SGN Scoops Digital

INGER/SONGWRITER ANDREW PETERSON TO RELEASE HIS SECOND PROJECT ON CENTRICITY MUSIC….COUNTING STARS

New CD Streets July 27, 2010 And Features 12 New Songs From Peterson

Nashville, TN (June 7, 2010) —- The eagerly-awaited new album from singer/songwriter Andrew Peterson, Counting Stars, will release July 27, 2010. The CD, produced by the artist’s long-time collaborators, Ben Shive and Andy Gullahorn, is the second project from Peterson to be released by Centricity Music.

“We at Centricity Music feel like it is such a privilege to partner with Andrew Peterson,” says Steve Ford, Vice President of Sales/Marketing, Centricity Music.  “When he delivered ‘Counting Stars,’ it reminded the entire staff of why we love Andrew.  The twelve finely crafted songs are produced in a way that draws the listener into a place of revelation, a place where you see your life through Andrew’s eyes. This is a gift few songwriters have and that’s why we are excited about ‘Counting Stars.’”

The bulk of material for Counting Stars was recorded within eight days in Washington State during January 2010, as Peterson camped in a recording studio with Shive, Gullahorn, Gabe Scott and engineer, Todd Robbins.  They loaded up their guitars, hammered dulcimer, accordion, dobro and banjo, flew from Nashville to the Northwest and started collaborating.  The twelve new songs were written over a two-year period by Peterson, who is one of the most respected songwriters in several genres of music.  Counting Stars gives intimate glimpses of everyday life that is so important to everyone’s heart….family, friendship, community and home.

The first single from the new album is “The Reckoning,” which has just gone for radio adds and is already receiving airplay from such stations as, KCRN/San Angelo, TX and KNLB / Phoenix, AZ.  Peterson wrote the song while sitting on the porch of his home outside of Nashville when a severe thunderstorm was rolling into the area.

“I love the humility that a big, dangerous storm system gives us,” Peterson explains. “Everyone remembers they’re quite small and powerless in the scheme of things. In the twenty-first century, with jumbo jets and air conditioning and high-speed internet, we still sometimes have to run for our lives and hide in the closet under a blanket.”

“Dancing In The Minefields” is already becoming a favorite tune from the CD, as it is a thought provoking song that despite the title is a positive love song. And we’re dancing in the minefields/We’re sailing in the storms/This is harder than we dreamed/But I believe that’s what the promise is for. “World Traveler” addresses the wander-lust that lives in all of us and lets us know that the grand adventure can be in our own backyard. “In The Night” celebrates how hope lives on even through our daily pain and struggles, while “Fool With A Fancy Guitar,” reminds us that we are all priests who live in the Kingdom of God.

“The title Counting Stars ties the themes of relationship and hope together in the hope of God’s promise to Abraham,” says Peterson.  “We’re a part of the cloud of witnesses, passing the promises of God to our children and their children, building this Kingdom that has no end.”

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Dove Brothers Offering Sneak-Peak of New Recording – Unshakeable

2010 Unshakeable Tour Coming to a City Near You

BLADENBORO, N.C. – (June 3, 2010) – Multi-award winning quartet the Dove Brothers have made their brand new Sonlite Records release available in streaming audio on the group’s website. The group is also preparing to hit the road on their 2010 Unshakeable Tour.

The new release, titled Unshakeable, has a release date scheduled for the end of July and will be available all over the country at Christian retail then.  The new release will be showcased on the quartet’s website from now until the release of the highly anticipated recording.  The Dove Brothers are also opening a poll to find out fans’ favorite tracks from the album. The favored track from the fans will be the group’s first single from the release.

McCray Dove said, “We are so excited about this new project and the songs that we will perform on this new tour.  We are getting ready and getting geared up for the launch of the new recording as well as performing these great songs.  We hope you will enjoy what we have worked hard at giving you on the Unshakeable project.  We look forward to coming to a city near you, and you having a blast at our concerts.”

For more information on the new release and to hear the project, visit the Dove Brothers’ website.

The Dove Brothers’ current single, “Hold On,” has been doing well at Southern Gospel radio.  The song is currently charting on all major Southern Gospel charts including the Singing News Magazine Top 80 (#2) and AbsolutelyGospel.com (formerly SoGospelNews.com) Top 40 Weekly Chart (#1 for three consecutive weeks).

