BELOVED
Philosophers, poets and presidents have mused about change since the beginning of time. “Nothing endures but change.” (Heraclitus) “The times they are a changing.” (Bob Dylan) “Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” (John F. Kennedy) Some people resist it and some thrive on it but few things are more exhilarating, or necessary, than change.
Early in 2007, as Beloved set out to work on their third studio project, they knew something new and different was about to happen. “We were growing and changing as people, as artists, so naturally that was reflected in the music and lyrics we were writing,” says Amy. Kim adds, “Going in a different direction for this project was a deliberate choice for us. Sonically we wanted to create music that was more in line with what we like to sing and listen to. And lyrically we wanted to challenge ourselves and our listeners to get out there and live the life God intended for us. It’s seems to be such a simple message but it’s one that a lot of people have a hard time grasping and actually living out, day to day.”
Change was not only a factor in their music but in their lives. In June Kim gave birth to her first child, Beau Michael, and was adapting to the newness of motherhood. “Being a mother is everything and nothing I expected. Beau is my absolute heart and joy. But I will admit the adjustment was difficult. I am a very driven person who lives for change so to have to do the same exact thing over and over every day, with virtually no interaction with other people…that was a challenge.” While Kim was experiencing being a new mom, Denise had become a new grandmother. “I love being a young grandmother. I had my kids when I was young and back then I was so wrapped up in doing everything just right and making sure things were the way they ‘ought to be’. Now I realize what really matters and I enjoy every little moment with my granddaughter,” Denise says. The life change for Amy was one of loss, with the passing of her mother in early 2008. “The death of my mother was particularly difficult because, since my dad has already passed as well, I no longer have any living parents. As a single woman, that was frightening for me. Although I have been living and supporting myself for many years, I suddenly felt very alone and abandoned, in a way.” These major life changes no doubt supplied profound inspiration for the songs that were to become Wake the World.
The first track “I Dare You” solidifies that “we aren’t in Kansas anymore”, so to speak. The driving guitar riffs and bratty pop BGVs are the perfect match for it’s “you can do it” lyrics. “One of my greatest pleasures in life is encouraging people and helping them to accomplish their goals and dreams. I was raised by parents that taught me from a very young age that through Christ, I could do anything I set my mind to. I have realized that not everyone was raised that way so anytime I can, I try to get that message out there. Without Christ, I am nothing, but with Him I am everything,” says Kim.
The title song “Wake the World” was inspired by the missions program of Cross Pointe Church where Kim and Amy are members. “Missions is not only going across the world, it’s going across the street, or even just across the hall. It’s merely about opening our eyes, looking around to see a need and meeting that need,” says Amy.
“Love God, Serve Others, Share Your Story”, which was produced by Mac Powell of Third Day, was inspired by the church’s mission statement. “I love this mission statement because it is so concise, direct and to the point. If we would just focus on those three things, love God, serve others and share your story, everything else would just fall in line,” Kim says.
Proverbs 13:12 and the story of Rachel in Genesis 30 was the inspiration for “Hope Deferred”. Amy explains, “I am by nature and environment a reserved person. It is difficult for me to ‘put it all out there’. But I knew, I could feel God calling me to be more honest and transparent with what was deep inside me. That’s where “Hope Deferred” came from…….deep inside.”
“Jehovah-Jireh” was born out of a miraculous healing of Denise’s husband. “In 2005, my husband Brian was very ill in the hospital. He was only 12 hours away from a major surgery to have his colon removed. The doctor came in to check on him and decided to run a test one last time before the surgery. Miraculously the test came back as if nothing was wrong so they did not do the surgery. That experience made God, and all the different qualities of Him, come alive to me,” says Denise.
“Favorite Thing” was inspired by Zephaniah 3:17, but almost didn’t get written. “We worked on ‘Favorite Thing’ over several weeks. It came together slowly and in pieces but we kept at it. I just knew this was going to be such an important message and we had to keep at it until it was complete. I am amazed how it turned out so intimate and personal. To even understand a tiny bit, that I, and each one of us, is God’s favorite thing. That is just overwhelming,” says Kim.
