Brisbane Christian News - Brisbane Christian Chat

	28.12.01 - Country Music Award nominations 1: Carter & Carter. From ACAN. Carter & Carter cap a fantastic year in 2001 with nominations for fourteen awards from four different organizations: two CMAA Country Music Awards Golden Guitars (New Talent & Group/Duo), two TIARAS (Tamworth Independent Artists Recognition Awards) (Songwriting & Group/Duo), five ACMLA (Australian Country Music Listeners Association) Peoples Choice Awards (Female Singer, Male Singer, Song (twice) and Album) and five Victorian Country Music Awards (Duo, Independent Release, Female Vocalist, Male Vocalist and Group/Duo). Carter & Carter were almost the last to know about their success due to a faulty phone line and a mobile that was out of range as they travelled to gigs! For more information visit www.carter-carter.com.
	28.12.01 - Country Music Award nominations 2: Nattasha. From ACAN. Singer-songwriter Nattasha Crestani has been nominated for Best Songwriters Composition in the national Open section of the 2002 Victorian Country Music Awards with her song 'Million Dollar You'. Nat is nominated in the same category as renowned songwriters Paul Kelly, Troy Cassar-Daley, Rod McCormack and Rick Price. She has also been nominated for Best Female Vocalist in both the VCMA's and the TIARAS (Tamworth Independent Artist Recognition Awards), and will be waving on a float in the main street parade on the last day of the Tamworth Country Music Festival. Visit her at www.nattasha.com.
	27.12.01 - Rhubarb - Hottest 100, live shows, single, album and label news. From Rhubarb. Voting has started in this year's Hottest 100 for TripleJ. Please consider voting for Rhubarb's "Light on Your Shoulder" which is number 345. It just takes 1 min at www.abc.net.au/triplej/hottest100/default.htm. Consider it Christmas cheer! Rhubarb will play Adelaide on the 18th January. Yes those many requests have been heard! Then back to Brisbane to launch the next single at the Zoo in conjunction with Dumpster's album launch on the 25th January. 98% of the album is finished with just the mix to come. There will be a new single in the new year followed quickly by the second longplayer, the follow up to Kamikaze (1999). The first single "Light On Your Shoulder" continues to rally support. Rhubarb's production label 88records home to Antiskeptic and The Henrys who both have new single / EP releases. Plus check out Brisbane's best indie label, Toupee Records who distribute all of the above as well as Dumpster, Leo Nine and much more.
	19.12.01 - The Screamin Jamaican: guest artist at Jack Newton Celebrity Classic. From The Screamin' Jamaican. On Dec 17-18 the annual Jack Newton Celebrity Classic golf event was held at Twin Waters Resort Sunshine Coast. In the audience to hear guest artist The Screamin' Jamaican were celebrities including Bob Hawke, Pat Rafter, Susie O'Neil, Alfie Langer, Jimoen, and Dermott Breton. The Screamin' Jamaican performed a 35 minute set of original music and favourites. The gig was given the former PM's thumbs up seal of approval.
	19.12.01 - Punk drummer wanted. From Jehoshafat. Punk drummer need for (obviously) punk band. If you can play fast and furious, get in touch... ph: 3314 7754, email: jehoshafat@jehoshafat.com.
	18.12.01 - Elevate signings. From ACAN. Rebecca St James' dad, David Smallbone (who manages RSJ, LaRue and Skillet), has a newly formed record label, Elevate Records. "Ever since we have arrived in the US from Australia we had a dream of encouraging people to worship God with a contemporary and youthful emphasis," he says. "Elevate Records is our attempt to put this dream into action." The first Elevate release will be 'Lost in Worship' from modern p&w band Fusebox, who have toured as Rebecca St James' backing band for the past year. Elevate's second release will be one of Australia's premier Christian acts, Rivertribe. Elevate Records will be marketed through Inpop.
	18.12.01 - Dumpster Christmas show & album launch dates. From Dumpster. The album, "Sky-Fi" comes out in January & we have dates in N.S.W & QLD to launch it. Until then, we have a Christmas show on Friday in Brisbane, which is free. Triple J are still playing the single, thanks for your support. If you still want a single, just email dumpster@powerup.com.au & we'll give you the details... for $6.50 we will post one to you anywhere in Australia. See you soon. Click here for the Gig Guide.
