Brisbane Christian News @ Brisbane Christian Chat (Queensland, Australia)


	28.11.03 - New Leo Nine single 'Give A Little'. From Leo Nine. Just released, Leo Nine's new single 'Give A Little' is a taste of what is to come. Leo Nine have taken their musical backbone and supercharged it, creating a more energetic and rockier sound than previously realised. The lyrical element that is so vital has been preserved inside this tougher sounding exterior. Listen... Check out a preview of 'Give A Little' in Real Audio here. Available now via leo-nine.com, 'Give A Little' is being released to stores in Australia on Monday 1st December (via Toupee Records / MGM). If your favourite store doesn't have it, ask them to order it from MGM. Please request 'Give A Little' on Triple J. It would help Leo Nine heaps if you go here and vote for Leo Nine 'Give A Little'. Please vote lots!
	28.11.03 - Grammy winner headlines AGMF 2004. From Australian Gospel Music Festival (AGMF). Grammy Award winner Rebecca St. James will headline next year's sixth annual Australian Gospel Music Festival in Toowoomba at Easter. St. James has had nine number one gospel hits in the United States and has sold 2.5 million albums internationally. The 26 year-old, with fashion model good looks, also has a best selling book 'Wait for Me'. St. James will appear on Easter Saturday night in the Queens Park Amphitheatre alongside Idea of North, recently voted the world's best a cappella group at the prestigious 'Harmony Sweepstakes'. AGMF has become one of Toowoomba's largest events attracting more than 17,500 visitors from outside the city to last year's festival. Co-ordinator Isaac Moody says, "Rebecca St. James will attract thousands of additional visitors to the festival. She is a world-class act with a growing following in Australia." Further information is available at the all-new website www.agmf.com.au including a detailed program, interactive forum, street team and online ticketing section.
	28.11.03 - 'Angels' honour Gospel music achievers. From Wes Jay, The Rock Across Australia. The cream of Australia's gospel music talent gathered in Canberra's Memorial Hall on Saturday 22 November 2003 for the presentation of The Australian Gospel Music Awards - gospel music's annual celebration of achievement. Affectionately known as the 'Angels', the awards span the musical spectrum from worship to hip-hop, rock, country and sacred, with many more styles in between. US born singer, Francine Bell took top honours with the 2003 Yamaha Golden Gospel Award recognising lifetime achievement in the sector. Bell, a consummate Gospel singer, has toured the US, France, New Caledonia and other countries performing gospel spirituals. She has also performed at the Sydney Opera House, the Newcastle Entertainment Centre, appeared on numerous television shows and movies including The Matrix Revolutions (as Councillor Grace). She has performed with the leaders of Australian performers including Julie Anthony, James Morrison, Don Burrows, Dame Joan Sutherland, Normie Rowe, Debra Byrne, Judith Durham, Marina Prior, Tommy Emmanuel, Barry Crocker, and Slim Dusty. Bell said that she was "really excited" to be part of the awards at a time when Australian Gospel Music is gaining significant marketplace success. Organisers say that Gospel Music is the fastest growing sector of the Australian music industry generating $25-30 million annually and representing 4.9% of total industry sales. "In the past six years, the Australian Record Industry Association (ARIA) has accredited 14 gold and platinum gospel awards, most of these being Australian artists," says awards organiser Kelvin Fahey. The 'Angels' also recognise the achievement of independent gospel recording artists and songwriters. CCC Youth, the youth band of Christian City Church Oxford Falls won the Independent Recording Artist Award, and Deb Fung an inspirational Chinese-Australian folk artist won Best New Artist Award. Another highlight of the evening was the presentation of six awards for gospel songwriting. Sponsored by the Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) and Yamaha Music Australia, the Australian Gospel Songwriting Awards honor the country's leading gospel songwriters. The winners in each category were: * Best Gospel Song Award for the song 'Take The Time' - Cynthia McCracken * Runner Up - 'With All My Heart' - Jan Bentley * Outstanding Gospel Lyrics - 'Precious Lor'd - Debra Dicembre * Outstanding Gospel Music Award - 'Aris'e - Eric Ossebaar * Judges Commendation Gospel Song Award - 'Lead Me Home' - Merelyn & David Carter * Youth Gospel Song Award - 'In Faith' - Michael Paynter Awards Chairman Hans van de Zandt said the gala awards presentation was an "amazing" night for gospel music. "I can't remember a more exciting show with so many stand-out performances," van de Zandt said..
