It’s not every day that a band gets to create the album of its dreams like Everyday Sunday has just done with Wake Up! Wake Up! While the guys are anxious for people to hear their third record, one they had previously only dreamed of making, Everyday Sunday does not dismiss its long journey here.

Made up of Trey Pearson (lead vocals), Dan Hunter (bass), Chris Hines (drums) and Jesse Counts (guitar), Everyday Sunday hails from Columbus, Ohio. The band first attracted a national audience with its 2001 independent Christian radio single, “Just A Story.” This was followed by the release of two successful projects, Stand Up and Anthems for the Imperfect. Numerous accolades ensued, including being named among CCM Magazine’s “Favorite New Artists of 2003,” as well as “Best New Artist of the Year” by TVU Music Television. Everyday Sunday received recognition as one of the Top 10 “Major Impact Artists” for CHR radio, and its single “Hanging On,” from Stand Up, was the No. 6 most played CHR song of the year.

In spite of having experienced considerable success with its first two national releases, Everyday Sunday was ready for something new—even if the members didn’t know exactly what that something new would look like. Maybe it would mean disbanding; maybe it’d mean reconfiguring. What they decided was to dive deeper into the things they really loved and see what would unfold.

The result is Wake Up! Wake Up!, a full-force gem of an album, glistening with modern-rock, radio-friendly hits. It’s a collection delivered with massive production by one of Everyday Sunday’s musical heroes, Ian Eskelin (Krystal Meyers, Stellar Kart, All Star United). The project drips with catchy hooks that camp out in your brain, guaranteeing many of these songs will rule radio for weeks on end.

“Everything we said we were going to do with this record has happened and then some,” Pearson explains. “It just came out better than we ever could’ve imagined. We had the perfect team on this record, including our dream mixer, J.R. McNeely (Relient K, Underoath, Amberlin, Hawk Nelson, Jeremy Camp), who we’d been hoping to get for two years.”

But it’s a record that almost didn’t happen.

“We were just tired,” Pearson continues. “We had been touring hundreds of shows for several years non-stop and were pretty burnt out on not being home with friends, family and church.” He asked the guys in the band to think and pray about Everyday Sunday’s future. It became a time of soul-searching, a time for them to figure out what they really loved about what they were doing.

“When we finally got back together to discuss our fate, everybody basically said, ‘We’re in; we want to do this.’ We decided to give it another shot, but this time we would make sure to write a record we were all totally in love with from top to bottom.”

Mission accomplished. As Trey describes, this renewed focus as well as increased intentionality to its efforts helped the rock outfit create a rock, power-pop, pop-punk project of enormous energy (which Everyday Sunday live shows are known for), that at the same time is fun, hooky, catchy, and filled with big melodies.

“Let’s Go Back” kicks off the project. “It’s a song about friendships,” Pearson explains. “It’s about its joys and my failures at relationships sometimes. But even though we are all bound to mess up, it’s about seeing the best in each other, realizing we are so much more than we think we are, and having fun experiencing those dreams and adventures God has placed on our hearts without letting Satan get a foothold.”

“Find Me Tonight” unveils the record to AC and CHR radio formats. “This song reassures listeners that God will meet them, wherever they may be,” Pearson adds. “It’s very worshipful, hopefully in a unique and fresh way.”

The first rock single, “Wake Up! Wake Up!” is a straight-ahead, power-pop tune about realizing we have a crucial role to play in God’s story, one that requires more than going through the motions, wasting our life in boredom. “I’ll Get Over It” is a sure-fire hit about a guy getting dumped by a girl and the extreme heartache that follows. “This is the first story song I’ve ever written,” Pearson says. “There’s not a huge, deep meaning to it, but we’re already getting a great response to this one, probably because we’ve all been through something like that.”

“The whole album is really about God, life, relationships, and emotions, from a Christian perspective,” Pearson concludes. “Hopefully it’s something people can relate to, music that will bring them joy, moments of reflection, and help them to think about their own life.”

Poised now on the edge of even greater critical and popular acclaim, Everyday Sunday has made it to a place most bands can only imagine. But having created the album of its dreams, with refined vision and calling on the members’ lives, both musically and relationally, it appears that their true success has already been achieved. With Wake Up! Wake Up!, the rest of the world finally has a chance to catch up.