	18.12.01 - Australian singer honours US war hero. From Woodlands Media. While a nation lends its full support to the military fighting in Afghanistan, civilians also find themselves united mourning the loss of life. Australian Christian artist Rebecca St. James paid tribute this week to fallen American hero Staff Sgt. Brian "Cody" Prosser when she was asked to perform her single, "Wait for Me" at his memorial service. Staff Sgt. Prosser, 28, was one of the three brave men who died from friendly fire in Afghanistan last week. Prosser's wife, Shawna, requested Rebecca's attendance and performance at the service held in Bakersfield, California on Thursday 13 December. Prior to leaving for Afghanistan, Prosser gave his wife St. James's latest CD, "Transform". The single, "Wait for Me," was considered by Brian and Shawna as "their song." "For me, this experience was something I'll never forget," said St. James. "It was almost surreal to sit there surrounded by military officers and government leaders all paying tribute to a very courageous man. To be asked to sing at the memorial service of a man who gave his life for his country was an amazing honor. It also reaffirms to me the power of Christian music and the importance of the hope it brings," she said. Staff Sgt. Prosser was a member of the US Army's 3rd Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group, stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery on Monday, 17 December, 2001.
	14.12.01 - Sonfest prizes and info. From Sonfest. Well Christmas is fast approaching and you are undoubtedly busy with catching up with friends and family. We would ask that you take some time-out to pray for Sonfest 2002. Last year people from all over the country had their lives changed and transformed. This year we are looking at having 1000s of more people attend and put themselves in a position where their lives can be changed. What an opportunity! In Preparation for Sonfest 2002 we have 5 Pro-Mode Videos from Delirious to give away. To have a chance of winning a copy, just email bill@crossroad.com.au with the name of Delirious last Australian release. Check out www.koorong.com if you need any help. Entries close December 18th and winners will be notified by email on Monday December 19th. With the QLD event being held over three days we have the opportunity to offer some teaching electives. Below are the electives that will be on offer, as well as the speakers for the night programs. Thursday 1.15pm Hervey Bay Youth Team - Forum On Youth Ministry 2.30pm John Robertson - Becoming a God Chaser 4.00pm Hervey Bay Youth Team - Building A Reaching Youth Ministry 6.15pm Don Johnson (Main Speaker) Friday 9.30am Don Johnson - The Cost of Discipleship # 1 Midday Keith Bray - The Prayer of Jabez Explained # 1 1.15pm Hervey Bay Youth Team - Purity Under Pressure 2.30pm Murray Hunter - Cucumbers (Mt 23:23) 4.00pm Keith Bray - The Prayer of Jabez Explained # 2 6.15pm Mark Ramsey (Main Speaker) Saturday 9.30am Don Johnson - The Cost of Discipleship # 2 Midday Hervey Bay Youth Team - Where Do Christians Draw the Line with Alcohol? 1.15pm Murray Hunter - Mosquito Haircuts (Mt 25) 2.30pm Hervey Bay Youth Team - Suicide Prevention through Caring 4.00pm Dave Drinkall - Making Your Band Work 6.15pm Mike Frost (Main Speaker)
	14.12.01 - Rocfish on film. From ACAN. Children's ministry group Rocfish begin filming this week for their next video 'Daniel - A Rip-Roaring Tale', to be released early in 2002. Rocfish have made a big splash (pardon pun) this year, with appearances at major festivals, churches and primary school work in a number of states, as well as being guest artists at Kidsong (Hillsong chidrens program) mid year. Their Christmas CD 'Search for the Missing Jewel' is out now, and the Rocfish Praise single 'Get Ready' can be requested on your local Christian radio station. Check them out at www.rocfish.com.au.
	14.12.01 - Antiskeptic launch. From ACAN. You can finally get hold of the brand-spankin' new Antiskeptic single 'Change My Ways' when it's launched this Sunday at The Star Hotel in Melbourne. Guests will include Wishful Thinking, No Idea, The Lads and Platform 3. Keep your eyes out for an interview with Antiskeptic in this week's Beat magazine (Melb. street press). More at www.antiskeptic.com.au.
