Brisbane Christian News - Brisbane Christian Chat


	29.04.02 - the Tone Rangers Split the Sky. From the Tone Rangers. After eighteen months’ incubation, blues band the Tone Rangers have finally birthed their first studio album, 'Split the Sky'. Production and engineering was by Matt Chudasko at the new Automatique studio, with Caleb James sitting in to record the drums. Previous live recordings highlighted the band's jazz/funk side and their instrumental chops, but 'Split the Sky’ takes a new direction, showcasing Rob's songwriting. Flashy playing is replaced by lush textures and solid grooves. Split the Sky grew up to be a bit of a rock n' roll wild child, reaching back to Stevie Ray Vaughan, ZZ-Top & Hendrix influences, but with some eclectic hip hop overtones on 'When it All Comes Down'. The Tone Rangers are set to launch 'Split the Sky' at The Healer on 11 May supported by special guests Caleb James (Rhubarb, Leo Nine) and groove masters Teapot Dome Scandal. Check here for more details. Preview tracks from the CD here.
	27.04.02 - 2002 Dove Award winners. From Wes Jay, Woodlands Media. Michael W. Smith took home the major award becoming Artist of the year and bringing home five other statuettes. His career has seen him win 33 Dove awards. Third Day walked away with five more Dove Awards including: Group of the year, Rock Song and Album of the Year "Come Together", while Front man Mac Powell won Male Vocalist of the year. dc Talk member Toby Mac walked away with five of his own Dove Awards. These included: Producer of the Year, Rap/Hip-Hop/Dance Album, Momentum, (performer, producer) and Rap/Hip-Hop/Dance Song (performer, producer) for "Somebody's Watching Over Me." While newcomers ZOEgirl took home the Dove for New Artist of the Year. MercyMe, despite missing out on being New Artist of Year, didn't go home empty handed. The guys took out the highly acclaimed Song of the year for "I Can only Imagine" and Songwriter of the Year. Great performances included Third Day, Toby Mac, Jars of Clay and Kirk Franklin who gave his usual rousing interpretation of gospel music with a medley of gospel favourites including "He Reigns." Amy Grant, Mary Mary and Ce Ce Winans all made appearances as presenters. For the complete 2002 Dove Award winners, click here.
	26.04.02 - New VIR album 'Craving'. From Void If Removed. Void If Removed head into studio again to record the new album 'Craving'. Expect this album to explode with the VIR energy and sound we have come to know. VIR are also looking at bringing out some video clips, but this will depend on their time schedule and budget. The band will hope to offer a few singles from the 'Craving' album that will be played on radio around Australia, New Zealand, Europe and USA.
	24.04.02 - the jive express "Reason To Be" Tour 2002. From the jive express. After such an unprecedented response at both the Forest Edge and AGMF festivals, the jive express will again be heading east for dates in Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. July 5 will see the boys kick off in SA before closing on July 27 in QLD. Keep an eye on the jive express website for details!
	24.04.02 - POD make Top 20. From AJ Hulsman. US Christian rockers P.O.D. have made it into the ARIA singles chart Top 20 this week at 19 after only 6 weeks with 'Youth Of The Nation' which is off their album 'Satellite' which is sitting at number 32. Check the ARIA website here for more details.
	24.04.02 - Bands that need a guitarist/singer. From Paul Doolan. Hi all, I am a lead guitarist and singer... currently I am in no bands anymore and I am really keen to join one... if you have any vacancies please don't hesitate to email me and let me know because I have been playing in bands all throughout my teenage years and I am really eager to join or even start a band. My influences in music are punk, rock, heavy etc.
	24.04.02 - Seraph's Coal's continuing travels. From ACAN. Adelaide's Seraphs Coal finished their 'The More Things Change...' CD launch tour in Sydney last weekend, but pack up the Tarago again in May for a national tour with Bodyjar and For Amusement Only. The band's website (www.seraphscoal.com) is up and running, packed full of information, amusing stories and (by popular demand) guitar tab!
