Tobymac Made To Love

Christian music news: Dan Tobymac The Slam 0001

2009-10-14T00:16:00.000-07:00

Latest christian music:

Christian Music News Source

Christian music news: UNCLE KRACKER, TOBYMAC AND EMILY WEST TO PERFORM AT IEBA CONFERENCE

2009-10-07T23:35:00.000-07:00

Latest christian music:

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (September 24, 2009) - More artists have been added to the annual conference of the International Entertainment Buyers Association October 11-13 in Nashville. Uncle Kracker, TobyMac and Emily West will perform Monday, October 12 at the CAA showcase to an audience of live entertainment professionals in town for three days of performances, educational discussions and networking.

Other performers scheduled to appear at IEBA this year include: Bob Lefsetz, Dan Clark, Don Felder, The Wailers, Chubby Checker, Boyz II Men, Jamey Johnson, Randy Houser, Chris Young, Jessie James, Phil Vassar, Michelle Branch and Joey + Rory with many more stars announced soon. Special guest panelists include Marcie Allen of MAC Presents, Drew McGowan of Clorox Company, John Grady of Borman Entertainment, Mary Hilliard Harrington of The Greenroom, Derek C. Crownover of Crownover Tisinger, Lang Scott of Music City Networks and leading executives from MySpace, iLike and other social networking sites plus much more.

Space is limited, so register now for IEBA 2009 at www.ieba.org.

About IEBA and IEBA Honors
IEBA was founded in 1970 as a non-profit trade organization for talent buyers, concert promoters, agents, managers, artists and other related entertainment professionals. IEBA provides networking, showcasing and educational opportunities to strengthen relationships, foster growth and increase revenue for the live entertainment industry. IEBA is known for showcasing the best and brightest talent in all genres of music and all fields of entertainment--exposing buyers to the freshest acts for the buying season. IEBA is an intimate organization that makes a huge impact. IEBA pays tribute to the trailblazers of entertainment at the annual IEBA Honors ceremony. We salute those that have shaped where we are and those that continue to reinvent the entertainment industry. Past honorees have included: Loggins and Messina, ZZ Top, Ronnie Milsap, Patti Page, Loretta Lynn, Lou Rawls, Brenda Lee, Cheap Trick, Alice Cooper, Wayne Newton, Barbara Mandrell, Styx, Porter Wagoner, LeAnn Rimes and numerous others.
www.ieba.org

About Uncle Kracker
Is there anyone better to tell it like it is than one's kid? In January 2008, when Uncle Kracker began to write the songs that appear on his new album Happy Hour, it was his eight year-old daughter who suggested that he try writing something a little less downbeat than usual. "She said to me, 'I can't really dance to any of your songs,'" the father of three says with a laugh. "Not that I needed to make a dance record, but it dawned on me that I tend to write a lot of acoustic ballads and mid-tempo type tunes. And I thought, 'It's pretty bad when your own kids won't listen to your records. Your own kids!' At the end of the day, people want to have fun more than they want to cry. I realized that it was time for something a little more upbeat and positive and that's what I ended up with on Happy Hour."

Produced by multiple Grammy-Award winner Rob Cavallo, Happy Hour is a breezy blend of country-flavored pop and rock and roll that showcases not only the Detroit native's natural appeal as a likeable Everyman, but also his considerable gifts as a songwriter. Though many know him from his early years as the DJ in Kid Rock's Twisted Brown Trucker Band, Uncle Kracker (whose real name is Matt Shafer) has had impressive success as a songwriter, racking up co-writing credits on Kid Rock's blockbuster hits "Bawitdaba," "Cowboy," "Forever," "Only God Knows Why," and 2008's No. 1 "All Summer Long," as well as his own Adult Top 40 No. 1 "Follow Me" (from his 2001 double-platinum debut Double Wide). "Uncle Kracker has zero musical talent," says Kid Rock. "No musician skills at all, but he's a phenomenal songwriter -- very talented with words and melodies."
www.unclekracker.com

About TobyMac
TobyMac is more than just your run-of-the-mill triple threat. On one hand he ranks among the most successful artists in Christian music history in terms of radio success, sales power and critical acclaim. On the other he is universally recognized as a creative force, an artistic maverick and a prophetic voice for racial reconciliation, social justice and a fierce devotion to faith and family. On the third hand, he's the most humble and approachable merchant of cool on the scene today. Yeah; that's three hands. Some things defy common logic.

Obviously, when it comes time for a new TobyMac record to drop there are a lot of people paying attention. His rampant eclecticism and consistent excellence have set the bar very high, and on his third solo outing, Portable Sounds, he does not disappoint. An increased commitment to melody and soulful singing abounds, while his now trademarked rock/funk/hip-hop side hits deeper grooves and catchier hooks than ever before. On February 20th, the man Christianity Today called "one of the fifty most influential evangelical leaders in America" sets a new standard with the release of Portable Sounds.

His solo career took off from the first notes, with two GOLD albums, six Number One singles, two Grammy nominations and widespread critical acclaim. But to hear TobyMac talk about the passion and drive he has for this, his third solo outing, it sounds like all that was just the wind-up, and Portable Sounds is the pitch. The artist, producer, songwriter, industry leader and father of five was not the slightest bit interested in going through any motions. "Passion for my art drives me so long as I feel the Most High breathing new songs through me. I committed on this project that when writing and recording I will never rely on what has worked in the past and never fear what hasn't. The canvas is blank and the colors are endless."
www.tobymac.com

About Emily West
When Emily takes the stage it's nothing short of fireworks. Her own appreciation for artists such as Patsy Cline and Bette Midler have led her to cultivate her talent as an entertainer - not just a singer. Emily was born to be on stage. The energy, the excitement, the audience response - it fans the flame that drives her to perform. With a little confidence, a lot of charisma, and more than just a flash of wit, West is captivating. "I'm a live singer...performing is very emotional," she states. "They're my songs...my personality set to music." And what a personality! A personality that flickers not just in her live performance, but also in the lyrics of her songs. Emily is a girl's girl. Sweet, funny, sometimes gregarious, often demure, impulsive and vulnerable, quiet and quirky. She takes ownership of her gender birthright and parlays that into lyrics that run the gamut from raw, sometimes painful emotion to top-down-sunny-day all out rockers. West isn't trying to fill a void or follow in the path of someone who has passed this way before...no, Emily West is blazing new trails with her music.

Still this former ingénue from Waterloo, Iowa doesn't take herself too seriously. She moved to Nashville in March of 2000 with the quintessential dream of being a singer. Within a month she had caught the ear of one of Nashville's most influential publishing icons, Tim Wipperman and landed a deal with Warner-Chappell Publishing. At the time West wasn't really even sure what a publishing company did for her, but she learned that opportunities in the music business don't usually happen that quickly. Her alliance with Warner-Chappell not only provided her with an income while she educated herself on the inner-workings of the business, it also fortified her faith in her dream and positioned her with some of the most prolific songwriters in country music.

Mike Dungan at Capitol Records Nashville met West and was intrigued enough to listen. Dungan got a little more than a listening party - he got a complete performance by a consummate artist. He invited Emily back for an encore with his full staff and they too were smitten by West's incredible vocals and sparkling personality. By unanimous decision Emily was invited to be a part of the Capitol family and is currently in the studio working on her debut project.
www.myspace.com/emilywest

American Airlines is the official airline of IEBA. Conference attendees will receive a 10% discount off the lowest applicable eligible published airfare. Please use the following promotional code: 92H9AT, valid from October 8-16, 2009. www.aa.com.

Christian Music News Source

Christian music news: NASCAR : TobyMac & MercyMe to Perform Pre-Race Concert at Banking 500

2009-09-30T01:50:00.000-07:00

Latest christian music:

CONCORD, N.C. - Lowe's Motor Speedway officials announced today that Grammy-nominated musical artists TobyMac and MercyMe will perform a pre-race concert for the Oct. 17 NASCAR Banking 500 only from Bank of America. Fee and Robert Pierre will also be on hand to sing as part of pre-race festivities.

The concert featuring all four bands will begin at 2 p.m. in Turn 4.

Admission to the show is free with the purchase of a ticket to the NASCAR Banking 500.

TobyMac ranks among the most successful artists in the history of Christian music in terms of radio success, sales power and critical acclaim.

He began his music career as a founding member of the Grammy Award-winning and best-selling group, dc Talk, before venturing out on his own in 2001.

Since going solo, his soulful singing combined with his trademarked rock/funk/hip-hop sound has earned him two gold albums, six No. 1 singles and two Grammy nominations.

In 2009, TobyMac took home a Grammy for the Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album with his live DVD/CD "Alive and Transported." In August he released the single "City on our Knees," and has plans to release his fourth solo album in February 2010.

MercyMe, the down-to-earth Texas-based praise and worship group with a modern rock/pop flair was founded by lead singer Bart Millard. The band quickly became one of Christian music's fastest-selling new acts in 2001 with the release of their breakthrough hit, "I Can Only Imagine."

The heartfelt song Millard wrote about his father's early death quickly catapulted the group into the mainstream spotlight. The No. 1 single sold nearly 3 million units, received several GMA Dove Awards, including Song of the Year, and raced up the Top 40, Adult Contemporary, Christian and Country charts alike.

MercyMe had an unimaginable start to their music career with more than 5 million records sold, one double platinum disk, three gold albums, an American Music Award win, two Grammy nominations and 19 No. 1 singles.

In addition MercyMe has appeared on numerous television programs such as The Tonight Show, Fox and Friends, CNN and ABC's Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade.

Now with six albums and more than 13 years of making music, the guys of MercyMe still find themselves passionate about leading people in worship and released their newest CD/DVD set "10" in April 2009. The new release features 12 No. 1 singles and numerous videos that span their career.

MercyMe has plans to release their seventh studio album in 2010.

Dove Award-nominee Fee is the worship band at North Point Community Church in Atlanta, one of the nation's fastest-growing churches. The group, who also travels the country leading worship at student camps and conferences, has plans to release their new record "Hope Rising" on Oct. 6.

Robert Pierre, a high school sophomore, released his debut album, "Inside Out" more than two years ago and has since been sending encouraging messages of faith to teens and adults through his music.

Tickets for the Oct. 17 NASCAR Banking 500, round five of the 10-race Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, start at just $49 and can be purchased by calling the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455 FANS or online at www.lowesmotorspeedway.com.

Christian Music News Source

Christian music news: Ignition Live

2009-09-23T00:15:00.000-07:00

Latest christian music:

Christian Music News Source

Christian music news: tobyMac "City On Our Knees"

2009-09-16T00:11:00.000-07:00

Latest christian music:

Christian Music News Source

Christian music news: TobyMac's newest single sells 17,000+ digital units first week

2009-09-09T23:38:00.000-07:00

Latest christian music:

TobyMac’s newest single “City On Our Knees,” from his upcoming February 2010 album, took off at digital retailers including iTunes® Music Store and Amazon MP3, selling more than 17,000 digital units in its first week. The single also hit #2 on Christian/Digital Tracks and #86 on the Hot Digital Tracks chart. The song has also been embraced at radio, with 96 stations adding it to their playlists in the past three weeks. The song has already placed at #14 on the AC Monitored chart, #13 at AC Indicator, and #5 at CHR (Contemporary Hit Radio).

TobyMac, along with Relient K, will entertain audiences across the country on the upcoming fifth annual TobyMac Winter Wonder Slam 2009 Tour. Also scheduled to appear on the tour are B.Reith and Stephanie Smith. The tour will travel to the West Coast for the first time, along with stops in New York City, Fairfax, VA, Pittsburgh and numerous other cities across the states. The tour will be teaming up with the U.S. Marine Corps to help with their Toys for Tots campaign. Music fanatics will be encouraged to bring an unwrapped gift to the event as Marines will be on site to collect toys at every venue.

For more info on Toby, or to see if Winter Wonder Slam is coming to a city near you, please visit winterwonderslam.com or tobymac.com.

Christian Music News Source

Christian music news: TobyMac, Mark Hall, Casting Crowns win big at Dove Awards

2009-09-02T23:47:00.000-07:00

Latest christian music:
TobyMac won artist of the year and Casting Crowns singer Mark Hallcollected four trophies at Wednesday's 39th annual Dove Awards, which celebrate the best in gospel music."Are you kidding? This is crazy, man. I thought I was Mr. Pre-Televised awards," joked TobyMac, whose real name is TobyMcKeehan. "God has been faithful time and again to surround me with people that sharpen me and that make me better."
TobyMac also won artist of the year in 1996 as a member of dc Talk. His latest album, " Portable Sounds," debuted at No. 10 on theBillboard Top 200 albums chart.
Besides artist of the year, he took home Dove Awards for rock/contemporary album for " Portable Sounds" and short-form video for his hit "Boomin."
Hall, who was the night's leading nominee with six, won song of the year and pop/contemporary recorded song of the year for "East to West," which he co-wrote with Bernie Herms.
His participation on the multi-artist worship project " Glory Revealed" brought Hall individual honors for special event album of the year for the CD, as well as inspirational recorded song of the year for "By His Wounds."
His band also had four nominations and won three: group of the year, best pop/contemporary album of the year for "The Altar and the Door" and pop/contemporary recorded song of the year for " East to West."
"I'm so thankful just to get to be part of the songs," Hall said.
Chris Tomlin won male vocalist of the year and Natalie Grant was awarded female vocalist. Those were their third consecutive wins in their respective categories.
" This is quite amazing. Thank God for letting me sing and give a voice to people around the world to worship him," Tomlin said. "This is unbelievable that God would continue to use us all like this, and I'm very, very grateful."
Grant, who gave a soulful performance of " Bring It All Together" with country star Wynonna Judd, said she was thankful for the freedom to express herself freely.
"I think we forget often what a privilege it is to be in a country where we can record music that boldly proclaims our passion forJesus Christ. What a gift," Grant said.
Brandon Heath won new artist of the year. Heath's "I'm Not Who I Was," a song about forgiveness that he says was inspired by an old photograph of someone he hadn't seen in a while, was nominated for song of the year.
Cindy Morgan won the songwriter of the year award her eighth Dove trophy and Ricky Skaggs and the Whites collected bluegrass recorded song for " Salt of the Earth."
"I think of all things this probably means the most to me because all those years ago I didn't set out to be a singer, just a songwriter," said Morgan, who wrote "How You Live ( Turn Up the Music)" for Point of Grace. Morgan was named new artist of the year 15 years ago.
The contemporary gospel album award went to Israel & New Breed for "A Deeper Level."
"My first ministry is not what you see onstage. It's the church I pastor. It's got four members my wife and my three kids," said the group's singer-songwriter Israel Houghton.
The evening's performers included " American Idol" alum Phil Stacey, Chris Sligh and Mandisa with Amy Grant in a musical tribute to Michael W. Smith.
Switchfoot played " This is Home," a song from the soundtrack of the upcoming film "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian."
The Doves closed with a salute to the Grand Ole Opry stage, where the show was held. Charlie Daniels led the house through a rousing version of the hymn "I'll Fly Away."
The Gospel Music Association's Dove Awards were broadcast live on XM Satellite radio and on the Gospel Music Channel. In past years the awards were syndicated and shown later on tape.

Source

Christian music news: TobyMac Kicks Off Monthlong 'Winter Wonder-Slam'

2009-08-26T23:41:00.000-07:00

Latest christian music:

“This is the fourth year we have done this tour and it continues to get bigger and bigger,” stated Philip Peters of True Artist Management, which manages for Christian artists including tobyMac, Mandisa, and Matthew West.

“This year the lineup is going to be a party from start to finish—with Relient K, Family Force 5 and new Gotee artist B. Reith,” he added.

For many, Winter Wonder-Slam has become a traditional holiday family reunion. And this year’s reunion is anticipated to again bring the real meaning of Christmas to concert-goers and needy children alike.

As in past years, Winter Wonder-Slam will benefit the U.S. Marine Corps' annual Toys For Tots campaign, which provides a tangible sign of hope to economically disadvantaged children at Christmas.

Concert-goers will again this year be encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped gift to the event.

“I’m a big activist. I love it when people do things for others,” commented Peters.

“This year it’s my personal mission to make it huge! So start thinking of ideas for toys to donate,” he encouraged.

Each year, Winter Slam sets records for the amount of gifts collected for Toys For Tots and produces multiple sell-outs. More than a week before the first Winter Slam stop, the tour had already pre-sold 5,200 tickets in one day for the Houston show, which won’t be until Dec. 12.

"During the holidays, everyone needs a break from studying for exams and Christmas shopping,” explained tobyMac, whose real name is Kevin Michael Mckeehan. “I wanted to put together a diverse tour that rocks in many musical directions but always points to Christ.”

While Winter Wonder-Slam does have a Christmas theme, each band that performs will play their own hits and whatever they are inspired to dish out.

Relient K, for example, will play several Christmas songs as well as a variety of hits and fan favorites from its 10-year history. The band recently celebrated its 10th anniversary with the release of The Bird and the Bee Sides. It also re-issued its 2007 Christmas collection, Let It Snow Baby...Let It Reindeer.

Source

Christian music news: TobyMac Wins Grammy

2009-08-24T23:36:00.000-07:00

Latest christian music: TOBYMAC HONORED WITH FIRST SOLO GRAMMY WIN FOR “ALIVE & TRANSPORTED”
“PORTABLE SOUNDS” ALSO RECEIVES RIAA GOLD CERTIFICATION
Source: The M Collective

“It’s an honor to win my first Grammy as a solo artist,” TobyMac commented from the WinterJam tour. “I still can’t believe it, truly humbling. My band and I worked hard on this project and it really is the culmination of diverse people collaborating.”

The recording industry’s most prestigious award, the GRAMMY® , is presented annually by the Recording Academy, NARAS (National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences). A GRAMMY® is awarded by the Recording Academy’s voting membership to honor excellence in the recording arts and sciences. It is a peer honor, awarded by and to artists and technical professionals for artistic or technical achievement, not sales or chart positions.

