Christian Music Online

No Intelligence Allowed

2008-04-14T17:47:00.001-07:00

I believe
that God created the world in six days. Complete, mature and fully
functional. I believe that true science supports the truth of
God's Word. I not only have the right, but the responsibility to
stand true to the truth.

I know of
scientists who have been demoted, fired, blacklisted and their
reputations smeared because they dare to adhere to true science.
They dare to question Darwinism and to point out the holes in the
evolutionary theory and say, "Hey, something doesn't fit here.
Let's figure it out."

These are
not amateurs or wanna-be's. They are PhD's and gifted researchers
who have followed the evidence to where it leads.

Do you
dare to follow too? Don't be afraid of the truth.

See this
movie with an open mind, open heart and open eyes. Don't deny that
the First Amendment has been buried beneath fear and rhetoric.

The Devil Can Never Have All The Good Music

2008-02-26T08:33:00.001-08:00

On Sunday, February 24, at 2:45 a.m., our brother, Larry Norman went to be with his Lord. Larry is the kind of Christian most people should be, and has the kind of testimony we should all strive for. I use the word "is" when I talk of him, because he is not gone, only moved on home. He's alive and well and singing his songs in the presence of Jesus Himself. Perhaps he is harmonizing with Keith Green and celebrating with the thousands who have come to know and love Jesus and serve Him better because of Larry's ministry here on earth. While it's sad that we won't be treated to any new music here, we have the beautiful legacy of songs he gave us already. He showed us that Christianity is not something you wear on your body, but it flows from the Spirit of God through hearts and souls and voices. He taught us that God will speak as He will, not as we decide. He gave us the good music that will continue to inspire and encourage. After all, "Why Should The Devil Have All The Good Music?"

I'll see you later, Larry.

Larry Norman
4/8/1947 ~ 2/24/2008

David Crowder Band Takes Tour to Club-Like Venues

2007-10-09T11:21:00.001-07:00

By Katherine T. Phan

On the heels of the release of their fourth studio album, REMEDY, David Crowder Band embarked Wednesday on a 28-city tour that will hit many unlikely venues.

The popular band will perform at clubs, House of Blues, and a dancing hall in addition to stops at traditional venues like concert halls. And it’s not from a lack of options.

David Crowder, the band’s frontline singer, said the move to stop at club-like venues was deliberate.

“We’ve been really intentional about what kind of space we wanted this music to enter into,” he explained.

The idea behind the tour carries a similar tune to the message presented in the group’s new album REMEDY, which encourages listeners to be part of the remedy in today’s ailing world.

“This tour presents opportunity to tear down walls that are drawn between what is sacred and what is secular, a chance to reorient space where corporate worship would be unexpected,” said Crowder.

“If we are reading the gospel right, once the veil is ripped, God is everywhere. He is accessible in every space, and there’s not one moment that’s not a spiritual moment in our lives.”

REMEDY, released Sept. 25, features ten pop-centric tracks, unified with a central theme of change. The first single on the album, “Everything Glorious,” presently holds the No. 4 spot on Radio & Records’ Christian Adult Contemporary Monitored chart.

Compared with Collision, the band’s 2005 release, Remedy “is kind of like Crowder condensed,” according to the band’s frontman

“It really feels nice to me,” said Crowder to The Dallas Morning News. “It feels like the next natural step. And it's a much lighter listen than the last couple, because we were in a much bleaker place then. This is the other side of that – lighter and more hopeful. And I'm very excited about that.”

One of the aims of the REMEDY tour is to call on Christians and fans to get involved in their local communities. In each city, the tour will present multiple opportunities for fans to volunteer and serve, starting with a small challenge from the Crowder band to those who plan on attending the concerts.

“We would like this concert to leave more than just fuzzy memories of sonic happiness,” Crowder told fans on the band’s website. “We think it fitting for the night to include concrete expressions of remedy. Bring towels and socks; we will pile them up and drop them off at the local shelter, where there shall be much rejoicing.”

