SHEA JOHNSON
Intimacy, passion, truth, and faith in God that will never fade away are just a few of the ways to accurately describe Shea. Born and raised in the small town of Catersville, GA, just north of Atlanta. Shea, even as young boy had deep passion for creating music for the King! Shea was raised in church and had received knowledge about a living God; however he did not experience his first true encounter with the grace of God until the summer he graduated from High School.
After a series of ups and downs, learning how to have the heart of the father and trust God with everything, “Waiting Before the King,” a five song EP was recorded in the spring of 2006. The EP garnered critical acclaim and enabled Shea to book various church performances where he has led many thousand to worship before the throne of the Father. Now Shea has released his highly anticipated first full length album, “Dreams of Tomorrow.” To Shea, this album is the essence of faith; speaking faith into your dreams for the promise of God that he gives to each of his children. The album reminds him of God’s desire to push us to dream deeper and farther, to reach for that next step.
“It is my hope at least,” say Shea, “that people can take my songs and make them their own. I think, for a songwriter to find any worth in his craft, he first has to give it away. People are honest, they’ll let you know if they can relate to your song or not.”
We aren’t fancy rock stars looking to use churches for our own self promotion, but instead we are a ministry that is dedicated to giving ourselves a way in order to help people experience God through worship. We exist to help people connect, reconnect, and stay intimately connected to God through pure and simple worship. We can help churches with special Sunday services, retreats, and small intimate worship concerts, conferences, camps, and more. But in everything that we do, we just want to help Christians grow deeper in their intimacy with God through all forms of worship. We are available for both leading music and speaking engagements.
9th HOUR
"A message of Hope wrapped in an Acoustic Rock package" characterizes the sound and purpose of 9th Hour. This Smithville, MO based Adult Contemporary Rock group has been performing throughout the Midwest since 2004. 9th Hour has been recognized as a front runner in the Kansas City Christian music scene having received awards at the KC Christian Music Awards for "Contemporary Group of the Year" (2006-2007), Acoustic Rock Group of the Year (2007), Group of the Year (2008). At the 9th Annual KCCM Awards (2009), 9th Hour was honored to be named "Rock Group of the Year", "Worship Group of the Year", "Best Live Performance" and received honors of "Album of the Year" with their full length CD release of "Perfect Timing". 9th Hour is released their sophomore project called "Cover Me" in December 2009. With dynamic vocal harmonies and a solid guitar driven sound, 9th Hour delivers a positive and faith-based message through thought provoking lyrics and inspired songwriting. Motivated by a blended style of musical influences rooted in Classic Rock, Pop, Country, Blues and Jazz, most mainstream musical tastes will find a strong connection with 9th Hour's sound. "This is not your Granny's Gospel Band!"
9th Hour Mission: To reach the lost with a musical message of hope in knowing Jesus Christ (Mt. 10:6) The "lost" come in all forms. Generally speaking most people think of the rebellious aethiest that denounces God or is at least the person that is leading a totally destructive lifestyle that separates them from God. We certainly pray that those will hear the message in the music....but in Mt 10:6 Jesus commanded the disciples to "gather the lost sheep of Israel"...those that know God but have strayed. That is our target audience. To encourage believers to be bold in sharing their faith (Mt. 10:32) We are not street corner evangelist, but strap a guitar on us or give us a microphone and we hope to set an example to other believers that will encourage them to be bold in proclaiming the Gospel in the manner in which God has uniquely wired them. To "sing a new song, play skillfully and shout for joy" (Psalm 33:3)
The ultimate goal is advancement of the Gospel. The mission is not a record deal, it is not the next CD project or a full tour schedule...those are merely tools to execute the mission, a means to an end. Through a pursuit of excellence, fresh relevant content, and a heart of worship 9th Hour seeks to fulfill the command in Psalm 33:3.
Mary-Kathryn feels like she is a “musical missionary,” and describes her musical style as world fusion music with pop sensibilities. She incorporates sounds and instruments from other nations. Her music is birthed from her worship to God, and she feels like this is part of the message that God wants her to share. She’s always felt God has given her a freedom and told her not to withhold anything in worship. People are intrigued by her worship style, which inspires them to be free to worship.
She feels her call is to be a psalmist; her music is for healing and deliverance. Her music speaks to the nations, and it’s of the nations. It is a different musical expression that embodies the freedom that is found in God. Her previous albums (One Spirit, Stream in the Desert, and Perfect Gift) were released to the Christian market between 1995 and 2001 and received positive critical acclaim, nationwide radio airplay, and was well-received by listeners.
