MySpace Girl” has already been viewed over 125,000 times on MySpace with an 86% rating, and over 16,000 times on YouTube where it has a 4 star rating and has been chosen as a favorite over 300 times. The Gospel Music Channel with host the television broadcast premiere the video on March 8th. To view the video go to: YouTube

In addition to the previously mentioned itunes® overall and rock charting, NEVER GOING BACK TO OK was front and center on the home page of itunes® and a featured release on the new music Tuesday email that went out to millions of subscribers. Along with iTunes®, fans may have found The Afters on the homepage of Rhapsody's subscription service, the album highlighted in their weekly e-newsletter as well as on Rhapsody. com, RoadRunner, and Time Warner. Last but not least, Napster did an exclusive stream and highlighted the band on their genre pages as well.

NEVER GOING BACK TO OK is a culmination of all the buzz and excitement of the past three years for this emerging band. After receiving a Gospel Music Award for “Best New Artist of 2006” and having the most downloaded inspirational track (“Beautiful Love”) of the same year on the iTunes® charts, the band is back with a diverse record that is continuing to impress a wide rang of media, including the following:

“[Never Going Back to OK is] ... a glossy collection split between catchy hooks and emotional hand-wringing on a dozen tunes ... [T]he Afters deftly balance humor and sentiment on "Myspace Girl" ... the song is punchy and bright, and a sound that's definitely worth pursuing. “ -- Performing Songwriter, March/April 2008

“An album full of infectious radio-ready, infectiously melodic, highly engaging tunes. The Afters have not only established consistency in the realm of pop songcraft, they have also created credibility as a band who make the most of dynamic, arrangement, and execution in connecting with their audiences musically and emotionally. Ultimately, The Afters reinforce the notion that they are a band with a ridiculous amount of potential to rule the radio but gently remind listeners that they’re more than that, as well.” - Popmatters

“… the band underwent a metamorphosis from unknown to unavoidable. Without straying too far from their roots, the Afters distanced themselves from the pack with this record. - All Music Guide 4.5 Stars

“… more diversity … never stagnant … you really can’t say enough about the improvement from first album to second album … with this album looks for them to become a full-fledged hit-making machine. Look out world, here come The Afters.” - Alternative Addiction 4 out of 5 stars

The Afters will also be touring across the country throughout 2008 including headlining their own dates this spring and hitting the major summer festivals. All tour dates listed below are subject to change.

Releasing their debut project “I Wish We All Could Win” in 2005, The Afters received top attention from their fans and media outlets. The Afters’ music has appeared on the networks of MTV, mtvU, ABC Family and E! News as well as on HOT AC and VH-1 radio along with outlets such as Billboard, BOP and Popstar. The MTV college network and mtvU have been strong supporters of the band as their music video for “Beautiful Love” was awarded with an mtvU Award for Best Streaming Video in 2005. The Afters were awarded the Dove Award for “New Artist of the Year” (2006), and has had over 250,000 downloads to date. The foursome composed of Josh Havens, Matt Fuqua, Brad Wigg and Marc Dodd, met while working at a Starbucks in Mesquite, Texas.

theafters.com

myspace.com/theafters

* ALL DATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Mar 2 2008 7:00P
King Of Clubs Claremore, Oklahoma

Mar 7 2008 7:00P
Best Buy Instore Acoustic Performance Farmers Branch, Texas

Mar 8 2008 7:00P
Celebrate Family, Garland TX

Mar 12 2008 7:00P
Westerville Christian Church Westerville(Columbus Area), Ohio

Mar 14 2008 7:00P
Phillipi Performing Arts Center @ Indiana Wesleyan Marion, Indiana

Mar 16 2008 7:00P
Musica Akron, Ohio

Mar 21 2008 9:00P
Congreso 2008/ University of Mary Hardin Baylor Belton, Texas

Mar 26 2008 7:30P
Fellowship Church- The Apex Grapevine, Texas

Mar 29 2008 8:00P
Kingsland Park Kingsland, Texas

Apr 18 2008 10:00P
Fueled Conference/ Ignited Church Auditorium Lakeland, Florida

Apr 26 2008 8:00P
Rock the Bluff/ Concordia University Mequon, Wisconsin

May 2 2008 7:00P
Liberty Christian Academy Lynchburg, Virginia

May 3 2008 7:00P
Agape Music Festival- Bond Country Fairgrounds Greenville, Illinois

May 11 2008 5:00P
Taste of Addison-Addison Circle Park Addison, Texas

May 19 -May 23 2008
KLOVE Friends and Family Music Cruise

May 31 2008 5:00P
Wild Waves Theme Park Federal Way, Washington

Jun 24 2008 7:00P
NC East Youth Camp Sophia, North Carolina

Jun 27 2008 4:00P
Creation East- Agape Farm Shirleysburg, Pennsylvania

Jul 24 2008 1:00P
Creation West- The Gorge Ampitheatre George, Washington
02/25/2008
ADDISON ROAD SCORES OVER 167,000+ DISCOVERY DOWNLOADS ON ITUNES ®
ADDISON ROAD SCORES OVER 167,000+ DISCOVERY DOWNLOADS ON ITUNES ®

REACHES TOP FIVE SUCCESS ON CHR CHART

** The iTunes ® store often features a track to be highlighted as a free Discovery Download on the homepage for one week. INO Records’ pop/rock driven female-fronted band, Addison Road, received monstrous feedback when over 167,000 people downloaded their current single “All That Matters” from the March 18th self-titled release.

**Addison Road garners top five success this week on the CHR Chart with “All That Matters” at No. 4 and climbing swiftly.

** The band continues to build their mobile fan base through Mozes, promoting it at live shows as well as over the phone! To hear an exclusive message from lead singer Jenny or to join their mob, text ADDISONROAD to 66937.

**For all things Addison Road, log onto

www.addisonroad.com, or check out www.myspace.com/addisonroad .
02/18/2008
FORMER SCREAMIN’ CHEETAH WHEELIES’ FRONTMAN MIKE FARRIS GRABS THE SPOTLIGHT PERFORMING AT LEGENDARY VENUES AND MUSIC FESTIVALS; SIGNS WITH PARADIGM TALENT AGENCY
FORMER SCREAMIN’ CHEETAH WHEELIES’ FRONTMAN MIKE FARRIS GRABS THE SPOTLIGHT PERFORMING AT LEGENDARY VENUES AND MUSIC FESTIVALS; SIGNS WITH PARADIGM TALENT AGENCY FARRIS TO PLAY SXSW, MARTY STUART’S LATE NIGHT JAM, CREATION FEST AND MORE IN WEEKS AND MONTHS TO COME

NASHVILLE, TN…Feb. 18,2008… Revered by popular music artists/musicians Marty Stuart, Buddy Miller, David Roe and more, INO/Columbia’s powerhouse vocalist and former front rocker for the Screamin’ Cheetah Wheelies Mike Farris grabs national attention playing legendary venues and festivals while announcing his recent partnership with Paradigm Talent Agency.

Farris will perform two different times at the South By Southwest (SXSW) Festival in Austin, TX, one of the largest music festivals in the U.S. SXSW is known to draw crowds by the thousands and among industry insiders is a place for discovering fresh talent. Along with Farris, scheduled to perform is music icon Dolly Parton, R.E.M, The Black Crowes, etc. The music event will run March 12-16, with Farris performing on the 11th at Stubb’s and the 13th for the AMA (Americana Music Association) showcase at the world famous blues venue, Antone’s (singers to grace Antone’s stage have been Bono & The Edge of U2, ZZ Top, Eric Clapton, Elvis Costello and many more).

“Mike is a star, and more than that a great person with an amazing jaw dropping voice,” says Executive Director of the Americana Music Association Jed Hilly. “Mikes appreciation for great music goes deep; his sound pays homage to great roots traditions that he makes uniquely contemporary. His gospel blues Americana show is a perfect fit for historic Antone’s.”

In addition to the SXSW Festival, Farris will play in concert at Nashville’s 3rd & Lindsley on March 16th, opening for Steeldrivers and Fairfield Four; will be singing at the Historic Myrtle Beach Train Depot in May; has been invited to play on Marty Stuart’s Late Night Jam at Nashville’s hallowed Ryman Auditorium in June, and will perform at two Creation Fest’s in PA and WA in mid-summer, along with many more dates.

Farris is seeing success both on-stage and with his 2007 studio release Salvation In Lights as it has been voted as one of the “Best Albums of 2007” by three different media outlets, including The Tennessean. This record continues to see chart success as well staying power on the Americana Radio Charts for twelve weeks and counting.

“We are excited to see Mike get all the duly deserved recognition on his fantastic release,” says VP of Sales and Marketing of Columbia Records Tyler Pittman. “It pleases us that he will be able to get a chance to perform for the world of music industry professionals and fans in Austin at SXSW and beyond.”

For more information on all things happening with Mike Farris and to see him LIVE, go to http://www.mikefarrismusic.net or http://www.myspace.com/mikefarris .

About Mike Farris

Founder and former front man of the highly successful rock group Screamin’ Cheetah Wheelies, Mike Farris has lived through it all, literally. The SCW band has toured with artists/groups Meatloaf, Sheryl Crow, Dave Matthews Band, Allman Brothers Band, Blues Traveler and more. Then, nearly dead from an accidental overdose of pills and alcohol before he turned 21, Farris made a desperate cry out to God, and He responded. Farris’ struggles through addiction slowly turned into hope as he and the band, Screamin Cheetah Wheelies, played their final show in Spain to 30,000 fans then two years later, he signed with INO/ Columbia Records releasing what many call a “uniquely redemptive story” with Salvation In Lights.

02/13/2008
Sandi Patty on "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" Feb 17th!
SANDI PATTY APPEARS ON ABC’S HEART-WARMING TV SERIES “EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION” IN A TWO HOUR SPECIAL AIRING FEBRUARY 17TH

NEW ALBUM SCHEDULED FOR SPRING RELEASE

NASHVILLE, TN…February 8, 2008…One of Christian Music’s most celebrated artists, INO Records’ Sandi Patty will make a guest television appearance on ABC’s heart-warming hit series “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” airing Sunday, February 17th at 8PM EST.

The two-hour special, shot in Louisville, KY on November 9th, shows the cast and hundreds of volunteers renovating a home for the Hughes family who has a blind and disabled son, Patrick that has overcome multiple challenges to achieve his goals as a musician.

During the demolition part of the broadcast, Patty sings “I Hear A Song” while some of the cast members play instruments. Because Patrick is a musical prodigy (playing piano since he was nine months old), EMHE asked Patty to perform using her wide vocal range coinciding with the demolition to visually display a mini-symphony, so to speak.

“It was such a joy to be a part of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and to play a small part of a life changing experience for the Hughes family,” says Patty. “They are truly a remarkable family and Patrick Hughes is an amazing young man. I have watched the show since its first week on the air over five years ago and I love the hope that it gives families across the country.”

In addition to her television appearance and touring with the Women of Faith Conferences, Patty will release her 30th recording in the spring, titled Songs For The Journey. The album will feature a duet with Shelia Walsh and another duet with husband, Don Peslis. Full details regarding Songs For The Journey to be announced.

The episode will be available on ABC.com the day after airing on the network for fans to watch online.

For more information on Sandi Patty, please visit, Sandi's Website or Sandi's Myspace
02/07/2008
P.O.D. IS BACK!
The lineup that took P.O.D. to multiple platinum success with The Fundamental Elements of Southtown and Satellite (featuring “Youth of a Nation,” “Alive,” “Boom,” and "Satellite") is back to reclaim their place atop the rock scene with their INO/Columbia Records debut, When Angels and Serpents Dance on April 8, 2008. In fact, for a limited time, the band is providing a free download of the title track, along with a a digital video of same song on their site (www.payableondeath.com).

“Our fans are excited and we’re having a lot of fun,” says vocalist Sonny Sandoval. “After four years Marcos is back in the band and we’ve got new music. Things are exciting again. When the four of us are in a room making music it’s definitely right and Marcos brings that passion for music into the band.”

The quartet’s renewed vigor is evident throughout When Angels and Serpents Dance from the searing guitar which kicks off the hard-rocking first single, “Addicted” and the striking and poignant, “End Of The World” (complete with gospel choir); to the album’s most ferocious track, the savage “Like Old Times.” "Like Old Times" was the first song written by the reunited incarnation of the quartet. “I think that was the first riff Marcos showed us." Sonny says of the song.

"It's just great to get back to basics and give it another whirl & tap into our souls." says an inspired Marcos. "This band is a supernatural experience to me! It has literally surpassed many of my vivid dreams...I'm blessed and excited to reconnect with family & friends. I hope to pursue & establish the passion that began in 1992 with 4 brothers who just followed God, dreams & our music."

But as Sonny pointed out earlier, this is P.O.D. four years later; and more for the classic lineup. The band that recorded 1999’s platinum The Fundamental Elements of Southtown and 2001’s triple-platinum Satellite has changed. “Age has a lot to do with it, getting older. I’m married with kids now and we’re not 18 in the garage anymore playing hardcore punk. We don’t sound like those guys down in the garage,” he says.

Does this mean that P.O.D. has gone soft? Hardly. P.O.D. is just showing its range. There is a slightly softer side which comes through in the album’s versatility. From the politically charged ballad “Tell Me Why,” (a poignant track in which Sonny asks in the chorus, “Why must we fight, why must we kill in the name of what we think is right?”); to the bluesy hard rock feel at the outset of “Rain Everyday,” through to the pop-awareness in the chorus in the infectious “Shine With Me,” the band is finding that fans are responding positively to the different sound, which Sonny believes will give P.O.D. a chance to expand their already diverse live concerts.

As has always been the case with P.O.D. the band looked to those that inspired them rather than the hot artist of the moment for guests on the album. “That’s what we do on our records, we bring in people that influenced us.” Joining in the fun was Mike Muir of Suicidal Tendencies, who guests on the track “Kaliforn-Eye-A,” and The Marley Sisters (the daughters of Bob Marley), who lend their vocal prowess to what Sonny calls “Our reggae track (I’LL BE READY).” Helmet’s Paige Hamilton sings on “God Forbid,” which Sonny calls “probably our heaviest song.”

When Angels and Serpents Dance (produced by Jay Baumgardner: Evanescence, etc.) is ultimately a record of P.O.D. in 2008. “As far as P.O.D. goes it’s always for the moment,” Sonny says. “I just kind of go through it and whatever the song brings out in us that’s it. There’s a lot of passion on this record.”

Indeed, When Angels and Serpents Dance is the sound of a rejuvenated band: passionate, aggressive and with a message for our times.

This is P.O.D. in 2008:
Wuv (Drums)
Sonny (Vocals)
Traa (Bass)
Marcos (Guitar)


A national tour will follow the release of When Angels and Serpents Dance . Cities and Dates to be announced soon
02/07/2008
“ALL THAT MATTERS” SINGLE WILL BE FEATURED AS ITUNES DISCOVERY DOWNLOAD, NAPSTER’S EXCLUSIVE STREAM AND ARTIST PICK WHILE BREAKING INTO CHR’s TOP TEN CHART AND MORE
Together for six years before signing with INO Records, the female-fronted pop/rock band from Texas, Addison Road, is making waves with their self-titled March 18th debut release. The first radio single “All That Matters”, already top ten on the Christian CHR chart, will be featured as an ITUNES discovery download and receives unparalleled debut placement as Napster’s exclusive stream the week before street.

“INO is excited to have a passionate, fun-loving group such as Addison Road to join our team,” says president of INO Records Jeff Moseley. “The way radio, media and fans have taken an interest in this group is exciting. We believe this early excitement is an indication of the bright future ahead for Addison Road.”

Starting February 12th and running through February 19th, Addison Road’s “All That Matters” will be a Discovery Download in the ITunes Store (www.itunes.com) and will be listed under the free downloads section on the ITunes homepage. For the first time ever with a debut Christian act, Napster (www.napster.com ) will give the single an exclusive stream on their site the week of March 10th and will feature a playlist of Addison Road’s favorite songs handpicked by members of the band debuting March 25th.

With over 80% of the CHR stations across the country playing Addison Road’s driving pop/rock single, breaking into the top ten on the CHR Chart in just over five weeks is a feat and of itself. “All That Matters” will be going for adds on AC stations in March. Check out the band’s viral video to the single at the link here.

Produced by Chris Stevens (TobyMac, Sanctus Real, Mandisa), this self-titled release is the culmination of the band’s mission to inspire people from all walks of life to find their hope, their identity in God, to be changed by His grace and to extend that grace to a world in need.

“Whether we’re playing at a conference or a camp, we want to be in relationships before, during and after the fact, in the pool with the kids, in prayer groups, having Oreos with the kids in the cabins, sharing with the staff at night…” says lead singer Jenny Simmons. “ We’re there to love on people. We’re not just musicians and singers with a platform, we’re humans, and we look at what we do as a process of going through life together.”

In addition, Addison Road is building their mobile fanbase, partnering with Mozes to offer free content to anyone who joins. Right now, fans can call 214-296-4910 to hear a voice message from lead singer Jenny Simmons and also leave their own messages for the band. They are offering a free ringtone for anyone who joins their “mob” – just text ADDISONROAD to 66937 or go to http://www.mozes.com/addisonroad . For more information on Addison Road, please visit www.addisonroad.com or www.myspace.com/addisonroad.com
02/06/2008
“MySpace Girl” Viral Video to Premier on MySpace.com
INO/Columbia Record’s rock pop band The Afters are preparing to release their highly anticipated sophomore project “Never Going Back to OK” on Feb. 26, which has already garnered a top 5 track at Christian CHR and Rock for the self-titled first single, and will soon see the charming and entertaining “MySpace Girl” viral video premiere on MySpace.com’s Main Page and shortly following at Seventeen.com.

In the viral video for the cute, catchy (yet true story) song “MySpace Girl”, fans will see The Afters’ cartoon counter parts re-enact the story of the song about a guy meeting his future wife at a drive thru and following up with her via myspace. In addition, actual “friends” were chosen from the band’s MySpace page to be a part of the video. The popular social networking site MySpace will premiere the video starting Feb. 13 on their homepage as well as the site’s music video page. One week later, Seventeen.com will be catching in on the excitement and posting the video for two weeks starting on or near Feb. 19th.

Confirmed for one of the last two cover stories of CCM Magazine (March), with the title track single headed toward No. 1 on the Christian CHR charts having already hit No. 5 on the Christian Rock charts, “Never Going Back to OK” has received a ground swell of radio airplay and was targeted early on as a hit by a majority of key market stations nationwide including the AIR-1 Network, WONU/Chicago, Radio-U/Columbus, YES-FM/Toledo, WNAZ/Nashville, KVRK/Dallas, WMKL/Miami and many more. The Afters first Christian AC single, "Keeping Me Alive" goes for adds this week on February 8th.

The Afters’ second album is a culmination of all the buzz and excitement of the past three years for this emerging band. After receiving a Gospel Music Award for “Best New Artist of 2006” and having the most downloaded inspirational track (“Beautiful Love”) of the same year on the iTunes charts, the band is back with a diverse record in “Never Going Back to Okay” that includes pensive ballads such as “Ocean Wide,” potent tracks like “Keeping Me Alive,” lighter songs such as “MySpace Girl” and a catchy rock title track.

“On the last record there was a common thread of hope that came out in all the songs,” vocalist/guitarist Brad Wigg says of “I Wish We All Could Win.” “This album seems to reflect transformation. I think a lot of the songs are talking about moving forward, of becoming who we are meant to be.”

Though weeks from its release date, “Never Going Back to OK” has received early immense acclaim including:

“The result is an edgier band that manages to maintain secure melodic footing … its clear there’s a music statement being played just as loud as the lyrics … this album is better in every way.” 4 ½ stars!! - CCM Magazine

“This upcoming release is really going to blow you away … a breakthrough album … I hope the fans don’t waste any time getting their hands on this album.” - GospelMusicChannel.com

“The Afters’ sophomore effort is a bright, hopeful, melodic burst of sound.” - HM Magazine

“This is a very good effort by The Afters—far from OK—and a recommended pick for 2008." - Christian Retailing

““With ‘Never Going Back To OK’, The Afters present a dynamic collection of inspiring power-pop anthems and pensive ballads that reach well beyond the scope of their influences … The Afters’ musical depth and lyrical poignancy assure them a place among the genre’s elite.” - Stereo Subversion

“The ballads show more depth than they have before, and you get that when you really listen to “Ocean Wide” and “Beautiful Words” … “Falling Into Place” has multiple layers lyrically and musically. The Afters continue to explore the bounds of earthly and heavenly relationships. And they get a little better with every step.” - CBNMusic.com

“They’re ready to take off, and Never Going Back to OK just might be the vehicle that puts them over … The Afters’ Never Going Back to OK is ‘more than just OK.’” - Phantom Tollbooth

The Afters will also be touring across the country throughout 2008 including headlining their own dates this spring and hitting the major summer festivals. All tour dates listed below are subject to change.