Crowder is just one of many CCM artists who don’t just use music to tell others about the love of Christ and God but to encourage them to live their lives as an act of worship. Other Christian music artists who have used their music and celebrity status to prompt the Christian community into social action, include Rebecca St. James, Michael W. Smith, Steve Chapman, and Jars of Clay.

Voted Artist of the Year by MSN in 2006, David Crowder Band was said to have “single-handedly redefined what contemporary Christian music should sound like.”

Phil Wickham and The Myriad will be joining Crowder on their latest tour.

Some tour venues include Dallas, San Francisco, Anaheim, New York City, Washington D.C., Seattle, Orlando, and Atlanta.

On the Web:
Dates for REMEDY tour at www.remedyiscoming.com or www.davidcrowderband.com

Phil Wickham at Sacred Grounds

2007-10-02T19:11:00.000-07:00

Whoa.

No, really. WHOA. Just stop what you're doing and listen to this. Phil Wickham is coming to Lafayette, Indiana on November 2. You haven't heard him yet? Oh man. You're missing some of the greatest music...wait, not just music! Phil Wickham's voice carries an emotional fullness that is rarely heard outside a hall of fame act. His youth is real, but his depth is ageless. Even at 21, his songs carry the weight of truth and the effortlessness of his skill. His new release, Cannons (October 2, 2007 on INO Records) is taking him on a tour across the country to venues as varied as The House of Blues in New Orleans, LA to The Crystal Ballroom in Portland, OR to the Sacred Grounds Coffeehouse in Lafayette, IN.

Catch up on Phil's self-titled debut album: (take a listen on his website!)

The song "Grace" is unbelievably uplifting, soaring through the full range of the human state, from despair, to hope..all within God's grace.

"...the sky is gray, and the light is far, the sea is a rage, within my heart, I turn my sight to the crashing waves, I cry in the night just to be saved, 'cause I need eyes to be my guide, I need a voice that's louder than mine, I need hope and I need you 'cause I can't do this alone. GRACE i call your name..."

You can order Phil Wickham's CD's on his website, MySpace, Blog

See a video of Phil HERE.

Pass the word around...you've got to hear this.

Third Major Talent Agency Makes Way for Christian Musicians

2007-10-02T18:38:00.001-07:00

Anne Thomas A bi-coastal talent and literary agency with offices in Beverly Hills, New York and Nashville, has announced the launch of a full service Christian Music Division.

With the new service to be installed at its Nashville office, the Agency for the Performing Arts (APA) Inc., becomes the third major agency – along with William Morris and Creative Artists Agency (CAA) –to offer a division dedicated solely to booking artists in the Christian music marketplace.

APA currently offers representation in all areas of the entertainment industry – from motion pictures to television to literary, as well as concerts and tours for their artists. It represents actors, comedians, broadcasters, radio personalities, writers, directors, producers and musicians.

“We have been involved in Christian music for the past five years, and with the addition of Mark Guynn we can now offer a full service Christian Department,” states Jim Gosnell, APA’s president and CEO. “We are thrilled to be able to provide across the board representation of Christian clients, and look forward to proceeding.”

Former William Morris agent Mark Guynn, an industry veteran of fifteen years, will oversee the Christian division for APA. All of the APA/Nashville agents will participate in booking the Christian roster.

“We are very excited to be in the Christian music business full time and to start building the future of our division with these amazing acts,” says Guynn. “Our goal is to dedicate the kind of time and resources it takes to effectively represent each one of our artists at every stage of their careers. We plan to build careers that will endure.”

The latest artists to sign onto the APA Christian roster include the band Overflow and Brave New World recording artists The Wedding. They join current APA clients including Christian rock superstars Stryper.

http://www.christianpost.com/section/entertainment/

Word to Release Three Major Christmas Albums

2007-09-26T05:18:00.001-07:00

Gearing up for a month full of pre-holiday cheer, Word Records is proud to announce the following artists' upcoming Christmas album releases:

Releasing on September 25, Randy Travis' holiday album Songs of the Season is packed with Christmas classics as well as new favorites. A six-time Grammy and ten-time American Music Award winner, Randy Travis presents an album that is destined to be a staple among gospel, country and Christmas music fans alike.