“Alive and Transported” is TobyMac’s first live concert DVD/CD, which released last May. With over 8 million career scans, “Portable Sounds,” recently certified GOLD by the RIAA, is TobyMac’s latest studio and highest solo debut ever on the Billboard Top 200 chart (No. 10), which hit No. 1 on SoundScan’s Contemporary Christian Overall chart in its first week as well. All three of TobyMac’s solo projects have received numerous GMA Dove Award nominations as well as GRAMMY nominations. In addition, “Momentum” (2001) and “Welcome to Diverse City” (2004), both were awarded RIAA Gold Certification. Along with sold out tour dates, back-to-back radio hits, being named the GMA Dove Award’s 2008 Artist of the Year, and R&R’s Christian CHR Artist of the Year in 2007, TobyMac was also nominated for a 2007 American Music Award as Favorite Inspirational Artist. His song “Ignition” was also recently chosen to play during the 2009 Superbowl as The Arizona Cardinals entered the stadium in Tampa, FL

Source.

Christian music news: Winter Jam tour delivers Grammy winner tobyMac to Grand Rapids' Van Andel Arena on Thursday

2009-08-17T23:02:00.000-07:00

Latest christian music: GRAND RAPIDS -- Singer-songwriter tobyMac says he's enjoying his reduced responsibility on the Winter Jam tour of Christian music artists.
"People assume when you're closing (the show), you're in control," the Grammy-winning artist said in a phone interview before a show in Columbia, S.C. "But on this tour, I've got nothing to do with it except being asked to be on it."
The veteran artist (Toby McKeehan) heads a multi-artist bill hosted by the vocal band NewSong, originators of the "Jam" concept 14 years ago.
A key feature of the approach is no advance ticket sales. Organizers ask for a $10 donation at the door, but even that isn't necessary for the general-admission seats. A pass-the-bucket offering during the event also helps pay the bills.
"The Winter Jam people have been very accommodating, and it's more laid back for a headline artist because you're not sweating (attendance) numbers," TobyMac, 44, said.
The tour, playing in some of the nation's larger arenas, is averaging more than 9,000 per night, and even drew 20,000 at a recent show in Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C.

Source

Christian music news: tobyMac, Slam again a big hit

2009-08-10T22:46:00.000-07:00

Latest christian music: One thought keeps running through my head after returning from tobyMac's Winter Wonder Slam three-hour concert Saturday night at the Von Braun Center Arena: Why can't all concerts be this positive and fun?
That's not reality, right? But hey, at least it happens every now and then.
Mac brought his Diverse City band into the VBC along with newcomer B. Reith, Family Force 5 and Relient K for a wonderful evening of upbeat, fun, Christian contemporary music in front of 5,000 or so fans.

Reith played a short set and was okay, but then came the wild and crazy Family Force 5. "Listening to Family Force 5 is like lighting a cluster of firecrackers in your mouth," according to guitarist Derek Mount (known to fans as Chap Stique).
Yep, there's definitely fireworks of some sort going on. Family Force 5 was widen open and performing at 100 mph once it hit the stage. The group even brought its Family Force 5000, a massive drum machine they invented, on stage. As Family Force performed, one of the members kept pushing the buttons that looked like a giant phone keyboard. That itself was strange.
The group performed many songs, including "D-I-E 4 Y-O-U," "Radiator" and put an interesting twist on "Love Addict." During the second chorus, the band changed the words to
"Grandma, she got run over, she got run over by a reindeer, y'all," a Christmas single they put out a couple of years ago. It was a fun and energetic performance.
Relient K took the stage after Family Force 5 and also put on a good show, albeit very much toned down from what the Force brought. The group actually brought some Christmas spirit to the concert by placing some snowmen, Santa Claus and a blowup Christmas tree on stage. They played hits like "High of 75, " "Chapstick, Chapped Lips and Things Like Chemistry" and "Mood Rings."
Relient K didn't just bring out some Christmas props, they played "O Holy Night," followed by a Relient K original, "I Celebrate The Day." The group had been using an animation of a snow-covered field and log cabin in the background, but then used it to play a fun, humorous song about a group of bunnies that closely resembled Relient K called "Sleigh Ride."
Continuing in the humor vein, the group did a triubte to Family Force 5 by spoofing the Subway Commercial "5, $5 footlog" and replacing the words with "5, Family Force, Family Force 5's done."
Of course, the group couldn't end the show without its mega-hit that sounds a little like Good Charlotte, "Who I Am Hates Who I've Been."

Then came Mac, and as well as the other bands performed, Toby took it up another two notches.
His high-energy, hip hop/rap/R&B show opened with "Burn For You" and followed with "Catchafire (Whoopsi-Daisy)," "The Slam," "Gone" and "Boomin'". Not only is Mac's music hip, positive and catchy, but he and his dancers add a whole another element to the stage. They're dancing on the stage in well choreographed moves and act like they're having the times of their lives.
The show was fun, but there was also some inspirational moments, one when Mac shared a story about seeing a Bible verse on a Realtor's card a youngster. The verse was Mark 8:36 "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" He said that verse inspired him two years ago to write "Lose My Soul," which also led into a short, moving rendition of "Oh Come Let Us Adore Him."
That was pretty much the last time Mac slowed things down. He and the band kicked into the rockin' "Diverse City" and followed with an old school medley that included "Rollercoaster (of Love)," "That's The Way I Like It" and "We Are Family."
The encore was also fun. He started with "Made To Love," and followed with the huge hit with dc Talk, "Jesus Freak." Relient K and Family Force 5 joined him onstage for the Christmas classic "Winter Wonderland," which also kick-started a giant confetti machine that blew snow all over the arena floor. The singers also doused the crowd with water from countless bottles of water and were acting like kids, sliding on the wet stage.
It looked like the show was over, but Mac tried to console disappointed Alabama football fans (after the 31-20 loss to Florida) by playing a few lyrics from "Sweet Home Alabama." He probably didn't have to, most fans were already feeling better after the fun show.

Source

Christian music news: tobyMac To Perform For The Pope At New York Youth Rally

2009-08-03T22:42:00.000-07:00

Latest christian music: Nashville, TN.....4/1/08.....Marking his third performance at an event with a Pope, tobyMac has been confirmed as a performer at a Youth Rally on April 19th at St. Joseph’s Seminary in Yonkers, NY which will be presided over by Pope Benedict XVI. DC Talk performed at such rallies in Denver (1993) and St. Louis (1999), both of which were presided over by the late Pope John Paul II. The 2008 rally’s purpose is to encourage youth to seek vocations within the church.
On his inaugural visit to the United States Pope Benedict XVI is attending open-air masses in both Washington D.C. and New York City, and delivering an address to the United Nations and visit to the World Trade Center site.

About being asked to perform before the Pope at the Rally, tobyMac commented, “It's an honor to participate in this Papal visit. Not too many artists are given this opportunity. We have great respect for the work he does.”tobyMac recently completed his “Boomin’ Beyond Measure Tour” with Jeremy Camp and is preparing for the release of his first Live CD and DVD as a solo artist, Alive and Transported, which hits the streets May 26th. In addition he is slated to headline numerous summer festivals including Spirit West Coast, Icthus, Atlantafest, Alive, Creation East and West, Sonshine, and more. Stay updated with all things TobyMac at http://www.tobymac.com.With over 8 million career scans, the GRAMMY-nominated Portable Sounds is tobyMac's latest and highest solo debut ever on the Billboard Top 200 chart (No. 10), and after hitting No. 1 on SoundScan’s Contemporary Christian Overall chart in its first week as well, the project has scanned over 300,000 units and is still solidly in the top 20 after 48 weeks of release. Along with this sales success, tobyMac was named R&R’s Christian CHR Artist of the Year, while over 100 Christian radio stations played his smash hit singles "I'm For You" and "Made to Love," and his video for his rock hit “Boomin’”was named the Gospel Music Channel’s Video of the Year and CCM Magazine reader’s Best Music VIdeo for 2007. tobyMac released his solo debut (Momentum 2001) followed by the critically acclaimed Welcome to Diverse City (2004), both of which received GRAMMY nominations, and most recently were awarded RIAA Gold Certification. As a solo artist, in addition to rave reviews and a favorite in magazine and internet Reader's Choice polls each year, including 2007’s CCM Magazine Best Male Artist of the Year, tobyMac has also won seven Dove Awards, received nine GMA Music/Dove Award nominations, and was recently nominated for an American Music Award as Favorite Inspirational Artist.

Source

Christian music news: TobyMac ''Alive and Transported'' Screening Nationwide June 9

2009-07-27T22:36:00.000-07:00

Latest christian music: MORRISTOWN, N.J., May 28, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- On the heels of winning Artist of the Year at the 2008 Dove Awards and performing for Pope Benedict XVI at a youth rally during the Pope's recent visit to the United States, 4 time Grammy Winner TobyMac will hit the big screen in "Alive and Transported" for an exclusive, one night-only engagement on Monday, June 9th, courtesy of The Bigger Picture, the alternative content distribution unit of Access Integrated Technologies, Inc. ("AccessIT") (NASDAQ:AIXD).
After years of requests, Alive and Transported, TobyMac's explosive concert experience is finally being released on a DVD and CD combo. As his fans will confirm, TobyMac has one of the most electrifying shows around, and the full-length project puts you on stage with Toby and the Diverse City Band as they perform "Slam," "Made To Love," "Gone," "Burn For You," "Diverse City," "Catchafire (Whoopsi Daisy)" and many more favorites.
"All the reasons TobyMac won this year's Dove Award for Artist of the Year are evident in his performance in 'Alive and Transported'. He draws in his audience and inspires it with fabulous presentation and sound," said Jonathan Dern, President of The Bigger Picture. "And everyone who sees him in the theatre will feel like he or she has VIP seating at the concert."
"We are proud to present TobyMac's first DVD concert with this special one-night only presentation in theatres," said John Rubey, President of AEG Network LIVE. "Fans who've been asking for this concert to be available will not be disappointed with the high quality digital cinema picture and the incredible surround sound."
Over the past year, and on the heels of two RIAA Gold -certified projects, TobyMac released his best-selling project to-date, Portable Sounds, which was his highest solo debut ever on the Billboard Top 200 chart (No. 10). In addition to sold out tour dates, four back-to-back radio hits and being named R&R's Christian CHR Artist of the Year in 2007 as well as CCM magazine's Best Male Artist of the Year, TobyMac was also nominated for a 2007 American Music Award as Favorite Inspirational Artist.

Source

Christian music news: Tobymac, Thousand Foot Krutch, Building 429 April 26, 2007 Manheim, Pennsylvania

2009-07-20T22:33:00.000-07:00

Latest christian music: Concert goers lined up hours before the doors opened. Many of them were shivering in the frigid air by the time 6:30 rolled around. But their wait was worth it. Unfortunately, Portable Sounds tour openers Family Force 5 were not able to make this showing due to their transportation breaking down somewhere in the wilds of America. The crowd hushed as the emcee announced it, and you could almost feel the disappointment drop over the room like a blanket.

But the emotion was shortlived as Building 429 kicked things off and immediately held the crown in the palm of their hands with songs like "Glory Defined" and new cuts off their Iris to Iris release.

Thousand Foot Krutch rocked the house, as expected, frontman Trevor McNevan sporting his trademark skeleton shirt and powerfully delivering TFK hits "Rock Fist", "The Art of Breaking", and "Absolute". These guys know how to rock.

By the time Toby hit the stage, we were all pumped and ready for the amazing musicianship of his band and backup singers. A Tobymac concert is an experience---one every Christian music fan should have the privilege of feasting their eyes on. It's a montage of colored lights, grooving dancers, and amazing musicians. From hits off the Portable Sounds cd including "Boomin'", "Made to Love", and "Suddenly" to favorites like "Extreme Days", "Irene", and "Jesus Freak" . . . you name it. Toby delivered it.

Source

Christian music news: TobyMac/Jeremy Camp @ Wells Fargo

2009-07-13T20:55:00.000-07:00

Photos by Liz Somers

Latest christian music: Colorado showed its love for Matthew West, Jeremy Camp and TobyMac when it was the first city to sell out the Boomin’ Beyond Measure tour, which hit Denver on Thursday March 21 at the Wells Fargo Theatre. And if you were like me, I got stuck in traffic and missed Matthew West. Please post a few comments on his performance.
Here’s a quick rundown of the show:
Jeremy Camp got the crowd ready for the main act - the hip-hopping TobyMac - with his acoustic guitar rock licks. The sound at the Wells Fargo Theatre did Camp’s voice justice. He sent the crowd to its feet with “Lay Down My Pride,” and “Give You Glory.”

Source

Christian music news: tobyMac Boomin' Legendado/ traduzido

2009-07-08T23:21:00.000-07:00

Latest christian music:

Christian Music News Source

Christian music news: tobyMac - Irene Legendado / Traduzido

2009-07-01T23:20:00.000-07:00

Latest christian music:

Christian Music News Source

Christian music news: tobyMac - Feelin So Fly Legendado / Traduzido

2009-06-24T23:19:00.001-07:00

Latest christian music:

Christian Music News Source

Christian music news: tobyMac freestyle at Spirit West Coast 2009

2009-06-17T23:18:00.000-07:00

Latest christian music:

Christian Music News Source

Christian music news: YC '09: Toby Mac "Irene"

2009-06-10T23:17:00.000-07:00

Latest christian music:

Christian Music News Source

Christian music news: YC '09: Toby Mac "She Said"

2009-06-03T23:13:00.001-07:00

Latest christian music:

Christian Music News Source

Christian music news: YC '09: Toby Mac "She Said"

2009-06-03T23:13:00.000-07:00

Latest christian music:

Christian Music News Source

tobyMac - Feelin So Fly Legendado / Traduzido

2009-05-28T20:49:00.000-07:00

Christian Music News Source

TobyMac, Johnny and June Videos Strike a Chord with Viewers

2009-05-27T22:18:00.000-07:00

Film-maker Eric Welch builds momentum with six music video nominations NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 29 /PRNewswire/ -- What do Dolly Parton, TobyMac and Colbie Caillat have in common?

Each of them has worked under the direction of award-winning video director Eric Welch of Broken Poet Productions.

With six music video nominations this award show season, Welch just captured a 2009 Dove Award for TobyMac's Live Concert Video "Alive and Transported." And with more nods for his "Johnny and June" music video by Heidi Newfield, Welch's ACM and CMT award nominations are building the momentum as he passes the 100 music video mark.

More than a decade ago, Eric Welch's passion for merging film and music brought him from advertising into the realm of music video. With a keen eye for cinematography and dynamic editing, Welch's style quickly caught the attention of the pop group dc Talk and vocalist TobyMac, creating a relationship that would span a solid decade and lead to Welch's consistent stream of award-winning film work.

Last Thursday night marked a special win as it coincided with the 10-year mark of his work with Toby. "Winning for TobyMac's live DVD was special because it echoes the formation of Broken Poet Productions which was developed during dc Talk's 'Welcome to the Freak Show' concert video 10 years ago," says Welch. "I'm truly honored to receive this award with Toby, but the true reward is about creating art that we are passionate about."

Welch didn't spend much time celebrating that night, because he was back to the editing suite, working on six current projects including videos for Jars of Clay and Randy Houser. As if that wasn't enough, CMT has tapped Welch's unique style of cinematography to direct Sugarland's upcoming CMT "Invitation Only" special.

In addition to winning the Dove Award, Welch has been nominated for the ACM Video of the Year, CMT Music Award Nominations for Director of the Year, Duo Video of the Year, USA Weekend Breakthrough Video of the Year, in addition to Female Video of the Year for Heidi Newfield's "Johnny and June."

Welch formed Broken Poet Productions to craft passionate and artistic music videos, live concerts, series, commercials, in-house productions and still photography. Welch has directed multiple projects in various genres and he looks forward to developing innovative productions that reflect a commitment to excellence and creativity.

Christian Music News Source

Toby Mac and wife Amanda to run for New Hope Academy

2009-05-20T22:11:00.000-07:00

CCM STAR Toby Mac and his wife Amanda will be participating in the Music City Marathon in Nashville on 25th April to raise money for New Hope Academy. The Academy, in Franklin, Tennessee, offers elementary school children and families a chance of a new start. The Academy is "open to all races, economic brackets and cultures to learn love and live together in an environment that extends acceptance, hope and a faith-based education to every child."

Christian Music News Source

Jesus Freak-Toby Mac & the Diverse City Band

2009-05-13T01:53:00.000-07:00

Jesus Freak-Toby Mac & the Diverse City Band at winterjam 2009 in NC.

Christian Music News Source

Toby Mac Winter Jam 2009

2009-05-06T01:53:00.000-07:00

Christian Music News Source

Toby Mac --Made to Love [Winter Wonder Slam tour 2008][super HQ]

2009-04-29T01:52:00.000-07:00

Christian Music News Source

Toby Mac Winter Wonder Slam Tour Finale -- Toby Mac Crowd Surfs [HQ]

2009-04-22T01:52:00.000-07:00

Christian Music News Source

tobyMac's run for Hope

2009-04-15T02:28:00.000-07:00

Toby and Amanda will be running the Music City
Marathon for New Hope Academy

(Nashville, Tenn.) April 9, 2009—TobyMac announced the following today. For links on how to donate for Run For Hope, visit www.active.com/donate/whatpowersyou/tobymac...

Amanda and I want to tell you about a special place. Anybody who knows me, has heard me talk about Diverse City-- my dream to see no barriers between any of us because of race, cultural or economic differences. Amanda and I were introduced to a school that is walking out this dream-- New Hope Academy. New Hope is place where families from all walks of life are coming together and walking in community in a way that is rarely seen in this world. Black, White, hispanic, or native American... rich or poor ... learning side by side. Kids from different backgrounds are learning how to think differently and are becoming servant leaders who will ultimately transform our culture. It doesn't stop with the students. The parents are learning how to become a community--to kick down the economic, cultural and racial walls that keep us apart. They are learning as a family that they can change the future of their community by changing their own heart.

