Michael W. Smith Receives Thunderous Applause for Sovereign

Three-time GRAMMY® winner to appear on Fox News Channel’s Hannity and Huckabee this week

Smith shares the meaning behind Sovereign with TIME.com

Nashville, Tenn. (May 13, 2014) - Today, three-time GRAMMY® winner Michael W. Smith opens a new chapter in his illustrious career as he releases Sovereign, his first studio worship album since 2008 and his first album with new label partner Sparrow Records and Capitol Christian Music Group. 

This week, the man who in honor of ASCAP’s 100th Anniversary was (along with Amy Grant), recently honored as a “cornerstone of Christian music,” will hit the road in support of Sovereign and it's Top 10 single, "You Won't Let Go." Appearing on Fox News Channel’s highly rated shows Hannity and Huckabee, as well as Sean Hannity’s No. 1 rated talk radio show, FoxNewsChannel.com’s “Spirited Debate” and 100 Huntley Street across the U.S. and Canada.

In addition to radio and in-store visits in Nashville, Dallas, New York and more, Smith shared with TIME.com readers about the meaning behind Sovereign in a personal piece he penned here.

When Worship Leader recently said “Sovereign is the record we've waited to hear from Michael W. Smith for a long time,” they weren’t alone in their sentiments, as the project has received thunderous applause from media outlets nationwide:

"One of the most moving, powerful collection of songs of the year, Michael
is doing what he does best, ushering listeners into worship with excellence."
-CCM

"He is an artist fully capable of resting on his repertoire but instead proceeds to experiment and deliver relevant yet timeless music. More than any other, Sovereign proves to be the perfect balance of his passion for worship with his pop-music artistic sensibilities."
-Christian Retailing

"Sovereign defies the stereotype."
-WORLD

"A pioneer in the '80s, an icon in the '90s and a consistent mainstay ever since, Sovereign is a solid musical representation of Michael W. Smith's growth as an artist in the last decade."
-New Release Tuesday, 4 out of 5 stars

"A poignant, powerful and prolific album, and one of the standouts in a career spanning 30 years, and one that I see continuing for years to come."
-Indie Vision Music

"A stunning collection of beautiful songs that grasps the love Michael has for his Saviour."
-Louder Than The Music, 4.5 out of 5 stars

"Its impressive how powerful and dominant Sovereign is …when it’s all said and done this could go down as one of the best records of his career."
-The Front Row Report

"… Sovereign just might be his most youthful and adventurous album yet."
-The Underground

Sovereign is also available as a Deluxe Edition, which includes a special DVD concert filmed at Smith's barn in Franklin, Tenn. and features guest appearances from Kari Jobe and Leeland Mooring. The DVD also includes special behind the scenes footage and content with Smith discussing the inspiration behind Sovereign. 

About Michael W. Smith
Michael W. Smith is an acclaimed singer, songwriter, and musician who has sold more than 15 million albums, achieved 28 No. 1 songs, earned three GRAMMY® Awards, one American Music Award, and more than 40 Dove Awards. Most recently, in honor of ASCAP’s 100th Anniversary, Smith, along with Amy Grant, was honored as “a cornerstone of Christian music,” for his groundbreaking career and significant influence on the genre. Throughout his career, the Contemporary Christian Music artist has had the opportunity to sing for several Presidents and national leaders. He actively supports the teen club Rocketown, Compassion International, and Samaritan’s Purse, the ministry headed by Franklin Graham. Michael and his wife Debbie live in Middle Tennessee, where they raised their five children. His first studio worship album since 2008, Sovereign, is available now. For more information, visit www.michaelwsmith.com.

Get Connected with Michael W. Smith
Website // www.michaelwsmith.com
Facebook // www.facebook.com/michaelwsmithofficial
Twitter // www.twitter.com/michaelwsmith

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Media Contact
Velvet Kelm & Ryan Anderson
the media collective
velvet@themcollective.com
ryan@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com

NEEDTOBREATHE Announces PGA Tour Winners Kevin Streelman and Russell Henley to Compete in 2014 NEEDTOBREATHE Classic

NEEDTOBREATHE, Drew & Ellie Holcomb, Steven Curtis Chapman and more set to perform at annual golf tournament

Nashville, Tenn. (May 13, 2014) – The NEEDTOBREATHE Classic presented by Commonwealth Cares Foundation has announced celebrity guests, performers, and athletes who will attend the annual golf tournament benefiting Charleston area nonprofit Palmetto Medical Initiative (PMI). Band members of NEEDTOBREATHE – Bear Rinehart, Bo Rinehart and Seth Bolt – are long-time supporters of PMI and, last year, decided to lend their name to Commonwealth Cares Foundation’s annual golf tournament to raise support.

This year, musical guests include NEEDTOBREATHE, Drew & Ellie Holcomb, Steven Curtis Chapman, Mark Bryan of Hootie & the Blowfish, John Mark McMillan, Ben Rector and Ed Roland. All musical guests will perform in a private concert for sponsors and participants.

Other special guests include PGA Tour winners Kevin Streelman (2013 Tampa Bay Championship) and Russell Henley (2013 Sony Open in Hawaii, 2014 Honda Classic). Former South Carolina quarterback and current Voice of the Gamecocks announcer Todd Ellis, as well as actor Justin Wheelon (Iron Man 3), will also participate in the tournament.

The band raised more than $100,000 for PMI through last year's tournament and additional fundraising endeavors. PMI is building sustainable medical clinics around the world, including Uganda and Nicaragua, and recently announced plans to expand its efforts into Burundi. The proceeds from the 2013 NEEDTOBREATHE Classic were used to construct a medical clinic in El Viejo, Nicaragua, which was dedicated in January 2014. This year’s tournament proceeds will benefit another East African clinic, with work slated to begin in January 2015.

For registration or sponsorship opportunities, call 843-884-4545. NEEDTOBREATHE and other musicians will perform at an after-party concert for sponsors and players (separate VIP ticket available for purchase with golf registration).

NEEDTOBREATHE released their fifth studio album Rivers In the Wasteland last month, debuting at No. 3 on the Billboard 200. The band recently kicked off their headlining North American “Rivers In the Wasteland Tour.” For more information, visit needtobreathe.com.

About NEEDTOBREATHE
NEEDTOBREATHE is an American Rock ‘n’ Roll Band from South Carolina, effortlessly woven from the musical traditions and faith of their upbringing in the Deep South of the United States. Made up of brothers Bear Rinehart (vocals, guitar) and Bo Rinehart (guitar, vocals), as well as Seth Bolt (bass, vocals), the band hit their big break in 2005 when they signed to Atlantic/Lava/Word Records. The career to follow would include four full studio albums, chart-topping cross-genre success, multiple headlining tours and media coverage on CONAN, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, The Ellen Degeneres Show, Late Show with David Letterman, MTV, FOX and much more. The band’s fifth studio album, Rivers In the Wasteland, is available now.

[Get Connected with NEEDTOBREATHE]
Website // needtobreathe.com
Facebook // facebook.com/needtobreathe
Twitter // twitter.com/needtobreathe
YouTube // youtube.com/NEEDTOBREATHEVIDEOS

About Commonwealth Financial Group
Commonwealth Financial Group is a comprehensive financial services firm based on Daniel Island with a vision to recreate the way financial services are provided and a philosophy that doing the right thing for the client is paramount. With three offices, including Daniel Island, Orangeburg and Raleigh, N.C., the firm brings a values-based approach, offerings clients independent advice through a consultative, team-oriented approach. For more information, call 888-858-5213 or visit www.commonwealthfg.com.

Founded in 2007, Commonwealth Cares Foundation is the charitable arm of Commonwealth Financial Group, a Daniel Island-based financial services firm with a division focused on providing financial planning services to physicians and the medical community. 

Facebook // facebook.com/CommonwealthCaresFoundation
Twitter // twitter.com/commonwlthcares
Instagram // instagram.com/CommonwealthCares

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Media Contact
Velvet Kelm & Ryan Anderson
the media collective
velvet@themcollective.com
ryan@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com

Dancing With the Stars® Finalist Candace Cameron Bure and Award Winning Matthew West to Host K-LOVE Fan Awards at Grand Ole Opry House on June 1

First week of voting eclipses over 500,000 votes,
unlocking new home for family in Detroit 

Nashville, Tenn. (May 13, 2014) – The K-LOVE Fan Awards has announced that current Dancing With the Stars® contestant Candace Cameron Bure, as well as American Music Award Winner, ASCAP’s reigning Christian Music Songwriter of the Year and GRAMMY®-nominee Matthew West will host the K-LOVE Fan Awards on Sunday, June 1 at the Grand Ole Opry House.  

"I'm so excited to be hosting the K-LOVE Fan Awards," exclaimed Candace. "We're going to have a fun-tastic night and I'll be fan-girling over my favorite artists along with everyone watching!"

"As a young boy I used to study tape of the great hosts in history and nobody understood why," said Matthew. "Bob Barker, Arsenio Hall, Jerry Springer, Montel Williams, Geraldo Rivera; they've all helped to mold me into the host that I am today. I feel like all of my life has been leading up to this one moment, hosting the K-LOVE Fan Awards. All of those hours studying have finally paid off. I'm so excited!"

Voting for the K-LOVE Fan Awards is open now until Midnight EST on Saturday, May 31. Partnering with World Hope to aid in revival efforts for the city of Detroit, MI., every half a million votes cast for the Fan Awards will unlock a newly remodeled home for a family in need in Detroit, with a goal of two million votes and four homes total. The first week of voting alone eclipsed 500,000 votes, unlocking the first home.

Check out the Revival of Detroit video here: revivalofdetroit.com.

Winners will be announced LIVE at the awards show in the categories of music, sports, books and movies. To vote, visit: www.klovefanawards.com.

Last week, K-LOVE announced key performers for the K-LOVE Fan Award Show. The star-studded award show will feature performances by Chris Tomlin, Hillsong UNITED, Steven Curtis Chapman, MercyMe, Francesca Battistelli and many more.

This year, fans will have more opportunities than ever to see and interact with their favorite Christian music artists at the K-LOVE Fan Awards Weekend. Starting Friday night, May 30, the weekend will start with a bang at the official Weekend Kickoff Concert, featuring performances by Tenth Avenue North, Switchfoot, for KING & COUNTRY, Rend Collective and a surprise headlining artist.

All weekend, fans will be able to participate in the first ever K-LOVE Fan Zone, which will feature a variety of fan-focused events including tours of Jeremy Camp's tour bus, celebrity basketball games, autograph sessions and more. Saturday night will end with the new Songwriters Spotlight, hosted by Steven Curtis Chapman. On Sunday, Michael W. Smith will start the day off with a special Worship Service at the Opryland Resort. The events of the day will lead to the official K-LOVE Fan Awards Show nearby at the Grand Ole Opry House.

