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


	31.05.04 - 'Music You Can Believe In'. From Integrity Music. Sony Music Australia embarks on 'Music You Can Believe In' campaign, in co-operation with Integrity Media Australasia. A significant boost for Christian music in Australia. On Friday 28 May 2004, Sony Music Australia embarked on a multi-faceted marketing campaign aimed at providing Australians with ready access to ten albums by leading international artists, who all happen to share a common Christian faith. Developed in co-operation with Integrity Media Australasia, the 'Music You Can Believe In' campaign will make albums by leading Contemporary Christian artists such as Mercyme, Darlene Zschech, and world renowned Sydney worship favourites, Hillsong, available alongside established Sony Music artists MaryMary and Michelle Williams. Australian music lovers will be made aware of 'Music You Can Believe In' by way of a television advert featuring MaryMary, Destiny's Child member Michelle Williams, breakthrough US Christian artist Mercyme and Australia's very own Darlene Zschech. Zschech, whose solo album 'Kiss of Heaven' features prominently in the campaign, expressed her hopes for those who listen to any of the 'Music You Can Believe In' albums: "Music has always had the ability to stir and ignite the human spirit, declaring love and adoration, giving voice to sadness and grief, in fact, it is the only language, apart from love itself, that breaks through all other barriers. I believe in the power of music, and pray that your heart is given wings to fly, as you listen to these beautiful songs... truly music you can believe in!" To introduce new artists such as Sony Music's Ramiyah and Integrity's Irish duo of Eoghan Heaslip and Kathryn Scott, a ten song 'Music You Can Believe In' CD compilation will be available from participating music outlets such as Sanity and HMV, at a special value price of $9.95. In addition all ten albums in the campaign will be available at a special introductory price of $21.95. Jim Watson, General Manager of Integrity Media Australasia, commented as follows on the campaign: "Integrity Media Australasia is proud to be associated with Australian market leader Sony Music in this landmark initiative to offer Australian consumers broader and more convenient access to the genre of Christian music. The 'Music You Can Believe In' album is a value-packed compilation, featuring many of the world's leading and fast-rising Christian artists. This exciting promotion gives all music retailers the opportunity to get on-board and embrace this growing and influential music genre and benefit from increased sales." Chris Bent, General Manager Strategic Marketing, Sony Music Entertainment Australia said, "Sony Music is committed to contributing to the development of the market for Christian Music in Australia. Our global partnership with Integrity Music puts us in a strong position to play a leading role with this growing genre. 'Music You Can Believe In' is just the start of our efforts to bring these exciting artists to music consumers across Australia."
	30.05.04 - Reachout Promotions - A new Christian music resource for Australian Christian artists. From Peter Graham - Reachout Promotions. In the coming weeks a new Christian music promotions company will begin operations from its Brisbane headquarters. Reachout Promotions will offer services such as artist booking, event promotions, website design and hosting, global music distribution and much more. At present we are working hard to get our website up and running within the next few days so keep an eye on www.reachoutpromotions.com.
	28.05.04 - Void If Removed update. From Void If Removed. It has been a while since Void If Removed sent out their last news update. Why, cause it has been very crazy and busy in the Voidster camp. The Void crew has had some changes to their line up. Simeon who has faithfully filled the gap when Shane lost the top of his finger in 03 has been cranking out the tunes on Guitar. Simeon will now take up his own music and go solo, we wish the very best for Simeon and encourage you to support him like you have with us. Which means we have a new guitarist, Coby Williams. Coby is a big boy, so don't mess with him! Last but not least Lemy our DJ. Lemy has been with VIR for about 10mths now so if you haven't seen any of these guys, you haven't seen enough of the Void factor. Void are planning a tour in New Zealand for 2005 and to appear at Parachute Festival 05. Will there be a new album? At the moment Void are working very hard to write more tunes and YES when the bank account agrees expect another album treat from the crew!