Amanda and I truly believe that New Hope Academy is like a city on a hill that is a shining light of hope for the world to see. One family at a time--changing their city. We would love for you to partner with us in helping send kids to this school. We are going to be running in the Music City Marathon on April 25, 2009. Together we will be running a complete marathon. Amanda will be running 13 miles and I will be running 13 miles. Would you consider sponsoring us per mile as we raise money for New Hope Academy. It could be $1, $5, or $20 a mile. Any gift would be greatly appreciated.

As a thank you to the highest fundraiser, I am throwing in a special package effective for the next tobyMac tour:

* 4 tickets and backstage passes
* Dinner with myself and some of the Diverse City band

Thank you for helping us see this dream become a reality.

Also, for more information about New Hope Academy, check out these videos on their website

In 1996 a Williamson County church became the catalyst for lasting change in the low-income neighborhoods of Franklin, Tennessee, when it opened the doors of New Hope Academy. Here, elementary school children and families of all races, economic brackets, and cultures learn, love, and live together in an environment that extends acceptance, hope, and a faith-based education to every child. New Hope Academy reserves 50% of its seats for low-income children and raises over $1,000,000 annually to provide scholarships to those students.

Christian Music News Source

tobyMac FInalle Winter Jam 09

2009-04-15T01:51:00.000-07:00

Christian Music News Source

Lose My Soul - TobyMac @ Winter Jam 2009 WOLSTEIN CENTER in Cleveland

2009-04-08T01:47:00.000-07:00

Toby sings Lose My Soul in Cleveland!

Christian Music News Source

Toby Mac, Third Day among Lifest performers

2009-04-01T21:56:00.000-07:00

OSHKOSH -- The 11th annual Lifest is being held July 8-12 at the Sunnyview Expo and Fairgrounds in Oshkosh.

Among those scheduled to appear is rocker/rapper Toby Mac, who recently won his first solo Grammy Award after four previous nominations, taking home the top prize for Rock or Rap Gospel Album with Alive and Transported. Toby Mac will perform on Thursday, July 9, according to a Lifest press release.

Additional artists appearing at Lifest include Third Day, Jeremy Camp, Skillet, David Crowder Band, Hawk Nelson, Matthew West, Superchick, Norma Jean, Red, Kutless and a host of others.

Lifest will also feature nearly 50 workshops, seminars and speakers. Best-selling author of The Shack, William Paul Young, will speak on Sunday, July 12th. The Shack is still the #1 New York Times Bestseller, 42 weeks running, with over 6 million copies in print.

Additional speakers include: Authors, Tony Campolo, Gabe Lyons, Bob Lenz, Bo Boshers and others, as well as Aaron Kampman of the Green Bay Packers, Troy Murphy – Chaplain for the Green Bay Packers, and many more.

“We’re hoping people will consider making Lifest their summer vacation destination,” says Lifest Founder and President of Life Promotions, Bob Lenz. “With more than 150 acts and so much to do at Lifest, we really believe it’s a great value and gives a perfect opportunity for entire families to spend time together in an inviting and fun atmosphere.”

Along with six stages of diverse artists and speakers, Lifest also features a comedy stage, activities, dozens of vendors, talent search, food, camping, fireworks, games and KidZone.

Christian Music News Source

TOBYMAC "ROCK AND ROLLS" INTO CAMP ELECTRIC!

2009-03-25T20:36:00.000-07:00

(Nashville, Tennessee) –March 17, 2009 – Move over Jack Black! Take a seat School of Rock junkies! Summer ’09 in Nashville will roll-out the real life 'reality' second edition of the ultimate rock 'n roll fantasy camp for students aged 13-18--Camp Electric!

In a thumbnail: It’s a unique experience “all access” music pass for young musicians, ages 13-18 to ‘come rock’ with top Christian artists & musicians, and it’s happening June and July in Nashville.

On the smokin’ heels of a sold-out debut last summer, Camp Electric is back center stage this June-July with an expanded two session registration plan. Back too this summer is one of Christian music’s most consistently relevant multi-Grammy winning, multiple-platinum artists—tobyMac—fresh from his most recent solo Grammy win in February (Best Rock or Rap Album of the year—for Alive and Transported) and the genre crossing diversity of having his music featured at this year’s Superbowl ‘09— toby is stepping up his involvement in the camp to take a lead role in promoting the creative virtues of the all-star event.

Performing on the Camp Electric concert stage last year, the man described as a “creative force, artistic maverick, and prophetic voice for radical social justice,” quite simply fell in love with the event’s creative concept of reaching youth with a message that matters.

toby noted in a recent interview: “For me, my entire career has been focused on youth culture and encouraging young people to impact the world through music and beyond.

That’s why I started dcTalk and Gotee Records—that’s why I continue touring. And that’s also why I’m totally blown away with Camp Electric. They’re passionately focused on youth and awakening teens to God’s love through music and their excellence in musicianship.”

In response to registration demands with last year’s sell-out single 5 day session, Camp Electric will this year offer two five day camp sessions—June 28th-July 2nd and July 5th-9th—both staging as a full “onsite experience” at the campus of Trevecca University in Nashville . Each session will bring a unique mix of nightly concerts by the top names in Christian music—a roll-out this year that includes such names as tobyMac, Kutless, BarlowGirl, Red, and Pillar as highlights.

Additionally, a “Mystery Artist” concert will again be a major event highlight—following on the ’08 surprise unveiling of mystery artist, Jeremy Camp. Daily sessions with top Christian musicians will offer ‘hands-on’ instructional sessions, personalized tips and tune-ups, opportunities to perform for industry professionals, and overall encouragement towards spiritual and performance excellence. Vocals, keyboards, drums, bass, and guitar will all have individualized instructors ranging from session and major league road players with bands such as Kutless, Sanctus Real, MercyMe, Chris Tomlin, and tobyMac’s Diverse City.

Camp Electric is being promoted by the nation’s leading promoter of Christian themed concerts and events, The Premier Group, Major sponsors again this year include K-LOVE and Air 1 Radio, leading voice of Christian radio under the EMF Broadcasting banner. Also onboard as sponsors for Camp Electric’s ’09 staging are Hearitfirst.com and famecast.com, the latter a major promotional support site for national contest facilitations for major entities such as John Mayer and Guitar Center.

John Sanders, President of the Camp Electric experience notes: “With American Idol and all the music reality series so hot, our event provides a real-life ‘reality opportunity’ within a totally positive atmosphere. Kids can interact and hang with their friends, jam with their music, have a front row at major concerts each night, and have a full ‘all access’ to top Christian musicians and instructors through an event with one ultimate goal at its’ center: To spiritually enrich the lives of teens through the medium of music.”

Sanders noted that an expanded future of national contest promotions, ‘making of the band’ reality productions, and retail tie-ins are in development for add-on value to the Camp Electric experience.

tobyMac himself is top of the list on those promoting kids to attend this year’s event. He sends a personal shout-out to those coming:

“To all my CE people packin’ bags for ’09—I say ‘Welcome,' and get ready to bring the noise!' Bring your instrument of choice and plan to rock! This will be a week to learn about life, music, the road, and everything positive in between. Come away with a fire to play where God has you—whether it’s in front of 10 or 10,000--do it with passion!”

Registration is limited—and those wishing to attend can receive bonus camp savings through May 1st. For sign-up information and a complete resource of Camp Electric’s summer ’09 concert and curriculum, resource online: http://www.campelectric.com/

Christian Music News Source

SINGING FOR CHANGE

2009-03-19T21:06:00.000-07:00

Christian recording artist TOBYMAC sees his role differently than do his peers in pop and rock music. He considers his prestigious career as a chance to connect with everyday people from all walks of life, so others can become aware of the injustices in this world and the causes. His commitment to breaking down racial barriers has become a passion with him.

The ERACE Foundation (Eliminating Racism and Creating Equality) was the product of nearly four years of heart-felt brainstorming by dc talk members tobyMac, Michael Tait and Kevin Max. In 1997, after dc Talk participated in the Racial Reconciliation Rally celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Integration of Little Rock High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, they hit the road in 1998 on the ERACE Tour, which was the national kickoff for their non-profit organization.

Years later, while embarking on his solo career, rapper-singer tobyMac met gospel artist Kirk Franklin at a Billy Graham Crusade. They found that they shared the vision of encouraging communities across the country toward racial harmony. They also agreed that they were both very uncomfortable with the color barrier that exists between Christians. They longed for the "Beautiful Community" that Martin Luther King, Jr. had once envisioned.

With the words of MLK's speech "I Have a Dream" resonating in their hearts, Franklin and tobyMac teamed up to break down the walls of discrimination and racism. The two artists, hoping to educate young people in the principles of King's dream during concerts, embarked on "I Have a Dream—the Tour," which visited 15 cities in 2002.

"It has been an awesome experience for me to travel around the country on a tour bus rich in diversity," tobyMac says. "We have rich, poor, black, white, Republican and Democrat on the bus, and we have learned so much from each other. We have come to realize that we have so much more in common than we do differences. It takes getting out of our comfort zones and getting into relationships with people who are different than us to achieve King"s dream of a "Beloved Community.'"

Since the tour, tobyMac has been involved in the Board of ERACE and actively involved in many ERACE events like the MLK Unity Breakfast, MLK March, and ERACE All-Star Night. Recent and upcoming events with ERACE include diversity seminars at colleges and at high schools during Black History Month, a Community Workshop on Diversity in the Franklin, Tennessee, and the Fourth Annual Cinco De Mayo Festival: "A Celebration of Cultures," which was a combined effort of ERACE, the City of Franklin, and La Casa De Mi Padre Church.

"In the 1960s, legal segregation was ended but the separation between the races did not end," tobyMac points out. "Sociologists are saying by the year 2020 there will no longer be a white majority among those 18 and younger — but there are not many places today where we can dialogue about race in a diverse setting. Nearly all churches are made up of the same race. 90% of us live in neighborhoods made up of people just like us. It is also very rare to have someone of a different race over to our house for dinner."

This is one of the reasons why the ERACE Foundation was formed. "There's plenty of monologue going on," tobyMac explains, "but an ERACE event helps to create a dialogue. People are finding that we have a great need for each other and we can learn so much from each other. Rather than dividing over our differences, we should be learning from them and celebrating them."

ERACE has three primary objectives: to increase awareness of racial issues, to find solutions, and to call people to action. "Knowledge without action is empty," says tobyMac. "We must take action to truly bring about unity. Social issues will not begin to take care of themselves. Christians must act affirmatively."

Christian Music News Source

Winter Jam tour delivers Grammy winner tobyMac to Grand Rapids' Van Andel Arena on Thursday

2009-03-19T20:34:00.000-07:00

GRAND RAPIDS -- Singer-songwriter tobyMac says he's enjoying his reduced responsibility on the Winter Jam tour of Christian music artists.

"People assume when you're closing (the show), you're in control," the Grammy-winning artist said in a phone interview before a show in Columbia, S.C. "But on this tour, I've got nothing to do with it except being asked to be on it."

The veteran artist (Toby McKeehan) heads a multi-artist bill hosted by the vocal band NewSong, originators of the "Jam" concept 14 years ago.

A key feature of the approach is no advance ticket sales. Organizers ask for a $10 donation at the door, but even that isn't necessary for the general-admission seats. A pass-the-bucket offering during the event also helps pay the bills.

"The Winter Jam people have been very accommodating, and it's more laid back for a headline artist because you're not sweating (attendance) numbers," TobyMac, 44, said.

The tour, playing in some of the nation's larger arenas, is averaging more than 9,000 per night, and even drew 20,000 at a recent show in Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C.

NewSong member Billy Goodwin has watched the Jam concerts grow through the years.

"It started just as an idea to get more people out to hear the message," Goodwin, 57, said from his home near Atlanta, Ga. "You don't need to buy a ticket to get in."

TobyMac is the best known of this year's Winter Jam artists, but modern pop-rockers Hawk Nelson and The Afters also are along.

Popular newcomer Francesca Battistelli was a timely addition for Winter Jam. She just received five nominations for Gospel Music Association Dove Awards, including for the industry's top female vocalist and new artist. (Award ceremonies are April 23 in Nashville).

Different dates on the tour have a slightly different mix of artists.

Goodwin and NewSong usually bring along an evangelist (this year, author/speaker Tony Nolan) who offers a brief address.

But the music load is heavy, and there are "lights up" performances (as patrons are entering the arena), from tween trio Pure NRG and singer-songwriter Stephanie Smith.

With the wealth of artists, there are light and sound setups with a full crew typical of expenses of large-scale tours.

Winter Jam has partnered with Premier Productions, a major Christian concert promoter, to "share the risk with us," Goodwin said.

"From the outside, when you look at the demographics, it doesn't make sense to do it this way," he said of their donations-only policy.

Each night offers more than three hours of music. TobyMac and his Diverse City band perform a 45- to 50-minute set, including songs such as "Made To Love" and "Lose My Soul."

"We love on the other bands and crew backstage, and at the end of the day it works for everybody."

Christian Music News Source

tobyMac continues to push the envelope in Christian pop

2009-03-12T21:04:00.000-07:00

Outsider has been a familiar role for tobyMac.

As a student at Liberty University, he would get into trouble for his appearance, sporting hip-hop fashion at the conservative school. In dc talk, he was the rap guy, introducing sounds unfamiliar to many Christian music fans unless they were associated with urban violence and misogyny.

Bucking the system was fairly routine as he entered his solo career, bringing hip-hop to the forefront of Christian pop — a white artist championing a distinctly African- American genre.

But now, tobyMac is the reigning artist of the year in the Gospel Music Association's Dove Awards, and he's nominated for the honor again. And last month, he picked up his first Grammy award as a solo artist: best rock or rap gospel album for his live set, Alive and Transported.

So, is tobyMac the establishment in Christian pop?

"I don't feel like the establishment," says the artist, who is headlining the Winter Jam concert Saturday night at Rupp Arena. "If anything, I feel like I push the establishment, not in a rebellious sense, but in that I believe we're diverse, and I believe that diversity should be flexed, and the edge of the music we make and the fashion that we put on can be exhibited, but you can still be passionate about your faith.

"I know it can look like, 'Hey, he's the artist of the year. How can he say he's pushing the limits?' I think if you just look over the artist of the year, thank God and thank gospel music that they've stretched toward us."

After all, while tobyMac's sound might reflect what is on Top 40 radio around the nation, hip-hop is still something of a novelty in contemporary Christian music. In reader polls at CCM Magazine, tobyMac was routinely named favorite rap artist, even in years he didn't release new albums. Other hip-hop artists such as KJ-52 and Grits have made a little noise over the years. But none of them has had the success of tobyMac.

It's something he's recognized and attributes to a number of things, including the question of whether there's a real need for Christian hip-hop when mainstream artists such as Kanye West record songs such as Jesus Walks.

"African-American artists in the mainstream are not scared to talk about their faith," tobyMac says. "So they may not feel like they need a gospel record or a Christian record to talk about their faith. If I researched for two minutes, I could probably find you 20 hip-hop songs where they talk about their faith in God within the song.

"So maybe people in hip-hop say, we don't need that over there because we've got it right here."

As a hip-hop artist, tobyMac draws inspiration from mainstream acts such as Gnarls Barkley, Kanye West and Outkast.

"These people are amazing artists," he says. "I don't agree with everything they say, but they are massively creative artists and the talent there is undeniable."

He notes — almost brags — that he buys the clean versions of hip-hop CDs.

All that said, tobyMac would still like to see Christian rock become more open to hip-hop.

Part of the hang-up, he says, is that "the foundation of what we call Christian music is very guitar- oriented. And although there have been some bubbling-under artists ... it's not something that's widely accepted by the gatekeepers, it's not something the ... Christian labels are signing very often, therefore it's not something that's being marketed in stores because it's not being signed, and we're not developing an audience for it.

"So, they're going in the mall and buying a Third Day album or a Casting Crowns album and then walking across and buying T-Pain or someone else."

TobyMac is a gatekeeper himself, running Gotee Records, which has hip-hop and hip-hop influenced artists such as Flynn Adam and John Reuben as well as Relient K and Winter Jam artist Stephanie Smith.

Right now, tobyMac is focused on working on a new album to be released late this year and headlining the Winter Jam tour.

"It's pretty hot to be on a tour that goes to arenas and they're full every night," he says. "I'm getting to do what I love, which is play my music in a full house."

Christian Music News Source

A good influence

2009-03-04T22:29:00.000-08:00

Christian artist tobyMac (AKA Toby McKeehan) has had a very good start to the year. He won his first solo Grammy in January for the Best Rock Or Rap Gospel Album, something that he narrowly missed after being nominated multiple times.

But winning the statue isn't the only thing that has the singer smiling. The man who Christianity Today called "one of the 50 most influential evangelical leaders in America" is headlining Christian music's largest annual musical tour, The Winter Jam 2009 Tour Spectacular, which makes a stop in Council Bluffs Sunday at 6 p.m. at the Mid-America Center. His band, Diverse City Band, will join him on stage.

The tour, his third with the festival, has been a great learning experience for the singer.

"For me, the backstage is as important as the on-stage (part of the tour)," said tobyMac. "I want to love them (the bands and crew) well and the audience well."

tobyMac performs with special guests Hawk Nelson, 2008 "Gospel Music Association's New Artist Of The Year"; Brandon Heath, "GMA New Artist Of The Year" 2006; The Afters; Stephanie Smith and Francesca Battistelli. The youthful pureNRG will headline the Precious Girls Club Pre-Jam Party. Grammy-nominated and Dove Award-winning, NewSong will host the high-energy event for the 14th consecutive year, which will feature special guest speaker Tony Nolan.

The singer said the night isn't just worship songs - there are thought-provoking songs that go a little deeper than the standard ones, as well as some fun songs.

The evening is "really festive," said tobyMac. "It feels like a big party a lot of the time."

He said the performances include a variety of music styles. He's impressed with Heath, whom he calls a "great songwriter," and Battistelli.

"There's some amazing talent out there," said tobyMac. "They inspire me to go back and write a song."

tobyMac has written a lot of songs in his tenure as an artist. Before going solo, he performed in dc Talk, a band that has won its fair share of Grammy awards (four). His solo career took off quickly with two Gold albums, six No. 1 singles, two Grammy nominations and widespread critical acclaim. After being nominated but never winning, tobyMac had almost written off the Grammys, since winning one had never really been in the forefront of his mind.

