Crowder Earns First Career No. 1 Radio Single

"Come As You Are" hits No. 1 on the Christian AC Indicator chart, first career No. 1 hit since formation of David Crowder*Band

Crowder garners nods from 
GRAMMYs® and K-LOVE Fan Awards

Crowder extends the "Neon Steeple Tour" and will appear on 
"The Rock & Worship Roadshow" this spring
 

Nashville, Tenn. (January 22, 2015) - GRAMMY®-nominee and folktronica artistCrowder is celebrating his first career No. 1 single for "Come As You Are." The song, the second single from his album Neon Steeple, is slowly moving towards one of the most successful and influential of Crowder's career as a solo artist and with the David Crowder*Band. "Come As You Are" sits in the top spot on the Christian AC Indicator chart this week and holds a Top 10 spot on the National Christian Audience chart, reaching a listenership of over 7 million people. 

Crowder will travel to Los Angeles next month for the 57th GRAMMY® Awards where "Come As You Are" is up for Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song. The GRAMMY® nomination is the first of Crowder's solo career. This week, Crowder was also honored with two nominations for the 3rd Annual K-LOVE Fan Awards. "Come As You Are" was nominated for Best Worship Song and Crowder earned a Best Male Artist nomination. The award show will take place May 31 in Nashville.

Starting in February, Crowder will be criss-crossing the country as a part of The Rock & Worship Roadshow with MercyMe, Jamie Grace, Matt Maher, Tedashii and more. To celebrate his recent accolades, Crowder has also extended his "Neon Steeple Tour" to hit 13 more cities this April. Crowder will kickoff on April 8 in Waco, TX on the campus of Baylor University, the formative location of the David Crowder*Band nearly 20 years ago.

"Neon Steeple Tour" Dates
April 8 - Baylor University, Waco, TX
April 9 - Abilene Civic Center, Abilene, TX
April 10 - Stubbs Waller Creek Amphitheatre, Austin, TX
April 11 - Crossroads Church, Lafayette, LA
April 12 - Joy Theater, New Orleans, LA
April 16 - University of St. Francis, Ft. Wayne, IN
April 17 - Ridge Point Community Church, Holland, MI
April 18 - Olivet Nazarene University, Bourbonnais, IL
April 19 - Hobart Arena, Troy, OH
April 21 - Best Buy Theater, New York, NY
April 23 - Mid Atlantic Christian University, Elizabeth City, NC
April 24 - Hope Community Church, Raleigh, NC
April 25 - Electric Factory, Philadelphia, PA
 

Get Connected with Crowder
Website // http://www.crowdermusic.com
Facebook // https://www.facebook.com/crowdermusicofficial
Twitter // https://twitter.com/crowdermusic
Instagram // http://instagram.com/crowdermusic
iTunes // http://smarturl.it/CrowderNeonSteeple
Spotify // http://open.spotify.com/artist/39xmI59WrIMyyJjSDq6WCu

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

K-LOVE Announces 2015 K-LOVE Fan Awards Nominees and Debut of K-LOVE TV, Unprecedented Industry First Subscription Based TV Channel

The 3rd Annual Ultimate Fan Experience weekend
to kick off May 29 at
Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry House 

for KING & COUNTRY and Newsboys lead with four nominations
 

Nashville, Tenn. (January 20, 2015) – At a press conference at The Franklin Theatre outside of Nashville this evening, K-LOVE announced the nominees for the third annual K-LOVE Fan Awards Show to take place on May 31, 2015. K-LOVE – the leading Christian music radio network with a weekly listenership of over 14 million people – will once again bring the only fan-voted award show in Christian music history to the Grand Ole Opry House in Music City. The show will be the pinnacle event of the K-LOVE Fan Awards Weekend and Ultimate Fan Experience, which includes tickets to the Awards show, a three-night stay at Opryland, dinner with the K-LOVE staff and friends, a weekend kick-off concert, a late night event, two breakfasts, encouraging speakers, access to the K-LOVE Fan Zone and more.

Among the attendee’s for tonight’s press conference were K-LOVE President and CEO Mike Novak and K-LOVE CCO David Pierce, as well as host Steven Curtis Chapman, Colton Dixon, Francesca Battistelli, Matt Maher, Matthew West, Plumb, Nashville industry and media executives and, for the first time, fans.

Leading the nominations with four each, including an Artist of the Year nomination, were for KING & COUNTRY and Newsboys. Additional nominees for K-LOVE Artist of the Year include Casting Crowns, Chris Tomlin, MercyMe and TobyMac. For the first time, nominees were selected and voted upon completely by fans. Voting for the 2015 K-LOVE Fan Awards will open at Midnight ET on May 1 and will close at Midnight ET on May 30. Nominees for Film/Television Impact, Book Impact and Sports Impact Awards will be announced at a later date.

Additionally, Pierce and K-LOVE Fan Awards co-creator and producer John Sanders introduced special guest Jon Klein, co-founder and CEO of TAPP, to unveil K-LOVE TV. The network, set to launch as a subscription based TV channel this spring, is the first of its kind for the faith-based entertainment industry. TAPP, the brainchild of reality television pioneers Jeff Gaspin and Jon Klein, recently launched the Sarah Palin Channel, Herman Cain Channel, New Life TV and is partnering with K-LOVE and John Sanders LLC to build K-LOVE TV from the ground up.

“We’re excited to provide K-LOVE fans with a gathering place where they can be fully immersed in a community that they love,” said Klein. “The artists they’ll meet and the stories they’ll watch on K-LOVE TV will pull members deeper than ever into the music, message and meaning of the Christian songs and artists they adore. We’ll offer premium content and provide subscribers ongoing opportunities to interact with fellow K-LOVE fans and radio personalities.”

“We are thrilled about K-LOVE TV creating another avenue for fans to connect and go deeper with K-LOVE, their faith and the artists they love,” said Mike Novak, K-LOVE President and CEO.

2015 K-LOVE Fan Awards Nominees

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

Female Artist of the Year
Francesca Battistelli
Jamie Grace
Kari Jobe
Mandisa
Natalie Grant
Plumb

Group/Duo of the Year
Casting Crowns
for KING & COUNTRY
MercyMe
Newsboys
Tenth Avenue North
Third Day 
 

Best Live Show
for KING & COUNTRY
NEEDTOBREATHE
Newsboys
Tenth Avenue North
Third Day
TobyMac

Worship Song of the Year
“Overwhelmed” Big Daddy Weave
“Jesus Loves Me” Chris Tomlin
“Come As You Are” Crowder
“No Other Name” Hillsong Worship
“How Can It Be” Lauren Daigle
“Because He Lives” Matt Maher

Song of the Year
“Hope In Front of Me” Danny Gokey
“Fix My Eyes” for KING & COUNTRY
“He Knows My Name” Francesca Battistelli
“Do Something” Matthew West
“Greater” MercyMe
“We Believe” Newsboys

Artist of the Year
Casting Crowns
Chris Tomlin
for KING & COUNTRY
MercyMe
Newsboys
TobyMac

K-LOVE FAN AWARDS
The K-LOVE Fan Awards mission is to create a fan experience that celebrates and promotes artists, athletes, authors and entertainers who, with excellence, engage and impact popular culture for Jesus Christ. Previous hosts for the event include Phil & Kay Robertson and Jase & Missy Robertson from A&E TV’s popular show “Duck Dynasty,” Candace Cameron Bure and Matthew West. For more information on this year’s exciting lineup and award show hosts, visitwww.KLOVEFanAwards.com.

The K-LOVE Fan Awards is a John Sanders LLC/World Hope Event.

The Ultimate Fan Experience
Fans are encouraged to sign up for the exclusive K-LOVE Ultimate Fan Experience, which will begin May 29 and run through May 31. With Nashville’s Gaylord Opryland Hotel & Resort as the home base, those who join this Experience will receive tickets to the Awards show, a three-night stay at Opryland, dinner with the K-LOVE staff and friends, a weekend kick-off concert, a late night event, two breakfasts, encouraging speakers and access to the K-LOVE Fan Zone, which will include exclusive meet & greets, autograph signings and much more. There are limited spots to the Ultimate Fan Experience and it is slated to sell out.

