Chris Tomlin Launches Fall Leg of "Love Ran Red Tour"

Biggest tour of GRAMMY® winner's career kicked off last week in Nashville

New single, "Good Good Father" quickly tops iTunes Christian Songs Chart

Chris and Lauren Tomlin open up about their marriage and more in
CALLED Magazine cover story

Nashville, Tenn. (October 12, 2015) — Chris Tomlin has set out on the second leg of what's already been the biggest tour of his career, the "Love Ran Red Tour." Featuring special guests Rend Collective, the 22-city tour kicked off in Nashville last week. Tomlin will continue to share uplifting music from his hit album Love Ran Red, including title track "At The Cross (Love Ran Red)," which recently hit the No. 1 spot on the National Christian Audience chart.

More than 200,000 people attended the first leg of the tour this spring, selling out venues in Chicago, Seattle, Phoenix, Dallas and more. The tour helped raise more than $700K for CURE International, an organization with which Tomlin is partnering for the "Love Ran Red Tour." For tickets and additional tour information, click here.

Brand new music from Tomlin is resonating with listeners as his recently released single, "Good Good Father," hit the No. 1 spot on the iTunes Christian Songs Chart the day it released. 

In less than two weeks, more than 25 radio stations have added the single, including many large markets across the country and network stations KLOVE, AIR1 and Sirius XM. The single is shooting up the charts, already hitting No. 19 on the National Christian Audience Chart. 

"In every record, there’s a song that comes along that I’m just captured by. God is a good Father, and I think people need to hear that more than ever," Tomlin said. "What a beautiful thing to stand and proclaim and just let people experience the heart and the power of those words - 'you’re a good good Father.'" 

Pat Barrett and Tony Brown wrote "Good Good Father," and Barrett is featured on the track. "What an honor to carry this song," Tomlin continued. "It was really important to me that Pat Barrett, who wrote the song, be a part of the recording because he captured the heart so well." 

Tomlin and his wife Lauren recently opened up about their marriage and ministry as they spoke candidly with CALLED Magazine for a cover feature. To read what the two had to say, click here.

Tomlin is also preparing to release ADORE: Christmas Songs of Worship, available October 23. Billboard recently premiered "What Child Is This? (feat. All Sons & Daughters)" along with a Behind The Album feature.

Love Ran Red Tour
Oct 08 - West Riverfront Park Amphitheater - Nashville, TN
Oct 09 - ASU Convocation Center - Jonesboro, AR
Oct 10 - iWireless Center - Moline, IL
Oct 11 - Ralston Arena - Ralston, NE
Oct 13 - Old National Events Plaza - Evansville, IN
Oct 15 - Koka Booth Amphitheater - Cary, NC
Oct 16 - Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena - Jacksonville, FL
Oct 17 - Infinite Energy Center - Duluth, GA
Oct 18 - CFE Arena - Orlando, FL
Oct 20 - Baton Rouge River Center - Baton Rouge, LA
Oct 22 - Reed Arena - College Station, TX
Oct 23 - American Bank Center - Corpus Christi, TX
Oct 24 - Ford Park - Beaumont, TX
Oct 25 - BOK Center - Tulsa, OK
Nov 05 - Memorial Coliseum - Fort Wayne, IN
Nov 06 - Wolstein Center at Cleveland State University - Cleveland, OH
Nov 07 - Van Andel Arena - Grand Rapids, MI
Nov 08 - Bank of Kentucky Center - Cincinnati, KY
Nov 10 - Charleston Civic Center Coliseum - Charleston, WV
Nov 11 - Altria Theater - Richmond, VA
Nov 13 - Royal Farms Arena - Baltimore, MD
Nov 14 - CONSOL Energy Center - Pittsburgh, PA


About Chris Tomlin
With ten albums, 13 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 consistently has several songs in the top 20 of the Top 100 CCLI songs. 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, becoming one of the fasting rising modern day hymns in CCLI chart history. In addition to having sold more than 7 million albums and over 8.9 million digital tracks, Tomlin made history as his No. 1 single “Jesus Messiah” (Hello Love) garnered 97 adds at radio, making it the biggest ever add date in Christian radio history, and recently tied the record for most top tens in the history of Billboard's Hot Christian Songs chart as his current hit, "At the Cross (Love Ran Red)" broke into the top ten. In the midst of his record-breaking success, Tomlin continues touring and leading at Passion Conference gatherings across the US and worldwide, including his recent Worship Night In America events, which sold out NYC’s Madison Square Garden, Denver’s Red Rock’s and Sacramento’s Sleep Train Arena. 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. ADORE: Christmas Songs of Worship will debut during the 2015 Christmas season.
 

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

MercyMe Rings In The Holidays Early As Billboard Exclusively Premieres MercyMe, It's Christmas!

Band’s sophomore Christmas effort available this Friday, October 9 featuring singles "Joy" and "Christmastime Again"

"Greater Than" Tour to kick off October 22

To hear MercyMe, It’s Christmas! exclusively premiered on Billboard, click here.


About MercyMe:
Since their debut in 2001, GRAMMY®-nominated, American Music Award and multiple Dove Award winners MercyMe have sold more than 8.5 million units in CD, single and DVD sales, garnered 27 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 as well as heralded the group as the No. 1 Christian Songs Artist of the Decade and No. 1 as the Christian AC Song Artist of The Decade. 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, received two GRAMMY® nods and three Billboard Music Award nominations. MercyMe, It's Christmas! will debut for the 2015 Holiday Season.


Get Connected with MercyMe:
Website // www.mercyme.org
Facebook // www.facebook.com/mercyme
Twitter // www.twitter.com/mercyme
Instagram // www.instagram.com/themercyme
 

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Media Contact:
Velvet Kelm & Courtney Hyder
the media collective
velvet@themcollective.com
courtney@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com

Six-Time GRAMMY® Winner Amy Grant To Appear On OWN’S “Oprah: Where Are They Now?” This Weekend

Grant to be first woman inducted into
The Nashville Business Hall of Fame

Nashville, Tenn. (October 8, 2015) - Multi-platinum selling singer, songwriter and six-time GRAMMY® winner Amy Grant is set to be featured on the top-rated “Oprah: Where Are They Now?” airing this Saturday, October 10 at 10 p.m. EST/9 p.m. CST on the OWN Network. The crew caught up with Grant on her farm this summer to talk about her influential career, new album Be Still and Know… Hymns & Faith, family life and unique partnership with Barefoot Republic Camps – a camp for children from kindergarten through sixth grade where they are given the opportunity to go horseback riding, gain wilderness skills, mountain bike, try archery and more. The popular OWN Network show visits with the famous talk show host’s favorite guests from "The Oprah Winfrey Show."

Moved by Grant’s longtime philanthropic efforts in her hometown of Nashville, Tenn., Junior Achievement of Middle Tennessee will induct Grant into its Phoenix Club of Nashville Business Hall of Fame on October 29. Joining past recipients such as Rob McCabe of Pinnacle Financial Partners and Jack O. Bovender Jr. of the Hospital Corporation of America (HCA), Grant’s induction will mark the first time a women has received the Hall of Fame Honors.

Grant’s latest album Be Still and Know… Hymns & Faith - a 15 song collection, including two newly-recorded songs produced by husband Vince Gill - garnered a nod in the Inspirational Album of the Year category at upcoming 46th Annual GMA Dove Awards. The project also caught the attention of media such as ABC Radio, Southern Living, Country Weekly, CMT Radio and GAC.

The singer, songwriter will continue to tour stateside for the rest of 2015, including the inaugural Live at the Lake Cultural Series at the Ritz-Carlton Lodge Reynolds Plantation in Georgia and holiday treks co-billed with longtime friend Michael W. Smith. Grant will also return to the famed Ryman Auditorium this December for the popular shows with Gill. For the most up to date tour schedule, visit AmyGrant.com.


