While doing so, many artists have also publically endorsed President Bush's emphasis on abstinence (for singles) and marital fidelity in our government's response to Africa's HIV/AIDS emergency. You can no doubt imagine the uproar his strategy has been causing within much of the global AIDS activism community.

In light of that, I was especially interested to read a report that this week legendary rocker/political activist Bob Geldof praised President Bush's abstinence emphasis. As you may know Geldof works closely with Bono’s DATA organization and is the person who quarterbacked last year’s LIVE 8 concerts. This endorsement is a bold move by Geldof who is neither a man of faith nor a political conservative—far from it, in fact.

To read about Geldof's response, click on the link below...

Bob Geldof Hails US Abstinence Initiative to Combat AIDS

http://rawstory.com/news/2006/Bob_Geldof_hails_US_abstinence_init_09272006.html

Have a great weekend!

-Jay

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Monday, September 11, 2006

The Art of "Other Promotion"


I recently received a mass email that Sara Groves sent to her fans via her mailing list. (I'm a fan, so this was one mass email I wanted to get.) Imagine my surprise--a pleasant surprise--when I discovered the sole purpose of her alert was to promote another artist's album. (Though, upon further thought, such a gracious move shouldn't have surprised me coming from someone like Sara.)

Truth be told, I can't remember the last time I heard of an artist emailing their fan list to draw attention to another artist's work. That makes one wonder...why? Within the Christian community this sort of thing shouldn't be a rare move. On the contrary, shouldn't it be par for the course?

Record labels are grateful when their artists excel at the art of self-promotion--there are very effective ways to do it without coming off self-centered such as casually mentioning your new album's release date from stage at each concert or repeatedly attempting to steer an interviewer back to topics such as your new album. Of course, I realize that artists have an obligation to support their record label's promotion efforts (and sometimes it's actually a matter of putting food on their family's table), but it's the heart, the spirit of it all that I'm reflecting on here. I guess my bottom line question is this, generally speaking, is humility king? Or rather, in the name of "healthy competition," has competition itself become king?

The thing I love so much about Sara Groves' latest email blast is that, rather than self-promotion, it's all about being other-centered. Her primary concern here is her fans, what's good for them and, in this case, that being Derek Webb's excellent artistry. Bravo Sara. Here's hoping such actions are contagious.

So, about that Derek Webb album and how you can get your FREE copy? Here's what Sara had to say in her email:

"I was in an interview with Derek Webb a couple of years ago and the interviewer was asking us what kind of outreaches we were a part of. Derek said, "I'm called to preach the gospel to the church. The last time I looked the church isn't free." I have been deeply challenged by Derek's music as it confronts me with this same question. How free am I from my culture, and the culture of church to see the Kingdom of God? MOCKINGBIRD is not just an album, but is the opening line of a conversation that I desperately need to have."--Sara Groves

Hello everyone.

Our friend Derek Webb just launched a bold campaign to give away his new album as a free download. Please visit http://FREEDEREKWEBB.COM to download Mockingbird.

Blessings,

Troy and Sara (http://saragroves.com )

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Thursday, August 17, 2006

When Billy Speaks, People Listen


Have you seen Newsweek's cover story on the Rev. Billy Graham (Aug. 14 issue)? Michael W. Smith was so moved by it, he made it the lead headline/link on his official web site urging fans to check it out.

As someone who's long-respected Graham, I quickly took Smith's advice. I'm glad I did. Newsweek's thought-provoking profile on the world's most prominent evangelist is extremely personal and revealing, not to mention a sure conversation starter. That being the case, I thought I would "pay it forward" and pass along the link to you.

Pilgrim's Progress

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14204483/

Enjoy,

Jay

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Tuesday, August 1, 2006

WANTED: Compelling Female Artists


If you're a CCM subscriber, then you already know that this month's cover story highlights Natalie Grant, Nichole Nordeman, Leigh Nash, BarlowGirl, Sara Groves and other female artists who are making waves in Christian music, despite today's male-dominated scene. Our editorial team is thrilled with the insightful overview that music journalist Greg Rumburg delivered on this important topic. We feel these gender-related trends in music should be addressed sooner rather than later. So imagine our surprise when, one week after we sent this issue of the magazine to our printer, USA Today featured a prominent article titled: SERIOUS FEMALE SINGERS HARDER TO FIND ON THE CHARTS.