But at the 51st annual Grammy Awards, his name was called.

"It was a little more emotional than I thought it'd be," said tobyMac. "It felt almost full circle."

tobyMac has a recognizable style featuring rock/funk/hip-hop that hint at his musical background, growing up listening to a variety of artists such as Bob Marley, U2, Run DMC and Hall & Oates.

His latest album, the Grammy-winning "Portable Sounds," is true to his eclectic style and his spiritual intentions. As a songwriter, he aims for his music to be about life, about the struggles and failures everybody experiences.

"We're going through things together as human beings," after all, said tobyMac.

He promises an exciting show for all who attend Sunday.

"I always say I want to drop the joy bomb on an audience," said tobyMac.

Tickets to the festival have been $10 at the doors since its inception. The festival organizers, said tobyMac, are committed to the people in the communities they visit. It's his hope that people who wouldn't normally come out to concerts will come to this one because of its great value and artistry it promises.

"I believe in (the festival)," said tobyMac. "I believe in the economic part of it."

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

The Winter Jam 2009 Tour Spectacular is at the Mid-America Center Sunday at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m., and the show is expected to last no later than 9:45 p.m. Its no "ticket policy" allows consumers to simply pay $10 at the door for admission. The tour accepts cash or check only at the door for admission.

"Hopefully, it all makes for a great show," said tobyMac. "It has the possibility of being a life changing event."

Christian Music News Source

Singer TobyMac to perform at Christian music's Winter Jam

2009-03-04T07:47:00.000-08:00

Christian singer TobyMac reaches out to people of all faiths on Winter Jam tour

2009-03-04T07:46:00.000-08:00

Former dc Talk singer Toby McKeehan -- TobyMac for short -- received a Grammy nomination for his latest solo release, the live CD/DVD "Alive and Transported." Now he's on tour with the Christian-music roadshow Winter Jam. TobyMac, 44, gave us a ring before a show in Tallahassee, Fla.

Q: How is Winter Jam going?

A: It's been going really, really great. For all intents and purposes, my label wishes I was in the studio making a record right now. But I chose to come on the road because I really love Winter Jam.

I love hanging out with the other artists backstage. Today, after this interview, we're going to go play some five-on-five basketball.

Myself and the Diverse City Band, my band, we play against NewSong.

We played our first game the other night. I'm not going to say who won. But I am smiling.

Q: Does the tour have anything to offer to concertgoers of different faiths or those who aren't religious?

A: My portion of Winter Jam definitely has something for them. I'm definitely not proselytizing. I'm not shoving anything down anybody's throat.

My show is about diversity and people coming out from all walks of life and celebrating who we are as people and our differences.

There are plenty of songs on any of our records that just would invite anyone to listen. It's not just for the God Ghetto.

Q: Which is more fulfilling for you: being on tour or being in the studio? Or are they both fulfilling in different ways?

A: You nailed it: They're fulfilling in different ways.

I love making songs that connect with peoples' lives. . . . I've always counted on the fact that if I write songs about my own struggles and the struggles I'm sitting back and watching in society, people will relate to my music and my music will encourage them, make them more aware of something, cause them to think. That's always my goal. In the studio, that's my mindset.

When I go out live and you actually walk onstage and you see that that music has connected with people, you see people singing back a lyric that you feel like God breathed through you, you're like, "Yes, man, this is it. It all comes together right here."

Q: What's the plan for your next album?

A: I worked pretty hard toward a new studio record, from about late August through November. I got four or five things together that I like.

I will try to get in the studio as much as I can on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays -- that's when we're home from Winter Jam. But typically I'm a little bit vocally worn out, and it's really hard to write without your instrument. I can hear it in my head. But to communicate it to other people is difficult when you have no voice a lot of times, and you're just waiting to be recharged. Also, I have my family and I want to spend as much time as I can with them when I'm home.

The goal is just tour into the middle of March. March, April and May, I'm just going to bust it, try to get it done by about July, mixed and everything, and hand it in. It should come out October-November.

I love spending about six to eight weeks on every song, just layering and layering and finding the right sounds, the right vocal arrangements. But I listen to the radio now and I can hear this simplicity. . . . The simplicity of rock radio and pop radio and even hip-hop radio is inspiring to me right now. I would love to go and do that.

Q: Is there any momentum toward a dc Talk reunion?

A: When we're in the same city or at a festival, we usually jump on each other's stage. The thing about dc Talk is, the first thing I want people to know is that the relationships are there, solid. It wasn't like it was a weird sort of parting. We're friends.

The second thing is that we're all enjoying what we're doing. We're all passionate and driven by what we're doing. If we get back together, it'll feel like a reunion, not like a revamping of the career.

I would say a reunion . . . is inevitable. I think we want to do it. It's just a matter of when.

Christian Music News Source

Winter Jam is ongoing legacy of Christian band NewSong

2009-02-25T21:55:00.000-08:00

It all began one bleak mid-winter night in 1994. The Christian contemporary band NewSong was looking for a way to get more people to brave the elements to attend their concert. They decided that another act was needed to provide the buzz and bring in the additional audience. Bob Carlisle of "Butter Fly Kiss" fame was the answer, and the rest is history.

Years later, the buzz continues at even greater decibels as what has grown into the Winter Jam Tour Spectacular brings its multi-artist, ticketless concerts to 31 cities, providing thousands with the opportunity to hear the music and the gospel message.

"It turned from just a small thing into a three-month tour where some of the biggest names in Christian music come out and tour with us in some of the largest venues," said NewSong singer/songwriter/guitarist Bruce Goodwin, via phone from his home outside Atlanta.

The lineup changes, but Jeremy Camp, Steven Curtis Chapman and Newsboys have all had a hand in making it the biggest annual Christian tour in the country, topping 311,000 paid attendees last year.

This year's Winter Jam carries on the tradition. TobyMac will perform an eclectic mix of rap, reggae, hip hop, funk that appeals to Christians and non-Christians alike.

"TobyMac is definitely a focused man trying to reach a diverse group of people with his music and his message and that is one of the reasons that we love having him on the tour with us," said Goodwin.

NewSong's Christian contemporary sound has been reaching out to listeners since 1981 with 17 albums and 20 number-one hits. "We purposefully try to reach out to not only to just young people, but their parents, to open their hearts to what we have to say," Goodwin said.

Along with evangelist/speaker Tony Nolan, the diverse show will be driven by the rock sound of BarlowGirl, The Afters' guitar-fueled power pop, the piano-driven pop/rock sound of Francesca Battistelli, pureNRG's high energy power pop, and the powerful voice of Stephanie Smith with her edgy pop rock.

"We add new artists every year - ones that are creating the buzz in the industry, as well as long-time artists," Goodwin said.

The initial glimmer of hope they saw in 1994 might get lost in blinding lights and blaring guitars, but NewSong believes in the positive effect of its music. "One night can make a difference in people's lives," Goodwin said. "...We try to utilize every door that God opens for us to speak to as many people as we can."

Christian Music News Source

GRAMMY® WINNER TOBYMAC'S VIDEO FOR HIT SINGLE, “LOSE MY SOUL” TO PREMIER ONLINE AT AMAZON.COM AND BE FEATURED ON FRONT PAGE OF AOL MUSIC

2009-02-25T09:47:00.000-08:00

** Fresh off his GRAMMY® win and recent GMA Dove Award nominations for “Alive & Transported” as well as Artist of the Year and the RIAA GOLD Certification for “Portable Sounds,” TOBYMAC’S brand new music video for his hit single “Lose My Soul” will make it’s online premiere tomorrow, February 24th, at AMAZON.com. The video will also appear on the front of the AOL Music Page and Video of the Day for AOL popeater on March 15th. AOL Music is currently the No. 1 music site with a monthly audience of more than 23 million.

As does the single, the video also features great performances from guest vocalists Kirk Franklin and Mandisa. The single has made major inroads on R&R’s Christian AC chart, and is currently No. 6 on AC Monitor and No. 12 on AC indicator.

** Future airings of the video include the Gospel Music Channel’s broadcast premier on March 6th (10p ET) as well as at iTunes and other video outlets including Yahoo!, YouTube and more as of March 17th.

**The video was directed by Endeavor Media Group, who has worked on over 40 music videos (Anberlin, Silverstein, Comeback Kid among them) and were recently awarded the Runner Up Music Video Director of the Year by Alternative Press Magazine. Their videos have been aired on virtually every music video outlet including Big 10 rotation on MTV, Elite 8 Rotation on MTV2, Heavy Rotation on Much Music, B Rotation on MTVu. They have also been featured on MTV’s Discover and Download, Fuses Top 10 Countdown, Target In-Store Video Reel, and many more. MTV Headbangers Ball has also nominated 4 of their videos for Video of the Year in 2007.

**TobyMac is currently working on his next studio recording as he headlines the Winter Jam Spectacular 2009 and gears up for a run of of major summer festivals.

Christian Music News Source

Presentation Toby Mac

2009-02-18T18:46:00.000-08:00

Christian Music News Source

TobyMac talks Christian rap before Birmingham, Alabama concert

2009-02-18T09:09:00.000-08:00

TobyMac is stylin'.

The GMA Dove Awards' 2008 artist of the year has a massive collection of Nikes, a passion for funky hats, a penchant for vintage clothing stores - and no problem whatsoever talking about such things.

Call him a fashion plate, and he laughs, betraying nary a hint of "Hey, I'm a guy" embarrassment.

"I'm an absolute sneaker freak," he says. "I'm wearing a purple pair of high-tops on stage these days, and I think it's the bomb."

Kevin Michael McKeehan, 44, nicknamed Toby in his childhood, doesn't worry about traditional stereotypes, in his life or in his art. In fact, he's all about breaking them.

When the music industry frowned on the idea of Christian hip-hop, TobyMac responded with a shrug, and a "you watch me" vibe. In his early years with dc Talk, and the solo career that followed, he has merged rap, rock and religion, earning millions of fans in the process.

"I heard so many things over the years," he says. "`You can't do Christian and rap.' `You can't do rap because you're a white boy.' `You can't do rock 'n' roll and mix that with a message of faith and hope.' As far as I'm concerned, you can't put a positive or negative on a guitar riff. It's all about what you say or do with that. I always go back to the old saying, `Give me bricks and mortar, and I can build a house of worship or a house of ill repute.'"

With hard work and steadfast devotion, TobyMac has proved the naysayers wrong. He's also earned three gold records, eight Doves and several spots on the Billboard charts. As a member of dc Talk, the list of accolades increases even more.

On Saturday, TobyMac will headline Winter Jam, a Christian music festival at Birmingham's BJCC Arena. On Sunday, he's up for a Grammy Award, vying for best rock or rap gospel album with "Alive and Transported."

But you won't find TobyMac posing for the cameras with other celebrities at the Los Angeles Convention Center. He's got a tour stop on Grammy night and has opted to perform with his band, DiverseCity, at the Gwinett Center in Duluth, Ga.

Is TobyMac dissing the Grammys (he already has four of them as a member of dc Talk) or simply displaying his workaholic tendencies?

"I wish, a lot of times, that I was a guy who also stopped to enjoy any achievement or accomplishment," he admits. "I'm the type who looks and moves on to the next mountain I'm climbing. I probably should look down the mountain more often, and see how far we've come."

The next piece of his terrain, after Winter Jam concludes in mid-March, will be a recording studio. TobyMac says he's "about halfway finished" with a new CD and has a fall release date in mind, probably near Thanksgiving.

"There are a couple of songs I'm super happy with, and I have the first song written and recorded, I think," he says. "I'll be moving in the same direction with DiverseCity, trying to write more poetically and write songs that connect with people's lives. I don't want to sound pretentious, but it's like I wait for God to give songs to me."

Divine inspiration doesn't imply, however, that TobyMac regards himself as a preacher or that his concerts morph into church services.

"A song can be about a good time; a song can be about pain; a song can be about victory," he says. "It doesn't have to have an overt message about Jesus. I think it's about a body of work, and resolve in God is my underlying message. I know what I want the center of my life to be. I want to write about my life and be honest about it. In the song `Lose My Soul,' that Kirk (Franklin) and Mandisa are on, I'm telling you my prayer, the things I struggle with, my deepest desires."

TobyMac says he applies the same principles, and the same freedom, to the artists on his indie label, Gotee Records. These include Relient K, Flynn Adam, House of Heroes and Ayiesha Woods. (TobyMac's solo albums are released by ForeFront Records, dc Talk's label and part of the EMI Christian Music Group.)

"I don't tell any of my artists how to write or use their gifts," he says. "I only sign an artist if I know their heart is in the right place."

If a higher power is guiding his steps and decisions, as TobyMac believes, he remains its grateful object. Religious conviction is the most valuable tool in his music arsenal, giving him the will and desire to succeed.

"If I wasn't trying to move people toward hope, love and faith," he says, "I would have given up a long time ago."

Christian Music News Source

TOBYMAC HONORED WITH FIRST SOLO GRAMMY ® WIN FOR “ALIVE & TRANSPORTED”

2009-02-18T09:05:00.000-08:00

Los Angeles, CA… Feb. 9, 2008… Last night at the 51st Annual GRAMMY® Awards, The Best Rock Or Rap Gospel Album honor went to the Gospel Music Association’s 2007 Artist of the Year, Forefront Recording artist, TobyMac, just following the RIAA GOLD Certification of his 2007 studio project, PORTABLE SOUNDS. This marks his fifth consecutive GRAMMY® nomination and his first win as a solo act for his newest project, ALIVE & TRANSPORTED, his CD+DVD combo that released last summer. TobyMac won four GRAMMY® Awards as a member of dcTalk. The 51st Annual GRAMMY® Awards were broadcast live on CBS from the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

"It's an honor to win my first Grammy as a solo artist,” TobyMac commented from the WinterJam tour. “I still can't believe it, truly humbling. My band and I worked hard on this project and it really is the culmination of diverse people collaborating."

The recording industry's most prestigious award, the GRAMMY® , is presented annually by the Recording Academy, NARAS (National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences). A GRAMMY® is awarded by the Recording Academy's voting membership to honor excellence in the recording arts and sciences. It is a peer honor, awarded by and to artists and technical professionals for artistic or technical achievement, not sales or chart positions.

Alive and Transported is TobyMac’s first live concert DVD/CD, which released last May. With over 8 million career scans, "Portable Sounds,” recently certified GOLD by the RIAA, is TobyMac's latest studio and highest solo debut ever on the Billboard Top 200 chart (No. 10), which hit No. 1 on SoundScan’s Contemporary Christian Overall chart in its first week as well. All three of TobyMac’s solo projects have received numerous GMA Dove Award nominations as well as GRAMMY nominations. In addition, "Momentum" (2001) and "Welcome to Diverse City" (2004), both were awarded RIAA Gold Certification. Along with sold out tour dates, back-to-back radio hits, being named the GMA Dove Award’s 2008 Artist of the Year, and R&R’s Christian CHR Artist of the Year in 2007, TobyMac was also nominated for a 2007 American Music Award as Favorite Inspirational Artist. His song “Ignition” was also recently chosen to play during the 2009 Superbowl as The Arizona Cardinals entered the stadium in Tampa, FL.

WWW.TOBYMAC.COM

Christian Music News Source

TobyMac Wins First Solo Grammy

2009-02-18T08:57:00.000-08:00

Rocker/rapper TobyMac finally won his first solo Grammy Award after four previous nominations, taking home the top prize Sunday night for Rock or Rap Gospel Album with Alive and Transported.

TobyMac had previously been nominated for Momentum (2003), Welcome to Diverse City (2005), Portable Sounds (2008) and the song "Made to Love" (2005). He had won four Grammys with his band dcTalk.

"It's an honor to win my first Grammy as a solo artist," TobyMac commented from the WinterJam tour. "I still can't believe it, truly humbling. My band and I worked hard on this project, and it really is the culmination of diverse people collaborating."

Kirk Franklin added two more Grammys to his collection—he now has six for his career—one for Contemporary R&B Gospel Album, The Fight of My Life, and one for Gospel Song, "Help Me Believe," from the same album.

CeCe Winans won for Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album (Thy Kingdom Come), the Gaither Vocal Band for Southern/Country/Bluegrass Gospel Album (Lovin' Life), The Blind Boys of Alabama for Traditional Gospel Album (Down in New Orleans), and Mary Mary for Best Gospel Performance ("Get Up," the hit single from their Grammy nominated album,The Sound).

The night's emotional highlight came when Jennifer Hudson—who won her first Grammy for best R&B album—performed "You Pulled Me Through," clearly thinking of God's sustaining power in the wake of the October killings of her mother, brother and nephew.

"I first would like to thank God who has brought me through," Hudson said when accepting the award. Later, while performing the song, she cried while singing the lyric: "When I was drowning, when I was so confused, you, you pulled me through."

Earlier, the Grammy for best motion picture song went to "Down To Earth" from the Disney/Pixar film Wall-E, recently named 2008's Most Redeeming Film by Christianity Today. Thomas Newman, who co-wrote the song with singer Peter Gabriel, accepted the award. The song is also nominated for an Oscar.

In a pre-Grammy event honoring Neil Diamond as MusiCares Person of the Year, the Jonas Brothers were among the performers covering the legend's songs. The Jonases sang "Forever in Blue Jeans." MusiCares helps musicians who have fallen on hard times.

Christian Music News Source

Our Interview with tobyMac

2009-02-11T17:50:00.000-08:00

TobyMac, the hip-hop/rock fusion artist formerly of dcTalk fame, headlines Winter Jam Thursday. The annual Christian concert also features Hawk Nelson, Brandon Heath, New Song and Francesca Battistelli, among others.

We talked Friday for a story due out in this week’s Applause. While he chatted about the tour, his family and recent Grammy nomination for the 2008 CD/DVD set Alive and Transported, Toby also had a few things to say about the state of the country. Click to hear tobyMac’s thoughts on President-elect Barack Obama and the things he’d pray for if asked, like author and pastor Rick Warren, at next week’s inauguration.