Also releasing on September 25 is One Wintry Night, a dynamic Christmas record from one of Christian music's most beloved voices, David Phelps. Combining hymns, holiday classics and new songs for the season, fans will rejoice over David Phelps' latest release, One Wintry Night.

Set to release on October 9, The Star Still Shines: A Diamond Rio Christmas marks the award-winning country act's first Christmas album to date. With nine No. 1 hits and over 10 million albums sold, The Star Still Shines is a long-awaited addition to Diamond Rio's already notable repertoire.

For more information on these and other upcoming releases, visit www.wordrecords.com

GoDaddy Go

2007-09-26T05:01:00.001-07:00

Okay, so I missed the "In the Round" concert this time. I have a good excuse. Really. I have several sites that are hosted by GoDaddy and was having trouble with some inappropriate ads placed on my family-friendly sites. After several emails, I finally just replaced all my content with a running "Internet Drama" of all the emails I sent and the replies I received and how I felt about them. I even contacted Bob Parsons, founder and CEO of GoDaddy. I missed going to the concert because I was dead in the middle of a debate with GoDaddy. I know, it seems like a tiny thing, but I was on a roll and it's important to me that my sites be free of offensive material and my visitors be comfortable with what they see.

Good news:
On Tuesday I received a call from Alon, in the president's office who solved the problem by taking down all the ads from my site and initiating research into developing and implementing a filter that would allow users to ban offensive ads from their sites. It may be a while before such a filter is in place, but at least it's being looked into. AND my visitors will not have to be subjected to off-color ads.

So, let's pray that GoDaddy will continue this trend and realize they need to be sensitive to sites that draw families and children.

Now ON WITH THE MUSIC!

Christian Songwriters "In-The-Round" Concert

2007-09-20T13:10:00.001-07:00

Every 3rd Saturday at Lafayette's Sacred Grounds Coffee House (7:00-10:00 pm) CICSA's own "Christian Songwriters-in-the-Round" series featuring:

SEP 22 – Greg O'Haver, Cathy Howie, Chuck McConnell, Eddie Prather, w/ Tim Hof backup.

If you haven't heard the talent bursting from the membership of the Central Indiana Christian Songwriters' Association, you haven't seen the best that Indiana has to offer. This Saturday night, come on out and tap your feet, lift your hands and enjoy a great Espresso!

See you there!

(no, really..I'm gonna be there... :D)

New Release From Amy Grant

2007-09-19T09:20:00.001-07:00

October 2, 2007
Amy Grant will release "Greatest Hits", her first-ever career and label-spanning hits collection. The CD includes 19 tracks selected from all of her studio albums and the Special Edition includes a DVD with more than an hour's exclusive content with interviews, performances, videos, photos and bonuses including a ringtone and complimentary three-month trial membership to the official FOA (Friends Of Amy) Fan Club.

And just in time for the holidays, "Christmas Album", "Home For Christmas" and "A Christmas to Remember" will be reissued on CD and released on the same date. Also look for several of her music videos to be made available for digital download for the first time. All on October 2, 2007.

More Info HERE.

JEFF BOOTH at Sacred Grounds TONIGHT

2007-09-19T02:09:00.001-07:00

TONIGHT: JEFF BOOTH at Sacred Grounds 7:00 PM

Check out "Under The Tree" CD and let Jeff and the band carry you away on waves of praise. From the energetic worship tune, "Your Name Is Great" to a plea for holiness in "Blameless", Jeff Booth brings an energy and intensity to Christian music that is sure to grab your heart and follow you home.
Cover charge is only $3.