It wasn’t until her fourth and latest release Dreams & Visions that she believed God was doing something new. It was completed at the end of 2005, but Mary-Kathryn felt like God wanted her to wait before releasing it. She felt like He was saying that she was preparing for His coming with her previous twelve years in music. Now, it was time to “go back to
While her earlier releases hinted at Mary-Kathryn’s world music influences, her third release, One Spirit, exploded with exotic rhythms and Old World passions—Middle Eastern cadences nestled comfortably against Native American inflections, traditional folk melodies from
Now her latest release, Dreams & Visions, though infused with blatantly Christian content that is reflective of her deeply held faith, is finding remarkable acceptance in the Adult Eclectic marketplace — a market Mary-Kathryn feels both compelled to go to and comfortable walking in.
Dreams & Visions captured the attention of the popular and rapidly-growing “New Thought movement,” (earning a first-round Grammy nomination) and is quickly solidifying Mary-Kathryn’s position as a unique voice in the genre. Indeed, she is one of the few artists in either the Christian or general market to sing deeply spiritual lyrics that are shot through with a deep and abiding faith over a world music-influenced sound that also includes elements of new age and adult pop.
The result is music that feels tactile, textured—woven rather than layered. It sounds like fabric would feel; it looks like color would sound.
Recurring themes of love, peace, faith, prayer and worship permeate Mary-Kathryn’s music. Although English is the predominant language on all of Mary-Kathryn’s albums, she has also sung in Hebrew as well as the Sou-Sou language from
“As with any language that is sung, you don’t have to understand it to enjoy it,” Mary-Kathryn explains. “The sounds and the Spirit are what matters. The music is just as important in communicating the message as the words are. The music itself is speaking. These sounds are saying something—they are prophetic in nature. They are like voices singing along with the lyrics.”
www.myspace.com/marykathrynmusic
RAFEAL ROSS
The world is being introduced to a new era of worship warriors that are on the rise. These psalmists of the gospel have phenomenal musical aptitude, a fresh authoritative anointment and are delivering compositions of praise and worship music that is altering a generation. You have now been introduced to Rafeal Ross. The music ministry of Rafeal Ross brings forth a life changing experience before the presence of God and is powerfully manifested in Rafeal’s long awaited debut CD, New Creation – Live released in January 2010.
New Creation - Live reflects Rafeal’s personal journey with God, demonstrates his formal musical training and proclaims his all-encompassing passion for God and His people. Through New Creation – Live, Rafeal shares the freedom which dwells in his awesome gift of worship and praise and is a testament of God’s faithfulness in keeping promises made to Rafeal many years ago.
The completion of this project is evidence of Rafeal’s loyalty to the Kingdom, delivering relevant songs that speak of Christ’s hope and plan for reconciliation to a hopeless world. The project is a “family affair” of sorts, with many of the contributing vocalists coming from Ross’ home church. Singers from Mount Pleasant Baptist Church Mass Choir: Kela Randle, Shawn Battle, and Nicole Newman all supplied background vocals for the recording. New Creation - Live not only debuts Rafeal’s riveting vocal abilities, but also debuts a prolific songwriting and composing gift, as he co–wrote & produced many of the original songs with local Contemporary Christian artist, Tifani Wilson (Min. of Music, Grace Covenant, Chantilly VA) and the Metropolitan area’s own, Producer, Tyrone Powell (Innerman Sound Production Company, Fredericksburg VA).
This project embodies a fresh sense of worship that incorporates a fusion of formal classical music training with traditional and contemporary gospel creating a symphony of worship which crosses multiple cultural spheres with the unwavering message and call of Christ’s hope and plans for reconciliation. This adds to Rafeal’s loyal stance to win many souls to Christ. His music is a vehicle through which the anointed, masterful ministry of Rafeal’s musical gift brings God’s transformative healing to needy spirits, minds and bodies.
Rafeal Ross enters a new season, broadening his pinnacle of influence and ministry to become a Gospel Recording artist and by starting Rafeal Ross Ministries, LLC. These efforts mark a milestone and bold new step. These steps are carrying him closer to the fulfillment of his destiny -- to use his voice to touch all nations. “I am honored to be a minister of God used to encourage and empower the Body of Christ. I can't help but be awed that He would choose and anoint me with this gift,” exhorts Rafeal.