	21.11.03 - Christian Guy wins Australian Idol. From Christian Television Australia. If you've been on Mars and haven't heard, church singer Guy Sebastian this week won Channel 10's Australian Idol series for 2003. Guy, a member of Adelaide's Paradise Community Church, will now compete in the World Idol event next month.
	21.11.03 - AGMF 04 line-up confirmed. From Australian Gospel Music Festival (AGMF). The Australian Gospel Music Festival, Toowoomba (AGMF) has confirmed 20 International and Australian headlining acts for AGMF 04. · Rebecca St James (US/Australian) - Grammy Award winner! · The Lads (NZ) - New Zealand’s most entertaining live act. · Darlene Zschech (Australian) - Australia’s favourite worship leader. · Eli (US) - Returning by popular demand! · Playdough (US) - America’s leading Gospel DJ. · Idea of North (Australian) - Recently voted "World’s best a capella group". · Other headliners: Alabaster Box, Roma Waterman, Rookie, Soulframe, Steve Grace, Mortification, Blind, Claire Hazzard, Rocfish, Brendon Walmsley, Tania G, Wishful Thinking and Daniel Kay. In addition, AGMF 04 will feature over 100 other artists and a huge number of amazing attractions. If you have never been before you will love it... if you have, you will be amazed at how big AGMF has become!
	21.11.03 - Andy Chapman reports on Nepal trip. From Andy Chapman. We had an outrageous time in Nepal singing and playin' around town to locals and tourists. In Hotels bars and churches! It was all a part of the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the first ascent of Mt Everts by Sir Ed and Tenzing. Sir Ed Hilary even turned up. We played for the King and Crown prince of Nepal! Had a great time ministering in local churches, and orphanages. It was great to use music to bridge cultural gaps. I fondly remember Kinika, possibly Nepal's only didgery-do player. We became good mates, and played together often, even at the National Football Stadium with a full band and big crowd. It was great to form a friendship with him and I had many opportunities to share my faith in Jesus with him. Ian Farrington (who headed up the trip) and Cornerstone Missions team of Noosa were great. If you'd like to help out with sponsoring needy children in Kathmandu by this ministry call Janeta or Lyn on 54490577.