More information on the Dove Brothers can be found at http://dovebrothersquartet.com

DOVE NOMINATED BURCHFIELD BROTHERS GARNER SOLID REVIEWS AND TV BOOKINGS IN SUPPORT OF LATEST CD RELEASE TIMES AND SEASONS

Nashville, TN (June 2, 2010) —- Dove nominated Burchfield Brothers, are garnering press accolades and television appearances in support of their latest CD, Times And Seasons. Jon and Ben Burchfield, comprise the duo for one of the most talented and unique musicians in the Christian and mainstream genres.  Both brothers are classically trained musicians and Times And Seasons is an instrumental collection of great hymns and timeless classics, which features the multi-talented Burchfield Brothers playing guitar, marimba and Irish flutes.  And the incredible gifts of these two musicians are definitely not going unnoticed.

CCM Magazine - ….The Burchfield Brothers now release their greatest hits entitled Times And Seasons. It’s a proper descriptor for the familiar tunes within, as the Tennessee duo utilizes an impressive sonic palette to uniquely frame each song within.

ChristianMusicToday.com - …. there’s no ignoring the pair’s compelling performances and enviable dexterity. Though strictly an instrumental album, the project has a prayerful demeanor and plenty of praise undertones.

Phantom Tollbooth - For my first Burchfield Brothers album, I appreciate the way you can relax, recognize your favorite inspirational melody and know it is in safe hands with a velvet touch.

While garnering great press for Times And Seasons, the Burchfield Brothers have been very visual with television appearances on Crystal Cathedral, Atlanta Live and an upcoming appearance on Focus 4/Cornerstone Television in August.  They have also taped interviews for Campus Crusade for Christ radio shows, The Lighthouse Report and Women Today. At the same time, the brother duo retain an active touring schedule that will have them performing in Colorado, Illinois, Texas and Pennsylvania this summer.  The Burchfield Brothers remain one of the most popular touring artists who have been performing for seventeen years, have appeared before more than 1.2 million fans and logged around one million miles.

Times and Seasons is the eleventh CD for the Burchfield Brothers and features some of Jon’s and Ben’s favorite songs from their previous albums, which includes; “To Him Who Sits on the Throne,” “Amazing Grace,” “Be Thou My Vision,” “Doxology,” “Heart Of Mary” and “Sunset Coast.”  The project is available on the duo’s website, www.burchfieldbrothers.com, and digitally online at iTunes.com.

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JIMMY NEEDHAM’S NIGHTLIGHTS RELEASES AND REACHES #1 ON iTUNES TOP 200 CHRISTIAN & GOSPEL ALBUMS CHART – #25 ON THE TOP 200 ALBUMS CHART

Rave Reviews Continue To Pour In Exclaiming Nightlights As Needham’s Best Project So Far

Nashville, TN — Inpop Records announced Tuesday morning that Jimmy Needham’s new CD, Nightlights, reached the #1 position on iTunes Top 200 Christian Albums chart.  At the same time, the CD is #25 on iTunes Top 200 Albums chart that covers all music genres. Today is the official street date for the highly-anticipated project with fans and media embracing the project.

Houston Press - Needham is no stranger to secular pop or hip-hop — in his bio, he shouts out Maroon 5, Michael Jackson and Jay-Z as the musical inspirations behind “Grace Amazing,” while Nightlights single “Yours to Take” has already made him a rising star in Christian circles.

JesusFreakHideout.com - New and old fans will both be greatly impressed with this latest release, and future releases will no doubt be just as successful if this variety continues.

Christian Manifesto – Jimmy Needham should be the darling of CCM. Ever innovative, original and fresh, his music is akin to a zap of electricity for an oft-tired industry.

Christian Music Today – …his bluesy arrangements are beautifully crafted and his lyrics sincere.

Needham will celebrate the release of Nightlights this evening in The Woodlands, TX. The show will broadcast live at Needham’s website, www.JimmyNeedham.com or www.Facebook.com/JimmyNeedham, 8:00 – 9:30 pm EDT where millions of fans around the world can watch Needham’s performance. The Houston Chronicle will be covering the show for an upcoming artist feature that will run later this month highlighting Needham’s incredible career.