For a full schedule of the weekend, visit: http://www.klovefanawards.com/schedule-events.

ABOUT K-LOVE
K-LOVE plays positive, encouraging contemporary Christian music with a message designed to draw people toward an authentic relationship with God while living out real life in the real world. The radio network has 446 signals in 47 states with an estimated weekly audience of over 14 million. Now with their first-ever Fan Awards, their mission is to create a unique and fun fan experience that celebrates and promotes artists, athletes, authors and entertainers, who, with excellence, engage and impact popular culture for Jesus Christ.

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Media Contact
Velvet Kelm, Ryan Anderson & Kirsten Grenier
velvet@themcollective.com
ryan@themcollective.com
kirsten@themcollective.com 
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com

TobyMac Kicks Off New Year with New Single “Beyond Me”

TobyMac pairs single release with two additional
remix versions of “Beyond Me”
 

Nashville, Tenn. (January 7, 2015) — Five-time GRAMMY® winner TobyMac is giving his fans a treat for the start of the New Year – a new studio single and two new remixes. Available now, TobyMac’s “Beyond Me” is the first new single from his forthcoming studio album. In addition to “Beyond Me,” TobyMac also released two new remixed versions of the single – Phenomenon Remix by Soul Glow Activatur and Moodswing Remix. The tracks are available now at all download and streaming music services.

The track is the first new single since the release of TobyMac’s history-making studio album EYE ON IT, which nabbed the GRAMMY® Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album and debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, only the third Christian album to accomplish this feat at the time of its release. Just last fall, TobyMac released a collection of remixes from EYE ON IT, titled EYE’M ALL MIXED UP (REMIXES).

Along with preparing for his new album, TobyMac is gearing up to head out on tour this March along with GRAMMY® winner Mandisa and electric pop duo, Capital Kings. TobyMac will perform songs from his hit album EYE ON IT, and fans may even get to hear a few new tracks from the upcoming album. For dates and ticket information, visit tobymac.com/tour.

“Beyond Me” is available now at:
iTunes – http://smarturl.it/BeyondMeiTunes
Spotify – http://smarturl.it/BeyondMeSpotify  
Amazon – http://smarturl.it/BeyondMeAmazon
GooglePlay – http://smarturl.it/BeyondMeGooglePlay
 

About TobyMac:
With more than 11 million units in career sales, TobyMac's career continues on the fast track. His most recent studio album, EYE ON IT, garnered him the GRAMMY® Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album and the highest chart debut of his solo career landing at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and topping the iTunes® Overall and Christian sales charts. The project made TobyMac only the third artist ever to debut atop the Billboard 200 with a Christian music album. His previous four solo projects have received RIAA Gold Certifications and his live DVD, Alive & Transported, is RIAA Certified platinum and received a GRAMMY® award. In less than 15 months between 2012-2013, TobyMac received two GRAMMY® awards, two Billboard Music Awards for Top Christian Artist and Top Christian Album, his first American Music Award for Favorite Artist in the Contemporary/Inspirational category, Dove Awards for "Artist of the Year," "Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year," "Recorded Music Packaging of the Year," "Short Form Video of the Year," a K-LOVE Music Award for “Artist of the Year” and swept the 2013 Australian Music Award. At the 2014 K-LOVE Fan Awards, he won the award for "Best Live Show." His latest remix project EYE'M ALL MIXED UP (REMIXES) is available now.
 

Get Connected with TobyMac:
Website // www.tobymac.com
Facebook // www.facebook.com/tobymac
Twitter // www.twitter.com/officialtobymac
Instagram // www.instagram.com/officialtobymac
YouTube // www.youtube.com/tobymacmusic
iTunes // itunes.apple.com/us/artist/tobymac/id635550
Spotify // open.spotify.com/artist/5VX8hxrcfJWwaTLiqGUHG3

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

GRAMMY® Award-Winner Chris Tomlin To Perform On Fox News Radio's "Todd Starnes All-American Christmas"

Nashville, Tenn. (December 19, 2014) – GRAMMY® Award-winner Chris Tomlin is a featured performer on Fox News Radio's two-hour Christmas special, "Todd Starnes All-American Christmas," (#toddschristmas) set to air on Christmas Eve. The special will air on a number of Fox News Channel digital properties including toddstarnes.com, FoxNews.com, FoxNewsRadio.com and FoxNation.com. Additionally, the show will air on Fox News Radio affiliate stations along with American Family Radio, Bott Radio Network and KCBI in Dallas.

The special was taped before an audience of almost 4,000 at Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee. The show was hosted by Fox News Radio Host Todd Starnes, whose daily commentaries air on almost 400 radio stations across the nation.

Tomlin's segment included performances of "O Come All Ye Faithful" and "Angels We Have Heard On High" from his RIAA Gold-certified Glory In The Highest project, as well as "Jesus Loves Me," the current hit single from his latest best-selling effort, Love Ran Red. 

Other featured guests on the special include Duck Dynasty's Al Robertson, Former Gov. Sarah Palin, New York Times best-selling author Karen Kingsbury and musicians Ellie Holcomb and Kyle Kupecky along with a 400-voice choir and orchestra.

To learn more about Todd Starnes All-American Christmas, and for detailed air times, visit: http://radio.foxnews.com/toddstarnes/todd-starnes-all-american-christmas.

Photo Credit: Morris Abernathy

About Chris Tomlin
With nine albums, 12 No. 1 radio singles, a GRAMMY® Award and eight additional nominations, three Billboard Music Awards, 21 Dove Awards, a platinum and four gold albums to his credit, Chris Tomlin is among the most well-known and influential artists in contemporary Christian music. Referred to by Time magazine as “most likely the most often sung artist anywhere,” Tomlin also has 15 of the Top 100 CCLI songs, with 4 of them being in the top 10. BMI and GMA Dove Awards' 2014 Songwriter of the Year, Tomlin’s “How Great Is Our God” was his first No. 1 on the CCLI Top 25, moving to No. 1 after becoming one of the fasting rising modern day hymns in CCLI chart history. In addition to having sold more than 5.3 million albums and over 8 million digital tracks, Tomlin made history as his single “Jesus Messiah” (Hello Love) garnered 97 adds at radio its first week and skyrocketed to No. 1, making it the biggest ever add date in Christian radio history. In the midst of his record breaking success, and continuing his role as worship leader at Passion City Church in Atlanta, GA, Tomlin continues touring and leading at Passion Conference gatherings across the US and worldwide. Burning Lights debuted at No. 1 atop the Billboard 200 in January 2013, making history as only the fourth Christian music album to do so, and his tenth recording, Love Ran Red is available now. 

[Get Connected with Chris Tomlin] 
Website // http://www.christomlin.com 
Facebook // http://www.facebook.com/christomlin 
Twitter //https://twitter.com/christomlin 
Spotify// https://play.spotify.com/artist/6pRi6EIPXz4QJEOEsBaA0m
Instagram // http://instagram.com/christomlin

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

Mark Schultz’s “Different Kind of Christmas” Single Goes Viral

Live music video picks up nearly 4.5 million views 

on Facebook in five days
 

Nashville, Tenn. (December 18, 2014) – Platinum-selling artist Mark Schultz’s new Christmas single – “Different Kind of Christmas” – has reached viral status on Facebook. The live music video has received nearly 4.5 million views, 142,000 shares, 18,000 likes and numerous comments from fans and listeners, all within less than a week. “Different Kind of Christmas” also shot up to the No. 1 spot on the iTunes Christian & Gospel Songs chart. The song was originally inspired by the life of Schultz’s father-in-law and his recent passing. 
 

“We tried to write the lyrics that would reflect the honesty of the emotions we were feeling – that Christmas was still hard, even though we have faith that Kate's dad is with Jesus,” said Schultz in a message to his fans. “We had no idea how many lives this song would touch, but it only makes sense because there are very few people that haven't experienced a loss that makes life a lot different. There are few times in the year when that difference is felt more powerfully than around the holidays.” Tomorrow, CBN's The 700 Club will be airing the live performance.
 