CANDACE CAMERON BURE
Candace Cameron Bure realized early that it was her desire to be an actress. Candace grew up watching her older brother Kirk Cameron star in the popular show “Growing Pains.” It was from this experience that Candace knew that she wanted to pursue acting. In 1987, Candace took on the most important role of her young life as Donna Jo "D.J." Tanner on the series “Full House.” Viewers watched Candace grow up during the show's eight-year run and maintained an unwavering affection for her, even as she grew older. 

Despite being off the air since 1995, “Full House” still ranks as one of the most successful series of all time.

While much of her success was in television, Candace also gained starring roles in feature films. Joining the long tradition of John Hughes movies, she acted alongside Eric Stoltz and Mary Stuart Masterson in Some Kind of Wonderful in 1987. She then had the opportunity to work with acting greats Tom Hanks and Sally Field in the 1988 comedy, Punchline.

After “Full House” wrapped its last season, Candace met her future husband, professional hockey player Valeri Bure and began her most important role to date, the role of mom for her three children, Natasha, Lev, and Maksim.

On top of it all, Candace Cameron Bure has developed a deep Christian faith throughout the years and tries to live her life by the ideals of her beliefs. She supports many philanthropic causes, giving support to Skip1.org, Compassion International, Sheraton House and Children's Hunger Fund, as well as being the National Ambassador for National House of Hope. Candace also travels the country speaking at various churches, colleges, and women's conferences sharing her Christian faith. 

MATTHEW WEST
A multiple-ASCAP Christian Music Songwriter/Artist of the Year winner and lauded by The New York Times as “a vivid and compelling songwriter with impressive approaches to the familiar,” four-time GRAMMY® nominee Matthew West’s discography includes acclaimed releases: Happy (2003), History (2005), Something to Say (2008), The Story of Your Life (2010) and Into The Light (2012). His 2010 studio album, The Story of Your Life, was inspired by 10,000 stories from every state in the U.S. and 20 countries. The album garnered attention from CNN Online, Fox News, Billboard, Country Weekly, American Songwriter and more. The Story of Your Life gave West the largest street week debut of his career, selling over 10,000 units the first week landing at No. 3 on Christian Soundscan, and No. 41 on the Billboard Top 200. His songwriting credits include cuts by Rascal Flatts, Billy Ray Cyrus, Diamond Rio and more. West was nominated for a Primetime Emmy® Award for Original Music & Lyrics for “The Heart of Christmas” from the film of the same name. West’s fifth studio album, Into The Light, was released last fall and was nominated for Best Contemporary Christian Album for the 55th Annual GRAMMY® Awards. The album features his most recent hit singles “Forgiveness” and “Hello My Name Is” (which was No. 1 on the National Christian radio chart for 17 weeks straight, officially breaking the record for the most weeks at No. 1), along with 10 other tracks inspired by 10,000 new letters submitted after West invited people to, once again, send him their stories. West was nominated and won his first American Music Award in 2013. West spent much of late 2012 and early 2013 on a pre-headlining stint of the No. 1 Tour in the World (first quarter), the Winter Jam Tour Spectacular. He wrapped 2013 with his headlining fall 2013 tour and “The Story Tour” in December. This year he has been on the “Hits Deep Tour” as well as his “Hello My Name Is…” acoustic tour.

Connect with Matthew West
Facebook // www.facebook.com/matthewwest
Twitter // www.twitter.com/matthew_west

K-LOVE FAN AWARDS
The K-LOVE Fan Awards mission is to create a fan experience that celebrates and promotes artists, athletes, authors and entertainers who, with excellence, engage and impact popular culture for Jesus Christ. Last year’s inaugural event included hosts from the A&E TV’s popular show “Duck Dynasty,” Phil & Kay Robertson and Jase & Missy Robertson. For more information on this year’s exciting lineup and award show hosts, visit www.KLOVEFanAwards.com.

K-LOVE FAN AWARDS WEEKEND
Fans are encouraged to sign up for the exclusive K-LOVE Fan Awards Weekend, which will begin May 30 and run through June 1. With Nashville’s Gaylord Opryland Hotel & Resort as the home base, those who join this Experience will receive tickets to the Awards show, a three-night stay at Opryland, dinner with the K-LOVE staff and friends, a weekend kick-off concert, and access to the K-LOVE Fan Zone, which will include exclusive meet & greets, autograph signings and much more. There are limited spots to the K-LOVE Fan Awards Weekend and it is slated to sell out. To find out more on this year’s schedule, visit, For a full schedule of the weekend, visit: www.klovefanawards.com/schedule-events. The K-LOVE Fan Awards is a John Sanders LLC/World Hope Event.

ABOUT K-LOVE
K-LOVE creates compelling media designed to inspire and encourage people to develop a meaningful relationship with Christ. K-LOVE is listener supported and delivers positive, encouraging contemporary Christian music through its 446 signals across 47 states. For more information visit: www.klove.com.

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ATTN MEDIA: Credential requests are available now for the K-LOVE Fan Awards Weekend, and K-LOVE Fan Awards Show red carpet and pressroom. Media rate information for the Opryland Hotel is available upon request. For more information, visit: www.themcollective.com/klovefanawards/media.

Media Contact
Velvet Kelm & Ryan Anderson
the media collective
velvet@themcollective.com
ryan@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com

Passion: Take It All Matches Highest Billboard Debut of the Year

Album ranks as the highest Billboard worship debut this year

Nashville, Tenn. (May 7, 2014) – Once again, the annual Passion album has resonated with fans and listeners worldwide. Passion: Take It All debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200, tying last year's album, Passion: Let The Future Begin, as the highest chart debut for Passion and also the highest for a Christian album this year. It also ranked as the highest Billboard 200 chart debut this year for a worship record. In addition, Passion ranked as No. 1 on the Christian Albums Chart.  

Upon its release, the album shot straight to No. 1 on the iTunes® Christian Albums Chart and Top 5 on the Overall Albums Chart. The first single off the album, “My Heart Is Yours” by Passion feat. Kristian Stanfill, continues to make waves at Christian radio. 

RELEVANT Magazine and Worship Leader Magazine music videos from Passion: Take It All last week.

RELEVANT - "Come As You Are" by Passion feat. Crowder
http://www.relevantmagazine.com/rtv/performances/come-you-are-live-passion

Worship Leader - "Let It Be Jesus" by Passion feat. Christy Nockels
http://worshipleader.com/christy-nockles-leads-let-it-be-jesus/

Passion: Take It All captures the powerful movement of the 2014 Passion conferences that took place in both Atlanta and Houston earlier this year. Many acclaimed worship leaders, including GRAMMY® winners Chris Tomlin and Matt Redman, along with Crowder, Christy Nockels, Kristian Stanfill and Brett Younker, helped lead the conferences and are featured on the album. There have been endless praises for the album: All About Worship says “Take It All is a great collection of songs, each of which could be praised individually.” 

Along with the incredible musicians that led music at Passion 2014, there were renowned pastors and teachers including Louie Giglio, John Piper, Beth Moore, Francis Chan, Christine Caine and Judah Smith. The conference was attended by over 35,000 students representing 46 countries and more than 1,200 universities. During the two gatherings, students were challenged to personally give $500,000 to fund the printing and distribution of scripture for the people of Iran. Amazingly, this goal was exceeded as willing students gave over $670,000, providing 65,000+ Bibles to the people of Iran.  

Earlier this year the Passion team visited Abu Dhabi, Hyderabad, Delhi, Manila, Singapore and Honolulu on their 2014 Global Tour. Tens of thousands gathered to join in glorifying the name of Jesus around the world.  

About Passion Conferences
Led by a stirring in the heart of Atlanta-based pastor, Louie Giglio, Passion was birthed in 1997 to see the 20+ million college students across the globe awaken to the reality of an omnipotent and glorious Creator. Since then, millions of students from across the globe have joined the Passion movement, united across ministry and denominational lines, to seek the face of God in worship and prayer at nine conferences, four world tours and multiple one-day and regional events. Passion’s core scripture, Isaiah 26:8 states: “Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts.” The small Passion Team is led by Louie Giglio and operates under the direction of a Board that is committed to spreading the fame of Jesus Christ to college students around the globe.

About sixstepsrecords
Founded in 2000 by Louie Giglio, sixstepsrecords is a worship label and a division of Passion Conferences. sixstepsrecords’ artists include Chris Tomlin (Burning Lights), Crowder (Neon Steeple), Matt Redman (Your Grace Finds Me), Christy Nockels (Into the Glorious), Kristian Stanfill (Mountains Move), and Passion (Passion: Take It All). The label partners with Sparrow Records/Capitol Christian Music Group for A&R, marketing, sales and distribution operations. For more information on sixstepsrecords, visit: www.sixstepsrecords.com.

[Get Connected with Passion]
Website // www.268generation.com
Facebook // www.facebook.com/Passion268generation
Twitter // www.twitter.com/passion268
iTunes // smarturl.it/PassionTakeItAll

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Media Contact
Ryan Anderson
the media collective
ryan@themcollective.com
615.591.7989
www.themcollective.com

Newsboys Pay Homage to Mother's Day with Single "That Home (A Tribute to Moms)" Available Now

“We Believe” continues to climb the charts, hits No. 3 spot
 
Newsboys perform mega-hit “God’s Not Dead”
on Huckabee on Fox News

Nashville, Tenn. (May 7, 2014) – Four-time GRAMMY®-nominated band Newsboys pay homage to mothers everywhere with the release of their single “That Home (A Tribute To Moms)” in honor of Mother’s Day this weekend. The new track, which was recorded originally for Newsboys’ latest album Restart, features clips of fans sharing their favorite thoughts and memories about their moms. The song holds a special relevance for lead singer Michael Tait:
 
“‘That Home’ is a song about moms everywhere. My mom passed away in September of 2013,” said Tait. “The lyrics talk about how in that home she would cook us our favorite meal, how her love for us had no end and how important it was to her to see her kids be saved and know Christ. That’s the kind of mom that my mom was.”

“That Home (A Tribute To Moms)” is available now:
iTunes: http://smarturl.it/TributeToMoms
Lyric Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyZVpi-oLm4

Newsboys’ inspiring message continues to echo in their current single “We Believe.” The song has skyrocketed up the charts, moving into the Top 3 spot this week on the National Christian Audience chart, reaching an audience of over 8 million. Upon its release, “We Believe” gave Newsboys their strongest add week ever, picking up adds from 64 radio stations.

In addition, Newsboys performed their No. 1 mega-hit “God’s Not Dead” last weekend on Huckabee on FOX News. Governor Mike Huckabee joined the band to play bass on the track that inspired the movie “God’s Not Dead.” The movie is currently in theaters and has grossed more than $53 million worldwide. To view Newsboys' performance on Huckabee, visit: http://www.foxnews.com/on-air/huckabee/index.html#/v/3542148264001
 
For more information about Newsboys, visit www.newsboys.com.