About Amy Grant:
Amy Grant's career spans more than 30 years and stretches from her roots in gospel into becoming an iconic pop star, songwriter, television personality and philanthropist. With three multi-platinum albums, six platinum albums and four gold albums, her total career album sales have exceeded 30 million. Grant’s chart success has been consistent throughout her career with six No. 1 hits, 10 Top 40 pop singles, 17 Top 40 Adult Contemporary tracks and multiple Contemporary Christian chart-toppers. In addition to her six GRAMMY® Awards, Grant has earned 26 Dove Awards (including four Artist of the Year Awards) and has been awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Conventional wisdom has it that Grant put Contemporary Christian Music on the map becoming the first Contemporary Christian artist to have a platinum record, the first to hit No. 1 on the Pop charts and the first to perform at the GRAMMY® Awards. With that, her legacy as one of the most influential artists of the past couple of decades is assured.


Get Connected with Amy Grant
Website // www.amygrant.com
Facebook // www.facebook.com/amygrant
Twitter // www.twitter.com/amygrant
 

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

Billboard Exclusively Premieres Crowder's "Lift Your Head Weary Sinner (Chains)" Music Video

Single top 5 at radio

Nashville, Tenn. (October 7, 2015) - Billboard is exclusively unveiling "Lift Your Head Weary Sinner (Chains)," the latest music video from GRAMMY® Nominee Crowder. With camera shots captured by drones, the music video features a festival atmosphere, complete with lasers, neon and banjos. Crowder also invited special guest Tedashii to take part in the filming. After the recording, guests were invited to partake in bull riding, a petting zoo and delight in food trucks.

"Getting to capture the experience of the front porch live in my new hometown with my new ATL friends was perfection," shares Crowder. "Carrying the songs from Neon Steeple and watching the way they came to life in rooms full of people night after night made it necessary to attempt a documentation of it. It's just too much a hoot and a thing I wanted as many folks as possible to partake of."

Resonating with listeners at shows, online and on radio, the single has reached the Top 5 on CHR and the Top 15 on the National Christian Audience Chart.

Crowder is set to perform at the 46th Annual GMA Dove Awards where he is nominated for a total of five awards, including the noteworthy Song of the Year category. The sold-out event will take place on October 13 at Lipscomb University. For more information on the 2015 GMA Dove Awards, visit there website, here.

Known for bringing his front porch stage across the U.S., the GRAMMY® nominee will continue touring throughout the rest of 2015, including dates on the "Adore Christmas Tour" with label mate Chris Tomlin. For the most up to date tour schedule, click here.

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. As a solo artist, Crowder has received a GRAMMY® Nomination, K-LOVE Fan Award Nods and five GMA Dove Awards Nominations. Crowder’s first solo album, Neon Steeple, debuted at No. 8 on the Billboard 200, named iTunes 2014 Christian Album of the Year and boasted a No. 1 radio hit. Featuring a duet with music legend Emmy Lou Harris, Crowder made his debut appearance on the Grand Ole Opry last year supporting the latest record. As an active member of the Passion movement founded by Louie Giglio, Crowder participates in the impactful university student gatherings in the U.S. and around the world. A published author, Crowder has also penned two books including his acclaimed release, Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven, but Nobody Wants to Die. 


About sixstepsrecords:
Founded in 2000 by Louie Giglio, sixstepsrecords is a worship label and a division of Passion Conferences. sixstepsrecords’ artists include Chris Tomlin (ADORE: Christmas Songs of Worship), Crowder (Neon Steeple), Matt Redman (Unbroken Praise), Christy Nockels (Let It Be Jesus), 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 Crowder
Website // www.crowdermusic.com
Facebook // www.facebook.com/crowdermusicofficial
Twitter // www.twitter.com/crowdermusic
Instagram // www.instagram.com/crowdermusic

 

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Media Contact
Courtney Hyder
the media collective
courtney@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com
@themcollective

In case you missed it... Catch Rend Collective's Performance on FOX & Friends

FOX & Friends: "Every Giant Will Fall (Live)"
After the Show Show: "You Will Never Run (Live)"


Rend Collective will be part of the "Love Ran Red Tour" with Chris Tomlin, launching October 8. For more information, visit: http://rendcollective.com/tour/

Get Connected With Rend Collective
Website: http://rendcollective.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/rendcollective
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rendcollective
Instagram: https://instagram.com/rendcollective/
Spotify: http://tinyurl.com/rendcollectivespotify
Apple Music: http://smarturl.it/AsFamilyWeGoAPL 
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/music/artist/Rend_Collective?id=Awch4mrsu4hi5utotmvhpytjiqq

TobyMac Named One of Nashville's 25 Most Beautiful People by Nashville Lifestyles Magazine

Six-Time GRAMMY® Winner Kicks Off Headlining
THIS IS NOT A TEST TOUR Today

About TobyMac:
With more than 11 million units in career sales and a whopping six GRAMMY® Awards, TobyMac's career continues on the fast track. THIS IS NOT A TEST (Aug. 7, 2015), the latest from the Billboard and American Music Award winner, debuted at No. 1 on the Christian Albums Chart, No. 4 on the Billboard Top 200 and No. 3 on the Digital Albums Chart. All of TobyMac’s previous releases have received RIAA Gold Certification, and thus represents a first for an artist in the history of his label, Capitol Christian Music Group. TobyMac is only the third artist ever to debut atop the Billboard 200 with a Christian music album. His live DVD, Alive & Transported, is RIAA Certified Platinum.

Stay 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

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

Rend Collective's Campfire Christmas: Volume 1 Available October 23

Rend Collective to rejoin Chris Tomlin on "Love Ran Red Tour"

Nashville, Tenn. (September 29, 2015) — Northern Irish worship band Rend Collective will bring Christmas spirit to listeners everywhere October 23 with the release of Campfire Christmas: Volume 1. The celebration band is drawing from their Irish roots and putting their own folkier spin on classics such as "O Holy Night (O Night Divine)" and "We Wish You A Merry Christmas." 

Fans can get an idea of what to expect from the album from "Joy To The World (You Are My Joy)," set to hit radio this Christmas season. Click below to check out the official music video for Rend Collective's upbeat version of the song.

Rend Collective's fifth studio album, As Family We Go, released last month, hitting No. 19 on the U.K. Albums Chart and No. 9 on U.K.’s Digital Albums Chart, making it the highest debut for a Christian album in the U.K. in almost 20 years and the highest ever Christian album debut on the U.K. Digital Albums Chart. As Family We Go also hit the No. 1 spot on the iTunes Christian albums chart in the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia and New Zealand and landed in the top ten albums overall in seven countries including the U.S., U.K. and Canada.

This October, Rend Collective will once again hit the road with Chris Tomlin for the second leg of his "Love Ran Red Tour." For additional tour information, click here.


Campfire Christmas: Volume 1
1. We Wish You A Merry Christmas
2. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (Glory In The Highest)
3. Ding Dong Merrily On High (The Celebration’s Starting)
4. Joy To The World (You Are My Joy)
5. O Come All Ye Faithful (Let Us Adore Him)
6. Shining Light
7. O Holy Night (O Night Devine)
8. Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee (Rejoice Rejoice) [feat. Urban Rescue]
9. A Joyful Reprise
10. Merry Christmas Everyone
11. For All That You Have Done
 

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About Rend Collective
Hailing from a small town off the coast of Northern Ireland, Rend Collective (Gareth Gilkeson, Chris Llewellyn, Ali Gilkeson, Patrick Thompson and Stephen Mitchell) wants to be known as a celebration band, worshiping for God’s Glory and fame. Since the release of their first album, Organic Family Hymnal, the group’s authentic and energetic style of worship has attracted an international audience, with career sales of more than 300,000 albums. The group saw early success as their first ever single “Build Your Kingdom Here,” peaked at No. 12 on the National Christian Audience Chart. Their 2014 release The Art of Celebration, charted at No. 1 on the Billboard Christian Albums Chart within the first week of its release. Known for their electric lively worship, the band has been a part of several major tours with top artists such as Chris Tomlin, MercyMe, Kari Jobe, Lecrae and more. Rend Collective is currently preparing to embark on two headlining tours in 2016. The group’s anticipated new album, As Family We Go, is available now.


