Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
2008 Readers' Choice Christian Music Awards
Without question, the most impressive thing about the 2008 Reader's Choice Awards was not the winners themselves as the voter turnout. Close to 6,000 participated in this year's online survey, which is nearly twice as many as last year. And yet, despite the leap in numbers, the results are still more or less the same—a reminder of which fan clubs remain far and away the largest in all of Christian music.
We may as well start with Skillet and face the facts. They've been the favorite band in many a music survey before Christian Music Today started, they've been the favorite for as long as we've run this survey, and they're bound to be the winner for years to come. Third Day and Casting Crowns may be the runners-up, but believe me, it wasn't even close as far as the votes go. In fact, I may as well give an unofficial award to Skillet fans ("Panheads") as the most fervent fan base in all of Christian music—they've earned it, time and again. They may run away with the voting year after year, and thus render the survey uninteresting, but honor is due.
That said, Panheads better hope that Skillet releases their next album by October 2009. Otherwise, they won't have an eligible Skillet album to vote for! But as far as 2008, the band released their concert album Comatose Comes Alive just under the wire to top the competition. Sorry, Family Force 5 fans—Dance or Die placed second, and it didn't garner nearly as many votes. (For those of you wondering, our review of Comatose Comes Alive appears with our December 15, 2008 DVD round-up.)
Fans at least refrained from voting for Skillet as Best New Band this year. And though lead singers John and Korey Cooper were among the finalists for Best Male and Female Artists, they actually didn't come close to winning, suggesting that at least a few Panheads were objective enough to spread their votes.
For Best Male Artist, it's now been five years straight for Jeremy Camp, who just released Speaking Louder than Before, his follow-up to 2006's Beyond Measure. Fans made this another landslide victory, awarding Camp twice as many votes as the runner-up, tobyMac. With the new album in stores as of November 2008, it wouldn't be surprising if Camp remained the favorite for 2009. (It's also interesting that longtime favorites Michael W. Smith and Steven Curtis Chapman didn't place in the Top 5 for the first time in years.)
However, for the first time since this survey began in 2003, voters have crowned a new favorite Female Artist, reflecting the decrease in Rebecca St. James' musical output, visibility, and radio airplay. In fact, she's now dropped to third place behind the runner-up, Krystal Meyers. Meanwhile, longtime fourth place winner Natalie Grant finally makes the leap to the top. For years, she's been the favorite among Dove Award voters—now she's the favorite among our readers.
Which leaves us with the single most interesting category from year to year, since it's impossible for artists to win Best New Artist more than once. Of course, given their level of promotion and radio popularity, it comes as little surprise that readers went with Tenth Avenue North, easily the most visible of the new artists in 2008. Nevertheless, this was the closest contest in this year's voting, with Addison Road and Children 18:3 closely following in second and third, respectively.
Lastly, we'd like to acknowledge the winners of our contest, randomly chosen among the participants to receive free music. Jackie McDonald of Pineville, Missouri was selected as our grand prize winner, receiving 10 free CDs of her choice from our friends at Christianbook.com. Additionally, Justin Eiginga from Grimsby, Ontario in Canada and Robert Ordway of Weslaco, Texas each won 2 CDs of their choice through Christianbook.com.
Some other lucky winners were selected to win our special bonus prize, thanks to the good people at Nettwerk Music Group. They provided copies of Christmas albums from Jars of Clay and Sixpence None the Richer for Tina Ulery of North Attleboro, Massachusetts, Sam Whitaker of Centerville, Iowa, and Tiffany Robbins of Fort Mill, South Carolina.
Congratulations to all our winners, both artists and participants. We appreciate everyone who took the time to let us know who your favorite Christian artists are!
Christian Music News Source
We may as well start with Skillet and face the facts. They've been the favorite band in many a music survey before Christian Music Today started, they've been the favorite for as long as we've run this survey, and they're bound to be the winner for years to come. Third Day and Casting Crowns may be the runners-up, but believe me, it wasn't even close as far as the votes go. In fact, I may as well give an unofficial award to Skillet fans ("Panheads") as the most fervent fan base in all of Christian music—they've earned it, time and again. They may run away with the voting year after year, and thus render the survey uninteresting, but honor is due.