About Newsboys
Four-time GRAMMY®-nominated band Newsboys boasts an impressive track record with 16 albums, five gold certifications, 30 No. 1 radio hits and over 8 million units sold over their multi-decade career. This rock and pop-driven worship band includes front man Michael Tait (vocals) and his band mates who’ve played together for two decades - Jody Davis (guitar), Jeff Frankenstein (keys) and Duncan Phillips (drums). Their 2010 release, Born Again, saw the largest street week of their careers, debuting at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 and garnering three No. 1 hits. Their 2012 record, God’s Not Dead, has sold over 300,000 copies and it's title song, "God's Not Dead," topped the CHR radio format for seven weeks in a row. Renown for their heart-pumping live concerts, the tight knit Newsboys unit continues to headline shows in the U.S. and around the world. Their pop-spirited third album with Michael Tait at the helm, Restart, is available in stores now.

[Get Connected with Newsboys]
Website // www.newsboys.com
Facebook // www.facebook.com/newsboys.official
Twitter // www.twitter.com/Newsboys
iTunes // www.smarturl.it/iTunesRestart

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Media Contact
Ryan Anderson & Velvet Kelm
the media collective
ryan@themcollective.com
velvet@themcollective.com
615.591.7989
www.themcollective.com

Grand Canyon University, MercyMe's Bart Millard Launching Groundbreaking Contemporary Worship Arts Program

Program to train students in all aspects of worship service

Nashville, Tenn. (May 6, 2014) – Grand Canyon University is teaming up with Christian music icon Bart Millard to offer a groundbreaking Worship Arts program that will prepare students for careers ranging from national recording artists to worship leaders at local churches.

Millard, lead singer of GRAMMY® nominated, American Music and Dove Award winning band MercyMe, said he was attracted to Grand Canyon’s Center for Worship Arts because – unlike many programs that are performance-based and run out of a music college – GCU’s combines both a ministry component and performance component and is based in its College of Theology.

“Anyone can sing the message, but first you have to get the message right,” said Millard, who will serve as Director of the Center for Worship Arts and expose GCU students to some of the top influencers in the music industry. “Parents who might be concerned their son or daughter wants to perform for a living will know that they will be able to follow their dream and still earn a four-year degree. We will equip students for worship leadership that is relevant and theologically sound.”

The centerpiece of GCU’s Center for Worship Arts will be a performance band that will write its own songs, release records and tour the country. Beyond that, however, the program will train students in all aspects of the music industry so they can get jobs in a world in which contemporary worship services increasingly consist of high-tech tools such as computerized lighting, video screens, electric guitars and amplifiers, wireless technology and social media. The bachelors program will offer four emphases – digital media, worship production, worship management and worship ministry – and incorporate courses from GCU’s College of Theology, the Ken Blanchard College of Business and the College of Fine Arts and Production to help students develop the skills necessary for contemporary worship and ministry.

“Students and parents can feel comfortable that they can come into this worship arts program with no other intention than to serve God,” said Millard, whose band MercyMe just released its eighth studio album, Welcome To The New, which debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 chart and on No. 1 on the Christian chart. “Maybe they will do accounting for a Christian band, be a church worship leader, or serve in a communication capacity for some sort of worship. Whatever their path, they get to come away with a solid understanding of Scripture, a degree that prepares them for a wide range of worship opportunities, and the ability to truly follow their calling and find their purpose.”

The program includes 32 credit hours of theology across the four-year program.

“The public nature of the role of worship leader requires a depth of theological knowledge, for clarity in communicating the Gospel message,” said Dr. Jason Hiles, GCU’s dean of the College of Theology. “The credibility of the messenger matters, so we place a lot of emphasis not only on the message, but on the inward formation of Christ-like character and ability to minister with wisdom and sensitivity in Christian worship environments.”

The Center for Worship Arts will welcome its inaugural class in the fall of 2014 with students from around the country, and plans to eventually grow the infrastructure to include a state-of-the-art performance venue and recording facility. For additional information, visit gcu.edu/worshiparts.

Grand Canyon University was founded in 1949 and is Arizona’s premier private Christian university. GCU is regionally accredited and emphasizes individual attention for both traditional undergraduate students and the working professional. GCU offers traditional programs on its growing campus, as well as online bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs. The University’s curriculum fuses academic and clinical rigor with Christian values to prepare its students to be skilled, caring professionals. For more information about GCU, visit gcu.edu.

Bart Millard is best known as the founder and lead singer of MercyMe. The band is famous around the world for their hit singles “I Can Only Imagine” and “Word of God Speak.” MercyMe has sold over 6.5 million CDs and DVDs and has appeared on The Tonight Show, CNN and ABC News, and the Today Show as well as in the pages of Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, USA Today, Billboard and more. Millard’s extensive industry experience and passion for worship give him a one-of-a-kind perspective that will help to shape the next generation of worship leaders. For more information on MercyMe, visit mercyme.org.

About MercyMe
Since their debut in 2001, GRAMMY® nominated, American Music Award and multiple Dove Award winners MercyMe have sold over 6.5 million units in CD and DVD sales, garnered 25 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 2009, 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, with an additional No. 1 as the Christian AC Song Artist of The Decade as one of the industry's most notable talents. MercyMe made history as “I Can Only Imagine” surpassed 1 million digital downloads, making it the first song in Christian music to go platinum in the digital domain. MercyMe has sold out venues across the nation, including Radio City Music Hall, and has appeared on The Tonight Show, CNN, Fox News Channel's Fox & Friends, ABC News, CBS This Morning and in the pages of Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, USA Today, Billboard, the Today Show and more. Their eighth studio album, Welcome To The New, is available now.

[Get Connected with MercyMe]
Website // www.mercyme.org
Facebook // www.facebook.com/mercyme
Twitter // www.twitter.com/mercyme
iTunes// http://smarturl.it/MMNewiTunes
Amazon// http://smarturl.it/MMNewAmazon

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Media Contact
Velvet Kelm & Ryan Anderson
the media collective
velvet@themcollective.com
ryan@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com

 

 

Crowder Sets Sights On Neon Steeple, Marks Solo Debut for May 27, 2014

Includes duet with music legend Emmylou Harris and Top 5 lead single, “I Am”

Crowder headlines “Neon Steeple Tour” with guests All Sons & Daughters and Capital Kings this fall

Nashville, Tenn. (May 1, 2013) – What was originally an idea formed from a stunning image of a steeple on the horizon comes the long-awaited solo debut from critically revered artist and songwriter Crowder. The release of Neon Steeple, out May 27, 2014, continues to highlight Crowder’s knack for innovative songwriting. Among the new tracks is the record’s lead Top 5 single (National Christian Audience) “I Am” as well as a duet with music icon Emmylou Harris on “My Sweet Lord.”

"Neon Steeple is a collection of songs and sounds looking forward to the past and counting the present as sacred," remarks Crowder. "It is a longing for belonging, a search for home. It is a collection of choruses that believe that this is not all there is. It is the sound of the Appalachians and Ibiza. Folk music and EDM. The music of the People. Folktronica. Digital and Analog. The Ones and Zeros and the Handshake. The Banjo and the 808. Neon Steeple is both a critique and a hope."

Neon Steeple is available for pre-order now on iTunes®. All pre-orders come with an instant download of "I Am" and "My Beloved." To pre-order Neon Steeple, visit:

http://smarturl.it/CrowderNeonSteeple

Neon Steeple comes over two years since David Crowder*Band’s final project, Give Us Rest (A Requiem Mass in C [The Happiest of All Keys]). His current single “I Am” peaked at No. 1 on the iTunes® Christian & Gospel Top Songs chart upon its release. The song has enjoyed a steady climb up the charts, currently sitting at No. 5 on the National Christian Audience chart, reaching over 6.6 million people weekly.

Check out the story behind “I Am” here.

In support of Neon Steeple, Crowder will headline a fall tour which kicks off in Springfield, MO on September 30. The tour will include special guests All Sons & Daughters, Capital Kings and Ellie Holcomb on select dates.

Neon Steeple Fall 2014 Tour
09.30 - Springfield, MO | Remington's
10.01 - Chicago, IL | House of Blues
10.02 - Minneapolis, MN | University of Northwestern - St. Paul
10.04 - Cleveland, OH | Grace Church
10.05 - Indianapolis, IN | Murat Theatre at Old National Centre
10.06 - Charlotte, NC | Forest Hill Church
10.09 - Long Island, NY | The Space at Westbury*
10.10 - Lancaster, PA | Lancaster Bible College*
10.11 - Marriottsville (Baltimore), MD | Chapelgate Presbyterian Church*
10.12 - Winchester, VA (DC) | Winchester Church of God*
10.15 - Aiken (Augusta), SC | Millbrook Church
10.16 - Tallahassee, FL | City Church
10.17 - Orlando, FL | Northland Church
10.18 - Ft. Myers, FL | McGregor Baptist Church
10.19 - Jacksonville, FL | Christ's Church
10.21 - Panama City, FL | Marina Civic Center
10.23 - San Antonio, TX | Floores Country Store
10.24 - Baton Rouge, LA | Greenwell Springs Church
10.25 - Houston, TX | Warehouse Live*
10.26 - Tulsa, OK | First Baptist Church Broken Arrow*
10.28 - Denver, CO | Paramount Theatre
10.30 - Phoenix, AZ | Sun Valley Community Church
11.01 - San Diego, CA | Skyline Church
11.02 - Irvine, CA | Mariners Church
11.04 - San Francisco, CA | Regency Ballroom
11.06 - Sacramento, CA | Bayside Church
11.07 - Portland, OR | Rolling Hills Community Church
11.08 - Seattle, WA | Showbox Sodo
11.09 - Bellingham, WA | Christ The King Community Church
11.13 - Dallas, TX | Crossroads Church
11.14 - Jackson, MS | Morrison Heights Baptist Church
11.15 - Atlanta, GA | The Tabernacle

*Ellie Holcomb appearing in place of All Sons & Daughters

About Crowder
Crowder has been embraced for his lyrically powerful and musically elaborate and unpredictable songs that have found themselves being sung everywhere from churches to clubs all across the country. In November 2012, Crowder released his first solo project, Crowder: iTunes® Session which delivered nine stripped down organic tracks to many of Crowder’s most loved originals. As part of the David Crowder*Band, they were named one of the “most thoughtful, progressive and exciting acts in contemporary Christian music” by The New York Times, garnering nine Dove Awards, 22 Dove nominations and two GRAMMY® nominations. The band released their final collection of new music with the GRAMMY® nominated project,Give Us Rest (A Requiem Mass in C [The Happiest of All Keys]). The record entered the Billboard 200 chart at No. 2 and gave the band their highest debut in their 12-year career. Continuing to perform as part of the Passion movement, participating in university student gatherings in the US and around the world, Crowder has also penned two books including his acclaimed release, “Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven, but Nobody Wants to Die.” Crowder's solo album debut, Neon Steeple, will be available on May 27, 2014.