"Under The Tree" tracks:
Song of Praise
Your Name Is Great
Can't Live A Day Without You
Blameless
Everything
Hear Our Cry
I've Come To Worship You
I Wanna Thank You
Psalm 80
Under the Tree
With My Whole Life
You Never Stop
You Take My Breath Away

GRETCHEN is Rising FAST

2007-09-16T07:17:00.001-07:00

Review: GRETCHEN - In The Mean Time
by Michael
On the forefront of Christian Rock music you'll find Gretchen. Stemming from Northeast Tennessee, the band has broadened its local base to nationwide attention. Playing shows with bands like Disciple, Stryper, Skillet and others, Gretchen feels at home within the Christian Rock Genre.
Their second release, In The Mean Time (2004), is an eleven track album with aggressive music and positive lyrics. Writing from the standpoint of Christians living in today's world and handling today's situations ranging from individual issues such divorce and self-dissatisfaction, to overall issues such as sexual immortality. The CD also includes attention-grabbers such as "Pasion" and "Every Moment" which deal with assured love on a one-to-one basis.
Heavy guitar tones usually don't go well with female-fronted vocals but Mia equals out the balance in expert performance with her experienced vocal ability. And though writing from personal experience or "first-hand accounts" of life situations, all of Gretchen's songs are impressive and can be individually personal to each and every listener. It's an album worth listening to if nothing else but to experience the CD's overall meaning!
In The Meantime currently includes two radio releases, "Fading" and "Passion" and the video "Fading" can be seen on their official website. The album was produced by three-time Dove Award winner Travis Wyrick, who has been recongnized for his other works with P.O.D., Pillar, and Disciple. Gretchen has been featured on Steel Roots TV, TVU, HM Magazine and many other mags and webzines. Their music is also featured on Pure Volume, Audio Street, Artist Launch, and other online music communities.

Band Websites:
http://www.gretchenland.com

Listen to some great music:
Click HERE

Mitch McVicker with Carrie Revel at Sacred Grounds

2007-09-15T22:41:00.001-07:00

You know you've been to a good place when you are better when you leave than when you first went in. That's what happened last Saturday night at Sacred Grounds Espresso & Coffee Shop. Carrie Revel opened the door to a spirit-filled evening of music, fun and fellowship, sharing songs from her CD, "Rain or Shine". Her easy connection with people and her solid-soul voice revved up the room. Carrie explains how "Rain or Shine" came about. "We were in the church van, taking care of band business when it broke down. We got out, sat on the curb and called for help. We were sitting on a curb in the rain, waiting for someone to get us, and Chris started strumming so we sat there and starting singing. That's where we got the whole concept of Rain or Shine. We called the song Rain or Shine and decided to call the whole album "Rain or Shine". God rains down. God shines down. Through the rain we should worship Him, give Him all the glory, be aware of His love. All we want is to make Him proud; to be overshadowed by His presence. We can't change the world but we know we can inspire someone else in a small way."

Standing on a stage bordered in candlelight, in jeans and a blue t-shirt trimmed in white, one black sock, one white sock ("It has a very deep meaning for me, I just can't remember what it is."), looking comfortable with himself, his audience and with God, Mitch McVicker picked up one of the many guitars at hand, strapped in and turned the engine over. We were in for a ride straight to the top of the mountain, and he was our guide. The band included Mitch, Adam Jeffrey (keyboard, percussion, sax, guitar, vocals), Brian Carter (bass, percussion, mandolin, vocals) and Matt Wilson (bass, steel guitar, percussion, vocals), all of whom, it seemed, could play almost any instrument they wanted to. Except, by his own admission, Mitch ("They change instruments, I switch guitars.") If they actually wore a different hat for each job they do, they would need a trailer just to hold their wardrobe.

After a devastating accident ten years ago which almost took his life and took the life of his friend, Rich Mullins (Our God Is An Awesome God, Sing Your Praise To The Lord), Mitch McVicker says he had to relearn a lot of things he had taken for granted. None of it made sense. He still doesn't have a pat answer for why things like that happen.
"I don't think God is interested in making sense. He's interested in truth. We all go through hard things. We all go through hard stuff. Our troubles are turning us into the people we are to become."
Mitch reminded us of a passage in the Bible in Lamentations that says, Lord, I can't count on You for anything. All I do is think of my troubles and it makes me miserable and depressed. But there's reason to have hope.
Mitch continued, "So I go, all right! I like this guy. I can relate to him because he's such a schizo. If it were not for Your mercy, our troubles will destroy us. There is a hope that remains apart from our present circumstances. There is a hope."

