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
615.591.7989 
www.theMcollective.com

Newsboys Debut Powerful New Single "We Believe," Band's Biggest Add Week Ever at Christian Radio

Nashville, Tenn. (March 13, 2014) – Four-time GRAMMY®-nominated band Newsboys celebrated a career defining moment this week, picking up 64 adds at Christian radio for their single “We Believe” off of Restart. This is the biggest add week ever in the band's history, who already boast an impressive track record with 16 albums, five RIAA Gold certifications, 30 No. 1 radio hits and over 8 million units sold over their multi-decade career, including nearly 1 million records since Michael Tait joined the band. This strong radio exposure also led to a major spike in digital track sales for the single, which is featured on the Restart album, the band's third studio album with Tait as lead.

"We are beyond excited to see radio's enthusiasm with our new single," remarked Tait. "This song is a testament and a definite creed for what we as Christians believe; Our hope and eternal salvation! There is nothing more igniting than to watch from our stage nightly, as listeners holdfast to these beliefs along with their families and friends!"

The Newsboys debuted a lyric video for “We Believe” earlier this year, as well as a live music video recorded at the famous Ocean Way Studios on Music Row in Nashville.

“We Believe” Lyric Video:
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtPmX7e_Rpw

“We Believe” Music Video: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9i9wtJzok4U

As the Newsboys wind down the final dates of their headlining slot on the internationally top-ranked Winter Jam 2014 Tour spectacular, the band is now gearing up for their headlining “We Believe Tour,” which will hit select cities this April and May. Keeping to tradition for the tour heavy veterans, the Newsboys will hit several music festivals and international dates over the summer. For more information and tickets, visit http://newsboys.com/tour/.

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

NEEDTOBREATHE Announces Annual Celebrity Golf Tournament, the “NEEDTOBREATHE Classic,” Benefiting Global Health Care Initiatives

Tournament to take place May 20 in South Carolina

Nashville, Tenn. (March 13, 2014) – Musicians, professional athletes and golf enthusiasts will gather on Tuesday, May 20 for the NEEDTOBREATHE Classic presented by Commonwealth Cares Foundation. Registration is now open for 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.

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 in Uganda, with work slated to begin in January 2015.

“Investing in something bigger than oneself and one's talents is something we all have a quiet desire for but rarely get to experience. My trip to Uganda with PMI in December 2011 was a small glimpse into the critical needs and important work that PMI is undertaking,” said Bear Rinehart of NEEDTOBREATHE. “PMI has done a brilliant job of not only asking the right questions, but also finding and committing to answers that work.”

Additional celebrity players including musicians, professional sports players and more will be announced in the coming weeks. Watch www.commonwealthcares.org and its social media networks for announcements. 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 will release their fifth studio album, Rivers In The Wasteland, next month on April 15. They recently performed their Triple A single "The Heart" on CONAN, and their next single "Multiplied" will go for adds at Christian AC radio starting April 18. 

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

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.

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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

The Afters' “Moments Like This” On NBC for “We Create Moments” Campaign

Currently on the road with Steven Curtis Chapman for "The Glorious Unfolding Tour"
 

Nashville, Tenn. (March 6, 2014) – Four-piece hit-making band The Afters has already had a win this year. The band’s song “Moments Like This” was selected by NBC as the feature song for their “We Create Moments” promo campaign. The song aired frequently during NBC’s promo ads around the Winter Olympics last month, and will continue to run alongside other programming in the weeks ahead. Earlier this year, "Moments Like This" was used on the hit reality show American Idol (FOX). Check out the video for NBC's "We Create Moments" campaign: http://youtu.be/x9wJZv6jvIM.

“Moments Like This” comes off The Afters’ fourth studio album, Life is Beautiful which was released earlier last year. The chart-topping foursome recently celebrated their last single “Every Good Thing” going No. 1 with their current single “Broken Hallelujah” following in its footsteps as it rises on the charts. They are out on the road performing their hit songs with five-time GRAMMY® winner Steven Curtis Chapman on his “The Glorious Unfolding Tour.” For tour date information, visit: http://theafters.com/tour. 