[Get Connected with Crowder]
Website // http://www.crowdermusic.com/
Twitter // https://twitter.com/crowdermusic
Facebook // https://www.facebook.com/crowdermusicofficial
iTunes // http://smarturl.it/CrowderNeonSteeple

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Media Contact
Ryan Anderson & Velvet Kelm
the media collective
ryan@themcollective.com
velvet@themcollective.com
615.591.7989
www.theMcollective.com

K-LOVE Fan Awards Voting Open Now for Award Show to Take Place at Grand Ole Opry House on June 1

Chris Tomlin, MercyMe, Hillsong United,
Steven Curtis Chapman, Francesca Battistelli and more
to perform at K-LOVE Fan Awards Show

Nashville, Tenn. (May 1, 2014) – K-LOVE – the largest Christian music radio network with a weekly listenership of over 14 million people – has announced that fan voting for the K-LOVE Fan Awards is open now. Voting will be open until Midnight EST on Saturday, May 31. Winners will be announced LIVE at the awards show in the categories of music, sports, books and movies. To vote, visit: www.klovefanawards.com.

This year, the K-LOVE Fan Awards will partner with World Hope to aid in revival efforts for the city of Detroit, MI. Every half a million votes cast for the award show will unlock a newly remodeled home for a family in need in Detroit with a goal of two million votes awarding up to four homes total.

Check out the Revival of Detroit video here: revivalofdetroit.com.

K-LOVE has also announced key performers for the K-LOVE Fan Award Show to take place on Sunday, June 1 at the Grand Ole Opry House. The star-studded award show will feature performances by Chris Tomlin, Hillsong United, Steven Curtis Chapman, MercyMe, Francesca Battistelli and many more. The award show is the pinnacle event of the jam-packed K-LOVE Fan Awards Weekend and Ultimate Fan Experience, which kicks off on Friday, May 30 at the Opryland Hotel and Convention Center.

This year, fans will have more chances than ever to see and interact with their favorite Christian music artists at the K-LOVE Fan Awards Weekend. Starting Friday night, May 30, the weekend will start with a bang at the official Weekend Kickoff Concert, featuring performances by Tenth Avenue North, Switchfoot, for King & Country, Rend Collective and a surprise headlining artist.

All weekend, fans will be able to participate in the first ever K-LOVE Fan Zone, which will feature a variety of fan-focused events including tours of Jeremy Camp's tour bus, celebrity basketball games, autograph sessions and more. Saturday night will end with the new Songwriters Spotlight, hosted by Steven Curtis Chapman and Matthew West. On Sunday, Michael W. Smith will start the day off with a special Worship Service at the Opryland Resort. The events of the day will lead to the official K-LOVE Fan Awards Show nearby at the Grand Ole Opry House.

K-LOVE FAN AWARDS
The K-LOVE Fan Awards mission is to create a fan experience that celebrates and promotes artists, athletes, authors and entertainers who, with excellence, engage and impact popular culture for Jesus Christ. Last year’s inaugural event included hosts from the A&E TV’s popular show “Duck Dynasty,” Phil & Kay Robertson and Jase & Missy Robertson. For more information on this year’s exciting lineup and award show hosts, visit www.KLOVEFanAwards.com.

K-LOVE FAN AWARDS WEEKEND
Fans are encouraged to sign up for the exclusive K-LOVE Fan Awards Weekend, which will begin May 30 and run through June 1. With Nashville’s Gaylord Opryland Hotel & Resort as the home base, those who join this Experience will receive tickets to the Awards show, a three-night stay at Opryland, dinner with the K-LOVE staff and friends, a weekend kick-off concert, and access to the K-LOVE Fan Zone, which will include exclusive meet & greets, autograph signings and much more. There are limited spots to the K-LOVE Fan Awards Weekend and it is slated to sell out. To find out more on this year’s schedule, visit, For a full schedule of the weekend, visit: www.klovefanawards.com/schedule-events. The K-LOVE Fan Awards is a John Sanders LLC/World Hope Event.

ABOUT K-LOVE
K-LOVE creates compelling media designed to inspire and encourage people to develop a meaningful relationship with Christ. K-LOVE is listener supported and delivers positive, encouraging contemporary Christian music through its 446 signals across 47 states. For more information visit: www.klove.com

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ATTN MEDIA: Credential requests are available now for the K-LOVE Fan Awards Weekend, and K-LOVE Fan Awards Show red carpet and pressroom. Media rate information for the Opryland Hotel is available upon request. For more information, visit: www.themcollective.com/klovefanawards/media.

Media Contact
Velvet Kelm & Ryan Anderson
the media collective
velvet@themcollective.com
ryan@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.theMcollective.com

Passion: Take It All Debuts to Widespread Excitement and Impressive Digital Sales on Release Day

Passion: Take It All Deluxe Edition features full talk
from Louie Giglio

Nashville, Tenn. (April 29, 2014) – Some of this generation's most acclaimed worship leaders - Chris Tomlin, Crowder, Matt Redman, Christy Nockels and Kristian Stanfill - led over 35,000 college students in worship at the 2014 Passion conferences held in Atlanta and Houston earlier this year. Capturing the powerful movement that took place at Philips Arena and the Toyota Center, the live worship album, Passion: Take It All, is available now at retails and digital outlets nationwide. The album features a digital and physical 12-track standard edition, as well as a 14-track + video content deluxe edition that includes a full talk from Louie Giglio.

Upon its release, the album shot straight to No. 1 on the iTunes® Christian Albums Chart and Top 5 on the Overall Albums Chart. The first single off the album, “My Heart Is Yours” by Passion feat. Kristian Stanfill, continues to make waves at Christian radio. 

Today, RELEVANT Magazine premiered the live video of Crowder performing "Come As You Are" from Passion 2014. You can view the video here:
http://www.relevantmagazine.com/rtv/performances/come-you-are-live-passion

An album release party was held Sunday night at Passion City Church in Atlanta, where the Passion band led and celebrated the new songs from the album, while praying together as one for the Holy Spirit to send it out across the world. In the same fashion as its preceding Passion releases, Passion: Take It All is already receiving rave reviews --

“Although this is a conference targeting youth, the truth in the songs is ageless and fits all generations…”
- Worship Leader

"Passion: Take It All delivers another sing-to set list destined to become tomorrow's modern church standards."
- CCM Magazine

“This is not just Passion’s best release in recent years; this is one of the finest worship albums you will hear for a long time.”
- Louder Than The Music

"Passion: Take It All is a very solid project among live worship albums. Familiar enough to appeal, and new enough to keep the listener's attention, Passion: Take It All takes several steps in the right direction..."
- Jesus Freak Hideout

“Passion: Take It All is ridiculously good… I guarantee those who love worship music will love this album.”
- Christian Music Zine

"Passion: Take It All continues to deliver the collective’s signature elements, offering up vertically charged lyrics, engaging arrangements, and compelling delivery from some of the world’s most talented worship leaders."
- Soul-Audio

“When it’s all said and done, Passion: Take It All isn’t just a worship album, it’s much more than that. It’s a praise and worship experience that you won’t be able to find anywhere else.”
- The Front Row Report

"Passion: Take It All will be influencing Sunday worship services everywhere."
- Christian Music Review

Earlier this month, Passion wrapped its 2014 Global Tour that saw tens of thousands gather in cities including Abu Dhabi, Hyderabad, Delhi, Manila, Singapore and Honolulu. See below for select photos of the tour:

                                     Mary Caroline Mann © 2014 Passion Conferences: Delhi

                                     Mary Caroline Mann © 2014 Passion Conferences: Manila

For more information on Passion, visit: 268generation.com. Passion 2015 has been announced to take place Jan. 2-4 and Jan. 16-18 at Philips Arena in Atlanta, and Jan. 30 - Feb. 1 at the Toyota Center in Houston.  

About Passion Conferences
Led by a stirring in the heart of Atlanta-based pastor, Louie Giglio, Passion was birthed in 1997 to see the 20+ million college students across the globe awaken to the reality of an omnipotent and glorious Creator. Since then, millions of students from across the globe have joined the Passion movement, united across ministry and denominational lines, to seek the face of God in worship and prayer at nine conferences, four world tours and multiple one-day and regional events. Passion’s core scripture, Isaiah 26:8 states: “Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts.” The small Passion Team is led by Louie Giglio and operates under the direction of a Board that is committed to spreading the fame of Jesus Christ to college students around the globe.

About sixstepsrecords
Founded in 2000 by Louie Giglio, sixstepsrecords is a worship label and a division of Passion Conferences. sixstepsrecords’ artists include Chris Tomlin (Burning Lights), Crowder (Neon Steeple), Matt Redman (Your Grace Finds Me), Christy Nockels (Into the Glorious), Kristian Stanfill (Mountains Move), and Passion (Passion: Take It All). The label partners with Sparrow Records/Capitol Christian Music Group for A&R, marketing, sales and distribution operations. For more information on sixstepsrecords, visit: www.sixstepsrecords.com.

[Get Connected with Passion]
Website // www.268generation.com
Facebook // www.facebook.com/Passion268generation
Twitter // www.twitter.com/passion268
iTunes // smarturl.it/PassionTakeItAll

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Media Contact
Ryan Anderson
the media collective
ryan@themcollective.com
615.591.7989
www.themcollective.com

NEEDTOBREATHE Debuts at No. 3 on Billboard 200 and No. 1 on Christian Albums Chart

Band returns to The Late Show with David Letterman tonight

Watch "The Heart" on The Ellen Degeneres Show

North American tour extended another two months

CBS This Morning performance confirmed for May 3
 

Nashville, Tenn. (April 23, 2014) - NEEDTOBREATHE and Atlantic/Word Records are thrilled to announce that the band's new album Rivers In the Wasteland has debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and No. 1 on the Christian Albums Chart. Released last week, Rivers went straight to No. 1 on the iTunes® chart and stayed in the Top 10 all week.

The band performed new single “The Heart” on The Ellen DeGeneres Show last Friday, a song the UK’s Clash Magazine spotlights as “strident, anthemic songwriting” that “matches Southern rock to gilded Americana with the trio's voices gathered in rapture.” Watch the performance here: http://www.ellentv.com/videos/0-rjytdfgl 

NEEDTOBREATHE will return to The Late Show with David Letterman tonight for a performance of “The Heart,” joined by the legendary Paul Shaffer.

The band's single "Difference Maker" continues to the climb the charts, hitting the Top 10 this week at CHR. The band's next single "Multiplied" went for adds last week and was picked up by 29 Christian AC stations, making it the most added single at Christian AC. 

Rivers In the Wasteland impressed fans and critics alike last week following its release. NewReleaseTuesday.com said, "You'll be hooked right from the opening notes..." while JesusFreakHideout.com praised a "welcome return for the South Carolina boys, and already one of the best releases of 2014."