That said, Panheads better hope that Skillet releases their next album by October 2009. Otherwise, they won't have an eligible Skillet album to vote for! But as far as 2008, the band released their concert album Comatose Comes Alive just under the wire to top the competition. Sorry, Family Force 5 fans—Dance or Die placed second, and it didn't garner nearly as many votes. (For those of you wondering, our review of Comatose Comes Alive appears with our December 15, 2008 DVD round-up.)
Fans at least refrained from voting for Skillet as Best New Band this year. And though lead singers John and Korey Cooper were among the finalists for Best Male and Female Artists, they actually didn't come close to winning, suggesting that at least a few Panheads were objective enough to spread their votes.
For Best Male Artist, it's now been five years straight for Jeremy Camp, who just released Speaking Louder than Before, his follow-up to 2006's Beyond Measure. Fans made this another landslide victory, awarding Camp twice as many votes as the runner-up, tobyMac. With the new album in stores as of November 2008, it wouldn't be surprising if Camp remained the favorite for 2009. (It's also interesting that longtime favorites Michael W. Smith and Steven Curtis Chapman didn't place in the Top 5 for the first time in years.)
However, for the first time since this survey began in 2003, voters have crowned a new favorite Female Artist, reflecting the decrease in Rebecca St. James' musical output, visibility, and radio airplay. In fact, she's now dropped to third place behind the runner-up, Krystal Meyers. Meanwhile, longtime fourth place winner Natalie Grant finally makes the leap to the top. For years, she's been the favorite among Dove Award voters—now she's the favorite among our readers.
Which leaves us with the single most interesting category from year to year, since it's impossible for artists to win Best New Artist more than once. Of course, given their level of promotion and radio popularity, it comes as little surprise that readers went with Tenth Avenue North, easily the most visible of the new artists in 2008. Nevertheless, this was the closest contest in this year's voting, with Addison Road and Children 18:3 closely following in second and third, respectively.
Lastly, we'd like to acknowledge the winners of our contest, randomly chosen among the participants to receive free music. Jackie McDonald of Pineville, Missouri was selected as our grand prize winner, receiving 10 free CDs of her choice from our friends at Christianbook.com. Additionally, Justin Eiginga from Grimsby, Ontario in Canada and Robert Ordway of Weslaco, Texas each won 2 CDs of their choice through Christianbook.com.
Some other lucky winners were selected to win our special bonus prize, thanks to the good people at Nettwerk Music Group. They provided copies of Christmas albums from Jars of Clay and Sixpence None the Richer for Tina Ulery of North Attleboro, Massachusetts, Sam Whitaker of Centerville, Iowa, and Tiffany Robbins of Fort Mill, South Carolina.
Congratulations to all our winners, both artists and participants. We appreciate everyone who took the time to let us know who your favorite Christian artists are!
Christian Music News Source
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
PROVIDENT�S FRIDAY BUZZ - FOR THE WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 14, 2008
MICHAEL W. SMITH WRAPS "THE UNITED TOUR"
WHILE A NEW HALLELUJAH JUMPS TO TOP 10 ON AC CHARTS
TENTH AVENUE NORTH CONTINUES TO GAIN MOMENTUM AT RADIO
WITH HIT SINGLE "BY YOUR SIDE"
KRYSTAL MEYERS HOSTS "KIWI RADIO" SHOW ON
TOP 40 STATION KVUU THIS WEEKEND
Michael W. Smith�s A New Hallelujah Jumps to Top 10 on AC Charts: Michael W. Smith�s 21st album A New Hallelujah (10/28) produced a top 10 radio single this week with �A New Hallelujah.� The single jumped significantly on the CRW AC chart this week from No. 13 to No. 8 with weekly impressions growing by 36.9% to 13,913,700 million. On top of his radio success, Smitty also wrapped up �The United Tour� with Steven Curtis Chapman. Smith and Chapman performed together in 20 major markets with 14 completely sold out shows and a cumulative audience of more than 50,000. Smith�s upcoming �It�s A Wonderful Christmas� Tour, featuring Melinda Doolittle, will launch on November 29 in Youngstown, Ohio and will play 16 shows in 13 markets before wrapping up in Phoenix, Ariz. on December 19. Tickets for this tour are already on sale. For more information on Michael please visit: www.michaelwsmith.com.