About The Afters 
Texas-based, four-piece band The Afters were propelled into the national spotlight with their INO/Sony Music Label Group debut I Wish We All Could Win. The project spawned the swirling, melodic hit “Beautiful Love,” earning the band an enthusiastic following when the song was selected as the theme track for MTV’s “8th and Ocean.” “Beautiful Love” was also the most downloaded track of 2006 on the iTunes ® Inspirational charts and garnered the band an mtvU award as well. The Afters’ sophomore release Never Going Back To OK (INO/Columbia Records) debuted in the Top 50 on the Billboard Top 200, and proved to be sensation on the silver screen with “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC), “Dr. Phil,” “Army Wives” (Lifetime) and “Rachael Ray.” The band’s third record Light Up the Sky bolstered two No. 1 radio hits, as well as placements on “The Biggest Loser” (NBC) and “You Deserve It” (ABC). A slew of media including Rolling Stone, Seventeen.com, E! News Live, TV Guide, Premiere Radio and more also picked up on covering The Afters. The band released its fourth studio album, Life Is Beautiful in April 2013 via Fair Trade. 

[Get Connected with The Afters] 
Website // www.theafters.com 
Twitter // www.twitter.com/theafters 
YouTube // www.youtube.com/theaftersvideos 
Facebook // www.facebook.com/theafters

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

Capital Kings Set to Release New Project REMIXD March 11, Wrap Up Successful Run On TobyMac’s “Hits Deep Tour”

Duo to tour with TobyMac, Skillet and Lecrae in May

Nashville, Tenn. (March 5, 2014) – After finishing the popular “Hits Deep Tour” with TobyMac, electronic-pop duo Capital Kings (Jon White and Cole Walowac) is gearing up for the release of their new project, REMIXD, on March 11 at all digital outlets. REMIXD will compile several remixed tracks from their self-titled album, which released last year, as well as the brand new song “Be A King.” The album will be available exclusively as a CD at Family Christian Stores beginning March 25.  

In support of the new project the radio network Air1 is streaming the entirety of REMIXD as part of their 1stListen promotion starting this week at www.air1.com.

The remix project will also feature the winning track from Capital Kings’ U:REMIX campaign, which called for fans to take an original Capital Kings song and remix it as their own. Through an online contest, the winning contestant and remix ("I Feel So Alive [Matthew Parker U:Remix]") was chosen and will be featured on REMIXD. 

The dynamic remix masters continue to build on the momentum of their early success with recent remixes for Colton Dixon, Natalie Grant and Crowder while working on a brand new album. They also made waves at the 2014 Passion Conferences in Houston and Atlanta earlier this year, opening with a thrilling and energetic performance for over 20,000 students representing 1,200 universities and 33 countries. They kick-off the exclusive “Summer Shed Tour” with TobyMac, Skillet and Lecrae in May.

About Capital Kings
Capital Kings has already begun to make their mark as one of the industry’s hottest new acts, remixing on acclaimed artists’ records including TobyMac (EYE ON IT, Dubbed & Freq'd), Group 1 Crew (Fearless), Mandisa (Remixed: Get Movin') and Britt Nicole (Gold). The D.C. natives made a splash last year with their debut self-titled record that featured TobyMac, Britt Nicole, Royal Tailor and Soul Glow Activatur from Family Force 5. The duo spent the year impacting all across the country – being featured on the West Coast and East Coast run of the Winter Jam Tour, touring with Family Force 5, playing international show dates and the halftime show at an NBA game (Oklahoma City Thunder) and opening for renowned act Neon Trees. Capital Kings will join up with TobyMac, Skillet andLecrae on the “Summer Shed Tour” in May.

About Gotee Records
In 1992 a production team of three talented guys with diverse tastes shared a love for music. Producers Joey Elwood and Todd Collins, along with GRAMMY-winning artist TobyMac, launched Gotee Records in 1994 after unsuccessfully finding a label deal for the R&B trio Out of Eden. With a steady focus on artistry, the new label expanded to reflect the diverse interests of its founders. Within 12 months, Christafari, GRITS, and Johnny Q. Public were signed, easily representing four different music categories: R&B, reggae, rap and rock. In the 20 years since Gotee's founding as a record label, it has launched the careers of Relient K, Jennifer Knapp, Sonicflood and more recently, Jamie Grace, Capital Kings, Finding Favour and Ryan Stevenson. The present day in the Gotee story is much like the label's early days. Through all the changes in a tumultuous music industry, the boutique label's independent spirit is maintained through a steady focus on artist development and diversity.