That feeling of hope continued to grow stronger with each song. A natural performer, Mitch poured out his body, soul and mind, spinning a musical quilt that blanketed everyone in earshot. He held nothing back, but fearlessly and openly shared his deep-rooted faith through the talents and skills with which he's been blessed. Mitch gave a new spin to "witty banter" after his guitar strap unloosed during a song (he didn't miss a beat), and when he talked about his new album "Love Will Rise".

"Stuff happens. We have to look to that which will lift us up beyond any circumstances. You don't plan on your guitar falling off. You don't plan on your harmonica getting clogged up", then something about queso and trying to suck it out while he's singing, to which Adam, on drums at that time, replied with the immortal riff, "ba dum bum..chsh!"

One of the many highlights of the concert was an acoustic number, "Honest of Heart" with Mitch on acoustic guitar, Brian on snare, Adam on the "sax-o-magic" and Matt on the upright bass. The guys had a rhythm that was absolutely magnetic, pulling everyone in until the whole house was moving and singing along.

Mitch's message of hope isn't just for show. He is passionate about Compassion International and sponsors a boy in Thailand and has even visited him there. While Mitch was sitting with the family, the boy went to the corner and picked up an old, beat-up warped guitar and started playing and singing. Mitch had no idea what he was saying, but the interpreter said, that it was a song about God.

"They need you to be the light of the world," says Mitch. "I've seen it work." Please join Mitch and thousands of others and reach out with compassion to those in need.

Mitch's tour will take him to Westridge Community Church in Elgin, IL on September 19. It was after playing that venue a decade ago, that Rich Mullins and Mitch McVicker were involved in the accident that sent one man home and another on the road. In memory of his friend, Rich, Mitch puts it this way. "It's not a heavy thing. It's about celebration."

On September 18, Mitch officially releases his new album, "Love Will Rise" on Surrogate Records and is available on his website at http://www.mitchmcvicker.com.

Carrie Revel's Album, "Rain or Shine" on Dayspring Music, Inc. is available on her website at http://www.myspace.com/carrierevelmusic.

GMA Hall of Fame Inductions Announced

2007-09-14T22:56:00.001-07:00

Phil Keaggy, one of the world's greatest guitar players, performers and songwriters will be inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in a ceremony in Nashville on October 29, 2007. Other inductees include The Statler Brothers, The Winans, Larnelle Harris and Joe Moscheo.

The Statler Brothers - Harold Reid, Phil Balsley, Jimmy Fortune and Don Reid - began as backup for Johnny Cash and recorded a string of their own hits, including "Flowers on the Wall" and "Bed of Rose's."

The Winans were formed by Marvin, Carvin, Ronald and Michael Winans in the '80s, following in the footsteps of their siblings BeBe and CeCe. They created a more urban contemporary sound that drew mainstream attention from R&B artists, including Anita Baker and Michael McDonald.

Keaggy, an acclaimed guitarist, formed the rock trio Glass Harp while he was still in high school in Youngstown, Ohio. The band recorded four albums for Decca Records and opened for many of the top rock acts of the day, including the Kinks, Alice Cooper, Chicago, Yes and Traffic. Keaggy left Glass Harp in 1972 to focus on contemporary Christian music.

Harris has 19 No. 1 radio singles, and many of his songs, including "How Excellent Is Thy Name," "I've Just Seen Jesus" and his signature song "Amen," are considered modern classics. He's won five Grammy awards, 11 Dove Awards, a Stellar Award and several others.