Get Connected With Rend Collective
Website: http://rendcollective.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/rendcollective
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rendcollective
Instagram: https://instagram.com/rendcollective/
Spotify: http://tinyurl.com/rendcollectivespotify
Apple Music: http://smarturl.it/AsFamilyWeGoAPL 
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/music/artist/Rend_Collective?id=Awch4mrsu4hi5utotmvhpytjiqq


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

Big Idea Entertainment and Capitol Christian Distribution Announce New, Long-Term Distribution Agreement

Beginning October 1, 2015, Big Idea initiates
new pricing model for DVDs

New collectible gift sets and Christmas retail campaign
coming this fall

Nashville, TN (September 29, 2015) - Big Idea Entertainment, a division of DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc., and Capitol Christian Distribution, the market leader in Christian and Gospel music distribution, have announced a new, long term agreement. The new affiliation with Big Idea Entertainment will now make Capitol Christian Distribution the Christian market leader in both recorded music and home entertainment distribution. Included in the agreement will be the physical retail distribution rights for video products in the U.S. and Canadian Christian retail markets, as well as exclusive worldwide rights, including digital distribution, for all recorded music products. Capitol Christian Distribution will begin shipping orders and processing returns on October 1, 2015.

A total of 17 catalog DVD titles will remain with Word Distribution, including ten of Big Idea's original VeggieTales episodes, six compilations and the Pirates Who Don't Do Anything - A VeggieTales Movie. Word will continue to process orders and returns for these titles.

“For more than 20 years, Big Idea has been a consistent leader in children's and family programming,” remarked Greg Bays, Capitol Christian Distribution’s Executive Vice President. “We are proud to partner with such a long-standing, family and faith-focused organization committed to quality and integrity-filled products.” 

In conjunction with the new relationship with Capitol Christian Distribution, Big Idea also announces a new pricing model for its DVD catalog.   Beginning October 1, 2015, all single-disc DVD titles will be priced at $9.99 SRP, a reduction for many titles previously priced at $12.99 SRP and $14.99 SRP.  Additionally, three new Collectible Tins, Bible Stories, Princess Stories and Christmas Stories will be available this November. At $29.99 SRP, each collection includes 4 DVDs and other bonus content. 

Capitol Christian Distribution will kick off Veggie Tales’ annual Christmas Retail Campaign in October with a Celebrate the Joy of Christmas endcap. This promotion provides independent retailers the opportunity to create a unique Christmas shopping zone, and bring key VeggieTales products together for the holiday season. Titles featured include Merry Larry and the True Light of Christmas DVD, three Christmas Double Feature DVDs, and four Christmas-themed books from Worthy Media/Ideals.

During the first quarter of 2016, Capitol Christian Distribution will exclusively premiere the first DVD release from the Emmy Award® nominated Netflix series, VeggieTales in the House. 

“We are thrilled to partner with Capitol Christian Distribution to bring the classic VeggieTales catalog and exciting new releases to retail,” stated Greg Fritz, Big Idea’s SVP Home Entertainment. “Capitol’s position as the Christian retail market leader, expertise in sales & distribution and innovation in strategic marketing make them the perfect partner to continue to build the VeggieTales brand.” 
 

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About Big Idea Entertainment
Big Idea Entertainment, a division of DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc., is a leading studio and producer of children's and family programming, characters and brands. Since 1993, Big Idea’s best-selling animated series, VeggieTales, has sold 70 million videos, 15 million books and more than 7 million CD's. The beloved faith-based brand expanded its reach in November, 2014 with the Emmy® Award-nominated* television series, VeggieTales in the House, exclusively on Netflix. Big Idea also maintains an extensive presence in publishing, licensing and live entertainment arenas. For more information on Big Idea, visit: www.VeggieTales.com.
*Nominee: Outstanding Pre-School Children’s Animated Program


About Capitol Christian Distribution
Capitol Christian Distribution is the market leader Christian and Gospel music distribution and represents a diverse range of chart topping Christian films and books reaching the US Christian and general retail marketplace, and the international Christian marketplace. Since this distribution division was launched, Capitol Christian has had more charting titles annually on Billboard's Top Christian charts than any other Christian distributor and has been named Billboard Magazine's Top Christian Music Distributor 17 times since 1995.  In addition to distributing Capitol Christian Music Group's fully-owned labels, which include Sparrow, ForeFront and Credential imprints, as well as Motown Gospel and Worship Together, Capitol Christian Distribution has exclusive distribution agreements with Centricity Records, City on A Hill, City of Peace Records, Difference Media, Dream Records, Gaither Music Group, Green Hill Productions, Inpop, Hillsong, sixstepsrecords, Sonoma Music, Maranatha! Music, North Point Music, Spring Hill Music Group, Troubadour for the Lord, Universal Music Group, VSR Music Group, Advent Film Group, Alchemy, Anchor Bay Entertainment/Starz, Cinedigm Entertainment, City of Peace Films, Creative Trust Media, Getty Music, Goose Creek Productions, Friends Media, For Our Father Films, Foreshadow Productions, Glorious Films, Guardian Studios/Bananas, Jason Campbell Films, Jellyfish Labs, Ocean Avenue Entertainment,  Owlegories, Pure Flix Entertainment, Thinking Man Films, Vertical Praise Productions, WP Films, Whitestone Media, Zayatoonz, Worthy Publishing, Authentic Publishers and many more. Capitol Christian Distribution is a division of Capitol Christian Music Group, which is part of Universal Music's Capitol Music Group. For more information, visit capitolchristiandistribution.com

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

GRAMMY® Winner Laura Story Set To Release Debut Christmas Album, God With Us, Available October 9

Story’s book "When God Doesn’t Fix It: Lessons You Never Wanted to Learn; Truths You Can't Live Without" available now

Nashville, Tenn. (September 28, 2015) — GRAMMY® winner Laura Story is preparing to release her debut Christmas album, God With Us, available October 9. 

A mix of old, familiar classics ("Angels We Have Heard On High") and ("O Come All Ye Faithful") along with brand new originals ("Just Another Christmas"), listeners can expect to hear full, intricate songs as a 120-voice choir and a 50-piece orchestra accompany Story on several tracks. Additional collaborations on God With Us include multiple GRAMMY® Award winner Steven Curtis Chapman and Emmy Award winner Brandon Heath.

"Really excited to be releasing my first Christmas record," Story said. "This collection of songs celebrates the Word that became flesh and dwelt among us, not just two thousand years ago but here and now, walking with us through every joy and sorrow. Jesus is and forever will be 'God with us!'"

God With Us is available for pre-order now on iTunes and Amazon.

Story recently released her second book, "When God Doesn't Fix It: Lessons You Never Wanted to Learn; Truths You Can't Live Without" with Thomas Nelson, a part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc. The book is currently at No. 10 on the CBA Retailers + Resources Top 50 Best Sellers list for October. To learn more or order the book, click here.