[Get Connected with Capital Kings]
Website // www.CapitalKingsMusic.com 
Facebook // www.facebook.com/CapitalKings 
Twitter // www.twitter.com/capitalkingsusa 
YouTube // www.youtube.com/capitalkingsmusic

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

K-LOVE Announces Nominees For Second Annual Fan Awards Set For Sunday, June 1

Photo Credit: Getty Images/Terry Wyatt

From L to R (Top): Chad Graham and Alan Powell of Anthem Lights, K-LOVE CCO David Pierce, Michael W. Smith, Michael Tait of Newsboys, NASCAR Driver Michael McDowell, Bart Millard of MercyMe, K-LOVE CEO Mike Novak, World Hope Founder & President Dr. David Janney. (Bottom): Joey Stamper and Caleb Grimm of Anthem Lights, Jamie Grace, Host Jennifer Vickery Smith, Britt Nicole, Mike Donehey of Tenth Avenue North, Executive Producer John Sanders

The Ultimate Fan Experience weekend kicks off May 30 and leads up to the star-studded award show at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry

 K-LOVE partners with World Hope to aid in Detroit Revival support

 Artist of the Year nods: TobyMac, Casting Crowns, MercyMe, Chris Tomlin and Matthew West

Nashville, Tenn. (March 4, 2014) – At an exclusive press event this morning at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, K-LOVE announced the nominees for this year’s second annual K-LOVE Fan Awards. Set for Sunday, June 1, K-LOVE - the leading Christian music radio network with a weekly listenership of over 13 million people - will once again bring the only fan-voted award show in Christian Music history to Music City. The K-LOVE Fan Awards and Ultimate Fan Experience kicks off on Friday, May 30 and will wrap with the star-studded award show at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry on Sunday, June 1. Among the attendees for today’s press conference were K-LOVE’s Mike Novak and David Pierce, as well as artists Mike Donehey (Tenth Avenue North), Jamie Grace, Michael McDowell (NASCAR), Bart Millard (MercyMe), Britt Nicole, Michael W. Smith and Michael Tait (Newsboys). The event wrapped with a performance by Anthem Lights who performed a mashup of the K-LOVE Song of the Year nominations. The studio version of that mashup is available now on iTunes®.

The press conference was available via LIVE stream this morning at http://www.klove.com/events/fan-awards, allowing fans and media all around the world to participate. Among today's nominee announcements, this year's K-LOVE Fan Awards will partner with World Hope to aid in the revival of the people 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.

Leading in the top category for K-LOVE Artist of the Year are TobyMac, Casting Crowns, MercyMe, Chris Tomlin and Matthew West. Also revealed this morning was the first voting category for the First Christian Artist to Appear on 7UP Can. Other nominations to be announced at a later date are the Film/Television Impact, Book Impact and Sports Impact Awards.

Voting opens at Midnight (EST) on May 1 and ends at Midnight (EST) on Sunday, June 1. Winners will be announced LIVE at the Awards show in the categories of music, sports, books and movies. Performers already slated are fan favorites such as TobyMac, Steven Curtis Chapman, Third Day, Casting Crowns, Newsboys, and MercyMe, to name a few.

To vote or for more information, visit: www.KLoveFanAwards.com.

K-LOVE Fan Awards Nominees 2014

Song of the Year
“The Only Name” - Big Daddy Weave
“Overcomer” - Mandisa
“Lord I Need You” - Matt Maher
“Hello My Name Is” - Matthew West
“This Is Amazing Grace” - Phil Wickham

Artist of the Year
Casting Crowns
Chris Tomlin
Matthew West
MercyMe
TobyMac

Male Artist of the Year
Matthew West
Chris Tomlin
Colton Dixon
Jeremy Camp
Steven Curtis Chapman
TobyMac

Female Artist of the Year
Britt Nicole
Francesca Battistelli
Jamie Grace
Mandisa
Natalie Grant
Plumb

Group or Duo of the Year
Building 429
Casting Crowns
MercyMe
Newsboys
Sidewalk Prophets
Tenth Avenue North

Worship Song of the Year
“God’s Great Dance Floor” - Chris Tomlin
“I Am” - Crowder
“Oceans” - Hillsong United
“Your Grace Finds Me” - Matt Redman
“You Won’t Let Go” - Michael W. Smith
“Never Once” - One Sonic Society

Best Live Show
for KING & COUNTRY
NEEDTOBREATHE
Newsboys
Rend Collective
Switchfoot
TobyMac

First Christian Artist to Appear on 7UP Can
Hillsong Young & Free
Jamie Grace
Sidewalk Prophets
Tenth Avenue North

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, visitwww.KLOVEFanAwards.com.