BUZZ IS BUILDING FOR JIMMY NEEDHAM’S THIRD PROJECT, NIGHTLIGHTS, RELEASING MAY 18, 2010

STRONG DIGITAL PRE-SALES HAVE PUSHED NEW CD TO #10 ON TOP 200 CHRISTIAN ALBUM CHART

CD RELEASE CONCERT ON STREET DAY WILL BROADCAST WORLDWIDE TO MILLIONS OF FANS ON INTERNET

Nashville, TN – Inpop Records’ critically acclaimed singer/songwriter, Jimmy Needham, is poised to release his highly anticipated third project, Nightlights, next Tuesday. The buzz has been building for the album with early radio and media support, which has led to strong digital pre-sales that pushed Nightlights into the #10 position on the iTunes Top 200 Christian Album chart.

Nightlights was produced by Calvin Turner (Marc Broussard) and features twelve new songs written or co-written by Needham, with the thirteenth song being a remake of the pop classic, “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You).” The lead single from the project, “Yours To Take,” is currently #26 on the National Christian Audience chart, which translates into an audience of around 1.33 million people.

Needham has just returned from a trip to Israel where he led worship for a group of believers from Houston and is back in Houston gearing up for two sold-out CD release concerts in Katy, TX Sunday, May 16 and The Woodlands, TX, Tuesday, May 18, which is street day. The May 18th show will broadcast live at Needham’s website, www.JimmyNeedham.com or www.Facebook.com/JimmyNeedham, 8:00 – 9:30 pm EDT where millions of fans around the world can watch Needham’s performance. The Houston Chronicle will be covering the show for an upcoming artist feature that will run later this month highlighting Needham’s incredible career.

Following the Texas concerts, Needham will head back east for tapings with LeSea Broadcasting’s Harvest Show and Live From Studio B. In between the media appearances, Needham made several visits to radio stations across the country that include K-Love; Air 1; KSWP/Lufkin, TX; KVNE/Tyler, TX; Pulse-FM/South Bend, IN; KWND/Springfield, MO and The Wind/Indianapolis, IN. Needham will return to Nashville the following week for a live appearance May 25 on Fox 17’s Tennessee Mornings and a taping with WSMV’s Better Nashville that will air May 28.

Needham has additional media coverage on tap for Nightlights including: Living With Teenagers (September review and October feature), Essential Connection (review), StandFirm magazine (artist profile February 2011), Worship Leader magazine (June review), JesusFreakHideout.com (feature and review), HearitFirst.com (podcast interview and performance), BBC Radio (interview), CCM (Story Behind Song Feature), ChristianMusicToday.com (review). And early reviews have been overwhelming in their accolades for Needham’s new project.

CCM – The growth curve climbed exactly as imagined…the Houston native’s progression continues at the same impressive rate as before on Nightlights.

NewReleaseTuesday.com – a collection of lucent, engaging lyrics matched with music that’s fresh, fun and downright funky.

Phantom Tollbooth – On Jimmy Needham’s Nightlights, soul reigns.

Christian Music Review – Nightlights is the best overall album by Jimmy Needham and one of my top albums of 2010.

About Jimmy Needham:

Needham released his first album, Speak, in 2006, on Inpop Records, and it generated respect and well-earned recognition from the Christian music industry for this talented singer/songwriter from Katy, Texas. The CD generated three singles “Fence Riders (#14),’ “Dearly Loved (#8),” and “Lost At Sea,” which charted for an incredible twelve weeks at the #2 position. Needham’s second project, Not Without Love resulted in four hit singles including “Forgiven and Loved” as the break-out Christian AC hit, climbing to #6 nationally, while “A Breath Or Two,” peaked at #3 at Christian CHR radio. Needham is headling his first tour in 2010 and has formerly toured with such acts as Natalie Grant, BarlowGirl, Rush Of Fools and Superchick. Needham also just concluded an artist-in-residence program at Fellowship of the Woodlands in The Woodlands, Texas, which will also host Needham’s official album release event on Tuesday, May 18th. For additional information and updates on Needham please visit www.jimmyneedham.com.