Tenth Avenue North's "By Your Side" Continues to Gain Momentum at Radio: Tenth Avenue North broke into the Top 5 at R&R AC Monitored this week with seven new radio adds. Highlighting that list was K-Love network, WPOZ/Orlando and WFSH/Atlanta. �By Your Side� is the second single off the band�s debut album Over and Underneath. Jeff Cruz, Assistant Program Director for WPOZ said, �There are several big songs on the record, but the one that just blew me away was "By Your Side". The passion expressed on that song is evidence of the true hearts of these amazingly talented young men.� For more information about Tenth Avenue North please visit: www.tenthavenuenorth.com.
Krystal Meyers Hosts "Kiwi Radio" Show on Top 40 Station: Krystal Meyers will host a three hour block on Top 40 station KVUU out of Denver, CO this Sunday. KVUU's "Kiwi Radio" is a speciality show that airs Sunday nights. Krystal will introduce artists and singles including her own song, �Make Some Noise� from her 9/9/08 album Make Some Noise. Previous "Kiwi Radio" hosts include GRAMMY-nominated Jason Mraz and Hannah Montana star Emily Osment. The show will stream this Sunday from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. Mountain Time. To listen to Krystal on "Kiwi Radio" please visit: http://kiwiradio.my999radio.com/.
Chrisian Music News Source
WHILE A NEW HALLELUJAH JUMPS TO TOP 10 ON AC CHARTS
TENTH AVENUE NORTH CONTINUES TO GAIN MOMENTUM AT RADIO
WITH HIT SINGLE "BY YOUR SIDE"
KRYSTAL MEYERS HOSTS "KIWI RADIO" SHOW ON
TOP 40 STATION KVUU THIS WEEKEND
Michael W. Smith�s A New Hallelujah Jumps to Top 10 on AC Charts: Michael W. Smith�s 21st album A New Hallelujah (10/28) produced a top 10 radio single this week with �A New Hallelujah.� The single jumped significantly on the CRW AC chart this week from No. 13 to No. 8 with weekly impressions growing by 36.9% to 13,913,700 million. On top of his radio success, Smitty also wrapped up �The United Tour� with Steven Curtis Chapman. Smith and Chapman performed together in 20 major markets with 14 completely sold out shows and a cumulative audience of more than 50,000. Smith�s upcoming �It�s A Wonderful Christmas� Tour, featuring Melinda Doolittle, will launch on November 29 in Youngstown, Ohio and will play 16 shows in 13 markets before wrapping up in Phoenix, Ariz. on December 19. Tickets for this tour are already on sale. For more information on Michael please visit: www.michaelwsmith.com.
Tenth Avenue North's "By Your Side" Continues to Gain Momentum at Radio: Tenth Avenue North broke into the Top 5 at R&R AC Monitored this week with seven new radio adds. Highlighting that list was K-Love network, WPOZ/Orlando and WFSH/Atlanta. �By Your Side� is the second single off the band�s debut album Over and Underneath. Jeff Cruz, Assistant Program Director for WPOZ said, �There are several big songs on the record, but the one that just blew me away was "By Your Side". The passion expressed on that song is evidence of the true hearts of these amazingly talented young men.� For more information about Tenth Avenue North please visit: www.tenthavenuenorth.com.
Krystal Meyers Hosts "Kiwi Radio" Show on Top 40 Station: Krystal Meyers will host a three hour block on Top 40 station KVUU out of Denver, CO this Sunday. KVUU's "Kiwi Radio" is a speciality show that airs Sunday nights. Krystal will introduce artists and singles including her own song, �Make Some Noise� from her 9/9/08 album Make Some Noise. Previous "Kiwi Radio" hosts include GRAMMY-nominated Jason Mraz and Hannah Montana star Emily Osment. The show will stream this Sunday from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. Mountain Time. To listen to Krystal on "Kiwi Radio" please visit: http://kiwiradio.my999radio.com/.