	28.05.04 - 6across give thanks for RALF appearance. From 6across. After successfully conquering Gatton a few weeks back, 6across is heading north to Redcliffe to help celebrate the first National Day Of Thanksgiving. 'RALF Gives Thanks' is the holy part of Redcliffe Arts & Life Festival and starts 10am Saturday at the Redcliffe Cultural Centre. Expecting 250+ people, this combined churches event should be a big morning of thanksgiving. 6across are thankful for being asked to share 6 songs with the Redcliffians. "Let's just hope it's a little warmer than the 'freeze-a-thon' our Gatton appearance turned into," guitarist Geoff Rankin said earlier today. Full details are in the Gig Guide here.
	27.05.04 - Daniel Kay's popular belief. From Mark Neilen (Daniel Kay's Manager). Daniel Kay is a new independent Christian artist drawing a lot of attention in Queensland for all the right reasons. Daniel's new single 'If You Believe' is being played on Brisbane's 96.5FM to wide acclaim, and as a result Daniel's gig calendar is filling fast. You can vote/request for the song 'If You Believe' by visiting www.96five.com or by calling 07 3217 5999. Copies of 'If You Believe' are available at Daniel's performances or by mail order, and feature bonus track 'Wildest Things'. For more details on Daniel Kay, his appearances and other news, visit www.danielkay.com.
	25.05.04 - Aliki goes outback. From Aliki. Starting July 2004 country towns across Queensland will get a taste of the unique, as Aliki brings her ministry of encouragement through stories, songs and dynamic multimedia. With caravan and family in tow Aliki's outback tour will take in 23 communities, across 5 denominations, including the world renowned Mt Isa Rodeo! Aliki says, "We've been told that there is the possibility of a Wallaby BBQ in Nomanton lol. I don't know what can prepare us for that! But my heart is very much prepared to see the isolated pockets of God's church encouraged and strengthened. The doors are open wide, and the bags are packed." You can keep track of Aliki's outback ministry tour via her website www.alikiflodine.com. The Logan Entertainment Centre will be one of Aliki's main stops in October when she returns. Here she will minister at 'Thrive' - the combined Baptist/Churches of Christ state conference. Once again a unique combination of prophetic style story telling & songs will lift up many.
	25.05.04 - Do you want to perform at AGMF 05? From Australian Gospel Music Festival (AGMF). The Australian Gospel Music Festival (AGMF) is now accepting artist applications for AGMF 05 (March 25 - 27). With six years of impressive growth, and a record breaking "sell-out" festival in 2004, the Australian Gospel Music Festival (AGMF) has become Australia's premier gospel music event... and AGMF 05 will be no expectation! We are planning the biggest and best AGMF yet with larger crowds, additional venues and more attractions. AGMF will soon be announcing an impressive selection of international headlining artists, however, as a priority AGMF is committed to investing in local artists and we have made room for over 100 Australian & New Zealand artists to perform at AGMF 05. It is important that all artists apply if they wish to be considered for AGMF 05 - even if they have performed at previous festivals. Artist applications are available online at www.agmf.com.au or by emailing perform@agmf.com.au. Applications close 13th August 2004.
	22.05.04 - Live At The Princess now only $5! From Peter Graham / Live At The Princess. Live At The Princess has dropped its admission price to 5 bucks. That's 3 quality bands for only $5! So come down and hang out on the first Friday of every month at Brisbane's only monthly Christian music venue. This month Confusion of Faces and Ripple Effect will take the stage for a night of quality hardcore and alternative rock. Don't miss out. 8 Annerley Rd Woolloongabba!
	22.05.04 - Coma launch all new website. From Peter Graham. Brisbane based hardcore band Coma have launched an all new website. The new website is up and running with all new forums and a full merch section is on the way where you will be able to purchase the upcoming new 6 track EP as well as the Coma DVD. Check out www.iwantcoma.com.
	17.05.04 - Tonjip surfs airwaves with 'Coolite'. From ACAN. The new Tonjip single 'Coolite' is due for release throughout Australia on June 7, and includes 4 songs and a video clip. You can hear the song on Triple J as well as your local community station, and can help the band get it played more often by requesting it at Super Request or Net 50. The 'Coolite' video clip produced by Tactical Recon Pictures has also been well received and can be requested at Channel V. You can also keep an eye out for it on MTV, Channel 10's Video Hits and on Rage. Stay tuned for Tonjip shows in Melbourne at the end of May, Brisbane in June and Sydney in July.