Watch the live performance here:
Mark Schultz | "Different Kind of Christmas"

The track is also available at:
YouTube | iTunes | Spotify | Amazon

Get Connected with Mark Schultz:
Website // www.markschultzmusic.com
Twitter // www.twitter.com/mschultzmusic
Facebook // www.facebook.com/markschultz
 

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

'Duck Dynasty' Stars Prepare To Set Sail On Duck Commander Cruise October 22-26, 2015

Duck Commander Cruise now open for booking 

Nashville, Tenn. (December 15, 2014) — After a fun-filled, summer cruise in 2014, the cast of "Duck Dynasty" is already gearing up for their next sunny excursion, preparing for the second Duck Commander Cruise coming up October 22-26, 2015. 

The cruise will feature Robertson family members such as Phil, Si, Miss Kay, Jep, Jessica, Alan and Lisa as well as Justin Martin and John Godwin. This trip will provide guests with the unique opportunity to hear exclusive "behind-the-scenes" stories from the cast while enjoying a relaxing PREMIER cruise aboard a Carnival Victory ship. 

The Duck Commander Cruise will depart from Miami and sail to Nassau and Freeport, Bahamas while giving guests the chance to interact and play a variety of games with the "Duck Dynasty" cast.

Comedian Heath Arthur will also join the Robertsons on the Duck Commander Cruise, and a featured musical guest will be announced in the near future. 

Booking for the cruise is now open. To reserve your spot aboard the Duck Commander Cruise or to learn more information, visit duckcommandercruise.com.


About The Robertsons
It would be hard to find more humble beginnings than you’ll see in the early days of The Duck Commander. From teaching his little sons how to dip homemade duck calls into a 5-gallon bucket of polyurethane to getting shown the door in a sporting goods store in Stuttgart, Arkansas – the capital of duck hunting – Phil Robertson’s story is an American story. It’s a story of one family, blessed with friends and fellow believers who took the initiative to trust their patriarch’s instincts about what people want in a duck call. Today, the Robertson family members star in the popular A&E series, “Duck Dynasty,” and they sell their duck calls worldwide. Still based in West Monroe, Louisiana, the family also travels the world, telling their story of being superbly blessed by the Almighty in their quest to share their enjoyment of an outdoor life.


About PREMIER Vacation and Events
PREMIER Vacation and Events has been responsible for producing unique, family-friendly vacations for over eleven years. They have an incredible repertoire of events, including the K-LOVE Cruise, Love Like You Mean It Marriage Cruise, Music Boat, Girls Getaway, Illuminate Vacation, and the Duck Commander Cruise. From branded events to corporate getaways, PREMIER is leading the industry in innovative vacation events.

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

Michael W. Smith & Friends: The Spirit of Christmas Surges in Album Sales Following CMA Country Christmas Performance

Smith’s fourth Christmas project gains affirmation from The New York Times, iTunes, 
USA Today, Huffington Post, Country Weekly and more

The Spirit of Christmas one of Top 4 Billboard Holiday Albums

 

Nashville, Tenn. (December 11, 2014) – GRAMMY® winner Michael W. Smith knew something special had happened following his performance with Carrie Underwood on the CMA Country Christmas special. “What a moment - it made my hair stand up a little bit!” he said to PEOPLE Magazine backstage at the taping of the show in Nashville. The performance, along with a showering of media praise, led to nearly a 150% increase in album sales this week for his new Christmas project – Michael W. Smith & Friends: The Spirit of Christmas.

Smith’s live performances with Carrie Underwood and Little Big Town helped solidify a Top 4 position on the Billboard Holiday Albums chart. The Spirit of Christmas will remain there this week in the peak of Christmas shopping season amongst Michael Buble, Idina Menzel and Pentatonix. The Christmas project – which also features Vince Gill, Lady Antebellum, Martina McBride, Amy Grant, Jennifer Nettles, Bono and Michael McDonald – broke into the Top 10 Overall Albums on iTunes, helping secure a No. 16 spot on the Billboard 200 and a No. 1 spot on the Billboard Christian/Gospel Albums charts this week.

Fueling the positive momentum, media outlets have lauded affirmation on the highly collaborative project, co-produced by Smith, CMA Awards Executive Producer Robert Deaton and orchestral maestro David Hamilton.
 

“This lavishly arranged, guest-filled album begins as if in a world of rebroadcast TV specials and Bing Crosby movies, but eventually finds its way back to the manger.”
- USA Today

“…richly expansive sound with the help of an uncommonly diverse roster of guest stars. The Spirit of Christmas is a deeply reverent statement as well as a festive music offering.”
- iTunes

“Mr. Smith gamely attempts his best Dean Martin, backed by the London Session Orchestra, but he sounds far more at ease reuniting with an old duet partner, Amy Grant, on an original titled ‘Almost There.’”
- The New York Times

“The standout here is ‘All Is Well’ that features Smith and Carrie Underwood giving two of the strongest performances of their respective careers. Warm your spirit with this new Christmas classic.”
- The Huffington Post

“The Spirit of Christmas follows the tradition of excellence established by Smith’s three previous holiday albums.”
- Country Weekly
 

Additionally, Smith partnered with PEOPLE Magazine for a free download of his collaboration with Little Big Town on “Silent Night.” Despite his hectic schedule in preparation for “The Spirit of Christmas Tour,” Smith was able to connect with PEOPLE Magazine, PEOPLE Country, Billboard, FOX News Radio, Hannity Radio, CMT Radio, ABC Radio, Kathie Lee & Company and more to share about The Spirit of Christmas. 

Smith's annual Christmas tour is underway and thrilling audiences in 15 markets across the U.S. and Canada. Also this month, Smith will co-headline three special events in Dallas, Minneapolis and Atlanta with longtime friend Amy Grant. For more information on "The Spirit of Christmas Tour," sponsored by Cracker Barrel Old Country Store®, visitwww.michaelwsmith.com. 
 

About Michael W. Smith:
Michael W. Smith is an acclaimed singer, songwriter, and musician who has sold more than 15 million albums, achieved 28 No. 1 songs, earned three GRAMMY® Awards, one American Music Award, and more than 40 Dove Awards. Most recently, in honor of ASCAP’s 100th Anniversary, Smith, along with Amy Grant, was honored as “a cornerstone of Christian music,” for his groundbreaking career and significant influence on the genre. Throughout his career, the Contemporary Christian Music artist has had the opportunity to sing for several Presidents and national leaders. He actively supports the teen club Rocketown, Compassion International, and Samaritan’s Purse, the ministry headed by Franklin Graham. Michael and his wife Debbie live in Middle Tennessee, where they raised their five children. So far this year, Smith has released Hymns, his first-ever classic hymns album available exclusively at all Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® locations and CrackerBarrel.com, as well as his first studio worship album since 2008, Sovereign, which took a Top 10 spot on the Billboard 200, as well as the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Christian Albums Chart. His fourth career Christmas album, Michael W. Smith & Friends: The Spirit of Christmas, is available now. For more information, visit www.michaelwsmith.com.
 

Get Connected with Michael W. Smith
Website // michaelwsmith.com
Facebook // facebook.com/michaelwsmithofficial
Twitter // twitter.com/michaelwsmith
Instagram // instagram.com/mwsmithofficial
iTunes // smarturl.it/MWSChristmas
Spotify // open.spotify.com/artist/5aBxFPaaGk9204ssHUvXWN  

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

Jamie Grace Teams Up with Sister for Family Christmas: Songs by Jamie Grace & Morgan Harper Nichols Available Today

Nashville, Tenn. (December 9, 2014) – GRAMMY®-nominee Jamie Grace is teaming up with her sister Morgan Harper Nichols to release a Christmas EP - Family Christmas: Songs by Jamie Grace & Morgan Harper Nichols – available today. The album features two Christmas songs by Jamie Grace, including an original track “Born Tonight,” two songs by Morgan Harper Nichols and a song by Harper Still, the collective name for the two sisters who regularly write and perform together. The album is available now through Gotee Records, iTunes and Amazon.

Jamie Grace is also releasing the lyric video for “Born Tonight,” a song that she penned specifically for this project. The song picked up 22 Christian radio adds upon release and debuted at No. 29 on the Christian AC Chart.
 

