By Andy ArgyrakisANOTHER AMY CHRISTMAS?She may not have released an original studio CD since 2003, but there’s been an influx of Amy Grant products as of late. Aside from an extensive remastering of her back catalogue and the recent 20th anniversary edition of
Lead Me On, the queen of contemporary Christian music is gearing up for yet another holiday collection. Though three previous projects seemed to fill her Yuletide quota, the September 30th release of
The Christmas Collection will increase the singer/songwriter’s increment to a quartet. Expect a mixture of new tracks recorded especially for this engagement, along with several old-time Grant standards, which will comprise her set list this winter when touring with husband Vince Gill.
UNDEROATH’S MYSPACE EXPLOSIONEven though Underoath’s upcoming CD,
Lost In the Sound of Separation (Tooth & Nail/Solid State) doesn’t drop until September 2, there’s been considerable buzz brewing online. The album’s inaugural single, “Desperate Times, Desperate Measures,” logged an astounding 100,000 spins within its first 24-hour period and has thus far earned exponential plays. A video was just shot for the track featuring acclaimed director Walter Robot, known for his work on Modest Mouse’s “Missed the Boat.”
MAHER’S WORLD YOUTH DAY MOMENTAustralia was the sight of this summer’s World Youth Day, which is known for comprising the top names in Christian music (not to mention the Pope) in hopes of inspiring the church’s next generation. Singer/songwriter Matt Maher was amongst the many faith-based entertainers who led worship, though he also offered some interesting insight into the entire event in a video blog recently posted at
mattmahermusic.com.
SLIGH EYES “IDOL CAMP”Though he’s currently gearing up for his headlining “Back To School” tour (supporting his solo debut
Running Back To You), Chris Sligh’s agenda also includes a visit to “Idol Camp.” The Southern California excursion is a training grounds for up-and-comers and uses the expertise of former “American Idol” contestants who teach classes, host open mic sessions and stage showcases.
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