About Inpop Records:

Inpop Records is an independent Christian music label based in Brentwood, Tenn. Founded in 1999 by newsboys founder and longtime frontman Peter Furler, artist manager Wes Campbell, and Australian businessman Dale Bray, Inpop is home to some of the best-known bands in Christian music. Distributed by EMI Christian Music Group, Inpop Records has become one of the top-selling independent labels within the industry, having established a reputation for seeking out the best artists in emerging talent and for expanding the Christian music marketplace with sound and ideas. Inpop artists have scored numerous No. 1 radio hits, earned multiple awards and nominations and achieved recognition around the world. Inpop’s roster includes newsboys, Superchick, Mat Kearney, Shane and Shane, Jimmy Needham, Newworldson and Article One, among others. For more information, visit www.inpop.com

DOWNHERE STARTS RECORDING NEW PROJECT SET TO RELEASE LATER THIS YEAR

New Single “You’re Not Alone” Will Be Available To Fans on May 11^th And Going For Radio Adds May 14^th

Nashville, TN — One of Christian music’s premiere rock groups, Downhere, has started recording songs for their upcoming project on Centricity Music.  The new CD will release in the fourth quarter of this year but due to high demand the label is releasing the first single, “You’re Not Alone,” for download purchase on May 11^th at iTunes.com and Amazon.com.  The song will be going for adds at radio on May 14^th.   The project is being produced by Mark Heimermann, who was part of the production team for Downhere’s two previous CDs.

Between studio breaks, Downhere has remained active on the tour circuit playing to recent sold out venues that included Tulsa, OK, Kansas City, MO and Jefferson City, MO.   Following these popular dates, Downhere headed up north to Canada for an eleven-date tour opening for Michael W. Smith and then will appear on seventeen festival dates throughout the summer.

At the same time, Centricity Music is going to release, “Two At A Time,” a double disc project that includes the single plus another new song, with nine B-side cuts from Downhere that will be on sale at the band’s tour dates and digitally.  Fans have been clamoring for new music and this gives them some new music until the upcoming untitled CD will become available.

Integrity Music Signs UK’s Abundant Life Ministries To Exclusive Recording/Publishing Agreement

ALM:uk’s First CD, Name Above All Names, to Release in June

MOBILE, Ala. and BRADFORD, England – For more than two decades, Integrity Music has introduced new worship songs emerging from churches around the world including Gateway, New Life and Lakewood in the U.S. and Hillsong in Australia. The label’s latest discovery is Abundant Life Ministries a dynamic, multi-cultural church based in Bradford, England and led by pastor and renowned speaker/author Paul Scanlon.

“I’ve been challenged by Abundant Life’s passion for the lost and really believe that they model excellence in both worship and in the ‘hands and feet’ ministry that will be useful to other churches worldwide,” says Chris Springer, Integrity’s senior director of A&R. “It’s truly an honor for us to represent them.”
Integrity and Abundant Life have entered a long-term publishing and recording agreement for the church’s two worship entities, ALM:uk and RPM, their youth worship band.

The debut CD from ALM:uk, Name Above All Names, is slated for an international release to more than 160 countries with a U.S. street date of June 15. The album features new songs written by the Abundant Life staff including worship leaders Mark Stevens, Matt Hooper and Jock James, who chronicled the recording process at http://www.youtube.com/user/abundantlifeworship.

To resource the Church, Integrity created companion resources for Name Above All Names including CD tracks, a songbook and a digital songbook, all of which will release with the album in June.

“Our heart and our mission behind our album is to provide great congregational songs that help the local church and local church worship teams connect with God in a really strong, faith-filled and practical way,” said  Matt Hooper.  (Previously, the ALM:uk worship team released independent albums in the UK, including its most recent Send Me, in 2007.)

Name Above All Names was recorded in-studio in Nashville, Tenn. and in Bradford, England with the help of Dove Award-winning producer Bernie Herms, known for his work with Casting Crowns, Phillips, Craig & Dean, Selah and Brad Paisley.

