Live on FOX & Friends, Elisabeth Hasselbeck Announces She’ll Co-Host 2015 K-LOVE Fan Awards

Joined by Kirk Cameron will helm fan-voted award show live on May 31st from the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville

Nashville, Tenn. (February 26, 2015) — Live on cable's leading morning show, FOX & Friends, Elisabeth Hasselbeck, announced that she and Kirk Cameron will share hosting duties for the 2015 K-LOVE Fan Awards, presented by Pepsi. 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 on May 31, 2015.

"K-LOVE has always had a positive, encouraging impact on my day, and I am thankful to be a part of this year's award show," Hasselbeck said.

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.

"I am very excited to be co-hosting the K-LOVE Fan Awards this year," Cameron shared. "I have heard a lot of great buzz on the event and am excited to come together with a great brand like K-LOVE to impact the culture through the arts."

Recently, nominees in eight categories were announced: Male Artist of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Artist of the Year, Group or Duo of the Year, Song of the Year, Worship Song of the Year, Best Live Show and Artist to Appear on a 7UP Can. Additional categories are to be announced soon.

Click here to request media credentials to cover the 2015 K-LOVE Fan Awards.

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, visit www.KLOVEFanAwards.com. The K-LOVE Fan Awards is a John Sanders LLC/World Hope Event.

ABOUT ELISABETH HASSELBECK
Elisabeth Hasselbeck currently serves as co-host of FOX News Channel’s (FNC) FOX & Friends (weekdays 6-9AM/ET). Prior to FNC, Hasselbeck was a co-host on ABC’s The View for 10 years. During her time on the daytime talk show, she and her co-hosts were selected by Time Magazine as one of the “100 Most Influential People in the World,” and in July 2009, Forbes ranked The View as No. 11 on the list of “30 of the Most Influential Women.” Until 2013, she had also been a contributor to ABC’s Good Morning America since October 2010. Hasselbeck has interviewed Presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama and was also a keynote speaker at the Republican National Convention in both 2004 and 2008. Additionally, as a woman with Celiac Disease, she works closely with the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University to raise awareness about the autoimmune disease and has written two New York Times best sellers, “The G-Free Diet” and the cookbook, “Deliciously G-Free.”

ABOUT KIRK CAMERON
Kirk Cameron is a television and film actor and producer, noted recently for his work in the family films SAVING CHRISTMAS and MERCY RULE, the documentaries UNSTOPPABLE
and Monumental, and the inspirational film Fireproof. He is also known for his memorable roles on ABC’s Growing Pains, the Left Behind movies, and co-host of The Way of the Master television series. Kirk spends much of his time producing new television and film projects and speaking to people around the country, teaching them how to share their faith and live out a gospel-centered marriage and family. Kirk and his wife Chelsea are the founders of Camp Firefly, a camp for seriously ill children and their families. Together, they live in California with their six children.

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 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 & Kirsten Grenier
velvet@themcollective.com
kirsten@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
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TobyMac’s “Beyond Me” Receives Impressive 80 Adds at Christian Radio

EYE ON IT earns RIAA Gold Certification

TobyMac first Capitol Christian Music Group artist with
five consecutive RIAA Gold studio albums

Nashville, Tenn. (February 5, 2015) — TobyMac is laying the foundations to make 2015 one of the biggest years of his career. His brand new studio single “Beyond Me” received 80 adds combined across Christian AC-Monitored, AC-Indicator and Hot AC last week, and his GRAMMY® Award winning album EYE ON IT also received RIAA Gold Certification. During a staff presentation at Capitol Christian Music Group (CCMG), President & CEO Bill Hearn also recognized that this honor represents a first for an artist in CCMG history, with each one of TobyMac’s five studio solo projects achieving Gold certification.

"The fact that EYE ON IT and now all five of TobyMac’s albums have been certified Gold by the RIAA is a testimony to how deeply his music resonates with music lovers all over the world. This remarkable achievement is also a first for any artist at Capitol Christian Music Group. The team at Capitol could not be more proud of our history and now extended partnership with the iconic TobyMac." - Bill Hearn, President & CEO - Capitol Christian Music Group

Capitol Christian Music Group President & CEO Bill Hearn presents TobyMac with a plaque to commemorate five studio records RIAA Certified Gold

Available now and already a hit, 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.

As he puts the final touches on 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 EYE ON IT, as well as some 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. Recently receiving RIAA Gold Certification, EYE ON IT follows the success of his previous four solo projects, which have also received RIAA Gold Certifications.  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) was released last fall, and TobyMac is currently working on a new studio album set to release later this year.
 