The Ultimate Fan Experience
Fans are encouraged to sign up for the exclusive K-LOVE Ultimate Fan Experience, 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 two-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 Ultimate Fan Experience 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: http://www.klovefanawards.com/schedule-events. The K-LOVE Fan Awards is a John Sanders LLC/World Hope Event.

About K-LOVE
K-LOVE plays positive, encouraging contemporary Christian music with a message designed to draw people toward an authentic relationship with God while living out real life in the real world. The radio network has 446 signals in 47 states with an estimated weekly audience of over 13 million. Now with their first-ever Fan Awards, their mission is to create a unique and fun fan experience that celebrates and promotes artists, athletes, authors and entertainers, who, with excellence, engage and impact popular culture for Jesus Christ.

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

Phil Wickham Ascends to First Career No. 1 Single with “This Is Amazing Grace” Topping National Christian Audience Chart

Nashville, Tenn. (February 25, 2014) – Critically acclaimed singer/songwriter and worship leader Phil Wickham has impressed critics, fans and industry professionals alike on the performance of his latest album, The Ascension. The ninth album of his decade-long career gave Wickham his best street week debut ever, landing at No. 2 on the Billboard Christian Albums Chart and the Top 40 on the Billboard 200. The first single off the album,“This Is Amazing Grace,” has embraced its own ascension, making its way up the charts to the No. 1 spot Billboard's National Christian Audience Chart this week. The No. 1 is the first of Wickham’s career.

“This Is Amazing Grace was written to give the church a new song to both worship through and sing together,” said Phil Wickham. “It's been awesome to see the way that this song has been impacting Christian radio listeners, and I'm honored to be a part of the work God is doing through it.”

“This Is Amazing Grace,” which was penned with the help of producer Pete Kipley (MercyMe, Matthew West), also landed the No. 1 spot on the Christian AC Monitored and Christian AC Indicator Charts. In addition, Wickham has achieved an impressive presence on iTunes®, consistently holding a Top 5 position on the iTunes® Christian & Gospel Songs Chart. The Ascension reveals a compelling compilation of powerful and melodic tracks inspired by the Songs of Ascent passages found in the book of Psalms.

Since last fall, Wickham has released an official music video and lyric video for “This Is Amazing Grace,” racking up over half a million cumulative views. To watch the videos, visit:

“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

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 

TobyMac, Skillet and LeCrae Join Forces to Thrill Crowds on Summer Shed Tour

TobyMac, Skillet and LeCrae Join Forces to Thrill Crowds on Summer Shed Tour

Three of the industry’s best selling, most-awarded and critically acclaimed artists to hit seven select markets this May

Nashville, Tenn. (February 19, 2014) - Three of the industry’s best-selling, most-awarded and critically acclaimed artists, TobyMac, Skillet and Lecrae, are joining forces to thrill crowds on an exclusive summer shed tour. With each act also 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. Tickets go on sale to the mass public on March 1, with a special presale for artist fan clubs at 10am local venue time on February 27 through 10pm on February 28.

Since last fall and continuing through April, TobyMac has been touring the country on his "Hits Deep Tour." The national tour has been selling out venues and playing to packed houses including an emotional set at the Madison Square Garden theatre in New York City. Last week, cable's top-rated morning show Fox & Friends and VEVO.com world premiered the GRAMMY® winner’s music video for his current multi-week No. 1 hit “Speak Life” from his GRAMMY®-award winning and No. 1 Billboard 200 record, EYE ON IT. Currently the video has been viewed over 100,000 times and can be seen here.

After spending last fall rocking Europe opening for Nickelback, Skillet kicked off the year co-headlining The Roadshow, and will tour with Third Day on 20 more domestic dates throughout the spring. Skillet was recently named HM Magazine’s Best Band of 2013, New Release Tuesday’s Best Rock/Alternative Artist or Group of 2013, and their best-selling 2013 releaseRISE was named mainstream online rock site Loudwire’s Best Rock Album, besting Pearl Jam, Avenged SevenFold and more. Loudwire and NewReleaseTuesday.com recently debuted the music video for Skillet’s latest No. 1 Christian rock single, “Not Gonna Die,” which is also climbing the mainstream active rock chart, currently at No. 11 with a bullet.