	21.11.03 - Jesus shines at Musicoz Awards. From Warwick Marsh, Musicoz. The Superjesus was the headline act at the 2003 Musicoz Awards on Saturday, 15th November, 2003. The Superjesus rocked the crowd with their power packed performance, but Jesus Christ, the Son of God, walked away with the most credits of the night. Over 25% of the bands and artists represented gave public recognition to their faith in Jesus Christ. Carter and Carter, the well known Australian Country act won the Gospel category outright and came second in the Musicoz Country section. Eric Ossebaar, winner of the Jazz section for his song, 'Is this Love?' gave all glory to his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ when he received his award on stage. Eric also credited his wife and children with their love and support. Chris Lee Joe, producer and joint Hip Hop Award winner, is a Christian who attends Hillsong Church in Sydney. Chris is also a passionate supporter of the Australian Hip Hop scene. Elisabeth Gogos, Aboriginal first place winner, tearfully thanked Musicoz, mum & dad and the Lord Jesus Christ for the gift of music. The winner of the Rock category was a five piece band Audience from the Sunshine coast, Queensland. Audience performed brilliantly on the night and also won the Festival Music Publishing Award. They came very close to winning the Artist of the Year Award from Sony Music. This vibrant young band thanked the Lord Jesus Christ, the Musicoz team and the headline act who presented their award. Other artists who won awards also gave thanks to God. The 2003 Musicoz Awards will be screened on national TV on Saturday 29th November at 8.30 pm by WIN TV. The night was a triumph for the Australian Independent Music scene and the many young artists putting their all on the line for the music they love. Musicoz is the dream of the five founding members of the team, Pat Maloney, Mike Betts, Ed Lee, Rob Specogna and Warwick Marsh. Warwick Marsh, manager of Australian Heart Music, founder of the Fatherhood Foundation and a deeply committed Christian congratulated all the members of the Musicoz team, workers, winners and entrants and said, "The really exciting thing about Musicoz from a Christian point of view, is that it provides an opportunity for Christian artists in the 18 categories to take their music to the world. It is significant that a minimum of five artists in eighteen declared that their inspiration comes from their heavenly Father. This is a good indicator of the depth of talent of Christian music in Australia". Mr Marsh also said, "It is important that Christian artists enter as many sections as possible in Musicoz 2004. Don’t limit your music to only a Christian audience. Let the whole world know that the Super Jesus is not just the name of a band."
	21.11.03 - Mystery artist, more buses & Jars tour. From Sonfest. Well it's less than 2 months till Sonfest hits Boonah. Tickets are selling great and it looks certain that this year will be another record attendance. We do have some bad news though. Unfortunately Tait double booked themselves and will not make it to Sonfest. We will have the Tait replacement announced in the next couple of weeks. Mystery artist... There has been heaps of speculation about the mystery artists with many requests for clues. Well here is one for you. The mystery artist is a solo artist - not a band. So all the people thinking it may be DC Talk, Delirious or PC3 need to go back to the drawing board. Jars of Clay dates... You may have heard that Jars are doing two additional concerts in Australia. If you can't make it to Sonfest here is your chance to catch one of Christians music's biggest artists. · Sydney: 16th January 2004 @ Hillsong Church (Convention Centre), cnr Norwest Blvd & Solent Cct. Tickets from Koorong (02) 9857 4477 (available from Dec 1st). · Melbourne: 17th January 2004 @ Richmond AOG, 10 Griffiths St Richmond. Tickets from Koorong (03) 9262 7444 (available from Dec 1st). More buses to Sonfest... Just to make it easier for all of you to get to and from the Festival, Sonfest has organised a Bus Service from the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and the Gold Coast. The pick-up/drop-off points are at large churches that have agreed to allow you to park your cars (at your own risk) in the church car parks. The prices are really cheap - so make sure you take advantage of this excellent deal! More info at www.Sonfest.com .
	21.11.03 - Farewell to Forest Edge Festival. From ACAN. Memories of the Paul Colman Trio performing with John Smith, the debut performances from The Jive Express and The Frugals, as well as the talent quests, morning devotional walks, impromptu jam sessions and the tranquility of the great outdoors are all that remain of the Forest Edge Christian Music Festival. The three-day event, held in March over the past four years to promote local music, has been axed. Martin Fawkes, National Coordinator of the Australian Christian Artists Network, the body responsible for organising the event, says canceling the festival is primarily a business decision. "There are many different circumstances involved with the decision to cancel," Mr Fawkes says. These include increased costs of site fees, advertising, production and other infrastructure, plus the need to refocus on the core activities of the organising body. "It is time to refocus, strengthen what ACAN stands for, and ask God what is next," he says. Jeff Townsend who initially attended the festival as a retailer and become part of the organising committee says its cancellation is a, "big loss for local musicians. The Forest Edge Christian Music Festival was a chance to unite a diverse group of people on the common ground of music," Jeff says. "It will be missed," he adds.