	17.05.04 - The idea is evident. From ACAN. Lots of excitement for The Idea of North at the moment, with three of singer/writer Trish Delaney-Brown's original songs making the top ten in their categories in the Australian Songwriters Association's 2004 Songwriting Awards: 'Rachel' placed 7th; 'Simple Feast' 2nd and 'We Will Find a Way' 1st! All three of these songs appear on the new Idea of North CD 'Evidence' released through ABC Jazz mid-May. The group were also runner up as the 'Artist of the Year' in the 2004 CARA Awards. The group says, "with Jerry Lawson and Bernice Johnson Reagon (founding member of the legendary group 'Sweet Honey in the Rock') taking out first place, we feel pretty honoured to have come in second." Dates for The Idea of North ‘Evidence’ tour will be announced soon.
	14.05.04 - Alabaster Box update. From Alabaster Box. The first big news is that after months of "It'll be here soon" promises, the brand new Alabaster Box website is finally up and running! We're sure you'll love it, as it has everything the discerning AB fan could ever want. It's being expanded all the time, but for now you can see all the latest news, photos, and tour details. You can the also grab free songs, screensavers and wallpaper... and with the awesome "Love on the Radio Tour" already on it's way, don't forget to check out the quirky new tour diary... personally written and photographed by members of the band! To see it all, head to www.alabasterbox.com. If there's only one concert you go to this year, make sure it's a show on the Alabaster Box "Love on the Radio Tour". The tour has been through North QLD, Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, and much more, and has received rave reviews wherever it goes. The Love on the Radio Tour coincides with the release of Alabaster Box's best album to date 'Love on the Radio'. You've probably heard the new single played on your local Christian radio station, and that's nothing compared to what you'll see live! This is a huge touring show with state of the art sound, lighting, and video projection... but best of all, the same old AB fun and spontaneity that you know and love. It's really a great show for youth groups, families, and people of all ages. We'd love to see you there!
	12.05.04 - Roma Waterman prepares for first national tour in seven years. From Wes Jay, The Rock Across Australia. From 1991 to 1996, Roma Waterman was among the busiest Australian Christian singers to perform around the country touring with David Meece, DC Talk, Newsboys and Margaret Becker. Her hauntingly beautiful voice catapulted songs such as 'People Change', 'We All Need Some Love' and 'Freedom' to the top of Christian airplay charts. But working at a hectic pace week after week, month after month, Roma became so physically exhausted that she collapsed on stage during a performance in Adelaide. Diagnosed with fibromyalgia (similar to chronic fatigue syndrome) doctors told the hard working singer she would have to give up being a performer. For 12 months, Roma did nothing, but sit in church. "I realise now how much I'd always done in my own strength," Roma says. "I used to push and try to make things happen because I wanted to be a successful artist and performer who was liked by people," she admits. Three years later and still fearful of performing, Roma faced the largest number of people she'd performed to in years. Roma can't really remember much about that night except it was the "easiest thing" she'd ever done in her life. "I heard God saying to me, "that's what it's meant to be like, Roma, when you work with the Holy Spirit". My healing began that night, and today I'm totally healthy," she says. With a series of recent radio hits behind her - 'I Was Carried', 'Lifting Me Up' and 'More Than Ice Cream' - Roma is preparing for her first national tour in seven years, a tour taking in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Hobart, Launceston, Geelong, the Gold Coast and Townsville. The tour takes it name from the title of her latest CD, and a song she wrote more than ten years ago. "When I wrote it I didn't think too much about why I was writing it. But now, that song has incredible meaning for me. Thanks to God, I think that we can change and be better people. That's really the focus of this tour," she says. Tour dates at www.RomaWaterman.com.
	12.05.04 - Steve Apirana on the road to recovery. From Wes Jay, The Rock Across Australia. Steve Apirana is recovering in Nambour General Hospital after sustaining multiple fractures to both legs in a serious car accident last month. Vision FM's breakfast host Andrew Robinson says doctors are reportedly happy with Steve's progress and say his bones are healing. Steve is in a general ward at the hospital. He is expected to be home in the next week or two. "He will be in a wheelchair and on crutches for a while yet, but is happy to be alive and kicking," Andrew says. Ainsley, Steve's wife, has been overwhelmed with cards, e-mails and practical support from friends and family across Australia, New Zealand and beyond. Steve wishes to thank everyone for your prayers and support.