	14.12.01 - Spiritually charged meditation music. From Woodlands Media. Rivertribe is synonymous with many things - exotic locales, a spiritually charged blend of meditative music, and graceful haunting sounds like no other. Its hallmarks are sonorous melodies and skilful improvisations. Combining didgeridoo, Native American flute, African drums, Irish whistle, Armenian Duduk and bamboo saxophone, Rivertribe creates a magical sound that's immediately identifiable. "Whenever we start to play, we have a clear idea of the beginning and the end," says duduk player Mike Lane. "But as each piece develops (in the classical sense), we collaborate in the process of making new music. We experiment, interact with one another and the audience, and build on the musical impulses," he says. Rivertribe's album The Blessing is a continuation and a refinement of the group's 1999 debut Journey. It is timeless music. A journey. A blessing. A sanctuary touched with unique beauty. Though the music sometimes attracts the same descriptions ('ethereal', 'tribal', and 'ambient') repeatedly, Rivertribe chooses to remain unfazed that the repetitions begin to sound cliched. "We really don't concern ourselves with people's interpretations of our music, because we know they'll inevitably be different to our own," Lane says. "We're happy with the labels 'ambient', 'world music' or 'new age'. They are all responses people have had, and we appreciate that. Musically, it doesn't matter what label you pin on our music because we continually want to expand our boundaries and create music that's not content with easy definitions. Music that's impossible to categorise has a distinct sound is the best music. We're actually more interested in the therapeutic and spiritual impact our music has on our listeners," Mike explains. "People tell us they feel our music touches the deepest parts of their being, and helps clarify their thinking. That's great!" he adds. Rivertribe's music has no lyrics. It's purely instrumental. "When we play our instruments, the instruments become extensions of us," Mike suggests. "So much of our emotions going into the melodies and rhythms that to recreate our music with words would be futile. "When we play we feel as though we have given part of ourselves to our listeners. The rapport with our listeners is that strong," he concludes.
	14.12.01 - Groundswell applications 2002. From Nerida McCallum The time has come once again to open up the applications for bands wanting to play at Groundswell this year. We are slightly changing the process by which bands are selected so that we have a more even spread of acts. This year we have selected 5 acts that have previously performed at Groundswell before. All other bands will have to apply with the outlined criteria. There is a number of categories including acoustic, punk, ska, ambient, pop, rock etc, these categories are likely to change depending on what submissions we have. An estimated 4 bands will be selected per category. If you haven't been sent applictaion information email Nerida here.
	14.12.01 - Rivertribe sign up. From ACAN. Rivertribe got a nice big article in Melbourne's Herald Sun newspaper this week (11/12), with the story exploring the way music can bring hope and healing. The second-last paragraph reveals the band have signed a deal with US label InPop Records which will enable the band to develop their growing impact in the US and into Europe. Info at www.rivertribe.com.
	14.12.01 - Findng Mr J. From ACAN. Gold Coast band 'Finding Mr J' recently released their new album 'For Who You Are' and have been getting a bit of airplay, particularly with the song 'I'll Put My Trust In You'. Lead singer/songwriter Leah Sawyer-Black says it was written at a time of her life when things weren't going so well, and is about hanging in there, putting your trust in God and being obedient to Him and what He wants for your life. "After all," Leah says, "He is faithful! This song really seems to minister to people." More info here.
	13.12.01 - Gospel Music Special success. From Christian Television Australia. More than a quarter of a million Australians tuned in to the Australian Gospel Music Festival Special when it aired on the Seven Network last Sunday (9th December 2001). The OzTam Ratings figures show the Special was particularly popular with women aged 25 - 39 where it topped the ratings for this demographic. The Australian Gospel Music Festival is held in Toowoomba every Easter and the television special was recorded in Queensland's Garden City during this year's event. It featured artists such as Colin Buchanan, Paul Colman Trio, Steve Grace and Claire Hazzard. The program was a mixture of music and interviews with the artists. Christian Television Australia Chief Executive, Greg Gardiner, said the feedback from the broadcast has been extremely positive. "I'd say this program was promoted better than any other program we've done so there was probably a large church audience that isn't reflected in the official ratings figures," Mr Gardiner said. "Anecdotal feedback has been so positive and we've had a lot of people asking for video copies of the program," he said. Many people called CTA's 1-800 response number with the Call Centre reporting numerous requests for more programs like the Special, especially in such good timeslots. There were also requests for information about the artists featured and how to book for next year's Festival. CTA produces a weekly Christian music program for the Seven Network which screens Sunday mornings at 6am.