 

Sometimes the most meaningful art can come from life’s most tumultuous storms, which Gregory Paul Smith can cite through a season of internal wrestling, outward struggle and eventual resolution. Even though the singer/songwriter found an elixir in a pen and pad (along with countless prayers) he’s been moved much more by the tangible impact his honesty and vulnerability has on listeners all across America.

“In concert, I talk about how God can take situations that are unbelievably challenging, lead us to the point of brokenness and then turn it all into a very strong positive,” says the Kansas bred tunesmith. “It’s amazing how much people can identify with that idea and I can actually see it in their eyes as I’m performing.

No matter how difficult your experience, God can bring about a joy and peace that’s unimaginable. I wouldn’t have thought I could get through the trials and dark times I experienced, but He’s seen me through.” 

While the burgeoning troubadour admits experiencing multiple emotions like doubt, despair and even a sinking self-esteem, that questioning has all been erased by the embrace of God’s unconditional love on the subsequent musical outpouring I Can Live Again. However, his confidence and ear pleasing experience only came after a total surrender of the fragile situation.

“I accepted the Lord at 14, but spent a lot of time making my own decisions,” he explains. “When those choices failed, I began to get very angry with God and I spiraled into a phase of inner turmoil and utter despair. But I remember very clearly falling on my knees one day at home, shouting out to God and praying for Him to take away my feelings of worthlessness. And through a period of several days, it was seriously supernatural how He began to lift me out of my misery and bring a silver lining into all of this.” 

Never a stranger to artistic expression with previous time spent as a Junior College All American Jazz Trombonist, a stint fronting Christian rockers the Mars Hill Band and even a period singing with the southern gospel quartet Calvary Echoes, Smith returned to the outlet he knew best. After restoring himself with the Lord, those musical desires came back at full force and he began exploring various production options. After sending out some demo packages with his long time friend, business partner and executive producer Heth Bechler, the folks at the lauded Creative Soul came calling and a trip to Nashville to meet with one of the label’s top behind the boards talents was right around the corner.

The main portion of Smith’s pilgrimage to Music City revolved around setting up shop in the studio with producer Eric Copeland (Kristyn Leigh, Brett Rush, Tom Dolan) along with a cast of A-list session players. His band included bass player Matt Pierson (Steven Curtis Chapman, Michael W. Smith), drummer John Hammond (Russ Taff), guitarist Tom Hemby (The Imperials) and highly sought after keyboardist Jason Webb.

“For about the first ten minutes, it was a little intimidating, but once the process got going, it became very comfortable,” Smith uncovers. “We were all on the same page in so many instances and everyone was such a pro with the best attitudes you could imagine.”

The fruitful sessions were influenced by a wide swath of influences, from old school contemporary Christian favorites The Imperials and Steve Green, to the current class’ Jeremy Camp and Casting Crowns, plus perennial favorites like Steven Curtis Chapman, Eagles, Bryan Adams and the David Crowder Band.

As for the message, the title cut is replete with the aforementioned concepts, citing Smith’s own ordeals, along with David’s redemptive path throughout the Psalms. “Broken” contains equally weighty subject matter, but adapts a fairly light hearted, breezy demeanor as it speaks of complete concession. Additional mending comes through an uplifting cover of the classic praise reflection “Solid Rock,” which again cements the idea of relinquishing control from life’s stresses and laying them on an altar of spiritual abundance. There’s also been significant response from “Beyond Tomorrow,” a track about living each moment to the fullest without fretting about the next. 

“Everybody has their own problems that they can reference and apply to this song,” Smith cites of the latter. “With me, it got to the point where I couldn’t continue on my own and I began to experience what Christ has to offer. In doing so, I quit worrying about what I can’t control. Instead of living one day or even one hour at a time, I literally live out every moment at a time as I try my best to serve Him.”

With that in mind, Smith isn’t all that concerned with laying out a master plan or charting a strategic course of promotion action for I Can Live Again. Even with touring as an inevitable choice that will continue into the new year at a feverish pace, the troubadour makes it clear he’s not interested in amassing recognition, but rather making a personal connection with everyone he encounters along the way.

“I have a real heart to present where I’ve been and all that God is currently doing

in me, but also to listen to people’s problems and be a listener long after the concert is over,” he adds. “It doesn’t matter if it’s a coffee shop, youth rally, pastor’s conference or just any old show. I want to meet people where they’re at and serve their needs in any way that I can.”