	21.11.03 - MercyMe ready for second wave. From Wes Jay, The Rock Across Australia. No one expected 'I Can Only Imagine' to become a runaway #1 mainstream hit in the US. Now the stage is being prepared for MercyMe's song to happen here with Sony Music releasing the single to mainstream radio. Songwriter Bart Millard says he wrote it as a response to his father's death from cancer. The video features cameos from Michael Tait, Tammy Trent, Bob Herdman of Audio Adrenaline, and Jesse Katina. At the beginning, each person appears holding an empty picture frame to signify their loss and then as the video progresses, they are holding photos of their loved ones. It's a very moving presentation. And the success with 'I Can Only Imagine' is not all that's happening for MercyMe. Its sophomore album 'Spoken For' recently attained gold certification (500 000) and the band is touring with Michael W. Smith. Who could have imagined that!
	14.11.03 - Audiology CD launch. From Audiology. Audiology are hitting Albert St Uniting Church this Friday night the 14th of November to launch their long awaited EP 'Revere'! Doors open at 7:30pm and admission is $7 (group discounts are available call 0413 138 414). Special guest Ben Cleaver will also be playing. This concert will be like no other - a time to praise, worship and totally focus on God. I really hope you can not only come and support the boys - but also come to enjoy the presence of God. A night not to miss!
	14.11.03 - Catch a bus to Sonfest. From Sonfest. We can almost smell January 15th. Tickets are selling, schedules are being organised and Sonfest HQ is under siege with activity. Here are a couple of really important parcels of information: Firstly, if you have always wanted to come to Sonfest but haven't been able to get to Boonah, your problem may be solved. Genesis Coaches are running three different routes to Sonfest 2004. So whether you are from Adelaide, Melbourne, Townsville or pretty much anywhere in between, then there is a new way to get to Sonfest. You can get more information at this location. Secondly we want to make sure that everyone hears about Sonfest. Do you think that you could help? Let us know if you would be willing to get information about Sonfest all over Australia and we will send you a pack of posters and flyers - email mikel@sonfest.com. Lets make this year huge. Thanks for all of your prayers and support for Sonfest 2004. Remember the Jars of Clay CD offer runs out at Christmas and tell everyone you know about Sonfest.
	14.11.03 - National songwriting awards celebrate Gospel music. From Wes Jay, The Rock Across Australia. The finalist list for the 2003 Australian Gospel Songwriting Awards is a wholehearted celebration of Australia's world-class gospel music songwriters. Sponsored by the Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) and Yamaha Music Australia, the awards recognise achievement in gospel music throughout Australia. Speaking at Canberra's Memorial Hall where the Australian Gospel Songwriting Awards will be held on 22 November 2003, NGH Chairman Hans van de Zandt said that the competition had received 300 submissions from artists that have been part of gospel music in Australia for several years plus those who are new to the sector. "The variety and quality of the submissions this year has reached new heights," van de Zandt said announcing the finalists for the prestigious the Australian Gospel Songwriting Awards. Topping the list of finalists for the Best Gospel Song award are: 'Arise' (Eric Ossebaar), 'I Need Your Love' (Paul Mabury, and The Jive Express), 'Lead Me Home' (Merelyn and David Carter), 'Take The Time' (Cynthia McCracken) and 'With All My Heart' (Jan Bentley). 