The band’s North American headlining that kicks off May 1 has been extended for another two months. The additional leg sees the band performing in Austin, New York, Philadelphia and Boston. See the full list of dates below.

On May 3, NEEDTOBREATHE will perform on CBS This Morning Saturday’s “Saturday Sessions.”

Listen to Rivers In the Wasteland, which has already been spotlighted by USA Today, Yahoo, RELEVANT, HitFix, Team Coco and Paste, here:
 www.needtobreathe.com/riversinthewasteland

Tour Dates
5/1/14 - Gillioz Theatre - Springfield, MO *
5/2/14 - Brady Theater - Tulsa, OK *
5/3-4/14 - Suburbia Music Festival - Plano, TX
5/5/14 - Marquee Theatre - Phoenix, AZ *
5/6/14 - The Wiltern - Los Angeles, CA *
5/7/14 - The Fillmore - San Francisco, CA *
5/9/14 - The Neptune - Seattle, WA *
5/10/14 - The Neptune - Seattle, WA *
5/11/14 - Vogue Theatre - Vancouver, BC *
5/14/14 - The Fillmore - Denver, CO *
5/15/14 - Uptown Theater - Kansas City, MO *
5/16-18/14 - Hangout Festival - Gulf Shores, AL *
5/31/14 - The Tabernacle - Atlanta, GA *
6/1/14 - The Tabernacle - Atlanta, GA *
6/3/14 - Stage AE - Pittsburgh, PA *
6/5/14 - House of Blues - Cleveland, OH *
6/6/14 - Murat Theatre - Indianapolis, IN *
6/8/14 - Pabst Theater - Milwaukee, WI *
6/10/14 - Simon Estes - Des Moines, IA *
6/12/14 - Skyway Theatre - Minneapolis, MN *
6/13/14 - The Pageant - St. Louis, MO *
6/14/14 - House of Blues - Chicago, IL *
6/15/14 - House of Blues - Chicago, IL *
6/17/14 - Town Ballroom - Buffalo, NY *
6/19/14 - Danforth Theatre - Toronto, ON
6/20/14 - The Fillmore - Detroit, MI *
6/21/14 - Meijer Gardens - Grand Rapids, MI *

8/16/14 - DownPour Festival - Great Falls, MT **
8/20/14 - Tennessee Theatre - Knoxville, TN **
8/21/14 - Tennessee Theatre - Knoxville, TN **
8/22/14 - The Uptown Amphitheatre - Charlotte, NC **
8/24/14 - Durham Performing Arts Center - Durham, NC **
9/4/14 - Austin Music Hall - Austin, TX **
9/5/14 - Bayou Music Hall - Houston, TX **
9/8/14 - River Center Baton Rouge - Baton Rouge, LA **
9/9/14 - Orpheum Theatre - Memphis, TN **
9/11/14 - Alabama Theatre - Birmingham, AL **
9/13/14 - The Woods at Fontanel - Nashville, TN **
9/16/14 - The NorVa - Norfolk, VA **
9/18/14 - North Charleston PAC - Charleston, SC **
9/19/14 - Littlejohn Coliseum - Clemson, SC **
9/22/14 - The Fillmore - Silver Spring, MD **
9/24/14 - Theatre of the Living Arts - Philadelphia, PA **
9/25/14 - Theatre of the Living Arts - Philadelphia, PA **   
9/26/14 - House of Blues - Boston, MA **
9/27/14 - Best Buy Theater - New York, NY ** 

* With Foy Vance 
** With The Oh Hellos 

About NEEDTOBREATHE
NEEDTOBREATHE is an American Rock ‘n’ Roll Band from South Carolina, effortlessly woven from the musical traditions and faith of their upbringing in the Deep South of the United States. Made up of brothers Bear Rinehart (vocals, guitar) and Bo Rinehart (guitar, vocals), as well as Seth Bolt (bass, vocals), the band hit their big break in 2005 when they signed to Atlantic/Lava/Word Records. The career to follow would include five full studio albums, chart-topping cross-genre success, multiple headlining tours and media coverage on CONAN, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Ellen Degeneres Show, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, The Late Show with David Letterman, MTV, FOX and much more. The band’s fifth studio album, Rivers In The Wasteland, is available now.

[Get Connected with NEEDTOBREATHE]
Website // needtobreathe.com
Facebook // facebook.com/needtobreathe
Twitter // twitter.com/needtobreathe
YouTube // youtube.com/NEEDTOBREATHEVIDEOS

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Media Contact
Velvet Kelm & Ryan Anderson
the media collective
velvet@themcollective.com
ryan@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com

Platinum and Award Winning Rockers Skillet Captivates Crowds, Sells Out over 70% of Spring Tour with Third Day

Band to hit the Road with TobyMac and Lecrae on May 1st

Nominated for 2 Billboard Music Awards

Nashville, Tenn. (April 22, 2014) - Platinum and Award winning rockers Skillet continue to dominate in one of the ways they are most known for, which is captivating crowds with their live show. Recently wrapping a 19 city co-headlining run with Third Day, that sold out over 70% of its shows, it also saw record numbers for tour sponsor Food for the Hungry, with over 3,000 children and their families being sponsored.

"I was blown away when I heard from Food for the Hungry that over 3,000 kids were sponsored, as I live in a town of only 6,000,” remarked tour promoter Dan Fife of Awakening Events. “The amazing thing is that it’s not just about the number of kids sponsored but also the 10’s of thousands of people in the communities that these sponsored children live in that will also be impacted. There isn't a better way to do this than with music, and in our case, Skillet, Third Day, Mandisa, Brandon Heath, Peter Furler and We As Human together saw something happen that was awesome.”

The band with over 5 million likes on facebook was also recently nominated for two Billboard Music Awards. This year their latest and best selling project RISE is up for Top Christian Album, with the band also being nominated for Top Christian Artist, the award they took home in 2011. The Billboard Music Awards will be broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, May 18, on ABC from 8:00 PM–11:00 PM ET.  

On May 1st, Skillet will join TobyMac and Lecrae to thrill crowds on an exclusive early summer shed tour. With each act known for their energetic and diverse live performances, fans in each of the select seven cities are sure to get the show of a lifetime.

About Skillet
Over the course of the past few years, GRAMMY® nominated and platinum selling rock band Skillet has sold more than two million units in the U.S., racked up more than 150 million YouTube views and amassed a diehard following (dubbed Panheads) whose members number over five million on facebook alone. Their 2013 release RISE debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 and No. 1 on the Billboard Rock and Christian charts, which led to a No. 1 radio hit for "American Noise,” “Not Gonna Die” and "Sick Of It." RISE also gave Skillet their late night television debut on CONAN. RISE follows the band's 2009 blockbuster, Awake, which was recently certified platinum for sales in excess of one million copies in the U.S. and debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200. In addition, the record hit No. 1 on the iTunes® Top Albums Chart, garnered three Billboard Music Awards and spawned four hit singles including the No. 1 Active Rock smash and gold-certified “Awake & Alive,” the gold-certified "Hero," "It's Not Me It's You" and the platinum-certified "Monster." "Monster" lived up to its name, selling more than a million copies and hitting Top 5 at Active Rock radio (the first in a string of multiple Top 5 active rock hits), while its companion video has generated over 65 million YouTube views. Skillet was the only active rock band to achieve RIAA Platinum Certification in 2012, and was one of only three rock bands (the other two being Mumford & Sons and The Black Keys) to strike platinum in 2012. Skillet is made up of John Cooper, Korey Cooper, Jen Ledger and Seth Morrison.

[Get Connected with Skillet] 
Website // http://www.skillet.com 
Twitter // http://twitter.com/skilletmusic 
Facebook // http://www.facebook.com/skilletmusic 
YouTube // http://www.youtube.com/skilletband 

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Media Contact
Velvet Kelm
the media collective
velvet@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com

MercyMe's Welcome to the New Nabs Highest Billboard 200 Debut of the Week at No. 4 and No. 1 on Christian Albums Chart

NBC’s The Today Show Appearance Set for April 22 

Reviews continue to pour in celebrating Welcome To The News' "highly eclectic" and "fresh and stimulating sound"

Nashville, Tenn. (April 16, 2014) - For GRAMMY® and American Music Award winners MercyMe, the eighth time looks to be the charm as the 6.5 million+ selling band’s latest, Welcome to the New nabs the highest debut of the week landing at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 and No. 1 on the Christian Albums chart. The album peaked at No. 3 on the iTunes® Overall Albums Chart and No. 1 on its Christian Albums Chart.

Following two weeks of promotional appearances across the country, MercyMe is set to perform their top 5 hit single “Shake” on NBC’s The Today Show April 22.  The “Shake” music video has had nearly 2 million views on several video platforms. Fans of the band have been using the hashtag #MMShake to share their own videos and responses via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

Already praised by USA Today, Rhapsody, CCM and more, reviews are continuing to pour in celebrating Welcome to the New's “fresh and stimulating sound…a party from top to bottom (Worship Leader)”:

“Welcome to the New may be the multi-platinum band’s best effort to date”
– Crosswalk

“Welcome to the New brings newness to a new level. The normally ballad-centered MercyMe has exploded with a fresh and stimulating sound on this latest release. 
– Worship Leader

“A highly eclectic collection of different sounds…one can only admire the amount of flair offered by the veteran band on their 8th album in throwing expectations out the door and giving something new.”
– Jesus Freak Hideout

“Definitely one of my favourite bands ever, MercyMe have crafted a fine effort.”
– Christian Music Zine

“When it’s all said and done, MercyMe have outdone themselves with this album…get ready for something big as MercyMe welcomes you to the new.”
– The Front Row Report

Starting April 24, MercyMe will kickoff their headlining "Welcome To The New Tour" featuring Jamie Grace and Citizen Way. The tour will make 15 stops in select cities across the country through May 17. Tour details are below. For more information, visit 
www.mercyme.org.

"Welcome To The New Tour" Dates
4/24/14 - Tuscaloosa Amphetheater - Tuscaloosa, AL
4/25/14 - Hirsch Memorial Coliseum - Shreveport, LA
4/26/14 - Nutty Jerry's - Winnie, TX
4/27/14 - Taylor County Expo Center - Abilene, TX
4/30/14 - Crossings Community Church - Oklahoma City, OK
5/1/14 - Curry Country Event Center - Clovis, NM
5/2/14 - Andrews County Expo - Andrews, TX
5/3/14 - Bell Country Expo Center - Belton, TX
5/8/14 - Gateway Ministries - Williamsport, MD
5/9/14 - The Clay Center - Charleston, WV
5/10/14 - Niswonger Performing Arts Center - Greeneville, TN
5/15/14 - Grace Baptist Church - Brunswick, OH
5/16/14 - World Outreach Church - Murfreesboro, TN
5/17/14 - Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts - Franklin, NC 

About MercyMe
Since their debut in 2001, GRAMMY®-nominated, American Music Award and multiple Dove Award winners MercyMe have sold over 6.5 million units in CD and DVD sales, garnered 25 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 2009, 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, with an additional No. 1 as the Christian AC Song Artist of The Decade as one of the industry's most notable talents. MercyMe made history as “I Can Only Imagine” surpassed 1 million digital downloads, making it the first song in Christian music to go platinum in the digital domain. MercyMe has sold out venues across the nation, including Radio City Music Hall, and has appeared on The Tonight Show, CNN, Fox New Channel's Fox & Friends, ABC News, CBS This Morning and in the pages of Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, USA Today, Billboard and more. Their eighth studio album, Welcome To The New, is available now.