	22.04.02 - National Gospel Happening 2002. From Hans van de Zandt \| National Gospel Happening. All people are cordially invited to come and/or play at the National Gospel Happening to be held on 4-5-6 October 2002 in Canberra, Australia. We have been able to engage the most suitable and picturesque University in Australia the Australian National University. With it’s 7 stages, café’s, art centres and amphitheatre we have much reason to be excited. Last year we attracted 3000 people and at this, our second event, we trust that we will attract about 5000 people. We will endeavour each year to attract one major artist just like last year when we were blest with two of the best in the business Jimmy Little and Doug Williams. The event is free for all and the budget is totally based on sponsorship, grants and a live recording of the best performers. Further revenue will be generated from collections onsite during the event with the net proceeds distributed to charitable service providers for the disadvantaged youth and the aged of our community. The organizers, volunteers, nor the performers get paid; food and accommodation of course will be arranged. Feel free to explore our website for more details - www.nationalgospelhappening.org. We would be so honoured if some of you would be able to perform as part of the headline bill on the Saturday or Friday night or failing that, whenever you saw feasible before or during the event. We are looking for performers who have their heart in the right place and do not come because of the dollars. That being said, performers CDs can be sold at the storefront where we have space reserved for the Gospel artists to sell and sign their CD’s. We sincerely hope that any of you can share with us your talents and the gift of being able to sing - which made you that special person your are today. We look forward to the pleasure of hearing from you and await your early and sincere reply. Blessings to you all.
	18.04.02 - CityGate Bootleg 2. From CityGate Band. CityGate Bootleg 2 is the latest live worship recording from CityGate Christian Church in Brisbane. CityGate Band recorded their second live worship album on May 20th 2001. The Churches resident worship band recorded 10 new songs written by six different songwriters. The album has an interesting cross-section of styles including R&B, Latin rock, pop, funk, and country rock. Fresh from performances at Sonfest and Australian Gospel Music Festival we are pleased to finally announce the release of this new and exciting follow up to CityGate Bootleg 1. CityGate Bootleg 2 is unique because there were no studio overdubs added and no digital editing done. This is raw and passionate yet dynamic, and it's the best sounding bootleg you'll hear. This CD stands alone in the market. The sound is big and somehow rough at times, yet it also moves the heart! It demands your attention. CityGate Bootleg 2 is available for $25 including postage and handling by calling (07) 3862 7162 or emailing citygatebootleg@hotmail.com. You may also send your orders to Po Box 74 Aspley Qld 4034. Wholesale orders are available by contacting the above address. CityGate Band is also available for performances at church services, youth groups and outreach events. Get ready to experience worship CityGate style.
	18.04.02 - The Sellouts record new single. From The Sellouts. The Sellouts are back in the studio next week to record a new single. Keep your ears to the ground for the release date.
	18.04.02 - Chris Mundy Mega-launch this Friday! From Chris Mundy. For those of you who have and haven't seen a Chris Mundy show, this Friday night will be full of surprises at the Chris Mundy Mega-launch. Guest band 'Audiology' is kicking things off, delivering an excellent blend of pop and praise that is quickly winning the hearts of Sth East Qld. The Chris Mundy band is then hitting the stage, performing songs from exciting new pop release 'Welcome to the World' which is currently getting airplay on 96.5FM. Featuring ex-members from Templegate, Telegram Sam and Fake Little Guppies, the band will deliver an awesome stage show and three songs will be performed with the 15-20 piece youth choir 'Christophany'. One highlight will be a re-working of the song 'Nothing' into a black gospel arrangement with the choir. At only $8 for adults and $5 concession, its going to be a top night at the Lion's Den Cafe, Wesley Centre, 140 Ann St, Brisbane City this Friday night. Doors open at 7pm.