The obvious parallels to our article were striking. However, one key difference in the USA Today story is the observation that in the mainstream music world, while there are indeed several successful female artists, substance and depth aren't defining most of those careers. It's a very interesting read...to check out the article for yourself, simply click on the link below:

http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2006-07-13-female-singers_x.htm

Respectfully,

Jay

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Thursday, July 6, 2006

Three Albums You Need to Hear


In this month's issue of CCM, I have the pleasure of telling our readers about three forthcoming albums that are just...stunners. It's pretty wild, I've been an avid fan of Christian music for more than 20 years, and I'm every bit as nostalgic as the next guy, but I'm here to tell you, the quality of artistry coming out now--overall--is superior to any prior season I've experienced. And those three soon-to-release albums? Since I think the more people that know about them, the better, I'd like to take the opportunity to tell you about them as well. The following appears as the letter from the editor in this month's CCM...

THE JOY OF DISCOVERY (A LOOK AHEAD)

There's nothing like hearing a bona fide landmark album for the first time. And recently, I've heard more of them than usual. Not to sound jaded, but if I encounter just one album a year that literally wows me--knocks my socks off--then I'm content. Last year, for instance, it was Sara Groves' ADD TO THE BEAUTY. If you've experienced that disc, chances are you know what I mean.

And this year? I'd been greatly impressed several times, but not wowed. That all changed when, within the past month, I discovered not one, not two, but three WOW albums--and I'm not referring to those nifty compilation discs either.

The first arrived courtesy of a band that's new on the scene. Now, I can tend to be leery of debut albums that come on the heels of seemingly over-the-top hype. As someone who loves to be pleasantly surprised by genuine excellence, I've been let down more than a few times. Enter Essential recording artist Leeland. And the pre-release hype? Probably more profuse than anything I've experienced since Delirious came on the scene eight years ago. What I discovered when I hit "play" was worshipful rock that surpassed Sonicflood's debut and, yes, was actually on par with Delirious' bow. Now that was a pleasant surprise. When Leeland's SOUND OF MELODIES album streets on August 15, you'll know where I'm coming from. (And you can count on us to update you on the band every few months in our "Band Wagon" column which appears next to Paul Colman's "Ones To Watch" section.)

Next up was an album that I had extremely high expectations for. Not only that, but I am so nostalgically connected to the artist who delivered it that... well, let's just say most of my professional history was invested in this person. I don't mean that in the sense of trying to take some credit for her success--on the contrary, the good reputation I had as a PR guy back in the day was due in large part to her commitment, heart, talent and grace. You could say I rode the coattails of her and her bandmates. And for that I owe Sixpence None the Richer's Leigh Nash a great deal.

So about those high expectations... When I received the pre-release for Leigh's new album, BLUE ON BLUE, in the mail, I knew what it would be up against. Namely, the pedestal I had Sixpence's artistry on. (Even if I'd never worked with them, they would still be one of my three favorite bands of all time.) And Leigh? With this solo bow she does her musical heritage proud. BLUE ON BLUE not only captures Leigh's best vocals ever--a stunning feat in its own right--this melodic delight is as genuinely beautiful as any Sixpence album. Indeed, it wows me in a hushing sort of way. And the lyrics? We Sixpence fans are sticklers for thoughtful songwriting, and that's exactly what Leigh brings to the table here. You can experience it for yourself when Blue on Blue hits stores on August 15.

The third album I'm going to tell you about...well, I honestly don't know if I can do it justice here. In fact, after you hear it, you might wonder why I not only saved it for last, but didn't in fact dedicate this whole page to it. Here's the thing...on September 5 Jars of Clay will release its career-defining album--GOOD MONSTERS. (Go ahead, read that sentence again.)

I know what you're thinking--Jars of Clay's career-defining album was its wildly-selling self-titled debut. For ten years I thought the same thing...until I heard GOOD MONSTERS. To Essential Records' credit, the label is letting the album speak for itself. (In fact, the recent press release announcing the disc merely lead with the headline: "New Project Signals A Return To Band's Award-Winning Rock Roots.")

Jars of Clay has impressed me many times over the years, but my bottom line is this, GOOD MONSTERS is the band's first masterpiece. It's not simply a step beyond anything Jars had done both lyrically and musically, it's a leap beyond. GOOD MONSTERS is the album that I believe will not only define them in hindsight, but will be one of the most important albums in Christian music history.

So yes, you could say the past month has really changed my perspective on how important 2006 will be in Christian music's grand scheme. And I'm both grateful and amazed to be taking part--most of all as a fan.

-Jay

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Thursday, June 29, 2006

Underoath: The #1 Band in America!


File this one under "Big News of the Month"...or "Even Bigger!"