[Get Connected with MercyMe]
Website // www.mercyme.org
Facebook // www.facebook.com/mercyme
Twitter // www.twitter.com/mercyme
iTunes// http://smarturl.it/MMNewiTunes
Amazon// http://smarturl.it/MMNewAmazon

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Media Contact
Velvet Kelm & Ryan Anderson
the media collective
velvet@themcollective.com
ryan@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com

Phil Wickham to Release The Ascension: Deluxe Edition Featuring 10 New Acoustic Recordings

Wickham’s first No. 1 single “This Is Amazing Grace” spends ninth consecutive week at No. 1 

Nashville, Tenn. (April 15, 2014) – Critically acclaimed singer/songwriter and worship leader Phil Wickham is set to release The Ascension: Deluxe Edition today, April 15. Available digitally only, the album will feature 11 original tracks from Wickham’s ninth album which released last fall, as well as 10 new acoustic recordings. The Ascension landed at No. 2 on the Billboard Christian Albums Chart and in the Top 40 on the Billboard 200 following its release.

"The deluxe version has the songs in their most raw form," remarks Wickham. "The 10 acoustic tracks were recorded in one take with just me and an acoustic guitar. These are what the songs sounded like when they were written, before the studio process started. Hopefully they can hit people in a new and fresh way." 

The first single off the album, “This Is Amazing Grace,” gave Wickham his first career No. 1 single earlier this year, claiming the top spot on Billboard’s National Christian Audience Chart. Since then, the single has held the No. 1 spot for nine consecutive weeks, continuing to reach a weekly audience of over 10 million fans. In addition, Wickham has achieved an impressive presence on iTunes®, consistently holding a Top 5 position on the iTunes® Christian & Gospel Songs Chart. The song was also recently nominated for Song of the Year for the 2014 K-LOVE Fan Awards.

“This Is Amazing Grace” Live Music Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFRjr_x-yxU

“This Is Amazing Grace” Official Lyric Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjXjkbODrro

For more information on Phil Wickham, The Ascension: Deluxe Edition and upcoming tour dates, visit: www.philwickham.com.

The Ascension: Deluxe Edition Track Listing
1. The Ascension
2. Holy Light
3. Carry My Soul
4. This Is Amazing Grace
5. Over All
6. When My Heart Is Torn
7. Mercy
8. Glory
9. Tears of Joy
10. Wonderful
11. Thirst
12. The Ascension (Acoustic)
13. Holy Light (Acoustic)
14. Carry My Soul (Acoustic)
15. This Is Amazing Grace (Acoustic)
16. Over All (Acoustic)
17. When My Heart Is Torn (Acoustic)
18. Glory (Acoustic)
19. Tears of Joy (Acoustic)
20. Wonderful (Acoustic)
21. Thirst (Acoustic) 

About Phil Wickham
Phil Wickham is at his core a humble and sincere artist who writes songs and worships God using the medium of music. It is with that brush that he paints images of a loving and creative God across the canvases of listeners’ hearts and minds. The evidence of this gift has been apparent on all four of his critically acclaimed efforts: Phil Wickham (2006), Cannons (2007), Heaven & Earth (2009), Response (2011) and The Ascension (2013). Wickham's latest release debuted at the No. 2 spot on the Soundscan Christian Albums Chart and in the Top 40 on the Billboard 200.

[Get Connected with Phil Wickham]
Website // www.philwickham.com
Twitter // www.twitter.com/philwickham
Facebook // www.facebook.com/philwickham
YouTube // www.youtube.com/user/PhilWickhamVEVO

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Media Contact
Ryan Anderson
the media collective
ryan@themcollective.com
615.591.7989
www.theMcollective.com 

GRAMMY® Winner Chris Tomlin Earns Three Billboard Music Award Nominations

Nashville, Tenn. (April 10, 2014) - Internationally acclaimed recording artist and worship leader Chris Tomlin has earned three Billboard Music Award (BBMA) nominations, one in each of the three Christian music categories: Artist, Song [“Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies)”] and Album with Burning Lights, which made history as only the fourth Christian music album to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. The nominations follow Tomlin’s 2012 BBMA nomination for Christian Artist, and wins in 2011 for Top Christian Artist and Song (“Our God”). The awards will be broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, May 18, on ABC from 8:00 PM–11:00 PM ET. 

Tomlin recently returned from Passion’s Spring 2014 Global Tour, playing before tens of thousands during stops in Abu Dhabi, Hyderabad, Delhi, Singapore and Honolulu. 

This week sixstepsrecords released “Waterfall,” the first radio single from Tomlin’s anticipated fall 2014 release.

On April 29, Passion: Take It All will release, featuring music by Tomlin, Matt Redman, Crowder, Christy Nockels, and Kristian Stanfill. The project is following the continued success of last year’s Passion: Let The Future Begin, which debuted at No. 1 atop Christian SoundScan and No. 4 on the Billboard 200. Passion: Take It All was recorded live in Atlanta and Houston earlier this year at Passion 2014, a two-day gathering in both cities attended over 35,000 students representing 46 countries and more than 1,200 universities. 

About Chris Tomlin
With nine albums, 12 No. 1 radio singles, a GRAMMY® Award and eight additional nominations, five Billboard Music Awards, 21 Dove Awards, a platinum and four gold albums to his credit, Chris Tomlin is among the most well-known and influential artists in contemporary Christian music. Referred to by Time magazine as “most likely the most often sung artist anywhere,” Tomlin also has 15 of the Top 100 CCLI songs with 4 of them being in the top 10. ASCAP’s 2007 Songwriter of the Year, Tomlin’s “How Great Is Our God” was his first No. 1 on the CCLI Top 25, moving to No. 1 after becoming one of the fasting rising modern day hymns in CCLI chart history. In addition to having sold more than 4.2 million albums and over 6 million digital tracks, Tomlin made history as his single “Jesus Messiah” (Hello Love) garnered 97 adds at radio its first week and skyrocketed to No. 1, making it the biggest ever add date in Christian radio history. In the midst of his record breaking success, and continuing his role as worship leader at Passion City Church in Atlanta, GA, Tomlin continues touring and leading at Passion Conference gatherings across the US and worldwide. His ninth studio album, Burning Lights, debuted at No. 1 atop the Billboard 200, making history as only the fourth Christian music album to do so.

[Get Connected with Chris Tomlin]
Web site // http://www.christomlin.com 
Facebook // http://www.facebook.com/christomlin 
Twitter // http://www.twitter.com/christomlin

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Media Contact
Velvet Kelm
the media collective
velvet@themcollective.com
615.591.7989
www.themcollective.com

MercyMe Kicks Street Week into High Gear with Welcome to the New

GRAMMY®-nominees to perform on The Today Show April 22

 Band debuts exclusive album stream and video premiere with Billboard.com, followed by the first-ever K-LOVE Live-Stream concert and "24 Hours with MercyMe" live event

USA Today, Rhapsody.com and more praise the New

Nashville, Tenn. (April 8, 2014) – With over 6.5 million units sold, three GRAMMY-nominations, American Music Awards and multiple Dove Awards, MercyMe releases Welcome to the New, their “finest work to date” (CCM Magazine) today.

Prior to making their first appearance on The Today Show on April 22 with a performance of their hit single “Shake,” the band plans to visit several key markets during street week to promote Welcome To The New.

The band has kicked things into high gear starting last Friday with a performance at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. This week, the band debuted an exclusive live stream and video premiere at Billboard.com. The band also graced the cover of CCM Magazine and will be appear on an upcoming NewReleaseTuesday.com Google Hangout.

Leading up to street day, the band made several stops in Chicago including performing on WGN’s Morning Show and Moody Broadcasting’s Chris Fabry Live. Additionally, MercyMe has partnered with K-LOVE for a special “24 Hours with MercyMe” promotional event in Chicago. Crews from K-LOVE have joined the band to give fans an inside look as they eat, sleep, volunteer, shop; as well as perform two live concerts on KLOVE.com. Other events have included supporting a local Salvation Army, playing basketball and an acoustic show for staff and area kids, as well as visiting Lurie Children’s hospital where they performed for patients and their families.

Following its release today, the album shot to No.3 on the iTunes® Overall Albums Chart. Since last fall, the band has consistently stayed in the top five on the iTunes® Overall Music Video Chart for their music video "Shake."

The band’s hard work seems to also be paying off with critics’ raving about Welcome to the New –

"Here, renewal and spiritual transformation actually sound fun."
-USA Today

“Welcome to the New, MercyMe's eighth studio album, is a grace-filled collection that celebrates not just spiritual rejuvenation but a renewed sense of energy within the band.”
-Rhapsody

“Their finest work to date.”
-CCM Magazine

“This is one of the strongest albums Christian music has to offer in 2014, and a step in the right direction for a band who has clearly shown that they still have many years ahead of them.”
-New Release Tuesday 

“…a very well done album with catchy lyrics that will have you tapping your feet, dancing and singing along!”
-CMAddict

“MercyMe has scored again with another solid album…”
-Positively Gospel

“MercyMe have created one of their most mature and lyrically profound of their career in Welcome to the New…I think they have outdone themselves with their latest music offering.”
-Indie Vision Music

In addition to greeting fans at LifeWay stores in each promo city, they will also hit JoyFM in St. Louis, The Fish and UPtv in Atlanta and WSM’s Coffee, Country and Cody, WZTV FOX 17’s Morning Show and The Fish at The Fontanel in Nashville.

Over the weekend, the band will visit Bart Millard’s home state as they travel to Dallas to perform after The Texas Rangers' game. Their Texas visit will also include appearances and performances on Good Day Dallas, KLTY in Dallas, KSBJ in Houston and Great Day Houston.  

Last fall, MercyMe released “Shake,” their first single from Welcome To The New. The song was an instant hit with radio audiences, gaining adds from over 75 stations. The single's impressive momentum has translated well for the “Shake” music video which has been viewed over 1 million times on several video platforms. Fans of the band have been buzzing about the video, using the hashtag “#MMShake” to share their own videos and responses via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About MercyMe
Since their debut in 2001, GRAMMY®-nominated, American Music Award and multiple Dove Award winners MercyMe have sold over 6.5 million units in CD and DVD sales, garnered 25 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 2009, 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, with an additional No. 1 as the Christian AC Song Artist of The Decade as one of the industry's most notable talents. MercyMe made history as “I Can Only Imagine” surpassed 1 million digital downloads, making it the first song in Christian music to go platinum in the digital domain. MercyMe has sold out venues across the nation, including Radio City Music Hall, and has appeared on The Tonight Show, CNN, Fox New Channel's Fox & Friends, ABC News, CBS This Morning and in the pages of Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, USA Today, Billboard and more. Their eighth studio album, Welcome To The New, is available now.