Another area of change was the actual recording of the project. Beloved’s first two projects, Beloved and Lovely Day, were recorded in Nashville but this time the girls decided to keep it close to home and record at a studio in metro Atlanta. “It was a hard decision to make because we love Nashville and we were comfortable with working there. But ultimately we decided it was best for us this time to record near our homes. We were already so busy with our bookings and with life in general, we didn’t want to add the pressure of going back and forth to Nashville, to the picture,” says Denise. The trio joined forces with Atlanta producer John Carrozza, whom Kim had worked with many years before. “John had programmed some tracks for me about 10 years ago. I always loved his work and loved working with him. The atmosphere is actually very important to me when I record. I have to feel connected and relaxed when I record or it just doesn’t click for me. I think we laughed just about as much time as we sang and worked in the studio. We had a blast!” Kim says.
With so much change abounding, it is clear that one thing hasn’t changed. The core and heartbeat of this project, and this group, is Jesus. Denise explains, “We never want to assume that the person listening to our music already knows and has a relationship with Jesus. The one constant message in all of our songs is that Jesus is the only way to have eternal salvation and a joyful abundant life here on this earth. Everything else can change, but that must stay the same.”
For more information, visit BELOVED online at www.belovedga.com
MATT PITLZ
God is good and he is doing some mighty things in these times. Are you ready? Hello, my name is Matt Pitzl. Born in Savannah, Georgia in 1973, I moved to Toledo, OR at the age of 5 and went to kindergarten in Newport. From there I moved to
Music has always been a passion and at the age of 20 I picked up a guitar and began teaching myself as many worship songs as I could play. It wasn’t long before I was leading worship for the youth group at the church and it has been onward and upward since. Three years ago the Lord began speaking to me about the music I was beginning to create. I began purchasing recording equipment and started the journey.
In 2007 I hooked up with a wonderful recording company called Creative Soul Records in
If the Lord has placed a passion in your heart, I encourage you to step out in faith, beyond your comfort level, and then watch him work. It is truly amazing how he begins to work when we feel we have come to our end. There are no limits with our King. My hope is that you are encouraged by this music that God has given me to share with the world.
For more information on Matt’s music you can visit the following sites:
www.indieheaven.com/artists/mattpitzl
MICHAEL MAURICE SMITH
Worship of A Redeemed Man is the testimony of Michael Maurice Smith. An independent, Christian artist, Michael was born on July 22, 1964 in Charleston, South Carolina to Elder James and Apostle Helen Smith. Now residing with his wife in Virginia Beach, Virginia, he is well-respected minister of music and worship leader in the Hampton Roads, Virginia area.
November 8, 2005 was the official release date for Worship of A Redeemed Man, the first solo project performed and produced by Michael. With the assistance of co-producers Ike Owens and Kasey Square, this project integrates passionate, heartfelt praise and worship with fresh, contemporary musical styling and a traditional, soulful Gospel flavor. Since its release, the project has been in rotation on several radio stations including:
• WFMI (Virginia Beach, VA)
• WXEZ (Virginia Beach, VA)
• WGPL (Norfolk, VA)
• WKUS (Norfolk, VA)
• WAVA (Washington, DC)
• WXTC (Charleston, SC)
• WVGB (Beaufort, SC)
• WBZF (Florence, SC)
An organist/keyboardist for the past 29 years, Michael brought together an incredible band for this project including Kasey Square (keys, MD), Luther Chambers (keys), Christopher Hinton (organ), Wellington “Boo” Britt (Drums), A. J. Knight (Bass), Willie Riddick (Bass), Eric Howell (lead guitar) and Jonathan DuBose, Jr. (lead, rhythm and acoustic guitars). Using his extensive knowledge of Gospel and Christian music as well as his broad experience as a worship leader, Michael was able to produce a worship experience that ushers you to the foot of the cross. As an international touring artist, Michael desires to bridge the gap between the Gospel and Contemporary Christian music genres. He endeavors to heed to the philosophy of “cooking for the whole house.” However, Michael’s true audience is any person of any culture that loves to worship God.