Since the release of Lecrae’s GRAMMY® award winning album Gravity, Lecrae’s mainstream and Christian audiences and platforms have continued to expand, reflected in his features in TIME, Entertainment Weekly, XXL, The Source, Vibe, and other mainstream media outlets. He was named the NFL Players Choice Performer during Super Bowl XLVII Weekend in New Orleans, due to his positive lyrical messages over hard and gritty hip-hop beats, which appeals to a generation of fans that find his music not only enlightening but also entertaining. Finishing up his tour with Rock the Bells this past fall, Lecrae released the second volume of his mixtape series, Church Clothes, which sold over 40K units after being downloaded over 150,000 times.Lecrae is currently co-headlining Winter Jam with the Newsboys, which has been Pollstar's Worldwide 1st Quarter Ticket Sales Chart topping tour for the past three years.

May Summer Shed Tour with TobyMac, Skillet and LeCrae
May 1   Austin, TX / Austin360 Amphitheater/ Tickets @ TicketMaster.com 
May 2   Oklahoma City, OK / Zoo Amphitheatre/ Tickets @ ProTixOnline.com
May 3   Rio Rancho, NM / Santa Ana Star Center/ Tickets @ ComcastTix.com
May 4   Denver, CO / Red Rocks Amphitheater/ Tickets @ Itickets.com
May 8   Little Rock, AR / First Security Amphitheater (Formerly Riverfest Amphitheater)/ Tickets @ Itickets.com
May 9   St Louis, MO / Verizon Wireless Amphitheater/ Tickets @ TicketMaster.com 
May 10 Memphis, TN / Mud Island Amphitheatre/ Tickets @ TicketMaster.com 

* TICKETS GO ON SALE at 10am locally on Saturday, MARCH 1st.  

About TobyMac
With over 11 million units in career sales, TobyMac's career continues on the fast track. His most recent project, EYE ON IT, garnered him the GRAMMY® Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album and the highest chart debut of his solo career landing at No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 and topping the iTunes® Overall and Christian sales charts. The project made TobyMac one of only four artists to ever debut atop the Billboard Top 200 with a Christian music album. His previous four solo projects have received RIAA Gold certification and his live DVD, Alive & Transported, is certified platinum by the RIAA and received a GRAMMY® award. His 2009 album Tonight received GRAMMY® nods for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album and Best Contemporary Christian Song. In less than 15 months, TobyMac has received two GRAMMY® awards, two Billboard Music Awards for Top Christian Artist and Top Christian Album, his first American Music Award for Favorite Artist in the Contemporary/Inspirational category, Dove Awards for "Artist of the Year," "Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year," "Recorded Music Packaging of the Year," "Short Form Video of the Year," KLOVE Music Awards for “Artist of the Year” and swept the 2013 Australian Music Awards.

[Get Connected with TobyMac]
Website // http://www.tobymac.com
Twitter // https://twitter.com/therealtobymac
Facebook // http://www.facebook.com/tobymac
YouTube // http://www.youtube.com/tobymacmusic
iTunes // http://toby.cta.gs/02r

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 four 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" 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 47 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

About LeCrae
What began as a way to reach the youth in a nearby juvenile detention center, through hip-hop, eventually became chart topping success as a critically acclaimed rapper, with over 1.8 million collective album sales. In the past two years, Lecrae has released 3 genre-redefining projects. He dropped his first mixtape in 2012, Church Clothes, hosted by Don Canon, which went double platinum on Datpiff, garnering over 500,000 downloads and debuting #10 on iTunes as an EP. Following that, in probably what was a major upset in Gospel music, Lecrae made history as the first hip-hop artist to win a GRAMMY® award in the Best Gospel Album category for his sixth studio album Gravity.  Gravity debuted at #3 on the Billboard Top 200, #1 on the Rap Charts, and #1 Independent with over 73K units sold during its first week. The album featured key production from GRAMMY® award winning producers DJ Khalil and Heat Academy. He also celebrated video premieres of his singles "Mayday," "Fakin'," and “Confessions” on BET and MTV.  Along with the biggest win of his career, Lecrae was also nominated for a Billboard Award, BET Award and Soul Train Award, and won a Dove Award. Lecrae closed out an incredible 2013 on several major tours, including Rock the Bells, and put out his second mixtape, Church Clothes 2, which has sold over 40K units after being downloaded over 150,000 times. 