God With Us
1. Love Is Here
2. Just Another Christmas
3. Come Thou Long Expected Jesus
4. Angels We Have Heard On High
5. O Come All Ye Faithful
6. Behold The Lamb Of God
7. O Come O Come Emmanuel
8. Emmanuel
9. Overture and I Lift My Eyes
10. Silent Night


About Laura Story:
GRAMMY® award winning artist, speaker, songwriter, author and worship leader Laura Story has a gift for penning songs that connect with people all around the world. Among her successes as a solo artist with her smash hits “Mighty To Save” and “Blessings,” Laura has also penned hit songs for other renowned artists including Chris Tomlin’s “Indescribable.” Her solo artist music debut in 2008 with Great God Who Saves led to four Dove nominations and the award for “Inspirational Album of the Year.” In 2011, Laura released her sophomore project Blessings. The album and the emotionally powerful title was inspired by her real life trials and adversities, primarily her husband Martin's diagnosis of a brain tumor. The album resonated with a huge audience and led to whirlwind career highlights for Laura, peaking at the No. 1 album spot for three consecutive weeks on Billboard’s Contemporary Christian Overall chart, topping the iTunes® Christian/Gospel Top Songs chart and holding the No. 1 spot for an impressive 28 consecutive weeks on the Christian charts. The success of the single “Blessings,” which was certified RIAA Gold, includes the GRAMMY® Award for Best Contemporary Christian Song, the Billboard Music Award for Top Christian Song and the Dove Awards for Song of the Year, Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year, Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year and Songwriter of the Year. The song inspired Laura's first book, “What If Your Blessings Come Through Raindrops?” in 2012. Her latest project - God Of Every Story - released in 2013 to much acclaim, and her first ever Christmas project God With Us, is set to release in October. Laura is a worship leader at Perimeter Church outside of Atlanta, GA and lives with her husband Martin and three children.


Get Connected with Laura Story:
Website // www.laurastorymusic.com
Facebook // www.facebook.com/laurastory
Twitter // www.twitter.com/LauraStoryMusic
Instagram // www.instagram.com/laurastorymusic
 

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Media Contact:
Kirsten Grenier
the media collective
kirsten@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com

Sanctus Real To Present Best Of Sanctus Real on October 9, 2015 as “Farewell To A Friend” Tour Kicks Off

New single "Longer Than A Lifetime" impacting radio now

Nashville, Tenn. (September 22, 2015) – Sanctus Real will unveil Best Of Sanctus Real, their last project with lead singer Matt Hammitt, on October 9, 2015. Featuring 14 of the band’s top hits over their 20-year career, the compilation also includes the newly released single "Longer Than A Lifetime." Delivering a total of seven studio albums with Sparrow Records, Sanctus Real has acquired eight No. 1 singles on multiple Christian radio formats, toured the globe alongside names such as TobyMac, MercyMe, NEEDTOBREATHE and more, while garnering two GRAMMY® nominations and a Dove Award win. In conjunction with their Best Of Sanctus Real release, the GRAMMY® nominated band will embark on a “Farewell To A Friend” tour this fall, kicking off October 7 in Iowa Falls, Iowa (see full tour routing here).

“Longer Than A Lifetime" went for adds to Hot AC and AC stations nationwide on August 28. To hear more about the new single from Sanctus Real, click here. 

Earlier this summer lead singer Matt Hammitt announced his plans to depart from Sanctus Real following the fall tour. He will continue to write and perform music, but will spend more time with his family. Hammitt will also work alongside his wife, Sarah, in marriage and family ministry through their “Lead Me Live” weekend events and 501c3 non-profit, Whole Hearts Foundation. Hammitt will continue to share his ongoing spiritual and personal journey through his weekly audio program, “The Lead Me Lifecast”. 

"We have a passion to use the platform of Sanctus Real to write new music that will continue to influence not just the church world, but reach well beyond anything we could imagine and offer hope to the lost and weary wherever they are," explains Sanctus Real's Chris Rohman. A full statement about what is next on the horizon for Sanctus Real can be read here.


Best Of Sanctus Real (track listing)
1. Forgiven
2. Promises
3. Lead Me
4. Longer Than A Lifetime
5. I’m Not Alright
6. Lay It Down
7. Pray (Radio Version)
8. Whatever You’re Doing (Something Heavenly)
9. On Fire
10. The Face Of Love
11. The Redeemer (Radio Version)
12. We Need Each Other
13. Don’t Give Up
14. Everything About You
15. Say It Loud


“Farewell To A Friend” Tour:
*All tour dates subject to change, please visit sanctusreal.com/tour for the latest information.
Oct. 7 Iowa Falls, IA
Oct. 8 Fairfield, IA
Oct. 9 Norfolk, NE
Oct. 10 Genoa, IL
Oct. 11 Perrysburg, OH
Oct. 15 Springfield, IL
Oct. 16 Paragould, AR
Oct. 17 Huntsville, TX
Oct. 18 San Angelo, TX
Oct. 19 Pinewood, LA
Nov. 5 Canton, OH
Nov. 6 Springfield, OH
Nov. 8 Archbold, OH
Nov. 13 Carthage, NC
Nov. 14 Lenoir, NC


About Sanctus Real:
Forming in 1996, Ohio-based Sanctus Real has seen major success over their 20-year career span, earning two GRAMMY® Award Nominations, a GMA Dove Award and six GMA Dove Nominations. With a total of seven studio albums released with Sparrow Records, Sanctus Real has accumulated eight No. 1 and eight top five singles on multiple Christian radio formats. They have toured with established artists including Third Day, Steven Curtis Chapman, Skillet, Newsboys and Tenth Avenue North. Starting this fall, Sanctus Real will complete their “Farewell To A Friend” Tour, alongside the release of their Best Of Sanctus Real album this October.


Get Connected to Sanctus Real
Website // www.sanctusreal.com
Facebook // www.facebook.com/sanctusrealmusic
Twitter // www.twitter.com/sanctusreal
Instagram // www.instagram.com/sanctusreal

 

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Media Contact
Velvet Kelm & Courtney Hyder
the media collective
velvet@themcollective.com
courtney@themcollective.com
615.591.7989
www.theMcollective.com

Colton Dixon's "Standout" Dual EPs Calm And Storm Receive Critics' Applause As Calm Tops iTunes Christian Albums Chart

Billboard.com exclusively premieres videos for
"Limitless (Acoustic)" and “Echo (Neon Feather Remix)”

Nashville, Tenn. (September 17, 2015) — Colton Dixon's dual EPs Calm and Storm released last Friday, catapulting Dixon to the top of the iTunes Christian Albums Chart as Calm took the No. 1 spot. Storm was close behind, landing in the chart's top six albums. The two EPs also combined to create The Calm Before The Storm, available in physical format only.

Critics are applauding Dixon's latest effort, saying The Calm Before The Storm is "a standout," noting "the EPs have it all."

Here's more of what critics are saying:

"Together, the collection is a smart collision that provides a soundtrack to fit any mood of the day." 
- CCM Magazine

"[Dixon] has reimagined his songs in a way fans will enjoy perhaps even more than the originals"
-Breathecast

"If you can’t get enough of Colton Dixon’s Anchor, this new remix album is an answer to prayer."
-Rhapsody

"This project is a pleasant treat for Colton fans, and worth a spin for just about everyone else."
- Jesusfreakhideout.com

"[Calm's] warm acoustics and Dixon's passionate vocal soars are reasons enough for fans to shout about."
- Hallels


Today, Billboard.com exclusively premiered the official videos for "Limitless (Acoustic)" fromCalm and “Echo (Neon Feather Remix)” from Storm.

Last week, Dixon got engaged to his girlfriend Annie Coggeshall at Disney World, and this October, he will hit the road with TobyMac and Britt Nicole for the ***THIS IS NOT A TEST***  tour. To stay in the loop with Dixon and to learn more about the tour, click here.


Calm
1.   Limitless (Acoustic)
2.   Never Gone (Acoustic)
3.   You Are (Acoustic) (Feat. Schyler Dixon)
4.   Through All of It (Acoustic)
5.   Where I End (Studio Version)


Storm
1.   More Of You (PRO_FITT REMIX)
2.   Back To Life (BLRZ Remix) 
3.   Echo (Neon Feather Remix)
4.   Dare To Believe (JSapp Remix)
5.   Anchor (BLRZ Remix)


About Colton Dixon
Colton Dixon quickly became a household name in 2012 when he made it to the top seven on Season 11 of Fox's hit show American Idol, and his career has been on the fast track ever since. Dixon's 2013 debut, A Messenger, set the record for biggest first-week sales by a new solo Christian act, becoming the No. 1 selling album by a new Christian artist and the No. 9 best-selling album of 2013 in the Christian genre overall. In just a few short years, Dixon has already played live for more than 1 million fans, performing at festivals like Winter Jam and touring with acts such as Third Day, TobyMac and Casting Crowns. Colton Dixon has also been named the latest Steinway artist, following in the footsteps of legendary artists such as Harry Connick, Jr., Diana Krall and Billy Joel. Dixon's sophomore effort ANCHOR, released last fall and includes the most played Hot AC single of 2014, “More Of You," which spent three weeks at No. 1, as well as "Through All of It," his fourth consecutive No. 1 at Hot AC Radio. In 2013, Dixon won a Dove Award for Best Rock/Contemporary Album Of The Year, along with two additional nominations. This year, ANCHOR is nominated for a Dove Award for Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year. Dixon also received back-to-back K-LOVE Fan Award nominations for Male Artist of the Year in 2014 and 2015. Dixon’s dual EPs Calm and Storm are available now.