	18.04.02 - Geoff Rankin Band's 'AGMF Annual Report'. From Geoff Rankin (& The Whosemewatts). Our 7am Easter Sunday morning show at the Australian Gospel Music Festival (AGMF) was an absolute hoot. Thanks to all those who braved the time (7am really was a bit early) and came down to cheer us on for 35mins in the Festival Cafe. I think there would have been up to 50 or so people there which was really good to see. We, out of character, were a little late to our own show (only by about 2 or 3 minutes) then had to set up before settling the crowd down, who by this stage were getting a little restless as they were starting to wonder if the whole 7am thing had been a waste of precious sleep time. But before anyone else had time to say, "Testing, 1, tyou", Dan and I were rocking into our first of many numbers, and from then on had the small crowd eating out of the palms of our hands - not literally, though I'm sure if we were offering Weet-Bix and cold milk we would have had a few takers. On Easter Saturday, while I was working on my tan, I enlisted the help of James & Shane from Sunshine Coast hardcore band 'Void If Removed' to help out on drums and percussion. (We still don't have a regular band drummer.) Dan also brought his friend James in to play so we had two drummers named James (plus one Shane, who's onstage antics were worth at least two) performing with us. Their contributions were superb and each were duly rewarded with their own CD copy of 'The Sacred Hill'. 'The Farmyard Animals' - our audience participation song - went over hilariously, as always. Thank you to our 4 vocal volunteers and all those who helped sing along. Quite amazingly, Dan emailed yesterday to say... "Just thought I'd let you know that I walked into a room at uni today and heard a guy singing 'we are the farm-yard animals, we are the farm-yard animals' etc. He can't remember any of the other songs from the AGMF, but he had that one down pat." The show climaxed with a hotly contested liturgical/interpretive dancing contest. We were amazed at the complexity of some of the moves - they really told the story of the song 'Homely Ghost' from beginning to end to the degree that I realised I didn't know half as much about the song as I originally thought. Liturgical dancing was, in my opinion, the 'find' of the whole festival, not Perth band 'the jive express' as many others claim. Look out for these contests in all our shows from now on! Why mosh when you can 'liturge'? During Saturday's street festival I had the unenviable task of competing for the 'AGMF Most Sunburnt Forehead Award' which I easily won. My forehead was literally glowing - which was good for finding the car late that night and keeping warm. My forehead turned out to be quite the conversation starter. It was a bit of a shame it all came off bit by bit during the following week though. I thought it looked good. Dan pointed out that Toowoomba is closer to the sun so it's easier to get sunburnt, and you can't argue with logic like that! I'm thinking of doing it again next year and making it an annual tradition. During our time at AGMF, Dan & I happily gave something back to our legion of fans across Australia by doing quite a few radio interviews. So listen out for them on your local Christian radio stations. (They may even be requestable.) It was in these interviews that Dan's nickname 'Colonel' stuck. So it's now officially Daniel 'Colonel' Saunders. My tip for you all for next year is to start your own band just to get into the 'AGMF VIP Room' as the complimentary hot cross buns and fresh tomato sandwiches were delightful. I'd give the festival 4.5 tomato sandwiches out of 5.
	18.04.02 - Squipplepippy news. From Squipplepippy. Our good friends Sounds Like Sunset are coming up from Sydney this weekend to play 3 shows in Brisbane. We'll be supporting them on Friday night at The Alley, which should be a great show. So please come along and say hi to us and show Sounds Like Sunset how great the Brisbane crowds are. Their other shows can be found here or head to www.soundslikesunset.com. Our new 'self titled' EP is out now on Toupee Records and available at your favourite record store. Alternatively you can purchase it for $10 by mailing sales@squipplepippy.com or asking any of the band members, and if that's not enough it can also be purchased from ChaosMusic. Hope to see you all Friday.
	18.04.02 - POD still climbing. From AJ Hulsman. US Christian rockers P.O.D. have again moved up on the ARIA singles chart to 23 after only 5 weeks with 'Youth Of The Nation' which is off their album 'Satellite' which is sitting at number 34. Check the ARIA website here for more details.
	18.04.02 - Aussie feature artists wanted. From Renata Schindler, The Light. Hi! My name is Renata and I am an announcer/producer at The Light radio in Toowoomba. Because of the success of our pre-AGMF show, I have been asked choose, interview and feature Aussie artists throughout each coming week. So if you or your band are looking for more exposure in the town that hosts the Australian Gospel Music Festival, please contact me. If you are featured, your music and part of a pre-recorded interview will be featured heavily for one week, and depending on the radio quality of your music, we may end up placing you on our system playlist. So I do ask that you have an album, radio promo, or EP, if you are wanting an interview. (I may make allowances for a QUALITY demo). My email is reschindler@angelfire.com or mobile 0404046031. Hope to here from you soon.
