Jun 2 2005
David Zabalza
Singer David Zabalza, also known as LASTGUY1, combines his love for Christ and poker as a recording artist with two unique songs that are garnering attention in the poker world: the danceable country-blues-rocker "Any 2 Cards Will Do" and the smoky "Annie's World," which is a tribute to poker champ Annie Duke. Zabalza, who lives in California, and travels extensively, had the fortunate luck to meet Duke and give her a copy of his song. Cool, huh? Email lastguy1@comcast.net for info.
Antonio Neal
EMI artist Antonio Neal is ready to hit the road this June to promote his debut album, Days of My Life, releasing June 28. Listen to Christian radio for the album's lead single, "Jesus Will," a melodic reflection of Jesus' faithfulness to heal the brokenhearted, and the title track, "Days of My Life," a quicker beat-driven ode of praise and thankfulness for life, love, and family.
Sword Seven
Sword Seven, a rock band from Eugene, OR, is decidedly different from the majority of Christian rock bands because they have a female lead singer. Christian music needs more female-lead groups, so it's with great pleasure that Christian Music Monthly introduces you to Sword Seven. Remember how Jars of Clay's Flood caught your attention back in '95? Sword Seven's Our God Is A Loving God, which starts out their 13-song disc entitled "It Doesn't Matter," will remind you of early Jars, along with a bit of Rich Mullins (because the song's chorus could easily go, "Our God Is An Awesome God.") Sword Seven has a fuzzy-guitar sound that takes garage band rock to the next level, and their disc could totally connect teens and twentysomethings. Fans of No Doubt and Evanescence should check out the band at www.Sword7.com.
Curt Collins
Southern Gospel artist Curt Collins has completed a six-week promotional tour in support of his upcoming CD Don't Look Back Now, available July 12. Sponsored by hotel chain Candlewood Suites, Curt traveled over 6,000 miles through 15 states, visiting 29 radio stations for interviews, liners and on-air product giveaways. After several weeks on the road, Collins, who is a very nice, earnest guy, says he is looking forward to heading back to his Little Rock, Arkansas home where he lives with his wife Bettinna and sons Aaron and Colin. His boys inspired the first radio single "Backyard Hero," which peaked at #8 on the Power Source Christian Country Chart. Visit www.curtcollins.com for info.
Sarah Brendel
In keeping with its commitment to seek out and promote talent from around the globe, Inpop Records has signed German artist/alt-rocker Sarah Brendel to its roster. Brendel joins a stable of international artists including newsboys, Superchick, Tree63, Shane & Shane, Mat Kearney, and Paul Colman among others. Brendel's self-titled, stateside debut releases July 19. Inpop co-founder and newsboy's frontman Peter Furler says: "Sarah is one of those rare artists. She plays, sings, and writes her own music. Germany has been an incredibly receptive starting ground for her, and I believe the rest of the world is ready for this incredible talent."
Rob Beckley
Rob Beckley, lead singer for Pillar, will host a charity golf tournament at Battle Creek Golf Club in Broken Arrow, Okla. on June 6. The event, to be attended by some of the biggest artists in contemporary Christian music, will help raise money for XXXChurch. An avid XXXChurch supporter, Beckley encourages interested participants to bid on their favorite artist. Winning bids will join the likes of MercyMe, Relient K, Spoken, Disciple as well as TobyMac for a round of golf. "This is going to be a pretty radical day," Beckley says. "I can't wait to see what happens when rock 'n roll and golf collide to raise awareness about pornography. Now that's something to talk about!" Ummm-hmmm. Mike Foster, co-founder of XXXchurch says, "Having bands like Pillar talk about issues and write songs about topics like pornography have helped raise awareness of this problem. We are so thrilled that they are using their platform to help this cause. We just hope the 'Bible Belt' is ready for us!" Foster, along with fellow pastor Craig Gross, will be in Tulsa, Okla. on June 6. Register online for the tournament at www.togobox.net/x3.
Disciple
Yes, there is a rock band named Disciple, BUT did you know there's also a rapper named Disciple? He's just been nominated in the best new hip-hop artist category at The Urban Gospel Industry Awards. The awards will be held June 29, 2005, during the combined Music & Arts Love Fellowship and Urban Gospel Industry Conference, June 26-July 2, 2005, at the Trinity Building located at 333 W. Florence Street, Inglewood, California. Conference registration is now available online at www.musicandartslovefellowshipconference.org. If you want to know why the title of Disciple's new gospel hip-hop CD is Engraved 4-9-1-6 and why he's nominated for an Urban Gospel Industry Award, find out at http://disciple.focuseg.com.