Chrisian Music News Source
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Christian reality TV shows burst on to the scene
Many say Christian entertainment is a good couple of years behind mainstream entertainment, with some placing Christian radio behind by about five years and others even claiming that Christian media in general is more than a decade behind.
“I've always been frustrated by Christian media, which at best has lagged 10 years behind the mainstream and is often 30-40 years behind,” says Christian author and musician Jay L. Young of San Antonio, Texas. “Even the good media tends to be just ‘on par’ with mainstream media and true trailblazing is either excessively rare or (more likely) never gets a fair shake in the Christian marketing establishment.”
The latest example of this is the emergence of several Christian reality TV programs that have hit the Web and the airwaves in recent weeks.
Though reality television has been around as early as the 1940s and exploded in popularity globally starting in the early 2000s, a wellspring of Christian reality programs including “THEDRIVEtv,” “The Uprising,” and “Revolve: Rockin’ The Road” is just now entering the picture.
Debuts for the above-mentioned programs were in July, last Thursday, and last Friday, respectively.
All three programs target Christian youth and look to impact them with a positive message through exciting adventures and live, unrehearsed ministry.
"With the success of unscripted drama reality shows like The Hills and Keeping Up with the Kardashians, it's clear that television viewers connect with real life dramatic-in-nature programming,” commented Brad Siegel, vice chairman of Gospel Music Channel, which created “Revolve.”
“We wanted to create a show that was unique and aligned with our network's vision of inspiring, uplifting and entertaining through music,” he added in a public announcement.
Meanwhile, pro-skateboarder Jay Haizlip said it’s clear that there is a desperate need for a series like “The Uprising,” which follows him and two other pro-skaters as they spread the Gospel.
“People are struggling with real issues like alcohol and drug addiction, stints in jail, abuse, and problems with parents,” he said after ministering to people across the world. “We’re going to offer them hope through this show and let them know that God is on their side.”
In “The Uprising,” Haizlip and fellow skateboarders Christian Hosoi and Brian Sumner comb skate parks, backyard pools, and other hangouts in an effort to spread the Gospel. The series was birthed out of Haizlip’s The Sanctuary Church in Huntington Beach, Calif., where he serves as senior pastor, and his “The Uprising is Here” events, which bring pro skateboarders, live music, and the faith message to young people across the country. The events feature Hosoi and Sumner, as well as other pro-skateboarders.
According to Haizlip, every episode of “The Uprising” will be filled with light, energy, excitement, and most of all, purpose.
“This isn’t your grandmother’s Christian TV,” said Hosoi. “This is in-your-face modern day evangelism that gets down in the dirt with people to help them wrestle through their issues.”
In addition to a faith message, “The Uprising” also will showcase skate tricks and events and feature appearances by other pro-skaters like Paul Rodriguez, Chad Tim Tim, Ray Barbee, Jereme Rogers, Josh Harmony, and more.
“Revolve,” meanwhile, also has its share of Christian professionals – but mostly from the Christian music industry.
The series, which premiered Friday, follows the cast and crew of The Revolve Tour as they travel the country, hitting cities with weekend events geared toward teen girls and talking to teens along the way about tough topics like dating, tattoos and everyday challenges.
As four friends – two guys and two gals – trek across America, hitting nine different Christian music festivals, “Revolve” captures their collective quest to maintain spiritual peace and discipline amid logistical challenges, self goals, and inevitable relationship struggles.
In the first episode of the five-episode series, the two male members engaged in a conversation about tattoos and piercings with Christian rocker Krystal Meyers, who joined the group for the series premiere.
Also hopping on the foursome’s tour bus for the first episode were Hawk Nelson, Group 1 Crew and Ayiesha Woods. The group also met up with Natalie Grant at a Revolve “All Access” event.
“Revolve … gives our young viewers a cast they can relate to and music they love,” said Gospel Music Channel’s Siegel.
Then, there is THEDRIVEtv, which is presenting “fundamental issues” in a motivational and easy to understand manner both on screen and off.
The new reality show, which is airing in over 170 countries, captures the adventures of four young men – Chris, Kyle, Steve, and Aaron – as they take a “reality” road trip across the United States.