Herms and his wife Natalie Grant often attend Abundant Life’s services when they visit England and it was Herms who introduced Integrity to the ALM:uk staff.  Understanding the label’s heart for sharing new worship songs with the global community, he immediately connected the two.

Says Herms of the church, “Each time I’ve had the privilege of being at Abundant Life, I’ve encountered an awesome move of God’s spirit that I believe is the direct fruit of an uncommonly passionate church body.  They are radically devoted to reaching their city and the world with an authentic brand of 21st century Christianity.”

Integrity’s UK office director, Jonathan Bugden adds: “If ever there was a church that expresses its life and worship through loving their neighbors, this is it! And with the economic and social needs in Bradford, they are a light on a hill, bringing the good news to desperate people who need to know Jesus.”

Abundant Life is a growing congregation that includes a wide mix of ages, backgrounds and cultures. Their three campus locations are the main church in Bradford, an economically depressed area in northern England that is home to the country’s second largest Muslim community, as well as campuses in Leeds (England) and in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The church is known for its outreaches into each area, including spiritual and practical help for their communities.

Additional information on ALM:uk can be found at http://www.abundantlifeworship.co.uk.  RPM can be found online at http://www.myspace.com/rpmlive.

Sharron Kay King Says “Don’t Stop Believing” With New Radio Release

BYRON, Ga. –  – Singing News Fan Award nominee Sharron Kay King is sending an encouraging message out with her brand new single.  The new song, “Don’t Stop Believing” (which is also the title cut from her most recent project), is Sharron’s first release to radio in over a year and contains a message she hope’s resonates with friends and fans of Southern Gospel music.

“We are facing many troubles in our nation with the economy and inner turmoil,” mentioned Sharron. “’Don’t Stop Believing’ is a song with a very simple message – but one that we as believers need to hold on to. Though times seem tough now, we can’t stop believing. We have an assurance that our Savior will keep us safe like He’s always done.”

“Don’t Stop Believing” was recently sent to Southern Gospel radio through Jeff O’Neal and Heritage Communications. The single has an immediate add date.

“Don’t Stop Believing” is the follow-up to Sharron’s smash-hit and fan-favorite single “God’s Been Good.” That song, which was penned by Sue C. Smith and Belinda Smith, reached the #1 spot on the SouthernGospelTimes.com Top 40 Fan Chart and ranked as one of the 50 most played songs of 2009 according to SoGospelNews.com’s (now AbsolutelyGospel.com) Top 50 Year End Chart.

Sharron has already had a great run in 2010. She landed another nomination for Favorite Soloist in the 2010 SGM FanFair Awards (she won the award 2008). In addition – Sharron earned two Top 10 nominations in the 2010 Diamond Awards (for Favorite Female Soloist and Favorite Christian Country Female Artist).

To place a vote for Sharron in the Diamond Awards – head over the SGNScoops.com and place your vote!

More information as well as booking information on Sharron Kay King can be found at http://sharronkayking.com.

Fans are encouraged to visit Sharron’s MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/sharronkayking.

Rod Burton Releases New Recording – The Difference

Songs On Recording Reflect Traditional Favorites and New Songs That Have Truly Made a Difference, Marked Changes For Celebrated Vocalist

New Recording Features Special Guest Vocalist Russ Taff and Many More!

HOMEWOOD, Ill. – On the heels of three nominations on the Top 10 ballot for the 2010 Diamond Awards, rising Southern Gospel soloist Rod Burton is proud to announce the release of his debut recording for New Hope Music Productions – The Difference.

The Difference was produced by Grammy-winning engineer Adrian Payne and co-produced by Rod’s longtime friend and talented session musician Jason Webb. This recording is the first release for the newly formed New Hope Music Productions – a recording company opened by Burton and Darrell Webb earlier this year.

“This recording is very special for many reasons,” mentioned Rod. “It’s an honor for me to have the first recording of what I hope will be many for New Hope Music Productions. However, even beyond that, these songs all have made a resounding impact on me and my career, and they really help signify this new time in my ministry.”

The Difference features many traditional favorites of the Gospel music community and new songs that have truly made a difference and marked change in Rod’s ministry.