While many artists design their music to take the Gospel to the streets, Michael’s conviction is that he has been commissioned to write music for the body of Christ. His music has been described as having “universal appeal… songs that will be sung in many languages around the world.” (Jonathan DuBose, Jr.) Michael’s sound has been compared to Israel Houghton (Mike Chandler – Rejoice 100.9). His songwriting has been categorized as “brilliant!” (Russell Fragar – WCLC/Hillsong Music) His performance is “passionate!” (Rob Ulsh – Master Sound Studio) He is known as “the other Michael Smith.” Take a moment and listen to Worship Of A Redeemed Man and you will be introduced to Michael M. Smith.
Instrumentation
Michael performs in one of four ways. He can minister alone at the piano, alone with his soundtrack, with three background singers and his soundtrack or with his 5-piece band and four background singers.
Discography
In 2005, Michael released "Worship of A Redeemed Man." This 14-track project can be heard in its entirety on Michael's site at http://www.indieheaven.com/artists/michaelmsmith. From this project, his single, "I'm Saved" is playing on several radio stations in Hampton Roads Virginia. His singles, "Join In This Praise" and "We've Come This Far By Faith" are playing on stations in South Carolina and Washington, DC. You can also hear this music on Michael's myspace page.
PATRICK SIEGEL
Patrick is a Christian composer/performer with an amazing story to tell. From the age of four he was a Piano prodigy studying with his mother, who also was an accomplished Pianist. By the age of ten Patrick was studying Piano on the college level at Baylor University in Texas. During his teen years and early twenties, because of some depressing circumstances in his life, Patrick entrenched himself into a life of addictions and personal anguish.
Although he continued to write music in secret during those dark years, it was not until his mid to late twenties that he took hold of God's calling in his life. "God never let me slip from his grasp", Patrick says. Throughout his breath taking melodies, you will hear Patrick's amazing journey unfold.
Since his rebirth in Christ about 10 years ago, Patrick has been able to work side by side with some of the top professionals in the music industry. His network consists of: Billy Smiley,(Composer/Producer/White Heart Founder), Blair Masters (Composer/Arranger), Billy Wittington(Nationally recognized Engineer) and Don Hart(Award Winning Arranger/Producer), and others. His mission, along with performing is to work with Indie Christian artists across the country and connect them through his network to top professionals in the Christian music industry.
Patrick's latest single, "We Cry Out" was recently released on the "Reign Down USA" compilation CD along with Michael W. Smith, Aaron Shust, Newsboys, etc. Patrick also holds personalized master classes on "Song Writing" and "The Indie Music Business".
If churches or individuals would like booking information they need to contact Erica Yoder at lynnsongpublishing@live.com or through Indieheaven.com.
NEWFIRE
“I have never been so sure of what Jonathan and I are called by God to do, both individually and as a couple,” says Allison Firey, one half of the Tulsa, OK based NewFire. The duo is embarking on an entirely new journey in life with their autonomous sophomore record. Marriage, a family music store, recording, touring, and ministry all enjoy a part in this adventure and the future has rarely shone so brightly. Steeped in acoustic pop sensibilities, NewFire gleans contemporary vocal arrangements alongside elements of Bluegrass, Folk, and Adult Contemporary music. Topped off by worshipful melodies and poetic lyrics the couples organic sound is comfortably familiar, like a quiet evening with family or close friends. “I am a country boy from Oklahoma--so that comes out in my music,” begins NewFire’s other half, Jonathan Firey. “I believe that what we are putting out has a fresh sound with new ideas musically. We are covering ground that has not been touched.”