[Get Connected with MercyMe]
Website // www.mercyme.org
Facebook // www.facebook.com/mercyme
Twitter // www.twitter.com/mercyme
iTunes // https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/id825091802?uo=4&at=11l7mx
Amazon // http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00ISAE8WK/klr-20/ref=nosim/

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Media Contact
Velvet Kelm and Ryan Anderson
the media collective
velvet@themcollective.com
ryan@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com

NEEDTOBREATHE To Perform On Ellen/Late Show With David Letterman

Band to release new album Rivers In The Wasteland

USA Today, VH1, Paste, Team Coco, Yahoo, RELEVANT
and more spotlight new album

 

Nashville, Tenn. (April 8, 2014) – NEEDTOBREATHE is gearing up for the release of their new album Rivers In the Wasteland, out next Tuesday, April 15 on Atlantic/Word Records. In support, the critically acclaimed band will bring their captivating live show to The Ellen DeGeneres Show on April 18 and will return to the Late Show with David Letterman on April 23 to perform new single “The Heart.” Check out the record’s official video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5Yo99VjE2o

Early praise for Rivers In the Wasteland includes the UK’s The Clash who applauds the albums “strident, anthemic songwriting,” while MTV praises the bands  “thunderous folk-rock." Jesus Freak Hideout said "the collection of songs is joyful and soaked in a longing for home…it's a welcome return for the South Carolina boys, and one of the best releases of 2014 so far.”

“Difference Maker” continues to climb the charts, reaching No. 11 on the Hot AC/CHR chart this week. Last week, RELEVANT exclusively premiered the cinematic music video for “Difference Maker.” The video, which was shot on the outskirts of Los Angeles, CA and was directed by Gus Black, can be viewed here: http://www.relevantmagazine.com/rtv/music-videos/difference-maker. NEEDTOBREATHE’s next single “Multiplied” will go for adds at Christian radio starting April 18.

NEEDTOBREATHE started to tease fans with new music last week by releasing one new song a day via USA Today, VH1, Yahoo, HitFix, Team Coco and RELEVANT. Check out the tracks below and stay tuned for more music on Paste and American Songwriter later this week. Also coming later this month, CCM Magazine will be featuring NEEDTOBREATHE as their cover story.

In addition to making their Grand Ole Opry debut on April 19, NEEDTOBREATHE will kick off a North American headlining tour on May 1 that will see them visit some of the country’s most notable venues and perform at summer festivals such as Ichthus Festival, Creation NE and DownPour Festival. Tour dates below, and additional dates to be announced soon!

Along with the tour, NEEDTOBREATHE will travel to Charleston on May 20 for their annual celebrity golf tournament, the “NEEDTOBREATHE Classic.”  The golf tournament is sponsored by Commonwealth and will raise money for the nonprofit, Palmetto Medical Initiative (PMI).

Rivers In The Wasteland – Track Premieres:

RELEVANT Magazine -- "Difference Maker"
http://www.relevantmagazine.com/rtv/music-videos/difference-maker

Yahoo! -- "State I'm In"
https://music.yahoo.com/news/needtobreathe-announces-tour-debuts-track-state-im-exclusive-140000903.html

HitFix -- "Feet Don't Fail Me Now"
http://www.hitfix.com/immaculate-noise/needtobreathes-new-song-feet-dont-fail-me-now-exclusive-premiere

USA Today -- "Rise Again"
http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2014/04/04/needtobreathe-are-ready-to-rise-again-with-new-album/7280003/

Tour Dates (more to be announced)
5/1/14 - Gillioz Theatre - Springfield, MO *
5/2/14 - Brady Theater - Tulsa, OK *
5/3-4/14 - Suburbia Music Festival - Plano, TX
5/5/14 - Marquee Theatre - Phoenix, AZ *
5/6/14 - The Wiltern - Los Angeles, CA *
5/7/14 - The Fillmore - San Francisco, CA *
5/9/14 - The Neptune - Seattle, WA *
5/10/14 - The Neptune - Seattle, WA *
5/11/14 - Vogue Theatre - Vancouver, BC *
5/14/14 - The Fillmore - Denver, CO *
5/15/14 - Uptown Theater - Kansas City, MO *
5/16-18/14 - Hangout Festival - Gulf Shores, AL *
5/31/14 - The Tabernacle - Atlanta, GA *
6/1/14 - The Tabernacle - Atlanta, GA *
6/3/14 - Stage AE - Pittsburgh, PA *
6/5/14 - House of Blues - Cleveland, OH *
6/6/14 - Murat Theatre - Indianapolis, IN *
6/8/14 - Pabst Theater - Milwaukee, WI *
6/10/14 - Simon Estes - Des Moines, IA *
6/12/14 - Skyway Theatre - Minneapolis, MN *
6/13/14 - The Pageant - St. Louis, MO *
6/14/14 - House of Blues - Chicago, IL *
6/15/14 - House of Blues - Chicago, IL *
6/17/14 - Town Ballroom - Buffalo, NY *
6/19/14 - Danforth Theatre - Toronto, ON
6/20/14 - The Fillmore - Detroit, MI *
6/21/14 - Meijer Gardens - Grand Rapids, MI *

* With Foy Vance 

About NEEDTOBREATHE
NEEDTOBREATHE is an American Rock ‘n’ Roll Band from South Carolina, effortlessly woven from the musical traditions and faith of their upbringing in the Deep South of the United States. Made up of brothers Bear Rinehart (vocals, guitar) and Bo Rinehart (guitar, vocals), as well as Seth Bolt (bass, vocals), the band hit their big break in 2005 when they signed to Atlantic/Lava/Word Records. The career to follow would include four full studio albums, chart-topping cross-genre success, multiple headlining tours and media coverage on CONAN, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Late Show with David Letterman, MTV, FOX and much more. The band’s fifth studio album, Rivers In The Wasteland, will be available April 15, 2014.

[Get Connected with NEEDTOBREATHE]
Website // needtobreathe.com
Facebook // facebook.com/needtobreathe
Twitter // twitter.com/needtobreathe
YouTube // youtube.com/NEEDTOBREATHEVIDEOS

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Media Contact
Velvet Kelm & Ryan Anderson
the media collective
velvet@themcollective.com
ryan@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com

Carlos Whittaker Releases New Book "Moment Maker" This Week

Celebrates Release Week with Book Party and Appearance at Catalyst West

Nashville, TN (April 4, 2014) – Life isn’t meant to fit in a bucket. For Carlos Whittaker, living deliberately is a way of life and that’s what he’s talking about in his brand new book “Moment Maker – You Can Live Your Life or It Will Live You.” Available beginning this week (April 1), “Moment Maker” brings together what it looks like to “Create,” “Receive” and “Rescue” moments in your life. As a long-time thought leader, Carlos Whittaker has been recognized for his ‘making moments’ through a certain viral video that received a People’s Choice Award, his segment on TLC’s "LA Ink" and through his popular blog. Carlos celebrated the release of “Moment Maker” earlier this week with friends at a Book Release Party in Southern California where the group bottled custom “Moment Maker” wine at The Wine Artist. Following the event, he spoke at the annual Catalyst West conference on Thursday and lead the entire conference in a special moment making experience.

Carlos shares about “Moment Maker” in his EPK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhcwxAD1PGw

Next Monday, April 7, join Carlos LIVE on The Harvest Show for an exclusive interview on “Moment Maker.” For tune-in details, visit www.harvest-tv.com. Carlos recently spoke on the book on Moody Radio’s “This is the Day,” hear his interview with Nancy Turner here.

Check out what people are saying about “Moment Maker – You Can Live Your Life or It Will Live You”:

“It may just change your entire life. It may shift the way you look at the every day. It may even become a road map for your life. I loved this book. Cover to cover. Don’t miss THIS moment and get a copy today.”
- AaronConrad.com

“After reading Carlos Whittaker’s words, you don’t just want to have coffee with him to hear more stories, you want to join his whole family and listen to them tell stories for an entire weekend. It is clear he lives his life with a purpose: he wants to make the most not just of every day, but every moment.”
- Andra Kee Blog

“From one beautiful Moment Making story to the next, Carlos brilliantly invites the reader into his life and shows what it means to live like Christ in everyday life: intentional.”
- Joe’s Thoughts Blog

About Carlos Whittaker
Carlos Whittaker is a renowned musician, thought leader, blogger, and communicator. He has been the worship leader for Andy Stanley’s Buckhead Church in Atlanta and is on the leadership team for Catalyst as well as leading worship at many of their events. He currently attends Cross Point Church in Nashville and leads worship there.  He and his wife Heather and their children live in Nashville, TN. He blogs at: ragamuffinsoul.com

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Media Contact
Sarah Lai
the media collective
615.591.7989
sarah@themcollective.com

Steven Curtis Chapman Concludes Popular "The Glorious Unfolding Tour" Presented by Show Hope

Title track “The Glorious Unfolding” to go for adds at
Christian radio beginning April 11

Chapman to tour across Canada this May
 

Nashville, Tenn. (March 26, 2014) – Five-time GRAMMY® winner and highly acclaimed singer-songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman concluded the US portion of his popular “The Glorious Unfolding Tour,” which covered 55 cities across the country. The tour scored more than 30 sell outs including Houston, Dallas, Milwaukee, Indianapolis and others, as well as career defining performances at Carnegie Hall in New York City and Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. At the conclusion of his tour, Chapman announced that his next single, “The Glorious Unfolding,” will go for adds at Christian radio starting April 11. The single is the title track from his album The Glorious Unfolding which released last fall, and the follow-up to his No. 1 single "Love Take Me Over." 

This May, Chapman will embark on the Canadian leg of "The Glorious Unfolding Tour," a national tour in select cities across Canada. Kicking off May 6, the tour will feature support from industry veteran Geoff Moore, as well as Canadian artists Dan Bremnes and Jon Bauer on select dates. Full tour dates are listed below. For tickets and more information, visit: http://stevencurtischapman.com/tour.

While Chapman’s current studio recording The Glorious Unfolding maintains its momentum, earlier this month, the Steven Curtis Chapman Number Ones Collection was released. The 2 CD piece features #1’s Volume 1 and #1’s Volume 2, which include 27 of Chapman’s biggest hits.

Also this spring, Chapman will travel to Israel with friend and author Max Lucado. Taking place April 2-12, the tour will visit significant destinations across the country with teaching from Lucado and music by Chapman. For more information, visit http://www.inspirationcruises.com/max.