The calling of music on Rafeal’s heart has manifested itself into a life of creative ministry. Beginning at the early age of seven, Rafeal has directed multiple choirs and utilized his natural gift as a musician - playing the piano by ear. Acting with the authority and purpose of God, Rafeal continued the process of perfecting his gift. He earned a Bachelors of Music Degree in Vocal Performance from George Mason University in Virginia; traveled throughout the United States and internationally to countries such as Switzerland and Austria, and ministered with acclaimed gospel artists Myron Butler and Levi, Tramaine Hawkins, Richard Smallwood, Earnest Pugh, and LaShun Pace.
Rafeal has served faithfully for over the last 25 years in the music ministry and is currently the Director of Music and Arts for Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, Herndon VA, under the tutelage of Pastor Rev. Dr. James Graham, Rafeal has used music to encourage and transform the lives of the young and old. Rafeal recently received the Independent Gospel Music Awards Praise and Worship Song of the Year Award for “Praise Awaits”, which is quickly becoming an anthem for congregations across the world
From conception, God placed a mandate on Rafeal’s life to not only be a worshipper; but to help usher the Body of Christ into an atmosphere of worship.
BRANDON HIXSON
Brandon Hixson, the worship pastor for First Baptist Church of Cedar Hill, has just released an independent CD project titled “My Heart’s Melody.” Hixson was the lead singer and saxophone player for the Christian outfits, Godfueled and Splendorleaf before recording his solo project. Hixson and his wife, Karen, moved to Cedar Hill in January 2009. The Hixsons are former residents of Dawson, where they both taught high school for five years. Brandon was called as minister of music for First Baptist Church in Cedar Hill, after serving at First Baptist Church in Dawson.
Brandon started writing music while attending East Texas Baptist University and used his band, Godfueled, as a training arena to hone his writing skills. Hixson partnered up with Marv Ross of Quarterflash fame in 2001 and wrote his first single titled, “Why Me, Jesus?” In 2006 and 2007, Hixson was nominated as Male Vocalist of the Year by the Christian Independent Alliance in Nashville, Tenn. One of his original compositions, “Prayer of Wings,” was nominated as Song of the Year by the prestigious Momentum Awards in Franklin, Tenn.
In 2008, Hixson founded and produced the self-titled Splendorleaf album, which yielded two singles. The jazzy, pop single “What’s In This Love” charted at number five on the Christian Radio Weekly Charts in April 2008 and ultimately went on to become the number 13 most played independent radio single for 20028. The 2009 Splendorleaf sophomore project, “Waiting on a Cue” also produced two singles. Hixson’s music has been featured on the syndicated Power Praise Radio Show.
“My Heart’s Melody” ‘was written and produced by Brandon Hixson and features all of the above compositions as well as the new single, “Red Letters” which will be released by the Christian Radio Weekly in a few weeks. The CD is available through Amazon, iTunes, Rhapsody, CD Baby and the Splendorleaf website at www.splendorleaf.com.
MARK STUCKEY
Mark Stuckey is a recent Master of worship graduate from Azusa Pacific University. He is currently on volunteer staff at Mosaic (Erwin McManus) in Southern California leading worship."When We Need Hop EP is Mark’s first album." It reflects the heart of the gospel- Jesus is our hope.
“When We Need Hope” EP is an authentic and transparent attempt to lead listeners into the throne of God. The album is simple, yet profound. It’s reverent and lyrically rich! The EP introduces a fresh lyrical writing style to corporate worship that honors Christian tradition and shepherds it toward green pastures.
In 2010, mark will feature in APU Life Magazine, Inner Voice Magazine and partner with Life Water International (lifewater.org). He has received the honor of IndieHeaven.com’s number 1 spot on their top 20 chart for January 2010. His songs, “When We Need Hope, I Will Go, and Our God were voted into the number 1, 2, and 3 spots on the Worship Leader Magazine Song Discovery charts in the fall of 2009. The album has captured the attention of many people in the Christian music industry and has enjoyed air time on Christian Family Radio in Bowling Green, KY.
Mark is far from the performer personally. His soft spoken, approachable and authentic character helps create an atmosphere of worship.”When We Need Hope EP was written as a corporate response to God’s amazing story of love for the world”. Each song remembers, enacts, and anticipants God’s narrative and encourages people to live a lifestyle of worship.