The band’s self-titled sophomore record features electric guitars bubbling under the worshipful vocal work of Jonathan and Allison, a facet absent from their debut Almost Home. “I have played every style of music you can name, and I enjoy different music,” states Jonathan, “but when it came to this album, I wanted to release control and follow a new path. I am proud of the outcome and glad that I tried some new sounds.” Upon that release NewFire’s sound has become more welcoming than ever and is sure to attract the attention of a wider audience. Aside from NewFire the husband and wife team are well established in their respective fields. Jonathan Firey is an experienced singer, songwriter, and guitarist. He has released a number of well-received instrumental albums including Prayerful Moods for Madacy Entertainment and siblings An Acoustic Wedding and The Acoustic Christmas Album for Tonebox Records. The former was additionally named one of Rhapsody Music’s Top 20 selling albums in the Instrumental Music category. As you have suspected, he has toured and recorded with some of CCM’s most popular artists. After joining with renowned worship leader Dennis Jernigan, Jonathan set sail with FFH, with whom he toured for 3 years. “I learned a lot during this time about the balance between ministry and entertainment,” he says, “I think you have to have both but it’s easy to go too far either way. It’s about being sensitive to and meeting the needs of the people you are in front of.” Meanwhile, Allison Firey is an accomplished vocalist and actress who has performed with numerous touring companies, dinner theaters, and summer stocks for much of the last decade. As if these things haven’t kept them busy enough, the Firey’s recently took over Firey Music Company, their family-owned music store, in Tulsa as well. While their personal accomplishments and beautiful music may be what initially catches your attention, the Firey’s hope it is their heart that keeps it. “When we go out to minister, we often share what we are going through personally so that others might not feel alone in their struggles,” relates Allison. “As a married couple, we see it all with each other. We’re there for every illness, every joy, every heartbreak—this gives us a lot to share with others.”
In an age when it’s easier than ever to get lost in the complexities of life,NewFire stays focused, simply and prayerfully hoping that their music finds its way to the people who need it. “In every situation we walk into there are people who are hurting, people that need something” they say. “We hope that we can meet those needs in some way. We hope we can encourage them, let them know that there’s always going to be a morning. That’s what NewFire is all about.”
AARON CRIDER
From leading worship at his church at 13 years old to recording with Rita Springer and Jason Upton. Aaron Crider is no newcomer to the music and worship scene.
Aaron's musical aspirations began in the second grade. After receiving a Yamaha keyboard for Christmas, Aaron began a journey that would prepare him for a successful future in music.
In 1996, while visiting a church in Pensacola, Florida, Aaron was deeply touched by God. This was a significant turning point in his life, both in his Christian walk and in receiving direction for his future. A couple of weeks later, while at the altar of his home church, God spoke to Aaron's heart. The Lord spoke to him that He was calling him to be a worshipper, who would lead others before God’s throne, rather than pursuing a career as a pop star. It was with this fresh fire and call on his heart that Aaron began attending Bible College. Upon graduating and receiving a Bachelors Degree in practical ministry and worship, he immediately joined the faculty of F.I.R.E. School of Ministry as music director.
Since then Aaron has traveled throughout the United States and overseas in Asia, Europe, and South America. Aaron uses his music to lead people in worship, teach in conferences and seminars, and record worship albums.
A highlight for Aaron came in 2002, when he was invited to be involved with the "The Call, New York City,” where 100,000+ would gather and pray for revival.
Aaron can be seen regularly leading worship with the likes of Rita Springer, Jason Upton, and Leonard Jones. Jason Upton recently had Aaron lay some background vocals for him on his new "Beautiful People" record and has this to say about Aaron's music
"Aaron's music is very kingdom focused. It exposes people to the majesty of God and His kingdom". Jason Upton
Aaron is also currently recording a new live worship album due out in July entitled "Aaron Crider Live" with Rita Springer and Leonard Jones. Rita leads Aaron's song "He Shall Be Called" and it's sure to be a favorite track on the record.
Aaron is also a Mission of Mercy recording artist; www.missionofmercy.org. Other M of M artists include: Sarah Kelly and Kevin Max (DC Talk). Mission of Mercy is a Christian based humanitarian organization helping to meet the physical and spiritual needs of children in poverty-stricken areas of the world.
In 2006 Aaron signed with Dville Records who is partnered with Word Distribution and Springhill Media. Aaron connected with producer Kevan Cyka and Musicians Mark Hill (Stevan Curtis Chapman, FFH) Dan Needham (Michael W. Smith, Rebecca St. James, and Point of Grace) and George Cocchini (Michael W. Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman, and DC Talk) to record the studio worship album “Phenomenon”. Aaron began pre-release sales on stage with SONICFLOOD last year in Raleigh NC and the record is set to be released this summer.