As I type this, Tooth & Nail act Underoath is the #1 band in America. How so? Right now Underoath's new DEFINE THE GREAT LINE album is the best-selling disc by any band, according to Nielsen SoundScan (and The Billboard 200 sales chart).

Here's the deal. Underoath's disc debuts at No. 2 on The Billboard 200 album sales chart with--get this--97,601 albums sold its first week! (The only reason they didn't debut at No. 1 is because solo artist Nelly Furtado released her new album at the same time.)

Billboard.com reports that Underoath's DEFINE THE GREAT LINE is the highest charting Christian album on The Billboard 200 since 1997 when country star LeAnn Rimes' YOU LIGHT UP MY LIFE--INSPIRATIONAL SONGS claimed the No. 1 spot for three weeks.

To give you added perspective on Underoath's street week sales, consider that when Casting Crowns (generally regarded as the biggest band in Christian music) released it's second album, LIFESONG, the disc sold less than 75,000 copies its first week.

So, how did Underoath do it? They're a huge favorite in the mainstream's hardcore rock scene. To find out more, check out the July issue of CCM Magazine...Our 3-page feature on Underoath delves into the band's rise to prominence and how they are so outspoken about their faith. The issue also contains a 400-word editorial by Underoath's Tim McTague and their album DEFINE THE GREAT LINE is spotlighted as July's full-page lead review.

Enough said. Rock on!

-Jay

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Thursday, June 1, 2006

This Month's CCM...My All-Time Favorite?


Have you checked out the June issue of CCM yet? You know, the one with Switchfoot on the cover? It may be all-time favorite issue of the magazine. I don't say that off the top of my head. I've felt this way since first seeing the completed issue a few weeks back. And yes, I know what a big statement that is coming from the editor. Frankly, it's bigger than you think. I mean, I first subscribed to CCM more than 20 years ago. In other words, the competition is rich.

There were the first times Steve Taylor and Charlie Peacock appeared on the cover. Or the really obscure 1982 back issue in which CCM somehow landed an extensive interview with U2 and the bandmembers went on the record--WAY on the record and WAY into detail--about their faith. (After that U2 avoided CCM and Christian music press in general for almost 25 years...until Bono's prayer breakfast conversation included us earlier this year.) Then there was the time when Sixpence None the Richer landed their first CCM cover back in '97. There was also the issue last year which featured the first cover story I penned--unforgettable thanks completely to the brilliant interview Nichole Nordeman gave me. And there are so many more favorites...

So all this begs the question: Why is this new one so special to me? Well, I actually wrote this month's editor's letter answering just that, and I'd like to share it with you here, now... And hey, maybe you'll find that you're with me on this...

-------------------------------------------------------------

UNDER THEIR INFLUENCE

This may be my favorite issue of CCM Magazine ever. Not only did Switchfoot give us an exclusive interview for this month's cover story, but in this very same issue, we're introducing Nichole Nordeman as CCM's newest contributing editor. I mean, are you kidding me?

Now, as you likely know, this month's cover story has been a long time coming. Personally, it's something I've looked forward to since joining CCM's team in the fall of '03. Yeah, the band was already huge by then. But that's not why I wanted them on the cover.

I first met the original trio known as Switchfoot about 10 years ago. The first record label they signed with was a label I helped start as its PR guy. But I happened to move on right as they were coming on board. Even though our professional overlap was brief, brothers Jon and Tim Foreman and Chad Butler made quite an impression on me. And all of our interactions since then have only reinforced that strongly favorable impression.

Though I was never paid to promote any of Switchfoot's albums, that never prompted me to show restraint about how much I liked them, and increasingly, their music. On the contrary, sometimes friends accused me of doing their PR for free.

Within a few years Jon and I connected deeply on our mutual appreciation of God, music and the mysterious ways of womankind--not necessarily in that order. While we were never close friends in the regularly-in-touch sense, we have always picked up where we left off when we've happened upon each other. (And I'll always give Jon brownie points for marrying one of my all-time favorite people, Emily, who was a close friend of mine.)

One thing that's telling is that Jon's interaction with me didn't change when his band hit it big. He's still every bit as approachable, gracious, engaging and other-centered as he was back in the day when people were like "SwitchWHO?" Chad and Tim remain "class" as well. And though I've never had the chance to get to know Switchfoot's two later additions--Jerome Fontamillas and Drew Shirley--you don't have to be around the two of them long to sense how well they fit and why Jon, Tim and Chad chose them as bandmates.