For more on Winter Jam, go to www.jamtour.com. Tickets are $10 at the door, which opens 6 p.m. Thursday for the 7 p.m. show.

Christian Music News Source

Musicians Help Keep The Faith

2009-02-11T17:43:00.000-08:00

Nearly three decades into its career, one of NewSong's founders says the group still is on "a faith trip."

"He's providing and he's guiding and we're following," says Billy Goodwin. "God has shown favor on us."

In addition to a long string of contemporary Christian hit singles and albums, NewSong also founded the annual Winter Jam tour.

Now in its 14th year, the tour features NewSong sharing the bill with some of Christian music's biggest names as well as some up-and-coming talent.

This year's lineup features TobyMac, Hawk Nelson, Brandon Heath and Francesca Battistelli. Previous lineups have included MercyMe, Steven Curtis Chapman, Newsboys, Jeremy Camp, Audio Adrenaline, Relient K, Tait and Sonic Flood.

"We were trying to come up with creative ways to get people to come out to concerts in winter," Goodwin says. "It started as January Jam and eventually expanded to all the way through mid-March, almost to spring time.

"We've been able to get some of the biggest names in Christian music" for the tour, he says. "As it began to expand, we asked God to direct us. He put it together we've gone along for the ride."

Part of faith for Goodwin is trusting that he's not supposed to know the future.

"We didn't think it could have happened," Goodwin says of himself and his band mates, Eddie Carswell, Matt Butler and Nate Sallie.

"If we had looked down the road we'd have been too scared to continue," Goodwin says. "We had only enough faith to see a little ways up ahead."

That kind of faith is what Francesca Battistelli sings about in "The Letting Go," the first single from her first album, last year's "My Paper Heart."

"I think I a lot of what I've learned to let go of is timing," Battistelli, 23, says. "Nothing happens when I want it to happen but it's always perfect."

When she was a young girl, she was serious about dancing and considered ballet as her profession. She dreamed of going to New York and joining a company.

Problems with her back derailed that dream but the teenager soon discovered theater, a natural choice since her parents met when both were working on a production of "The King and I." Her mother starred in the female lead as Anna; her father was the assistant conductor.

But even that didn't turn out to be her destination.

When she finally started listening to music other than show tunes, she felt compelled to begin writing and performing her own songs.

"I didn't plan to have this desire to be a songwriter and artist," she says. "Now I can't imagine doing anything else."

She was part of the Orlando teen-pop group Bella before striking out on her own.

One of her first big breaks occurred on last year's Winter Jam. Some friends of hers were scheduled to perform on the Orlando date of the tour and had to cancel. At their suggestion, Battistelli was chosen to perform. This year, she's on for the entire tour.

"It's so cool to come full circle a year later," Battistelli says.

Still, she's a little disappointed the tour won't visit Orlando again this year.

It would have been a hometown visit. She attended the University of Central Florida before moving to Nashville.

Alas, last year's Orlando concert was plagued by technical difficulties.

"I want to redeem myself," she says with a laugh. "Maybe everyone who was there will come to the Tampa show."

They won't be deterred by the price, $10 at the door. The low admission price is one of the tour's trademarks.

"The bottom line is encouraging fans to bring friends and family that need to hear what we're saying, the truth of what we're sharing," Goodwin says.

It's a matter of trust for the band to go out with a big show and a small admission price, Goodwin says.

"It's been going 14 years now and we always pay the bills," he says. "It doesn't make any sense but somehow it always happens."

ON TOUR

WINTER JAM

Christian Music News Source

Christian music concert is Saturday at Crown Coliseum

2009-02-04T08:05:00.000-08:00

The largest annual Christian music tour, Winter Jam, is coming to the Crown Coliseum on Saturday.

The 6 p.m. concert will be headlined by TobyMac, the 2008 Gospel Music Association’s Artist Of The Year, and will feature performances by NewSong, Hawk Nelson, Brandon Heath, The Afters and Stephanie Smith. Heath is the 2008 GMA New Artist Of The Year.

Billy Goodwin is the lead vocalist and guitarist for NewSong, which has received Grammy and Dove Award nominations. He said he is humble about his role in Winter Jam. NewSong founded the tour in 1995, and the members have served as hosts since then. But he’s not surprised by its success.

“It’s a great concert event, a lot of incredibly talented Christian performers,” Goodwin said. “And it’s in service of a greater purpose.”

The 10-week tour, which concludes in Tennessee on March 15, is a mix of music and message, Goodwin said. It showcases several of the most popular and talented Christian music performing artists. The show also will include special guest speaker Tony Nolan.

From his home outside of Atlanta, Goodwin spoke to Weekender about Winter Jam, life on the road and where the future of Christian music may be heading.

Weekender: NewSong has been the Winter Jam host for, going on, 14 years. That’s longevity.

Goodwin: Thanks. It’s been a blessing to perform and host Winter Jam for so long. But more important, it’s been a tremendous opportunity to reach so many young people and watch Christ touch their lives.

Weekender: What can people expect at Winter Jam this year?

Goodwin: It’s a fast-paced mix of musical styles, different artists and guest speakers sharing testimony and gospel. It’s never boring. There’s a lot of production involved — lights and high energy from beginning to end. Most shows last about two hours, but it goes by so fast.

Weekender: NewSong has had 20 No. 1 singles. Any hints at what’s on the set list?

Goodwin: That’s actually hard to say. Some of those decisions are made the night of the show. But we’re going to play a lot of hits, a lot of fan favorites.

Weekender: Such as?

Goodwin: Most likely, “Arise My Love” and “Defining Moment.” We’ll also play a medley of some of our older stuff.

Weekender: How do you achieve the right mix of message and music?

Goodwin: All the artists on tour have a good heart for ministry. They know that music is the tool we use to open the door to get into someone’s heart to share how a relationship with Jesus can change your life. The concert builds to a short time of sharing at the end, where we let people express themselves and maybe, hopefully, make a decision for God that will change them.

Weekender: You’ll be sharing the stage with a number of talented acts. How does this year’s lineup compare with past Winter Jams?

Goodwin: I think it’s one of the best we’ve ever had, with some of the biggest names in Christian music, along with some new folks we’ve not toured with. I’m looking forward to performing with them.

Weekender: You’re no stranger to touring, how does Winter Jam wear and tear on you?

Goodwin: Oh, we’re road dogs. We’re used to the pace and sleeping on rolling beds. Everyone knows it’s a blessing to tour all year long; we’re just glad to stay busy. God’s been good to us.

Weekender: What’s next for NewSong?

Goodwin: We’re working on a new project. After Winter Jam, we want to get into the studio and get it out next year. We’re really anxious to get the new material out there. And we’ll be back on the road, with an Easter tour and summer dates.

Weekender: You’ve been in a unique position to watch the development of Christian music over the years. Where do you see it heading in the future?

Goodwin: Well, it’s really improved, quality-wise and in quantity, over the years. Some of the best talent out there is now getting involved, and the church has really opened its doors to all styles of music. Christian music is communicating with and involving kids more than ever. I think the best days are ahead.
Winter Jam 2009

Who: TobyMac, NewSong, Hawk Nelson, Brandon Heath, The Afters and Stephanie Smith

When: Saturday, Jan. 10, 6 p.m.

Where: Crown Coliseum

Tickets: $10 at the door

Staff writer Brian Dukes can be reached at dukesb@fayobserver.com or 486-3523.

Christian Music News Source

Toby Mac (Made to Love) Winter Jam 2009

2009-01-28T11:57:00.000-08:00

Toby singing made to love in charlotte nc. jan 11

Christian Music News Source

Your guide to Central Illinois arts and entertainment in 2009

2009-01-21T11:28:00.000-08:00

What better way to greet a new year than to embrace what it promises? And we don’t mean the bad stuff we all know is part and parcel of every New Year deal. Let us turn, instead, to celebrating what we know will be the good stuff — especially as it relates to the frankly escapist world of GO!.

That would be the arts-and-entertainment possibilities coming our way in the winter weeks ahead.

You know: that weather-outside-is-frightful stretch during which we need all the help we can get.

To that end, we’ve rounded up a preview of all the big-ticket items already scheduled between now and spring.

Plenty more items will doubtless be added to the mix in the weeks ahead, which is why we invented the weekly GO! Calendar listings, the most complete source around for up-to-the-minute happenings.

Theater

Kicking off the season Jan. 8 with some big yucks will be Conklin’s Barn II Dinner Theatre with the Dennis R. Anderson farce Funny Valentines. Following fast on its peals of laughter will be the Barn’s other farcical winter-spring offerings, Michael Cooney’s Cash on Delivery (March 5) and an encore of the Barn’s 2005 hit, Squabbles (April 30).

Also raising the curtains early on the ’09 season are Bloomington’s Community Players, who’ll open their three-weekend run of Mary Chase’s hare-raising comedy classic, Harvey, Jan. 16. To be followed by yet another edition of Squabbles (Feb. 27) and the latest local staging of Urinetown: The Musical (May 1).

At Illinois State University, the season begins on a high dramatic note in Westhoff Theatre with Kia Corthron’s Breath, Boom (Feb. 20), an ISU-Crossroads Theatre collaboration about the life of a hardened female gang member in New York.

It’s followed by The Rover (Feb. 26), a saucy new adaptation of the classic Restoration farce in the Center for the Performing Arts Theatre; Timberlake Wertenbaker’s drama Our Country’s Good (April 3, Westhoff Theatre), about the staging of a play in Aussie prison; Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Evita (April 3, CPA Theatre); and this semester’s “Free Will” bargain Shakespeare offering, Julius Caesar (April 22, Allen Theatre).

At Illinois Wesleyan University, the main stage season in McPherson Theatre is comprised of a lone offering, Henrik Ibsen’s courtroom drama, An Enemy of the People (Feb. 17). In IWU’s Laboratory Theatre, it’s Chance Muehleck’s “play about the media,” Spokes (April 8), followed by a pair of one-acts, Edna St. Vincent Millay’s Aria Da Capo and Moliere’s The Precious Damsels (May; dates TBA).

At Eureka College, the school’s Pritchard Theatre will be the site of a world premiere, the student-written/performed one-woman show, KD: Two Letters Is All You Need (Jan. 22). It’s followed by Caryl Churchill’s feminist fantasia Top Girls (Feb. 20) and Noel Coward’s comedy of manners, Present Laughter (April 21).

Heartland Theatre Company in Normal has two winter-spring productions on tap, beginning with David Lindsay-Abaire’s drama about a couple coping with their child’s death, Rabbit Hole (Feb. 19), and followed by Olga Mikhailova’s Moscow-set comedy, Russian Dream (April 16).

The Pantagraph’s Holiday Spectacular crew returns with an original Lincoln musical drama, Lincoln’s in Town! (Feb. 13-15, Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts).

Meanwhile, that long-running rite of spring, The American Passion Play, returns to the BCPA for a four-weekend run beginning March 14.

National touring productions passing through the area include: Monty Python’s Spamalot (Jan. 17-18, Peoria Civic Center); An Evening with Martin and Langston starring Danny Glover (Jan. 23, ISU Bone Student Center Brown Ballroom); LeAnne Howe: Chocktalking on Other Realities (Jan. 23-24, U of I Krannert Center, Champaign); Rain: The Beatles Experience (Feb. 3, Sangamon Auditorium, Springfield; Feb. 4, Peoria Civic Center); The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Feb. 16, Sangamon Auditorium; March 31-April 1, Peoria Civic Center); The Drowsy Chaperone (Feb. 24-25, Peoria Civic Center; April 10, U of I Assembly Hall); and Movin’ Out (March 10, U of I Assembly Hall, Champaign);

Also: The Reduced Shakespeare Company’s History of America, Abridged (March 13, Sangamon Auditorium); Hairspray (March 16, Sangamon Auditorium); It’s Only Make Believe (March 22, Peoria Civic Center); Anna Deavere Smith’s Snapshots: Glimpses of America in Change (March 31, Krannert Center); Annie (April 13, Sangamon Auditorium); Footloose (April 19, Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts); Anne Bogart’s SITI Company: Who Do You Think You Are and Under Construction (April 25 and 28, Krannert Center); and Pinkalicious: The Musical (May 3, BCPA).

Comedy

With at least three regular comedy clubs at play in Pantagraphland bounds — Bloomington’s Funny Bone and New Treehhouse Lounge, Mason City’s Mason City Limits — no weekend will pass by without laughs. So check out their weekly menus.

On the auditorium front, there’s: country jester Rodney Carrington (Jan. 22, Virginia Theater, Champaign; March 13, Peoria Civic Center); Mo’Nique (Jan. 31, Kirkland Fine Arts Center, Decatur); comedian-ventriloquist Jeff Dunham (Feb. 14, U.S. Cellular Coliseum); “queen of mean” Lisa Lampanelli (Feb. 21, Peoria Civic Center); Second City Touring Company (March 12, Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts); frequent Central Illinois visitor Larry the Cable Guy (April 4, U of I Assembly Hall ); and Vicki Lawrence & Mama: A Two-Woman Show (May 2, BCPA).

Rock-pop-folk

Coming to Twin Cities venues as of press time are: singer-songwriter Susan Werner (Jan. 20, Blue Moon Coffeehouse); Buddy Holly’s Winter Dance Party (Feb. 7, Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts); rockers 3 Doors Down, Seether and Safetysuit (7:30 p.m. Feb. 20, U.S. Cellular Coliseum); folkie Cheryl Wheeler (March 7, Blue Moon); the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band (March 7, BCPA); pop long-runners The Lettermen (March 20, BCPA); classic rockers The Doobie Brothers (April 2, U.S. Cellular Coliseum); singer-songwriters Antje Duvekot and Natalia Zukerman (April 4, Blue Moon); The Manhattan Transfer (April 16, BCPA); and folk singer Willy Porter (Blue Moon, May 16).

Elsewhere: old-timers Styx (Jan. 22, Peoria Civic Center); Christian rockers Toby Mac, NewSong and others in the Winter Jam 2009 Tour Spectacular (Jan. 23, Peoria Civic Center); ’80s metal men Skid Row (Jan. 24, Lincoln Square Theater, Decatur); jam rockers the Disco Biscuits (Jan. 25, Canopy Club, Urbana); rock-opera troupe the East Village Opera Company (Jan. 30-31, U of I Krannert Center); Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy (Jan. 31, U of I Foellinger Auditorium, Champaign).

Also: rockers Slipknot, Coheed & Cambria and Trivium (Feb. 2, Peoria Civic Center); guitarist Keller Williams (Feb. 6, Canopy Club); Dove-winning Christian rockers Building 429 (Feb. 13, United Presbyterian Church, Peoria); heavy metal men Clutch (Feb. 15, Canopy Club); Peoria-begat rockers Mudvayne (7 p.m. Feb. 17, Prairie Capital Convention Center); Christian rockers Third Day (March 5, Assembly Hall); Susan Werner Duo (March 6, Sangamon Auditorium); George Thorogood & The Destroyers (March 2, East Peoria Event Center); and veteran folk singer Gordon Lightfoot (March 18, Virginia Theater, Champaign).

Country-bluegrass-gospel

Scheduled for Twin Cities venues thus far are just a couple qualifying concerts: The Bill Gaither Homecoming (March 13, U.S. Cellular Coliseum), and fresh from Denzel Washington’s “The Great Debaters,” the offbeat Carolina Chocolate Drops (March 27, Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts).

Elsewhere: The two-day Y’allapalooza with 14 stars including LeAnn Rimes, Phil Vassar, Jason Aldean, Julianne Hough and more (Jan. 16-17, Prairie Capital Convention Center, Springfield); Toby Keith and (again) Jason Aldean (Jan. 29, Peoria Civic Center); Jay Unger & Molly Mason: An Early Birthday Party for A. Lincoln (Jan. 31, Sangamon Auditorium); Rascal Flatts and Jessica Simpson (Feb. 6, U of I Assembly Hall); bluegrass groups The Gordons, Special Consensus and Poplar Grove Bluegrass Band (April 3, Kirkland Fine Arts Center); and western swing legends Asleep at the Wheel (April 4, Kirkland Fine Arts Center)

Jazz-R&B-World

In B-N, the big names on board so far include: New Orleans a cappella group the subdudes (Jan. 17, Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts); Bob Marley’s band, The Wailers (Jan. 22, BCPA); jazz chanteuse Sara Gazarek, performing this year’s WGLT JazzMasters concert (Feb. 7, ISU Center for the Performing Arts); the Preservation Hall Jazz Band (Feb. 21, BCPA); and the African Children’s Choir (Feb. 27, BCPA).

Elsewhere: female a cappella group Sweet Honey in the Rock (Feb. 10, Kirkland Fine Arts Center); Japan’s drum-crazy Kodo (Feb. 24, U of I Krannert Center); the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis (Feb. 28, Sangamon Auditorium); Aswat: Celebrating the Golden Age of Arab Music (March 15, Krannert Center); the Afro-Cuban All Stars (March 18, Krannert Center); Meredith Monk & Vocal Ensemble (April 4, Krannert Center); Chick Corea & John McLaughlin Five Peace Band (April 7, Krannert Center); Portuguese singer Mariza (April 15, Krannert Center); Bobby McFerrin and Polygraph Lounge (April 24, Krannert Center); and sax man Joshua Redman (May 2, Krannert Center).

Classical

On the Twin Cities front, the Illinois Symphony Orchestra will be busy in the weeks ahead with: Lincoln Bicentennial (Feb. 6), Gershwin at the Pops (March 6), America the Beautiful (April 3) and The Planets (May 1) — all performed in the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts.

In addition, the ISO’s subsidiary Illinois Chamber Orchestra performs Beautiful Classics (Jan. 24) and Tall Tales & American Legends (March 21), both in Bloomington’s Second Presbyterian Church.

