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INACCURACIES IN CHRISTIAN MUSIC MAKEOVER STORY
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - Brian Mayes recently wrote to us to point out inaccuracies in a story regarding his website the 'Christian Music Makeover.'  "Not only is the information you posted to your site completely false, but the site that originally ran the story issued a full retraction and apology, and admitted to not verifying any facts prior to posting the story received from an anonymous source," Mayes stated.

The website responded that "Last week's article, 'Creator of 'Christian Music Makeover' Threatens to Sue Critical Blogger,' was submitted by an anonymous author, and we regret to say that we did not check our facts prior to publishing the story.  See below for Brian Mayes' corrections and take as you will:

E-mail from Brian Mayes - Nashville Publicity Group & Creator of 'Christian Music Makeover'
There are so many inaccuracies in your article that I don't even know where to begin:
1) It’s not a “show” – there is nothing about it that is a TV show. It’s a website.
2) It’s not called “Making the Christian Band” – It’s called “Christian Music Makeover.”
3) I did not use my lawyers to send a cease & desist. I sent it myself.
4) I never attempted to shut down the dialogue – in fact, I encouraged it. I simply made repeated requests for James to stop promoting inaccuracies and making false statements – which I addressed specifically. When my requests failed, I advised him that I would ask my attorney to step in if necessary to ensure that false information and personal attacks ceased.
5) There was never a threat to sue. A lawsuit was never mentioned. Only possible legal action – if necessary – to prevent the continuous spread of inaccurate information."


Ccmbuzz apologized for any misunderstandings.  -- ©2005 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS


TED AND SHERI JOIN SPEAK LIFE TOUR
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - One of the hottest gospel recordings of 2005 is the rousing "Celebrate" by the Memphis-reared duo of Ted & Sheri.

The Top Ten smash is the title track of their new Word/ Curb / Warner Bros. CD and a celebration is what they'll bring to the just announced twenty-city "Speak Life" concert tour featuring fellow gospel stars Donald Lawrence and Deitrick Haddon who all continue to pave the way for the fusion of soul-stirring praise and worship music with unrepentant urban contemporary flavorings.

The tour launches on Friday, February 26th at Lehman College in Bronx, NY and concludes on Sunday, March 27th at the Love Fellowship Church in Bronx, NY. Afterwards, Ted & Sheri will make their debut at the prestigious New Orleans Jazz Festival on Friday, April 29, 2005.  -- ©2005 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS


TOBYMAC AND AUDIO ADRENALINE TEAM UP FOR DIVERSE CITY WORLD TOUR
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - ForeFront recording artists Audio Adrenaline and tobyMac recently announced “The Diverse City Worldwide” tour, also featuring BEC Recordings artist Kutless and new labelmate band Hawk Nelson. 

Kicking off on April 2nd in Cedarville, OH at Cedarville University, the tour will run through May and hit 30 markets, including Phoenix, Anaheim, Denver, Kansas City and Minneapolis. 

Audio Adrenaline and tobyMac are both known for their high-energy shows, and as Audio Adrenaline frontman Mark Stuart says, “The artists of this tour were picked as perfectly as Juan Valdez hand-selects coffee beans from the mountain sides of Columbia. A perfect blend is coming your way - an aroma of rock and roll that you won't want to miss!"

"...when we come together and celebrate our diversity, we become a strong tower...a city on a hill."

"This tour is about unity,” tobyMac comments. “A house divided against itself cannot stand. But when we come together and celebrate our diversity, we become a strong tower...a city on a hill." 

Along with a new GRAMMY nomination, four GRAMMYS already under his belt, a smash #1 hit single at Christian CHR and Rock radio since the release of Welcome To Diverse City in October 2004, tobyMac has seen his sophomore project’s sales reach beyond 300,000, an 84% increase over his previous GRAMMY-nominated and critically-acclaimed release, Momentum, which is nearing RIAA Gold certification. In 2004 alone, tobyMac was lauded by several reader’s polls and critics polls, including CCM magazine’s Favorite Male artist, Best Album and Best Solo artist by ChristianMusicToday.com, Entertainer of the Year, Male Artist of the Year and Producer of the year by CMCentral.com, and one of the Best Albums of 2004 on CBN.com. 

Since their first ForeFront Records release in 1992, GRAMMY Award winning band Audio Adrenaline has become one of the best-selling rock acts in Christian music. In addition to 18 No. 1 radio hits, including the CCM Song of the Decade for the 90's, "Big House," and numerous Dove Awards, Audio Adrenaline has sold over 3 million records and received a RIAA Certified Gold record for its 1997 release, Bloom. The band is currently touring in support of its ninth album, Worldwide, and is well-known for its humanitarian aid, launching the Hands and Feet Project that is dedicated to helping orphans in Haiti. While not on the road, band members Mark Stuart, Will McGinniss, