Industry News

Sandi Patty Appears On “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” February 17th

Jaz — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 19:37:00 GMT

One of Christian Music’s most celebrated artists, INO Records’ Sandi Patty will make a guest television appearance on ABC’s heart-warming hit series “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” airing Sunday, February 17th at 8PM EST.

The two-hour special, shot in Louisville, KY on November 9th, shows the cast and hundreds of volunteers renovating a home for the Hughes family who has a blind and disabled son, Patrick that has overcome multiple challenges to achieve his goals as a musician.

During the demolition part of the broadcast, Patty sings “I Hear A Song” while some of the cast members play instruments. Because Patrick is a musical prodigy (playing piano since he was nine months old), EMHE asked Patty to perform using her wide vocal range coinciding with the demolition to visually display a mini-symphony, so to speak.

“It was such a joy to be a part of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and to play a small part of a life changing experience for the Hughes family,” says Patty. “They are truly a remarkable family and Patrick Hughes is an amazing young man. I have watched the show since its first week on the air over five years ago and I love the hope that it gives families across the country.”

The episode will be available on http://www.abc.com the day after airing on the network for fans to watch online. For more information on Sandi Patty, please visit, http://www.sandipatty.com , or http://www.myspace.com/sandipatty .

38th Annual GMA Dove Awards - Recipients

Jaz — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 21:28:00 GMT

Chris Tomlin took home the most awards at the 38th Annual Dove Awards, held at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville last night. Here's a list of all the winners:

Song of the Year
“My Savior My God”; Aaron Shust; Bridge Building, Whitespot Publishing

Songwriter of the Year
Aaron Shust

Male Vocalist of the Year
Chris Tomlin

Female Vocalist of the Year
Natalie Grant

Group of the Year
Casting Crowns

Artist of the Year
Chris Tomlin

New Artist of the Year
Aaron Shust

Producer of the Year
Ed Cash

Rap/Hip Hop Recorded Song of the Year
“Never Look Away”; Behind The Musik (a boy named jonah); KJ-52 featuring Brynn Sanchez; John Sorrentino, Aaron Sprinkle; BEC Recordings

Rock Recorded Song of the Year
“Breathe Into Me”; End Of Silence; Red; Jasen Rauch, Anthony Armstrong, Rob Graves, Jason McArthur; Essential Records

Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year
“Me And Jesus”; We Can't Stand Sitting Down; Stellar Kart; Adam Agee, Ian Eskelin; Word Records

Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year
“Praise You In This Storm”; Lifesong; Casting Crowns; Mark Hall, Bernie Herms; Beach Street Records, Reunion Records

Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year
“Find Your Wings”; The Line Between The Two; Mark Harris; Mark Harris, Tony Wood; INO Records

Southern Gospel Recorded Song of the Year
“Give It Away”; Give It Away; Gaither Vocal Band; Gloria Gaither, Benjamin Gaither; Gaither Music Group

Bluegrass Recorded Song of the Year
“My Cross”; Flyin' High; Lewis Family; Wayne Haun; Vine Records

Country Recorded Song of the Year
“Jonah, Job and Moses”; Front Row Seats; Oak Ridge Boys; Tia Sillers, Bill Anderson; Spring Hill Music

Urban Recorded Song of the Year
“Imagine Me”; Hero; Kirk Franklin; Kirk Franklin; Fo Yo Soul, Zomba Gospel

Traditional Gospel Recorded Song of the Year
“Can't Nobody Do Me Like Jesus”; Blur The Lines; The Crabb Family; Andraé Crouch; Clear Cool Music

Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year
“Turn It Around”; Alive In South Africa; Israel and New Breed; Israel Houghton, Aaron Lindsey; Integrity Gospel

Worship Song of the Year
“Holy Is The Lord”; Chris Tomlin, Louie Giglio; worshiptogether.com Songs, sixsteps Music (ASCAP)

Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year
Remixed; KJ-52; KJ-52, Aaron Sprinkle, Joseph A Kisselburgh, Funky DJ Pablo; BEC Recordings

Rock Album of the Year
DecembeRadio; DecembeRadio; Scotty Wilbanks; Slanted Records

Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year
Good Monsters; Jars of Clay; Dan Hasletine, Steve Mason, Charlie Lowell, Matt Odmark; Essential Records

Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year
See The Morning; Chris Tomlin; Ed Cash; Sparrow Records, sixstepsrecords

Inspirational Album of the Year
Bless The Broken Road: The Duets Album; Selah; Jason Kyle, Allan Hall, Todd Smith; Curb Records

Southern Gospel Album of the Year
Give It Away; Gaither Vocal Band; Bill Gaither, Michael Sykes, Marshall Hall, Guy Penrod, Wes Hampton; Gaither Music Group

Bluegrass Album of the Year
Flyin' High; Lewis Family; Wayne Haun, Kevin Ward; Mountain Home

Country Album of the Year
Precious Memories; Alan Jackson; Keith Stegall; Arista Records

Urban Album of the Year
This Is Me; Kierra Kiki Sheard; Fred Jerkins III, Warryn Campbell, J. Drew Sheard, Tommy Sims, PAJAM, PJ Morton, Antonio Neal, Dwayne Wright, Avriele Crandle, Fred Jerkins IV; EMI Gospel

Traditional Gospel Album of the Year
Mighty Wind; Andraé Crouch; Andraé Crouch, Luther "Mano" Hanes; Verity Records

Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year
It's Not Over; Karen Clark Sheard; Otto Price, Israel Houghton, Aaron Lindsey, Karen Clark Sheard, PAJAM, John Orew Sheard; Word Records

Instrumental Album of the Year
End Of The Spear Soundtrack; Ronald Owen, Howell Gibbens, Matt Cody, David Mullen, Jamie Moore, Steven Curtis Chapman, Brown Bannister, Otto Price; Word Records

Children's Music Album of the Year
VeggieTales Worship Songs; Phil Vischer, Mike Nawrocki, Lisa Vischer, Matt Redman; Steven V. Taylor; Big Idea Records

Spanish Language Album of the Year
Si Alguna Vez; Alejandra; Alex Orozco; Integrity Music Latin

Special Event Album of the Year
Passion: Everything Glorious; Chris Tomlin, Christy Nockels, Kristian Stanfill, Charlie Hall, Matt Redman, David Crowder*Band; Nathan Nockels; Sparrow Records, sixstepsrecords

Christmas Album of the Year
Christmas Offerings; Third Day; Mac Powell, Tai Anderson, Brad Avery, David Carr, Mark Lee, Don McCollister; Essential Records

Praise & Worship Album of the Year
See The Morning; Chris Tomlin; Ed Cash; Sparrow Records, sixstepsrecords

Musical of the Year
Everything Glorious; Travis Cottrell; Sue C. Smith, David Moffitt, Travis Cottrell; Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing

Youth/Children's Musical of the Year
A King Is Coming To Town; Geron Davis, Sue C. Smith, Craig Adams; Brentwood Kids Music Club, Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing

Choral Collection of the Year
I'm Amazed; Carol Cymbala; Carol Cymbala; Brooklyn Tabernacle Music, Word Music

Recorded Music Packaging of the Year
Beyond Measure; (Jeremy Camp); Invisible Creature; Ryan Clark; Jeremy Cowart; BEC Recordings

Short Form Music Video of the Year
“Work”; Jars of Clay; Monica Ortiz; Jeff Stephenson; Wild Spirit Native Soul; Essential Records

Long Form Music Video of the Year
Time Again...Amy Grant Live; Amy Grant; Ken Carpenter, Rod Carpenter; Ken Carpenter; Franklin Films; Word Records

Michael W. Smith Joins Music City Walk Of Fame

Jaz — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 22:48:00 GMT

Veteran recording artist/performer/worship leader Michael W. Smith joins an elite group of music industry figures later this month as he is inducted into the Music City Walk of Fame Sunday, April 22. The induction ceremony takes place at the Hall of Fame Park in downtown Nashville (across from the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum) starting at 3 p.m., and is open to the public.

The 2007 class of inductees for the Music City Walk of Fame also includes country legend Emmylou Harris, Americana mainstay John Hiatt, country powerhouse Wynonna Judd, seminal rock ‘n’ roll combo The Crickets, and longtime BMI president/CEO Frances Preston.

Smith comments, “I’m thrilled to share this day with Emmylou, John, Wynonna, The Crickets and Frances. I was surprised when I found out, and am humbled by the honor.”

Jim Caviezel, who portrayed Jesus in the 2005 film “The Passion of the Christ,” is a longtime friend of Smith’s and will serve as his presenter into the Music City Walk of Fame.

The Music City Walk of Fame is an official project of Music City, Inc., the charitable foundation of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the 2007 class represents the second group of honorees inducted.

This class of inductees continues to showcase the diversity of the music that thrives in this city,” said Butch Spyridon, President of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Each honoree has left an indelible mark on music worldwide and on our city’s musical heritage. We’re privileged to pay homage to their great success.”

The Music City Walk of Fame ceremony kicks off a busy Gospel Music Week 2007 for Smith, as he spends much of the week in back to back interviews, topped off with an appearance as a presenter at the 38th Annual GMA Dove Awards at the Grand Ole Opry House Wednesday, April 25.

“Coming Clean” - Nichole Nordeman Pens CCM’s April GMA Issue Cover Story

Jaz — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 17:33:00 GMT

Nichole Nordeman Pens CCM’s April GMA Issue Cover Story

Engaging 13 Artists in “one of the most significant cover stories in 29-year history”
Nashville, Tenn. (March 26, 2007) - - Nichole Nordeman recently penned the cover story for CCM’s April GMA issue, engaging a compelling dialogue with 13 of Contemporary Christian Music’s most influential recording artists on the topic of ‘image and authenticity’ and sharing a unique view to the reader through a powerful concept cover. Jay Swartzendruber, Editor of CCM calls the contribution offered by Nichole and all of the artists “one of the most significant cover stories in our magazine’s 29-year history.” The April issue, scheduled to hit news stands this week, is the most widely distributed issue of the year.

Nichole initiated the conversation with artists including Natalie Grant, Mark Hall, Ayiesha Woods, Chris Tomlin, Amy Grant, Bebo Norman and Bethany Dillon, who spoke with great candor around the delicate line that Christian music artists walk in their efforts to stand authentically during a time when image is such a substantial part of today’s culture. “I have been blown away by the artists’ honesty in these interviews,” Nichole says. “What I’m getting from them is nothing short of liberating. Just about every artist I talk to says, ‘Thank you for writing this story…I’m so relieved,’” she explains.

The April CCM issue heralds visitors to Nashville for GMA Music Week, a week of over 100 performances, seminars, panels and roundtable discussions for industry professionals and the 38th Annual GMA Dove Awards Wednesday, April 25 at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tenn.

Nichole Nordeman has received nine Dove Awards and a GMA Dove nomination this year for Female Vocalist Of The Year and Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year for "Glory"; Bless The Broken Road: The Duets Album. Nordeman recently released Recollection: The Best Of Nichole Nordeman, and returns to the studio this fall to begin work on her next studio recording. She is scheduled at Women Of Faith conferences this summer and throughout the fall. A complete list of her performances and updates can be found at www.nicholenordeman.com.

Nominations Announced For 38th GMA Dove Awards

Jaz — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 19:13:00 GMT

Nominations were announced for the 38th Annual GMA Dove Awards (www.doveawards.com) by the Gospel Music Association (GMA) with newcomers leading the field alongside established artists while several producers and songwriters also earned multiple nominations.

The Dove Awards is Christian/Gospel music’s biggest night of the year, where top artists from every style of gospel music come together for a night of music and celebration as the GMA bestows the industry’s highest honor -- the Dove Award. This year’s nominations were announced at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel by Flow Records’ Juanita Bynum, Reunion Records’ Brian Littrell and comedian Thor Ramsey. Dove statuettes will be handed out on April 25, 2007 at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. The awards show will be televised in national syndication in May.

2006’s Dove Award Artist of the Year Chris Tomlin once again leads the field of artists with nine nominations; Jars of Clay makes a return to the top contenders list with six nods and The Crabb Family earns five nominations. Newcomers Aaron Shust and Leeland each garnered five nominations. Other multiple artist nominees include Casting Crowns, Stellar Kart, and Israel Houghton with four nominations apiece. Four of the five nominees for Producer of the Year – Ed Cash, Ian Eskelin, Nathan Nockels and Otto Price - as well as producers Wayne Haun and Dave Moody round out the list of nominees with five or more nods. Click here for a complete list of this year's nominations.

“It’s always fascinating to see which artists GMA members believe to be the best in Christian/Gospel music,” said John W. Styll, president and CEO of the GMA. “This year, like in others, established artists like Chris Tomlin, Jars of Clay and The Crabb Family have been recognized for their continued excellence while Aaron Shust, Leeland and Stellar Kart reflect a new wave of vibrant young artists beginning to make their impact in the gospel music community. ‘Vibrant’ and ‘excellent’ are also great descriptions for what promises to be an engaging, entertaining and inspiring Dove Awards show, filled with performances that will reflect all the great diversity that is gospel and Christian music.”

Top nominees Tomlin and Jars of Clay are up for Artist of the Year along with The Crabb Family, Stellar Kart, Casting Crowns, TobyMac and Third Day, with ties in voting yielding seven nominees in this category instead of the usual five. Leeland and Shust are joined by DecembeRadio, Pocket Full Of Rocks and Ayiesha Woods in the New Artist of the Year category. Group of the Year nomination honors go to BarlowGirl, Casting Crowns, David Crowder Band, Jars of Clay and MercyMe. Tomlin, 2006’s reigning Male Vocalist of the Year is nominated again in that category along with Jeremy Camp, Mark Hall (of Casting Crowns), Mat Kearney, and Shust. And, last year’s Female Artist of the Year Natalie Grant also returns to that category with Krystal Meyers, Christy Nockels, Nichole Nordeman and Rebecca St. James.

Littrell not only co-hosted the nominations announcement, he will share hosting duties for the Dove Awards telecast in April. He was nominated today for Short Form Video of the Year for “Welcome Home,” the title track from his Christian music debut CD. Co-hosting with Littrell will be Curb recording artist Natalie Grant and Verity Records’ Donnie McClurkin. Comedian Thor Ramsey will host the Dove’s opening ceremonies where the majority of the awards will be presented.

The 38th Annual GMA Dove Awards will be produced by Steve Gilreath Television. Securing first-run national syndication is Central City Productions of Chicago, Ill. Network affiliates in Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Cleveland, New Orleans and Nashville are among the more than 50 television stations, including half of the top 50 markets, that have already signed on to broadcast the GMA Dove Awards. Following syndication, The Gospel Music Channel will have the cable premiere of the Dove Awards.

The American Bible Society (www.bibles.com) is the Designated Charity for the Dove Awards. Founded in 1816 and headquartered in New York City, the mission of the American Bible Society is to make the Bible available to every person in a language and format each can understand and afford, so that all people may experience its life-changing message.

Dove Awards will be handed out in 43 categories, one more than in previous years as Christmas Album of the Year was added as a new category for 2007. The Songwriter of the Year nominees were not announced today, but will be revealed prior to the GMA Dove Awards. Dove Awards nominations go to recordings released during the eligibility year November 1, 2005 through October 31, 2006 and voted on by the members of the GMA.

Third Day Garners Third Grammy

Jaz — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 22:10:00 GMT

Multi-million-selling, GRAMMY and Dove Award-winning rock band Third Day received its third career GRAMMY today for the RIAA Gold certified Wherever You Are in the Pop Contemporary Gospel Album category. From its seven previous nods, the band has been awarded GRAMMYs for both Wire and Come Together, each RIAA Certified Gold.

Caught up in the celebratory moment, a very thoughtful Tai Anderson offered, “Wherever You Are seemed to connect to our fans in a more meaningful way than any of our previous recordings. To have it be recognized by the GRAMMYs is an incredible affirmation for both the band and our fans.”

“I always say the cliché ‘it's great just to be nominated’. And it's true. But I tell you what, it sure is more fun to win! What an honor for us to win another Grammy! It doesn't get old!” said Mac Powell.

Recently releasing its first Christmas worship album, Christmas Offerings, and wrapping up a successful headlining tour on Nov. 19, the band is excited about kicking off 2007 with such momentum behind Chronology, Volume One (1996-2000) which drops March 27, followed by Chronology, Volume Two which hits retail, August 7.

Sandi Patty to Perform on the 80th Anniversary Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Broadcast Nationally on NBC

Jaz — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 17:34:00 GMT

This Thanksgiving, Oklahoma native and Grammy award-winning singer Sandi Patty, will appear live on the 80th Anniversary Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, broadcast nationally on NBC-TV. On November 23, while on the Oklahoma float, Patty will be singing “Oklahoma Rising,” a song written by Jimmy Webb and Vince Gill in honor of the Oklahoma Centennial. This song is a new Oklahoma anthem with lyrics that celebrate the states unique first 100 years and bright future.

Along with Patty, additional celebrities will be riding on the float such as: retired NBA athlete and musician Wayman Tisdale, ten-time world champion of BMX Mat Hoffman, and Olympic Gold Medal gymnasts Bart Conner and Nadia Comaneci. The float is entitled “Oklahoma Rising” to correspond with the new anthem.

This year marks the 80th anniversary for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which anticipates over 3.5 million spectators lining the streets of New York City. Over 50 million viewers are expected to catch the celebration on television nationwide. For more information on the parade, you can go to www.macysparade.com ; for more information on Sandi Patty, www.sandipatty.com ; and for the Oklahoma Centennial celebration, visit www.oklahomacentennial.com

Adie Is Stealing The Heart Of Listeners With Her Solo Debut

Jaz — Sat, 11 Nov 2006 01:04:00 GMT

Once the queen of Christian rock with band The Benjamin Gate, Adie Camp has now moved into a new royal court with her solo debut Don’t Wait, which released earlier this fall on BEC Recordings. Adie is currently on tour with husband Jeremy Camp and the energetic group Hawk Nelson, which has been highly received across the nation with sold out dates.

Don’t Wait is a stylistic departure from the aggressive rock roots in The Benjamin Gate. Adie’s expressive voice on Don’t Wait makes it an unique and compelling offering for listeners. Her solo debut is also seasoned with more introspective lyrics that stem from her duel roles as wife and mother of two little girls.

“I'm excited to be able to share a whole new chapter of things that have taken place—being married to a strong, godly husband, having two sweet little girls and everything the Lord has done in my life and all that he continues to do with the people I play for,” shares Adie of her debut and performing on tour.

Michael W. Smith Fall Tour Sees Sold Out Performances From California To New York

Jaz — Sat, 11 Nov 2006 01:03:00 GMT

Michael W. Smith readies for the release of his 19th studio album Stand, he continues powerful momentum on the road as one of the few touring artists seeing multiple sold-out dates this fall. Some of these dates include: El Paso Plaza Theatre Performing Arts Center; Phoenix Celebrity Theatre; Roseville, CA Bayside Covenant Church; Santa Rosa, CA Wells Fargo Center for the Arts; Getzville, NY Chapel at Cross Point and Manheim, PA Lancaster County Bible Church.

“I feel a connection with each audience on this tour; the music is really touching people. There are definite moments where we’re one voice in worship to God during the evening. It’s absolutely amazing,” says Smith.

Smith kicks off his annual Christmastime Symphony Tour on Nov. 24. This tour is scheduled for 17 cities through Dec. Please visit www.michaelwsmith.com for more information and an up-to-date tour schedule.

Bebo Norman Moves To The Head Of The Class

Jaz — Sat, 11 Nov 2006 01:02:00 GMT

Artist / producer / composer Bebo Norman has found his way to the head of the class. CBS’ new hit comedy, “The Class”, that is. Norman’s song, “To Find My Way To You,” from his current release, Between the Dreaming and the Coming True, is scheduled as the feature music for scheduled promotional television spots for the show, which airs Mondays on CBS at 8:30 PM ET.

Norman is currently on the road in the middle of his “The Dreaming True Tour” with Brandon Heath and Aaron Shust, which began in September and has seen multiple sellouts to-date. The tour is scheduled to conclude mid-November with dates remaining in Tex., Okla., Ark., and Mo. Information about upcoming tour dates can be viewed at www.bebonorman.com.

Between the Dreaming and the Coming True, Norman’s fifth major studio project, released September 19 of this year. “The title, Between the Dreaming and the Coming True, was inspired by a book by Robert Benson with the same name,” explains Norman. “It was so poignant to me because this really is where life as a believer is lived. I’ve never written a group of songs that expressed more intently life lived in the real and in the everyday. It is about hope eternal played out against the backdrop of a difficult world and a sometimes dark age.” For all tour dates and additional information on Bebo Norman, visit www.bebonorman.com.

New Dove Award Category: Christmas Album of the Year

Jaz — Thu, 09 Nov 2006 23:11:00 GMT

There will be a decidedly festive Dove Award handed out for the first time at the 38th Annual GMA Music Awards after the GMA Board of Directors' recent approval of the addition of a Christmas Album of the Year Dove Award.

"By adding a new Dove Award for Christmas album, the board is recognizing that some of the finest gospel music projects produced each year are inspired by the holy celebration of Christ's birth and the joy of the Christmas season," GMA President John W. Styll said. "After all, who better to honor Christmas music than a music organization dedicated to remembering the 'reason for the season' all year long?"

All albums with a prevalence of recorded material related to Christmas that are released within the eligibility period qualify for consideration in the Christmas Album of the Year category. Christmas albums will not be eligible in other categories.

NewSong to Bring the Christmas Hope

Jaz — Thu, 09 Nov 2006 21:12:00 GMT

NewSong hopes to recreate Christmas magic with its new holiday CD, The Christmas Hope, which released on September 26. The band proved its magic when in 2001 it scored a #1 mainstream Billboard hit with “The Christmas Shoes” and followed
up later that year with the release of their first Christmas album of the same name.

The Christmas Shoes inspired a series of three New York Times bestselling books by Donna VanLiere and two CBS Movies of the Week, including 2005's smash “The Christmas Blessing." The holiday ratings success proved to be the most watched movie on television in 2005 and included NewSong on stage in the movie singing the title track. The Christmas Hope is the third book in the series and this time, the book inspired the new NewSong CD and its title track.

"We have been incredibly blessed in so many ways by all the success. It is only fitting that we embraced the song and what followed as the foundation for this new Christmas
record," said founding member Eddie Carswell. "At the same time, The Christmas Hope is also totally unique and we hope that that great experience of making this record translates into a thoroughly enjoyable and satisfying Christmas record for everyone who listens."

Jars of Clay Partners with United Nations

Jaz — Thu, 09 Nov 2006 21:09:00 GMT

Rock band Jars of Clay, well known for its humanitarian efforts worldwide, is using the release of its new album as a platform to provide clean water for Africans in need. The band hopes to raise at least $300,000 for clean water projects in Africa with the help of sales from its September 5^th release of Good Monsters.

As part of the effort, The Global Water Challenge (GWC) will provide a matching donation of up to $100,000 to the band’s Blood: Water Mission. The band will donate $1.00 for each of the first 100,000 copies of Good Monsters sold. Funds raised will go toward the provision of clean water in Africa.

The Global Water Challenge (GWC) is an initiative to save lives and reduce suffering in the developing world by providing safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene education to people who lack these basic services. Launched by The Coca-Cola Company in partnership with a diverse coalition of corporations, foundations, and aid organizations, the GWC is a unique partnership to build healthy communities and provide sustainable solutions to ensure the availability of potable water. The goal of the GWC is to bring safe water and sanitation to millions by identifying and multiplying the solutions that work.

Working together, the Blood: Water Mission and the GWC are expanding their collective influence and delivering a sustainable clean water solution to at-risk communities.

Stacie Orrico Is Back!

Jaz — Thu, 09 Nov 2006 19:47:00 GMT

Don't worry, Christian music fans, Stacie Orrico isn't going all "Jennifer Knapp" on us and disappearing indefinitely. In fact, after a nearly three-year hiatus, she's back and feeling better than ever with a brand new, R&B infused single, "I'm Not Missing You," the first preview from her upcoming disc, Beautiful Awakening.

But as exciting as that news is for everyone who's been patiently waiting, the question remains: Where exactly has Stacie been all this time?

Well, after the whirlwind success that came with the release of her self-titled album, which garnered hit singles "Stuck" and "(There's Gotta Be) More to Life" the young singer was exhausted. And really, who could blame her? This girl was everywhere - from MTV's Total Request Live to the Grammy Awards to summer music festivals and appearances to print ads that appeared in Vogue. When she wasn't performing or posing for a photo op, she was probably on an airplane for one of her international tours.

So instead of trying to work on fumes and make another album half-heartedly, Orrico took time for a little R&R with her family in Seattle and friends in Malibu. Rumor has it; she even landed a "regular" job as a waitress (bet that was fun for fans that stopped in for dinner those nights).

And now after resting up, Stacie is confident that her time away from the scene provided the creative boost she needed, something fans will soon be able to decide for themselves with the summer release of Beautiful Awakening. "My time away from the music scene enabled me to reflect on the experiences of the Stacie Orrico project and prepared me to channel my growth into this new album," she says. "I can't wait to share new stories of my life in a more soulful and personal body of work. Stories of love, heartbreak, coming of age, growing pains and the true joy that can be found in the process - in the journey of this thing we call life!"

So while it remains to be seen if fans will still be "stuck" on Stacie, we predict it won't be long before they regain their fervor.

Jared Anderson of Desperation Begins Solo Career

Jaz — Thu, 09 Nov 2006 17:28:00 GMT

Jared Anderson, one-third of the Desperation Band, the modern worship band from Colorado's New Life Church in Colorado Springs, makes his solo artist debut with the release Where to Begin in October.

"I am an artist and songwriter with a lot of conviction, but not so much intention," said Anderson. "I didn't set out to become an artist, but when that opportunity was presented to me, I wanted to totally submit to the process and to make a record that shares my passion for worshipping God and living a Christian life."

Where to Begin features 10-songs all written or co-written entirely by Anderson, including decidedly different interpretations of Desperation Band worship hits "Rescue," "Amazed" and "Revolve," revealing Anderson's personal style which is a little more rootsy and jazzy and reminiscent of Rufus Wainwright and Ben Folds.