	12.05.04 - Australian Idol 2004. From Wes Jay, The Rock Across Australia. Iron and Clay's Shahde has made it through to the third round (Top 100) of Australian Idol 2004! Next month, she will face the most testing part when she auditions for the final 40, which will air on TV. If her performance at the UCB International Conference last month is any indication, Shahde will get her chance!
	12.05.04 - Paul Colman signs with Inpop. From Wes Jay, The Rock Across Australia. Paul Colman has signed with Inpop, the Christian music label co-owned by Peter Furler (Newsboys). Colman says it is "wonderful to be able to now work alongside each other, making music that glorifies God and shares His love and grace with the world."
	10.05.04 - Get ready for AGMF 05! From Australian Gospel Music Festival (AGMF). AGMF 04 sets new records... If you attended AGMF 04 you already know that there was something 'electric' in the air. There were record sell-out crowds (50% up on last year), a diverse yet impressive line-up of Australian & international artists, beautiful green grass and perfect weather. Most importantly AGMF is all about engaging the community, championing the cause of unity amongst churches and promoting family values. A special thanks to all those who travelled many miles to be part of the festival. AGMF 04 photos online... Hundreds of AGMF 04 photos can be viewed online at www.agmf.com.au. A special thanks to Justin Schultz our official AGMF photographer and Adam Weathered & Andrew Finden who took the time to send in so many great photos. Make sure you check out the spectacular crowd shots! More photos will be added in the next few weeks. AGMF 05 - what’s in store... Plans for AGMF 05 are well and truly under way with the AGMF office working hard on making the next festival even better than this year! Here are a few hints on what to look out for in 2005: * Larger venues * Additional camping spaces * More artists (including some huge names to be announced soon!) * A wildlife section with some scary animals * More female toilets :) The dates for AGMF 05 are 25-27th March (Easter 2005). More information soon.
	07.05.04 - Roma Waterman 'People Change Tour'. From Roma Waterman. Hi everyone - the tour is on for the months of May/June! If you would like to get tickets or flyers - call Koorong books in your city or the phone numbers below. What you can expect on this tour is Roma and a baby grand piano, some multimedia and Sydney’s own Nathan Tasker. You will hear some new songs as well as the ones that are on the radio! We look forward to seeing you there. Dates @ www.romawaterman.com.
	06.05.04 - Soulframe 'Rock the Youth of Rocky'. From Soulframe. Gold Coast-based band Soulframe are ready to rock with the youth of Rocky this weekend, as they headline a series of drug and alcohol free youth events. With a heart for the youth of Australia, Soulframe have come to Rockhampton with a message of positive life choices and to share their message of hope, in a world that often seems hopeless to our youth. Soulframe will 'Rock the Youth of Rocky' on Friday May 7th at the Rockhampton Baptist Tabernacle's Youth Rally (7:30pm) and will headline at the 'BOOF 2004' concert on Saturday May 8th at St Andrew's Conference Centre.
	05.05.04 - Rocfish filming new show. From Rocfish. Rocfish are recording a brand new show! It is titled 'A Prodigal Tale'. We would like any kids between the ages of 4-8 to get in touch with us if they would like to be a part of our live studio audience for this production. Filming is at Channel 7 Studios, Sir Samuel Griffith Drive, Mt Coot-tha on Sat 15 May 2004. Please contact us for the exact time. For further information contact Brenton on 0413620001 or brenton@rocfish.com.au. And best of all, it's free!
	05.05.04 - COG12 need venues! From COG12. COG12 is looking for any peoples that would be keen for us to play at their church/youth group in the near future! Really trying to play more in Brissie and promote the new album. Email us at riffboy@cog12.com, if you're interested! Check out our mp3's on our site!
	03.05.04 - Propane news. From Propane. Some of you may or may not know that Luka is now living in Thailand and Dale Rankine (Farlow Star) has been filling in on the skins. Bruce Knox is living in Laos and Malcolm Brown has come on board as the band's bass player. The guys play at the Princess Theatre on Friday May 7th, all ages show with two other bands. Great sushi and coffee available. Tix $9. For more info see www.liveattheprincess.com. Love to see you there.