Elsewhere: pianist Ingrid Fliter (Feb. 3, U of I Krannert Center); the Hugo Wolf Quartet (Feb. 19, Krannert Center); Dublin Philharmonic Orchestra (Feb. 26, Krannert Center); pianist Angela Hewitt (March 5, Krannert Center); Jupiter String Quartet (March 17, Krannert Center); National Philharmonic of Russia (April 14, Krannert); Pacifica Quartet with Erik Ronmark (April 16, Krannert Center); pianist Charles Rosen (April 22, Krannert Center); and violinist-composer Mark O’Connor (May 2, Peoria Civic Center).

Dance

On the local front, the offerings include: Alvin Ailey’s Ailey II (Jan. 30, Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts); IWU’s Dance Concert 2009 (April 7-12, McPherson Theatre); the annual ISU Dance Theatre Spring Concerts (April 30-May 2, ISU Center for the Performing Arts);

Traditional spring performances by the McLean County Dance Center, Twin Cities Ballet and USA Ballet also are in the offing.

Elsewhere: Russian National Ballet Theatre (“Giselle,” Jan. 22, Sangamon Auditorium; “Sleeping Beauty,” Jan. 23-24, U of I Krannert Center); Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance (Feb. 16, U of I Assembly Hall; Feb. 17, Peoria Civic Center); the Mark Morris Dance Group’s Romeo & Juliet (March 13-14, Krannert Center); Hubbard Street Dance Chicago (April 16, Sangamon Auditorium); and Ronald K. Brown: Evidence, A Dance Company (April 21, Krannert Center).

Etc., etc.

In the realm of things not easily pigeon-holed, Twin Cities venues will host the second edition of I.C.E. World Championship Ice Racing (Jan. 24, U.S. Cellular Coliseum).

Outside Twin Cities limits, odds-and-ends attractions include: the Harlem Globetrotters (Jan. 9, U of I Assembly Hall; Jan. 10, Peoria Civic Center; Jan. 13, Prairie Capital Convention Center); WWE Raw/ECW Live (Jan. 30, Assembly Hall); the big-trucks-don’t-cry opus Monster Jam (Feb. 6-7, Peoria Civic Center; Feb. 20-22, Prairie Capital Convention Center); National Acrobats of China (Feb. 8, Sangamon Auditorium; Feb. 10-11, U of I Krannert Center); Ensemble Galilei with NPR’s Neal Conan in First Person: Stories From Around the World (Feb. 21, Sangamon Auditorium); Montreal’s Cirque Eloize (March 3-4, Krannert Center); Chinese acrobatic troupe Jungua, Descendents of the Dragon (March 11, Kirkland Fine Arts Center); and another Euro-circus opus, Cirque Dreams: Jungle Fantasy (April 22, Sangamon Auditorium).

Christian Music News Source

Toby Mac Made to Love

2009-01-14T09:55:00.000-08:00

Toby Mac performs during Winter Wonder Slam at the Toyota Center 12-12-08

Christian Music News Source

Toby Mac - Irene

2009-01-07T07:17:00.000-08:00

Christian Music News Source

tobyMac, Santa on their way

2008-12-24T09:54:00.000-08:00

There are very few Christmas memories not connected to music, and the return to Huntsville of tobyMac's Winter Wonder Slam Tour is just such a tradition.

Whether it's putting up the tree, shopping the malls, seeing Santa or traveling to see family, special music can propel all of us a quantum leap to a special memory.

I know for me personally, even though I'm still stuffed from Thanksgiving, I am looking forward to my wife, daughters and myself heading to Waffle House on Christmas morn - usually with Harry Connick Jr. playing in the car.

That's decidedly more sedate than a new Christmas tradition barreling toward North Alabama.

A Rocket City favorite, tobyMac is bringing Winter Wonder Slam this Christmas for the fifth time. If you have yet to experience it, you haven't seen Christmas at full throttle. The high energy of tobyMac's mix of hip-hop, rock and funk is worth sitting on Santa's knee, hoping you've been good enough to go.

No holiday feels right without the time spent with family and friends so Toby brings some of his to share. Relient K comes back showing that they never take themselves too seriously. Their brand of rock inspires the Guitar Hero in us all with their big hits, "Who I Am Hates Who I've Been" and "Getting into You." However, their live shows are legend for a breakout of covers you couldn't dare dream of. They've covered the gamut from the Backstreet Boys and Shania Twain to TV theme songs from "Full House" and movies like "That Thing You Do" and "Top Gun."

Family Force 5 is back, this time with new music. "Dance or Die" doesn't sound very festive for this time of the year, but their live show will blow the ornaments right off your tree.

tobyMac never comes to town without introducing us to someone new in his goatee family, and you'll get pumped about this year's selection. Newcomer B. Reith brings his shared passion with Toby for hip-hop and rap that will have you adding his debut CD to your stocking-stuffer list.

tobyMac's Winter Wonder Slam tour is happening Saturday, 7 p.m., at the Von Braun Center downtown. Tickets are $16-$35.

Christian Music News Source

Concert announcement: Winter Jam at Family Arena with tobyMac

2008-12-24T09:52:00.000-08:00

Christian rock artist tobyMac headlines Winter Jam 2009, coming to Family Arena Jan. 25.

Hawk Nelson, Brandon Heath, Francesca Battistelli, and Stephanie Smith are also on the bill.

The tour also features speaker Tony Nolan and pureNRG and the Precious Girls Club Pre-Jam Party. NewSong hosts.

The Afters, Family Force 5 and BarlowGirl are scheduled to play select dates.

The tour has a “no tickets policy.” Fans pay $10 at the door for admission.

Check www.jamtour.com or www.premierproductions.com for more information.

Christian Music News Source

TobyMac’s new rap

2008-12-24T09:51:00.001-08:00

TobyMac has released three solo albums, all certified gold for sales of more than 500,000 copies. His mix of rap, rock and pop has made him a Christian-radio heavyweight, and 2007’s Made to Love was one of the year’s most played singles. He sold millions of records as part of Christian band dc talk and also has collaborated with genre giants Michael W. Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman and Kirk Franklin.

But this early Tuesday morning in Franklin, a “small sort of town” just outside of Nashville, TobyMac is just dad.

“I had to drop the kids off at school this morning,” he says, referring to two of his five children. “I’m still on tour hours. I’m not used to popping up this early.”

TobyMac, whose real name is Kevin McKeehan, returns to Houston on Friday as part of his Winter Wonder-Slam. He recorded a live DVD in 2007 at the Berry Center.

After completing his dad-ly duties, he took time talk with the Chronicle’s Joey Guerra about new music, Christmas memories and Kanye West:

Q: How did Portable Sounds, your last studio disc, change your outlook on music?

A: I think Portable Sounds was definitely a labor of love. It took me a little over a year to make the record. In Jamaica they call it a one pot. Here they’d probably call it a big ol’ pot of gumbo. My music really derives from hip-hop meets guitars. I think I grew artistically. I sang more on this record than I did in the past. I definitely have spread my wings in that area. These songs come from life. They come from my experience, my failures, my struggles, my success stories. My resolve is in my faith in God.

Q: Was rapping always part of the musical picture?

A: That’s where I entered. I guess I sang in some choral groups in school. But I would take 12-inch vinyl, turn it over to the instrumental and rap to it. I would make tapes for my friends. I would rap about us, the boys in the D.C. area, rolling down to Georgetown and hanging out. I began to see it as an outlet and a way to express something I was more passionate about. It was always this sense of rhyming verses with a melodic hook in the chorus.

Q: Have you been thinking yet about a new record?

A: I’ve been hard at work the last couple months in the studio. I have about four or five tracks finished. I’ll probably put out a record late fall next year. I’m going to try to work in between shows. I’m definitely a writer that writes and just runs to the studio. I was going through something last night, where my wife and I were sitting up with a friend, trying to speak truth into their lives — even out of that, I would hope to get something. Just a morsel of truth I can share with people. Hopefully, they can glean from that.

Q: What’s the balance like of making quality music and family life?

A: I have the Rock of Gibraltar as a wife. My wife (Amanda) is an incredibly strong, loving woman. That’s the beginning of all the great people around me. It makes things a lot easier. I have amazingly talented people around me that make me better and bigger than who I am. Half of life is balancing our lives. Not indulging in one area. It’s putting little things in place. And it’s hard sometimes.

Q: Everyone is revving up their ‘best of ’08’ lists. What are some of your favorite musical moments of the past year?

A: I got to go a Coldplay show, which I thought was amazing and totally inspiring. There was a lot of production, and there were a lot of tricks, but they were used in a way that supported the song. It didn’t take away from the music. I’ve definitely been sniffing around what Kanye’s doing with (808s & Heartbreaks). I don’t always agree with his philosophies, but I’m interested in the kind of songs and the music he makes. He’s almost stepping a little bit away from beats and rhymes. I can appreciate somebody moving in a new direction. He could’ve rested on his laurels.

One song that just feels good to me, whenever I hear that Pocketful of Sunshine song, that ‘Take me away …,’ it just makes me feel good.

Q: What about movies?

A: I love film. I don’t get to go as much as I want, but we definitely catch up on the bus. I went out and saw The Duchess with my wife. I thought that was great, even though it’s not the most action, thrilling type movie. She loves those period pieces. My wife’s from Jamaica, so she’s got a lot of love for England. It was pretty intense drama.

I took my kids to see Bolt. It was great, man; I enjoyed it. If I didn’t look at my watch or my phone for two hours, then the film was good enough to take me on a trip.

Q: What are your memories of Houston?

A: We shot our live DVD (Alive & Transported) there. That, obviously, and the intensity of that and the vulnerability of that all comes to mind. Houston really embraced us early. It’s become my favorite touring city right now. It feels very welcoming to what I’m doing. Of course, I hit the Galleria and bought things for the DVD shoot. Houston’s gone from one of the toughest touring markets to one of the best, and KSBJ (89.3 FM) has a lot to do with that.

Q: Your songs have popped up in lots of commercials and films. Where’s the strangest place one has ended up?

A: Probably Transporter 2. I definitely didn’t expect that. I didn’t even know it was happening. I got crazy calls from my friends. I definitely was super-dad when it showed up in that film with the Rock, where he played football (The Game Plan). My kids were tripping on that. They were like, ‘Daaad!’

Q: What were the best and worst Christmas gifts you received as a kid?

A: The best gift was definitely when I was about 10. I got a Mono Shock bicycle, and it was canary yellow. My parents didn’t wrap stuff. They would put things under the tree, as if Santa had come during the night and left them there. I woke up, walked out, and there it was. It was, like, the greatest moment of my life.

I remember my neighbor’s father, who was also my little-league football coach, was always the prankster. I was so excited to open this gift he got me. It was in a tin, like a pie tin, this big brown thing. He was like, ‘It’s a cow pie.’ I didn’t know what it was. Cow dookie, man. I remember being utterly confused. I didn’t even understand it.

Christian Music News Source

tobyMac, Slam again a big hit

2008-12-24T09:51:00.000-08:00

One thought keeps running through my head after returning from tobyMac's Winter Wonder Slam three-hour concert Saturday night at the Von Braun Center Arena: Why can't all concerts be this positive and fun?

That's not reality, right? But hey, at least it happens every now and then.

Mac brought his Diverse City band into the VBC along with newcomer B. Reith, Family Force 5 and Relient K for a wonderful evening of upbeat, fun, Christian contemporary music in front of 5,000 or so fans.

Reith played a short set and was okay, but then came the wild and crazy Family Force 5. "Listening to Family Force 5 is like lighting a cluster of firecrackers in your mouth," according to guitarist Derek Mount (known to fans as Chap Stique).

Yep, there's definitely fireworks of some sort going on. Family Force 5 was widen open and performing at 100 mph once it hit the stage. The group even brought its Family Force 5000, a massive drum machine they invented, on stage. As Family Force performed, one of the members kept pushing the buttons that looked like a giant phone keyboard. That itself was strange.

The group performed many songs, including "D-I-E 4 Y-O-U," "Radiator" and put an interesting twist on "Love Addict." During the second chorus, the band changed the words to
"Grandma, she got run over, she got run over by a reindeer, y'all," a Christmas single they put out a couple of years ago. It was a fun and energetic performance.

Relient K took the stage after Family Force 5 and also put on a good show, albeit very much toned down from what the Force brought. The group actually brought some Christmas spirit to the concert by placing some snowmen, Santa Claus and a blowup Christmas tree on stage. They played hits like "High of 75, " "Chapstick, Chapped Lips and Things Like Chemistry" and "Mood Rings."

Relient K didn't just bring out some Christmas props, they played "O Holy Night," followed by a Relient K original, "I Celebrate The Day." The group had been using an animation of a snow-covered field and log cabin in the background, but then used it to play a fun, humorous song about a group of bunnies that closely resembled Relient K called "Sleigh Ride."

Continuing in the humor vein, the group did a triubte to Family Force 5 by spoofing the Subway Commercial "5, $5 footlog" and replacing the words with "5, Family Force, Family Force 5's done."

Of course, the group couldn't end the show without its mega-hit that sounds a little like Good Charlotte, "Who I Am Hates Who I've Been."

Then came Mac, and as well as the other bands performed, Toby took it up another two notches.

His high-energy, hip hop/rap/R&B show opened with "Burn For You" and followed with "Catchafire (Whoopsi-Daisy)," "The Slam," "Gone" and "Boomin'". Not only is Mac's music hip, positive and catchy, but he and his dancers add a whole another element to the stage. They're dancing on the stage in well choreographed moves and act like they're having the times of their lives.

The show was fun, but there was also some inspirational moments, one when Mac shared a story about seeing a Bible verse on a Realtor's card a youngster. The verse was Mark 8:36 "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" He said that verse inspired him two years ago to write "Lose My Soul," which also led into a short, moving rendition of "Oh Come Let Us Adore Him."

That was pretty much the last time Mac slowed things down. He and the band kicked into the rockin' "Diverse City" and followed with an old school medley that included "Rollercoaster (of Love)," "That's The Way I Like It" and "We Are Family."

The encore was also fun. He started with "Made To Love," and followed with the huge hit with dc Talk, "Jesus Freak." Relient K and Family Force 5 joined him onstage for the Christmas classic "Winter Wonderland," which also kick-started a giant confetti machine that blew snow all over the arena floor. The singers also doused the crowd with water from countless bottles of water and were acting like kids, sliding on the wet stage.

It looked like the show was over, but Mac tried to console disappointed Alabama football fans (after the 31-20 loss to Florida) by playing a few lyrics from "Sweet Home Alabama." He probably didn't have to, most fans were already feeling better after the fun show.

Christian Music News Source

TobyMac brings party atmosphere

2008-12-03T16:03:00.000-08:00

TobyMac brings his Winter Wonderslam Tour to the Denver Coliseum tonight. Joining the hip-hop artist are Relient K, Family Force 5 and B.Reith.

Mac, 44, answered some questions about his performances and his music.

Q: You bring a lot of energy to a show. How do you keep it up?

A: The music we play is energetic, and we feed off of that. My concerts are a big-party atmosphere. I love an intense concert, and if I don't soak two T-shirts I don't feel like it was a good show.

Q: You were just in Denver this past spring. What are you bringing that's different for your fans?

A: We have different acts this time, and we will be a little more focused on the holidays. We'll play songs that we are known for and mix in some Christmas songs. Reliant K just put out a Christmas album, so they will be doing touches of that.

Q: Your music has been picked up by ESPN, the telecast for the 2006 Olympic Games, trailers for movies ("Underdog," "Hancock" to name a few). How does that make you feel?

A: It's different. Obviously, Hollywood is buying into it. The music is relevant. It's happening more and more. . . . I went to the (Tennessee) Titans' Monday-night football game. And I'm sitting way up in the cheap seats with 70,000 people and my song "Boomin' " comes on and the cheerleaders are dancing to it. They played a full chorus. I was like "This is crazy." My face was all red and no one knows.

Q: You co-founded the E.R.A.C.E. Foundation (Eliminating Racism and Creating Equality). How does that work?

A: Our goal is to get people to dialogue about race relations. To come together as one people even though we are all different. We do fundraising for organizations that help foster that ideal. We run into a lot of people who don't see it (discrimination) but if we can begin to communicate we can correct that . . . to come together.

Q: You're a father of five, a husband, own a recording studio. How do you find time to write music?

A: I go to bed early, wake up to take the little guy to school. It's well worth it to me being involved with my family. . . . I'll write some music when we're on tour. . . . I write about my relationships, and my struggles and success with those relationships. And people can relate to them.

Q: Some of your favorite songs?

A: "Made to Love." I'm completely passionate about it. It's really special to me. And "Lose My Soul" seems to resonate with a lot of people.

Q: What bands do you listen to and are influenced by?

A: I love so much music. The Police. Reggae. Bob Marley. I love hip-hop, Black Eyed Peas. I don't agree with some of their philosophies sometimes. I have to go to Wal-Mart and buy the family versions (chuckles). But I love that stuff.

Q: Is it frustrating to be classified as a "Christian" artist?

A: Absolutely, it's frustrating. Sometimes the Christian audience questions your faith when you branch out. But that is so far from the truth. My faith means so much to me. And then some people are turned off by the label. I want my music to fall on open ears. Like U2. U2 just can't be classified because Bono has universal appeal. He is such a great lyricist. I love lyrics.

Christian Music News Source

Concert Review: tobyMac’s Winter Wonder Slam at Cox Convention Center

2008-12-03T16:02:00.000-08:00

Crowd: Estimated 6,000

Top highlight: After tobyMac’s Diverse City band played, "I’m for You,” their last song of the night, the energized audience was surprised to witness the show’s other two bands, Relient K and Family Force 5, join the DiverseCity band to perform "Winter Wonderland” to end the evening. The three bands joined forces as the singers, and even drummers, shared the stage. To top this off, fake snow drifted down on the Winter Wonder Slam crowd.

Reviewer’s take: tobyMac and the DiverseCity band emphasized the importance of unity in the body of Christ through the songs they played, pleasing their audience of all ages. tobyMac gave his personal testimony before the song, "Lose My Soul," which helped the audience relate to his lyrics.

Your take: Submit your review — NewsOK.com/music

Jordan Bracht, special correspondent

Christian Music News Source

Friday night TobyMac show moved to T-U Center

2008-11-26T17:16:00.000-08:00

TobyMac’s Winter Jam, a Christian concert scheduled for Friday evening at Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena, has been relocated to the

Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts.