Get Connected with Colton Dixon
Twitter: https://twitter.com/coltondixon 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coltondixonmusic?fref=ts 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ColtonDixonMusicVEVO
Instagram: https://instagram.com/coltondixonmusic/


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

Big Daddy Weave's Highly-Anticipated Seventh Studio Album Beautiful Offerings Releases Tomorrow, September 18, 2015

Big Daddy Weave's "My Story Tour" kicks off today in Quincy, Ill.

Nashville, Tenn. (September 17, 2015) — Big Daddy Weave's seventh studio album Beautiful Offerings is available tomorrow, September 18, 2015, and is already receiving incredible acclaim. Critics are saying Beautiful Offerings "demonstrates once again the passion and energy that have made Big Daddy Weave one of Christian music's most compelling acts," (NewReleaseToday.com), saying it is packed with "rich, melodic hooks with thought-provoking and worshipful writing" (CCM Magazine).

Here's more of what critics are saying about Beautiful Offerings:

"This new album demonstrates once again the passion and energy that have made Big Daddy Weave one of Christian music's most compelling acts. True to form, this new project Beautiful Offerings reflects real life and emotion, from longing and struggle to breakthrough and gratitude, with front man Mike Weaver's forthright songwriting and intimate and unmistakable vocals backed by powerful arrangements and stellar musicianship. It derives its power from the fact that life and music intertwine so fully."  
     – NewReleaseToday

"Big Daddy Weave continues to deliver new and creative arrangements, powerful lyrics and compelling vocals with Beautiful Offerings. The musical diversity and truth-filled, life inspiring messages make this album one you must add to your CCM collection."
     – The Christian Beat

"They have done it yet again with their new album, inviting listeners to share in the redemptive work and story of God so that together we can be a beautiful offering for Him."
     – Moody

"Beautiful Offerings is only eclipsed by the amazing and inspiring character of the men that make up Big Daddy Weave...Beautiful Offerings will be impacting radio and retail for years to come."
     – Soul2Soul Radio  

"Beautiful Offerings marks a bright new season inspired by the biblical idea that 'in Christ we can do all things.' The songs here -- and the entire theme -- are about believing what God says about us and moving forward in faith. Don’t miss the anthemic 'My Story,' co-written with Jason Ingram, which beautifully sums up who this band is and just what they believe."
     – Rhapsody

"Listening to Big Daddy Weave's new album Beautiful Offerings is like going to worship service on Sundays - you feel refreshed and uplifted as you glorify God with these intense Jesus lovers who embrace how God is working through their music.”
     – HearItFirst.com


To hear Big Daddy Weave talk more about the heart behind Beautiful Offerings, check out these features with Moody Radio and Worship Leader. Watch for a feature with 100 Huntley Street to air tomorrow on Global TV and YES TV, also available on 100huntley.com.

Click here to preorder the album.

Big Daddy Weave's "My Story Tour" kicks off today in Quincy, Ill. The tour will make 27 stops across the U.S. and will feature special guests Jason Gray and Citizen Way. For tickets and updated tour information, click here.


Beautiful Offerings
1. Beautiful Offering
2. My Story
3. I Belong To God
4. Come Sit Down
5. The Lion and the Lamb
6. Heaven Is Here
7. It's Already Done
8. I Will Go
9. Praise You
10. Glory Unspeakable
11. You're Gonna Love Him

Beautiful Offerings (Deluxe Edition)
12. Welcome
13. When You Love Somebody
14. Jesus I Believe
15. Good Good Father


About Big Daddy Weave
Big Daddy Weave is one of the top artists in Christian music: they are one of the genre's biggest headlining artists, the second most played artist at Christian AC-Monitored radio in 2014 and the recipient of multiple industry awards and nominations, including: Dove Awards, K-LOVE Fan Awards, Billboard Music Awards and ASCAP Awards. With a brand-new studio album, entitled Beautiful Offerings, coming September 18, 2015, the band’s latest and career best-selling album, Love Come To Life, celebrated four consecutive No. 1 singles along with recent news that “Redeemed” has been certified gold by the RIAA. Big Daddy Weave has career album sales of more than one million units. Formed in 2002, Big Daddy Weave is: Mike Weaver, Jay Weaver, Jeremy Redmon, Joe Shirk and Brian Beihl. More information can be found online at www.bigdaddyweave.com.


Get Connected With Big Daddy Weave
Website: www.bigdaddyweave.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bigdaddyweave
Twitter: www.twitter.com/bdwmusic
Instagram: www.instagram.com/bdwmusic
 

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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

WOW Hits 2016 Deluxe Edition Includes 36 Christian Artists & Hit Songs; Available for Digital Pre-Order Now; In Stores September 25th

(Nashville, Tenn.) September 16, 2015 – Capitol Christian Music Group, Provident Music Group and Word Entertainment announce the September 25th release of WOW Hits 2016 Deluxe Edition. WOW Hits 2016 Deluxe Edition is available now to pre-order at all major digital download stores and in-store at LifeWay Christian Stores. With 19 No. 1's plus nine more top five songs, WOW Hits 2016 Deluxe Edition marks the 21st two-disc release of the platinum-selling series that compiles the best songs from Christian radio at an incredible value for the consumer. The entire WOW branded series (Hits, Worship, Gospel, and specialty releases) tops 30 MILLION units in sales.

With songs about God’s love for us, trusting God to carry us through the difficult times and being a light to the world, WOW Hits 2016 Deluxe Edition is 2 CD's filled with 36 uplifting hit songs from today’s top Christian artists; including Francesca Battistelli’s “He Knows My Name,” Jeremy Camp’s “He Knows,” Lauren Daigle’s “How Can It Be,” for KING & COUNTRY’s “Shoulders,” Matt Maher’s “Because He Lives (Amen)” and Third Day’s “Soul On Fire (feat. All Sons & Daughters).”

WOW Hits 2016 Deluxe Edition has six more hit songs than the standard edition. Both versions of WOW Hits 2016 also feature three bonus tracks from up and coming radio artists, making the deluxe edition a jam-packed collection of 39 songs!

Since announcing the track listing on Spotify and Facebook in July, fans have been eagerly anticipating the release of WOW Hits 2016 Deluxe Edition.

Marketing efforts include prime retail positioning throughout the holiday season at Christian, mainstream and digital retail outlets, radio promotions, and a strong online presence with ad buys at Christian music sites, Facebook, YouTube and Google. WOW Hits 2016 will be a major traffic driver for retail during the crucial Christmas shopping season.