Releasing their debut project “I Wish We All Could Win” in 2005, The Afters received top attention from their fans and media outlets. The Afters’ music has appeared on the networks of MTV, mtvU, ABC Family and E! News as well as on HOT AC and VH-1 radio along with outlets such as Billboard, BOP and Popstar. The MTV college network and mtvU have been strong supporters of the band as their music video for “Beautiful Love” was awarded with an mtvU Award for Best Streaming Video in 2005. The Afters were awarded the Dove Award for “New Artist of the Year” (2006), and had the most downloaded single on the iTunes inspirational charts in 2006 with more than a 100,000 downloads. The foursome composed of Josh Havens, Matt Fuqua, Brad Wiggs and Mark Dodd, met while working at a Starbucks in Mesquite, Texas and was later discovered by MercyMe front man Bart Millard.


theafters.com Myspace.com/theafters
# # #

* ALL DATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Feb 9 2008 7:00P
Johnson City, Tennessee

Feb 13 2008 8:00P
Nacogdoches, Texas

Feb 16 2008 7:00P
Chandler Arizona

Feb 17 2008 7:30P
Garden Grove, California

Feb 19 2008 7:00P
Visalia, California

Feb 22 2008 7:00P
Lake Stevens (Seattle Area), Washington

Feb 23 2008 7:00P
Vancouver, Washington

Feb 26 2008 8:00P
Denver, Colorado

March 8th -
Dallas, TX KLTY Celebrate Family

Mar 12 2008 7:00P
Westerville (Columbus Area), Ohio

Mar 14 2008 7:00P
Marion, Indiana

Mar 16 2008 7:00P
Musica Akron, Ohio

Mar 21 2008 9:00P
Belton, Texas

Mar 29 2008 8:00P
Kingsland, Texas

May 3 2008 7:00P
Greenville, Illinois

May 19-232008 5:00P
KLOVE Friends and Family Music Cruise

May 31 2008 5:00P
Federal Way, Washington

Jun 27 2008 4:00P
Creation -Shirleysburg, Pennsylvania
Jul 24 2008 1:00P
Creation West- George, Washington

Aug 9 2008 2:00P
Leitchfield, Kentucky

Sep 13 2008 5:00P
Springfield, Massachusetts
01/11/2008
SKILLET ANNOUNCES NATIONAL SPRING HEADLINE ‘COMATOSE’ TOUR WITH THOUSAND FOOT KRUTCH
NASHVILLE, TN....1/8/08...In follow-up to a stellar 2007, Atlantic/Lava/Ardent/INO record’s band Skillet will hit the road on Winter Jam later this week, and has recently announced plans to rock even more American cities when they launch their Spring headline COMATOSE TOUR on March 28th. Hitting approximately 30 cities, the tour will also feature Thousand Foot Krutch and run through May 11, 2008. Tour dates will be announced soon and will be posted at http://www.skillet.com and http://www.myspace.com/skilletmusic.

Due to the undeniable success of COMATOSE, including their second consecutive GRAMMY nomination, over 300k in sales (doubling sales of their previous recording in half the time) and four back-to back radio No. 1 hits, including their latest, “The Older I Get” spending 11 weeks at No. 1 Christian CHR, Skillet released the COMATOSE CD/DVD Deluxe edition for their fans on December 26th. Skillet is known for their loyal fans, many of which are known as the “Panheads,” and this year they did not disappoint, giving Skillet honors in several Readers Choice awards polls, including:

-2007 CCM magazine Reader’s Choice awards: Best album, COMATOSE Best song, “Rebirthing” (also voted 2nd Best Artist, Most Underrated Artist, Best Website, Best Video (“Whispers In the Dark”), and 3rd favorite Live Performance and Best Band)

-2007 Christianity Today’s Reader’s Choice for Best Band or Group

(in addition, per the website, “COMATOSE technically won out for Best Album of 2007, we just don't feel that it's right to award the same album two years in a row”.)

-2007 Ignite Your Faith magazine’s Best Hard Rock or Punk Artist, Overall Artist of the Year and John Cooper took top honors for Best Christian Male Vocalist (In addition, Skillet came in third following Switchfoot and Relient K for The Salt and Light Award, a new IYF award honoring Christian artists impacting the mainstream with the Gospel)

- ABOUT.COM’S Top 40 Christian Hits of 2007 named “The Last Night” one of the top 10 hits of the year, stating, “The song talks about someone considering suicide after living life in despair and not having support from their parents. A friend reminds him/her of God’s unconditional love and they’re eventually talked down from that ledge. Just like every song on the album, this one rocks!”

-2007 Jesus Freak Hideout.com Readers Choice Awards for ‘Song of the Year,’ (“Rebirthing”) ‘Hard Rock Album of the Year’ and ‘Album of the Year’ (COMATOSE), and also tying for the sixth favorite song of the year with two of their songs, "Comatose" and "Whispers In The Dark".

On top of their four consecutive No. 1 radio hits, COMATOSE was the No. 12 Top Contemporary Christian album on Billboard’s Year-End list, and Skillet was also lauded with R&R’s No. 1 Christian CHR Song of the Year for “The Last Night”, which was also R&R’s No. 2 Christian Rock song of the year. In addition, the band was named 2007s No. 2 top artist on both the CHR and ROCK year end lists. In follow up to their radio success, this month both “The Older I Get” and “The Last Night” will go for more when they are released to Christian AC radio and Mainstream Active Rock Radio respectively.
01/09/2008
MERCYME KICKS OFF 2008 HEADLINING WINTER JAM TOUR AND CELEBRATES RECORD-BREAKING RADIO AND SALES IN 2007
With their latest project “All That Is Within Me” outpacing sales of their previous RIAA Gold-certified recording, the multi platinum, Dove Award winning and Grammy-nominated band MercyMe is kicking off 2008 as the headline act for Winter Jam, and also celebrating a record-breaking year in 2007. WinterJam begins this Thursday, January 10th, in Johnson City, TN, and will hit over 30 markets through mid-March.

As the lead act, MercyMe will be partnering with WinterJam and Mozes to continue to build their already growing mobile fanbase. During the course of this tour, they will be encouraging fans to join their Mozes mobile MOB to get a free ringtone and wallpaper. Last year, Mozes partnered with WinterJam and saw over 40,000 texts from fans getting involved in the SMS revolution, and saw their mobs grow to over 12,000. MercyMe expects a great involvement rate for this year’s tour, as they were able to kick off their mob during their fall tour, ending it with 2500 members.
Mozes is a growing company that provides tools to send and receive mobile messages to and from bands, social groups, and friends.

With three two No. 1 singles from their 2006 release “Coming Up to Breathe,” ("So Long Self" “Hold Fast”, “Bring the Rain”) and six previous consecutive No. 1’s under their belt, their latest track
continued MercyMe’s reign as one of Christian radio’s premiere artists when “God With Us” set the record for most AC adds in a week with over 75% of R&R’s AC panel, and 79 total R&R and CRW
reporting stations immediately adding the song. The single went on to hit No. 1 in a fast and furious eight weeks.

At the close of 2007, MercyMe was the No. 1 Most Played AC artist (R&R/CRW) and Inspo artist (CRW) in 2007, and after reaching as high as No.16 on iTune’s Top 100 Albums list, and No. 1 on iTunes Top Christian Albums list since its release, “All that is Within Me” was also named No. 1 on iTunes Best of Chart for Christian/Gospel in 2007, a list created by iTunes staffers. In addition, the album remains in the top five on Billboard’s Contemporary Christian SoundScan chart after entering the Top 200 chart at No. 15 and selling an impressive 83,626 units, a personal record for units sold in a project’s first week.
01/02/2008
UPDATE: NEW AIR DATE FOR GREY’S ANATOMY EPISODE: JANUARY 10TH!
Caedmon’s Call’s lyrically compelling song about redemption, “Ten Thousand Angels” will receive a rare and lengthy place on an upcoming episode of the ABC hit drama series “Grey’s Anatomy” on January 10th. Featuring vocals by Derek Webb, the song will play for five consecutive minutes during an emotionally charged final scene.

In order for the song to fit the length of the scene, an extra minute was even edited in, and with lyrics including ‘so lift up your heart now, to this unfolding, all that has been broken will be restored, here runs deep waters for all who are thirsty, love has come, love has come for you’, its use on one of television’s biggest shows is especially uncommon.

“It’s an honor to be asked to help carry some of the emotional weight of a powerhouse show like Grey’s,” says Webb. “ I think the spiritual significance of a song like “Ten Thousand Angels” will have some really special chemistry with what is bound to be an important episode in the season.”
12/19/2007
CAEDMON’S CALL EXPLODES ONTO TOP-RATED “GREY’S ANATOMY” WITH SONG ABOUT REDEMPTION
Caedmon’s Call’s lyrically compelling song about redemption, “Ten Thousand Angels” will receive a rare and lengthy place in this season’s biggest episode of the ABC hit drama series “Grey’s Anatomy” on January 3rd. Featuring vocals by Derek Webb, the song will play for five consecutive minutes during an emotionally charged final scene. The episode will re-air on January 4th.

In order for the song to fit the length of the scene, an extra minute was even edited in, and with lyrics including ‘so lift up your heart now, to this unfolding, all that has been broken will be restored, here runs deep waters for all who are thirsty, love has come, love has come for you’, its use on one of television’s biggest shows is especially uncommon.

“It’s an honor to be asked to help carry some of the emotional weight of a powerhouse show like Grey’s,” says Webb. “ I think the spiritual significance of a song like “Ten Thousand Angels” will have some really special chemistry with what is bound to be an important episode in the season.”

"Ten Thousand Angels" is a bonus track on the group's current release, Overdressed, which was in the top 5 (no. 5) of ITunes Editorial list of 2007 for overall “Best Christian Albums”.
12/07/2007
SKILLET CLOSES OUT 2007 WITH GRAMMY NOMINATION
**As 2007 comes to a close, Lava/Atlantic/Ardent/INO band SKILLET continues to celebrate a fabulous year with their second consecutive GRAMMY nomination. The critically-acclaimed and best-seller COMATOSE is nominated for Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album in the 50th Annual GRAMMY Awards, to be held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on February 10th. The show will be broadcast at 8pm et/pt on CBS.

** On top of the GRAMMY news, Skillet has also been lauded with R&R’s No. 1 Christian CHR Song of the Year with their massive hit “The Last Night”, which was also R&R’s No. 2 Christian Rock song of the year. In addition, Skillet was named 2007s No. 2 top artist on both the CHR and ROCK year end lists.

**Skillet garnered four consecutive No. 1 singles from COMATOSE with “Rebirthing”, “The Last Night”, “The Older I Get” and “Comatose”.

** Skillet will release the COMATOSE CD/DVD Deluxe edition on December 26, 2007, and along with new cover art and the full COMATOSE CD, the deluxe edition will also feature:

. 1 BRAND NEW studio track, “Live Free or Let Me Die”
. 5 acoustic tracks:
- “Rebirthing”
- ”Yours to Hold”
- “The Older I Get”
- “Whispers In The Dark”
- “Say Goodbye”

. 3 music videos (“Rebirthing”, “Whispers in the Dark”, “Looking for Angels”)
. Behind the scenes video - making of the record
. FREE Wallpaper
. FREE Ringtone -“Falling Inside the Black”

12/05/2007
DEREK WEBB TOPS 2007’s “BEST OF” ALBUM LIST FOR PASTE MAGAZINE AND CHRISTIANITY TODAY.COM
INO/Columbia Record’s innovative singer/songwriter Derek Webb has once again received high honors for his critically acclaimed release The Ringing Bell. The project was No. 27 out of 100 on Paste Magazine’s top albums of the year list, and then ChristianityToday.com editors considered Webb’s latest their No. 11 favorite album of the year, his fourth consecutive year on their list.

This week XM Satellite Loft Sessions will run an exclusive interview/performance series with Derek Webb. This will be one full hour of Webb telling stories and playing different songs from projects past and present. The Loft Sessions is where XM invites their favorite artists up to the “loft” and asks them to create their ideal intimate musical session.

This spring Webb will hit the highway with friends and fellow musicians Caedmon’s Call on a nationwide tour beginning in February and running through the end of April (more details on tour TBA).

In addition, Webb’s latest Americana radio single “Name” was recently featured on ABC’S hit drama series “Grey’s Anatomy”. Be sure to tune in during the December 20th episode of “Grey’s Anatomy” to listen for Caedmon’s Call (featuring Derek Webb) song “Ten Thousand Angels” (check your local listings for more details).
11/28/2007
MULTI-PLATINUM BAND MERCYME’S ALL THAT IS WITHIN ME LANDS ON BILLBOARD TOP 200 AT NO. 15 SELLING OVER 83,000 UNITS IN FIRST WEEK
On the heels of a major promotional tour in support of their sixth recording ALL THAT IS WITHIN ME, multi-platinum and award-winning band MercyMe has once again hit the Billboard Top 200 SoundScan charts in a big way landing at No. 15, just below Jay-Z and above Beyonce and Rascal Flatts latest, selling 83,626 units in its first week of release, 30% ahead of it’s previous recording, 2006’s COMING UP TO BREATHE. The album entered at No. 1 on Billboard’s Contemporary Christian SoundScan chart. The album reached as high as #16 on iTune’s Top 100 Albums list, and has been No. 1 on iTunes Top Christian Albums list since its release on November 20th.

Live from New York City last week, MercyMe launched the new project with a Real Rhapsody session, SIRIUS radio interview, a performance at BB Kings and a live Satellite Media Tour (SMT) in the Reuters studio overlooking Times Square. The SMT hit markets including Chicago, San Francisco, Tampa, Denver, Minneapolis, Boston, Philadelphia and Atlanta, and was picked up by several feeds, including the Associated Press, Reuters, ABC NewsOne, and CNN Pop Life.

Along with sales and some of the best reviews of their career (USA Today, Beliefnet.com, CCM, AllMusic and more), MercyMe’s first single for the project, ‘God With Us,’ set the record for most AC adds (57) in a week, with almost 80 adds from reporting stations in the AC, CHR and Inspo formats. Currently the single is already Top 5 at Christian AC, Top 10 Inpso, New and Active CHR and moving up.

“We have felt quite a ground swell of support for MercyMe and their new project on every level,” remarked INO president Jeff Moseley. “Radio, media and retail have really come to the table to show their commitment to this band, and for that we are truly grateful.”

Leading up to and after their NYC stop the band made live in-store appearances and performances and visited radio and retail in Dallas, Minneapolis and Washington DC, while headlining the Friday evening event at the R&R Christian Radio Summit in Nashville.

In addition, the band stopped-by Christian AC radio stations nationwide with on-air time and promotions with stations such as KTIS Minneapolis, KLOVE morning show with Jon and Sherry Rivers, Total Axxess/WAYfm in Nashville, KLTY in Dallas, an Associated Press Radio interview in D.C. and many others.

Retail highlights from the promo tour include live performances at Northwestern in Minneapolis, John’s Christian Store in Chicago (followed by an additional sold out cd release concert that evening), and Potomac Adventist Store in Washington D.C. In addition, the band had hundreds of fans show up at their hometown in-store at a Wal-Mart in Dallas.

MercyMe's Online/Digital street week presence included prime positioning with Wal-Mart.com, iTunes, Napster, Rhapsody, Sony Connect, Borders, Barnes and Noble, FYE Stores, Napster.com,BestBuy.com, and Amazon.com among others
11/20/2007
Project Receiving Bands’ Best Reviews Ever as National Promo Tour Wraps Just in Time for Thanksgiving
INO/Columbia records’ multi-platinum and Award-winning band MercyMe officially launched their new project, “All That Is Within Me,” live in New York City this week with a performance at BB Kings last night 11/19 and a live Satellite Media Tour this morning overlooking Times Square, hitting markets including Chicago, San Francisco, Tampa, Denver, Minneapolis and the Associated Press Broadcast wire.

Leading up to NYC the band made live in-store appearances and performances and visited radio and retail in Dallas, Chicago, Minneapolis and Washington DC, while headlining the Friday evening event at the R&R Christian Radio Summit in Nashville. They’ll head back home to Dallas tonight and appear tomorrow morning, 11/21, on the city’s ABC morning show, Good Morning Texas.

Christian radio continues to be a formidable force with the band’s new single “God With Us,“ which set the record for most AC adds (57) in a week, and almost 80 adds from reporting stations in the AC, CHR and Inspo formats. Currently Top 5 at Christian AC, Top 10 Inpso, New and Active CHR and moving up.

The past few weeks has seen extensive activity on the record as pre-sales are projected to reach record highs. Most accounts are pre-selling the Collectors edition which includes:

+ Six song live video
+ Interview footage of band
+ Three acoustic versions of songs
+ FREE Ringtone
+ FREE Wallpaper


Media are also supporting “All That Is Within Me” with what may be the best reviews of their career:

“it is impossible to deny that this is the group's best effort to date. MercyMe has yet again set a new standard for themselves. Millard's raw emotional connectivity on each track, combined with a sparkling array of musical styles, continues to be unmatched. MercyMe's latest record shows that the band's penchant for making hits might always remain.” All Music Guide

“MercyMe is an unstoppable music force… they bring something new to the table each and every time out. ‘All That is Within Me’ is no exception.”
Infuzemag.com

“This CD is a deeply connected music journal.... he band infuses their songs with a trademark abundance of verve and life.”
Beliefnet.com

“...filled with arena-sized worship anthems .... nothing counterintuitive about the emotion when he imagines throwing his arms around his late father’s neck “when I finally make it home.”
USA TODAY

“… an exuberant, defiant, stand-up-and-shake-your-fist-at-the-devil, rock & roll worship album. ‘All That Is Within Me’ is MercyMe's best work to date.”
CCM magazine

“There is not a weak one in this bunch….MercyMe seems capable of more than what is humanly possible – they keep putting gout good records without missing a step.”
Worship Leader

“All That Is Within Me is rock, praise and outpouring of one’s heart, and I’m happy to have spent the hour with the band.”
HollywoodJesus.com

“...beautifully crafted featuring smooth production and strong musicianship”
JesusFreakHideout.com

“MercyMe is a well-oiled machine and one of the best out there.”
ChristianMusicToday.com

MercyMe will hit the road once again in support of “All That Is Within Me” when they headline the Winter Jam tour starting January 10th.
11/19/2007
PHIL WICKHAM IS THANKFUL FOR SOPHOMORE RELEASE, SUCCESSFUL FALL TOUR, STRONG DIGITAL SALES, STELLAR REVIEWS AND MOBILE MOB OUT OF CONTROL
"When Phil sings it sounds like everything is riding on every note. I think he believes he can save the world with his voice, and he might be right."
--David Crowder

INO Records’ singer/songwriter Phil Wickham has much to be thankful for this year as he has released his acclaimed sophomore release, Cannons, spent the fall touring with the David Crowder Band and has received praise from the media saying he is “insightful,” “passionate,” and “intriguing.”

Releasing last month, Cannons is outpacing same week sales of Phil Wickham's debut with more than 40 percent of album sales in digital form as the album has remained in the Top 10 on iTunes Christian Album chart since street week peaking at No. 3. He also debuted on Real Rhapsody’s top artists chart in the Christian/Gospel genre as well as on the Napster top artists chart. In addition, Cannons was a featured new release for both Napster and Sony Connect.

During his time on the Crowder tour, Wickham began building his mobile fanbase. His “mob” has grown to nearly 500 members who receive free text updates, ringtones, and pictures from Wickham keeping him in touch with his fans. At each concert, he encourages fans to simply text PHIL to the number 66937 to join the mob and to become eligible for an autographed vintage-style guitar to one lucky mob member for Christmas on December 19th. Fans can also go to Wickham’s MySpace to gather information on being a “mob” member and enroll in the giveaway. (http://www.myspace.com/philwickham)

In addition to the eventful fall, media and peers have raved about Cannons and Wickham’s passionate vocals:

“Phil Wickham is the definition of worship artist in that, his music is so worshipfully written that it must thrill the heart of God to hear His people sing these words back to Him, and yet Phil doesn't settle for his music being artistically mundane...these songs reach deep and draw me to worship a VERY BIG God.”
--Mike Scheuchzer, MercyMe

“Cannons is an intriguing tale of personal worship that showcases Wickham’s voice and insightful songwriting.”
--All Music Guide, 4 out of 5 star review

“Wickham could just use his vocals to soar through each song without words and they’d make sense; the passion, the urgency, the aching...”
--Soulshine.ca, 4 out of 5 star review

“Mr. Wickham has proven he has a quality some of his contemporaries lack...his songs have got heart.”
--JesusFreakHideout.com, 4 out of 5 star review

“Cannons is an ethereal album of haunting melodies that—more often than not take on a life all their own”
--Christian Retailing, Top Pick

“Phil Wickham is an artist to be proud of.”
--Worship Leader
11/14/2007
SARA GROVES HAS No.1 CHRISTIAN ALBUM ON iTUNES FOR OVER A WEEK WITH 'TELL ME WHAT YOU KNOW'
As singer/songwriter Sara Groves’ latest, “Tell Me What You Know” (11.6) holds in as the No. 1 Christian album on iTunes for over a week, the project also scanned 33% above her last record, debuting at No. 3 on CMTA’s Digital Album’s SoundScan chart, as well as No. 8 on Christian Retail and No. 14 on the Overall Christian Retail chart.