	18.04.02 - Some US music news. From Wes Jay, Woodlands Media. Gold & Platinum... The Record Industry Association of America has certified Kirk Franklin's "The Rebirth of Kirk Franklin" as gold. That's 500 000 units within a month of release. The album is now soaring toward the one-million-sales mark, portending not only multi-platinum status, but shaping up to be the Franklin's largest-selling album ever. RIAA has recently certified platinum DC Talk's "Supernatural" for achieving sales of a million units. POD's "Satellite" recently passed the two million mark. Destiny's newest child... At a time when gospel greats such as Mary Mary, Yolanda Adams and Kirk Franklin are taking their music to mainstream audiences, some mainstream artists such as Woody Rock (Dru Hill), Lou Rawls, Oleta Adams, Gladys Knight and Aaron Neville are declaring their faith and recording gospel albums. The latest is the newest member of Destiny's Child, Michelle Williams. Michelle's first gospel album "Heart to Yours" will be released this month. Song samples at Michelle's website here. Reunion... Reunion Records, the label that has given us Michael W Smith, Ashley Cleveland, Kathy Troccoli, Gary Chapman and many more, celebrates its 20th birthday next week. That will be some celebration! Interestingly, the label recently launched its new website here. Downhere up there... Downhere has won the award for "Best Gospel Album" at the 2002 Juno Awards. The Junos are Canada's major music awards, similar to Australia's ARIAs and America's Grammys. Downhere's latest song "So Blue" is one of the most played songs on Christian radio in Australia. Full list of winners click here. Two gold in one year... The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has certified as Gold Third Day's third release "Time" for sales in excess of 500 000 units. "Time", released in August of 1999, earned Third Day a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Gospel Album in 2000. "Time" follows the success of the band's Grammy nominated and Dove Award winning recording, "Offerings - A Worship Album" which certified Gold last April. More platinum... Mary Mary's album "Thankful" has gone Platinum (one million units) in the US. The duo's single "Shackles (Praise You)" has gone platinum (70 000 units) in Australia. Erica and Tina's new album "Incredible" is scheduled for release in June. Amy returns... The most influential artist Contemporary Christian Music is undoubtedly Amy Grant. It has been said that more people have heard the Gospel from her lips in the past 25 years than anyone else in the world, with the exception of Billy Graham. The five-time Grammy Award winning artist will release her 17th album, "Legacy... Hymns and Faith" next month. Tulsa's KXOJ recently aired an interview with Amy about the past 25 years and her new album. It's worth the time to sit back and enjoy the one hour special that has been archived here.
	18.04.02 - Jive Express cuts a rug. From ACAN. After sensational sets at Forest Edge and AGMF, acid-jazz funksters the jive express have proven to be the band to watch. Their AGMF set led to an encore performance at the very end of the festival, attended by hundreds of excited festival-goers. Riveting. Visit them at www.jiveexpress.com.
	18.04.02 - Rivertribe on the world stage. From ACAN. Meditative, spiritually charged instrumental outfit Rivertribe have released their latest album 'Did You Feel The Mountains Tremble' in the US on Elevate Records (run by Rebecca St James' dad), with one reviewer naming it their CD of the month. Rivertribe have performed on streets to big auditoriums, including the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, the Singapore River Festival, the Asia-Pacific Political Forum, Sydney Opera House, Melbourne International Festival, United Nations Day of the Older Person, and Awakening 2000 concert at Stadium Australia. Listen to samples of the new album here.
	11.04.02 - New Rocfish video and CD. From Rocfish. Rocfish launched their brand new video and CD, 'A Rip Roaring Tale', at the Australian Gospel Music Festival. It portrays the story of Daniel, a man who showed extraordinary courage in the face of adversity. Join Rocfish as they go in search of the 'King of the Animals' at Taronga Park Zoo in Sydney. Roxi also performs her very own dance segment! Videos $24.95, CD's $19.95 or together for $40. To order, jump online at www.rocfish.com.au or ring our office on 07 5598 4644.