The Christmas EP marks the first official collaboration project between the sisters, who recorded the track “White Boots” together on Jamie Grace’s latest album Ready To Fly. This is Jamie Grace’s second Christmas EP, following the release of Christmas Together in 2011.

Family Christmas: Songs by Jamie Grace & Morgan Harper Nichols caps off an exciting year for Jamie Grace. Her latest album Ready To Fly released earlier this year and was declared the “real deal” by Sherri Shepherd, former co-host of ABC’s The View. Over the summer, Jamie Grace reached 500,000 singles downloaded for her breakout hit “Hold Me (feat. TobyMac).” The achievement launched Jamie into a league of only four female Christian artists to have sold more than half a million singles.

Also this year, Jamie Grace became the First Christian Artist to Appear on a 7UP Can at the K-LOVE Fan Awards. The award was completely voted upon by fans and was awarded to Jamie Grace in person by Pepsi MidAmerica President Lee Crisp. You can now find Jamie Grace featured on one of four million 7UP cans throughout Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, Kentucky and Tennessee.

Jamie Grace plans to keep the momentum going in 2015, appearing on The Rock & Worship Roadshow 2015 with MercyMe, Crowder, Matt Maher and Tedashii. For more information, visit www.jamiegrace.com.  

Family Christmas: Songs by Jamie Grace & Morgan Harper Nichols
1. Jamie Grace - Born Tonight
2. Jamie Grace - Sweet Little Jesus Boy
3. Morgan Harper Nichols - Go Tell It On The Mountain
4. Morgan Harper Nichols - The Prodigal Christmas
5. Harper Still - I'll Be Home For Christmas

About Jamie Grace:
22-year old singer-songwriter Jamie Grace made a remarkable entrance with the help of multiple GRAMMY® winner TobyMac who signed her to Gotee Records. During the time of the release of her debut project, One Song at a Time, Jamie balanced her time between her career as a touring artist and college. While her album propelled her to win her first GMA Dove Award for New Artist of the Year and receive her first GRAMMY® and Billboard Music Award nominations, she also performed on the Women of Faith's REVOLVE tour, TobyMac's HITS Deep Tour and the highly attended 44-city Winter Jam Tour Spectacular. Hailing from outside of Atlanta, she was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome at age 11 and has since traveled the country sharing her story and faith through music and speaking. Jamie Grace has since graduated from Point University with a degree in children’s ministry. Her sophomore album Ready To Fly and her Christmas EP with her sister Family Christmas: Songs by Jamie Grace & Morgan Harper Nichols are both available now.

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

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Media Contact
Ryan Anderson and Velvet Kelm
the media collective
ryan@themcollective.com
velvet@themcollective.com
615.591.7989
www.themcollective.com

Passion Founder Louie Giglio's Advent Devotional “Waiting Here For You: An Advent Journey of Hope" Available Now

Giglio to appear on Fox & Friends tomorrow

Giglio expresses hope that Advent can “help people struggling during the holidays” in interview with TIME
 

Nashville, Tenn. (December 9, 2014) – Founder of the Passion Movement and Passion City Church Pastor and Visionary Architect Louie Giglio hopes that Advent can “help people struggling during the holidays” with his new devotional and resource – “Waiting Here For You: An Advent Journey of Hope” (Passion Publishing) – available now.

In full interviews with TIME and Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk, Giglio talked about how Advent can “offer a new encouragement” and that he wishes “people will find the hope that Advent offers.” Speaking with Family Life Network, Giglio described how the book is “not a feel good story, but one to get you through the toughest of days, including cancer during the holidays, which we’ve experienced as a family.” Giglio was also hopeful that readers will rediscover some “simple but powerful truths” about Advent and “encouragement for their souls as anticipation leads toward celebration” in conversations with BeliefNet and Keep The Faith Radio. 

Tomorrow, December 10, Giglio will appear on the highest-rated cable morning show FOX & Friends to talk about "Waiting Here For You: An Advent Journey of Hope." Check your local listings for broadcast times.

“With the current season's mad dash of tinsel, toys and consumerism, a perfect storm of anxiety is oftentimes created that can easily cause us to miss God’s voice,” says Giglio. “The season of Advent is just the opposite, and "Waiting Here for You" aims to be a devotional guide filled with hope for everyone who is waiting: waiting on a solution, a diagnosis, a relationship, a breakthrough, a rescue, etc.”

“Waiting Here For You” offers passages of Scripture, meditations, words of encouragements and prayers encompassing the mindset of “waiting” during Advent season. The devotional is available at key book retailers everywhere and passionresources.com.
 

About Louie Giglio:
A passionate communicator and leader, Louie Giglio is the Visionary Architect and Director of the Passion Movement, which includes the collegiate gatherings of Passion Conferences, Atlanta-based Passion City Church, Capitol Christian Music Group partner sixstepsrecords, and most recently Passion Publishing. The author of “The Air I Breathe” and “I Am Not But I Know I AM,” Louie is widely known for the Passion Talk Series DVD messages Indescribable and How Great Is Our God. As a communicator, Louie speaks at events throughout the U.S. and around the globe. A native of Atlanta and graduate of Georgia State University, Louie has done post-graduate work at Baylor University and holds a Masters Degree from Southwestern Seminary.

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

MercyMe Garners Two GRAMMY® Nods for Welcome To the New

Nashville, Tenn. (December 5, 2014) – Fair Trade band MercyMe is celebrating their third and fourth GRAMMY® nominations today, picking up dual honors on their latest studio album Welcome To The New. The album is nominated for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album and the lead single off the album – “Shake” – is nominated for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song.

The energetic Welcome To the New released earlier this year and landed at No. 4 on the Billboard 200, the highest new debut of the week. The album received rave reviews, gathering affirmation from USA Today, Rhapsody and more. The popularity of the lead single “Shake” led to a performance on NBC’s TODAY Show and over 2 million music video views on several social platforms.

MercyMe received their first GRAMMY® nomination in 2007 for Best Contemporary Pop/Gospel Album of the Year – Coming Up to Breathe. They were also nominated as songwriters in 2009 for “You Reign” off of All That is Within Me. Lead singer Bart Millard was nominated in 2009 for Best Southern, Country, Or Bluegrass Gospel Album for his solo album Hymned Again.

The dual GRAMMY® nominations make for an epic end to a spectacular year for MercyMe. Following the band’s Top 5 Billboard 200 debut, their classic and career defining hit “I Can Only Imagine” hit over two million digital downloads, making history as the first Christian single to go RIAA Certified Double Platinum. Previously, the song was also the first to hit the one million mark. In addition, their new single “Greater” has spent 12 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard National Christian Audience Chart, Bart Millard recently hosted the GMA Dove Awards with Lecrae and the band is set to headline the popular Rock and Worship Roadshow Tour in 2015.

Listen to Welcome To the New here:
iTunes -- http://smarturl.it/MMNewiTunes
Spotify -- http://open.spotify.com/album/4xBIDYQZtXRghjFPwqDLsP 
Amazon -- http://smarturl.it/MMNewAmazon

For more information on MercyMe, visit mercyme.org.

About MercyMe:
Since their debut in 2001, GRAMMY®-nominated, American Music Award and multiple Dove Award winners MercyMe have sold more than 6.5 million units in CD and DVD sales, garnered 26 No. 1 multi-format Christian radio singles and four consecutive mainstream radio hits with “I Can Only Imagine,” (No. 4 AC/Top 25 on Top 40/Hot AC), “Here With Me” (No. 4 AC), “Homesick” (Top 10 AC), and “So Long Self.” In 2009, Billboard named MercyMe's "Word Of God Speak" the No. 1 Song of The Decade and the group the No. 1 Christian Songs Artist of the Decade, with an additional No. 1 as the Christian AC Song Artist of The Decade as one of the industry's most notable talents. MercyMe made history as “I Can Only Imagine” surpassed 2 million digital downloads, making it the first song in Christian music to go platinum and double-platinum in the digital domain. MercyMe has sold out venues across the nation, including Radio City Music Hall, and has appeared on The Today Show, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, CNN, Fox New Channel's Fox & Friends, ABC News, CBS This Morning and in the pages of Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, USA Today, Billboard and more. Their eighth studio album, Welcome To The New, is available now.
 