Groves’ current radio single, "When the Saints" continues to build momentum at Christian radio with over 35 reporting stations on board already. The song was also recently chosen to be a Discovery Download on the iTunes Store, and was one of the top downloads ever for a Christian song. In addiiton, Groves currently has the No. 1 video on the Gospel Music Channel with the song 'I Saw What I Saw' based on her life altering trip to Rwanda. To watch, go to: www.youtube.com. INO Records has also developed a great e-card on Groves. To view/use, go to: Sara's Ecard.

As always, Groves’ is a magnet for critical acclaim with her poignant, though-provoking and eloquent songs. Groves’ recently spoke with fellow songwriter Carolyn Arends for Christianity Today’s Christian Music Today cover story, (“Running to Justice”), writes regular columns for Radiant Magazine, has features in upcoming and current issues of CCM, Christian Single, Women First and Aspiring Retail, and continues to garner incredible support from media with reviews including:

“Sara Groves' thoughtful songwriting about hope amid hopelessness combines well with radio-friendly roots pop, yielding her most satisfying album to date.”
*ChristianMusicToday.com

“It’s impossible to over-rate this gripping, thoughtful, delightful album. Straight from the front lines of battle, it is one of the year’s most important contributions.”
*CMCentral.com

“Groves has perfected the art of creating warm, intimate pictures of life, love, and faith. ‘Tell Me What You Know’ adds to her catalogue of excellently crafted folk/pop”
*JesusFreakHideout.com

“’Tell Me What You Know’ is Groves at her best, and it enraptures from the first track.”
*CBNMusic.com

“This is simply a wonderful project that should convince any listener that Sara Groves is a compelling, important artist who needs to be heard by a wider audience, and has perhaps just given us one of the best albums of the year.”
*Tollbooth.org

Groves will also be touring this fall on the Behold the Lamb of God Christmas tour with Andrew Peterson, Sara Groves, Bebo Norman, Jill Phillips, Andrew Osenga and Andy Gullahorn. Groves will be performing songs from “Tell Me What You Know” as well as previous projects, and join Peterson and the rest of the line up in the second half of the evening featuring Christmas music. The tour will be hitting the following markets (all dates subject to change):

11/27/07: Bethany Lutheran Church / Elkhorn, NE/

11/28/07: Immanuel Baptist Church / Wausau, WI/

11/29/07: Christ Community Evangelical Free Church / Leawood, KS/

11/30/07: Christ United Methodist Church of Sugarland / Sugarland, TX/

12/1/07: The Heights Baptist Church / Richardson, TX

12/2/07: Bellevue Baptist Church / Cordova, TN /

12/3/07: Grace Covenant Church / Austin, TX /

12/5/07: Southwood Presbyterian Church. / Huntsville, AL /

12/6/07: World Gospel Church / Terre Haute, IN /

12/7/07: Countryside Church / Michigan City, IN /

12/8/07: New Milford High School / New Milford, CT /

12/9/07: Faith Evangelical Free Church / Milford, OH /

12/10/07: Merrimack Hall Performing Arts Center / Huntsville, AL /

12/11/07: Oak Mountain Presbyterian Church / Birmingham, AL /

12/12/07: Mecklenburg Community Church / Charlotte, NC /

12/13/07: Ryman Auditorium / Nashville, TN /

12/14/07: Christ Community Church / Tampa, FL /

12/15/07: Imperial Theatre / Augusta, GA /

12/16/07: Christ Church / Jacksonville, FL /
11/13/2007
SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER, TODD AGNEW AND NEWSONG CO-HEADLINE “CHRISTMAS PROMISE” TOUR
As the holiday season fills the air, Todd Agnew and NewSong will be spreading Christmas cheer as they co-headline the “Christmas Promise” Tour with special guest Matthew West. The Tour will also feature Nate Sallie and introduce Brit Nicole. Commencing November 27 in Bolivar, Missouri, the "Christmas Promise" Tour will travel to 17 cities nationwide before its final date in Champaign, Illinois December 20.

What Todd Agnew & NewSong’s founding member Eddie Carswell are saying about the upcoming tour

“We are always thrilled about sharing the story of Christ and His reckless love for His children,” says Todd Agnew. “Christmas is a wonderful time to explore that and we are honored to share this season with our friends in NewSong, Matthew and Britt.”

NewSong’s Eddie Carswell says, “We enjoyed last year’s Christmas tour with Agnew so much that we simply had to do it again. We tour most of the year, but we especially love the Christmas season and can’t wait to share the Christmas story with the cities we’re visiting.”

In September, Agnew released a resource collection disc from his critically-acclaimed 2006 Christmas project, Do You See What I See? This 2 CD-ROM set is a collection of performance tools for churches which includes Full Listening and Split Trax Audio with rehearsal ID points. The Listening disc contains, as an enhancement, sheet music and chord charts both in PDF form and narrations in document form. The Split Trax contains the visual backgrounds and lyric text files for all of the songs. The image backgrounds are designed to help visualize and support the song lyrics. Agnew hopes these resources will deepen the worship experience of each song as listeners meditate on the story of Christ's birth.

Agnew’s, Do You See What I See? Christmas project is on shelves in time for the holidays this year with new packaging. Check out more details at http://www.toddagnew.com.
11/06/2007
WITH OVER A QUARTER A MILLION IN SALES, SKILLET KNABS FOUR CONSECUTIVE No. 1 SINGLES; TO RELEASE CD/DVD DELUXE EDITION THIS FALL, HIT WINTER JAM TOUR IN JANUARY
** In follow-up to two No. 1 singles, “Rebirthing” and “The Last Night,” Lava/Atlantic/Ardent/INO band SKILLET is now celebrating their third and fourth consecutive #1 singles as “The Older I Get” takes over the top spot on Christian CHR (R&R/CRW) and “Comatose” places No. 1 for the second week in a row on Rock (R&R and CRW) radio this week.

** With COMATOSE selling a fast and furious quarter of a million units since releasing last fall, the project continues to top all previous sales records. To offer fans something special to show their appreciation, Skillet will release the COMATOSE CD/DVD Deluxe edition on December 26, 2007.

**Along with new cover art (attached) and the full COMATOSE CD, the deluxe edition will also feature:

. 1 BRAND NEW studio track, “Live Free”
. 5 acoustic tracks:
- “Rebirthing”
- ”Yours to Hold”
- “The Older I Get”
- “Whispers In The Dark”


. 3 music videos (“Rebirthing”, “Whispers in the Dark”, “Looking for Angels”)
. Behind the scenes video - making of the record . FREE Wallpaper
. FREE Ringtone -“Falling Inside the Black”
**Skillet is just wrapped up fall tour dates opening for Breaking Benjamin and Three Days Grace, and after the first of the year will hit the road again as part of the Winter Jam tour, hitting the following cities:

Winter Jam Tour Schedule: (All dates subject to change)
January 10 Johnson City, TN Freedom Hall
January 11 Chattanooga, TN McKenzie Arena
January 12 Roanoke, VA Roanoke Civic Center
January 13 Charlotte, NC Bobcat Arena
January 18 Tampa, FL Sun Dome Arena
January 19 Orlando, FL UCF Arena
January 24 Normal, IL Redbird Arena
January 25 Columbus, OH Schottestein Center
January 26 Cincinnati, OH Cincinnati Gardens
January 27 St. Charles, MO Family Arena
January 31 Evansville, IN Roberts Stadium
February 1 Little Rock, AR Alltell Arena
February 2 Birmingham, AL BJCC Arena
February 7 Augusta, GA James Brown Arena
February 8 Jacksonville, FL Memorial Coliseum
February 9 Mobile, AL The Mitchell Center
February 10 Tupelo, MS Bancorp South Center
February 15 Greenville, SC The Bi-Lo Center
February 16 Greensboro, NC Greensboro Coliseum
February 17 Norfolk, VA Constant Convocation Center
February 22 Columbia, SC The Colonial Center
February 23 Jackson, MS MS Coliseum
February 24 Southaven, MS DeSoto Civic Center
February 28 Oklahoma City, OK The Ford Center
February 29 Tulsa, OK Mabee Center
March 1 Wichita, KS Charles Koch Arena
March 2 Colorado Springs, CO World Arena
March 6 Lexington, KY Rupp Arena
March 7 Ft. Wayne, IN Allen County Memorial Coliseum
March 8 Knoxville, TN Thompson Boling Arena
March 9 E. Lansing, MI The Breslin Center
March 13 Huntington, WV Big Sandy Superstore Arena
March 14 Fayetteville, NC Crown Coliseum
March 15 Atlanta, GA Phillips Arena
March 16 Nashville, TN The Sommet Center
10/30/2007
SARA GROVES CHOSEN BY iTUNES FOR COVETED DISCOVERY DOWNLOAD
Singer/Songwriter Sara Groves is the latest artist to have one of her songs chosen as a DISCOVERY DOWNLOAD with iTunes. Just days before her new album, TELL ME WHAT YOU KNOW, hits the streets on November 6th, her single, “When The Saints” has been chosen to be a Discovery Download on the iTunes Store (www.itunes.com) for the week before the project releases, starting October 30th, and will be listed under the Free downloads section on the iTunes homepage

On her new album, Tell Me What You Know, Groves explores what she has learned over the past two years, lessons on the value of long defeats, and the defiance of hope in the face of insurmountable odds. Since the 2005 release of her last project, Add to the Beauty, Groves has been questioning just how, exactly, she is called to do that. Sara explains, “I believe God invites us to add to the beauty of his plan, letting us participate in his redemptive work. But I found myself asking, ‘How have I applied this idea?' I had groomed and groomed and groomed my personal faith, but to what end?”

Her answers came in a series of global conversations and experiences, from the flood-ravaged gulf of Louisiana, to the genocide memorials of Rwanda, to the testimonies of Southeast Asia sex trade survivors. These experiences showed the disparity between some of the American pursuits of comfort and wealth and the joy of joining the difficult work of social justice and engaging in the suffering of the afflicted. As Groves explains, such is the case with the song “When The Saints”:

"’When the Saints’ was inspired by the work of The International Justice Mission. Their work made me think about the people I have admired in history and made their kind of action seem more accessible. I used to read about amazing heroes like Harriet Tubman who secured her own freedom from slavery and then helped rescue many others through the Underground Railroad. I have always wondered how I would have responded in different times in history. Would I have opened my home to the Underground Railroad or given Anne Frank refuge? We think those stories are removed from us, but right now there are millions of slaves, millions of people hiding from their oppressors. I realized not too long ago, that I have not been the Good Samaritian. I have been the other guys, who walk on the far side of the road. It is my heart’s desire to change that, and ‘When the Saints’ is a celebration of people who were placed by God for certain times and events, and a prayer that I will have the strength to show up for my time. "

No stranger to critical acclaim, TELL ME WHAT YOU KNOW is already drawing praise from media for “revealing that she’s not content with glossy cultural Christianity,” (RELEVANT magazine) and how she “soaks up life’s myriad experiences and pours them into compelling songs that both enlighten and entertain, and we are all richer for her efforts” (CCM magazine), as well as:

“ Tell Me What You Know may leave you in a world of rumination, it’s passionate and beautifully emotional, but it will also leave you in a place of peaceful contemplation. Groves, it seems, just keeps getting better.”
-Worship Leader magazine

“It’s hard to feel anything but warm about Groves’ soaring vocals and acute pop sensibilities. Listeners will be grateful that Groves shares what she knows –honesty, artistry and how to write a good song.”
-Christian Retailing

"No question, Sara Groves remains one of the most skillful and thoughtful songwriters in Christian music. Tell Me What You Know is on par with her best work." *Russ Breimeier, Online Managing Editor
ChristianMusicToday.com

"Sara Groves strikes gold yet again- a heartfelt, emotive offering steeped in introspective songwriting sensibilities, deftly executed earthy instrumentation and an overall uplifting demeanor. Perfect for fans ofher past work and a solid introduction to the uninitiated."
*Andy Argyrakis (contributor to The Chicago Tribune, Illinois Entertainer, CCM magazine, Christian Single magazine, Concert LiveWire and more)

“Sara's new disc has been in heavy rotation in our station wagon since we got our copy. It's all there -- genius writing, innovative production, great vocals, and a message that matters and moves. The whole thing is brilliant, but the first time I heard cut 2 ("In The Girl There's a Room"), it was so good I had an actual physical reaction (which involved slamming my fist against the steering wheel and shouting "Woah"!) That doesn't happen to me very often. Then again, an artist like Sara doesn't come along very often. She's given us another extraordinary gift in Tell Me What You Know.”
*Carolyn Arends - CT contributor/award-winning singer/songwriter and author.
10/24/2007
CONNERSVINE LAUDED BY INDIANAPOLIS COLT'S HEAD COACH DUNGY
As their self-titled debut hits nationwide this week, Connersvine, the duo made up of the punter for the Indianapolis Colts’ Hunter Smith, and songwriter Chris Wilson is receiving support and accolades from the likes of the Colt’s head coach, media, hometown radio/TV outlets, and more.

"I have really enjoyed listening to Connersvine's debut CD,” remarked Indianapolis Colt’s Head Coach Tony Dungy. “ It is great music from some very talented musicians. But even more than the music, I appreciate the heartfelt words of the songs. Very thought provoking and very much pointing the listener to Christ."

CMCentral.com stated, “Connersvine busted up my misconceptions in a big way with this creative, delightful debut,” and Aspiring Retail also commented, “Smith and Chris Wilson, both grounded in years of young adult ministry, deliver a signature stamp of worship for today’s church.”

In addition, Connersvine hosted The Gospel Music Channel’s Front Row Live program, recently airing over two back-to-back weekends, and have made several local Indianapolis appearances, including the local NBC and FOX affiliate morning shows, Pop station WZPL’s Dave Smiley Morning Show, and each Monday morning are talking with Christian radio personalities across the country from 6-9am in support of their new single, “Live For You”.

Also in Indianapolis, Connersvine will be doing a free record release party at 7pm tonight at Traders Point Christian Church. Later in the week the duo will hit the River Landing Indy Borders (Wednesday, 7pm) and Berean Christian store (Friday, 6pm) for live acoustic sets and signing events.

In the summer of 2001, Smith and Wilson began their friendship by leading music together for a young adult ministry on the south side of Indianapolis – this grew into a songwriting relationship, and then they found people asking them to come and play all over the city. Thus began Connersvine. Born and raised in Sherman, Texas, Hunter Smith has had a passion for music as well as a talent in football. Smith graduated from Notre Dame and went on to be drafted in the NFL by the Indianapolis Colts, and just started his ninth season as their punter in addition to the holder for kicker Adam Vinatieri. Raised with a great appreciation for music, Chris Wilson began playing guitar at the age of ten and was helping on the worship team at his local church by the time he was in middle school. Through his passion, Wilson has continued to develop his skills as a musician, songwriter, artist and worship leader.
10/19/2007
DISCIPLE GEARS UP FOR THE SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY TOUR AMIDST BUSY FALL
INO rockers & Southern based group DISCIPLE will be hitting the road again for the Southern Hospitality Tour with Tooth & Nail Record’s band Spoken, Brave New World Record’s The Wedding and Rocketown Record’s High Flight Society. Having just finished up their Scars Remain tour, the band will kick off the Southern Hospitality Tour on Oct. 31 in Highland, IL and will wrap up on Nov. 18 in Manheim, PA; tour dates listed below.

After receiving placement on sports shows and in sports venues throughout the country, DISCIPLE’s “Game On” rock hit will now be performed live at a college or university thanks to the INO Records “Get Your Game On” promotion. High school and college students across the country have been registering and voting for their school online. The grand prize includes 200 specially designed t-shirts for the winning school, an autographed Disciple CD library and a live performance from the group at a school pep rally. Deadline to enter is this Friday, but several hundred students, 40 faculty members and almost a dozen radio station have already registered and voted at http://www.inorecords.com/getyourgameon/.

Southern Hospitality Tour
* All dates subject to change
· Oct. 31 Highland, IL
· Nov. 1 Fayetteville, AK
· Nov. 2 Joplin, MO
· Nov. 3 Broken Arrow, OK
· Nov. 4 Lafayette, LA
· Nov. 6 Jacksonville, FL
· Nov. 8 Homestead, FL
· Nov. 9 Lakeland, FL
· Nov. 10 Montgomery, AL
· Nov. 13 Linthicum, MI
· Nov. 15 Bamegat, NJ
· Nov. 16 Cleveland, OH
· Nov. 17 Landsdale, PA
· Nov. 18 Manheim, PA


The Knoxville, Tenn. foursome comprised of Kevin Young on vocals, Brad Noah on guitar, Tim Barrett on drums and Joey Fife on bass’ first self-titled studio release “Disciple” (2005) sold 100,000 units and brought home three No. 1 hits. Disciple has also been nominated for a whopping four Gospel Music Awards, and their sophomore album “Scars Remain” (2006) has already garnered a No. 1 hit. “Game On” from their sophomore project also received massive placement in sports shows across the country including “Best Damn Sports Show,” NFL’s “Total Axxess”, WWF’s “Cyber Sunday” and Speed TV’s “Speed Report,” as well as venues such as Wachovia Center in Philadelphia and even Madison Square Garden in New York City. The single was also used in promotion for “Criminal Minds” and “CSI Miami.”
10/11/2007
INO RECORDS PROMOTES VALERIE STONE TO MANAGER OF NATIONAL PROMOTIONS
Effective immediately, INO Records announces the promotion of Valerie Stone to Manager of National Promotions. In her new position, Stone will connect artists with radio stations through various means of promotion including single airplay, interviews and live events.

“With Valerie’s enthusiasm and love for radio and Christian music, it was a logical choice to promote her to Manager of National Promotions here at INO,” says Director of National Promotions Tate Luck. “We are thrilled to see what the future holds for this Radio Department team as we continue to serve Christian Radio in 2008.”

Hailing from Tulsa, Oklahoma, Stone is a 2005 graduate of Oklahoma State University. She has been working at INO since January 2006. As part of the INO Radio team, Stone played an active role in promoting MercyMe’s current single “God With Us,” which resulted in a record breaking 79 adds its first week.
10/09/2007
MERCYME SETS NEW RADIO ADD RECORD/79 REPORTING STATIONS ON “GOD WITH US” BY ADD DATE
On November 20th, multi-platinum and award-winning band MercyMe will release their fifth studio recording, “ALL THAT IS WITHIN ME,” and Christian radio couldn’t be more excited about playing their new single, “God With Us.” Besides setting the record for most AC adds in a week, over 75% of R&R’s AC panel has added the song by add date. Combining CHR and INSPO adds, “God With Us” is being heard on 79 R&R and CRW reporting stations and networks already.

In its first week going for adds the single debuted on R&R’s Christian AC-Monitored at No. 25, and No. 17 on its AC-Indicator chart, and while it was the most added on both of these AC charts, it was also such at INSPO and one of the top added singles at CHR this week as well. On CRW’s AC chart, the single was also its most added of the week, debuting at No. 37.

“MercyMe has done it once again,” remarks INO Record’s Senior Director of Marketing & Promotions, Dan Michaels. “They have delivered the right song at the right time, and our promotions team remains grateful to Christian radio for their continued support on this remarkable group.”

In addition, the single for “God With Us” goes on sale online today (10/9) with iTunes, Rhapsody, Napster, Yahoo and Sony Connect among others. MercyMe is one of the top Christian artists on Myspace.com and has received nearly 65,000 plays of “God With Us” since its debut last week at www.myspace.com/mercyme.

“God With Us” follows nine consecutive No. 1 Christian singles and four back-to-back mainstream radio hits from MercyMe since their multi-format smash, “I Can Only Imagine” in 2001. Recorded at Cider Mountain Recorders and ranch in Idaho (with strings recorded at London’s famed Abbey Road Studio), the band purposefully ‘got away from it all’ in order to soley focus on getting their creative direction straight from God for this project. As a result, an album of songs “straight from scripture” was created, and in many ways is taking them back to where MercyMe began, singing for the church.

“When we started making the new album,” commented lead singer Bart Millard, “I guess the underlying theme is us trying to be a grateful people for the fact that God ever looked our way to begin with. The song “God With Us” is the first song we wrote for the album, that we kind of built everything else around. We’ve been obsessed with this idea that we’re nothing without Christ and there’s no reason why he had to include us in anything but he still did, and how grateful we should be for the rest of our lives, and how we should spend it glorifying Him. Even though it will never compare to Calvary, we don’t do it just because we’re supposed to, we do it because we’ve been completely changed, and this is our attempt to try to wrap all of that up into one song. It’s become a really special worship song to us, and I hope it really ushers a lot of people into the throne room of Christ through worship.

Since their debut in 2001, Grammy-nominated, American Music Award and multiple GMA Music Award winners MercyMe have sold over 5 million units in CD and DVD sales, including “Almost There”, nearly triple platinum, their 2003 project “Spoken For” which is approaching platinum sales, and the RIAA Gold certification for “Undone,” the MercyMe Live DVD, and “Coming Up to Breathe”, which also entered the Billboard Top 100 at No. 13. MercyMe is one of few Contemporary Christian music groups to have had all of their recordings certified Gold or Platinum. In addition, MercyMe has garnered four consecutive mainstream radio hits with “I Can Only Imagine”, (No. 4 AC/top 25 on Top 40/Hot AC), “Here With Me” (No. 4 AC), “Homesick” (top 10 AC), and “So Long Self.” With their multi-platinum sales, and one of the industry's most notable talents, MercyMe has sold out venues including Radio City Music Hall and received media attention from the likes of The Tonight Show, CNN, Fox New Channel’s Fox & Friends, ABC News, CBS’ Early Show, and has been seen on the pages of Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, USA Today, Billboard, and more.
10/04/2007
NFL PUNTER BOOMS ONE IN WORLD PREMIERE CONCERT
Sure he can punt, but can he sing?