This June, Chapman will host the Songwriter's Spotlight during the K-LOVE Fan Awards weekend for the second year in a row, and will attend the annual K-LOVE Fan Awards on June 1 in Nashville where he is nominated for Male Artist of the Year.
 

THE GLORIOUS UNFOLDING TOUR 2014 – CANADA
May 6 – Moncton, Canada
May 8 – Ottawa, Canada
May 9 – Windsor, Canada
May 10 – Toronto, Canada
May 14 – Winnipeg, Canada
May 15 – Edmonton, Canada
May 16 – Calgary, Canada
May 17 – Red Deer, Canada

*Dates are subject to change, see StevenCurtisChapman.com for most up to date tour info.

About Steven Curtis Chapman
Steven Curtis Chapman has sold nearly eleven million records including two RIAA certified platinum albums and eight RIAA certified gold albums. Along with his five GRAMMY® awards and 17 nominations, Chapman has won an American Music Award, has recorded 48 No. 1 U.S. radio hits and been awarded 58 Dove Awards, more than any other artist to date. Since his recording career began in 1987, Chapman has released 18 studio projects. He has performed at the White House and has appeared on multiple national programs via CBS, NBC, ABC, CNN, MSNBC, CMT, FOX News, the Hallmark Channel and E!, including Good Morning America, Larry King Live, Fox & Friends, Huckabee, CBS Sunday Morning, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and more. StevenCurtisChapman.com
 

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ATTN MEDIA: The Glorious Unfolding Tour photos and other press materials are available at https://app.box.com/s/arfjsrf9c5cotg79ylva.

Media Contact
Velvet Kelm & Ryan Anderson
the media collective
velvet@themcollective.com
ryan@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com

GRAMMY® Winner and Musical Icon Michael W. Smith to Release Sovereign May 13

Sovereign marks Smith's first studio worship album since 2008

Sovereign Deluxe Edition to include DVD concert with special appearances by Kari Jobe and Leeland Mooring

Nashville, Tenn. (March 20, 2014) - After selling more than 15 million albums, scoring 28 No. 1 hits, earning three GRAMMY® Awards and more than 40 Dove Awards, musical icon Michael W. Smith will open a new chapter in his career on May 13 as he releasesSovereign, his first studio worship album since 2008 and his first album with new label partner Sparrow Records and Capitol Christian Music Group. Sovereign will also be available as a Deluxe Edition, which will include a special DVD concert filmed at Smith's barn in Franklin, Tenn. and will feature guest appearances from Kari Jobe and Leeland Mooring. The DVD will also include special behind the scenes footage and content with Smith discussing the inspiration behind Sovereign. 

Well known as one of the most gifted artists and worship leaders of his generation, Smith’s previous worship projects have sold well over 3.5 million albums. Throughout the entirety of his career, Smith's albums have received one Double Platinum, seven Platinum and 16 Gold RIAA Certifications. However, not one to rest on past success as he hits the “sweet spot” of his career, Smith is deliberately entering a new creative chapter on Sovereign, crafting a vibrant collection of vertically-focused songs with a fresh sense of musical innovation.

“I’m enjoying making music more than I ever have in my entire life,” Smith exudes. “I’m having fun and I’m excited about this record and this next chapter.”

In the spirit of this new adventure, Smith enlisted the talents of several songwriters and producers he hasn’t collaborated with previously for Sovereign, including Seth Mosley (Newsboys, Sanctus Real, Love & the Outcome) and Kyle Lee (Natalie Grant). Smith also tapped the expertise of producers Chris Stevens (TobyMac, Carrie Underwood, Mandisa) and West Coast-based writer/producer Jeremy Edwardson (Kari Jobe, Jesus Culture). Bridging the gap between a generation of worship leaders, Smith brought in one of his favorite singers, Kari Jobe, to sing on a track.

“You Won’t Let Go,” the first single from Sovereign, has quickly become a staple in Smith’s live shows. The song has also given Smith a triumphant reentry to Christian radio where it was immediately the most added at Christian AC, and currently sits at No. 22 on the National Christian Audience chart. The lyric video for the track can be seen here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRb_NIQTzyA.

Sovereign
1. You Won’t Let Go
2. Heaven Come Down
3. Miracle
4. Sky Spills Over
5. All Arise
6. You Are The Fire
7. Christ Be All Around Me
8. Sovereign Over Us
9. Hide Myself
10. The Same Power
11. I Lay Me Down
12. The One That Really Matters (Featuring Kari Jobe)

Sovereign Deluxe Edition CD+DVD

CD
1. You Won’t Let Go
2. Heaven Come Down
3. Miracle
4. Sky Spills Over
5. All Arise
6. You Are The Fire
7. Christ Be All Around Me
8. Sovereign Over Us
9. Hide Myself
10. The Same Power
11. I Lay Me Down
12. The One That Really Matters (Featuring Kari Jobe)

DVD
1. You Won’t Let Go
2. You Are The Fire
3. Hide Myself
4. The Same Power
5. All Arise
6. Sovereign Over Us
7. I Lay Me Down
8. Christ Be All Around Me (Featuring Leeland Mooring)
9. The One That Really Matters (Featuring Kari Jobe)
10. You Are The Fire (Reprise)

About Michael W. Smith
Michael W. Smith is an acclaimed singer, songwriter, and musician who has sold more than 15 million albums, achieved 28 No. 1 songs, earned three GRAMMY® Awards, one American Music Award, and more than 40 Dove Awards. Throughout his career, the Contemporary Christian Music artist has had the opportunity to sing for several Presidents and national leaders. He actively supports the teen club Rocketown, Compassion International, and Samaritan’s Purse, the ministry headed by Franklin Graham. Michael and his wife Debbie live in Middle Tennessee, where they raised their five children. His first studio worship album since 2008, Sovereign, will be available in stores on May 13. For more information, visit www.michaelwsmith.com.

Get Connected with Michael W. Smith
Website // www.michaelwsmith.com
Facebook // www.facebook.com/michaelwsmithofficial
Twitter // www.twitter.com/michaelwsmith

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Media Contact
Velvet Kelm & Ryan Anderson
the media collective
velvet@themcollective.com
ryan@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com

New LIVE Recording, Passion: Take It All, Set to Release April 29

First single off album, “My Heart Is Yours,” to hit Christian radio April 4

Passion Spring 2014 global dates to visit 7 international cities

Nashville, Tenn. (March 19, 2014) – Recorded live in Atlanta and Houston earlier this year at Passion 2014, Passion: Take It All is set to release on April 29. The first single off the album, “My Heart Is Yours” from Passion featuring Kristian Stanfill, is set to debut at Christian radio on April 4. The new album follows the continued success of last year’s Passion: Let The Future Begin, which debuted at No. 1 atop Christian SoundScan and No. 4 on the Billboard 200. Passion: Take It All will feature a digital deluxe edition as well as, for the first time, a physical deluxe edition including a full talk by Louie Giglio from Passion 2014.

Passion 2014 was a two-day gathering in both Atlanta and Houston in January and February of this year, attended by a generation of 18-25 year olds from around the world and led by renowned pastors and teachers Louie Giglio, John Piper, Beth Moore, Francis Chan, Christine Caine, Judah Smith and others, as well as worship by GRAMMY® winners Chris Tomlin and Matt Redman, along with Crowder, Christy Nockels, Kristian Stanfill and Brett Younker. Over 35,000 students representing 46 countries and more than 1,200 universities participated at Passion 2014. During the two gatherings, students were challenged to personally give $500,000 to fund the printing and distribution of scripture for the people of Iran. This goal was exceeded as willing students gave over $670,000, providing 65,000+ Bibles to the people of Iran.

A final call-to-action given by Chief Steward of the End It Movement, Bryson Vogeltanz, encouraged students to continue raising awareness about the 27 million men, women and children trapped in slavery. To join in the Shine a Light on Slavery Day on Feb. 27, thousands around the world put a red “X” on their hand and posted a picture to social media to spread awareness and carry the message of freedom to the world.

Accompanying the release of Passion: Take It All, Passion will embark on a Spring 2014 Global Tour making stops in Abu Dhabi, Hyderabad, Delhi, Manila, Singapore and Honolulu. The tour will open up the opportunity for people of all ages to connect with the vision and heartbeat of Passion in their own city and join together in worship and prayer as a community seeking to make Jesus famous. For tickets and more information, click here. Passion 2015 has been announced to take place Jan. 2-4 and Jan. 16-18 at Philips Arena in Atlanta, and Jan. 30 - Feb. 1 at the Toyota Center in Houston. 

Passion: Take It All 
1.  Don’t Ever Stop [feat. Chris Tomlin]
2.  Never Gonna Let Me Go [feat. Kristian Stanfill]
3.  Let It Be Jesus [feat. Christy Nockels]
4.  At the Cross (Love Ran Red) [feat. Chris Tomlin]
5.  I AM [feat. Crowder]
6.  My Heart Is Yours [feat. Kristian Stanfill]
7.  Almighty [feat. Chris Tomlin]
8.  You Came To My Rescue [feat. Christy Nockels]
9.  Mercy [feat. Matt Redman]
10.  Come As You Are [feat. Crowder]
11.  Worthy [feat. Matt Redman]
12.  This Grace [feat. Kristian Stanfill]
13.  Sing And Shout [feat. Matt Redman]*
14.  My Heart Is Yours (Radio Version) [feat. Kristian Stanfill]*
15.  Let It Be Jesus (Song Video) [feat. Christy Nockels]*
16.  Come As You Are (Song Video) [feat. Crowder]*
17.  Crushed By Grace [Louie Giglio Talk]*
18.  Event Photo Video*

*Deluxe Edition Only 

About Passion Conferences
Led by a stirring in the heart of Atlanta-based pastor, Louie Giglio, Passion was birthed in 1997 to see the 20+ million college students across the globe awaken to the reality of an omnipotent and glorious Creator. Since then, millions of students from across the globe have joined the Passion movement, united across ministry and denominational lines, to seek the face of God in worship and prayer at nine conferences, four world tours and multiple one-day and regional events. Passion’s core scripture, Isaiah 26:8 states: “Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts.” The small Passion Team is led by Louie Giglio and operates under the direction of a Board that is committed to spreading the fame of Jesus Christ to college students around the globe.

About sixstepsrecords 
Founded in 2000 by Louie Giglio, sixstepsrecords is a worship label and a division of Passion Conferences. sixstepsrecords’ artists include Chris Tomlin (Burning Lights), Crowder (Neon Steeple), Matt Redman (Your Grace Finds Me), Christy Nockels (Into the Glorious), Kristian Stanfill (Mountains Move), and Passion (Passion: Take It All). The label partners with Sparrow Records/Capitol Christian Music Group for A&R, marketing, sales and distribution operations. For more information on sixstepsrecords, visit: www.sixstepsrecords.com.

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Media Contact
Ryan Anderson
the media collective
ryan@themcollective.com
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www.theMcollective.com