[Get Connected with Lecrae]
Website //http://www.lecrae.com
Twitter //  http://twitter.com/lecrae
Facebook // http://www.facebook.com/Lecrae
YouTube // http://www.youtube.com/user/reachrecords
iTunes // http://smarturl.it/lecraeitunes

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

Tour Produced By Awakening Events
501.514.1717
http://www.awakeningevents.com/

NEEDTOBREATHE Announces First Leg of North American Headlining Tour

CONAN performance confirmed for February 20

New album Rivers In The Wasteland out April 15
 

Nashville, Tenn. (February 18, 2014) – NEEDTOBREATHE is excited to announce the first leg of an extensive North American headlining tour in support of their anticipated new album Rivers In the Wasteland, out April 15 on Atlantic/Word Records. On May 1, the Charleston, SC rock band will kick off their tour which will see them visit some of the country’s most notable venues, including The Wiltern and The Fillmore, as well as perform at a number of summer festivals including Ichthus Festival, Creation NE and DownPour Festival. Glassnote Records artist Foy Vance will be direct support on this leg.

To give fans a sneak peek into these new songs live, NEEDTOBREATHE will return to CONAN on February 20 to perform their Triple A single “The Heart.” Listen to the track here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIsvzMwDvwM

Rivers In the Wasteland is the follow up to the band’s acclaimed album The Reckoning, a collection of timeless American rock and roll that caught the attention of many including The New York Times who simply said “this gifted band makes anthemic Southern rock” and Entertainment Weekly who applauds the band’s “arena muscle.”

With non-stop touring and gripping performances, the band’s powerful live show - one which NPR praises as “intriguing and vivacious” - has helped build a dedicated fan base, one that allows them to play in front of thousands of people across the country. NEEDTOBREATHE will spend all of 2014 on the road!

“Difference Maker” continues to impact Christian radio, breaking into the Top 20 on the Hot AC/CHR chart last week and continuing to climb up the National Christian Audience chart.

Rivers In the Wasteland was co-produced by the band with the help of various producers including Joe Chiccarelli (My Morning Jacket), Kevin Augunas (The Lumineers), Ed Cash (Chris Tomlin, TobyMac) and Jerrod Bettis (Adele). Pre-order Rivers In The Wasteland now and receive the new song “State I’m In,” along with two other instant grat tracks – “The Heart” and “Difference Maker.” Visit needtobreathe.com to purchase.

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 *
5/10/14 - 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
6/4-7/14 - Ichthus Festival - Lexington, KY
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 *
6/25-28/14 - Creation NE - Mt. Union, PA
8/16-18/14 - DownPour Festival - Great Falls, MT

* 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

PHOTO RELEASE: Steven Curtis Chapman Gives Career Defining Performance at Carnegie Hall in New York City

Nashville, Tenn. (February 18, 2013) – Five-time GRAMMY® winner and highly acclaimed singer-songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman gave the performance of a lifetime earlier this month at one of the most famous concert venues in the world, Carnegie Hall in New York City. Performing with The True North Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Camp Kirkland, and The New American Chorus made up of choral singers and fans from across the country, Chapman performed moving renditions of some of his most iconic songs, as well as hits from his latest record The Glorious Unfolding.

"People asked me if it was a dream come true to play Carnegie Hall? I have to say as a young man growing up in Paducah, Kentucky, I never even thought to dream that big," said Chapman. "It was a humbling and deeply moving experience and a night I will never forget. I'm so grateful to the choir that joined me, Camp Kirkland, Tom Grassi, Roy Hayes, Brian Green, the orchestra, my band and others that helped me put the night together."

Photo Credit: True North Presents

Photo Credit: True North Presents

Chapman launched the next leg of "The Glorious Unfolding Tour" last weekend featuring special guests The Afters and Josh Wilson. For more information on tour dates and tickets, visit http://stevencurtischapman.com/tour.

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 recorded seventeen 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. Chapman and his wife Mary Beth created Show Hope after bringing their first adopted daughter, Shaohannah, home from China in 2001. The ministry’s goal is to raise awareness about orphan care as well as to help families reduce the financial barrier of adoption. Now celebrating its 10th year of service, Show Hope has provided adoption grants to more than 4,000 families wishing to adopt orphans from around the world. Visit www.ShowHope.org.