This may not be the question going through the minds of fans of the World Champion Indianapolis Colts after punter Hunter Smith nails a kick on Sundays, but on Saturday Night, October 13, Smith will show the country that the answer to that question is a booming yes.

Smith played of the biggest stage in sports – The Super Bowl -- and now he takes the stage literally as he and band mate Chris Wilson bring their Christian music duo Connersvine to the Gospel Music Channel cable television network original series Front Row Live. Front Row Live: Connersvine will world premiere nationally on Gospel Music Channel on Sat. October 13 @ 8:00 p.m. ET/PT with several encores that night and throughout the month. Connersvine will be performing music from their just-released, self-titled debut album in a live concert recorded in May under the nose of the AFC South rivals Tennessee Titans in Nashville, TN.

Front Row Live is Gospel Music Channel’s original series featuring powerhouse artists hosting their own concert performances while sharing their musical inspirations in front of specially-invited audiences. Featured artists have included Kirk Franklin, Third Day, Michael W. Smith, The Clark Sisters and Natalie Grant. Upcoming world premieres include a very special show, Calvin Cooke and Friends with special guest Robert Randolph (Oct. 21.).

Smith graduated from Notre Dame and went on to be drafted by the NFL Colts as their punter in addition to be the holder for field goals. He has just begun his ninth season with Indianapolis. Raised with a great appreciation for music, Wilson began playing guitar at the age of ten and was helping on the worship team at his local church by the time he was in middle school. Smith and Wilson met in the summer of 2001, beginning their friendship by leading worship together for a young adult ministry on the south side of Indianapolis. They created Connersvine, which has an acoustic-driven rock sound that communicates through worshipful melodies and passionate vocals.
09/12/2007
CAEDMON’S CALL CATAPULTS TO NO. 54 ON BILLBOARD’S TOP 200 LIST/NO.3 ON CHRISTIAN SOUNDSCAN
After an impressive first week in scans with over 12k units, INO Records’ Caedmon’s Call (with former member Derek Webb) is celebrating the success of Overdressed which released August 28 reaching No. 54 on Billboard’s Top 200 list and No. 3 on the Contemporary Christian SoundScan chart for the week ending September 7.

Overdressed is the organic outpouring of where Caedmon's came from, as well as where we are as a band,” says member Todd Bragg. “To see so many people moved to buy the project is extremely exciting.”

National momentum continues to build at Christian AC, INSPO and CHR radio with Caedmon’s Call’s latest single “There Is A Reason.” Currently there are over 43 stations onboard playing the single including recent adds from AC stations KYTT in Eugene-Springfield,OR; WDJC in Birmingham, AL; KHZR in St. Louis, MO. Adds from INSPO stations include, American Family Radio Network; KCJB in St. Cloud, MN;Family Life Ministries Network; and CHR station in Chicago, IL WONU.

To check out Caedmon’s Call’s EPK Sizzle Reel, which features behind the scenes footage of the band speaking into each song on the album along with personal never-before-heard stories behind the songs go to: Sizzle Reel. For any other latest news and information, click on www.caedmonscall.com or www.caedmonscall.net.
09/12/2007
ANTICIPATION BUILDS FOR HARRIS’ SOPHOMORE SOLO RELEASE WINDOWS AND WALLS
Anticipation is building for INO Recording artist Mark Harris’ second solo project, Windows and Walls releasing September 25th. As children nationwide head back to school, Mark Harris’ new single, “Writing On The Wall,” has radio stations scrambling to add it to their play lists.

In this latest tug-at-your-heartstrings song, Harris tells a tender story of just how quickly kids grow up. Program Director Kurt Wallace from 104.9 The River in Columbus, Ohio says, “Talk about your timely songs. ’Writing On the Wall’ will be a back-to-school standard. I couldn’t wait to get it on the air. Added it OUT-OF-THE-BOX!”

Windows and Walls is the Sophomore follow-up to Harris’ debut solo project, Line Between The Two, which featured the touching hit single “Find Your Wings.” Produced by both Pete Kipley and Nathan Nockels (MercyMe, Phillips, Craig & Dean), Windows and Walls is influenced by his current role as Head of Worship Ministries at his home church in Alabama. The twelve-track CD centers on story-driven songs written to encourage and fortify families.

“I wrote the song ‘Writing On The Wall’ with the hope that a parent will hear it and say ‘I’m not going to work late tonight—I’m going home to be with my family,’” says Harris. “I believe that songs can make a difference when someone hears them at the right time. Because I’ve seen how songs impact people, I just can’t leave this behind.”
09/06/2007
MERCYME DELIVERS “ALL THAT IS WITHIN ME”
Following five bestselling projects, nine consecutive No. 1 Christian singles and four back-to-back mainstream radio hits, the multi platinum, Dove Award winning and Grammy-nominated band MercyMe returns with their next batch of hook-filled and emotionally grabbing songs on “All That Is Within Me” due November 20th. MercyMe is one of few Contemporary Christian music to have had all of their recordings certified Gold or Platinum.

Produced by Brown Bannister and recorded at Cider Mountain Recorders and ranch in Idaho (with strings recorded at London’s famed Abbey Road Studio), the band purposefully ‘got away from it all’ in order to soley focus on getting their creative direction straight from God for this project. As a result, an album of songs “straight from scripture” was created, says lead singer/songwriter Bart Millard. He adds that in many ways this record is taking them back to where MercyMe began, singing for the church, commenting that it is music “geared for the church, it’s what we do live, what we love, who we are, and what consumes us.”

The record features worshipful moments like “God With Us,” “You Reign,” and “Sanctified” alongside the rockier and upbeat “Goodbye Ordinary” and “Time Has Come,” combined with very personal songs like “Finally Home.” “Finally Home” captures Millard’s thoughts about what he’ll tell his earthly father (who died from cancer several years ago and inspired “I Can Only Imagine”) about his life and how he’ll greet his heavenly Father. Full of energetic, melodic, thoughtful, and memorable moments, this record aims to touch the heart of the church in a very real, emotional and direct way. Accompanying the regular CD release is a special collectors edition that features a bonus disc which includes a six-song live video, interview footage with the band, three acoustic versions of songs and a free ringtone offer.

MercyMe’s love for God, their families, music, and of course as many know, sports, is what consumers their lives, and in tune with these passions, the album’s cover features pieces of 56 photos from the band members’ personal collections, expressing visually “all that is within them” with images of family, sports, Bibles, pets, nature, instruments and more. In addition, descriptions of these photos will be a part of the launch of MercyMe’s new website on their street date (www.mercyme.org).

About the project’s first single, “God With Us,” (hitting AC/CHR/INSPO formats October 5th), Millard remarks, “The whole idea that this big God would even look our way is mind boggling; it’s just an amazing thought that God would ever pay attention to us. This song is really trying to relay that feeling when you find yourself in the presence of God and it’s so intense that you’re going to bust at the seams. And I’ll tell you, it’s a daunting task to use a limited vocabulary to describe an infinite God, but this is one of those songs that we hope outlasts us and the church will sing long after we’re gone.”

“MercyMe has always been about the business of expanding God’s kingdom through music,” remarked INO Records President Jeff Moseley. “Over the past several years they have seen conventional and unconventional opportunities come their way. On this record I am excited that they feel led to expand the Kingdom through songs that build up and edify the body of Christ. These songs exhort believers in a form that is perhaps the best body of work they have delivered to date. I believe these songs will resonate deeply with the church.”

In addition to performing at Madison Square Garden for New York City’s Harvest Crusade on September 23rd, MercyMe will hit the road this fall on the 24+ city “All That Is Within Me” tour, supported by Aaron Shust and Monk & Neagle. Tour dates are listed below, and e-cards have been created and can be found at mercyme.org.

“Some of MercyMe’s finest live moments come when they come together with a crowd and just worship,” remarks the band’s manager Scott Brickell. “There are so many songs on this record where there is the opportunity for this to happen, so the band is really excited to hit the road and play this new music and worship with fans across the country.”

Since their debut in 2001, Grammy-nominated, American Music Award and multiple GMA Music Award winners MercyMe have sold over 4 million units in CD and DVD sales, including “Almost There”, nearly triple platinum, their 2003 project “Spoken For” which is approaching platinum sales, and the RIAA Gold certification for “Undone,” the MercyMe Live DVD, and “Coming Up to Breathe”, which also entered the Billboard Top 100 at No. 13. In addition, MercyMe has garnered four consecutive mainstream radio hits with “I Can Only Imagine”, (No. 4 AC/top 25 on Top 40/Hot AC), “Here With Me” (No. 4 AC), “Homesick” (top 10 AC), and “So Long Self.” With their multi-platinum sales, and one of the industry's most notable talents, MercyMe has sold out venues including Radio City Music Hall and received media attention from the likes of The Tonight Show, CNN, Fox New Channel’s Fox & Friends, ABC News, CBS’ Early Show, and has been seen on the pages of Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, USA Today, Billboard, and more.
09/05/2007
National Debut, We Shine, To Release On September 25 With Music Industry Leaders Endorsing
“I’ve been using Steve’s worship music with my students for years. I love how his songs create an atmosphere of freedom where people can connect with God through worship. And this record is the best yet!”
-- Mark Hall, Casting Crowns

“Steve Fee has a unique voice in the world of worship, effectively leading a new generation to live in a Story so much bigger than their own. Birthing anthems for the church and songs for the culture, Steve continues to merge lyrics anchored in truth with a musicality that is current and fresh. We’ve shared so much of the journey together over the last decade and I’m excited to see how God will use Fee’s debut release ‘We Shine’ for His fame throughout the earth.
‘We Shine’ is one of the best worship projects of the year.”
--- Louie Giglio, Visionary Architect/Director/Passion Conferences

Releasing two independent projects and traveling with the Passion Conferences as a Worship Leader isn’t ‘normal’ behavior for an unsigned artist, but that’s exactly how Steve Fee and band has made a name for themselves since 2001. Now, Steve Fee, Matt Adkins, Heath Balltzglier, and Brandon Coker (known as Fee) have a deal at INO Records to release We Shine September 25.

Band leader Steve Fee says, “I feel like this is so much about timing, God’s timing. I have talked to a whole lot of people over the years, yet I was content doing my own thing. But we believe there is a message here that is so good and timely that we want everybody who can hear it to hear it. I have realized that INO is a team of passionate people who have the ability to get this record to people, at the right time and in the right way.”

With We Shine, Fee delivers a 12-track set of powerful worship songs that echo victory in Christ in every lyric. The band melds celebratory and significant lyrics to its energetic, relevant rock. The tone of We Shine is set through the spirited album opener “All Because of Jesus” and first radio single “Glorious One”. The title cut is a raucous jumper and a shouting experience, while “Grace Will Be My Song” and “Beautiful the Blood” escalate with powerful confessions to a Savior who calls his people to freedom in him.

“Fee has done an amazing job of building and participating in the ‘worship community,’ says Jeff Moseley, president of INO Records. “As an independent artist he has accomplished some things that any major label artist would dream of. We are happy to partner with him at this place and see how far we can take this music. We believe there are no boundaries and that the songs and artistry will make a way.”

For more information on Fee and to watch for upcoming tour dates, go to www.stevefee.com.

What more industry leaders are saying….

We Shine is my favorite worship record and Steve Fee is the most energizing worship leader I’ve ever experienced. His sound is unique. His lyrics are compelling. These songs are going to be around for a long time.”
-- Andy Stanley, Pastor of North Point Community Church in Atlanta, GA

“Steve Fee’s music has been a voice of the local church for over a decade, finally his song writing will be heard by the masses. We Shine is a record full of worship anthems soon to be embraced and sung by the church worldwide.”
--- Bart Millard/ MercyMe

“What an amazing cd. Christ centered lyrics, with infectious beats that stick to you like Velcro. Steve Fee is not only a dear friend, but an amazing worship leader. The new Fee cd has been playing in my car, my iPod, my kitchen, and in my brain all summer long. Every song has helped me love Jesus more.” --- David Nasser/ author and minister
08/14/2007
TODD AGNEW TO CO-HEADLINE CHRISTMAS TOUR WITH NEWSONG
From his 2006 critically-acclaimed Christmas masterpiece Do You See What I See? Ardent Records/INO Recording artist Todd Agnew prepares for the Christmas season by creating a collection of performance tools for churches, using music from the Do You See What I See? project. This resource collection will be available starting September 11 along with a repackaged retail version of Do You See What I See?

In this 2 CD-ROM set, the package will include a Full Listening and Split Trax Audio with rehearsal ID points. The Listening disc will contain, as an enhancement, sheet music and chord charts both in PDF form and narrations in document form. The Split Trax contains the visual backgrounds and lyric text files for all of the songs. The image backgrounds are designed to help visualize and support the powerful lyrics of the songs, invoking thoughts of what each song means, causing listeners to consider what God might have them interpret as they meditate on the story of events that happened so many years ago.

Commenting about this resource and Agnew’s creativeness, Tim McCarty, Pastor of Worship Ministries at Edgewoods Baptist Church in Edmonds, Washington says, “When I first heard Todd Agnew’s Do You See What I See?, I was just blown away. Besides the stirring music and great vocal lines, I quickly noticed how the entire CD is more of a story than just a bunch of songs. Through the well-thought-out lyrics, Agnew is able to retell the story of Christ’s birth in a fresh, exciting way. I am thrilled to see this new resource set available and I look forward to being able to use this collection in our church.”

Along with the release of the resource disc, Agnew will be shoveling across the U.S. as he co-headlines “The Christmas Promise Tour” with NewSong beginning the last weekend in November and running through mid-December. The 15-city tour, which is currently being routed by GOA (www.goa-inc.com) will also feature radio-favorite Matthew West, new Ardent Records’ singer/songwriter Joy Whitlock and more. Eddie Carswell, founder of NewSong, reflects, “Last year we had the honor of touring with Todd and the enthusiastic feedback we got was overwhelming. Some of our pastors said this was among the very best combinations of artistry and content they had ever experienced in a Christmas event. This year looks to be even more promising!”

Watch for these tour dates to be announced and all news regarding Agnew, by logging onto toddagnew.com.
08/01/2007
SANDI PATTY HONORED AT GMA MUSIC IN THE ROCKIES
Iconic female vocalist Sandi Patty was honored last night by the Gospel Music Association (GMA) with the GMA Music in the Rockies Summit Award during her concert performance in Estes Park, Colo.

The Summit Award honors individuals, groups or organizations in the Christian/gospel music industry that have demonstrated remarkable achievement over time, and have a meaningful connection with the GMA Music in the Rockies event. It is presented only when the GMA determines there is a deserving recipient. Patty becomes the fourth to receive the honor since it was introduced in 2003. Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith are former recipients of the Summit Award. Cam Floria, founder of the event, received it in 2004 on the 30th anniversary.

“The Summit Award gives us an opportunity to honor the contributions of those who have helped Christian music reach new artistic and commercial heights and who have had a meaningful connection to the Estes Park event. Sandi Patty, who has been a regular fixture since she first attended Music in the Rockies in 1979, received the award in recognition of her nearly three decades of unparalleled achievement in vocal artistry and because she has been an inspiration to millions,” said John W. Styll, president and CEO of GMA.

Patty was presented the Summit Award during the Tuesday night concert that is part of the week-long Music in the Rockies concert series. After receiving the award from Styll, Patty ended the evening’s show asking fellow artists David Phelps and the Crabb Family to join her on stage for an impromptu group performance "Blessed Assurance."

In her illustrious career, INO recording artist Sandi Patty has won 39 Dove Awards, five Grammy Awards and four Billboard Music Awards. In 2004, became a member of the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame. She has released 24 albums over the last 27 years, selling more than 11 million units and receiving three platinum and five gold certifications from the RIAA. Patty has performed for four presidents; appeared on the “Tonight Show, the “Macy's Thanksgiving Parade” and “Christmas in Washington”; played Carnegie Hall and has inspired millions all over the world with her soaring voice and humble character. Patty released her 25th career recording Falling Forward along with a companion book of the same name in April and is currently a featured participant in the Women of Faith conferences.
07/27/2007
TODD AGNEW’S BETTER QUESTIONS ENTERS BILLBOARD’S CHRISTIAN RETAIL SOUNDSCAN AT NO.1
Ardent/INO Records’ five-time Dove Award nominee Todd Agnew enters Billboard’s Contemporary Christian Retail Soundscan Overall Chart at No. 1 with his latest project Better Questions as he announces plans to partner with World Vision for his headline tour this fall. Newcomers Rush Of Fools and Ardent Records’ singer/songwriter Joy Whitlock will join Agnew on the 30+city tour starting September and running through November.

“We are going to be out digging into some of the concepts of the Better Questions record, sharing some of the new songs,” says Agnew regarding the fall tour. “We will also be digging into this idea of questioning God and bring our deepest and hardest questions to the Lord so that we don’t ignore them.”

Agnew’s partnership with World Vision kicked off with a recent trip to Zimbabwe. A limited edition dvd featuring behind-the-scenes of the trip and more, is available with the purchase of Better Questions exclusively at Christian retail stores and select online retailers.

Agnew’s fourth studio project Better Questions released on July 17. The project’s first single, “Our Great God,” is connecting with listeners and gaining momentum. AC stations on the song include Milwaukee’s WFZH/the Fish; Greensboro, NC’s WBFJ; WCSG in Grand Rapids, MI; Fayetteville, NC’s WCLN; Brunswick, GA’s WAYR; WJIE in Louisville, KY and WDJC in Birmingham, AL. Williamsport, PA’s WGRC reports the song No.1 on their weekly top ten list during Better Questions release week. WGRC’s program director Larry Weidman says, regarding Agnew’s single, "A song that is needed to communicate the profound truth that the God of Christianity is not the same as the god or gods of other religions. And it doesn't hurt that Todd Agnew has been blessed with a voice that resonates with our female audience. A must play."

On the Inspo charts reaching Top 20, “Our Great God” continues to climb with stations such as; WMBI (Moody Broadcasting) in Chicago, IL; WGNV in Wausau-Stevens Point, WI; KCFB in St. Cloud, MN and American Family Network.

Along with radio stations playing “Our Great God,” Agnew and James’ MySpace blogs have received unprecedented response from fans worldwide.

In support of his release, Agnew recently finished a promotional tour stopping at; KSBJ for a Brown Bag performance, K-LOVE radio network where he and duet partner Rebecca St. James performed his latest single on the Jon and Sherry Rivers morning show, and KXOJ’s “Riverwalk Festival” with music director Dave Gordon commenting, “Tulsa can't get enough of Todd Agnew. An estimated 3,000 KXOJ listeners enjoyed his Monday night concert at Riverwalk Crossing launching the release of his new CD.”

Better Questions Tour
9/6/2007 Little Rock, AR
9/8/2007 Oklahoma City, OK
9/13/2007 Albuquerque, NM
9/14/2007 Tempe, AZ
9/15/2007 Tucson, AZ
9/19/2007 Merced, CA
9/20/2007 Redding, CA
9/21/2007 Bend, OR
9/23/2007 Spokane, WA
9/25/2007 Wenatchee, WA
9/26/2007 Missoula, MT
9/27/2007 Kalispell, MT
9/28/2007 Pasco, WA
9/29/2007 College Place, WA
9/30/2007 Layton, UT
10/3/2007 Castle Rock, CO
10/6/2007 Mt. Sterling, KY
10/9/2007 Cumming, GA
10/11/2007 Iowa City, IA
10/13/2007 Minneapolis, MN
10/19/2007 Charlotte, NC
10/20/2007 Dunn, NC
10/26/2007 Greenwood, IN
10/28/2007 Louisville, KY
11/3/2007 Brooksville, FL
11/11/2007 Houghton, NY
11/17/2007 Clinton, MS
11/18/2007 Memphis, TN
07/27/2007
TODD AGNEW’S BETTER QUESTIONS ENTERS BILLBOARD’S CHRISTIAN RETAIL SOUNDSCAN AT NO.1
Ardent/INO Records’ five-time Dove Award nominee Todd Agnew enters Billboard’s Contemporary Christian Retail Soundscan Overall Chart at No. 1 with his latest project Better Questions as he announces plans to partner with World Vision for his headline tour this fall. Newcomers Rush Of Fools and Ardent Records’ singer/songwriter Joy Whitlock will join Agnew on the 30+city tour starting September and running through November.

“We are going to be out digging into some of the concepts of the Better Questions record, sharing some of the new songs,” says Agnew regarding the fall tour. “We will also be digging into this idea of questioning God and bring our deepest and hardest questions to the Lord so that we don’t ignore them.”

Agnew’s partnership with World Vision kicked off with a recent trip to Zimbabwe. A limited edition dvd featuring behind-the-scenes of the trip and more, is available with the purchase of Better Questions exclusively at Christian retail stores and select online retailers.