Get Connected with MercyMe:
Website // www.mercyme.org
Facebook // www.facebook.com/mercyme
Twitter // www.twitter.com/mercyme
iTunes// http://smarturl.it/MMNewiTunes
Amazon// http://smarturl.it/MMNewAmazon

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

Skillet Slam Dunks First Headline European Tour with Sold-Out Shows Across the UK, Belgium, Germany, Russia and More

Multi-platinum rockers to headline Winter Jam 2015
 

Nashville, Tenn. (December 3, 2014) — It’s been a massive year of performing to sold-out and capacity crowds across the globe for award-winning Atlantic/Word Records rockers Skillet, and the latest was during their first headline tour across Europe throughout October and November. Selling out 60% of the venues, including London, Moscow, St. Petersburg, Warsaw, Antwerp and Cologne, the band also packed houses in Stockholm, Zurich, Hamburg, Glasgow, and cities in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.  

“We honestly had some of the greatest shows of our entire career in Europe this past fall,” remarks lead singer John Cooper. “The fans were just insane, and to pack houses in cities where we’ve never headlined before, as well as across Russia, which has become one of our favorite countries to rock, well, we were just amazed!”

The tour represents the GRAMMY®-nominated band’s third trip to Europe in a year amidst co-headlining The Roadshow, a spring co-headlining tour with Third Day and sold-out shows with TobyMac and Lecrae.  

Additionally, headline summer festival stints led up to the Rockstar Energy UPROAR Festival, on which Skillet joined multi-platinum artists Godsmack, Seether, Buckcherry and Pop Evil at stops throughout the country. Earlier in the summer, Skillet performed at multiple festivals throughout Europe, playing for thousands of fans. The summer and fall tours have seen the band gain a solid European following, all subsequent to last fall’s tour supporting Nickelback.

Photo Credit: Jonathan Chu

Beginning January 2, Skillet is pleased to be stateside as they headline the Winter Jam 2015 Tour Spectacular hitting 47 cities through March 29. Their current single, “Good to Be Alive,” was the most-added at Christian CHR radio its first week at radio and is seeing multiple spin increases each week. The track is the fifth single release from their 2013 album RISE, which has already garnered three No. 1 hits. 

About Skillet
GRAMMY®-nominated and platinum selling rock band Skillet has sold more than 2.5 million units in the U.S., racked up more than 160 million YouTube views and amassed a diehard following whose members number more than five million on Facebook alone. Their 2013 Dove Award-winning release RISE debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 and No. 1 on the Billboard Rock and Christian charts, which led to four consecutive No. 1 radio hits for "American Noise,” Rock Song of the Year “Not Gonna Die,” "Rise" and "Sick Of It." RISE also gave Skillet their late night television debut on Conan and follows the band's 2009 platinum blockbuster, Awake, which garnered three Billboard Music Awards and spawned four multi-format hit singles, including the platinum single "Monster," whose companion video has generated more than 83 million YouTube views. Skillet was the only active rock band to achieve RIAA Platinum Certification in 2012.

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

CMA Country Christmas - Michael W. Smith Performs Tonight

Michael W. Smith performs songs from his new Christmas album - Michael W. Smith & Friends: The Spirit of Christmas -  with Carrie Underwood & Little Big Town tonight! Tune in to ABC at 8/7c!

Michael W. Smith and Carrie Underwood perform at the "CMA Country Christmas" taping on Friday, Nov. 7, 2014 at the Bridgestone Arena in downtown Nashville. The holiday special airs Monday, Dec. 1 at 8/7c on the ABC Television Network.

Jennifer Nettles introduces Michael W. Smith and Little Big Town at the "CMA Country Christmas" taping on Friday, Nov. 7, 2014 at the Bridgestone Arena in downtown Nashville. The holiday special airs Monday, Dec. 1 at 8/7c on the ABC Television Network.

Michael W. Smith & Friends: 
The Spirit of Christmas

AVAILABLE NOW

MercyMe Debuts Music Video for “Greater” to Enthusiastic Fan Response

Track has spent 11 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard National Christian Audience Chart
 

Nashville, Tenn. (November 24, 2014) — MercyMe has unveiled the music video for “Greater,” the second single from the 6.5 million+ selling band’s latest project, Welcome to the New. Peaking at No. 1 on both iTunes Christian sales and SoundScan chart, “Greater” has now spent 11 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard National Christian Audience Chart and nine weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Christian AC charts. To take a look at the video, please visit:  http://youtu.be/T9XFO1oSk68 

Video of MercyMe performing and dancing in front of a green screen was placed on top of    vintage black and white footage from old western films, with the band having fun with the theme, decked out in complimentary 'western wear.' Produced by TwoSevenTwo Media and directed by Carl Diebold, the video also features several fun appearances, notably the award-winning Tennessee Rocky Top Review Cloggers. Other special appearances include Ben and Josh Calhoun of Citizen Way on Trumpet and Sax.

With the fun nature the video takes on, fans are responding with enthusiasm:

"I can't get enough of this song. Now I can't get enough of the video! Totally love the joy you bring to worshiping our wonderful God!!!"

"That was a great video! You guys looked like you were having a lot of fun. It is nice to be able to watch a video with my kids."

"You people just CRACK ME UP!!!! Love some MercyMe!!!!!"

"Oh my word...that was weird and hilarious, but mostly awesome!"

"I just can't quit laughing & sharing!"
 

After the holidays, MercyMe will hit the road headlining The Rock and Worship Roadshow Tour. Joining them will be Crowder, Jamie Grace, Matt Maher, Tedashii, Group 1 Crew and more. For more tour information and all things MercyMe visit their website. 
 

[Get Connected With MercyMe]
Website // www.mercyme.org
Facebook // www.facebook.com/mercyme
Twitter // www.twitter.com/mercyme
iTunes// http://smarturl.it/MMNewiTunes
Amazon// http://smarturl.it/MMNewAmazon

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

Crowder Partners with VEVO for World Premiere of “Come As You Are” Music Video

"How He Loves" digital single earns RIAA Gold Certification

Crowder’s “Neon Steeple Tour” wraps in Atlanta

Crowder gives back in GRAMMY U event in Dallas

 

Nashville, Tenn. (November 18, 2014) – sixstepsrecords/Capitol CMG folktronica artist Crowder is partnering with VEVO today for the worldwide exclusive premiere of his new music video – “Come As You Are.” The song, originally off of Crowder’s debut solo album Neon Steeple, continues to prove itself as one of the most inspiring in Crowder’s repertoire. “Come As You Are” has already hit the Top 15 on the National Christian Audience chart, reaching nearly 5 million radio listeners a week. Additionally, Crowder recorded an acoustic version with SerialBox earlier this year and gave emotional live performances of the song in his Grand Ole Opry debut and on Fox & Friends.

Last weekend, Crowder wrapped his first headline solo tour – the “Neon Steeple Tour” – playing his final show at The Tabernacle in Atlanta with Capital Kings and All Sons & Daughters. At the venue, Crowder was honored with a plaque commemorating the RIAA Gold Certification of his digital single with the David Crowder*Band - "How He Loves." The song was originally recorded by the David Crowder*Band for their album Church Music.

Crowder is honored with an RIAA Gold Certification plaque for David Crowder*Band's digital single "How He Loves" with sixstepsrecords' Shelley Giglio and Mike McCloskey.

Ending in Atlanta, the 30+ city "Neon Steeple Tour" gave fans the opportunity to immerse themselves in Crowder’s unique blend of folk music and EDM, dubbed “folktronica,” with sell outs across the country including Los Angeles, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Seattle, Sacramento and Minneapolis.

Photo Credit: Mary Caroline Mann / Bobby Russell

On one of his final tour stops, Crowder teamed up with The Recording Academy Texas Chapter for a “GRAMMY U Soundcheck” at Crossroads Church in Dallas. Crowder and his crew were able to give college students and future members of The Recording Academy a behind the scenes look at a typical venue soundcheck and answer questions about the tour life of an artist.
 