WOW Hits 2016 Track Listing:

DISC ONE

1. "Greater" MercyMe
2. "Soul On Fire" Third Day (feat. All Sons & Daughters)
3. "He Knows" Jeremy Camp
4. "Broken Together" Casting Crowns
5. "He Knows My Name" Francesca Battistelli
6. "Overwhelmed" Big Daddy Weave
7. "Jesus Loves Me" Chris Tomlin
8. "Save My Life" Sidewalk Prophets
9. "Even So Come" Passion (feat. Kristian Stanfill)
10. "Because He Lives (Amen)" Matt Maher
11. "I Am Not Alone (Radio Version)" Kari Jobe
12. "Day One" Matthew West
13. "Something Beautiful" Steven Curtis Chapman
14. "Press On" Mandisa
15. "Stars In The Night" Tenth Avenue North

BONUS

1. "You Are Loved" Stars Go Dim
2. "From The Day" I Am They

ONLY ON THE DELUXE EDITION

1. "No Turning Back" Brandon Heath (feat. All Sons & Daughters)
2. "Brave" Moriah Peters
3. "How Sweet The Sound" Citizen Way

  DISC TWO

1. "Shoulders" for KING & COUNTRY
2. "Brother" NEEDTOBREATHE
3. "Touch the Sky" Hillsong United
4. "How Can It Be" Lauren Daigle
5. "Drops in the Ocean" Hawk Nelson
6. "Beyond Me" TobyMac
7. "Do Life Big" Jamie Grace
8. "Come As You Are" Crowder
9. "Lord I’m Ready Now" Plumb
10. "Impossible" Building 429
11. "Through All Of It" Colton Dixon
12. "Start A Fire" Unspoken
13. "Who I Am" Blanca
14. "You Will Never Run" Rend Collective
15. "King Of My Heart" Love & The Outcome

BONUS

1. "I’ll Keep On" NF (feat. Jeremiah Carlson)

ONLY ON THE DELUXE EDITION

1. "Let It Be Love" Family Force 5
2. "This Is Living" Hillsong Young & Free (feat. Lecrae)
3. "Making Me New" Royal Tailor 

About WOW:
Established in 1995 with collaboration between Capitol Christian Music Group, Provident Music Group and Word Entertainment, the three largest Christian music and entertainment companies; WOW releases multiple compilation albums each year, including WOW Hits, WOW Gospel, WOW Worship and WOW Christmas. The marketing and distribution of WOW is shared among the three companies.  The entire WOW branded series (Hits, Worship, Gospel, Christmas, and specialty releases) tops 30 MILLION units in sales. VisitWOWilovechristianmusic.com for a full product line up.  

WOW Hits 2016 is marketed and distributed by Capitol Christian Music Group.
 
 

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Media Contact:
Velvet Kelm, Courtney Hyder and Kirsten Grenier
the media collective
velvet@themcollective.com, courtney@themcollective.com & kirsten@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com
@themcollective

Full Circle Music Joins "Group of the Year" Winners High Valley at Canadian Country Music Awards

RFDTV Visits Nashville-Based Studio

Nashville, Tenn. (Sept. 14, 2015)... Full Circle Music joined Canadian Country Music Award (CCMA) winning High Valley for the 2015 CCMA Awards held in Halifax, Nova Scotia on Sept. 13, 2015. High Valley was among the big winners of the night, taking home the trophy for "Group or Duo of the Year." Full Circle's Seth Mosley produced and wrote on High Valley's County Line, also up for album of the year. Other artists taking part in the show broadcasted across Canada on CMT (Canada) and CBC-TV were Florida Georgia Line and Thomas Rhett.

RFDTV recently stopped by Full Circle Music's Studio to learn more about the origin of the music group and what it is like to work with everyone from Ricky Skaggs and Newsboys to High Valley. To watch the story, click here.

About Full Circle Music:
Under the leadership of GRAMMY®-winning producer and songwriter Seth Mosley (SESAC Writer of the Year 2014, Billboard No. 1 Producer 2013), Full Circle Music is comprised of a team of producers, engineers, songwriters, editors, studios and creators that work with both signed and independent artists. With 20 No. 1 singles and credits including Mat Kearney, MercyMe, TobyMac, Jon Foreman (Switchfoot), Sidewalk Prophets, Newsboys and country acts like High Valley, Ricky Skaggs and more, the Full Circle Music team offers a wealth of combined experience from multiple genres including pop, Christian and country.  

Get Connected with Full Circle Music:
Website: fullcirclemusic.org
Facebook: facebook.com/fullcirclemusicproduction
Twitter: twitter.com/fullcirclemusic
Instagram: instagram.com/fullcirclemusicco
 

# # #

Media Contact:
Velvet Kelm, Courtney Hyder and Kirsten Grenier
the media collective
velvet@themcollective.com, courtney@themcollective.com & kirsten@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com
@themcollective

Colton Dixon Gets Engaged At Disney World! Disney Officially Blogs as PEOPLE Magazine, OK!, BRIDES and More Pick Up on the Good News

Dixon's Dual EPs Calm and Storm Available Now as Calm Tops iTunes Christian Chart

Nashville, Tenn. (September 14, 2015) — Colton Dixon got engaged to his girlfriend Annie Coggeshall last Friday afternoon at Magic Kingdom park, just a few hours before performing at Disney's annual Night of Joy. DisneyParks official blog was there to cover the engagement, and word traveled fast as PEOPLE, BRIDES, OK!, and more picked up on the news.

Dixon gave Disney this exclusive quote: 

“I can’t believe I’m already at this stage of life. I’ve seen friends and family make this step, and it’s always seemed so far away, but here we are. After mulling over how and where to propose, I could think of no better place than Walt Disney World. I’ve known that Annie was the one for me for a long time, but God’s timing is always perfect. Listening to Him and being intentional in our time together and apart as we grew as people was so important. Thank you to all of my friends and family who cheered me on during this time! There it is guys and gals. I’m getting married!!!!!!!”

Dixon was in Orlando to perform at Disney's Night Of Joy, and he announced the engagement from stage Friday night. Dixon and Coggeshall met through a mutual friend at a concert in L.A. and have been together for almost three years.

PHOTOS Copyright: The Walt Disney Company

Friday also marked the release of Dixon's Dual EPs Calm and Storm, which already put Dixon at the top of the iTunes Christian albums chart. Click below to watch the lyric video for "Where I End," a brand new track.

About Colton Dixon
Colton Dixon quickly became a household name in 2012 when he made it to the top seven on Season 11 of Fox's hit show American Idol, and his career has been on the fast track ever since. Dixon's 2013 debut, A Messenger, set the record for biggest first-week sales by a new solo Christian act, becoming the No. 1 selling album by a new Christian artist and the No. 9 best-selling album of 2013 in the Christian genre overall. In just a few short years, Dixon has already played live for more than 1 million fans, performing at festivals like Winter Jam and touring with acts such as Third Day, TobyMac and Casting Crowns. Colton Dixon has also been named the latest Steinway artist, following in the footsteps of legendary artists such as Harry Connick, Jr., Diana Krall and Billy Joel. Dixon's sophomore effort ANCHOR, released last fall and includes the most played Hot AC single of 2014, “More Of You," which spent three weeks at No. 1, as well as "Through All of It," his fourth consecutive No. 1 at Hot AC Radio. In 2013, Dixon won a Dove Award for Best Rock/Contemporary Album Of The Year, along with two additional nominations. This year, ANCHOR is nominated for a Dove Award for Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year. Dixon also received back-to-back K-LOVE Fan Award nominations for Male Artist of the Year in 2014 and 2015. Dixon’s dual EPs Calm and Storm are available now.


Get Connected with Colton Dixon
Twitter: https://twitter.com/coltondixon 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coltondixonmusic?fref=ts 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ColtonDixonMusicVEVO
Instagram: https://instagram.com/coltondixonmusic/


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

Big Daddy Weave Announces "My Story Tour" Set To Kick Off September 17

Big Daddy Weave's highly-anticipated studio album
Beautiful Offerings to debut September 18

Album’s first radio single, “My Story,” already Top 20 at NCA and AC-Monitored

Nashville, Tenn. (September 9, 2015) — Big Daddy Weave, one of Christian music's biggest headlining artists, is hitting the road once again for their "My Story Tour," set to kick off September 17, 2015 in Quincy, Ill. Featuring Jason Gray and Citizen Way, the tour will run through November 22, 2015, hitting 27 cities across the U.S. 