Agnew’s fourth studio project Better Questions released on July 17. The project’s first single, “Our Great God,” is connecting with listeners and gaining momentum. AC stations on the song include Milwaukee’s WFZH/the Fish; Greensboro, NC’s WBFJ; WCSG in Grand Rapids, MI; Fayetteville, NC’s WCLN; Brunswick, GA’s WAYR; WJIE in Louisville, KY and WDJC in Birmingham, AL. Williamsport, PA’s WGRC reports the song No.1 on their weekly top ten list during Better Questions release week. WGRC’s program director Larry Weidman says, regarding Agnew’s single, "A song that is needed to communicate the profound truth that the God of Christianity is not the same as the god or gods of other religions. And it doesn't hurt that Todd Agnew has been blessed with a voice that resonates with our female audience. A must play."

On the Inspo charts reaching Top 20, “Our Great God” continues to climb with stations such as; WMBI (Moody Broadcasting) in Chicago, IL; WGNV in Wausau-Stevens Point, WI; KCFB in St. Cloud, MN and American Family Network.

Along with radio stations playing “Our Great God,” Agnew and James’ MySpace blogs have received unprecedented response from fans worldwide.

In support of his release, Agnew recently finished a promotional tour stopping at; KSBJ for a Brown Bag performance, K-LOVE radio network where he and duet partner Rebecca St. James performed his latest single on the Jon and Sherry Rivers morning show, and KXOJ’s “Riverwalk Festival” with music director Dave Gordon commenting, “Tulsa can't get enough of Todd Agnew. An estimated 3,000 KXOJ listeners enjoyed his Monday night concert at Riverwalk Crossing launching the release of his new CD.”

Better Questions Tour
9/6/2007 Little Rock, AR
9/8/2007 Oklahoma City, OK
9/13/2007 Albuquerque, NM
9/14/2007 Tempe, AZ
9/15/2007 Tucson, AZ
9/19/2007 Merced, CA
9/20/2007 Redding, CA
9/21/2007 Bend, OR
9/23/2007 Spokane, WA
9/25/2007 Wenatchee, WA
9/26/2007 Missoula, MT
9/27/2007 Kalispell, MT
9/28/2007 Pasco, WA
9/29/2007 College Place, WA
9/30/2007 Layton, UT
10/3/2007 Castle Rock, CO
10/6/2007 Mt. Sterling, KY
10/9/2007 Cumming, GA
10/11/2007 Iowa City, IA
10/13/2007 Minneapolis, MN
10/19/2007 Charlotte, NC
10/20/2007 Dunn, NC
10/26/2007 Greenwood, IN
10/28/2007 Louisville, KY
11/3/2007 Brooksville, FL
11/11/2007 Houghton, NY
11/17/2007 Clinton, MS
11/18/2007 Memphis, TN
07/23/2007
ONE OF CHRISTIAN MUSIC’S BEST-SELLING NEW ARTISTS IN 2007
One of the most successful and best-selling new Christian artists in 2007, INO Records’ 33Miles, crossed the U.S. on a jam-packed promotional tour filled with television appearances, radio station visits, concerts, festivals and more. Now in follow-up to their smash top-10 debut single “What Could Be Better” 33Miles has released “There Is A God” to radio on July 20.

Reflecting on “There Is A God” lead singer Jason Barton says, “In a world full of unbelief and confusion, this song offers an anthem for Christians to sing aloud the undeniable evidence that we did not just appear from nowhere, that we are wonderfully made by the Creator of the universe and that He calls us ‘friend.’”

Since their self-titled album released on April 10, 33Miles has logged over 33,000 miles touring the country in a whirl-wind of press, taping the video countdown show “Hot List” with The Gospel Music Channel, appearing on LeSea Broadcasting’s “The Daily Harvest Show” in June and on Father’s Day performing during the “Hour Of Power” broadcast at The Crystal Cathedral.

Earlier this month, 33Miles performed at both of Christian music's largest annual listener appreciation concerts: KLTY/Dallas' "Celebrate Freedom" with more than 100,000 fans in attendance and KXOJ/Tulsa's "Freedom Live" festival. According to KXOJ's Bob Thorton, "20,000+ came out to see 33Miles!”

33Miles most recent radio concert appearances include, WCVO/The River in Columbus, OH and The Fish in Nashville, Sacramento and Cleveland. Upcoming appearances will be KSBJ “Summer Of Love” concert series in Houston, TX, K-LOVE regional market concerts and WCIC in Peoria, IL.
07/20/2007
INO RECORDS ANNOUNCES FALL RELEASE SCHEDULE
INO Records has announced a busy fall schedule with new cd releases from MercyMe, The Afters, Phil Wickham, Sara Groves and Mark Harris. New signings Connersvine and Fee are also set to release debut projects this fall.

Following five bestselling projects, nine consecutive No. 1 Christian singles and four back-to-back mainstream radio hits, the multi platinum and Grammy-nominated band MercyMe returns with their next batch of hook-filled and emotionally grabbing songs on “All That Is Within Me” due November 20th. Produced by Brown Bannister and recorded at Cider Mountain studio and ranch in Idaho (with strings recorded at London’s famed Abbey Road Studio), the band offers an album of songs “straight from scripture” says lead singer/songwriter Bart Millard. The record features worshipful moments like “God With Us,” “You Reign,” and “Sanctified” alongside very personal songs like “Finally Home.” “Finally Home” captures Millard’s thoughts about what he’ll tell his earthly father (who died from cancer several years ago) about his life and how he’ll greet his heavenly Father. Full of energetic moments, this record nonetheless touches the heart of the church in a very real emotional and personal way.

Following his smash debut project, “The Line Between The Two”, Mark Harris is set to release “Windows and Walls” on September 25. Produced by Pete Kipley and Nathan Nockels, this Dove Award-winning artist, once again delivers songs for the soundtrack of life wrapped in up-tempo, powerful melodic moments. Winner of a dove award for his song “Find Your Wings” on his last album Harris once again delivers radio ready music including the title track, “Windows and Walls” which addresses the integrity of living out our faith with our families.

The Afters are slated to release their highly-anticipated sophomore project on December 26 with “Never Going Back to Ok.” The former Starbucks baristas turned GMA new artists of the year are recording again with producer Dan Muckala (TobyMac, MercyMe, Nick Lachey). With their debut project, The Afters received top attention from their fans and media outlets. The Afters’ music appeared as a theme song for a MTV reality show along with being heard on mtvU, ABC Family, and E! News as well as on HOT AC and VH-1 radio along with outlets such as Billboard, BOP and Popstar. They also received a MTVU woody award and their song beautiful love was the most downloaded song of CCM in 2006.

Sara Groves’ latest project, “Tell Me What You Know,” due out November 6 is produced by Brown Bannister (who also produced her critically-acclaimed CD “Add to the Beauty”). Groves is hoping that when listening to this record, people will be moved by the joy of getting to be involved in God's kingdom and will think critically about their relationship to their neighbors and to the world. In addition to many songs Groves penned herself, she also co-wrote several, including one with Charlie Peacock called “In the Girl” and a closing song with Gordon Kennedy called “You Are Wonderful.”

Phil Wickham is releasing his sophomore project, “Cannons”, on October 2. With Wickham’s loyal and dedicated following, this project, produced by Pete Kipley, is poised to propel him to the forefront of Christian music. The combination of up-tempo pop, powerful worship and poignant lyrics are promising to take the church and fans alike to the next step up from his wildly-acclaimed debut self-titled project. Phil kicks off the release of the record with a 25+ city tour with David Crowder.

Earlier this year, INO added acoustic, pop-rock duo Connersvine to its roster. Indianapolis Colt’s {2007 Super-bowl Champs} punter Hunter Smith and singer/songwriter Chris Wilson make up this dynamic duo. Both come from a strong musical background and both lead worship at the Every Nation Church in Indianapolis. Their self-titled debut project will release October 23. Based firmly in the church, this acoustic pop rock release’s first single “Live For You” will be impacting Christian AC and Inspo radio on August 31.

INO’s newest signing, Fee, is no newcomer to the music scene but rather is an established modern worship group from Atlanta who contributed to Passion ‘07, Catalyst and other recent worship gatherings. Fee’s debut INO project, “We Shine,” will release September 25, featuring 13 tracks of cutting-edge rock worship—many of which are already gaining momentum in church worship worldwide. Produced by Steve Fee and Jason Hoard. Fee’s debut AC/Inspo radio single, “Glorious One” will be going for adds on August 3.
07/19/2007
SKILLET DOUBLES SALES/TOPS 200,000 SCANS WITH ‘COMATOSE’
With no sign of slowing, the Grammy-nominated band SKILLET’s latest, ‘COMATOSE,’ has doubled sales of their 2004 project, ‘COLLIDE,’ having now scanned over 200k units in less than half the time. After 41 weeks on the chart, ‘COMATOSE’ has spent the majority of that time in the Top 10, selling an average of 4900 units each week.
In follow up to packed out club shows on their own as well as with Flyleaf in the spring, and performances before massive summer festival crowds, Skillet will open for mainstream rockers Breaking Benjamin and Three Days Grace for over 20 dates in September/October (tentative dates below).
In follow up to their seven-week reign at No.1 on Christian Rock with their single “Rebirthing,” Skillet’s second Christian single, “The Last Night,” also nabbed the top spot at Rock and CHR (CRW/R&R). With incredible staying-power, the song made two returns to No. 1 on CHR after initially nabbing the top spot. Therefore, it’s been a waiting game to release the band’s next singles, but both “The Older I Get” and “Comatose,” which will be launched to CHR and ROCK formats respectively this August.
06/29/2007
Derek Webb Speaks Out And Is Heard
INO/Columbia Recording artist Derek Webb has spoken out on his latest critically-acclaimed CD, “The Ringing Bell,” and many are not only hearing him, but applauding him. Of late, mainstream publications PASTE, USA TODAY and The WASHINGTON TIMES have given Webb’s message a platform through their publications, among many others.

USA Today music editor Ken Barnes called Derek Webb a "Christian maverick" singer-songwriter (that seems to be the standard description) who has a knack for power-pop choruses that rival Brendan Benson or any current practitioner you might want to cite”, and pop critic Elysa Gardner included Derek’s song “Name” in her recent ‘Playlist,’ calling it “a Beatlesque cut from The Ringing Bell finds the Christian pop maverick lending a sharper rock edge to his blend of compassion and witty skepticism.” (USA Today Blog)

PASTE magazine recently made Derek Webb their lead review in their June issue, granting a rare 5 stars, saying “The Ringing Bell is a perfectly concise pop statement from an artist whose auspicious moment is right now. Easily one of the year’s best records.” In addition, Derek’s photo encompassed their table of contents page, with his name was featured on the cover, and his song “I Wanna Marry You All Over Again” was included on The PASTE Sampler 32.

THE WASHINGTON TIMES recently sat down for a Q&A with Webb when he was in D.C., discussing the role his music plays in social justice and titling the article “Radical Truth Teller”: WashingtonTimes.com

SOJOURNERS: Recently, more than 600 church leaders and anti-poverty activists from 29 states gathered in Washington, D.C., for Pentecost 2007, the largest annual mobilization of progressive evangelicals devoted to raising the national conscience and mobilizing on behalf of the nation’s poor. Webb performed at the event’s Justice Revival. Also a part of Pentecost 2007 were the top three Democratic presidential candidates (Sen. Hillary Clinton, former Senator John Edwards, and Sen. Barack Obama) discussed faith, values and poverty in FAITH Guiding Our Votes , the first candidates forum this primary season that was devoted to poverty issues. Thousands more tuned in to the live CNN broadcast of the forum at hundreds of watch parties in more than 40 states.

“One particularly moving moment in Derek's performance was when he played as images of the devastation left in the wake of Hurricane Katrina were shown,” remarked Robin Fillmore, PhD Conference Director Sojourners/Call to Renewal. “ It was a powerful combination to hear Derek's call for justice in the face as we saw images of broken buildings and broken spirits on the Gulf Coast.”

These activists represent a national constituency of progressive Christians who want to translate their faith into action through political advocacy on issues like immigration reform, health care for children, food stamps, and other compassion issues. “With our eyes focused on the 2008 elections, we will speak out, organize and advocate in support of lawmakers who are committed to lifting the needy and giving hope to the poor,” said Rev. Jim Wallis, bestselling author of God's Politics: Why the Right Gets It Wrong and the Left Doesn’t Get It, and a founder of Sojourners/Call to Renewal, the sponsor of Pentecost 2007. Sojourners/Call to Renewal is a Christian ministry whose mission is to articulate the biblical call to social justice, inspiring hope and building a movement to transform individuals, communities, the church, and the world. Visit www.sojo.net, www.RedLetterChristians.org, and www.GodsPolitics.com.
06/12/2007
MIKE FARRIS FINDS SALVATION THROUGH SOUTHERN ROCK REBELLION
Traditional spirituals, turn-of-the-century New Orleans Gospel, and a slice of influence from Johnny Cash describes the musical portrait from INO Records’ artist Mike Farris, whose musical background stems from founding the Screamin' Cheetah Wheelies to touring with the likes of Blues Traveler, Sheryl Crow and the Allman Brothers Band. Farris’ INO debut, Salvation in Lights, is set to release June 26th.

Mike Farris’s music and soulful voice is capturing the likes of iTunes, today it is the featured Discovery Download where you can download “Sit Down Servant” for free at the link below, as well as attention from Barnes & Noble.com, Burnlounge Magazine, CCM Magazine, and Aspiring Retail. Farris will wow Music City with two local performances during street week (see below for details).

Farris shares the excitement and anticipation on the upcoming release, "These are the best days of my life!! A year ago at this time I was recording the basic tracks for what was to become the album Salvation In Lights. I have every reason to be anxious, worried, scared and full of fear, but today, as I write, yours truly is worry free. We have incredible things happening that I would have never dreamed would happen. All in all I have been blessed in so many ways and given so many things that I honestly thought was beyond reach! I have to remind myself that it wasn't that long ago that wondered if I would ever get to play music again, and now here I am, having the chance to play my favorite music in the world with the best musicians and singers in the world, enjoying what is truly, the best days of my life.”
05/22/2007
CAEDMON'S CALL ANNOUNCES BIG YEAR
INO Records' announces the signing of award-winning Christian group, folk-pop sensation Caedmon's Call. The group will be releasing their 15th project Overdressed on Aug. 28, and features former member-turned-solo singer/songwriter Derek Webb on the project and upcoming tour.

"It was definitely a no-brainer to record with Derek again, especially when we [Caedmon's Call] joined INO, which has been Webb's label for years," says Cliff Young. "We all sat down one day and thought 'I wonder what it would be like to make an album together'." "We have all grown so much over the past six years, and I know for me [and I'm sure the others] it was a natural process to switch to INO and then have Derek re-join us for this project and upcoming tour.

Overdressed is a 12 song cd collection unlike any other Caedmon's Call record, organically acoustic with emphasis on rhythm while maintaining cleverly-written lyrics. All songs were co-wrote between Andrew Osenga, Randall Goodgame, Derek Webb and Webb's wife, musician Sandra McCracken.

"The title Overdressed comes from lyrics in the song 'Trouble,'" says Derek Webb. "It talks about how, if I'm honest, all my best attempts at being good are a real mess. Just like the Garden of Eden, I try to cover myself with so many different things. So, when I'm with Him, I feel so overdressed."

Formerly with Essential Records, Caedmon's Call joined the INO roster of artists in 2007. "I have long been an admirer of Caedmon's Call rich musical legacy," says president of INO Records Jeff Moseley. "Now with the addition of Derek Webb for this record, it just feels like a natural fit. I am thrilled they are a part of the INO family and that we can share in the future of Caedmon's Call."

Caedmon's Call will head out on a promotional tour in late summer before headlining a Spring tour. These dates will be announced at a later time.

To check on all of Caedmon's Call news, go to www.caedmonscall.com or their fan run site www.caedmonscall.net.
05/22/2007
TODD AGNEW ASKS BETTER QUESTIONS WITH HIS FOURTH STUDIO PROJECT
Beloved by Christian Music fans and friends alike, Ardent Records in coordination with INO Records, announces the release of singer/songwriter Todd Agnew's fourth studio project, Better Questions.

The release is set for July 17 and the first single is a duet featuring Rebecca St. James titled "Our Great God" which will be going for radio adds May 25.

Better Questions, co-produced by Agnew and John Hampton, is a 16-song selection (including prelude) that has a bit of everything with powerful ballads, worshipful church anthems, humorous lyrics, and solid rock moments.

"I'm finding more and more people who aren't fooled by the 'everything's fine' version of Christianity," says Agnew. "I'm trying to just get some of those questions out there, with questions people are afraid to ask in church, but also to get them asked sincerely and not with anger." Such questions bring Agnew to this place in time and art, using his platform and talent to get to the core of who we are as humans, to get to that moment where we're able to ask the Better Questions.

Before the July album release, a new community feature will be added to toddagnew.com, tentatively titled Friends of Todd Agnew. This will act as a direct link to Agnew's blogs, photos, videos, and more.

He will also launch the release with a promotional tour starting in mid-July and all events open to the public will be posted on toddagnew.com. Nation-wide youth camps and festivals will keep Todd Agnew traveling this summer, and in the fall Agnew will be headlining a tour with newcomers Rush Of Fools and including new Ardent signing, Joy Whitlock, who will release an album in early 2008.

For more information on Todd Agnew's latest project or touring information, log onto www.toddagnew.com.
05/21/2007
Universal Pictures/Evan Almighty Sponsors SKILLET Club Tour
As Atlantic/Lava/Ardent/SRE rockers SKILLET pack out clubs across the U.S., Universal Pictures and their upcoming film “Evan Almighty” is sponsoring the dates to promote the June 22nd nationwide release of the film starring actors Steve Carell and Morgan Freeman (http://www.evanalmighty.com/). Skillet is previewing the trailer, mentioning the film from stage and running an internet campaign through their website (skillet.com), myspace (myspace.com/skilletmusic) and street team.

With each tour date being sponsored by a local mainstream rock and/or hot ac station (and also featuring label mates Decyfer Down), Skillet is winning over Program Director’s (PDs) across the country and drawing large crowds, packing the clubs each night. Here are just a couple of comments coming from PDs:

“The band was GREAT at the station. The acoustic performance was flawless and the fans that showed up were thrilled at how personable and accommodating the band was... they really were the nicest bunch of people we’ve had in our studio…EVER. The show was FANTASTIC! I don’t know when the last time was that they played this market but we definitely need to do this again... everyone was REALLY into it. Their phenomenal performance and positive message left a lasting impression on all who were there. I can definitely see this band building a huge following in this market. “ -Big Rog, Assistant Program Director / Music Director / Afternoons, KHTB-FM / 94.9 The Blaze, Salt Lake City, UT

“Skillet did it again for us….they’ve out sold major national acts consistently time and time again. We’ve played three singles so far…two of which are now library songs and my guess is the third one will be too” - Aaron "Buck" Burnett, Music Director/Morning Dude, KTEG 104.7 FM The Edge, Albuquerque

In follow up to their seven-week reign at No.1 on Christian Rock with their single “Rebirthing,” Skillet’s second Christian single, “The Last Night,” was recently added to the AIR-1 radio network, WAYfm Denver and KAFC/Anchorage. The single also nabbed the top spot at Rock and is No. 3 CHR on CRW this week, while moving up to No. 1 on R&R’s Christian CHR chart following a No. 1 at Rock hit there as well. WAYfm Nashville is one of the top CHR stations supporting Skillet and this single in a big way, with Network MD Stace Whitmire commenting, "Skillet's 'The Last Night Night' has connected with our audience from the get go. It's been one of the fastest rising songs, and continues to be a WAY-FM audience favorite.”

As COMATOSE continues to be a top-seller, 32 weeks after it’s release, Skillet continues the club tour into June and will hit all major summer festivals and mainstream radio shows throughout the summer. For more details, go to http://www.skillet.com or http://www.myspace.com/skilletmusic.
05/18/2007
INO RECORDS PROMOTES DAN MICHAELS TO SVP OF MARKETING AND PROMOTIONS
INO Records President, Jeff Moseley, recently announced the promotion of Dan Michaels from VP of Promotions to Senior Vice-President of Marketing and Promotions. Michaels is a 20-year veteran of the Christian music industry and has been with INO since 2000.

“I am happy to announce Dan Michaels promotion to SR. VP of marketing and promotions,” says President of INO Jeff Moseley. “Dan has proven himself to be an excellent executive and his experience overseeing radio and new media will dovetail nicely with his expanded role as SR. VP. I am excited that he will be providing leadership in new areas that will benefit the company and our artist partners.

Michaels will oversee marketing, radio promotions, digital/new media marketing and publicity for the INO artist roster including MercyMe, P.O.D, The Afters, Chris Rice, PC&D, Skillet, Darlene Zschech and Sandi Patty among others.

"It is so important to build great relationships with people you work with and to have someone like Dan Michaels on your team is definitely a plus," says Zach Kelm, President of Q Management Group (Skillet, Decyfer Down, and Nevertheless). Michaels has not only been an important asset to my team, but has also been a wonderful friend to us. I am thrilled about his promotion, it could not have happen to a nicer person."
05/08/2007
DEREK WEBB BECKONS PEACE WITH THE RINGING BELL
Leading the Christian music industry with radical new ideas, INO singer/songwriter Derek Webb again turns heads with his fourth solo project, The Ringing Bell, released May 1.