During each episode, the hosts meet unique people and discover the local “flavor” of the location, focusing on relevant issues for today’s generation, including love, self esteem, community, and social justice.
“It’s what ‘reality TV’ should be – relevant, reflective, real,” said Troy Miller, COO of the NRB Network, in an endorsement.
Miller described the four hosts as “media missionaries who bring the message of Christ to young viewers in a language they understand.”
“In a time when immorality and irreverence dominate the airwaves, The Drive TV takes a higher road,” he added.
What’s unique about the show is that the hosts have made themselves available to speak at churches and special events.
“Even though THEDRIVEtv is a reality tv show, the heart of it does not begin and end on a TV screen,” say the producers of the show. “The guys from THEDRIVEtv are available for speaking engagements. They love to share the message of THEDRIVEtv and the powerful experiences they had on the road."
“Young people are impacted by their message delivered through stories of their exciting adventure, original music, and personal ministry,” they add.
Only time will tell whether Christian reality shows will draw large followings as have their mainstream counterparts, such as “Survivor,” “American Idol,” “Dancing With The Stars,” and "Fear Factor."
But with Christian music closing the gap on mainstream music and Christian movies such as “Fireproof” ranking among the weekend box office’s top ten for three consecutive weeks, producers of the latest series are optimistic about the potential of Christian reality TV.
"Unlike the majority of reality television, 'The Uprising' isn’t based on a contest or produced in any kind of artificial environment," says producer Nathaniel Calnin of Steelroots, which partnered with Haizlip and his team to launch "The Uprising."
"It’s truly reality in the sense that we’re capturing scenarios that would happen regardless of a camera being there to tape it," he told The Christian Post. "These guys are out there praying for people and talking about Jesus in places that would make most of us feel uncomfortable. Whether Christian or not, I think viewers will find that compelling."
Christian author Young, meanwhile, is hoping for Christian media not only to mimic the success of their mainstream counterparts and close in the years-long gap, but to make radical changes.
"So yeah, nothing would make me happier than to see a full revolution in Christian media in my lifetime," he says. "Lord knows it's not that there's a lack of talent."
Christian Music News Source
“I've always been frustrated by Christian media, which at best has lagged 10 years behind the mainstream and is often 30-40 years behind,” says Christian author and musician Jay L. Young of San Antonio, Texas. “Even the good media tends to be just ‘on par’ with mainstream media and true trailblazing is either excessively rare or (more likely) never gets a fair shake in the Christian marketing establishment.”
The latest example of this is the emergence of several Christian reality TV programs that have hit the Web and the airwaves in recent weeks.
Though reality television has been around as early as the 1940s and exploded in popularity globally starting in the early 2000s, a wellspring of Christian reality programs including “THEDRIVEtv,” “The Uprising,” and “Revolve: Rockin’ The Road” is just now entering the picture.
Debuts for the above-mentioned programs were in July, last Thursday, and last Friday, respectively.
All three programs target Christian youth and look to impact them with a positive message through exciting adventures and live, unrehearsed ministry.
"With the success of unscripted drama reality shows like The Hills and Keeping Up with the Kardashians, it's clear that television viewers connect with real life dramatic-in-nature programming,” commented Brad Siegel, vice chairman of Gospel Music Channel, which created “Revolve.”
“We wanted to create a show that was unique and aligned with our network's vision of inspiring, uplifting and entertaining through music,” he added in a public announcement.
Meanwhile, pro-skateboarder Jay Haizlip said it’s clear that there is a desperate need for a series like “The Uprising,” which follows him and two other pro-skaters as they spread the Gospel.
“People are struggling with real issues like alcohol and drug addiction, stints in jail, abuse, and problems with parents,” he said after ministering to people across the world. “We’re going to offer them hope through this show and let them know that God is on their side.”
In “The Uprising,” Haizlip and fellow skateboarders Christian Hosoi and Brian Sumner comb skate parks, backyard pools, and other hangouts in an effort to spread the Gospel. The series was birthed out of Haizlip’s The Sanctuary Church in Huntington Beach, Calif., where he serves as senior pastor, and his “The Uprising is Here” events, which bring pro skateboarders, live music, and the faith message to young people across the country. The events feature Hosoi and Sumner, as well as other pro-skateboarders.