“Beulah Land” took on a new meaning for Rod when he sang it at his father’s funeral in 2005, while “The Bridegroom Cometh” was a song he sang with Charles Feltner as a teenager and was the start of his music career.  “Hallelujah Meeting,” a song Rod now sings as a part of the newly formed Hinson Revival, opened the inaugural Branson Gospel Music Convention last summer – the newest and most talked about Gospel music convention that Rod and his wife started. Rod also recorded “Light of My World,” a song he wrote, in honor of his wife and children.

“So many of these songs have made a huge impact on my life,” mentioned Rod. “It’s exciting to now be able to share them with those that I get the opportunity to minister to.”

The Difference also features special guests that have been an encouragement to Rod’s ministry through the years as well.  Grammy winning vocalist Russ Taff makes a special appearance on Rod’s cover of “Water Grave.” The country-rock flavor of the track is a marked departure for the celebrated vocalist. Rod also enlisted the help of Sunday Edition’s Amy Marie Unthank and Chris Unthank on background vocals as well as his daughter Paige Burton and producer Adrian Payne.

Rod’s personal friend Sue Duffield penned “Son of Man’s Man” specifically for Rod, and the song is an upbeat take on being a man and the kind of man that God has called us to be. Rod also recorded The Roarks’ hit single “There Is a God” which Rod came to love after sharing the stage with the group several times and has been fortunate enough to sing the song in a public high school.

Other tunes featured on the album include “The Old Rugged Cross Made the Difference,” “No Back Roads,” “I Know What He Did For Me,” and many more.

The Difference is now available to purchase online or at live events.  For more information on the new recording, visit http://www.rodburtonmusic.com .

Rod was a featured artist on last week’s Gospel Music Nashville event with the Family Friendly Network. He’s also booked for several high profile events this summer, including SGM FanFair, Branson Gospel Music Convention, and Absolutely Gospel Fan Fest (formerly SoGospelNews.com Fan Fest)!

To find out how to book Rod at a solo event or as a part of Eric Hinson & Hinson Revival – visit his website.

Fans are encouraged to visit Rod’s MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/rodburtonmusicinc.  Rod’s ShoutLife can be found at http://www.shoutlife.com/rodburtonmusic.

About Rod Burton
Rod Burton is one of Southern Gospel’s fastest rising soloists. Described by family and friends as an interesting cross between big city businessman and down-home country boy, Rod is winning over fans all across the country. His current single is the Singing News Top 80 hit “Take a Stand.”

Diamond Award Nominee Zack Swain signs with EHA-Nashville, Releases New Project

Nashville, TN – As Zack Swain’s long-awaited CD, “For God So Loved” is released, he is both thrilled and excited to be parelleling that accomplishment with the award nomination and bringing on Evie Hawkins of EHA-Nashville to help publish the good news of his music ministry.

Swain brings a rich musical heritage to each performance. His background is rich from several generations, covering a variety of musical styles. A student of the Stamps-Baxter school of music, Swain studied under some of Gospel music’s finest musicians, teachers, and performers. He also studied piano privately in Greenbrier, Arkansas and Nashville, Tennessee for several years. Beginning at the age of three, Swain  began to amaze many friends and family with his unique piano artistry. He played an integral part in  music ministries of North Arkansas’ largest Nazarene church: Greenbrier Church of the Nazarene in Greenbrier, Arkansas. At the age of 11, he was on the full-time music staff of the church, fulfilling responsibilities of principal keyboardist and pianist. At age 15, he made the decision to devote all of his energies toward working in the field of Southern Gospel music. He has shared the stage with many prestigious artists in the gospel music spectrum and his music ministry has taken him to many churches, arenas, and performance halls all around the world. He has had the honor of playing at the Deep South Quartet Conventions, Bud Magnuss Memorial Singing, and being a part of the piano “Roll of Honor” with many legends and Hall of Fame pianists. He also has performed on stage at the Grand Ole Gospel Reunion.

Swain is also involved in studio work, playing keyboard sessions on recording projects in various Southeastern studios. He has recorded solo piano projects, all of which have been released and distributed through his solo concerts. Swain has captured the attention and hearts of Gospel music fans all over the world and is quickly rising toward being one of Gospel music’s favorite musicians.

For more info on Zack Swain or to book a concert: http;//www.ZackSwain.com