It's my hope that this month's cover story will give you a real grasp of who this band is. In fact, it's very important to me that it does. (If it doesn't, write me a really mean letter, because I wrote the story myself.) The fact that I have a little history with the band isn't what makes this such a priority for me. It has to do with the significance of Switchfoot's place in our culture and the way this band can and does influence the way aspiring artists and fans like you and me approach Christianity and the arts.

That brings me to the other reason why this month's issue is such a big deal to me. Another person who's helping shape the way I view both Christianity and the arts is Nichole Nordeman. Artists have spoken to me most of my life. And Nichole's artistry speaks to me like that of few others.

Now, here's the thing: Nichole has a secret--one that we aim to go public with. You know how she's renowned as a brilliant lyricist? Well, the poetry of great songwriting isn't her only potent gifting with a pen. In a word? Prose. That's right, once you read a few of her essays--proving to yourself they weren't flukes--you'll be left shaking your head, wondering why in the world this woman has yet to write a book. And while we can't answer that question for you, we can take the practical approach and offer you a page of her musings in each issue of CCM starting this month. Yes, we know, it sounds almost too good to be true. (Check it out for yourself--turn to page 60 for her first installment of "Loose Ends: Confessions of an Unfinished Faith.")

Truth is not only stranger, it's better than fiction.

Jay@CCMmagazine.com

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Wednesday, May 10, 2006

VICKY BEECHING 101


This past Monday afternoon I met one of my favorite publicists, Melissa Campbell, and Sparrow recording artist Vicky Beeching for coffee and conversation at our local Starbucks. Now, I didn't know a lot about Vicky's personal history, but I knew enough to know this coffee chat should be interesting.

Um, interesting? I met the two of them at 4:00 thinking that would be a good way to end my day before heading home at about 5:30 for dinner. And wouldn't you know it? It was 7:00 before we parted ways. The last time I got caught up in small group conversation like that was ... well ... quite some time ago.

Melissa Campbell? No surprises there. The first time I met my friend, I discovered she could bring the stuff of life to a conversation in both fun and compelling ways. So here she was with Vicky Beeching, an artist she represents, an artist who turned out to be an interpersonal heavy hitter in her own right.

Beeching, as you may know, moved to the United States from her native England a couple years ago. This unusual worship leader spent a stretch of her childhood attending a charismatic church before doing her undergraduate and graduate studies at world renowned Oxford University. Yeah, THAT Oxford -- home to literary giants such as C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien.

So, what do you get when you mix charismatic sensibilities with a striking intellect? Well, according to theologian Gordon Fee, in the best case scenario, you get a "scholar on fire" (for God).

And while Ms. Beeching has a very relational, easy going spirit, I definitely get the sense that Dr. Fee's descriptive would resonate with who she is. (Or as her evident humility would no doubt direct her, who she wants to be.)

And then there's her music ... a natural reflection of herself. If you haven't heard Beeching's Sparrow Records debut, YESTERDAY, TODAY & FOREVER, you're missing out. The modern worship gem released this past December and would be a unique complement to any CD library.

Beeching's worshipful art is immediately accessible -- think thought-provoking pop. Her beautiful voice strikes me as very familiar, yet often reveals an unusual (and appealing) texture that reminds me of former A&M recording artist Toni Childs.

If you're a CCM subscriber and would like to know more about Vicky Beeching, check out the full-page story we did on her in this past January's issue. It'll be time well spent.

Respectfully,

Jay

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Monday, April 24, 2006

NEEDTOBREATHE Watch


For those of you that have enjoyed being introduced to the music of NEEDTOBREATHE, who appears on CCM's cover this month, I thought you might appreciate an update on the band's progress. You may know the band's debut album, Daylight (Lava/Atlantic/Sparrow), released on April 4. But are you aware that NEEDTOBREATHE's lead single, "You Are Here," is already on the verge of cracking the Top 40 of a major mainstream airplay chart? Entering this week, the song is No. 45 (with a bullet/climbing) on Radio & Records' Hot AC chart.

Christian pop radio appears to be embracing "You Are Here" as well. Last week, the CHR stations that report to Radio & Records logged 290 spins of the song nationally—that means the band is on the brink of entering the Top 30 of that format's chart.