'Lead Me Home' (Merelyn & David Carter) is a finalist in a total of three categories - Best Gospel Song, Best Music and the Judges Commendation, and 'Arise' (Eric Ossebaar) is a finalist in two categories - Best Gospel Song and Best Music. The other categories are Best Gospel Song-Runner Up, Best Lyrics, and a Youth Award. Each award is determined on musical merit, lyrics, arrangement plus originality. The Australian Gospel Songwriting Awards is part of the Australian Gospel Music Awards (AGMA) which takes place in Canberra's Memorial Hall on Saturday 22 November 2003. Showtime is 7:00 p.m. with celebrity presenters Jimmy Little, Bill Chambers (Dead Ringer Band, and father of Kasey Chambers), Gunter Gorman (Sherbet, Ol 55, Daddy Cool), plus radio personalities John Cleary (ABC), Roger O'Donnell (FM 103.2, Sydney), Martin Fawkes (Light FM, Melbourne) and Don Taylor (Gospel Country). And the nominations are... Best Gospel Song... 'Arise' - Eric Ossebaar (QLD) 'I Need Your Love' - Paul Mabury & The Jive Express (WA) 'Lead Me Home' - Merelyn and David Carter (VIC) 'Take The Time' - Cynthia McCracken (VIC) 'With All My Heart' - Jan Bentley (VIC) Best Lyrics... 'Fall From Grace' - Lisa Reynolds (SA) 'Jericho' - Elizabeth Frencham (QLD) 'Greatest Story Ever Told' - Wendy Cochrane (QLD) 'Precious Lord' - Debra Dicembre (NSW) 'The Simple Life' - Gavin Chatelier (VIC) Best Music... 'Arise' - Eric Ossebaar (QLD) 'I Look To The Crucified' - Jim Peters (NSW) 'Lead Me Home' - Merelyn and David Carter (VIC) 'Moving Forward' - Brad Shipway and Richard McLeod (NSW) 'You Are' - Julie Wilson and Mark Tinson (NSW) Judges Commendation... 'East From West' - Pamela Finedon (QLD) 'Lead Me Home' - Mereyln and David Carter (VIC) 'Missing Link' - Helen Betz (ACT) 'The Day Of The Lord' - Peter Paul Raymakers (VIC) 'The Best Is Yet To Come' - Clive Hay (NSW) Youth Award... 'Empty' - Alyssa Roper (ACT) 'In Faith' - Michael Paynter (VIC) 'Fill Me With Your Power' - Stef Familo (VIC) 'I Believe' - Sarah Jarvis (SA) only 12 years old 'Lessen The Force Of My Falls' - Ruth O'Brien (ACT)
	07.11.03 - Stations unite to focus on Gospel music. From Wes Jay, The Rock Across Australia. November is shaping up to become Gospel Music month! More than 150 Christian and community stations across Australia will unite to air a radio special focussing on the National Gospel Happening (NGH) this month. Hosted by Greg Newman (Jock's Journal, Light FM), the program features interviews with Jimmy Little, Vika Bull (Vika and Linda), and Roma Waterman, and introduces new songs from Vika and Linda Bull ('Raise Your Voices'), Roma Waterman ('I Was Carried') and Aliki Flodine ('Touch of the Master's Hand'). ComRadSat (The Community Radio satellite) will distribute the program through its network on 14 November.
	07.11.03 - Citrus finalist in Australian Gospel Music Awards. From Citrus. Citrus has been named as a finalist in the 'Best New Gospel Artist' category of the Australian Gospel Music Awards, otherwise known as the 'Angels'. Citrus' inclusion in the final five comes as recognition for the band's outstanding debut album 'Adam Ate the Mango'. Other finalists are Deb Fung, Me+Ty, The Darlow Show and Justin Michael. Further details are available at www.nationalgospelhappening.org/awards.htm.
	07.11.03 - Musicoz finalists announced. From Wes Jay, The Rock Across Australia. Finalists for the Musicoz Awards have been announced. These mainstream music awards focus on the cream of Australia's unsigned musical talent from a broad range of genres. Like AGMA which focuses on gospel music only, these awards attract industry representatives, celebrities and established artists - all keen to see who might be Australia's next "big thing". Finalists in various categories include Tonjip (rock/hard rock), Audience (rock/hard rock), Juxtapose (alternative), Carter & Carter (country), Summit Music (classical), Tania G (pop), Serendipity (punk), Lexine Solomon (aboriginal/TSI), and Elizabeth Gogos (aboriginal/TSI). In the gospel category, finalists are: Alabaster Box - 'There's Hope' Ben Cleaver - 'The Same' Bent - 'Prophets' Carter & Carter - 'Lead Me Home' Lexine Solomon - 'Run The Race' Dale Dearman - 'This Generation' Roma Waterman - 'Lifting Me Up' Summit Music (South Coast city church Thirroul) - 'You Amaze Me' Tania Zett - 'Dance With Me' The Flannelettes - 'White Light of Love' The Musicoz Awards will be held in Wollongong, NSW on 15 November.