As the title suggests, The Ringing Bell, is a collection that sounds clearly through the noise of the day, beckoning some, and warning others. It’s a call to meaningful conversations and it’s a great time. It injects songs into the cultural bloodstream that will move listeners to reflection and action while moving their feet.

“I felt like there was more to say about the subject [peace], “ says Webb. I wanted to get further into the nuances of it. This is too important of a moment historically to not say more about the idea of peace. It’s right in my face at all times if I claim to be at all concerned with anything that Jesus ever said.”

As Webb’s album became available to the public last week, the innovative songwriter is once again giving his fans a way to experience his music (and more) via electronic communication. After giving away over 80,000 free download of his Mockingbird album online last fall, Webb recently launched, The Ringing Bell.com, a place where fans and friends can go to hear some of the songs from the project, or place an order receiving the album and a bonus book. The book is a 96-page limited edition graphic novel, featuring complete lyrics and original artwork inspired by the record.

Reviews have been pouring in praising Webb’s latest effort, including publications such as; Paste Magazine, HM Magazine, CCM, Relevant, Christian Music Today, and many more.


Here is a taste of what the media is saying:

“At just 30 minutes, The Ringing Bell is extremely short. But who cares when Webb continues to quickly churn out substantial songwriting? He’s become this generation’s Dylan and Keith Green combined.” --Christian Music Today

“The Ringing Bell is a perfectly concise pop statement from an artist whose auspicious moment is right now.” --Paste Magazine

“The Ringing Bell is fresh, candid and just good, old-school rock & roll. Webb’s pushed boundaries before, but this time, he just might have pushed his way into the must-have summer playlist of new fans, old fans and any Beatles’ fan on the planet.” --CCM

No stranger to controversy, Derek releases his inner John Lennon and strips away our false conceptions about real world Christianity. --CBN.Com

“The Ringing Bell is another stellar record in the career of one of the best things Christian music has going for it. –jesusfreakhideout.com

Easily Webb’s most musically accessible album, The Ringing Bell may mirror his past albums in modest sales, as many of Jesus’ followers have a hard time swallowing the truth about our own failings. Don’t make that mistake. This album is essential listening. --Christian Musician

To check out the latest news on Webb, go to www.derekwebb.com , and be sure to check out www.theringingbell.com .
04/04/2007
INO RECORDS SIGNS SINGER MIKE FARRIS BRINGING A NEW ORLEANS SOUND TO THE ROSTER
NASHVILLE, TN…April 4, 2007…Traditional spirituals, turn-of-the-century New Orleans Gospel, and a slice of influence from Johnny Cash describes the musical portrait from INO Records’ newly signed artist Mike Farris, whose musical background stems from founding the Screamin' Cheetah Wheelies to touring with the likes of Blues Traveler, Sheryl Crow and the Allman Brothers Band. Farris’ INO debut, Salvation in Lights, is set to release June 26th.

Salvation in Lights is a traveling tent-revival of an album, working its way up the banks of the Mississippi River from New Orleans through Memphis and onto points north. Recorded at the same Nashville house-studio where White Stripes/Raconteurs leader Jack White recorded Loretta Lynn's award-winning Van Lear Rose album, Farris' sophomore solo effort uses the musical language of spirituals, timeless stories of struggle, some of which are centuries-old slave spirituals, and soul to tell a uniquely redemptive story.

"When I'm playing music, it's like prayer to me," Farris says. "I'm closer to God than I ever am, outside of my prayer. That's the best way I can portray what I'm feeling in my heart."

Farris recorded Salvation in Lights with a band that included Johnny Cash's longtime bassist Dave Roe, singer Ann McCrary — daughter of the Fairfield Four's founder, the Rev. Sam McCrary and a host of top shelf Nashville musicians. Farris plants his own roots deep, down to traditional songs like "Oh Mary Don't You Weep" and "Can't No Grave Hold My Body Down." "A Change Is Gonna Come" and "I'll Take You There" come from a soul movement that identified with struggle and the ongoing search for transcendence and peace to songs that are turn-of-the-century New Orleans Gospel.

"When I was growing up, we had five records in my family – and three of them were by Johnny Cash," Farris says. "I didn't realize how much that stuff was engrained in my being."

Perhaps nothing, though, reflects Farris' own journey so perfectly as "Precious Lord, Take My Hand." Written by Thomas A. Dorsey, a writer and performer of bawdy blues tunes who later became the "Father of Gospel Music," the song's plea to "guide my feet to the light," is one that Farris has made his own.

Nearly dead from an accidental overdose of pills and alcohol before he turned 21, Farris made a desperate cry out to God, and God responded. That began a 15-year journey to get back to God. Farris continued to write, and he formed a band, the Screamin' Cheetah Wheelies. The band had some success, signing to Atlantic Records and having a Top 10 rock-radio hit, but, deep inside himself, Farris knew that the bars and clubs the band often played were the last places somebody with his struggles needed to be. The addictions returned with a vengeance, throughout the Cheetah Wheelies' existence and beyond, even as Farris fronted Double Trouble, the rhythm section of the late guitar legend Stevie Ray Vaughn.

In the winter of 2004, Farris found himself at the end of his rope, standing graveside, at a relative’s funeral. “ I realized how tired I’d become from running all those years, and I just wanted to go back home. Just like the prodigal so,” Farris says. “I’d had enough of it all and decided I was not going to be that man ever again.”

With the help of his family and church, Farris became sober, and soon after he began writing in order to heal again. He quickly realized the new songs he was writing dovetailed nicely with those old familiar songs that had been with him all along.

“If not for the grace of God I would surely be dead or wishing I were dead,” Farris continues. “My life is a testament that God has an unique and special place for everyone. God will use people no matter how tattered and torn. Just surrender to His love and trust in His grace."
03/29/2007
DEREK WEBB PREPARES TO RELEASE THE RINGING BELL IN MAY; USA TODAY TALKS WITH WEBB ABOUT FAITH, POLITICS & MORE
NASHVILLE, TN.March 29, 2007.Beloved singer/songwriter and well-known controversialist, INO Recording artist Derek Webb is releasing his fourth solo studio project, The Ringing Bell, on May 1. With guaranteed confrontational and challenging lyrics, Webb provides his audience with a deep theological approach to today's issues with great music.

"I do not do things in moderation," Webb admits. "I think The Ringing Bell is a record about peace on the whole.be it literally, conceptually, personally, nationally, or even spiritually." "I felt like there was more to say about the subject," he says. "This is too important of a moment historically to not say more about the idea of peace. It's right in my face at all times if I claim to be at all concerned with anything that Jesus ever said."

The Ringing Bell, as the title suggests, is a collection that sounds clearly through the noise of the day, beckoning some, and warning others. It's a call to meaningful conversations and it's a great time. It injects songs into the cultural bloodstream that will move listeners to reflection and action while moving their feet.

Webb hopes this record is a bit of a surprise. "Inadvertently I feel like I have somehow mysteriously made my most commercial record," Webb laughs. "It's definitely my most accessible one. I feel like it brings together the best elements of what people have liked about my music up to this point."

Fresh on the heels of wrapping up the project, Webb was recently featured in the March 26th edition of USA Today, along with singer Rickie Lee Jones, in a two-column spread regarding the twisted ties of politics and religion. In the article, Webb comments, "I hope to tell people what I really see when I look at the world.it's the only medium I have, and it's as good a place as any to start." To view this article in it's entirety, go to http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/jones-webb.htm?csp=34.

For more information regarding Derek Webb log onto www.derekwebb.com or www.myspace.com/derekwebb .

03/22/2007
MUSIC LEGEND SANDI PATTY IS "FALLING FORWARD" INTO LIFE. PATTY RELEASES ALBUM AND COMPANION BOOK IN APRIL; PERFORMS AT CARNEGIE HALL, KENNEDY CENTER, WOMEN OF FAITH CONFERENCES, HER VERY OWN BROADWAY SHOW AND MORE...
NASHVILLE, TN.March 22, 2007. In a 28-year plus career, INO recording artist Sandi Patty has won 39 Dove Awards, five Grammy Awards, four Billboard Music Awards and in 2004, became a member of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. She's released 24 albums over the last 27 years, selling more than 11 million units. RIAA has certified three platinum and five gold of her recordings.Patty has performed in front of four presidents, appeared on the Dr. Phil show, Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, Carnegie Hall and more. Sandi is stronger than ever as she releases her 25th career recording Falling Forward along with a companion book of the same name April 10. In just this year alone, Patty will perform in over 27 Women of Faith conferences, star in her very own three-night Broadway series, "Sandi Patty's Broadway," perform at Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center and will also be the voice of Helda in the 2008 release of The Easter Story by Animated Family Films and much more. The April 10 release titled, Falling Forward is a collection of both well-known and new songs of worship, leading the listener on a journey of redemption, restoration and the encompassing sufficiency of God. The songs on this record come from recent life events including the joy of seeing her eldest daughter's marriage to the painful loss of her stepchildren's mother from cancer. "For me, falling forward is such a metaphor for life, the very act of falling forward into our Father's arms, not backwards and alone," says Patty. "I want to talk about a life on the other side of the fall-the joy, the beginning again." Simultaneous to the album's release, Thomas Nelson Inc. will release a companion book about God's continued mercy and grace. Scheduled to appear at over 27 Women of Faith Conferences in this year alone, Patty will perform favorites as well as new songs. She hit the road with the women on March 15 in San Antonio, TX to kick off the conferences. On the heels of finishing her latest album, Patty joined the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra to perform many popular favorites in four Northwest Airlines Pops Series concerts titled "Sandi Patty's Broadway." The series ran March 9-11 at the Hilbert Circle Theatre in Indianapolis, IN where she performed in front of sold out audiences. This was Patty's tenth appearance with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and surprised the audience singing a duet with husband, Don Peslis. Performing at Carnegie Hall, Patty will join the New York Pops Orchestra for their 24th birthday celebration on April 30 at 7 P.M. Performing along with Patty is Rock and Roll artist Neal Sedaka and co-hosting the event will be actor Dennis Leary. Patty is also scheduled to perform during the Bradley Prizes at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C on May 3. The awards are funded by the Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation, which, according to its mission statement, are devoted to "strengthening American democratic capitalism and the institutions, principles and values that sustain and nurture it." In February, Patty performed during the chapel service for the 27th annual NBA All-Star Game in Las Vegas, NV. Performing for more than 100 NBA executives, players, family members and pastors, Patty was named the "Michael Jordan of Contemporary Christian Music" by the Las Vegas Sun. For more details on all of Patty's events and her April releases, log onto www.sandipatty.com or http://www.myspace.com/sandipatty
03/21/2007
Amongst sold out tour dates, MercyMe to sing National Anthem for Samsung 500 Nascar Nextel Cup Series. Performance to be televised nationally on FOX.
* Amongst sold out tour dates on the spring leg of their "Coming Up to Breathe" national tour, multi-platinum and Grammy-nominated band MercyMe will sing the National Anthem at the Samsung 500 in their hometown of Dallas at the Texas Motor Speedway on Sunday, April 15th. The performance will be nationally televised on FOX live at 1:30pm EST. * Currently mid-way through the tour, MercyMe has seen 72% of their shows sell out, including Portland, Spokane, Santa Barbara, Fresno (2 shows), Albuquerque, Dallas, and Milwaukee. * "Hold Fast" remains in the Top 5 at Christian AC radio after giving the band its 8th consecutive #1. "Hold Fast" has recently gone for adds at the Mainstream AC format and is presently New and Active on the chart. "Bring The Rain" will be the band's 3rd single from their hit COMING UP TO BREATHE project, impacting on Christian AC and INSPO formats on 3/23. * Since their debut in 2001, Grammy-nominated, American Music Award and multiple GMA Music Award winners MercyMe have sold over 4 million units in CD and DVD sales, including MercyMe's Almost There, nearly triple platinum, their 2003 project Spoken For which is approaching platinum sales, the RIAA Gold certification for UNDONE and the MercyMe Live DVD, as well as their latest, Coming Up to Breathe, which entered the Billboard Top 100 at No. 13. In addition to eight No. 1 Christian radio singles, MercyMe has garnered four consecutive mainstream radio hits with "I Can Only Imagine", (No. 4 AC/top 25 on Top 40/Hot AC), "Here With Me" (No. 4 AC), "Homesick" (top 10 AC), "So Long Self," (top 15 AC), and now have released their brand new single for the format, "Hold Fast." *With their multi-platinum sales, and one of the industry's most notable talents, MercyMe has sold out venues including Radio City Music Hall and received media attention from the likes of The Tonight Show, CNN, Fox New Channel's Fox & Friends, ABC News, CBS' Early Show, and has been seen on the pages of Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, USA Today, Billboard, and more. www.mercyme.org
03/08/2007
Sara Groves Song Featured In 20th Century Fox Film Starring Oscar Nominee Abigail Breslin and James Garner
NASHVILLE, TN....3.8.07....Critically-acclaimed singer-songwriter Sara Groves will be in theaters nationwide this weekend as her song “Something Changed” is played as the title credit song of the 20th Century Fox feature film “The Ultimate Gift.” Groves will also perform the song before an international audience on this weekend’s syndicated broadcast of “The Hour of Power.”

When asked about her song being used for the film, Groves commented, "I'm honored to have this song chosen for the film. The story of personal redemption has been the cornerstone of the music throughout my career. This movie captures that beautifully."

At his grandfather's death, a young man is presented with an unlikely inheritance taking him on a journey that will change him forever in “The Ultimate Gift,” which opens Friday, March 9 in theaters throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Winner of the Heartland Film Festival's Crystal Heart Award, “The Ultimate Gift” sends trust fund baby Jason Stevens (Drew Fuller) on an improbable journey of discovery, to answer the ultimate spiritual question: "What is the relationship between wealth and happiness?"

Featuring an all-star cast including Golden Globe winner and six-time Emmy nominee Brian Dennehy, Academy Award and Golden Globe nominee James Garner, and Academy Award nominee Abigail Breslin (“Little Miss Sunshine”, “Signs”),”The Ultimate Gift” is the "uplifting" (MovieReporter.com) story based on Jim Stovall's best-selling novel which has sold more than 3 million copies worldwide.

The movie has already generated millions of dollars in donations to charity through more than 300 pre-screenings benefiting various nonprofit groups.

News, clips and reviews of “The Ultimate Gift” can be found on the movie’s official website – TheUltimateGift.com.

Groves is currently doing one-off tour dates and working on her next studio recording, produced by Brown Bannister and scheduled to be released this fall. For tour dates and more information on Sara, please go to : http://www.saragroves.com. Also visit Groves’ newest online endeavor to benefit, educate and inform people on social justice issues and organizations at http://www.addtothebeauty.com.

03/07/2007
MULTI-PLATINUM HARD ROCK BAND P.O.D.
Classic Line-Up of Groundbreaking SoCal Band Reunite For New Album Slated For Late Summer Release

# # # # #

The multi-platinum hard rock band P.O.D. -- whose pioneering fusion of hip-hop, metal and reggae elements with a spiritually-based worldview helped launch a new American musical movement -- has signed with INO/Columbia Records, it was announced today by Steve Barnett, Chairman, Columbia Records and Jeff Moseley, President, INO Records.

The band's inaugural album for INO/Columbia Records, slated for release in late summer 2007, will be the first to feature the classic original P.O.D. line-up -- Sonny (vocals), Wuv (drums), Traa (bass), and returning member Marcos (guitar) -- since the group's triple platinum masterpiece, "Satellite," was released on September 11, 2001. P.O.D. is currently in Los Angeles working on album pre-production with producer Jay Baumgardner.

"P.O.D. is an exciting and an important band with an expansive musical vision and a powerful message for our times," said Mr. Barnett. "It is a great pleasure to welcome them to Columbia Records."

"I have been a big fan of P.O.D. for years and it's a thrill to be working with them," said Mr. Moseley. "With the original line-up back together, the new album promises to be a landmark achievement for the group and a huge gift to their fans. I look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with the guys and their new label."

With a 14-year career under their belts, the members of P.O.D. have logged a remarkable array of achievements, including worldwide sales exceeding 8 million, sold-out international concert tours, a series of chart topping radio hits, and an unprecedented four #1 videos on MTV's "TRL." Supported by a passionate fanbase -- known as "the Warriors" -- the band has created what its members describe as "a catalog of music that we want to respect and honor with each step into the future."
# # # # #

For more information, please contact Maggie Wang, Columbia Records, Media, New York, 212-833-8208; email: Maggie.Wang@sonybmg.com

www.payableondeath.com
www.myspace.com/payableondeath

www.inorecords.com
www.columbiarecords.com
02/27/2007
SKILLET REMAINS STRONG: EXCLUSIVE ITUNES EP NOW AVAILABLE PLUS MSN VIDEO MAIN PAGE EXPOSURE
February 27, 2007

SKILLET REMAINS STRONG WITH POWERFUL RELEASE "COMATOSE"

EXCLUSIVE ITUNES EP NOW AVAILABLE PLUS MSN VIDEO MAIN PAGE EXPOSURE

With an incredible response from fans, media, and radio listeners alike, it is no surprise that the rock band Skillet continues to pave the way to the top with their current release COMATOSE. Here is just a sampling of what continues to build with Skillet:

* Today, fans can download radio mixes of "The Older I Get," in addition to exclusive behind the scene footage on the iTunes EP. This release is featured on the top of the rock page on iTunes. ( http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=215652858 &s=143441 &s=143441)

* MSN.com features Skillet's "The Older I Get" video on the "Music Videos" and "Video" main pages today. MSN Music receives more than 13 million total visits monthly. (http://entertainment.msn.com/video and http://music.msn.com/musicvideos/ ). Attached is an image of the homepage.

* Heating up at Christian CHR and Rock radio is the new single "The Last Night," receiving the most adds for the past two weeks and charting this week at No. 22 on R&R and No. 13 at CRW. Recognizing that this song will soon be at the top of the charts, WayFM Nashville music director Stace Whitmire shares, "Skillet's 'The Last Night' is No. 1 with both demos. It's a hit for us!"

* Their newest mainstream single, "The Older I Get," was just released to the mainstream rock formats three weeks ago and is already being played in the top markets including Detroit, Charlotte, Nashville, Houston, Memphis, Richmond, and Philadelphia. In total, the powerful single is spinning on 42 Active Rock and Modern Rock stations.

* Last week the 38th Annual GMA Dove Awards' nominations were announced and COMATOSE was nominated for "Rock Album of the Year" as well as their song "Rebirthing" for "Rock Recorded Song of the Year," which remained at No.1 on Christian Rock for more than eight weeks. Echoing the nominations, fans have been voting Skillet at the top in multiple readers' polls most recently on JesusFreakHideout.com as "Album of the Year," "Hard Rock Album of the Year," and "Song of the Year" ("Rebirthing"). Skillet closed out 2006 as one of the most lauded groups in the industry with COMATOSE garnering "best of" results with ChristianityToday/ChristianMusicToday.com, CBNMusic.com, MusicFaith.com, About.com, and ConcertLivewire.com, as well as lead singer John Cooper being named favorite bassist by HM Magazine and CCM magazine, with the remaining band members being named favorite guitarist, drummer and keyboardist by CCM readers.

Skillet's explosive, critically-acclaimed and best-selling new Lava/Atlantic/INO/Ardent Records release, COMATOSE, follows the band's 2004 Lava/Atlantic/INO/Ardent Records top-selling debut, Collide, which launched the group into the public eye with the single "Savior" and garnered the quartet a prestigious Grammy Award nomination. COMATOSE's first Christian Rock and radio single, "Rebirthing" was a smash hit, spending eight consecutive weeks at No. 1 on Rock. Their first single at Mainstream Active Rock radio, "Whispers In the Dark," was the second most added single two weeks in a row. Skillet and COMATOSE have also received critical acclaim from mainstream outlets such as Billboard, Metal Edge and The New York Times.

02/13/2007
KLTY & INO Partner Together!
KLTY AND INO ARTISTS PARTNER TO HOST "CELEBRATE FAMILY" A BENEFIT CONCERT FOR EDUCATION IN DALLAS/FORT WORTH DOVE AWARD-WINNING WORSHIP LEADER AND HILLSONG'S OWN DARLENE ZSCHECH TO HEADLINE BENEFIT IN RARE U.S APPEARANCE

Nashville,TN.February 13, 2007.INO Records and Dallas Christian Radio Station KLTY are partnering together to host "Celebrate Family," a benefit concert for Dallas/Fort Worth education programs, the Dallas Can and Texas Can Academies. "Celebrate Family" will take place on Sunday, March 4 at The Special Events Center Arena in Garland, Texas with Hillsong's renowned singer/songwriter Darlene Zschech headlining the event. Other INO artists scheduled to join Zschech for "Celebrate Family" are Todd Agnew, Anthony Evans, Chris Rice, Sara Groves, Echoing Angels, 33Miles, and making their label debut, Addison Road. A surprise appearance will be announced closer to the date.

KLTY's Vice President and General Manager John L. Peroyea comments, "94.9 KLTY is delighted to be a part of this fantastic event. Darlene Zschech is an extraordinary talent in the Contemporary Christian genre; a first rate artist! We are very pleased that homegrown talents [Todd Agnew and Anthony Evans] will also be entertaining attendees."