[Get Connected With Steven Curtis Chapman]
Website // www.stevencurtischapman.com
Facebook // www.facebook.com/stevencurtischapman
Twitter // www.twitter.com/StevenCurtis

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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

K-LOVE Announces 12th Annual Caribbean Cruise Featuring Casting Crowns, Mandisa, Newsboys and More

Presented by World Hope and Produced by Premier Vacation and Events, Cruise to Set Sail January 13-17, 2015
 

Nashville, Tenn. (February 11, 2014) - Nothing could be more inviting during a cold winter than sunshine, relaxation and incredible entertainment. K-LOVE, along with World Hope and Premier Vacation and Events promise just that during the 12th Annual 2015 K-LOVE cruise. The brand new MSC Divina ship will set sail from Miami, FL on January 13, 2015 and hit three ports of call (Freeport, Nassau and private island, Half-Moon Cay) through January 17th.

"Hosting the K-LOVE Cruise for over 10 years is our privilege!” remarked David Pierce, COO of K-LOVE.  “The friendships that are made, the people who are refreshed, and the impact of seeing God at work in so many lives on board, makes this an amazing getaway! We are thankful for the artists, listeners and friends who come together to make the K-LOVE Cruise really something special."

Throughout the trip, passengers are invited to join their favorite K-LOVE artists, including Casting Crowns, Mandisa, Newsboys, Laura Story, Building 429 and more. K-LOVE personalities will be on the ship as well, along with incredible speakers like New York Times best-selling author and speaker Lysa TerKeurst.  

Tickets for the cruise are on sale now with prices starting at under $90/month. To purchase and find out more information please visit www.klovecruise.com.

“God was certainly present and moving aboard this years K-LOVE cruise,” said Mike Novak, K-LOVE President/CEO. “I’m looking forward to our 2015 cruise on a bigger ship, exciting ports and more great Christian music and time to come together with friends and family. You better claim your cabin right now and see you next year!"

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

About Premier Vacation and Events
Premier Vacation and Events has been responsible for producing unique, family-friendly vacations for over eleven years. With such events as the K-LOVE Cruise, Love Like You Mean It Marriage Cruise, Music Boat, Girls Getaway and Illuminate Vacation just to name a few, they will be host to the Duck Commander Cruise this summer. From branded events to corporate getaways, PREMIER is leading the industry in innovative vacation events.

About World Hope
World Hope is a non-profit missions organization that identifies places on the planet that are most in need of urgent care, and then seeks to bring to them the Hope found only in Christ.  World Hope has built Hope Centers in India, The Philippines, Nicaragua, Haiti, and our flagship Hope Center in the slums outside Nairobi, Kenya.  Our newest project is our first domestic Hope Center in Detroit, Michigan, which will open this year.  All of our projects are centered around a church and will include ministries such as feeding centers, medical clinics, school, adult education, and sports programs.  For more information, we invite you to visit us online at WeAreWorldHope.com.

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

Casting Crowns Continues to Bring 'THRIVE' to Life; Mark Hall Releases New Book Out Today, February 11

Casting Crowns | Thrive

THRIVE by Mark Hall available today

Casting Crowns performing on Fox & Friends

Casting Crowns interviews with Billboard

Casting Crowns at Livestream

From their "Month of Giving" to a surprise secret show to performances on Sirius Radio, Billboard and FOX & Friends, momentum grows for 'THRIVE'
 

Nashville, Tenn. (February 11, 2014) – Multi-platinum selling group, Casting Crowns continues to bring THRIVE to life, wrapping up a month of visits and giving back to fans across the country. Accompanying the recent release of the group's seventh studio record (THRIVE), which debuted in the Top 10 on the Billboard Top 200 Chart, comes Mark Hall's newest book on Zondervan, "Thrive - Digging Deep, Reaching Out" available today, February 11. This is Hall's fourth book to date and discusses the critical inner challenge that we are meant to more than just survive life - we are called to thrive. Each chapter threads together this impactful message, adding Hall's signature style of weaving stories with powerful tools for application.

The release of "Thrive - Digging Deep, Reaching Out," comes off the heels of a jam-packed, whirlwind month for Casting Crowns. Beginning in the month of January, Casting Crowns launched their"Month of Giving" with opportunities for them to give back to fans in big and small ways. The roots didn't stop there as the band traveled across the country to multiple cities performing acoustic sets (including a Secret Show in Dallas, TX) and visiting friends such asThe Harvest Show, Live at Studio B, Moody Radio, 

Rick & Bubba and more. Also adding to the momentum of 'THRIVE,' several members of the band surprised shoppers at local retailers with a copy of the new record.