ATO/CREDENTIAL RELEASE FICTION FAMILY'S SELF-TITLED DEBUT JANUARY 2
Rick Hoganson - Mon. Dec 8. 2008

Jon Foreman Of Switchfoot, Sean Watkins Of Nickel Creek Join To Create Fiction Family
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Tour Dates Confirmed; Free Song Download
 
Nashville, Tenn., December 8, 2008 -- Jon Foreman of Switchfoot and Sean Watkins of Nickel Creek have joined forces on an exciting new collaboration called Fiction Family. Their self-titled debut album will be released on January 20 via ATO Records/Credential Recordings. Fiction Family will kick off a 21-date nationwide tour beginning January 13 in Ann Arbor, MI. (See below for details.) 
 
Fiction Family is also offering a free download of the song "When She's Near" at www.fictionfamily.com when fans sign up for their newsletter.
 
Both Fiction Family artists have achieved immense success with their respective bands. Jon Foreman is the guitarist and lead singer of the GRAMMY-nominated rock band Switchfoot, which has sold over five million records worldwide. Foreman has had considerable success as a solo artist as well. He released two double-EPs in 2007 to critical acclaim with the Philadelphia Daily News applauding his "...brooding, sensitive folk-pop...from the likes of Damien Rice and David Gray."  Sean Watkins is the guitar player and founding member of the GRAMMY award-winning trio Nickel Creek. Watkins has a weekly residency at the Largo in Los Angeles known as "The Watkins Family Hour," which regularly features guests such as his sister and fellow Nickel Creek bandmate Sara Watkins, as well as Fiona Apple, John C. Reilly, Greg Leisz and Benmont Tench of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.
 
The seemingly unlikely duo met a few years ago at a show featuring Wilco, R.E.M., Nickel Creek and Switchfoot. Over time, they began writing songs together, which quickly turned into a full-length album consisting of 12 original tracks written, arranged and recorded by Watkins and Foreman at their homes in San Diego. Since they are both vocalists and multi-instrumentalists, they often take turns singing lead vocals, and they both play several instruments on each song including guitar, bass, keyboards, percussion, baritone ukulele, piano, organ, mandolin, steel guitar, 12-string guitar and more. Nickel Creek fiddle player Sara Watkins is featured on a few songs as well.
 
"It's almost the ideal artistic setup," Foreman explains, "because you don't really care about timing or any commercial aspect. We figured it'd probably never come out and we'd probably never finish it. But, hey, we've got these songs, so we're just gonna work on them when we feel like it."
 
FICTION FAMILY TOUR:
January 13                                           The Ark                                    Ann Arbor, MI
January 14                                       Calvin College                           Grand Rapids, MI
January 15                                         Abbey Pub                                       Chicago, IL
January 17                                  Ransburg Auditorium                          Indianapolis, IN
January 18                                      Mountain Stage                          Morgantown, WV
January 20                                    Bowery Ballroom                            New York, NY
January 21                                  Paradise Rock Club                                Boston, MA
January 22                                     World Café Live                            Philadelphia, PA
January 23                                 Crawford Auditorium                          Grove City, PA
January 24                                        Jammin Java                                       Vienna, VA
January 25                                  Brubaker Auditorium                            Grantham, PA
January 27                                      Gravity Lounge                          Charlottesville, VA
January 29                                    Variety Playhouse                                  Atlanta, GA
January 30                                           Belcourt                                       Nashville, TN
February 3                                           Neumos                                         Seattle, WA
February 4                                     Aladdin Theatre                                  Portland, OR
February 5                                     The Independent                        San Francisco, CA
February 6                                          Anthology                                   San Diego, CA
February 7                              Largo at Coronet Theatre             West Hollywood, CA

The Anchormen have begun work on a brand new recording. They are headed toward the best CD they have ever had the privilege of being a part of. The yet unnamed new album is slated for release in early spring. It is being produced by creative and respected producer, Donna Beauvais.

The songs on this recording are filled with life-changing lyrics, dynamic vocal harmonies, and the great quartet sound of the Anchormen. Group members Keith Casstevens (lead), Michael Bartlett (baritone), Karl Rice (tenor), and Paul Harkey (bass) each bring their own sound and style, and when meshed together, they put the wind in the sails of this incredible group. The music included in the new album has something for everyone. From powerful ballads to up tempo tunes, listeners will to want play it over and over again.