About Crowder
Crowder has been embraced for his lyrically powerful and musically elaborate and unpredictable songs that have found themselves being sung everywhere from churches to clubs all across the country. In November 2012, Crowder released his first solo project, Crowder: iTunes® Session which delivered nine stripped down organic tracks to many of Crowder’s most loved originals. As part of the David Crowder*Band, they were named one of the “most thoughtful, progressive and exciting acts in contemporary Christian music” by The New York Times, garnering nine Dove Awards, 22 Dove nominations and two GRAMMY® nominations. The band released their final collection of new music with the GRAMMY® nominated project,Give Us Rest (A Requiem Mass in C [The Happiest of All Keys]). The record entered the Billboard 200 chart at No. 2 and gave the band their highest debut in their 12-year career. Continuing to perform as part of the Passion movement, participating in university student gatherings in the US and around the world, Crowder has also penned two books including his acclaimed release, “Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven, but Nobody Wants to Die.” Crowder's solo album debut - Neon Steeple - is available now.
 

[Get Connected with Crowder]
Website // http://www.crowdermusic.com
Facebook // https://www.facebook.com/crowdermusicofficial
Twitter // https://twitter.com/crowdermusic
Instagram // http://instagram.com/crowdermusic
iTunes // http://smarturl.it/CrowderNeonSteeple
Spotify // http://open.spotify.com/artist/39xmI59WrIMyyJjSDq6WCu

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

GRAMMY® Winner Michael W. Smith Named Philanthropist of the Year and Honored by Nashville Association of Talent Directors

Nashville, Tenn. (November 14, 2014) – In the midst of promotion for Michael W. Smith & Friends: The Spirit of Christmas, which quickly hit No. 1 on the Billboard Holiday Albums chart, three-time GRAMMY® winner Michael W. Smith was named Philanthropist of the Year by the Nashville Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). Additionally, Smith was honored by the Nashville Association of Talent Directors (NATD) for his impact on the Nashville entertainment industry. 

On National Philanthropy Day – November 5 – the Nashville Chapter of AFP named Smith Philanthropist of the Year based on his extensive work with Rocketown, which he founded in 1994. The first of its kind in the Southeast, Rocketown over the years has grown into a model example for Christian-based relational outreach programs across the country. Following the tragedy of Columbine in 1999, Rocketown’s board was inspired to grow the scope of programming and move to a central location in downtown Nashville. The current facility touts three stages for live entertainment, Middle Tennessee’s only indoor skatepark, The Hub snack bar, a recording studio and photography, art and dance studios. More than 800 teens from across the Middle Tennessee region participate in Rocketown programs each week. For more information, visit http://rocketown.com.

This past Tuesday evening at The Hermitage Hotel in Nashville, NATD held its annual gala, honoring seven entertainment professionals for their efforts to make Nashville the exciting and vital entertainment mecca that it is today. Hosted by ABC/WKRN’s Stephanie Langston, the Gala honored Smith along with Governor Bill Haslam, Rob Beckham, partner and co-head of William Morris Endeavor Entertainment, Vanderbilt University’s Head Baseball Coach, Tim Corbin, Founder and CEO of Parallel Entertainment, J. P. Williams, Demetria Kalodimos, WSMV News anchor and reporter and legendary country music icon Charlie Daniels.

The 2014 Honorees were chosen by the NATD Board of Directors, under the leadership of President Steve Tolman of LogiCom. “Our honorees are from varying entertainment backgrounds and professions, and they have each brought their expertise, their commitment and their vision to ensure that Music City continues to flourish and grow,” Tolman said.

Michael W. Smith is presented with Philanthropist of the Year Award by the AFP

Michael W. Smith speaks at NATD Gala

Smith is gearing up to launch the "The Spirit of Christmas Tour” in support of Michael W. Smith & Friends: The Spirit of Christmas, which features a plethora of A-list guests – including Vince Gill, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Amy Grant, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Nettles, Bono and Michael McDonald.

The tour will kick off November 30 and will hit several cities in the U.S. and Canada. Partnering with Smith as the official tour sponsor is Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® and joining him on all tour dates is Dove Award-winner Rachael Lampa. In addition to "The Spirit of Christmas Tour," Smith will co-headline three special events with long-time friend and fellow GRAMMY® winner Amy Grant. Teaming up in Dallas, Minneapolis and Atlanta, Smith and Grant will showcase their beloved Christmas set while performing alongside the full Symphony Orchestras.   

Smith will also perform on the CMA Country Christmas special to air on ABC on Monday, December 1 at 8/7c. Smith will perform two tracks off of the album, his original song “All Is Well” with Carrie Underwood, and the beloved Christmas classic “Silent Night” with Little Big Town. For more information, visit cmaworld.com/cma-country-christmas.
         

About Michael W. Smith:
Michael W. Smith is an acclaimed singer, songwriter, and musician who has sold more than 15 million albums, achieved 28 No. 1 songs, earned three GRAMMY® Awards, one American Music Award, and more than 40 Dove Awards. Most recently, in honor of ASCAP’s 100th Anniversary, Smith, along with Amy Grant, was honored as “a cornerstone of Christian music,” for his groundbreaking career and significant influence on the genre. Throughout his career, the Contemporary Christian Music artist has had the opportunity to sing for several Presidents and national leaders. He actively supports the teen club Rocketown, Compassion International, and Samaritan’s Purse, the ministry headed by Franklin Graham. Michael and his wife Debbie live in Middle Tennessee, where they raised their five children. So far this year, Smith has released Hymns, his first-ever classic hymns album available exclusively at all Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® locations and CrackerBarrel.com, as well as his first studio worship album since 2008, Sovereign, which took a Top 10 spot on the Billboard 200, as well as the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Christian Albums Chart. His fourth career Christmas album, Michael W. Smith & Friends: The Spirit of Christmas, is available now. For more information, visit www.michaelwsmith.com.   
 

About The Association of Fundraising Professionals:
The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) is an association of individuals responsible for generating philanthropic support for a wide variety of nonprofit, charitable organizations. The Nashville Chapter of AFP is one of five Chapters in the state of Tennessee. Established in 1981, the Nashville Chapter currently serves a membership of more than 120 area professionals, serving all of Middle Tennessee and parts of Southern Kentucky.

Founded in 1960, AFP (formerly the National Society of Fund Raising Executives) advances philanthropy through its more than 30,388 members in 198 chapters throughout the world.

AFP believes that to guarantee human freedom and social creativity, people must have the right to freely and voluntarily form organizations to meet perceived needs, advocate causes, and seek funds to support these activities.   
 

About Nashville Association of Talent Directors:
NATD was founded in 1958 and professionally represents, directs, and promotes the entertainment industry through its members. Today those members generate more than 300 million dollars annually for Nashville-based artists. The organization not only serves as a forum for idea exchange among its members, it also serves as a vehicle for other facets of the industry to share information vital to the overall growth of the Nashville music and entertainment industry. NATD members foster camaraderie among "friendly competitors” which seems to be unique to the closely knit Nashville music and entertainment community. As part of its philanthropic program, NATD provides scholarship funds for students showing exemplary performances in academics, civic duties, and personal goals. This is the 26th year that aid has been granted. For more information, please visit www.n-a-t-d.com.

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

Passion: The Essential Collection Captures Unforgettable Passion Moments

Kristian Stanfill and Passion conclude 26-city tour

Passion 2015 Conferences to kick off January 2 in Atlanta

Nashville, Tenn. (November 13, 2014) — Passion: The Essential Collection released this week, highlighting the best moments of Passion since its inception in 1997. The album includes some of the most-sung worship songs of all time led by renowned worship leaders such as Chris Tomlin, Kristian Stanfill, Matt Redman, David Crowder*Band, Christy Nockels and Charlie Hall. The collection also features seven live video performances along with four talks from Passion founder, Louie Giglio. 

Critics are responding to Passion: The Essential Collection with enthusiasm, calling it "brilliant and soul-stirring," (Examiner.com) and "A tour de force as far as church worship music is concerned. (Hallels)" Soul-Audio sums it up as "highlights of a movement: the songs, the messages and the heartbeat that have captivated a generation and spread across the globe," while Hollywood Jesus claims "There is not a weak point in this collection at all."