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 & Kirsten Grenier
the media collective
velvet@themcollective.com
ryan@themcollective.com
kirsten@themcollective.com
615.591.7989
www.themcollective.com

Passion Founder Louie Giglio To Release All New Talk, Winsome, On March 3 Alongside The Complete Collection

Final Passion 2015 conference wrapped up
in Houston this past weekend

Nashville, Tenn. (February 5, 2015) — Passion Movement Founder and Passion City Church Pastor Louie Giglio is known for sharing compelling, Christ-centered messages with millions of listeners worldwide. On March 3, he will release his newest talk, Winsome, as part of the Passion City Church Resources Series.

The Winsome DVDs point to the world's great need to hear the gospel. "There is an irreducible minimum in the heart of every single person, and what people need the most is Jesus. At the end of it all, people need Jesus," said Giglio. His messages challenge listeners to live lives that proclaim the gospel in order to "win some" to Christ. "Everybody doesn't believe every time, but if the gospel is presented, then people want to put their faith in Him."
 
March 3 will also welcome the release of Passion Talk Series: The Complete Collection – a bundle featuring all nine of Louie Giglio's previously released talks. The collection contains more than 19 hours of content featuring talks that have sold more than 1 million copies worldwide.

So far this year, Louie Giglio has been busy preparing for and leading the 2015 Passion Conferences, where thousands of college students from across the country gathered to worship God and ignite a spiritual awakening in their generation. The third and final conference of Passion 2015 wrapped up this past weekend in Houston on February 1.

Winsome
1. The Irreducible Minimum
2. The Irrefutable Argument
3. The Irresistible Attraction
4. The Irrepressible Longing
5. The Irreplacebale Plea

Passion Talk Series: The Complete Collection
DISC 1
Indescribable
How Great Is Our God
Symphony (I Lift My Hands)
The Twelve Words of Christmas

DISC 2
Moved By Mercy
New Year
      1.  God Is For You
      2. Your Part In His Plan

DISC 3
Prayer: Remix
    1. Who’s Blessing Whom?
    2. Supernatural Life Inside
    3. The Prayer God Always Answers

DISC 4
Grace [The One and Only]
    1. Two Impossibilities – One Story
    2. Not Ashamed
    3. Full Pool
    4. The Gospel According To Tupperware
    5. Work It Out

DISC 5
Boy Meets Girl (Disc 1)
    1. In The Beginning
    2. Pulling Together Or Drifting Apart
    3. Still Dating Dad

DISC 6
Boy Meets Girl (Disc 2)
    4. Waiting Here For You – Part 1
    5. Waiting Here For You – Part 2
    6. The Marriage Myth

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. Louie Gilglio's most recent published work, "Waiting Here For You: An Advent Journey Of Hope," released last fall. Winsome and The Complete Collection are set to release March 3.

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

Passion: Even So Come Set to Release March 17, Album Recorded Live at Passion 2015 Gatherings in Atlanta and Houston

Passion 2015 draws over 30,000 college students together
in three separate weekends

Students give nearly $1.2 million to spread the gospel
to unreached people groups

Nashville, Tenn. (February 4, 2015) – Featuring some of this generation's most acclaimed worship leaders – Chris Tomlin, Crowder, Matt Redman, Christy Nockels, Kristian Stanfill and Brett Younker – the new live Passion album Passion: Even So Come is set to release on March 17. 

The album was recorded in front of over 30,000 college students at three separate Passion gatherings in Atlanta and Houston. The new album follows in the footsteps of many successful live Passion recordings this decade, including Passion: Awakening, Passion: Here For You, Passion: White Flag, Passion: Let the Future Begin and most recently Passion: Take It All, all of which have debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Christian Albums Chart.

Passion 2015 was a three-day gathering on two separate weekends in Atlanta and a final three-day gathering in Houston. The conference was attended by a generation of 18-25 year olds from around the world and led by renowned pastors and teachers Louie Giglio, John Piper, Francis Chan, Christine Caine, Judah Smith, Ben Stuart, Matt Chandler and more.

Across the three gatherings, students were challenged to meet a goal of $850,000 that would support 10 people groups in 12 nations across the world in hopes that 19 million people will hear the message of Jesus for the first time. Following the final gathering in Houston, the total donations amounted to nearly $1.2 million.

Passion also continues to shine a light on modern-day slavery through the End It Movement. Leaders announced the new 27X7 initiative inviting advocates to create teams of 27 “freedom fighters,” representing the 27 million slaves around the world. Each “freedom fighter” will donate $7. All funds will be distributed among 16 coalition partners to support prevention, rescue and restoration efforts in the fight against modern-day slavery. Learn more and join the movement at enditmovement.com.