	11.04.02 - Rebecca St. James selected as honorary member of Presidential Prayer Team. From Wes Jay, Woodlands Media. Australian Christian artist Rebecca St. James has been given the unprecedented honour of becoming the youngest member of the US Presidential Prayer Team's prestigious Honorary Committee. St. James, 24, joins the ranks of Franklin Graham and an array of top US leaders in accepting the honour, and committing her efforts to encourage America towards prayer - prayer for the President, his Cabinet, and the nation. The Grammy Award winning singer was presented with the plaque commemorating the honour by a team of founding members of the organisation onstage during a concert performance by the singer on 28 March in Phoenix. The Presidential Prayer Team is a non profit, non-partisan initiative that has already found the support of more than one million Americans committed to the cause of the Team's mission statement. That mission: ultimately enlisting 1% of the American population, or 2.8 million people, committed to pray daily for the nation and its leadership. Unique to the selection of Rebecca St. James as a part of the Presidential Prayer Team's Honorary Committee is not only her age, but the fact that she's Australian. She and her family moved to the United States in 1991 and she has since become one of the most influential artists in Christian music. "Rebecca St. James has incredible influence with young American people, and we are thrilled that she would use that influence to encourage young people to pray for our leaders and our nation on a daily basis," noted the organisation's founder, American sculptor, William Hunter. Central to the music career of Rebecca St. James has been her outspoken dedication to ministry. Her self-penned song "Wait For Me," an anthem to abstinence, currently a Top 10 hit on The Rock Across Australia report, has produced an avalanche of response from both young people and their parents. So great was the response that St. James has been considered by many to be the torchbearer of the abstinence message in the Christian music field, encouraging the message to her young fans from stages all over the world.
	10.04.02 - Finding Mr/Mrs drummer. From Finding Mr J. Finding Mr J will be auditioning for a new drummer. Leigh went and landed himself a recording contract, he will be greatly missed, and wish him all the best. All enquiries to findingmr@yahoo.com.au.
	10.04.02 - Soulframe NSW tour. From Soulframe. Soulframe head of on their NSW Sojourn tour on Thursday 11th April. Soulframe will be playing at: Wagga 12th April, Orange 13th, Dubbo 14th, Newcastle 16th, Armidale 17th, Taree 18th, Grafton 19th. All shows start at 7pm, tickets are $5/$15 family.
	10.04.02 - Rhubarb feature album! From Toupee Records. Rhubarb's new album 'Slow Motion' is this week's feature album on TripleJ! You can hear tracks across the day or sample the whole album at the brand new 'slow motion' player. Every track is on-line in real audio so you can try before you buy! The band are on the road presented by Chaosmusic.com: April... 11th - Prince of Wales Hotel (Bunbury), 12th - The Grosvenor Backroom (Perth), 13th - Bar 107 (Adelaide), 18th - Yahoo Bar (Sheparton), 19th - Bridge Mall Inn (Ballarat), 20th - The Evelyn (Melbourne), 24th - Troccadero's (Gold Coast), 25th - National Hotel (Toowoomba), 26th - Great Northern Hotel (Byron Bay), 27th - The Lions Den (All Ages) (Brisbane). May... 3rd - Newcastle, 4th - Landsdowne Hotel (Sydney), 9th - QUT Campus Club (Brisbane). Rhubarb will feature on the Oz Music Show this Wednesday night too (10pm). A long chat with Steve and Caleb!
	10.04.02 - Squipplepippy put on Toupee. From Toupee Records. Yes that's right! Squipplepippy are the latest addition to the Toupee Label. Their self titled debut EP is drawing rave reviews like this: ...Self-described instrumental post-rock band making some glorious waves of rich noise in the good old drums, bass, two guitars but no voice format. Music without words can be so emotional, as the relentless Sleeping Past Your Station keeps warmly clattering at you shows. Experience. However is somehow gentle and tense all at once, and they are certainly not going to mind comparisons with Godspeed! You Black Emperor and the like. Noise from a Brisbane lounge-room, where you wouldn't mind having them rehearse next door until late. Beautiful. Drum Media (March 2002).