This week marks the end of the 26-city "Passion: Take It All Tour" led by Kristian Stanfill with its final stop in Williamsburg, VA on November 14. The tour has brought out great crowds, selling out venues in St. Louis, Sarasota, Tampa, Baton Rouge, Indianapolis, Lakeland, FL., Harrisonburg, VA and Williamsburg, VA.

 Photo by: Mary Caroline Mann

Photo by: Joe Brim

This tour has helped pave the way for Passion 2015, which will take place in Atlanta (Jan 2-4; 16-18) and Houston (Jan 30-Feb 1). To register or learn more about Passion 2015, click here.

Passion: The Essential Collection
CD
1. Holy Is The Lord (Chris Tomlin)
2. One Thing Remains (Kristian Stanfill)
3. 10,000 Reasons [Bless The Lord] (Matt Redman)
4. Our God (Chris Tomlin)
5. How He Loves (David Crowder*Band)
6. Healing Is In Your Hands (Christy Nockels)
7. Whom Shall I Fear [God Of Angel Armies] (Chris Tomlin)
8. You Never Let Go (Matt Redman)
9. Amazing Grace [My Chains Are Gone] (Chris Tomlin)
10. Better Is One Day (Charlie Hall)
11. In Christ Alone (Kristian Stanfill)
12. God Of This City (Chris Tomlin)
13. Like A Lion (David Crowder*Band)
14. Waiting Here For You (Christy Nockels)
15. How Great Is Our God (Chris Tomlin)

DVD
Videos
1. The Lord Our God (Kristian Stanfill)
2. Let It Be Jesus (Christy Nockels)
3. Mercy [From Lift] (Matt Redman)
4. White Flag (Chris Tomlin)
5. Here’s My Heart (Crowder)
6. My Heart Is Yours (Kristian Stanfill)
7. God’s Great Dance Floor (Chris Tomlin)

Talks
1. Let’s Work It Out (From Passion: 2010)
2. We Will Carry The Name (From Passion: 2011)
3. Raise To Life By The Breath Of A Living God (From Passion: 2013)
4. Crushed By Grace (From Passion: 2014)
 

About Passion Conferences:
Led by a stirring in the heart of Atlanta-based pastor, Louie Giglio, Passion was birthed in 1997 to see the 20+ million college students across the globe awaken to the reality of an omnipotent and glorious Creator. Since then, millions of students from across the globe have joined the Passion movement, united across ministry and denominational lines, to seek the face of God in worship and prayer at nine conferences, four world tours and multiple one-day and regional events. Passion’s core scripture, Isaiah 26:8 states: “Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts.” The small Passion Team is led by Louie Giglio and operates under the direction of a Board that is committed to spreading the fame of Jesus Christ to college students around the globe.

About sixstepsrecords:
Founded in 2000 by Louie Giglio, sixstepsrecords is a worship label and a division of Passion Conferences. sixstepsrecords’ artists include Chris Tomlin (Love Ran Red), Crowder (Neon Steeple), Matt Redman (Your Grace Finds Me), Christy Nockels (Into the Glorious), Kristian Stanfill (Mountains Move) and Passion (Passion: Take It All). The label partners with Sparrow Records/Capitol Christian Music Group for A&R, marketing, sales and distribution operations. For more information on sixstepsrecords, visit: www.sixstepsrecords.com.

[Get Connected with Passion]
Website // www.268generation.com
Facebook // www.facebook.com/Passion268generation
Twitter // www.twitter.com/passion268

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Media Contact:
Ryan Anderson & Kirsten Grenier
the media collective
ryan@themcollective.com
kirsten@themcollective.com 
(615) 591-7989
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Hollywood Museum Celebrates Amy Grant and other Christmas Icons

Museum to showcase holiday legends spanning over 60 years  

Hollywood, CA (November 12, 2014) — Amy Grant will be honored at Lights, Cameras...Stars! Holidays Hollywood Style, a holiday exhibition at The Hollywood Museum honoring iconic celebrities who have made Christmas a significant part of their careers. 

The exhibit opens on Thursday, November 13, with a special ceremony and cocktail party. Amy Grant's 'Christmas Career' will be one of the highlights. She has recorded four Christmas albums, hosted two christmas television specials and toured with the Nashville Symphony on several holiday tours. 

Other stars to be showcased at this year's holiday extravaganza include Karen Carpenter, Bing Crosby, Judy Garland, Perry Como, Nat King Cole, Vera Ellen and Mel Torme, all of whom have become synonymous with Christmas. ‘Tyrone Power: Man, Myth and Mayhem’ will also be premiering that evening celebrating the 100th anniversary of Tyrone Power. 

Bob Pranga, better known as ‘Dr. Christmas…Tree Stylist to the Stars’ is decorating for both the museum and this event said, “because all of these stars have been at the very heart of our Christmas experience, this provides a great opportunity for families to come and experience the magic of Christmas with a little Hollywood glitter, because everyone loves the holidays, and everyone loves Hollywood, it’s a perfect combination.”  

The Hollywood Museum, the official museum of Hollywood, has the most extensive collection of Hollywood memorabilia in the world. The museum, featuring four floors of breathtaking exhibits, is home to more than 10,000 authentic show biz treasures– one of a kind costumes, props, photographs, scripts, stars’ car collections and personal artifacts, posters, and vintage memorabilia from favorite films and TV shows. The museum also showcases the history of Hollywood and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

What: ‘LIGHTS, CAMERAS…STARS! HOLIDAYS HOLLYWOOD STYLE’

When: THURSDAY, NOV. 13, 2014 at 6:00pm

Where: 1660 N. HIGHLAND AVE (near Hollywood Blvd)

HOLLYWOOD, CA 90028

**Please join us on Thursday, Nov 13th  at 6:00pm for hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and a special exhibit opening ceremony. RSVP MANDATORY TO: corey@redwalktalentPR.com**  

--Corey Ryan 
Red Walk Talent PR
310.270.1758
corey@redwalktalentpr.com

Michael W. Smith to Perform with Carrie Underwood and Little Big Town for CMA Country Christmas on ABC

Country Weekly premieres lyric video for “Silent Night”

Smith escorts U.S. Marines on CMA Awards 
red carpet for Toys For Tots

Michael W. Smith & Friends: The Spirit of Christmas 
available now

Nashville, Tenn. (November 11, 2014) - Three-time GRAMMY® winner Michael W. Smith will perform on the CMA Country Christmas special to air on ABC on Monday, December 1 at 8/7c. Smith will perform two tracks off of his top-selling Christmas album –Michael W. Smith & Friends: The Spirit of Christmas – and joining him on stage will be CMA Awards host Carrie Underwood and the newly inducted Grand Ole Opry members Little Big Town. Smith made his CMA Country Christmas debut in 2013, performing with host Jennifer Nettles. Smith will perform his original song “All Is Well” with Underwood and the beloved Christmas classic “Silent Night” with Little Big Town. The 2014 CMA Country Christmas special will also feature performances by Leann Rimes, Idina Menzel, Alan Jackson, Brad Paisley, Steven Tyler and more. For more information, visit cmaworld.com/cma-country-christmas.

Michael W. Smith & Friends: The Spirit of Christmas released only a few short weeks ago, quickly hitting No. 1 on the Billboard Holiday Albums chart. The album features a plethora of A-list guests – including the aforementioned Carrie Underwood and Little Big Town, as well as Vince Gill, Lady Antebellum, Martina McBride, Amy Grant, Jennifer Nettles, Bono and Michael McDonald. Huffington Post led the critical praise, calling the album an early “favorite Yuletide effort” and an instant “Christmas classic.”

This week, Country Weekly premiered the lyric video for Smith’s collaboration with Little Big Town – “Silent Night” – and affirmed the album as a whole saying, “The Spirit of Christmas follows the tradition of musical excellence established by Michael W.’s three previous holiday albums. If you’re a Michael W. Smith fan, there’s a reason to celebrate the holiday season early this year.” To watch the video premiere, visitcountryweekly.com/videos/exclusive-michael-w-smith-and-little-big-towns-silent-night-lyric-video.