According to Haizlip, every episode of “The Uprising” will be filled with light, energy, excitement, and most of all, purpose.
“This isn’t your grandmother’s Christian TV,” said Hosoi. “This is in-your-face modern day evangelism that gets down in the dirt with people to help them wrestle through their issues.”
In addition to a faith message, “The Uprising” also will showcase skate tricks and events and feature appearances by other pro-skaters like Paul Rodriguez, Chad Tim Tim, Ray Barbee, Jereme Rogers, Josh Harmony, and more.
“Revolve,” meanwhile, also has its share of Christian professionals – but mostly from the Christian music industry.
The series, which premiered Friday, follows the cast and crew of The Revolve Tour as they travel the country, hitting cities with weekend events geared toward teen girls and talking to teens along the way about tough topics like dating, tattoos and everyday challenges.
As four friends – two guys and two gals – trek across America, hitting nine different Christian music festivals, “Revolve” captures their collective quest to maintain spiritual peace and discipline amid logistical challenges, self goals, and inevitable relationship struggles.
In the first episode of the five-episode series, the two male members engaged in a conversation about tattoos and piercings with Christian rocker Krystal Meyers, who joined the group for the series premiere.
Also hopping on the foursome’s tour bus for the first episode were Hawk Nelson, Group 1 Crew and Ayiesha Woods. The group also met up with Natalie Grant at a Revolve “All Access” event.
“Revolve … gives our young viewers a cast they can relate to and music they love,” said Gospel Music Channel’s Siegel.
Then, there is THEDRIVEtv, which is presenting “fundamental issues” in a motivational and easy to understand manner both on screen and off.
The new reality show, which is airing in over 170 countries, captures the adventures of four young men – Chris, Kyle, Steve, and Aaron – as they take a “reality” road trip across the United States.
During each episode, the hosts meet unique people and discover the local “flavor” of the location, focusing on relevant issues for today’s generation, including love, self esteem, community, and social justice.
“It’s what ‘reality TV’ should be – relevant, reflective, real,” said Troy Miller, COO of the NRB Network, in an endorsement.
Miller described the four hosts as “media missionaries who bring the message of Christ to young viewers in a language they understand.”
“In a time when immorality and irreverence dominate the airwaves, The Drive TV takes a higher road,” he added.
What’s unique about the show is that the hosts have made themselves available to speak at churches and special events.
“Even though THEDRIVEtv is a reality tv show, the heart of it does not begin and end on a TV screen,” say the producers of the show. “The guys from THEDRIVEtv are available for speaking engagements. They love to share the message of THEDRIVEtv and the powerful experiences they had on the road."
“Young people are impacted by their message delivered through stories of their exciting adventure, original music, and personal ministry,” they add.
Only time will tell whether Christian reality shows will draw large followings as have their mainstream counterparts, such as “Survivor,” “American Idol,” “Dancing With The Stars,” and "Fear Factor."
But with Christian music closing the gap on mainstream music and Christian movies such as “Fireproof” ranking among the weekend box office’s top ten for three consecutive weeks, producers of the latest series are optimistic about the potential of Christian reality TV.
"Unlike the majority of reality television, 'The Uprising' isn’t based on a contest or produced in any kind of artificial environment," says producer Nathaniel Calnin of Steelroots, which partnered with Haizlip and his team to launch "The Uprising."
"It’s truly reality in the sense that we’re capturing scenarios that would happen regardless of a camera being there to tape it," he told The Christian Post. "These guys are out there praying for people and talking about Jesus in places that would make most of us feel uncomfortable. Whether Christian or not, I think viewers will find that compelling."
Christian author Young, meanwhile, is hoping for Christian media not only to mimic the success of their mainstream counterparts and close in the years-long gap, but to make radical changes.
"So yeah, nothing would make me happier than to see a full revolution in Christian media in my lifetime," he says. "Lord knows it's not that there's a lack of talent."
Christian Music News Source
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