	08.04.02 - POD keep climbing Oz charts. From AJ Hulsman. US Christian rockers P.O.D. have have again moved up on the ARIA charts from 36 to 30 after only 4 weeks with Youth Of The Nation out nationally on Warner. Check the ARIA website here for more details.
	08.04.02 - See Stacie Orrico live for free. From Sonfest. That's right, pop sensation Stacie Orrico is coming to Brisbane to play one free concert! Through hits like "Dont Look At Me" and "Genuine", and performing on tour with pop mega stars, Destinys Child (2001 Tour), Stacie Orrico has been able to become one of Christian music's leading pop artists. Make sure you don't miss her on the Brisbane leg of her World Tour on Monday (Public Holiday) May 6th playing at the Kimberley Park Centre (cnr Roselea and Lyndale Rds, Shailer Park) at 6:30pm. She will be supported by hot local band Rookie. For more information check out www.sonfest.com/stacie.htm, www.stacieorrico.com or call 07 38968748.
	07.04.02 - pc3 on the ABC this Sunday night (7 April)! From Paul, Grant & Phil (pc3). We've just jumped off stage in Champain, Illinios and Third Day are on stage right now doing their show in front of yet another full house. We're somewhere in the early thirties of the fifty-three show tour. It's going great, although we're all pretty sick of hearing people say, "Ahh lurve yrr ack-since!" (Think about it). If you want to hear all the latest Paul Colman Trio news, tune into ABC Radio National (metro and regional stations) this Sunday night at 11:00pm (Eastern Standard Time) to hear an exclusive interview. The special was pre-recorded just a couple of nights ago. We had a lot of fun, while also getting down to some serious stuff, and we hope it helps to let interested Australians know what's been going on in our world since we arrived in the USA in mid February . If you're not sure what frequency to tune your radio to, ask mum or dad. They'll probably know. (Or you could look it up). 11pm (EST), Sunday 7th April, ABC National Radio. Anyway, we love you all. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. PS. Stay tuned for news of a brand new release in Australia!
	07.04.02 - It's official: Chicks R Mean. From Distinguished Guests. Distinguished Guests' controversial debut CD 'Chicks R Mean' has just been released. This limited edition CD comes personally signed by the band, as a leadup to their forthcoming album, which is currently in recording. The CD has been submitted into 96five, so any of the 4 songs can be requested online at www.96five.org.au or phone 3369 9999. For more details and free mp3 demos, visit www.dg.live.com.au.
	07.04.02 - Wanna play for us? From Niqka. Hey dudes and dudets we are a rocking 3 piece Christian band looking to make it a fiver! Yep that means if your a Dj and you can scratch with the best of em we need you. You can contact me at the email address attached. We would really appreciate anyone who has Dj skills. So if this is you get into it. Drop us some mail at tmskalovinpunk@start.com.au.
	07.04.02 - Void If Removed T-shirts. From Void If Removed. VIR (Void If Removed) is ready to tear it up in Australia & New Zealand! Get yourself decked out with newest VIR T-shirt designs. Check it - for a limited time we're dropping the price on the Void If Removed T-shirts to only $20 (inc postage). If you haven't got one already, now's the time. Order here. Lastly, if you haven't heard VIR's new sample, "Spirit Operation," make sure you get yourself one by emailing us and we will send you one for $10 or T-shirt & Cd for $25. Super cheap!
	07.04.02 - We want you. From Paradigm Shift. it's my sad news to say that before our first gig we had to pull out. So yes we are still no named and not heard. We are looking for a drummer and bass player. This is rather important because I see that reaching young people is as something that God wants us to do. The youth is our future. So please if you know of any one or you your self want to get in with us, give us a yell. Our goal isn't to become big but to reach out to the youth. If that's your goal give me a yell. Bless ya, Paradigm Shift.