Last week, the band made a trip to New York City where they did special performances and interviews with Sirius Radio, Livestream.com, 

Billboard and FOX Radio. Wrapping up their NYC run, Casting Crowns made their national television debut of their song "Thrive" on the highly rated morning show, "FOX & Friends."

View their FOX & Friends performances here:

"Thrive" and "House of Their Dreams"

Following the sea of praises on the new record comes another flood of applause from critics and fans alike for "Thrive - Digging Deep, Reaching Out":

"Consider Mark Hall’s book a dependable resource to inspire a well-rooted, far-reaching growth spurt among students."
- Crosswalk.com

"The book gives stories and testimonies from the young people Hall pastors, and gives examples of how the principles set out in the book can be applied to real life situations...It's an important message, and one that is delivered with grace and humility."
- Christian Today

"Casting Crowns lead singer Mark Hall is delivering up plenty for your mind to reflect on...you’ll hear words of wisdom from Hall’s experience and a depth of theological encouragement for your soul."
- Mustard Seed Thoughts Blog

Beginning Feb. 20, Casting Crowns will embark on their national tour,"The Thrive Tour," which features Laura Story and for KING & COUNTRY. For a complete list of tour dates, visit: https://www.castingcrowns.com/tour.

[Get Connected with Casting Crowns]
Website: www.castingcrowns.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/castingcrowns
Twitter: www.twitter.com/castingcrowns
Mark Hall's
Twitter: www.twitter.com/markhallCC

Fox & Friends to World Premiere TobyMac's "Speak Life" Music Video on February 11

GRAMMY® winner also set to perform No. 1 track on cable's No. 1 Morning Show 

VEVO set for online premiere February 12

Nashville, Tenn. (February 10, 2014) – With a powerful message of hope and love, the impact of TobyMac's No. 1 song "Speak Life" has been immeasurable. On February 11, cable's top-rated morning show, Fox & Friends, will world premiere the music video for the track and TobyMac, along with his DiverseCity band, will perform the GRAMMY®-nominated song live. VEVO is supporting the online premiere of the video on Wednesday, February 12. "Speak Life" was written by TobyMac along with Jamie Moore and Ryan Stevenson and is off his GRAMMY®-award winning and No. 1 Billboard 200 record, EYE ON IT. Catch a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the video here. 

In less than 15 months, TobyMac has received two GRAMMY® award nominations, two Billboard Music Awards for Top Christian Artist and Top Christian Album, his first American Music Award for Favorite Artist in the Contemporary/Inspirational category, multiple Dove Awards including "Artist of the Year," and the K-LOVE Fan Award for “Artist of the Year,” in addition to sweeping the 2013 Australian Music Awards.

The past couple months TobyMac has been touring the country on his "Hits Deep Tour." The national tour has been selling out venues and playing to packed houses including an emotional set at the Madison Square Garden theatre in New York City. Beginning February 2014, TobyMac will kick off the second leg of the “Hits Deep Tour.” The spring line-up will include Brandon Heath, Matt Maher, Mandisa, Matthew West and Capital Kings. For a complete list of tour dates, visit: http://tobymac.com/tour.

About TobyMac
With over 11 million units in career sales, TobyMac's career continues on the fast track. His most recent project, EYE ON IT, garnered him the GRAMMY® Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album and the highest chart debut of his solo career landing at No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 and topping the iTunes® Overall and Christian sales charts. The project made TobyMac one of only four artists to ever debut atop the Billboard Top 200 with a Christian music album. His previous four solo projects have received RIAA Gold certification and his live DVD, Alive & Transported, is certified platinum by the RIAA and received a GRAMMY® award. His 2009 album Tonight received GRAMMY® nods for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album and Best Contemporary Christian Song. In less than 15 months, TobyMac has received two GRAMMY® awards, two Billboard Music Awards for Top Christian Artist and Top Christian Album, his first American Music Award for Favorite Artist in the Contemporary/Inspirational category, Dove Awards for "Artist of the Year," "Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year," "Recorded Music Packaging of the Year," "Short Form Video of the Year," KLOVE Music Awards for “Artist of the Year” and swept the 2013 Australian Music Awards.

[Get Connected with TobyMac]
Website // http://www.tobymac.com
Twitter // https://twitter.com/therealtobymac
Facebook // http://www.facebook.com/tobymac
YouTube // http://www.youtube.com/tobymacmusic
iTunes // http://toby.cta.gs/02r

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