The new single slated for release to nationwide radio soon is called, “Almost Time To Fly.” It is full of tremendous energy and super harmonies and is sure to be a listener favorite.

Long time Anchormen owner, Tim Bullins, expresses his feeling on the album in progress. “I don’t know when we have ever been more excited about an album. I feel like we have the right people, and the right songs. The men in this group and our producer are committed to keeping our spiritual focus while making the best Anchormen album ever released. I look forward to the process and the completion. I hope we honor God first and even the memory of my dear friend, Ray Bullard, who was a part of this ministry for so long before his passing this year.”

Producer Donna Beauvais shares, “I love working with the Anchormen. They are some of the most talented guys I have had the privilege of working with and, in addition, they truly want to do what they do for the right reasons. They are ready to reach the world for Christ and I am incredibly honored to be a part of their efforts.”

The Anchormen are booked exclusively by the Beckie Simmons Agency. For information about scheduling them, visit www.bsaworld.com or call 615.595.7500.

To learn more about the Anchormen, visit www.theanchormen.com or www.myspace.com/anchormenqt

Sweet Life, the highly anticipated follow-up to Avion Blackman's award-winning debut album, will be released by Lion of Zion Entertainment and Infinity Music Distribution on Thanksgiving Weekend 2008. A staple member of the group Christafari (recognized as one of the Top 10 Reggae Artists in the World by Billboard Magazine), Blackman pays tribute to her Caribbean heritage this time around with a breezy blend of organic roots reggae with echoes of folk, worship, World, soca, R&B and neo-soul.

Blackman is currently promoting the new album on an extensive world tour with Christafari, performing more than 100 shows in 25 countries in 2008 alone, including concerts in the USA, Iceland, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Poland, Germany, The Netherlands, England, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Spain, Antigua, Trinidad and Brazil (where they performed to a crowd of 80,000 in February!).

Born in Trinidad, Blackman lived in luxury as a daughter of the famous calypsonian, Lord Shorty, who was the inventor of Soca (the pulse of Carnival) and Jamoo music. As a young dreadlocked child, she was very outgoing and began singing on stage in front of massive crowds at the tender age of four. That year, her life drastically changed when on a spiritual quest, her father transplanted his massive family to the jungle, where she would spend the next twenty years living seven rugged miles from the remote Indian village of Pirapo.

The Blackman home was a log cabin with no doors, windows, plumbing or electricity. Blackman was home-schooled and her large family (that consists of 24 brothers and sisters) lived primarily off the land growing virtually everything that they ate. Their days were filled with Bible study, intense rehearsals, various tour dates and regular performances for curious visitors.

Blackman learned the art of harmony while touring and singing background for her father, who took on the name Ras Shorty I after his conversion to Christianity. At the age of fourteen, she began playing bass for the family band, The Love Circle, and eventually began recording solo material of her own.

In 2003, she moved to Los Angeles and married Christafari founder and lead vocalist Mark Mohr, and subsequently became Christafari's bassist and one of the group's vocalists.

Avion Blackman released her debut album, Onyinye, in 2005, and the following year the project was nominated for 9 Caribbean Gospel Music Marlin Awards. Blackman took the top honor, becoming the first non-Jamaican to win Album of the Year. She also won Marlin Awards for Contemporary Female Vocal Performance of the Year ("Marvelous Beauty") and Packaging of the Year. In addition to her solo work and Christafari, Blackman has lent her voice to an assortment of songs for network television, where she can be heard regularly on popular shows such as General Hospital and One Life to Live.

On her new album, Blackman combines honest worship with island rhythms with authentic production by her husband (and Christafari founder) Mark Mohr. A music video has been shot for the lead single, "Yeshua." In addition to heavy touring worldwide, Blackman has made appearances at Gospel Music Week in Nashville and Expolit in Miami. In addition, aggressive radio, video and publicity promotions are underway, as well as extensive grassroots and online campaigns.

“On Sweet Life, I unapologetically sing about the sweetest life of all," states Blackman. "The abundant and eternal life that is freely given to those who place their faith in Jesus Christ."

For more information, please visit the official website at www.avionblackman.com.