The Passion team announced that next year, Passion 2016 will consist of simultaneous conferences in Atlanta and Houston on January 2-4, 2016. They also announced plans to return to the Georgia Dome again in 2017.

For more information about Passion Conferences, visit passionconferences.com or follow on Twitter at @passion268.

Passion: Even So Come
1. Even So Come (featuring Chris Tomlin)
2. Shout Hosanna (featuring Kristian Stanfill)
3. Forever (featuring Melodie Malone)
4. Lift Your Head Weary Sinner (Chains) (featuring Crowder)
5. Draw Near (featuring Kristian Stanfill)
6. The Saving One (featuring Chris Tomlin)
7. The Awesome God You Are (featuring Matt Redman)
8. My Anchor (featuring Christy Nockels)
9. Wonder (featuring Crowder)
10. The Way (featuring Brett Younker)
11. You Found Me (featuring Kristian Stanfill)
12. The Cross of Christ (featuring Chris Tomlin)

Deluxe Edition Only:
13. We Fall Down (featuring Chris Tomlin)
14. The Heart Of Worship (featuring Matt Redman)
15. It Is Well (featuring Kristian Stanfill)
16. How He Loves (featuring Crowder)
17. The Heart of Worship (featuring Matt Redman) (Video)
18. How He Loves (featuring Crowder) (Video)

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: Even So Come). 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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Hi-Res Photos: 
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/pe1zji6evcmf5m3/AAD2er2glO9QXD3QVSfCl3uHa?dl=0
Photo Credit (All): Passion Conferences

Media Contact:
Ryan Anderson & Kirsten Grenier
the media collective
ryan@themcollective.com
kirsten@themcollective.com
615-591-7989
www.themcollective.com

Britt Nicole Set to Release First Ever Full-Length Remix Album, THE REMIXES, March 17

Fourth full-length studio album set to debut this fall

Nashville, Tenn. (February 2, 2015) — With three studio albums and several chart-topping singles under her belt, GRAMMY®-nominated artist, Britt Nicole is shaking things up and releasing her first ever full-length remix album, THE REMIXES, set to release March 17.

Fans can expect to hear dance-filled beats on the album as remixers such as Capital Kings and Soul Glow Activatur put a new spin on favorites including "Gold," "Lost Get Found" and "Ready Or Not." 

THE REMIXES follows the success of her latest album, Gold, which earned Britt Nicole her first GRAMMY® nomination for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album. The album's title track was a crossover hit, breaking into the Top 40 pop radio chart as well as receiving RIAA Gold Certification. 

Along with readying to release THE REMIXES, Britt Nicole is busy in the studio recording tracks for her upcoming full-length studio album, set to debut this fall.

THE REMIXES Tracklisting
1. Ready Or Not (featuring Lecrae)(PHENOMENON Remix by Soul Glow Activatur) 
2. The Lost Get Found (Neon Feather Remix) 
3. Amazing Life (Capital Kings Remix) 
4. Like A Star (MyKidBrother Remix) 
5. All This Time (PRO_FITT REMIX) 
6. Walk On The Water (PHENOMENON Remix by Soul Glow Activatur) 
7. Set The World On Fire (Neon Feather Remix) 
8. Glow (JSapp Remix)
9. Holiday (MyKidBrother Remix) 
10. Gold (Lark Remix) 
11. The Sun Is Rising (Horizon Remix) 
BONUS: 12. Gold (Jason Nevins Rhythmic Remix)

 

About Britt Nicole 
Britt Nicole released her debut album Say It in 2007, and her upbeat, catchy tunes were received with enthusiasm by the Christian music world. In 2009, Britt Nicole released her sophomore album The Lost Get Found, and its title track quickly became a fan favorite, spending eight weeks at No. 1 on the Christian Hot AC chart. Her most recent studio album, Gold, propelled her career to a new level of success, earning Britt a GRAMMY® nomination for Best Contemporary Christian Album and an RIAA Certified Gold single for her hit “Gold.” The album’s appeal made Britt Nicole the most-played female artist on Christian radio in 2012. Following the success of Gold, Britt Nicole is prepping to release her first ever full-length remix album and is in the process of recording a full-length studio album to release this fall. THE REMIXES is set to debut March 17.
 

Get Connected with Britt Nicole
Website // brittnicole.com
Facebook // facebook.com/brittnicole
Twitter // twitter.com/itsbrittnicole
Instagram // instagram.com/itsbrittnicole
 

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Media Contact
Kirsten Grenier & Velvet Kelm
the media collective
kirsten@themcollective.com
velvet@themcollective.com
615.591.7989
www.themcollective.com

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
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velvet@themcollective.com
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'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
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615.591.7989
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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
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615.591.7989
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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