	06.12.01 - Rocfish news, Christmas CD, tour dates. From Rocfish. The perfect gift this christmas is the new Rocfish CD and colouring book called 'The Search for the Missing Jewel'. All kids aged 2-12 will enjoy joining Rocfish as they jump in a time machine to search for a scroll, interpret a secred code and follow the guiding star. Celebrate with them on one magical night as they discover the jewel of all jewels. To order, go online at www.rocfish.com.au or phone 07 5536 4456. Also, check out the website for tour dates at a venue near you this Christmas!
	06.12.01 - Gospel Music Festival on television this Sunday. From ACAN. A one-hour television special recorded at this year's Australian Gospel Music Festival in Toowoomba, Queensland, will screen nationally on the Seven Network on Sunday December 9 at 2pm. The Australian Gospel Music Festival Special features some of Australia's best-known and up-and-coming Christian music artists. These include Colin Buchanan, Adrian Ross, the Paul Colman Trio, Steve Grace and Claire Hazzard. Hosted by Gospel Artist, Vaughan Famularo, the program showcases various musical styles, from children's and country music through to modern dance music. There are also interviews with each artist, exploring issues of life, faith, and their own particular music style. For more info visit www.cta.asn.au.
	06.12.01 - Hi from Soulframe. From Soulframe. Before we write anything, it is probably going to be a good idea to dispell some rumours: 1) We are not dead, 2) we haven't broken up, 3) we aren't sick of music, and 4) we haven't been pursuing solo careers (even though that is the trendy thing to do... apparently! ;)) No... Life in the Soulframe camp is fairly normal, aside from the fact that we have been taking a bit of a 'holiday' from gigs, and we have been a bit lazy with our emails for the last few weeks as well. Our apologies to those of you who have been kind enough to express concern at our apparent 'disappearance'. But we are definitely still alive and kicking, and we will be making use of some of our 'time off' to get ourselves set for a huge year in 2002!! For those of you who may not have realised, we had a little bit of an anniversary recently... well... sort of. We were privileged a few weeks ago to be invited back to play as guest artists for this years 96five Creative Challenge, which as a few of you may recall, was the competition that we won almost exactly 12 months ago. Technically we were in existence prior to the competition, but it is probably one of the few identifiable 'landmarks' that has played a major part in pushing us along the road we've been on since. Soooo, it was a nice little reflective moment for us to realise that it was almost exactly a year since 'the ball started rolling' so to speak! (Can you hear those violins??!!) Anyways, it truly has been fantastic to look back at where 12 months (and a lot of prayer) has taken us! We've been challenged and learned heaps, and we've been blessed to see God leading and guiding us along the way. He is an awesome God who we've seen work in both the tough times and the good moments. His Love is unfathomable, His Wisdom is unspeakable, and His Life is unbeatable! Aside from celebrating anniversaries, we have also been busy releasing our latest single 'You Are' which is a personal favourite of at least one band member. Radio stations across the country received the single this week, along with a copy of the 'Soulframe Sojourn Radio Special' which is 40 minutes of interviews and music from 'Sojourn' (obviously!).