The tour is launching in conjunction with the September 18, 2015 release of Beautiful Offerings, Big Daddy Weave's highly-anticipated seventh studio album, available for pre-order now. The album’s first single, "My Story," sparked the title for the tour and has resonated with listeners everywhere, breaking into the top 20 on both the Hot Christian Songs and Christian AC charts.

"We are really excited to play the songs from our new album Beautiful Offerings," lead singer Mike Weaver said. "We’ve only experienced them in the studio, but songs take on a different life when you play them live. I'm really eager to discover them in that way and see what God has in store each night of the tour. The songs from this album are about the journey we’ve been on since the last record, learning to live in being redeemed and having our lives be beautiful offerings to the Lord. We’re excited about sharing that journey with everybody and sharing the stage with our good friends Jason Gray and Citizen Way."

Leading up to the tour, Big Daddy Weave will be part of the Christian Music Broadcaster's Momentum Night Of Worship, tonight, September 9, 2015, as well as Disney's Night Of Joy, Friday, September 11, 2015.

Click here to watch the official music video for "My Story," which debuted exclusively on The Overflow Friday, August 28, 2015.

Beautiful Offerings follows the band's best-selling album to date, Love Come To Life, which brought four consecutive No. 1 singles, including "Overwhelmed," which recently earned a Dove Award nomination for Song of the Year. The 46th Annual Dove Awards will take place Tuesday, October 13, 2015 at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tenn.


Big Daddy Weave’s My Story Tour
Sep 17 – Quincy, IL (Oakley Lindsay Center)
Sep 18 – Marion, IL (Marion Cultural & Civic Center)
Sep 19 – Marion, IL (Marion Cultural & Civic Center)
Sep 20 – Moberly, MO (Big Moberly Area Community College)
Sep 25 – Nashville, TN (Gaylord Opryland Hotel)
Oct 01 – Lexington, NC (Lexington NC Civic Center)
Oct 02 – Fort Mill, SC (Riverplace Studio)
Oct 03 – Elon College, NC (Alamance High School)
Oct 04 – Greenville, SC (North Greenville University)
Oct 06 – Poplar Bluff, MO (Black River Coliseum)
Oct 07 – Shreveport, LA (Red River Revel Music Festival)
Oct 10 – Supply, NC (Brunswick Community College)
Oct 11 – Christiansburg, VA (Christiansburg High School)
Oct 22 – Toledo, OH (Emmanuel Baptist Church)
Oct 23 – Bardstown, KY (Nelson County High School)
Oct 24 – Morehead, KY (Button Auditorium @ Morehead State University)
Oct 25 – Lima, OH (Memorial Civic and Convention Center of Lima)
Oct 30 – Pensacola, FL (Pensacola Bayfront Stadium)
Oct 31 – Citronelle, AL (Citronelle High School Football Stadium)
Nov 01 – Sulphur Springs, TX (City of Sulphur Springs Downtown Celebration Plaza)
Nov 11 – Toms River, NJ (The Church of Grace and Peace)
Nov 12 – Bethel, CT (Walnut Hill Community Church)
Nov 13 – Somerset, MA (Grace Gospel Church)
Nov 14 – Waterville, ME (Centerpoint Church)
Nov 16 – Westfield, MA (Westfield Evangelical Free Church)
Nov 17 – Manchester, NH (Manchester Christian Church)
Nov 18 – Montgomery, NY (Goodwill Church)
Nov 20 – Northfield, IL (Christian Heritage Academy)
Nov 22 – Greeneville, TN (Niswonger Performing Arts Center)

About Big Daddy Weave
Big Daddy Weave is one of the top artists in Christian music: they are one of the genre's biggest headlining artists, the second most played artist at Christian AC-Monitored radio in 2014 and the recipient of multiple industry awards and nominations, including: Dove Awards, K-LOVE Fan Awards, Billboard Music Awards and ASCAP Awards. With a brand-new studio album, entitled Beautiful Offerings, coming September 18, 2015, the band’s latest and career best-selling album, Love Come To Life, celebrated four consecutive No. 1 singles along with recent news that “Redeemed” has been certified gold by the RIAA. Big Daddy Weave has career album sales of more than one million units. Formed in 2002, Big Daddy Weave is: Mike Weaver, Jay Weaver, Jeremy Redmon, Joe Shirk and Brian Beihl. More information can be found online at www.bigdaddyweave.com.


Get Connected With Big Daddy Weave
Website: www.bigdaddyweave.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bigdaddyweave
Twitter: www.twitter.com/bdwmusic
Instagram: www.instagram.com/bdwmusic
 

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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

Matt Hammitt And Family Celebrate Milestone Fifth Birthday Of Son Bowen

The Hammitt Family's Whole Hearts Foundation continues work in serving children battling life-threatening heart conditions

Nashville, Tenn. (Sept. 9, 2015) - Matt Hammitt, frontman for the GRAMMY® nominated band Sanctus Real, and his family are celebrating the fifth birthday of their son Bowen, a survivor of the critical and rare heart disease Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS). This milestone in Bowen’s life comes with great joy, as the Hammitts were told before his birth that thirty percent of children diagnosed with HLHS don't reach their fifth birthday. Bowen is headed to Walt Disney World to mark the big occasion, where the Hammitts' foundation, Whole Hearts, will be a sponsor of the Christian Music Broadcasters Convention. To view a message from the Hammitt family commemorating this very special day, click here. 

"It seems like just yesterday when Bowen was born, when so many friends and strangers opened up their hearts to our son," shares Hammitt.  "We are eternally grateful, not only for this milestone birthday, but also for every person and prayer that uplifted our family through a very difficult season. And now through Whole Hearts Foundation, we are blessed to pass on that same love and support to other families in need."

Hammitt and his wife share more about Bowen’s journey in a recent and deeply personal episode of "The Lead Me Lifecast” (click here to listen). The podcast is a series of personal and spiritual journals, along with vulnerable conversations about topics related to faith, family, marriage and manhood, produced and hosted by Hammitt.  

Upon diagnosis in 2010, hundreds of media outlets and radio stations nationwide joined the Hammitts in praying for their infant son's condition. With grateful hearts, the Hammitts launched the Whole Hearts Foundation to meet the practical, financial, emotional and spiritual needs of families with children suffering from congenital heart disease.  

Stay Connected with Matt Hammitt and The Whole Hearts Foundation:
Matt Hammitt Website // http://matthammittmusic.com/
Whole Hearts Foundation Website // http://wholehearts.org/
Twitter // https://twitter.com/matthammitt
Instagram // https://instagram.com/matthammitt/
Facebook // https://www.facebook.com/MattHammitt 
 

# # #

Media Contact:
Velvet Kelm & Courtney Hyder
the media collective
velvet@themcollective.com
courtney@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989

Multi-Platinum Selling Singer Michael W. Smith Announces Return of Nationwide Christmas Tour with Amy Grant in Select Markets

Three-time GRAMMY® winner serves as main composer in anticipated 90 MINUTES IN HEAVEN feature film

Nashville, Tenn. (Sept. 8, 2015) – Selling more than 15 million albums, Michael W. Smith will once again bring holiday cheer to arenas, coliseums and theaters to more than a dozen markets this holiday season through his nationwide Christmas tour. Smith’s long-time friend and fellow GRAMMY® winner Amy Grant will co-bill with him in select cities including Houston, Dallas, Minneapolis, Sioux Falls, St. Louis, Atlanta, Greensboro and Fairfax. The evening will feature favorites from Smith’s latest Christmas release Michael W. Smith & Friends: The Spirit of Christmas, which includes an all-star lineup of guests – Vince Gill, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Amy Grant, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Nettles, Bono and Michael McDonald.  The holiday album scored a nomination for "Christmas Album of the Year" at the upcoming 46th Annual Dove Awards. Smith also earned a nod with "Christ Be All Around Me" for"Inspirational Song of the Year." For a full list of tour dates and ticket information, visit michaelwsmith.com/tour.
 