	07.11.03 - Compliments of Gus live recording. From Compliments of Gus. Yes, the rumours are true. Compliments of Gus are going back into the studio to record a brand new album, and this time, you're invited. We've even been rehearsing. Compliments of Gus live recording - Saturday 29th November 2003 @ Baker Street Studios, Burwood, Victoria. Session 1: 2pm - 4pm. Session 2: 7pm - 9pm. Tickets are $20 per session (including pre-session BBQ). As seating is strictly limited, you must book in advance by emailing jared@cog.net.au with your name and email address, along with the session you will be attending and the number of tickets you require. Tickets will be allocated on a first in best dressed basis. Thanks for all your support in the past. We are looking forward to a great day of music on the 29th, and hope that you can be a part of it.
	07.11.03 - Naked Heart has new single and album out now. From Steve Grey. Naked Heart from Central Victoria has released 'Confide In Me' (yup Kylie Monogue's 1994 #1 hit) as a single off their album 'Further Proof' and this can be bought in most good shops or ordered from the SHOCK web site.
	07.11.03 - 'Children of the Western World' turns 15. From Wes Jay, The Rock Across Australia. Next Monday marks the 15th anniversary since the launch of Steve Grace's album 'Children of the Western World'. This was the first CD pressed by an Australian Christian artist. It featured classic songs like 'Land of the Rock', 'Edward Kelly', and 'Big Dreams' - a song that took Steve to the top of the US CCM charts. 'Children of the Western World' has sold more than 35 000 copies earning him a gold record.
	07.11.03 - Crew cuts. From Wes Jay, The Rock Across Australia. Larry Norman, the CCM veteran, is bedridden suffering from a heart condition that could soon prove fatal. Musicians in America are banding together for a benefit concert on 15 November. Norman is best known for his albums 'So Long Ago the Garden' and 'Upon This Rock'. Rebecca St James has launched her new website - www.rsjames.com. Before the Paul Colman Trio returns to Australia for its homecoming tour next year, pc3 is heading to Europe for performances in Holland, Sweden (with OC Supertones), Germany, and possibly Denmark. The trio will also perform at Parachute 04. Smalltown Poets has a new home at BEC Recordings and a new lineup. The group is best known for its song 'Gloria'. Sixpence None the Richer's lead singer Leigh Nash, and her husband Mark Nash from PFR, have announced a new release - they're expecting their first child before Christmas. Former Whiteheart bass guitarist, keyboardist and vocalist Tommy Simms will produce Rachael Lampa's new album. Fire has destroyed rock band Fono's studio in San Diego burning all the masters for its new CD. Our thoughts and prayers go to all the victims of California's worst fires. Stryper's lead singer Michael Sweet has recorded a hymns project. Tonéx and R&B crooner Montell Jordan have recorded a duet together on the topic of escaping temptation. The song 'Yes' appears on the latest Jordan album 'Life After Def'. Inpop will release a new solo album from Mizzie (formerly of Raze) early 2004. Brian Littrell of platinum selling boy band the Backstreet Boys is hoping to record a Christian album. Litrell says he's looking forward to branching into Christian music. Fans of the BSB know that Brian Littrell him a huge platform with his pop success over the years and now he wants to do something in the gospel field. United Christian Broadcasters has announced its next international conference will be held at Rydges Oasis Resort, Caloundra 6-9 April 2004. For further information, contact Julia Harris - admin@ucb.com .