Other news on the NEEDTOBREATHE front? Well, during the month of May, the band will open several dates for mainstream rockers Train. For details, check out NEEDTOBREATHE's official site by clicking on the link below:

http://www.needtobreathe.net/

In other NEEDTOBREATHE news, CMCentral.com has posted a new interview with the band that I thought was both informative and fun. You can check it out for yourself at:

http://www.cmcentral.com/interview/4552.html

Until next time,

Jay

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Thursday, April 13, 2006

Eyeing the Christian Radio Charts


Even since the days I first became a fan of Christian music, I've enjoyed finding out which artists were being embraced by Christian radio. Imagine the delight of this Charlie Peacock enthusiast when he saw the artist's "In the Light" claim Christian pop radio's No. 1 spot in early 1992 or the obscure Sixpence None the Richer briefly crack Christian radio's CHR chart a couple years later with "Field of Flowers." Yes, I've always relished the sense of knowing masses of people were being introduced to and then connecting with a fantastic song by a truly great artist. Christian radio has made me proud on so many occasions, and these days America's faith-based music stations are more progressive than ever. (Kutless on the AC pop chart?!? Yeah, baby!)

So how does a Christian music fan keep an eye on the radio airplay charts without shelling out serious buckage each month? I'm glad you asked... Many fans don't realize you can check the weekly airplay charts online free of charge. While Radio and Records (aka R&R) posts all 4 of their Christian airplay charts online, Billboard offers free access to 2 of their Christian radio charts.

The 4 charts Radio and Records tracks are: "Christian Rock," "Christian CHR," "Christian AC" and "Christian Inspo." (By the way "CHR" is an abbreviation for both "Contemporary Hit Radio" and "Christian Hit Radio," depending on the format/tracker.) Radio and Records charts the Top 30 in each of these 4 formats. (And they also offer additional information about songs on the verge of charting.)

To check out these 4 charts, simply click on the link below, choose the chart you want and then click "View Entire Chart":

http://www.radioandrecords.com/Formats/Christian.asp

Billboard, meanwhile, offers a "Hot Christian Songs" chart and a "Hot Christian Adult Contemporary" chart. To view the Top 25 of these charts, click on the link below and then click on the actual chart's name:

http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/charts/christian_gospel_index.jsp

You'll notice that some of Billboard's other Christian charts are "locked" so only subscribers can access them. Either way, there's plenty of info to be consumed and enjoyed to its fullest by all chart geeks such as myself.

Have fun!

-Jay

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Monday, March 27, 2006

A Brother's Pride


When I was 16 years old, my family welcomed a "surprise package" into our home--namely, my little brother William. As one might expect, just a year earlier, my 12-year-old sister and I never fathomed having another sibling join us. We thought our parents pretty much sealed the deal on that possibility. So did they.

They thought wrong.

So there I was...a junior in high school, often feeding my brother via his bottle, burping the dude, rocking him to sleep, and yes, changing many of his diapers. Before he was a year old, we discovered the kid loved music. A true Swartzendruber. One song, especially, captivated him. Get this--any time he started crying due to moodiness, we turned to the new wave remedy of Dr. Steve Taylor. If we put Taylor's "This Disco (Used to be a Cute Cathedral)" on the sound system, baby William's eyes widened and the little guy snapped to attention. Worked like a charm...every...time.

That was 21 years before he became my hero. You see, these days I may be more than a few inches taller than William, but the fact is, I look up to the man. A few days ago he completed the greatest achievement I've ever seen anyone in our family or extended family even attempt. After a childhood filled with dreams of serving in the military, "Little Brewski" (as I've affectionately called him for so many years) enlisted with the United States Marines in December. And this past Friday, he graduated from boot camp, and in so doing, simply blew his brother's mind. (I don't mind telling you that my eyes welled with tears a couple times as I watched the graduation ceremonies.)

There are many reasons the Marines are considered the most elite branch of the armed forces. And their boot camps are the stuff of legend. In fact, of every 100 young people who are bold enough to even attempt to become Marines, only 57 make it through basic training.

Yeah, when it comes to discipline and toughness, my little brother dwarfs his "Big Brewski." And did I mention he has a heart of gold? Who knew such a sensitive spirit could take up residence with guts of iron? Sounds . . . biblical.

Another weekend highlight occurred when William told me boot camp had drawn him closer to God. The guy's always had a very genuine approach to his faith, and I love seeing the way it manifests itself in him as an adult.

William and I are a whole lot different, a whole lot the same. While I was raised primarily in the United States, he spent most his childhood overseas with my parents who became missionaries after I entered college. He lived on islands such as Saipan, Guam and Palau and then spent several years in Mongolia. He's already seen much more of the world than most people do in their entire lives. And his adventure is just beginning...

So, you'll pardon me if I sometimes choose to live vicariously through my little brother . . . the United States Marine.

-Jay

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