The Christmas tour will come on the heels of a busy fall for Smith with tour commitments across the United States, Brazil, Korea, The Ukraine and Japan. The acclaimed singer, songwriter and musician is currently promoting his role in 90 MINUTES IN HEAVEN.Alongside his son Tyler, Smith created the score for the motion picture. Based on Don Piper’s New York Times bestseller (7 million books sold--now also available in a movie edition), 90 MINUTES IN HEAVEN, Giving Films’ first project, is the amazing and true story of Piper’s death in an auto accident, his experience of heaven and his return to severe physical, emotional and spiritual recovery. Smith joined fellow actors Hayden Christensen (STAR WARS, JUMPER), Kate Bosworth (BLUE CRUSH, SUPERMAN RETURNS), E! News host Jason Kennedy and other cast members along with the real Piper family - Don, Eva, Nicole, Chris and Joe - at the film’s world premiere at the historic FOX Theatre in Atlanta on Sept. 1. Directed by the famed Michael Polish and distributed by Samuel Goldwyn Films, 90 MINUTES IN HEAVEN will open in theaters on Sept. 11.

From Left to Right: Smith, Kate Bosworth, Michael Polish; Smith and Bosworth; Hayden Christensen, Smith, Tyler Smith
Photo Credits Lovell-Fairchild

About Michael W. Smith: 
Michael W. Smith is an acclaimed singer, songwriter and musician who has sold more than 15 million albums, achieved 32 No. 1 songs, earned three GRAMMY® Awards, one American Music Award and more than 40 Dove Awards. 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. In 2014, Smith released both Hymns, his first-ever classic album featuring church favorites available exclusively at all Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® locations and CrackerBarrel.com, and 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, released during the fall of 2014 and received critical acclaim from The New York Times, USA Today and more. Featuring Vince Gill, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Amy Grant, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Nettles, Bono and Michael McDonald, the project was one of the top-selling Christmas albums of the season. Smith is an active supporter of Rocketown, the Nashville-based center for at-risk teens, Compassion International and Samaritan’s Purse, the ministry headed by Franklin Graham. For more information, visitwww.michaelwsmith.com.

Christmas Tour 2015: 
* All tour dates subject to change, please visit michaelwsmith.com/tour for the latest information.
Nov. 27     Brentwood Baptist Church - Nashville, TN
Dec. 04     Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center (SKyPAC) - Bowling Green, KY
Dec. 05    Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion - Houston, TX (co-bill with Amy Grant)
Dec. 06     American Airlines Center - Dallas, TX (co-bill with Amy Grant)
Dec. 08     Resurrection Life Church - Grandville, MI
Dec. 09     Fox Theatre - Detroit, MI
Dec. 11      Scott Trade Center - St. Louis, MO
Dec. 12     Target Center - Minneapolis, MN (co-bill with Amy Grant)
Dec. 13     Denny Sanford Premier Center - Sioux Falls, SD (co-bill with Amy Grant)
Dec. 15     Cincinnati Music Hall - Cincinnati, OH
Dec. 16     Bell Shoals Baptist Church (Brandon, FL) - Tampa, FL
Dec. 18     Gwinnett Center - Atlanta, GA (co-bill with Amy Grant)
Dec. 19     Greensboro Coliseum - Greensboro, NC (co-bill with Amy Grant)
Dec. 20     Patriot Center - Fairfax, VA (co-bill with Amy Grant)

Stay Connected with Michael W. Smith:
Website // www.michaelwsmith.com
Facebook // www.facebook.com/michaelwsmithofficial
Twitter // www.twitter.com/michaelwsmith
Instagram // www.instagram.com/mwsmithofficial

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Media Contact
Velvet Kelm & Courtney Hyder
the media collective
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The Afters Release New Single "Live On Forever," Already Playing On 40 Stations Across AC and CHR Formats

The Afters prepare to release upcoming studio album, 
debuting February 12, 2016

Nashville, Tenn. (September 3, 2015) — Dove Award-winning band, The Afters, have released a brand new single, "Live On Forever," which is already being played at 40 radio stations across AC and CHR formats. The single, written about Heaven, is the first from their forthcoming fifth studio album, set to release February 12, 2016.

"When we started writing this song, we were having a discussion about Heaven, and over the last year we’ve lost some really close friends and family members," said lead singer Josh Havens. “Losing the people that you love is one of the most painful things of this life, but this life is not the end, and we were made for so much more than just this world. In Revelation 21:4, it describes Heaven as a place where there is no more death, no more sorrow, no more pain, no more crying. It says these things are gone forever, and that’s the hope that we hold on to - the hope of everlasting life with Jesus, and that’s the hope that this song is about."

"Live On Forever" is now available through iTunes, Amazon and Spotify.

Fans can hear the single live this October as The Afters head out on the "Time Of My Life Tour" alongside Chris August, Unspoken and Among the Thirsty. For additional tour information,click here.


About The Afters
Texas-based, four-piece band The Afters were propelled into the national spotlight with their INO/Sony Music Label Group debut I Wish We All Could Win. The project spawned the swirling, melodic hit “Beautiful Love,” earning the band an enthusiastic following when the song was selected as the theme track for MTV’s “8th and Ocean.” “Beautiful Love” was also the most downloaded track of 2006 on the iTunes ® Inspirational charts and garnered the band an mtvU award. The Afters’ sophomore release Never Going Back To OK (INO/Columbia Records) debuted in the Top 50 on the Billboard Top 200, and proved to be a sensation on the silver screen with “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC), “Dr. Phil,” “Army Wives” (Lifetime) and “Rachael Ray.” The band’s third record Light Up the Sky bolstered two No. 1 radio hits, as well as placements on “The Biggest Loser” (NBC) and “You Deserve It” (ABC). A slew of media including Rolling Stone, Seventeen.com, E! News Live, TV Guide, Premiere Radio and more also picked up on covering The Afters. The band released its fourth studio album, Life Is Beautiful in April 2013 via Fair Trade and is currently in the studio recording their fifth studio album, set to debut in February, 2016.


Get Connected With The Afters:
Website // www.theafters.com
Facebook // www.facebook.com/theafters
Twitter // www.twitter.com/theafters
Instagram // www.instagram.com/theaftersofficial

 

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Media Contact:
Kirsten Grenier
kirsten@themcollective.com
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@themcollective

Skillet Garners Third RIAA Certified Platinum Single As "Awake & Alive" Sells Over One Million Digital Copies

Band Begins Recording 2016 release amidst Headlining Western leg of the Winter Jam Tour Spectacular

Nashville, TN (Sept. 2, 2015) ….  Multi-platinum and GRAMMY®-nominated rockers Skillet recently garnered yet another hit as their No. 1 Active Rock single “Awake & Alive” has received RIAA Platinum certification having sold over one million digital copies. The Billboard Music Award winners have sold over 11 million albums and singles in the U.S. alone.

As the band begins recording their 2016 release in LA this fall they will also headline the Western leg of the Winter Jam Tour Spectacular, one of the largest annual tours in the world. Skillet also headlined the winter/spring leg of the tour while it made history earlier this year with more than 600,000 people at a total of 47 shows across the country, the tour will conclude an unprecedented year with stops in nine additional west coast cities in November. “Good to be Alive,” also off of their latest album RISE, garnered a nomination in the “Rock Song of the Year” category at the 46th Annual Dove Awards.


About Skillet:
GRAMMY®-nominated and platinum selling rock band Skillet has sold more than 11 million albums and singles 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. 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 singles “Awake & Alive” and  "Monster," whose companion video has generated more than 69 million YouTube views. Skillet was the only active rock band to achieve RIAA Platinum Certification in 2012.


Get Connected with Skillet:
Website // www.skillet.com
Facebook // www.facebook.com/skillet
Twitter // www.twitter.com/skilletmusic
Instagram // www.instagram.com/skilletmusic
 

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Media Contact:
Velvet Kelm & Courtney Hyder
the media collective
velvet@themcollective.com
courtney@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
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@themcollective