Moscheo has been a musician, manager, songwriter, producer and author during more than 40 years in the industry. He started in 1964 as a singer and keyboard player with the Imperials and worked with Elvis Presley, Jimmy Dean, Roy Clark and Pat Boone, among many famous artists. He's received multiple Grammy and Dove awards.

Mitch McVicker at Sacred Grounds!

2007-09-14T21:56:00.001-07:00

DON'T MISS THIS!

At Sacred Grounds Espresso & Coffee Shop
742 Wabash Avenue, Lafayette, IN 47905
765-429-8452

Hours of Operation

Tues-Thu . 4-10pm
Fri . 5-11pm
Sat . 5-10pm
Shows start @ 9pm on FRI
& 8pm on SAT

NOTE: All bands - $2 cover charge unless otherwise noted

______________________

September 15

Mitch McVicker
Carrie Revel
$4

Other Upcoming Performances:

Wednesday
September 19
7:00 PM
Jeff Booth
$3

September 22
Christian Songwriters In The Round
$3

Special Time 7:00 PM
September 28
Jonah & The Whalers
Free

September 29
Vessels Of Mercy
Free

_____________________

October 5
Tim Serdynski
$5

October 6
Joe Whitchurch
Robert Evans
Free

October 20
Christian Songwriters In The Round
$3
Special Time 7:00 PM

October 26
Waterside
$4

October 27
Jonah & The Whalers
Free

No More Korn for Brian Welch

2007-09-14T20:21:00.001-07:00

Former "Korn" guitarist Brian "Head" Welch was a member of one of the most popular heavy metal bands of the '90's. He enjoyed the money, the fame, the partying, but there was one thing he didn't have: God. His drug use, depression and spiritual oppression beat him down until he hit rock bottom and the only direction he could look was up. He found what was missing.

He quit the band, amid their laughter at his newfound faith and the hate-mail he received from fans. His new book, "Save Me from Myself: How I Found God, Quit Korn, Kicked Drugs, and Lived to Tell My Story" he tells of his life before he knew Jesus and how he became a new person after his salvation. His main focus has become twofold: caring for and being a role model for his daughter, Jennea and recording a "God-inspired" album to reach others with God's message.

Read the complete article at BeliefNet.org. You WILL be blessed!

Is it just coincidence that his New York Times best selling book, "Save Me From Myself" is on the chart at the same time that Korn's new self-titled album is raking in poor reviews?

Seventh Single Song on TOP

2007-09-11T22:39:00.001-07:00

Casting Crowns has done it again. Their new single, "East to West"from the album "The Altar and The Door", hit number one for this week on R&R's Christian AC Monitored, Indicator and INSP charts, Billboard's Hot Christian Songs and CRW's AC chart. This is their seventh consecutive #1 song.

That they are top in the Christian charts really comes as no surprise, but what's really great is that their album "The Altar and The Door" was released as the highest-debut album in the nation last week. The Billboard 200 reported them as debuting at number 2 with 129,000 scans. Why the hubbub? That's a new record for a Christian artist's album where there was no promotion in the mainstream market. The rank was driven by purchases made by Christian music fans. (you and me!) Who was number one? High School Musical 2 Soundtrack.

The group is made up of dedicated Christian servants who plan their tour dates around their church duties, and in the last four years they've won a GRAMMY Award, two American Music Award nods and multiple Gospel Music Dove Awards, including "Group Of The Year" for the last three years.

So go check out the album, the song and be inspired to walk in the fire!

Ten Years Later, We Still Remember

2007-09-11T01:12:00.001-07:00

Ten years ago, a tragic accident took the life of Christian music artist, Rich Mullins and nearly took the life of his best friend and musical colleague, Mitch McVicker. September 19, 2007, McVicker will commemorate that day and honor the memory of his friend at a special concert to be held at Westridge Community Church in Elgin, IL. Mullins and McVicker were leaving their concert there when the accident occurred.

Mullins may best be remembered for songs such as "Sing Your Praise To The Lord", "Screen Door", and "Our God Is An Awesome God" and so many more that continue to inspire Christians to a deeper faith and the lost to find it.