Aaron's vision is to, first, be the kind of worshipper that the Father seeks according to John 4:23-24 and, second, lead others to become true worshippers themselves, rather than just those who participate in song services. It's with this passion and vision that Aaron continues to write, record, and play wherever the doors are open. Aaron currently resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, with his beautiful wife, Holly, and three children Emma, Aliya, and Samuel.
TONYA BAKER
Since she can remember, Tonya has been surrounded by music! Once of her earliest memories is of singing “Now I Can Journey On” in the church choir in a trio with her parents. Growing up in the Baptist church in Dayton, Ohio, her musical influences are almost innumerable. “Music has always been a part of me and a huge part of my family life. At my house growing up, the radio came on before the television did, so I listened to everyone you can think of.” Music has been the backdrop of her life. As a child, she thought that everybody could sing since all the people in her house could.
Singing since the age of 11, Tonya knows that it is God who has brought her to this place in her life and given her an assignment: to minister His word to the world through song. “More than just another singer, God wants someone whose life will be a testimony of His goodness and grace toward His people. I believe people are looking for a life (that exemplifies Christ and His character) more than just another good song. That is what empowers me to not only sing for Him and His glory, but to live for Him as well.” Tonya recognizes that it will take the anointing of God to truly minister to people and change their hearts and minds. She longs to draw people closer to God through her singing and songwriting and let them know that God is truly a personal God, that He is concerned about their lives and everyday affairs.
Tonya has been a guest soloist on recording projects for Leon Wilkinson and Friends (1992), The Littlejohn Brothers Workshop Choirs (1986 – 1992), a member of Keith Leak and DWC (1987 – 1992), and has served as a member of praise teams and choirs at her church ministry for over 12 years. However, since launching out into full-time ministry, God has truly opened up doors for Tonya in ways that have amazed her. She kicked off the year 2003 with her appearance at the Gospel Music Workshop of America’s Annual Business meeting in Dayton, Ohio. She then hosted a packed house as the community helped her celebrate the release of her debut CD “Life In Him” at the Release Celebration Concert. “What a thrill it was to have the support of the people in my hometown and have them celebrate with me. We had a blast!”
Tonya has participated in (and won) showcases throughout the country. The Music Group Associates (TMGA) hosted their annual National Gospel Showcase in April 2003 in which Tonya participated and won the Regional event at Fisk University in Tennessee. She went on to participate in the I Hear Music In the Air Conference and Showcase (hosted by GospoCentric Records’ Tracey Artis) where she won first place. As a result, Tonya was afforded the opportunity to be a part of the Gospel Superfest 2003 in Atlanta, Georgia. She paid a visit to the West Coast for the South California Gospel Announcer Guild Annual event as a showcase participant. The summer continued on as Tonya appeared at the Youth Explosion and as a Guest Soloist for the Daughters of Promise for the Full Gospel Baptist Fellowship of Churches. She also sang the National Anthem at the FGBFC Celebrity Basketball game. The excitement kept rolling in 2003 as Tonya appeared at the New/Unsigned Artist Showcase during Tehillah Music Group’s First Gospel Music Summit in Orlando, Florida. To bring a close to a momentous year, she was honored with the privilege of touring as a background vocalist for the Evolution II Tour! The tour featured Byron Cage, Tonex, Percy Bady, Virtue, Lisa McClendon, Debra Killings, Corey Red & Precise and Kelcey. She then found out that the song she had written “To Know You Lord” was selected to appear on the Gospel Heritage Foundation / Verity Records release and on Gospel phenomenon Tonex’s latest release “Out Da Box”!