	So by all means, get on the phone/internet and start nagging your local Christian radio station play the single (they can sometimes take a couple of weeks to get the song programmed in and on the air, but nagging has been scientifically proven to drastically shorten this delay!). There have already been indications from some stations that they will be playing the Radio Special sometime soon, but once again, a few politely persistent requests will do wonders to get things moving!! (The radio special was played earlier this year on 96five, but if you missed it, try requesting it again. They're such nice people, we're sure they'll listen if enough people are interested! ;)) Also, while we can't give you much news on gigs in the next couple of weeks, there is an opportunity to catch our first national TV appearance this Sunday on Channel 7 at 2pm. Tune if for a half hour special on the Australian Gospel Music Festival that was filmed in April this year and features PC3, Claire Hazard, Alabaster Box, Compliments of Gus and of course, Soulframe. It's quite a neat little program really and there is a bit of footage of our acoustic set and also an interview. So if you're lounging around on the couch Sunday arve, flick on the telly to channel 7 and check it out. And don't leave until its finished... We got a bonus little spot while the closing credits are rolling (Nice!! We always wanted to be the closing-credits band!) Well, that is about all for now. Rest assured that we are still working, and we will be playing again sometime soon at a venue near you. Thanks for your support and patience, and we will definitely be looking forward to catching you in 2002 which we henceforth unofficially dub 'The Year of Many Tours'. :) Oh, and there was one more rumour floating around that we were going to address. Something about Mutto and a set of clippers. Can't remember what it was... will have to wait until next time!! Thanks for reading. God bless.
	06.12.01 - Blind on tour in 2002. From ACAN. To celebrate the release of their debut full length album 'Long Walk Home', Blind will hit the road in 2002. The national tour will take them right around the country and to all of the major festivals: If you would like Blind to play in your town/church/youth group/festival (where ever!) contact Kate Mather at mail@corazon.com or visit the website at www.blindband.com.
	06.12.01 - Alabaster Box update. From Alabaster Box. Well, summer has finally arrived. We have been taking advantage of our great beaches here on the Gold Coast and getting tanned! Recently we had the privilege of playing to over 2,500 people at Brisbane's 96.5 Family FM Radio concert at South Banks Piazza Amphitheatre to help celebrate, along with, the Federal Government granting a full time, unrestricted radio licence. This essentially means unlimited, continuous Christian music for the greater Brisbane area. The Australian and New Zealand legs of the Main Attraction World Tour have now been completed, and we have so many cool memories. Over the coming weeks, we will be having a link on our website, where AB members tell their favourite or latest tour story - make sure you check it out! Thanks to you, our latest single, Main Attraction has been in the top 10, on the charts for over 13 weeks peaking as the most played song on Christian radio for a number of weeks! So keep on requesting it at your local radio station and we'll see how long we can keep it there! Upon arriving in NZ, we were informed that Main Attraction had reached number 1 in "the land of the long white cloud". Thank you to everyone who came out and saw us, we hope you had a great time! So what's AB doing now? Apart from sun baking, backyard cricket and tennis, we are currently planning next year's tours, which are going to be bigger and better, so make sure you come and be apart of it! Thanks again for your continuous support and encouragement, without you it would not happen. Hope to catch up with you soon. God bless. PS: Make sure you check out our new website, which is continually being updated so you will always be able to see something new.
	06.12.01 - Get that Jive 2002. From ACAN. Funky acid jazz outfit 'The Jive Express' formed as a collective of Perth-based Christian session musicians to declare Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. Since the release of their debut album 'Vibe' in 1999, The Jive Express has received critical acclaim both nationally and across Europe. In anticipation of the release of the second album 'Cutting Deeper', The Jive Express are preparing a national tour for 2002, and will be in the following cities on the following dates: Adelaide - Feb 22-24, Melbourne - Feb 26-March 11, Sydney - March 12-19, Toowoomba - March 20-31. If you would like "The Jive Express" to come to your town, contact Michaela at Scope Music via michaela@scopemusic.com.
	06.12.01 - Cooma 2002: The music and arts seminar. From ACAN. Since 1978 there has been an annual pilgrimage of creative artists to the Snowy Mountains town of Cooma, and January 2002 will be no different. The Australian Christian Music Seminar (incorporating Performing Arts) is a unique experience, a week long program where Christian artists from a diversity of creative expressions, ages and denominations, come together to experience God's creation, grow in their abilities and find new ways to express their faith. If you've never been before, this is your chance: check out www.acms.aus.nu for more details, or email acms@ozemail.com.au for detailed information to be sent to you.