The show, which features tobyMac, Family Force 5, Relient K and B. Reith, will still be at 7 p.m. Friday. Tickets are $26.

Tickets for the arena show must be exchanged for tickets to the T-U Center show. Tickets can be exchanged at the arena box office until 2 p.m.

Friday. After that, they must be exchanged at the Times-Union Center. The arena box office is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday and 10 a.m. to

2 p.m. Friday.

Refunds are also available at the point of purchase. Tickets purchased at the arena or T-U Center box office can be refunded at the arena with

the original credit card and photo ID. For information on refunds on tickets purchased through Ticketmaster, call (904) 353-3309.

Chrisian Music News Source

TobyMac Kicks Off Monthlong 'Winter Wonder-Slam'

2008-11-26T16:28:00.000-08:00

Christian hip hop artist tobyMac kicked off his annual “Winter Wonder-Slam” tour with rock band Relient K this week, hitting the first of 17 cities

throughout the Bible belt with “not your typical concert.”

“This is the fourth year we have done this tour and it continues to get bigger and bigger,” stated Philip Peters of True Artist Management, which

manages for Christian artists including tobyMac, Mandisa, and Matthew West.

“This year the lineup is going to be a party from start to finish—with Relient K, Family Force 5 and new Gotee artist B. Reith,” he added.

For many, Winter Wonder-Slam has become a traditional holiday family reunion. And this year’s reunion is anticipated to again bring the real

meaning of Christmas to concert-goers and needy children alike.

As in past years, Winter Wonder-Slam will benefit the U.S. Marine Corps' annual Toys For Tots campaign, which provides a tangible sign of hope

to economically disadvantaged children at Christmas.

Concert-goers will again this year be encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped gift to the event.

“I’m a big activist. I love it when people do things for others,” commented Peters.

“This year it’s my personal mission to make it huge! So start thinking of ideas for toys to donate,” he encouraged.

Each year, Winter Slam sets records for the amount of gifts collected for Toys For Tots and produces multiple sell-outs. More than a week before

the first Winter Slam stop, the tour had already pre-sold 5,200 tickets in one day for the Houston show, which won’t be until Dec. 12.

"During the holidays, everyone needs a break from studying for exams and Christmas shopping,” explained tobyMac, whose real name is Kevin

Michael Mckeehan. “I wanted to put together a diverse tour that rocks in many musical directions but always points to Christ.”

While Winter Wonder-Slam does have a Christmas theme, each band that performs will play their own hits and whatever they are inspired to dish

out.

Relient K, for example, will play several Christmas songs as well as a variety of hits and fan favorites from its 10-year history. The band recently

celebrated its 10th anniversary with the release of The Bird and the Bee Sides. It also re-issued its 2007 Christmas collection, Let It Snow

Baby...Let It Reindeer.

“[E]very band will be playing their hits and doing it the way they do," exclaimed tobyMac.

This year’s Winter Slam comes as tobyMac’s latest album, Portable Sounds, has come to be his best-selling solo project to-date.

With over 8 million career scans and sold out tours, Portable Sounds is quickly approaching RIAA GOLD certification. The critically acclaimed album

debuted on the Billboard Top 200 chart at No. 10 and hit No. 1 on SoundScan's Contemporary Christian Overall chart in its first week.

All three of tobyMac's solo projects have received numerous GMA Dove Award nominations as well as GRAMMY nominations.

Dates for the "Winter Wonder-Slam" tour :

11/13 Greenville, SC Bi-Lo Center
11/14 Jacksonville, FL Veterans Memorial Arena
11/15 West Palm Beach, FL Cruzan Amphitheatre
11/16 Ft. Meyers, FL Germain Arena
11/20 Lincoln, NE Pershing Auditorium
11/21 Denver, CO Denver Coliseum
11/22 Kansas City, MO Municipal Auditorium
11/23 Oklahoma City, OK Ford Center
11/29 Atlanta, GA Fox Theatre
11/30 Knoxville, TN Knoxville Coliseum
12/5 Nashville, TN Sommet Center
12/6 Huntsville, AL VBC
12/7 Mobile, AL Mobile Civic Center
12/11 Bosier City, LA Century Tel
12/12 Houston, TX Toyota Center
12/13 Tulsa, OK Mabee Center
12/14 Dallas, TX Nokia Theater

Chrisian Music News Source

tobyMac Answers Back -Shonlock's verse

2008-11-11T10:33:00.000-08:00

tobyMac talks about Shonlock's rap verse on the video version of Boomin'

Christian Music News Source

Toby Mac: The Bible is the Center of My Life

2008-11-06T21:37:00.000-08:00

Toby Mac shares backstage at the 2008 Dove Awards how he learns more and more from the Bible from learning how to be a dad to a better friend.

Christian Music News Source

TobyMac Talks To The Class of 2008

2008-10-30T20:09:00.000-07:00

Learn more at grad2008.com TobyMac shares wisdom and advice with the graduating class of '08 through ConGRADulations! The Music CD, The Media DVD, and The Gift Devotional Book- with over 1 million given to graduates, it is the #1 Grad gift of this decade!

Christian Music News Source

TobyMac’s Christian hip-hop hits on life’s real issues

2008-10-22T21:16:00.000-07:00

A musician’s life on the road isn’t always about booze, drugs and groupies. Sometimes life is simply about finding some privacy — especially if there are 13 people on a 12-bunk bus.

That’s how tobyMac rolls with his backing band, The Diverse City Band.

“We’re like a family, man,” said tobyMac, who performs Friday at the State Fair. “Even if it’s offered up to take a second bus, it’s like, ‘naw.’”

tobyMac, once a member of pioneering Christian hip-hop group dcTalk, is now a (somewhat) solo performer who still rips shows with his descriptive flow.

He might even borrow a few lyrical and musical tricks from mainstream rappers.

“Of course I do,” he said, when asked if he listened to radio hip-hop. “There are some good things being said. There are some thought-provoking things.

“You can’t help but recognize Kanye West’s talent. I do think that creatively the guy is way up there in the genius realm.”

West, though, writes about Louis Vuitton, gold diggers, 808s and heartbreak. tobyMac writes about less expensive things, at least in face value.

“Typically, I write about things I’m going through in my life,” he said. “That tends to speak to people’s lives. We’re all not that different.

“We’re all going through the same thing.”

That’s why tobyMac sees himself as a role model. He thinks all entertainers — even flamboyant ones like West — should see themselves that way, too.

“I don’t think you can separate the two things,” he said. “If you’re in the limelight and on a stage, you are influencing people.

“God’s given you this talent. Why wouldn’t you want to influence people for the good?”

Reach Taylor at (803) 771-8362.

Christian Music News Source

SC State Fair - "Boomin' - Tobymac" (Live)

2008-10-21T18:48:00.000-07:00

Columbia, SC State Fair 10/17/08

Christian Music News Source

Janet Jackson, LL Cool J And TobyMac In Philadelphia This Week

2008-09-30T19:52:00.000-07:00

Jan Westmark - Celebrity News Service

Philadelphia, PA (CNS) - Janet Jackson and LL Cool J will bring their music to Philadelphia this week when they perform at the Wachovia Center on October 2.

TobyMac will also perform at the Wachovia Center on October 4 while Graham Parker performs at Tin Angel that same night and Pete and J perform at the Electric Factory.

A list of concerts and events in the Philadelphia area this week, according to Celebrity News Service, is as follows:

The Juan Maclean at Johnny Brenda's on 9/30

Glasvegas at North Star on 9/30

Ratatat at Starlight Ballroom on 10/1

The Bird and the Bee at World Cafe Live on 10/1

Stereolab at The Trocadero on 10/1

Janet Jackson and LL Cool J at the Wachovia Center on 10/2

AA Bondy at First Unitarian Church on 10/2

Unearth at the Theatre of Living Arts on 10/2

Everlast at The Trocadero on 10/2

Fleet Foxes at Starlight Ballroom on 10/2

The Lordz at The Trocadero on 10/2

N.E.R.D. at the Electric Factory on 10/2

Sonya Kitchell at World Cafe Live on 10/3

Chromeo at The Trocadero on 10/3

TobyMac at the Wachovia Center on 10/4

Graham Parker at Tin Angel on 10/4

Pete and J at the Electric Factory on 10/4

King Wilkie at Tin Angel on 10/5

Mason Jennings at Theatre of Living Arts on 10/5

Christian Music News Source

tobyMac - Alive and Transported (Forefront/EMI)

2008-09-19T20:55:00.000-07:00

The Good: Backed by the eclectic explosiveness of his Diverse City Band, tobyMac has proven himself one of Christian music's most exciting and charismatic entertainers in recent years. Those qualities are at last captured through top-notch video production, with exceptional camera angles and framework. The set list is chock full of tobyMac's entire solo career, not to mention a few shout-outs to his dc Talk days. Highlights include the roaring "Ignition," the hip-hop drenched funk of "Catchafire (Whoopsi-Daisy), and the sax-smacked neo-soul of "No Ordinary Love," plus Mandisa makes a special appearance for "Lose My Soul." All the while, the stage is adorned with images from Mac's recent Portable Sounds project, plus an ambitious light show that rivals dc Talk's concert experience. In addition to the concurrent CD soundtrack, there's a behind-the-scenes feature offering an hour's worth of insightful interviews that flesh out the tour further.

The Bad: The only tiny complaint—nice as it is to hear songs from the dc Talk catalog (from "Jesus Freak" to the recent reunion song "Atmosphere"), they fuel nostalgia and longing for a reunion with Kevin Max and Michael Tait.

The Bottom Line: In keeping with the excellence of his solo career, tobyMac goes all out with Alive and Transported and gets everything right, making this highly anticipated concert project well worth the wait.
—Argyrakis

Continue Reading at this Christian Music Review

tobyMac - Portable Sounds (Forefront/EMI)

2008-09-19T20:52:00.000-07:00

Sounds like … what tobyMac does best—that is, an assortment of influences ranging from dc Talk and KJ-52 to The Black Eyed Peas, Linkin Park, and everything in between.

At a glance … not a lot of surprises here, just an artist who likes to party hard, yet knows exactly who he is and what he wants to communicate.

I bet tobyMac is the one dc Talk member who wants to get the group back together the least. We can't blame him: While Kevin Max continues to get in touch with his inner indie self and Michael Tait remains on his quest to be the next Lenny Kravitz, tobyMac has wasted no time. He's made good of his time as a solo artist by releasing two gold-selling albums, amassing six No. 1 singles, garnering two Grammy nominations, and spearheading several top-notch concert tours.

But the success was no fluke. While both Momentum (2001) and Welcome to Diverse City (2004) were critically applauded, the public embraced them harder than anyone else. The singer-cum-rapper knew what he was doing: By making music that catered to a wide spectrum of audiences—rock enthusiasts, pop listeners, hip-hop fans, the youth-group crowd, their parents—he was maximizing the reach of his artistry. He was all things to all people, a universal approach that so far has helped him sell over one million albums.

Aside from the sales figures and the accolades, though, tobyMac has been having a great time as a solo artist. As one-third of dc Talk, he only had so much autonomy, but as chief of the Diverse City entourage—with its live band, deejay, hype men, soulful divas, b-boys, crew, et al—he has been calling all the shots and loving every minute of it. Such is the touring act's synergy that it's become one of the best live shows in Christian music, outperforming even tobyMac's own in-studio output.

With this in mind, it's interesting to listen to the long-awaited Portable Sounds, an album that, in many ways, feels like a continuation of what's worked before. This in itself is another savvy move from The Mac: He knows it would be disingenuous to mess with a foolproof formula, so he tweaks it slightly and adds a few new elements to keep things fresh. But those with discerning ears will notice that, on the whole, Portable Sounds treads familiar ground.

What tobyMac does, he does very well, so this is not a bad thing. For example, "Ignition" or "Boomin'" are two by-the-book rap/rock anthems in the vein of Linkin Park—loud, rambunctious, exceptionally performed, with nary a fault. But are they relevant? The style sounded at home on Momentum, it fit the all-over-the-placeness of Diverse City, but it's too anachronistic for 2007. And that's OK—tobyMac likes it, enough that it's already a part of his identity. Will he still use it 20 years down the line? Probably.

Other patterns become easy to pinpoint. "One World" sounds like the sonic cousin of Diverse City's "Hey Now," so much that the hooks of each song are almost interchangeable. The fiesta of "Feelin' So Fly" resembles the rhythmic celebration of "Welcome to Diverse City," all the way down to the slap-bass and the over-the-top singers. And already a regular on tobyMac albums, his son Truett reprises his role as TruDog to step in the booth alongside his father in "Hype Man."....

Continue Reading at this Christian Music Review

tobyMac - Renovating Diverse City (ForeFront/EMI)

2008-09-19T20:51:00.000-07:00

Sounds like … tobyMac's Welcome to Diverse City, except in a fashion that fluctuates from token hip-hop and rapcore sounds into electronica, funk, and even a bit o' soul.

At a glance … since the songs were fine in their original form, this revamping of sorts is more an exclusive, "fans-only" treat than a truly essential listen.

As if the world-at-large needed yet another remix project, former dc Talk member tobyMac offers his second round of retooled tracks in Renovating Diverse City. As the title suggests, the obvious premise of the record is to reinvent the tracks found on the entertainer's wildly popular Welcome to Diverse City project, and, for the most part, the results are inventive.

In line with the high-end production of the master recordings, the remix surgeons who were hired for this set are of a higher profile, but their results are only mixed. Producer Matt Bronleewe gives "Catchafire" a sinister 007 feel, but it doesn't necessarily improve on the original. Though creative, Superchic[k]'s Max Hsu and Brian Gocher do not succeed at making "Phenomenon" more tolerable. The d Dubb version of "The Slam" is more progressive, but at its core it's still a routine rapcore joint. The same is true with the Shortwave Radio mix of "Burn for You," which maintains the basic structure and spirit of the original, thus failing to distinguish itself....

Continue Reading at this Christian Music Review

tobyMac - Welcome to Diverse City (Forefront/EMI)

2008-09-19T20:49:00.000-07:00

Sounds like … an eclectic mix of hip-hop, rock, reggae, pop, and dance that at different times brings to mind dc Talk, Parliament, Superchic[k], Soul Junk, and Outkast.

At a glance … while Diverse City isn't dramatically different from tobyMac's solo debut, it's still a fun and hook-filled journey.

Hard to believe that tobyMac has been in Christian music for 15 years, many of those with dc Talk. That's about as long as Steven Curtis Chapman, and like the celebrated pop/rock contemporary, tobyMac shows little sign of slowing down. In 2001, he revealed himself to be the primary creative force behind dc Talk through his solo debut Momentum, which ended up selling more than 450,000 copies (approaching Gold certification).Those who have come to love tobyMac's high-octane sound and concert performances will also surely enjoy his sophomore effort Welcome to Diverse City, which attempts to further drive home a lifelong mission close to his heart: tearing down the cultural walls of division in America. One of the ways he's striving for this is through his eclectic style, which he likens to "musical gumbo." tobyMac's solo work is generally more hip-hop intensive than the dc Talk albums, though some hip-hop purists take issue with the music because it does incorporate rock, dance, pop, and reggae elements. Which is precisely the point, since tobyMac's trying to create music that appeals to people across boundaries of race and color.

He may not be the first or only hip-hop act to do this, but few do it better. The key is being able to believably pull off the eclecticism without sounding like a poseur or an amateur, and tobyMac plays between the genres effortlessly. The title track is one of the most fun, a rowdy disco-funk throwback to the classic sound of the Gap Band, Parliament, Bootsy Collins, and Sly & The Family Stone—it's a blast only five seconds in. A similar retro funk hip-hop blend is heard in "Getaway Car," about fleeing temptation and doubt to pursue God's ways. "Catchafire (Whoopsi Daisy)" is probably the most eclectic track on the album, offering an aggressive combination of hip-hop, rock, reggae, and world music for spiritual inspiration.

Also lending to the album's diversity is a slew of guest appearances. In addition to T-Bone, MOC, and dancehall reggae sensation Papa San, Superchic[k] contributes to "Stories (Down to the Bottom)." The bouncy mix of pop and hip-hop is exactly what you'd expect from a collaboration of these two artists, sharing a mix of testimonials about how we all face pain and have tales to tell. And longtime fans will want to take special note of "Atmosphere," a pop-laced love letter from God to the crestfallen and downhearted. A remix at the album's end reunites tobyMac with his dc Talk buddies, making the song resemble past hits like "Consume Me" and "Godsend."...

Continue Reading at this Christian Music Review

tobyMac - Re:mix Momentum (Forefront)

2008-09-19T20:47:00.000-07:00

Sounds like … the bulk of toby Mac's Momentum album, remixed by various producers and generally favoring hip-hop eclecticism over hardcore rock.

At a Glance … many of the songs have been reinterpreted in creative new ways, but only serious fans craving new toby Mac material will truly appreciate it.

Some remix albums are designed to reinvent artists for the next phase of their career in an attempt to reach an all new audience and brace the fan base for a dramatic shift in style. Most, however, use the artist's back catalog as a sonic playground for the delight of serious fans (and artists as well). Toby Mac's Re:mix Momentum falls in the latter category, revisiting most all of the songs from his popular and acclaimed 2001 release, Momentum. That album was a satisfying enough experience for Toby to keep him focused on his solo career, much to the chagrin of dc Talk fans hoping for a follow-up to 1998's Supernatural anytime soon.

In fact, Momentum was such a pleasure for Toby that he couldn't help getting involved with this remix project. The original plan was for various producers and mix-masters to toy with Toby's music while he finished up his sophomore effort (which has indeed been pushed back to spring of 2004). Instead, like some sort of mad scientist, Toby was so intrigued by the sonic inventiveness that he found himself splitting studio time between his next studio effort and Re:mix Momentum, adding his own personal touch to many of the tinkered tracks.