McVicker will share music from his new album, "Love Will Rise" which will be released on September 18, 2007 on Surrogate Records.

Casting Crowns new release debuts at #2 on Billboard chart

2007-09-08T20:36:00.001-07:00

The Christian pop music group is hugely popular, and has the CD sales to prove it.

Here's a press release:

CHRISTIAN/GOSPEL MUSIC MAKES NEWS WITH CASTING CROWNS’ NO. 2 DEBUT ON BILLBOARD 200

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Sept. 5, 2007 – Dove and GRAMMY Award-winning band Casting Crowns made an impressive and historical No. 2 debut on The Billboard 200, the chart of the top-selling CDs for the week ending Sept. 2 according to Nielsen SoundScan. Casting Crowns’ new release The Altar and The Door sold 129,000 copies, selling just below the juggernaut High School Musical 2 soundtrack. The Altar and The Door, which is the group's third studio album and surpasses its previous Billboard chart high at No. 9 with Lifesong (71,000) in 2005, scored the No. 2 position and the week’s highest debut without mainstream radio or TV exposure.

The sales success is no surprise to those in the Christian/gospel community who have supported Casting Crowns’ first two CDs Casting Crowns (2003) and Lifesong (2005) by making them back-to-back RIAA-certified Platinum sellers, radio hitmakers and touring favorites. The Atlanta-based band has won multiple Dove Awards, gospel music’s highest honor, including three for Group of the Year. Mark Hall, frontman and primary songwriter, has also earned two Dove Awards for Songwriter of the Year.

“Casting Crowns is in great company, coming in second only to High School Musical 2 on The Billboard 200, suggesting perhaps that the music buying audience has an appetite for music that is family-friendly, and in Castings Crowns’ case, faith affirming. That is great news, not only for our business, but also for our culture,” said John W. Styll, president of the Christian Music Trade Association (CMTA).

Styll noted that the success of Casting Crowns is particularly remarkable because it has happened thanks primarily to the Christian subculture which has embraced the band’s bold affirmation of faith.
The band joins artists like Chris Tomlin, Third Day, TobyMac and Steven Curtis Chapman who have sold millions of units without the benefit of significant mainstream radio airplay or other general market awareness. “And yet, Casting Crowns’ album does not promote isolation from the mainstream culture. In fact, at the heart of The Altar and The Door, is the theme of Christianity’s command that faith needs to be lived both in the church at the altar and outside the doors of the church,” Styll added.

The Altar and The Door’s first week sales make it the fourth highest debut in terms of units sold for a Christian/gospel record since Nielsen SoundScan began counting sales at Christian retail in 1996. Switchfoot’s 2005 Nothing is Sound (131,000), P.O.D.’s 2001 Satellite (133,000) and Leann Rimes’ 1997 You Light Up My Life (186,000) are the only albums that have sold more units in their first weeks. It is the third album to debut on The Billboard 200 as one of the top two albums along with Rimes’ You Light Up My Life which debuted at No. 1 and Underoath’s Define the Great Line, which also debuted at No. 2 in 2006 (but with fewer units sold).

About CMTA and GMA:
The Christian Music Trade Association (www.cmta.com), a sister organization of the GMA, exists to build community and cooperation among Christian/gospel music companies in order to address mutual business issues and maximize impact on culture. The CMTA oversees various industry initiatives and also operates Christian SoundScan and BDS. Founded in 1964, the Gospel Music Association serves as the face and voice for the Christian/Gospel music community and is dedicated to exposing, promoting and celebrating the gospel through music of all styles including pop, rock, praise & worship, black gospel, R&B, hip hop, southern gospel, country, and more. The GMA community consists of 4,000 members including agents, artists, church leaders, managers, promoters, radio personnel, record company executives, retailers, songwriters and other industry visionaries. The GMA produces the GMA Dove Awards, GMA Music Week, GMA Music in the Rockies, and the GMA Academy. For more information, please visit www.gospelmusic.org.