The Dallas Can and Texas Can Academy give underprivileged individuals a second chance to go back to school and earn their diplomas. Both programs have helped thousands get their lives back on track. Admission to the concert is free to the public. A love offering will be taken and contributions will be given to both Dallas Can and Texas Can Academy.

INO's V.P of Promotions, Dan Michaels says, "Working with KLTY is always a remarkable experience and connecting our artists with their listeners is a real privilege. To team up with them on an event so substantial is a thrilling opportunity for INO and our artist partners."

The concert is scheduled to begin at 2 P.M and end at 8 P.M. For more information on this benefit concert, go to http://www.klty.com/celebrate_family_2007.htm or www.specialeventscenter.com . For headshots of the INO artists performing, log onto www.inorecords/media and then click on artwork.

02/09/2007
WINNER ANNOUNCED FOR INO/ARDENT RECORDS & GOSPEL MUSIC CHANNEL
WINNER ANNOUNCED FOR INO/ARDENT RECORDS & GOSPEL MUSIC CHANNEL SKILLET VIDEO CONTEST NASHVILLE, TN…February 9, 2007…INO/Ardent Records along with Gospel Music Channel are eager to announce the winner for the Skillet “Rebirthing? Video Contest, which included amateur video submissions of Skillet songs from their dedicated fanbase—the Panheads. Hailing from Lapeer, Michigan, 20-year-old youth pastor Andrew Kluck has been awarded the grand prize winner for the video contest featuring “The Thirst is Taking Over? from the album Alien Youth.

“I learned about the contest only five days before the deadline, so my band and I immediately went to work on our video,? shares winner Andrew Kluck. “I spent more than 50 hours over the course of three days putting the video together to make it for the deadline. I submitted the video for fun, and it has been awesome to watch God open these doors of opportunity for our band.?

Andrew will receive a trip to Memphis as well as the opportunity to record at the world famous Ardent Studios, which is celebrating their 40th anniversary. Fulfilling a Skillet fan’s desire, Andrew will also receive a personal call from John and Korey Cooper, and a full library of autographed Skillet CDs. The runner-up, Adam Philpott of Indiana, will receive an autographed guitar as well as a complete autographed Skillet collection.

“We are looking forward to a great time with Andrew and his group here in Memphis,? states John Fry, President of Ardent Records. “We'll give him the personally guided tours of Graceland, Sun Studios, Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Smithsonian Rock and Soul Museum, Beale Street, Gibson Guitars, and all the other cool music stuff Memphis has to offer. “

“Seeing the outpouring response of Panheads submitting their videos was so rad,? states Skillet’s John Cooper. “We were honored to have this contest with Gospel Music Channel and to see the songs that our fans covered.?

The Skillet “Rebirthing? promotional contest ran on GospelMusicChannel.com from November through December promoting the new critically acclaimed studio release, Comatose, from Skillet. Panheads were asked to submit their music video of themselves covering their favorite Skillet song online. The Gospel Music Channel staff judged the videos.

“Providing the loyal Skillet fans with this rare opportunity to simultaneously showcase their creativity and devotion to the group on a popular destination like GospelMusicChannel.com generated an overwhelming, and impressive response,? commented Justin Williams, Senior Director for Internet and New Media, Gospel Music Channel. “These fan videos are very well done, entertaining and worthy of repeated viewing.?

Skillet’s explosive, critically-acclaimed and best-selling new Lava/Atlantic Records release, COMATOSE, follows the band’s 2004 Lava/Atlantic top-selling debut, Collide, which launched the group into the public eye with the single “Savior? and garnered the quartet a prestigious Grammy Award nomination. COMATOSE's first Christian Rock and radio single, "Rebirthing" was a smash hit, spending eight consecutive weeks at No. 1 on Rock, and currently at No. 4 and still climbing at CHR. Their first single at Mainstream Active Rock radio, "Whispers In the Dark," was the second most added single two weeks in a row, and their newest single, "The Older I Get," was just released to the Mainstream, Active and Alternative Rock formats this week and is already being spun on top market stations in Nashville, Houston, Memphis, Sarasota, Richmond, and Philadelphia. This week alone they received 29 adds (including early adds) on the formats. Skillet closed out 2006 as one of the most lauded groups in the industry with COMATOSE garnering "best of" reader's poll results with ChristianityToday/ChristianMusicToday.com, CBN Music.com, MusicFaith.com, About.com, and ConcertLivewire.com, as well as lead singer John Cooper being named favorite bassist by HM Magazine and CCM magazine, with the remaining band members being named favorite guitarist, drummer and keyboardist by CCM readers. Skillet and COMATOSE have also received critical acclaim from mainstream outlets such as Billboard, Metal Edge and The New York Times.

02/06/2007
COLTS PUNTER HUNTER SMITH CELEBRATES SUPER BOWL WIN & INO RECORDS SIGNING
NASHVILLE, TN…February 6, 2007…Balancing dual roles as a professional football player and musician, Indianapolis Colts’ punter Hunter Smith has many things to be excited about as his team won the coveted Super Bowl XLI title on Sunday, and his group, Connersvine, recently signed to INO Records. Connersvine is the acoustic duo made up of Hunter Smith and Chris Wilson, who both lead worship at the Every Nation Church in Indianapolis.

"Winning the Super Bowl has been one of the highlights of my life and career. It is completely humbling that God has allowed me to not only be a part of an amazing football team, but also is giving me the chance to pursue His calling in music." shares Hunter Smith. "I feel just as strong of a call to worship leading and ministering through music as I do in football."

In the summer of 2001, the two began their friendship by leading worship together for a young adult ministry on the south side of Indianapolis. As they began to feel God calling them into music professionally, they focused on their song writing and worship style. Connersvine has an acoustic-driven rock sound that communicates through worshipful melodies and passionate vocals. They feel that their purpose is not only to write songs as artists, but to also pen songs that can be used by the Church for corporate worship. Making the most of the off-season and wasting no time to record their INO Records’ label debut, Connersvine will be entering the studio on Wednesday with award-winning producer Pete Kipley (MercyMe, Rebecca St. James, The Afters).

“If someone would have asked me a few years ago to sit down and write out my musical path, it would not have included a professional football player,? explains Chris Wilson. “We met leading worship at our church and God opened the door to Connersvine. We may not be the most traditional duo, but INO Records, Third Coast Artist Agency and BrickHouse Entertainment have helped us to see the unique opportunity in our situation.?

Born and raised in Sherman, Texas, Hunter Smith has had a passion for leading worship as well as a talent in football. Smith graduated from Notre Dame and went on to be drafted in the NFL by the Indianapolis Colts as their punter in addition to the holder for kicker Adam Vinatieri. Smith has just finished his eighth season with the Colts, providing him with a great platform to share his faith with others. He resides in Indianapolis with wife Jennifer and their 23-month-old son Josiah.

Raised with a great appreciation for music, Chris Wilson began playing guitar at the age of ten and was helping on the worship team at his local church by the time he was in middle school. Through his passion for both God and musical expression, Wilson has continued to develop his skills as a musician, songwriter, artist and worship leader. He also resides in Indianapolis with his wife Jenna.

For more information: http://www.myspace.com/connersvine

02/05/2007
FLYLEAF KICKS OFF FIRST HEADLINING TOUR MARCH 25
Texas-based rockers team with World Vision to bring the Justice & Mercy Tour with Skillet and others across the US

(February 5, 2007 - Nashville, TN) What better way to celebrate the Gold-selling certification of your self-titled debut album than to head out your first headlining tour? With a devout fan base firmly in place, the heralded Austin-based band Flyleaf will embark on a headlining tour kicking off in Memphis, Tennessee on March 25th. Atlantic/Lava/Ardent/SRE hard rockers Skillet have been tapped to support the band throughout the tour following the release of their best-selling project, COMATOSE, along with Dropping Daylight, Resident Hero and others supporting in select markets. Tickets everywhere go on sale Saturday, February 10th, but an exclusive fan presale will begin Tuesday, February 6th at 3pm local time (details available at www.flyleafmusic.com).

Calling it the "Justice & Mercy Tour" holds special significance, since the band is teaming with World Vision to offer fans a limited-edition four song EP (available exclusively on the road) and a specially designed t-shirt. All proceeds for both items will benefit World Vision, which provides worldwide aid to those in need (for more info, visit www.worldvision.org).

Flyleaf - vocalist/lyricist Lacey Mosley, guitarists Sameer Bhattacharya and Jared Hartmann, bassist Pat Seals, and drummer James Culpepper - have been playing together since 2002, though misleadingly diminutive singer Mosley, Bhattacharya and Hartmann hooked up in 2001. Over the past few years Flyleaf has garnered an extremely loyal fan base, which they credit to constant, touring. Their success is also fueled by an EP released in 2004, followed by their Octone/J Records debut album, released in October 2005. FLYLEAF has spawned two powerful singles, "I'm So Sick" and "Fully Alive" both of which were played on major market active rock radio, modern rock radio, MTV 2, Fuse and initially Yahoo Music. Flyleaf has also had national television exposure performing their recent single "Fully Alive" on ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live, CD USA, and NBC's Last Call with Carson Daly. Released to the Christian market through SRE Recordings, Flyleaf has been embraced by radio and media. On Christian Rock radio, all three radio singles have broke into the top 10 ("I'm So Sick," "All Around Me," "Fully Alive") with two No. 1s. Flyleaf has also received acclaim from CCM Magazine, Relevant, Stars & Stripes Military Paper, ChristianMusicToday.com, Brio and CBN.com.

Skillet's explosive, critically-acclaimed and best-selling new Lava/Atlantic Records release, COMATOSE, follows the band's 2004 Lava/Atlantic top-selling debut, Collide, which launched the group into the public eye with the single "Savior" and garnered the quartet a prestigious Grammy Award nomination. COMATOSE's first Christian Rock and radio single, "Rebirthing" was a smash hit, spending eight consecutive weeks at No. 1 on Rock, and currently at No. 4 and still climbing at CHR. Their first single at Mainstream Active Rock radio, "Whispers In the Dark," was the second most added single two weeks in a row, and their newest single, "The Older I Get," was just released to the Mainstream, Active and Alternative Rock formats this week and is already being spun on top market stations in Houston, Memphis, Sarasota, Richmond, and Philadelphia. Skillet closed out 2006 as one of the most lauded groups in the industry with COMATOSE garnering "best of" reader's poll results with ChristianityToday/ChristianMusicToday.com, CBN Music.com, MusicFaith.com, About.com, and ConcertLivewire.com, as well as lead singer John Cooper being named favorite bassist by HM Magazine and CCM magazine, with the remaining band members being named favorite guitarist, drummer and keyboardist by CCM readers. Skillet and COMATOSE have also received critical acclaim from mainstream outlets such as Billboard, Metal Edge and The New York Times.

01/17/2007
Mark Harris Closes 2006 With Top Download
Nashville, TN…January 17, 2007… INO Records’ Mark Harris ends 2006 with his first solo project and 2005 release “The Line Between The Two? receiving critical acclaim and reaching No. 22 on Soundscan’s Christian/Gospel Digital Tracks Chart for 2006 with single, “Find Your Wings.?

“Find Your Wings,? the album’s hit radio single became an anthem receiving R&R’s Top Insp Song of 2006, Top 15 on R&R’s Top Christian AC songs, and stayed at No. 1 for 9 weeks on the INSP Chart and for 2 weeks on the AC Indicator Chart. The song’s popularity continued to grow in 2006, spurring the sales of Harris’ latest project to 99,965 units.

With the release of this single came a flood of letters praising the song. KSBJ Music Director Jim Beeler writes, “’Find Your Wings’ touches the heart and lights up the phone. That’s the definition of a hit.? A fan exclaims, “[For] our oldest daughter’s wedding…it was the perfect song for my husband to walk his little girl to the altar area—not a dry eye to be found!?

Media’s response to Mark Harris has been equally strong. Coverage thus far includes features in CCM, Stars & Stripes Military Paper, Dallas Morning News, and a guest appearance on Hour Of Power.

Harris is currently working on a new studio album with a 2007 release date TBA. For more information on Harris, go to www.inorecords.com, or www.markharrisonline.com.
01/11/2007
DOVE AWARD WINNING NEW ARTIST THE AFTERS CELEBRATE TOP DOWNLOADED DIGITAL SONG
NASHVILLE, TN...January 11, 2007...As a result of the mass appeal for The Afters’ (INO/Simple/Columbia Records) hit song “Beautiful Love,? Nielson Soundscan has named the song as the top downloaded song on the inspirational chart for 2006. This song resounded with audiences as it also received RIAA Gold Certification for Digital Sales in 2006. On the heels of this news and following a successful tour with tobyMac’s Winter WonderSlam, which placed the band in front of more than 30,000 fans, The Afters prepare for their sophomore effort set to release in the fall of this year.

Once again working with award winning producers Brown Bannister and Dan Muckala, The Afters are excited about the outlook for the band in 2007.

“The songs are some of the best we've ever written. We're working with great producers, and we have the support of a great label...what more could a band ask for,? shares lead vocalist Josh Havens. “We're working hard on the new music and taking our time to get it perfect for our fans. We're committed to making the very best album that we can, and I think it will be worth the wait.?

Last spring, “Beautiful Love? was the theme song for MTV’s reality series “8th & Ocean,? which spawned the single selling more than 90,000 digital tracks in a six-week period and over 189,000 in 2006. In addition, the song made its home on four major charts landing on the iTunes Top 100 Downloaded Songs for more than nine weeks peaking at No. 14, Billboard Hot 100 chart (peaked at No. 55), the Billboard Pop 100 (No. 43), and topping at No. 23 on the Billboard Hot Digital Songs.

Releasing their debut project “I Wish We All Could Win? in 2005, The Afters received top attention from their fans and media outlets. The Afters’ music has appeared on the networks of MTV, mtvU, ABC Family, and E! News as well as on HOT AC and VH-1 radio along with outlets such as Billboard, BOP and Popstar. “Beautiful Love? is not the only song from the debut album receiving national attention, as the track “Until the World? has been the theme song for the ABC Family series “Beautiful People? for two seasons. The MTV college network, mtvU, has been a strong supporter of the band as their music video for “Beautiful Love? was awarded with an mtvU Award for Best Streaming Video in 2005. The Christian media have also adopted this foursome as CCM magazine selected “I Wish We All Could Win? for the Editor’s Top 10 Albums of 2005, and Relevant featured the band as a Spotlight Artist. In addition, The Afters’ earned their first No. 1 R&R Christian CHR single with the Dove nominated, hit song “Beautiful Love.? The Afters were awarded the Dove Award for “New Artist of the Year? (2006).
12/14/2006
‘FREE DEREK WEBB’ CAMPAIGN CLOSES WITH OVER 80,000 DOWNLOADS OF MOCKINGBIRD CD
NASHVILLE, TN….12/14/06……During the past three months over 80,000 people in more than 6,800 US cities (cities including Houston, Dallas, Los Angeles, Atlanta and Chicago amongst the top 10) in all 50 states and over 170 countries around the world visited freederekwebb.com and downloaded Derek Webb’s critically acclaimed CD Mockingbird as a part of his bold freederekwebb.com campaign, where anyone could go online, download and share Mockingbird completely for free. In addition, more than 325,000 emails were sent out inviting friends to do the same.

Audiences at Webb’s concerts also grew throughout the past few months, nearly double his normal turn out in several cities, and in addition to their presence, Webb’s goal of engaging them in conversation regarding the issues presented in the songs on Mockingbird became a reality. Mockingbird tackles many sensitive issues including poverty, war, and the basic ethics by which we live and deal with others.

“This has certainly been an unexpected and overwhelming response to what started as little more than a grand experiment, remarked Webb. “I can't thank everyone enough for participating with us in this and I certainly hope they're enjoying the songs on Mockingbird. I can't stress enough how urgent it is that people from all backgrounds and ideological persuasions join in meaningful dialogue about what it means to truly care for our neighbors and just who those neighbors are. I can only hope that freederekwebb.com has played even a small role in starting a few of those discussions. I hope to see many of you on the road and in the marketplace, and to join with you in this continuing conversation."

Due to the buzz FreeDerekWebb.com generated, media nationwide picked up on the story, including The LA Times, Billboard, CCM, The Tennessean, NPR, Burnlounge magazine, MTV’s URGE site and more.

Webb is now preparing to record songs for his next studio project, scheduled for release in May 2007.
12/14/2006
ECHOING ANGELS ENDS YEAR WITH OVER 30-CITY PROMOTIONAL TOUR BEHIND THEM;
Nashville, TN…December 15, 2006…The five member power house band from INO Records, Echoing Angels, is closing this year with anticipation for the January 30 release date of their debut album, “You Alone.?

Traveling all over the country on a 30+ city radio promotional tour, the group is geared up and ready for 2007 following performances at festivals including Atlanta Fest in their hometown of Atlanta in front of over 30,000 and performing just before platinum act Casting Crowns at Rock The Universe in Orlando, FL to over 55,000 audience members.

The fall was filled with a high-profile West Coast run with stops at influential churches such as Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, CA, Cornerstone Fellowship in Livermore, and the Horizon Christian Fellowship in San Diego, CA. After swinging through the West Coast, Echoing Angels made their way to Teen Mania’s Acquire the Fire event in Chicago, singing six sets for over 2,000 people.

Not only has this group been burning up the pavement in 2006, but they have also have been burning up radio as well with their first single, “You Alone,? reaching No. 9 on the R&R Christian AC Monitored Chart.

For more information on this band, log onto www.echoingangels.com , www.myspace.comm/echoingangels , or go to www.inorecords.com.

“Echoing Angels are following in the footsteps of other great Atlanta bands like Third Day and Casting Crowns.? --Mike Stoudt, The Fish, 104.7, Atlanta

“…one of the most sensational and promising rock debuts since MercyMe? --All Music Guide.com

“Combining sounds from country to rock, from ballads to blasters, Echoing Angels comes through loud and clear on all channels with a variety of praise music on an album in which…all deserve release as a single.? --The Trades.com

"I played it and loved it!" - Jay, Christian Music Review
12/13/2006
MercyMe Receives First Grammy Nomination
After winning an American Music Award and eight Dove Awards, INO Record’s band MercyMe has received their first Grammy nomination for their latest best-seller, “Coming Up to Breathe,? nominated for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel album. The Grammy’s will be held on February 11, 2007 at Los Angeles’ Staples Center and broadcast live on CBS.
11/17/2006
Sandi Patty preforming at the Macy*s Thanksgiving Day Parade!
Nashville, TN…Nov. 15, 2006…This Thanksgiving, Oklahoma native and Grammy award-winning singer Sandi Patty, will appear live on the 80th Anniversary Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, broadcast nationally on NBC-TV. On November 23, while on the Oklahoma float, Patty will be singing “Oklahoma Rising,? a song written by Jimmy Webb and Vince Gill in honor of the Oklahoma Centennial. This song is a new Oklahoma anthem with lyrics that celebrate the states unique first 100 years and bright future.

Along with Patty, additional celebrities will be riding on the float such as: retired NBA athlete and musician Wayman Tisdale, ten-time world champion of BMX Mat Hoffman, and Olympic Gold Medal gymnasts Bart Conner and Nadia Comaneci. The float is entitled “Oklahoma Rising? to correspond with the new anthem.

This year marks the 80th anniversary for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which anticipates over 3.5 million spectators lining the streets of New York City. Over 50 million viewers are expected to catch the celebration on television nationwide. For more information on the parade, you can go to www.macysparade.com ; for more information on Sandi Patty, www.sandipatty.com ; and for the Oklahoma Centennial celebration, visit www.oklahomacentennial.com

11/13/2006
BIANCA RYAN, 12-YEAR-OLD WINNER OF "AMERICA'S GOT TALENT," DEBUT ALBUM IN STORES NOVEMBER 14 ON COLUMBIA/SYCO/INO RECORDS

INO Records announces the distribution release of the NBC's "America's Got Talent" winner Bianca Ryan on November 14th to the Christian market. Ryan, a 12-year-old vocal prodigy won the first season's ratings-topping finale of "America's Got Talent" on August 17. The show's finale was the No.1 rated show in its Thursday time-slot, averaging close to 12 million viewers. After her win, Ryan signed with Columbia Records/SYCO, an imprint of Simon Cowell, the show's executive producer. Cowell recently stated "Bianca Ryan is potentially one of the best singers I have ever heard in my life."

To kick off her November debut, Ryan will make a round of media appearances including The Today Show (11/13/06), Oprah Show (11/13/06), Ellen (11/15/06) and the Megan Mullally Show (11/27/06). She will also perform for the NBC Tree Lighting special and in the Disney Christmas parade.

Growing up in a Christian home in Philadelphia, Ryan's family immersed her in an environment rich with musical influences as well as her vocal foundation singing in the church choir. Her father, Shawn, was a previous member of the band playing guitar for various artists including Vickie Winans and Shirley Caesar. She also grew up with the influence of Yolanda Adams and had the opportunity to sing with Adams during the competition, which Ryan exclaims as "an amazing moment for me."

"Sometimes I can't believe this is all actually happening," Ryan states. "This last year is proof of how God can make your dreams come true."