2004 was also quite a year for Tonya as she traveled across the country appearing at numerous churches and industry events: GMWA Board Meeting in Las Vegas, as a co-host for the 2004 I Hear Music In the Air Conference with Dr. Bobby Jones. She was honored to be back on the West Coast at the West Coast Gospel Announcers Guild Annual event in Seattle/Tacoma Washington, and on the East Coast with the Virginia Gospel Announcers Guild. Tonya graced the stage as she opened concerts at the Schuster Performing Arts Center for legendary Hezekiah Walker and the Love Fellowship Crusade Choir or for Karen Clark-Sheard and Kierra Sheard at The Ohio State University.
Tonya guest appeared (along with gospel artists The Choir Boys, Desmond Pringle, Chuck and Lolita, Keith Leak) at the Gospel Superfest V held in Brooklyn, New York at the Christian Cultural Center (Dr. A. R. Bernard) for a special tribute to Mom and Pop Winans! The summer of 2004 was special because she was able to host and Soul’s Mission – the First Praise Fest event in her home town. “Dayton has such a tremendous number of gifted and talented artists in the area of Gospel music. It has been my desire to always be a blessing to other artists and musicians so that we can all continue on in the work of the Lord together. I believe God would have us do that. So we hosted a community-wide event. It was a gospel concert featuring our local artists but we brought in national artists such as Earl Bynum and As We Are (Light Records-Virginia), Rebecca Eaglin (Independent-Texas) and Elder Johnny Harris and Provision Ministries (Independent-New York). Our event was hosted by Bishop Sam Williams of the National Gospel Announcers Guild. It was a day full of fun, food and fellowship for the Dayton community and it was well received.”
Tonya is excited about working with new producers on latest project. She is mindful that it’s only been by God’s grace and favor that she has been able to do all that she has done. “I truly give God the glory for all He has done and I am grateful that He would even use me. It’s far more than I have imagined or expected.
Instrumentation
Tonya Baker - Lead Vocalist; Chantell Jones - Vocalist, Carlynn Watson - Vocalist, Joel Buckner - Vocalist, Cornelius Herring - Vocalist. Eldridge Coats - Keyboardist, Elmer Marchbanks - Guitar, Charles Oliver - Bass Guitar, Allen Mabson - Drums.
Discography
"Special Friend" (2008)
"Since He Came In" (2005)
"Life In Him" (2003)
http://www.myspace.com/tonyabaker
Steve Head
Steve was born, the youngest of 3 boys, in Mineral Wells,
Steve grew up on a steady diet of southern rock and roll courtesy of his oldest brother Jim. “Some of my earliest memories of music are me listening to my oldest brother playing a Gibson ES through a Marshal Stack out in the garage. It would shake the whole house!” says Steve.
Southern rock was not the only musical influence in Steve’s life. According to Steve, “I was raised in a little
He says that, “The music that I write is definitely a blend of many different styles. A blend of southern rock, gospel, and even a little folk makes for an exciting acoustically driven jam band sound, and I just love it!”
Music is important to Steve, but it is not the focus of his ministry. He says “I love music, but what I do is not about music. My purpose in life is to worship Jesus. I live to bring honor and glory to my Savior. If He is not the focus of our worship, then we have to ask ourselves, who is the focus?”
“I’m not trying to be a rock star. When I play, I want people to realize that I am just a brother in Christ, sharing a gift. I am not the star of this show. Jesus is the star!”
As Steve Head continues this journey that the Lord has planned for him, he prays that through what ever may be in store for him, Jesus shines so brightly that it cannot be denied that the Savior of the world is definitely alive. You more information at www.steveheadmusic.com
KEVIN LEVAR
Washington, DC-based gospel artist Kevin LeVar will release his national debut Let’s Come Together on September 16, 2008, via God Glorified Music/Habakkuk Music and Universal Music Christian Group. The album's title sums up the singer/songwriter's music and ministry, crossing all cultural and racial boundaries thanks to a combination of modern gospel, R&B, pop, latin and traditional praise and worship.
“The body of Christ needs to galvanize to reach the world and that means really closing the gap between races within the body of Christ,” says LeVar. “It’s my prayer that Let’s Come Together can create harmony on all levels, especially when you think of harmony in musical contexts and the fact it takes two different notes to have harmony. If it’s just the same note over and over, that’s only an octave, but when it’s two, three or four different voices, it’s a beautiful harmony and that’s how I liken it to when we all get to heaven, regardless of what we might look like on earth.”