When a remix album draws from a single disc's worth of source material, one can get a strong feeling of déjà vu reviewing it again. So, to be clear, this review is not about the songs themselves (you can read the previous review for that), but rather how the songs have been transformed, and, more importantly, whether or not they're worth your time and money compared to the original Momentum. At just over fifty minutes in length, Re:mix Momentum is not a terribly long recording, which is a good thing. It was originally planned to be a seven-track release, and ended up at fourteen—ten different songs, four of them remixed twice. None of them run longer than five minutes, so you know these are not your typical overblown club mix, but rather meaningful attempts to reinterpret the originals.

The result is a hodgepodge. The hip-hop funk of "J Train" (featuring Kirk Franklin) is one of the tracks visited twice. The "MATH Remix" (by members of Earthsuit) sounds tame and sparse compared to the original, revolving the song around a spacey electronic squiggle. It's outdone by the rowdier "Linney Borthers + DJ Remix," which adds a Rez synth bass riff and calls more attention to the female backing vocalists—the lead vocals sound grittier too. "Yours" was a heavy-hitting hardcore rocker on the Momentum album, but this disc's "[Jeff] Savage Remix" is a little less intense, ditching the crunchy guitars in favor of record scratches and R&B/hip-hop production effects. Even more intriguing is the "Mike Linney Remix, which is also less heavy, blending stripped down rock with reggae and leading into an interesting Celtic dance-styled riff by the track's end.

The popular single, "Irene," gets a face-lift in the "['Aurel M.']Marvin Remix," which drops the West Coast hip-hop sound (i.e., the reggae elements) for R&B ambience. That version is far better than "The Binary Twin Remix," which is more distorted and less structured, ditching the song structure in favor of turntable alterations of snippets from the chorus (although the sample of the woman humming a lullaby is a really nice touch). The delightfully tripping California rock of "Love Is in the House" is probably the only track that truly benefits from two remixes. First there's the "NW Remix" by Christopher Stevens and new Gotee artist Paul Wright, which warms up the backing vocals and creates an even more funky and laid-back vibe similar to Lenny Kravitz or Sugar Ray. The "[Dan] Muckala Remix," however, is much more stripped down, built on a killer drum loop and a familiar electric piano riff, later evolving into simple reggae. In some ways, it's the most fun track on the album....

Continue Reading at this Christian Music Review

Momentum - tobyMac (Forefront)

2008-09-19T20:11:00.000-07:00

Sounds like … self-described as "fusion hip-hop," this album has elements of rap, rhythm and blues, pop, and hardcore rock to its sound. A little bit of dc Talk, some Lauryn Hill, and a heaping helping of P.O.D.

At a Glance … an exciting production and an eclectic blend of sounds combine to make a fun and thought-provoking solo debut from tobyMac.

We finally come to chapter three of dc Talk's solo trilogy, featuring the group's mastermind, Toby "Mac" McKeehan. Like his bandmates, Michael Tait and Kevin Max, Toby is taking some time to explore who he is as a solo artist. Earlier this year, he indicated that these three solo projects would reveal the ingredients that make up dc Talk's sound. Michael demonstrated a love for melodic alternative rock and Kevin shared his affinity for progressive pop/rock, both showing glimpses of dc Talk's eclectic sound in their music. But it's clear from his solo album that tobyMac is the unifying core of dc Talk's music, blending together a wide palette of musical styles here as he's done when recording with Michael and Kevin. The irony of it all is that Toby rocks harder than Michael and is more sonically creative than Kevin; he succeeds on Momentum where the other two fall a little short.

My dictionary defines momentum as "an impelling force or strength." No doubt Toby is using this word in reference to God as the force that sets us in motion, but it's also an apt title for the aggressive whirlwind of sound that spans his album. The faint of heart should be warned that Toby rocks hard on Momentum, in a similar way to P.O.D. and Limp Bizkit — heavy distortion guitars, pounding drums, and the occasional screaming. If you're familiar with Toby's hit single "Extreme Days," which spent ten weeks at the top of the CCM Rock charts, you basically know what to expect (though I liked the other rock songs on this album even better!). "Get This Party Started" is a strong opener that almost works like an Introit, a call to worship. The sonic blast of the title track sounds like dc Talk at its rowdiest, and "Yours" is a declaration of faith extremely reminiscent of P.O.D.'s music. Rock fans will also dig "J Train," a funk-infused hip-hop duet with Kirk Franklin that serves as a rousing invitation to get on board the means to salvation. It's interesting that the rock tracks were co-produced by tobyMac and Pete Stewart, who played guitars and co-produced Michael Tait's solo album. But this is a different style of rock from Michael's project — the guitars on Toby's album are much edgier and exciting.

Of course, Toby wouldn't be himself if he didn't add rap, R&B, and hip-hop to the mix. As is the norm for hip-hop, Toby borrows well-known musical hooks from popular songs to create something altogether new, yet familiar. On Momentum, you'll hear snippets of Rockwell's '80s hit "Somebody's Watching Me," Buffalo Springfield's classic "For What It's Worth," and the Diana Ross favorite "Theme from Mahogany." That last one in particular is very effective in the touching "Do You Know," a smooth R&B rap written for Toby's son as a prayer that our loved ones will come to know Christ. Similarly, the reggae-influenced hip-hop song "Irene" is a message of encouragement from Christ to the downtrodden of our world. I also enjoyed the punchy hip-hop sound of "In the Air," and its straightforward conversational approach to evangelizing our friends. The hip-hop tracks feature notable producers such as "Mooki" Taylor, Todd Collins, Jeff Savage, and Randy Crawford, all of whom are known for outstanding work with hip-hop and dance-pop artists....

Continue Reading at this Christian Music Review

Concerts May Pave Way For Amphitheater

2008-09-19T11:18:00.000-07:00

The News & Advance
Published: September 8, 2008

For a Moneta couple with Nashville connections, the idea was to provide a music scene that would bloom for tourists and residents at Smith Mountain Lake. At the same time,

the venue would give local musicians an opportunity for a start in the entertainment business.

Country star Sara Evans kicked off the concert series under the stars in Bedford County in early August and crowds in the thousands kept coming.

Darren Snyder and Holly Sweet are pushing for that scene to become a common occurrence throughout the summer at their proposed amphitheater on Hendricks Store Road

near Virginia 122 at the lake.

Both are natives of the lake area who became involved as musicians in Nashville. They are still planning the Sweetwater Amphitheater, a 7,000-seat outdoor venue. They

organized the concert series that wrapped up recently as a tune-up for what the amphitheater could feature.

The concerts they brought in were heavyweights in the country music industry, including in addition to Evans, Blake Shelton, Lonestar and Diamond Rio. Other performers

included Styx, Grand Funk Railroad and Christian performer tobyMac.

In the process, they showed that the region not only would support the concerts, but also that they could do it in an orderly manner without problems resulting from crowds or

the traffic associated with them.

And the hayfield setting for the concerts was spectacular. Most of the main events unfolded as the sun was setting. A starry sky covered them as they wrapped up the last

numbers. And while the concerts raised the decibel level somewhat above normal for the Bedford countryside, no complaints were heard from those who were entertained.

Shelton took note of the surroundings and told his audience there is something right about playing “in a pasture down by a lake.” He also said his advisers in Nashville said they

didn’t think he should do the show because the rural setting wasn’t “country enough. What are they talking about?” he asked.

Sweet was happy with the results of the series. “It was definitely a great trial run into the market and whether people would support the outdoor shows,” she said.

“Everything ran smoothly. For six of the (seven) shows, the weather was great.”

When Sweet and Snyder went through a rezoning process for 40 acres of their planned site about a year ago, Bedford County officials passed it without any significant

opposition. One supervisor called it a “jewel” of what the county could offer in terms of entertainment.

Sweet hasn’t given an opening date for the amphitheater, but said the month-long concert series was a good indication of the caliber of performances it plans to attract.

The performances were first-class and the folks in Bedford — indeed the entire region — are in for a treat when the venue is constructed and open. It will surely be a musical

blossom worth waiting for.

Christian Music News Source

Awards

2008-09-19T10:44:00.000-07:00

GMA Dove Awards

* 2008 "Artist of the Year"
* 2008 "Short Form Music Video of the Year" for "Boomin"
* 2008 "Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year" for Portable Sounds
* 2006 "Rock Recorded Song of the Year" for "The Slam"
* 2005 "Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year" for Welcome to Diverse City
* 2003 "Short Form Music Video of the Year" for "Irene"
* 2002 "Rap/Hip Hop Recorded Song of the Year" for "Somebody's Watching"
* 2002 "Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year" for Momentum

Grammy nominations

* 2008 "Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album" for Portable Sounds
* 2008 "Best Gospel Song" for "Made to Love"
* 2005 "Best Rock Gospel Album" for Welcome to Diverse City
* 2003 "Best Rock Gospel Album" for Momentum

Christian Music Links!

Videography

2008-09-19T10:43:00.000-07:00

Year	Title	Label(s)
2002	Momentum	ForeFront Records
2007	Portable Sights	ForeFront Records
2008	Alive and Transported	ForeFront Records

Christian Music Links!

Discography

2008-09-19T10:41:00.000-07:00

Studio albums

Year	Title	Label(s)	Status	Peak Position (Billboard 200)
2001	Momentum	ForeFront Records	Gold ^[11]	#110
2004	Welcome to Diverse City	ForeFront Records	Gold ^[11]	#54
2007	Portable Sounds	ForeFront Records		#10
2009	TBA	ForeFront Records

Remix albums

Year	Title	Label(s)
2003	Re:Mix Momentum	ForeFront Records
2005	Renovating Diverse City	ForeFront Records

Live albums

Year	Title	Label(s)
2008	Alive and Transported	ForeFront Records

Christian Music Links!

Personal life

2008-09-19T10:40:00.000-07:00

Toby and his wife Amanda (Mandy) McKeehan live in Franklin, TN. They have five children: Truett ("TruDog") born September 4, 1998, Moses, Marlee, Leo born November 2, 2004[1], and Judah born March 24, 2006.[1] Moses and Marlee were adopted in 2002.[1] Truett appears on the albums Momentum, Re:Mix Momentum, Welcome to Diverse City, Renovating Diverse City, and Portable Sounds as emerging rap artist TruDog.

Toby attended Liberty University, the same university as Christian voice actor and singer Vic Mignogna, who also helped dc Talk with their first album.

Christian Music Links!

The Diverse City Band

2008-09-19T10:39:00.000-07:00

Toby's band on his albums and his live shows has become known as "The Diverse City Band". In 2007 they recorded their first single as a band; "Party (Citizens Come Out)". The song is featured on the Hip Hop compilation album, "Hip Hope 2008".

* "tobyMac" - lead vocals
* Gabe "GabeReal" Patillo - vocals
* Deshon "Shonlock" Bullock - vocals
* Nirva "Nirvessence" Dorsaint-Ready - vocals
* Dave "D-Dub" Wyatt - keyboard, backing vocals
* Brian "Da Bomb" Haley - drums
* Todd "Toddiefunk" Lawton - bass
* Tim "T-Rose" Rosenau - guitar, trumpet, backing vocals
* DJ Maj - turntables

Christian Music Links!

Life and career

2008-09-19T10:38:00.000-07:00

Early life

Toby was born on October 22, 1964, in Fairfax, Virginia.[1] He was nicknamed Toby since he was born in October, but his older brother had called him Toby before he was born.[2]

In his childhood, Toby grew up in Annandale, Virginia. He attended Pine Ridge Elementary, a school with fewer than 300 students during the years that Toby attended (1970-1977) .He later attended Luther Jackson Intermediate during the first few months of his 7th grade school year.[citation needed] Both schools were mentioned in his song "Extreme Days".

He then attended Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia where he met Kevin Max and Michael Tait.

dc Talk

The trio formed the band dc Talk in 1987.[2] DC Talk's original sound was hip-hop, but in 1995 they reinvented themselves with the release of the guitar-heavy Jesus Freak. Although they'd already won a Grammy for their earlier work, this album was a significant milestone, selling over two million copies, making it a double platinum record.

dc Talk's latest album was released in 2001. The album Intermission: the Greatest Hits was a dc Talk compilation put together when the group members started their "intermission." The members were pursuing individual careers then, and at the time assured fans that dc Talk had not split up, but rather they were simply taking "an intermission." More recently though, comments from the band members, most notably from Kevin Max, have implied that dc Talk will not regroup. Kevin Max writes on his official website's message board, "dc Talk is something of the past. In order for dc Talk to be anything of the future, it will be up to each individual member to come together to create something that is lasting and substantial. There is an audience out there interested in seeing dc Talk back together as a group and as an entertaining and creative force, but I feel that the spirit of the thing is dead. I appreciated the time that we had together those many years, and I thank God many times over for allowing me to be a part of something that was so far reaching and helped so many people, but to be honest, just doing a show to do a show is not interesting to me. It must be thought out, creative and passionate."

dc Talk reunited to perform a song on the album Let's Roll about the events on September 11, 2001, on Toby's second album Welcome to Diverse City (They appeared on the song "Atmosphere (Remix)"), and also on Kevin Max's album The Blood in the song "The Cross".

Solo career

Toby McKeehan's solo music differs from dc Talk's rock-based musical style, leaning toward a more urban, hip hop sound. His sound is much more reminiscent of what was heard when dc Talk originally started out, on the albums dc Talk, Nu Thang, and Free At Last.

McKeehan composed and recorded the song "Extreme Days" for the 2001 Truth Builder Productions film Extreme Days. The song was subsequently featured on the 2001 debut tobyMac album Momentum and was used in the movie, Hangman's Curse, based on the popular book by Frank Peretti. McKeehan also composed and performed the song "New World" for the album Music Inspired by the Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. His song "The Slam" was featured in the film Never Back Down, advertisements for the films Transporter 2 and The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, as well as advertisements for the television show Prison Break. The song was also featured in car commercials, men's NCAA clips, NBA Finals (Miami Heat, 2006), World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) programming, NFL Football commercials, and "The Ultimate Highlight" on Sportscenter. The song "Burn for You" was used on a Dr. Phil advertisement. "Diverse City" was featured in the Veronica Mars episode, The Wrath of Con. Ohio Valley Wrestling performer Matt Cappotelli (who currently is unable to perform due to a brain tumor) uses "The Slam" as his entrance theme. Many more of Toby's songs have also been used in commercials. "Atmosphere" was used in a Volvo car commercial, "Burn For You" was used for cinnamon gum commercials, "Ignition" is being used by ABC/ESPN to promote its coverage of NASCAR, and "Boomin'" has also been used to promote a new crime-drama, The Women's Murder Club, on ABC, as well as others. His song "Get This Party Started" was featured on an episode of the TV show Roswell. His songs "Yours", "Extreme Days", "Get This Party Started", and "Momentum" were all recently featured in the Xbox 360 video game Crackdown. In September 2007, his song "Feelin' So Fly" appeared in the film The Game Plan starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.

Portable Sounds sold 50,645 copies in its first week, debuting at #10 on the Billboard 200, and at #1 on the SoundScan Contemporary Christian Overall chart.[4] The album also received a Grammy nomination for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album.[5] The songs "Made to Love" and "I'm For You" both hit #1 and were the second and third most played songs on Christian Hit Radio stations in 2007.[6]

Toby is also the President of record label Gotee Records. Gotee features artists such as DJ Maj, Relient K, and John Reuben. However, as a recording artist, he is under contract with ForeFront Records.

Career Outside Music

Toby has written two books with Michael Tait and Kevin Max called Jesus Freaks: DC Talk and The Voice of the Martyrs - Stories of Those Who Stood for Jesus, the Ultimate Jesus Freaks[7] and Jesus Freaks: Revolutionaries: Stories of Revolutionaries Who Changed Their World: Fearing God, Not Man (Jesus Freaks)[8]. These books are mainly focused on Christian martyrs. He has also written two more books with Michael Tait titled "Under God"[9] containing stories of America's spiritual battles, and another called "Living Under God."

Christian Music Links!

tobyMac

2008-09-19T10:34:00.000-07:00

Kevin Michael "Toby" McKeehan (legally changed name to Toby in 90's) (born October 22, 1964 in Fairfax, Virginia), professionally known as tobyMac, is a professional musician, producer, and songwriter. He was first known for being one third of the Christian music group dc Talk staying with them from 1989 until their announced hiatus in 2000. He has since continued a successful solo career with the release of three studio albums; Momentum (2001), Welcome to Diverse City (2004), and Portable Sounds (2007), as well as two remixed versions of his first two albums, titled Re:Mix Momentum, and Renovating Diverse City.

Christian Music Links!

Relient K tour cruises through 43 North American shows

2008-09-19T02:12:00.000-07:00

After spending the summer co-headlining the Warped Tour, alternative punk rockers Relient K will launch a headlining tour of their own this fall before stepping back into a co-headlining role for a third tour.

The Uncle Fest Tour kicks off October 2 at Barrymore Theatre in Madison, WI, and continues through November 2 at the House of Blues in Chicago, IL. Notable stops along the way include an October 15 gig at the Electric Factory in Philadelphia, PA, and an October 21 performance at the 9:30 Club in Washington, DC.

After a brief break from the road, Relient K will join Christian hip-hop rocker tobyMac on his Winter Wonder Slam Tour. Relient K's 18-date stint on the holiday trek begins November 13 in Greenville, SC, and continues through December 14 at the Nokia Theatre in Grand Prairie, TX.

The Canton, OH-based rockers will receive support on the Uncle Fest Tour from Ludo, This Providence and House of Heroes. Joining tobyMac and Relient K on Winter Wonder Slam 2008 are Family Force 5 and B. Reith.

Relient K is touring in support of its fifth studio album, "Five Score and Seven Years Ago," which debuted at No. 6 on the Billboard 200 when it was released in 2007. The album was a follow-up to 2004's "Mmhmm," which peaked at No. 15 on the Billboard 200 and was later RIAA-certified Gold.

When Relient K debuted in 2000 with their eponymous record, they became known for their novelty songwriting style, often mixing pop culture laced lyrics with more traditional Christian messages. However, the group has matured in recent years and become more of a "serious" rock band, both in lyrical and musical approach, often experimenting with different musical genres.

Christian Music News Source