Last week, Smith attended the 2014 CMA Awards in Nashville and escorted members of the U.S. Marines in support of their Toys For Tots campaign. Toys were collected at the taping for CMA Country Christmas and will be distributed to children and families in need in the greater Nashville region. For more information, visit nashville-tn.toysfortots.org.

Smith is gearing up to launch the "The Spirit of Christmas Tour” which kicks off November 30 and will hit several cities in the U.S. and Canada. Partnering with Smith as the official tour sponsor is Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® and joining him on all tour dates is Dove Award-winner Rachael Lampa.

About Michael W. Smith:
Michael W. Smith is an acclaimed singer, songwriter, and musician who has sold more than 15 million albums, achieved 28 No. 1 songs, earned three GRAMMY® Awards, one American Music Award, and more than 40 Dove Awards. Most recently, in honor of ASCAP’s 100th Anniversary, Smith, along with Amy Grant, was honored as “a cornerstone of Christian music,” for his groundbreaking career and significant influence on the genre. Throughout his career, the Contemporary Christian Music artist has had the opportunity to sing for several Presidents and national leaders. He actively supports the teen club Rocketown, Compassion International, and Samaritan’s Purse, the ministry headed by Franklin Graham. Michael and his wife Debbie live in Middle Tennessee, where they raised their five children. So far this year, Smith has released Hymns, his first-ever classic hymns album available exclusively at all Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® locations and CrackerBarrel.com, as well as his first studio worship album since 2008, Sovereign, which took a Top 10 spot on the Billboard 200, as well as the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Christian Albums Chart. His fourth career Christmas album, Michael W. Smith & Friends: The Spirit of Christmas, is available now. For more information, visit www.michaelwsmith.com.

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Media Contact
Velvet Kelm & Ryan Anderson
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velvet@themcollective.com
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Chris Tomlin Joins The Board of CURE International

Atlanta, Ga. (November 11, 2014) — CURE International, the largest provider of reconstructive surgery to disabled children in the emerging world, announced this week the addition of Chris Tomlin to its Board of Directors.

Tomlin first learned about CURE through his involvement with the Passion conferences. “I was just drawn to how well CURE was doing things and how they’re really changing kids' lives,” stated Tomlin. He continued, “CURE just has integrity through and through at every level. I’ve found this is a place where I can trust where the money is going, and it’s really going to heal these kids.”

CURE President and CEO Dale Branter stated, “Chris and his wife Lauren have been such faithful friends of CURE for years now. As a result of their support, thousands of children have been healed. I am thrilled that they have chosen to take this next step to join our Board of Directors.”

Tomlin joins CURE’s Board of Directors as the organization prepares to open its 10th hospital, the Tebow CURE Hospital in the Philippines. To learn more about Tomlin’s decision to join CURE, visit cure.org/tomlin.

About CURE International 
CURE International heals the sick and proclaims the Kingdom of God. It is the largest provider of reconstructive surgery to disabled children in the emerging world. Since opening the doors of its first surgical teaching hospital in Kijabe, Kenya, in 1998, CURE’s focus on bringing healing to developing nations has resulted in more than 2.4 million patient visits and over 167,000 surgeries to correct physically disabling conditions. CURE has also trained more than 7,200 medical professionals, raising the standard of care in the countries where it operates. Please visit http://cure.org for more information.

About Chris Tomlin
With nine albums, 12 No. 1 radio singles, a GRAMMY® Award and eight additional nominations, three Billboard Music Awards, 21 Dove Awards, a platinum and four gold albums to his credit, Chris Tomlin is among the most well-known and influential artists in contemporary Christian music. Referred to by Time magazine as “most likely the most often sung artist anywhere,” he has sold more than 5.3 million albums and over 8 million digital tracks. In the midst of his record-breaking success and continuing his role as worship leader at Passion City Church in Atlanta, GA, Tomlin continues touring and leading at Passion Conference gatherings across the US and worldwide. Burning Lights debuted at No. 1 atop the Billboard 200 in January 2013, making history as only the fourth Christian music album to do so, and his tenth recording, Love Ran Red, is available now.

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The Digital Age Announces Rehearsals Vol. 2

Rehearsals Vol. 1 & 2 to be released as dual vinyl package

Nashville, Tenn. (November 5, 2014) – Fair Trade band The Digital Age has announced the release of their latest rehearsals project – Rehearsals Vol. 2. Recorded and produced in their hometown studio in Waco, Texas, Rehearsals Vol. 2 features six new tracks that together exude the band’s commitment to continue creating music for the Church. The album is available directly to fans via the band’s website: www.thedigitalagemusic.com. The album will be also available on iTunes and Amazon starting November 18.

The Digital Age released Rehearsals Vol. 1 in the summer of 2012 as a formal reintroduction of the band. For the first time, both Rehearsals Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 will be released on vinyl and will be available as a dual package – Rehearsals.

"The whole Rehearsals idea is us learning songs that the church is singing and putting our own unique spin on them,” said Mark Waldrop of The Digital Age. "We wanted to keep the general flow of Rehearsals Vol. 2 the same as Vol. 1, so we curated a track listing that combined a few worship tracks, some classic hymns and some new material. We really enjoy the relationship we have with our fans, and a direct release through our website allows us the ability to dictate the pricing and options of the release. We're also able to offer things like song stems, chord charts, and vinyl for much cheaper than through traditional outlets."

Commenting on the track listing for Rehearsals Vol. 2, Waldrop added: "We all grew up in the south and have a deep affinity for hymns that we were raised singing, so "It Is Well" and "Blessed Assurance" were songs that we couldn't wait to explore sonically. We're involved with a collegiate ministry here in Waco called Vertical, and “Oceans" and "Fall Afresh" seem to be really connecting with the hearts of the college students near us. We wrote "All Rise (Jesus, Majesty)" with Jason Ingram last year and couldn't wait to put it on a release. Finally, we wanted to round out the album with "Take Me Home," a song written by a local worship leader in Waco that we all really connected with." For a full track listing and order, see below.

The Digital Age released their first video for Rehearsals Vol. 2 earlier this year, covering Hillsong UNITED’s “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)” and racking up more than 150,000 views. Keeping with the tradition of Rehearsals Vol. 1, the band will release new "Rehearsals" videos over the next several weeks on their YouTube page. Fans who purchase Rehearsals Vol. 2 today will gain instant access to all of the videos. 

The Digital Age released their debut studio album Evening:Morning last year, hitting No. 3 on the Billboard Christian Albums chart and topping the Christian/Gospel chart for Streaming Albums on release week. Their single “Break Every Chain” was embraced by Christian radio across the country, picking up significant spins on K-LOVE and holding the most played spot on the network for several weeks.

This year, the band has expanded their ministry focus towards the country of Brazil, including a transformative trip to São Paulo for the Livres Conference 2014. Flexing their producer chops, The Digital Age also partnered with a prominent Brazilian Christian artist Fernandinho Faz Chover to produce his upcoming album - Fernandinho Acústico.
 

Rehearsals Vol. 2 Track Listing
1. Fall Afresh 
2. Blessed Assurance 
3. All Rise (Jesus, Majesty) 
4. It Is Well 
5. Oceans
6. Take Me Home 

For more information about The Digital Age, visit their website atwww.thedigitalagemusic.com.
 

About The Digital Age:
2012, a year commonly associated with endings, saw a new beginning for former members of the David Crowder*Band. On the heels of their final project with the David Crowder*Band, Mark, Mike D, Bwack and Jack sought to continue writing, performing and producing music together for the Church. Out of this desire, The Digital Age was born. With roots already planted at University Baptist Church in the small college town of Waco, TX, The Digital Age constructed their own studio in the place where their ministry started. The Digital Age released their Rehearsals EP as a formal re-introduction of the new band and their debut, full-length album Evening:Morning was released in August 2013. Rehearsals Vol. 2 is available now.

Get Connected with The Digital Age
Website // www.thedigitalagemusic.com
Facebook // www.facebook.com/TheDigitalAge
Twitter // www.twitter.com/The_Digital_Age
YouTube // www.youtube.com/thedigitalagemusic

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Media Contact:
Ryan Anderson
the media collective
ryan@themcollective.com
615.591.7989
www.themcollective.com