In recent weeks, LeVar has appeared on BET, TBN, Daystar, The Word Network and Gospel Music Channel, with many more television appearances planned through the fall, including "Bobby Jones Gospel." He's also had prominent performances at the NBA All-Star Weekend in Denver, the Civil War Memorial on Capitol Hill, Gospel Music Workshop of America in Nashville, Expolit Conference in Miami and Bishop TD Jakes' The Potter's House in Dallas, plus appearances at the September 11th Memorial in Washington D.C. and the Tsunami Memorial in Colombo Sri Lanka (which led to an appearance on “Good Morning Sri Lanka” in front of 9 million viewers).
While his debut album is poised to make LeVar a household name, he's not new to the Gospel music world... His voice can be heard on GRAMMY® Award nominee Myrna Summers’ His Mercy Endureth Forever and GRAMMY® Award winner Dorinda Clark-Cole's latest project The Rose of Gospel, on which he wrote and performed on the single “Everything He Promised.” LeVar also wrote the hit song "Amazing God" which he performed with Stellar Award nominee Pastor William Murphy on his CD The Sound. Appearing on such prominent albums expanded LeVar’s ministry reach all across the globe, including opportunities to share the stage with such gospel greats as Kurt Carr, Mary Mary, Vicki Yohe, Leon Timbo, Darlene McCoy and many others.
“Universal Christian Music Group has been such a blessing because they really believe in this project, plus they have the networks and channels where they can really push it properly,” LeVar adds. “I believe that they are the perfect match, and as I look back on all the Lord’s led me through, I just find myself trusting in Him more and more day by day and I know whatever will happen with Let’s Come Together from here on out is all in His hands.”
Let's Come Together will contain bonus material including the music video for the album's debut single, "You're Not Alone," which is currently receiving significant airplay on various networks including Gospel Music Channel, where it premiered in August.
For further information, please visit www.myspace.com/kevinlevar.
STEPHEN HINKLE
The Chicago-based Blue Myrtle Records is pleased to introduce singer/songwriter Stephen Hinkle, whose debut album will be released on October 28, 2008 through a distribution agreement with Infinity Music Distribution. With an established fan base already in place, Hinkle is poised to be one of 2008's top worship leaders.
With a blend of energetic rhythms, colorfully textured vocals and Christ-centered lyrics, Hinkle delivers a solid performance on his self-titled national debut. The 12-song collection represents a diversity of worship styles ranging from adult contemporary to Gospel.
As a young teenager, Hinkle benefited from an apprenticeship with his church’s worship leader, Dennis Jernigan - the songwriter who penned the worship anthem "You Are My All in All." It was during these formative years that God changed Hinkle’s desire from seeking to receive praise for the talents he had been given, to using those talents as a tool to lead others in giving praise to God.
Hinkle began leading worship for youth camps, retreats and adult conferences, and soon his songs gained recognition by the gospel music community at large after receiving first place awards in multiple categories at the Gospel Music Association's annual Music in the Rockies event in Estes Park, Colorado. His love for music and ministry eventually led him to a full-time position as Pastor of Worship Development at Lakeland Church in the Chicago area where he has been leading worship since 2003.
"This man knows Jesus and his music is a deep, clear reflection of that knowing," explains Dennis Jernigan. "If you want to know someone, listen to the way they talk to the Lord and find out what they believe about Him. Stephen Hinkle is all about relationship with Christ. One listen to this most outstanding recording will leave you deeper in love with Christ....and just a little more healed....and just a little more free."
"Because of Who You Are" is the album's first radio single, which is currently going for adds at adult contemporary stations nationwide. Hinkle will be touring in support of the project, and aggressive church, retail and online promotional campaigns are planned through the fall.
"Infinity Music is excited to partner with such a fresh and innovative new artist as Stephen Hinkle,"says Brad Mathias, VP of Operations at Infinity Music Distribution. "He's sure to make a positive impact on the national CCM scene. A new artist to watch!"
www.stephenhinklemusic.com