Ryan's debut will feature an array of new and already familiar material. She brings new life to the Debby Boone classic "You Light Up My Life," and the R. Kelly hit "I Believe I Can Fly." Also covered is the Bette Midler's "The Rose," which showcases her incredible vocal capacity and opens the self-titled debut. New tracks include, "I Wish That," a beautiful ballad penned by Diane Warren accompanies the inspirational "Pray For A Better Day" which was written by David Foster and Kara DioGuardi. "Why Can't It Be Christmas Everyday?" is an original holiday track written by Walter Afanasieff and Jay Landers.

The album is sure to bring this young artist more recognition than she ever imagined. Still, she keeps it all in perspective and makes the most of this opportunity. "I have been able to talk about God to other people during all of this," she shares about living out her faith. "I also have had a few times where I could respond to fan mail when they would ask me different questions like how I can sing so well, and I tell them how good God has been to me and my family and how my singing is a gift from Him."

For more information on Bianca Ryan: www.biancaryan.com

11/10/2006
Chance to win free tickets to A Very Special Christmas w/ Phillips, Craig, and Dean
The Fish 95.9 FM is giving away a family four pack of tickets to Phillips, Craig, and Dean's A Very Special Christmas with special guests Phil Wickham and Jeremy Riddle (Vineyard Church of Anaheim Worship Leader). The show is in Anaheim, CA. To learn how to win the family four pack, jump on over to The Fish's website: Win free tickets!
10/19/2006
MERCYME TOUR CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED/SELLING OUT
NASHVILLE, TN….(October 19, 2006)…..Just two weeks into their national “Coming Up to Breathe Tour,? MercyMe has seen over half their shows sell out. So far the tour has sold out in Houston (6137), San Antonio (4218), Bossier City, LA (5816), Lynchburg, VA (5499), Plymouth, MI (2783) and Chicago (3145). The remaining cities, including New York, Abilene and Baltimore, have all seen capacity crowds attend the show.

In support of their latest, best-selling CD of the same name, the tour is hitting over 30 cities this fall and also features industry veteran band Audio Adrenaline on it’s farewell tour and criticially acclaimed newcomer, Phil Wickham.

"With half of the shows to date selling out we are really seeing an incredible turn out.? commented Scott Brickell, manager of all three acts. “The audiences have been a lot of fun and it’s been reflected in the live show. Everyone’s having a great time both on and off stage and we are thankful for the continued support.?

In addition to wowing crowds, the tour is wowing the media as well, as referenced by the following review from national media outlet Beliefnet.com:

* http://www.beliefnet.com/blogs/idolchatter/2006/10/hello-mercyme-goodbye-audio-adrenaline.html

MercyMe continues to be a favorite at Christian radio as well, with both “Hold Fast? moving up to #16 AC-Monitored/#18 AC-Indicator on these R&R charts, and continues its rise on R&R’s Christian CHR chart, up to #23 this week with “No More, No Less.?

Since their debut in 2001, American Music Award and multiple GMA Music Award winners MercyMe have sold over 4 million units in CD and DVD sales, including MercyMe’s Almost There, nearly triple platinum, their 2003 project Spoken For which is approaching platinum sales, the RIAA Gold certification for UNDONE and the MercyMe Live DVD, as well as their latest, Coming Up to Breathe, which entered the Billboard Top 100 at No. 13. In addition, MercyMe has garnered four consecutive mainstream radio hits with “I Can Only Imagine?, (No. 4 AC/top 25 on Top 40/Hot AC), “Here With Me? (No. 4 AC), “Homesick? (top 10 AC), and their current AC hit, “So Long Self.?

With their multi-platinum sales, and one of the industry's most notable talents, MercyMe has sold out venues including Radio City Music Hall and received media attention from the likes of The Tonight Show, CNN, Fox New Channel’s Fox & Friends, CD USA, ABC News, CBS’ Early Show, and has been seen on the pages of Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, USA Today, Billboard, and more.

10/18/2006
PHILLIPS, CRAIG & DEAN SOAR WITH THEIR 11TH STUDIO RELEASE
NASHVILLE, TN—October 18, 2006—On the heals of what could be called their most highly acclaimed release, Phillips, Craig & Dean (INO Records) returns from their nationwide promotional tour as their radio single continues to climb the charts. Singing together for more than 15 years, PC&D has released 11 albums, 18 No. 1 singles and sold more than 2 million records. To say the least their music has impacted many throughout the years, and it continues to resonate with the audiences far and wide.

Their promotional tour took this trio across the country from Houston to Chicago to Portland to Sacramento, where they appeared at various retail stores and performed radio brown bag concerts. They performed for more than 1,000 fans in Dallas at a KLTY Brownbag as well as 1,500 people at a KTSY donor appreciation event in Boise, Idaho. The first radio single “Your Name? is currently climbing the charts with No. 2 on the Inspirational chart and No. 24 and 15 on AC and AC Indicator. The piano-driven “Your Name,? written by Paul Baloche, is another great example of the accessible songs on Top Of My Lungs. “When you sing about the name of Jesus, the power is undeniable,? Randy Phillips shares. “I got very emotional in the studio, just trying to make it through the lyric.?

The media have raved about Top of My Lungs indicating this to be one of the most successful projects to date for the group:

“They’ve never sounded more fresh than with this album... the adult contemporary favorite has noticeably amped up their sound on Top of My Lungs. Not only are there a plethora of louder guitar riffs, but also some tastefully executed, almost Coldplay-esque piano and snazzy string arrangements that really enhance the overall sonic quality. I’ll let you in on a little secret, though—the real highlight of the project isn’t the instrumental proficiency or the lyrics. It’s the singing. As they’ve proven on countless albums before, there’s something special when these three full-time senior pastors put their voices together.? --Christian Music Today.com

“Phillips, Craig & Dean has a good way of spotlighting lesser-known worship songs and putting an new spin on standards. Top of My Lungs succeeds from start to finish and should endear itself to listeners of all ages.? --Christian Retailing (Top Pick)

“The record is originally current, albeit formulaic, proving the men of PC&D and the songs of the church possess a relevant reach. All 10 tracks hold their own in a uncharacteristically aggressive, yet sufficiently believable, set.? --CCM Magazine (A- review)

“There's a good reason why Randy Phillips, Shawn Craig, and Dan Dean have amassed fans in the Contemporary Christian Music market. With their tight, three-part, Rascal Flatts harmonies and their signature key-up shift crescendos, the trio consistently delivers music that takes the airwaves by storm and insinuates itself into worship services around the world almost as quickly as the radio can introduce the songs.? --TheTrades.com

"Top of My Lungs captures this boisterous excitement and their shared passion directed heavenward. Opening rocker "One Way" makes it clear immediately by its guitar-crunching hooks and soaring chorus that PC&D are not holding back. The word "gusto" comes to mind. Paul Baloche's piano-driven "Your Name" showcases their signature three-part harmonies while exulting deliciously in the power of the Name. Your knees begin to head for the dirt, and the following title track seals the deal: you're down. Their exuberant delivery gives you no choice.? --ChristianMusicSuite101

09/05/2006
TODD AGNEW ASKS DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE? WITH HIS UPCOMING CHRISTMAS PROJECT RELEASING OCTOBER 3, 2006
NASHVILLE, TN…August 22, 2006…After two highly acclaimed, chart-topping studio projects (Grace Like Rain, Reflection of Something), Ardent/INO Records’ artist Todd Agnew has crafted an epic retelling of the Christmas story on his upcoming holiday release Do You See What I See?, which will be releasing on October 3, 2006.

Following in line with Agnew’s reputation as a powerful lyricist and storyteller, Do You See What I See? tells the Christmas story from the personal perspectives of the eyewitnesses to Christ’s birth from the innkeeper to the Magi to the angels.

“Last Christmas, God led me to really study the Christmas story,? explains Agnew. “For six months, everyday piece-by-piece I studied the birth of Christ. I prayed through it, asking God to reveal it to me. He made the Bible come to life---it became not only true, but also realistic. Realizing that we look at Christmas from more than 2000 years later and that those individuals involved were not able to fully understand the big picture of what was happening like we can is remarkable.?

Painting an audio picture for the listener, he created a musical, not just a collection of seasonal songs for his project. In addition to Todd’s solo performances and duo with Ardent Records newcomer Joy Whitlock as the innkeepers, Vince Lichlyter (Jonah33) is featured as Joseph, Christie Nockels (Watermark) as Mary, Shelley Jennings (Passion) as Elizabeth, Mike Weaver (Big Daddy Weave) as Simeon, Anthony Evans as the angel and Michael O’Brien (recently of NewSong) as the shepherd. There is also a multi-artist finale of the much beloved classic, “In the First Light.? Agnew and friends want to stress that this project is about the whole perspective surrounding the birth of Christ and not a typical holiday CD, but an eyewitness depiction. A complete listing of the musical cast and characters is below.

“It seems like this Christmas record will be set apart from so many others that are about candles and wreaths,? shares guest soloist Shelley Jennings. “I don't know how much the individuals who were involved in the first Christmas really knew about what God was doing with them, but I think they knew it was something really big. The song I sang, ‘Sleep Well,’ is from the perspective of Elizabeth, who herself was carrying a significant life and who knew that Mary was carrying the Lord. The beautiful melody and poignant lyrics of this sweet lullaby are like a calm before the storm.?

To celebrate the Christmas season, Todd and a select group of friends will be performing this Christmas project on “The Christmas Hope? tour, co-headlining with NewSong and featuring Rachael Lampa and NY Times best-selling author, Donna VanLiere. The 15-city tour is being booked through The Greg Oliver agency and will run Thanksgiving weekend through the week prior to Christmas. More information on the cities and details will be sent from NewSong in the coming weeks.

Do You Hear What I Hear? – Prelude – Todd Agnew
No Room – The Innkeeper – Joy Whitlock and Todd Agnew
This Is All I Have To Give – Joseph – Vince Lichlyter
Magnificat – Mary – Christy Nockels
Did You Know? – Song To Jesus – Todd Agnew
Sleep Well – Elizabeth’s Lullaby – Shelley Jennings
He Is Called Jesus – Simeon –Mike Weaver
God With Us – The Magi – Todd Agnew
Glory To God – The Angels – Anthony Evans
Bethlehem Dawn – The Shepherds – Michael O’Brien
In The First Light – Postlude- Todd Agnew, Shelley Jennings, Christy Nockels, Michael O’Brien, Mike Weaver

09/01/2006
SONICFLOOd PROVIDES AN INTERNATIONAL GLIMPSE WITH LIVE RELEASE
SONICFLOOd PROVIDES AN INTERNATIONAL GLIMPSE WITH LIVE RELEASE
Modern Worship Band Partners With International Missions Board for Fall Tour

Nashville, TN—August 31, 2006— INO Records announces SONICFLOOd’s October 31st release of Glimpse: Live Recordings From Around The World, a project that was recorded from concerts in Thailand to Ireland this past year. In addition to the internationally recorded album, SONICFLOOd, the forefathers of modern worship, will be embarking on a nationwide tour with the International Missions Board, which began last week in Charleston, South Carolina and will continue hitting more than 60 venues and 23 states.

Its time for God's people to know that they are a part of something so huge and so wonderful and that right now we have brothers and sisters on the other side of the planet that love us and are praying for us,? explains frontman Rick Heil. “When we went overseas this summer we had a chance to record the sounds of every crowd we worshiped with, and then blended them together to create a symphony of praise...it's beautiful! On top of sonically recording the concerts, we brought along an HD camera to capture the sights of putting this kind of extensive project together."

Glimpse: Live Recordings From Around The World captures the spirit and passion that this pioneering modern worship band has for global missions. The live recording includes fan favorites such as: “Your Love Goes On Forever,? “Cry Holy,? “Open the Eyes of My Heart? and “I Want to Know You.? Glimpse also features two new studio recordings from SONICFLOOd (“Infinite Love? and “Save Me?) as well as a bonus DVD including the making of Glimpse and two music videos for “Everlasting? and “This Generation.?

Since their last studio project released in 2005 (This Generation), SONICFLOOd has been traveling worldwide to reach all generations to issue a call to rise up and share your faith. They have performed in Australia, Brazil, India, Ireland, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Bahamas, Thailand and Turkey. They will continue with the intense touring schedule as they begin their missions’ tour across the United States (schedule below).

The IMB missions’ tour will be a multi-media experience for the concertgoers, which will include video footage from the mission field in addition to their performance. Also keynote missionaries will be speaking to encourage others to learn more about missions.

“Through the IMB partnership with Sonicflood, God has provided an exciting new way for us to mobilize students for international missions,? shares Mike Lopez, director of IMB Student Mobilization Department. “As students hear, see, and experience the missions message delivered through these concerts, we pray that thousands will commit their lives to declaring His glory to every nation.?

"For what we see now is but a glimpse but soon we will see face to face. Worship takes us to greater and greater revelation and my prayer is that God would increase our expectation so that we might see His wonders as we worship Him with all our hearts! We pray that the Lord will use these recordings to heal His bride, the church? Heil states of their mission.

SONICFLOOd is composed of Rick Heil (lead vocals) and band members Trey Hill (guitar), Jordan Jameson (guitar), Chris Kimmerer (drums) and Grant Norsworthy (bass). SONICFLOOd was nominated for two GRAMMY Awards for Rock Album and has won two Dove Awards.

For more information visit http://www.sonicflood.com or http://www.inorecords.com

08/10/2006
FREE DEREK WEBB! DEREK WEBB to give away MOCKINGBIRD CD!

INO Records’ critically acclaimed singer/songwriter Derek Webb is announcing a new way to own his brilliantly-reviewed and controversial album, Mockingbird: he is giving it away! Starting September 1st Webb will launch www.freederekwebb.com a place where anyone can go online and not just hear, but actually download, keep, and share Mockingbird completely for free!

"Derek has always been an innovator and forward thinker in his life, songwriting and musical endeavors, and this FREE DEREK WEBB campaign is an example of such creativity,? commented INO Records’ President Jeff Moseley. “We fully support Derek and this brave idea and are looking forward to watching fans react to his efforts."

Mockingbird tackles many sensitive issues including poverty, war, and the basic ethics by which we live and deal with others in a raw way that has made some people uncomfortable. But that’s okay with Webb. “I’m not trying to push buttons or make people upset,? he says. “I’m just trying to be as honest as I can. Even if people don’t agree, I hope they’ll listen. I’ve found music has been an exceptional means by which to get this potentially difficult conversation going, and this is certainly an important moment for dialogue amongst people who disagree about how to best love and take care of people, to get into the nuances of the issues. We hope this bold campaign will provide a jumping off point for conversations about all of these issues, and communicate my commitment to playing my part in starting them.? For more on Webb and these issues, check out the recent cover story of Relevant magazine at www.relevantmagazine.com.

Adds Webb about the inspiration for the campaign, “One of the things that excites me most about the future of our business is how easy it is becoming to deliver music to people who want to hear it,? remarked Webb. “I heard a story once about Keith Green caring so much that people were able to hear and engage with his music that he gave it away for free, which was a very difficult and expensive thing to do at that time. It's actually never been as simple as it is today to connect music with music fans, and I want people to have a chance to listen to Mockingbird and engage in the conversation.?

Since Mockingbird’s release last December, Webb has had a wade array of people applauding his effort:

"Derek Webb is one of the most important artists of our time and Mockingbird is his most important record to date. He is becoming our Woody Guthrie." --Donald Miller, author

“Webb climbs another level in the pantheon of Christian music…his songwriting cuts to the quick an demands a response that may not be easy. Webb is a reluctant prophet whose message is not a comfortable one but painfully necessary.? --Relevant Magazine

“Derek Webb has crafted one of the most relevant and theologically informed records to emerge from Jesusland in recent memory. On Mockingbird, Webb reorients CCM from the standard, glib praisefare to charged religious protest. With lines like "peace by way of war is like purity by way of fornication," Webb proclaims an altogether radicalorthodoxy. Though earthy, brooding songwriting, the Nashvegas resident hints at other nonconformist, spiritually minded troubadours like Joseph Arthur and Sufjan Stevens. Amidst a national landscape of increasing religious herd mentality, the stern shepherding of Webb's protest songs is both welcome and needed. – PASTE magazine

“I love Derek Webb's CD, Mockingbird - everything about it…. It's rich and tasteful from beginning to end. A lot of us have been waiting for a "someday" and "someone" - when a committed Christian musician would start to lead in the areas of social justice and peace and break ranks with the domesticated muzak that so often passes for "Christian music." Derek is exactly the kind of artist we've been waiting for.? -- Brian McLaren, author/activist (anewkindofchristian.com)

For more information, log onto www.derekwebb.com or www.freederekwebb.com

08/09/2006
Sandi Patty in network TV special, on Macy's parade and headlining Christmas Tour

SANDI PATTY TO TAPE CHRISTMAS TV SPECIAL WITH THE U.S AIR FORCE RESERVE BAND Patty to Perform on NBC’s Live Broadcast of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and Headlining a Special Christmas Tour

Nashville, Tenn., August 9, 2006…The most decorated Christian female artist of all times, an icon to say the least, is showing no signs of slowing down. INO recording artist Sandi Patty is back in the spotlight nearly a year since the release of her critically acclaimed Christmas album, "Yuletide Joy."

Sponsored by the hunger relief organization, “Feed the Children,? Patty will star in a Christmas TV special entitled, “A Salute to the Armed Forces,? filmed at the Temple Square Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Syndicated nationally for cable and network television, the concert will include Patty performing the ‘National Anthem’, ‘Amazing Grace’, ‘Angels We Have Heard On High,’ and more along with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Orchestra at Temple Square accompanied by the U.S Air Force Reserve Band.

In addition Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, along with the state of Oklahoma, has asked Sandi to perform during the parade on November 23 in New York City. Sandi will be singing from the Oklahoma float and NBC will show her performance during the live televised event.

Following the parade, Patty will kick off her Christmas tour on November 25 with the Toledo Symphony Orchestra in Toledo, OH. Accompanied by local orchestras, Sandi will travel for four weeks, dazzling her audiences with what is promising to be a spectacular event. Eight out of the scheduled 17 performances will be with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra at the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore, MD. For more information on her tour and upcoming events, log onto www.sandipatty.com

**Sandi Patty has won 39 Dove Awards, five Grammy Awards, four Billboard Music Awards and is a member of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. She’s released 24 albums over the last 26 years, selling more than 11 million units. RIAA has certified three platinum and five gold of her recordings…

06/28/2006
Sara Groves Chosen As Subject of Reality Film
INO Records and documentary film-makers from the Nomad Series have collaborated to release "Sara Groves: Just Showed Up For My Own Life" a music infused, reality style film featuring Groves' in all aspects of her life over the past year. The project will be available nationwide on August 8, 2006.

A very rare opportunity in Christian music, this project invites the audience to view an artist beyond the studio, beyond backstage and beyond the road life. Travel with Groves to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in Slidell, Louisiana as relief efforts are underway to restore a community ravaged by the storm. See the beautiful country of Rwanda on an emotional trip with Groves and her team to learn about the challenges of reconciliation and economic development 11 years after mass genocide. Due to some sensitive footage from a Rwandan Genocide site, the packaging will include a warning with a self-imposed PG rating "Contains some graphic footage which may not be suitable for younger viewers".

The film will feature music from Groves, while additional features will include her live set from the 2006 Jars of Clay tour, short sermon and teaching illustration clips from Sara for use in small groups/church services, discussion starters, as well as trailers from upcoming releases. View the trailer now at http://www.nomadshow.com

06/20/2006
MercyMe Performs Live On CD USA
Multi-platinum selling band MercyMe performed their hit single "So Long Self" (currently #17 with a bullet on R&R's mainstream AC chart and No. 1 on R&R's Christian AC Indicator chart, No. 3 on their Christian AC Monitor and No.8 on its Christian CHR chart) live on CD USA this past week.
06/16/2006
Chris Rice Breaks Into AC Top 10 With "When Did You Fall (In Love With Me)"
Continuing to break ground with his first AC radio single, singer/songwriter Chris Rice (eb+flo/INO/Columbia Records) joins the company of artists such as Daniel Powter, James Blunt, Keith Urban and Kelly Clarkson with his song "When Did You Fall (In Love With Me)." Rice's single landed at No. 10 on the R&R AC chart this week in between the dynamic duo of Faith Hill and Tim McGraw and multi-Platinum artist LeAnn Rimes.

"When Did You Fall" has remained on the AC chart for 16 weeks and continues to increase its spins daily. Most recently the song was added into rotation on the national syndicated radio programs (The Delilah, John Tesh Radio, and Jim Brickman shows). The single is currently receiving airplay in major markets such as Los Angeles (KOST), Memphis (WRVR), Seattle (KRWM) and Orlando (WMGF).

06/07/2006
Mark Harris' Emotional Single "Find Your Wings" Soars To The Top Of The Inspirational Chart
On the verge of the final leg of the 4HIM Encore tour, member Mark Harris' solo project The Line Between The Two and the current radio single "Find Your Wings" takes off landing at No. 1 this week on R&R Christian Inspo chart, No. 4 on the Christian AC Indicator and No. 9 on Christian AC Monitored charts. In addition to the significant listener response from radio airplay, Harris' solo debut is connecting with buyers resulting in a dramatic 907 percent sales increase in the last 13 weeks placing the project in the Soundscan's Current Contemporary Christian Top 20 albums.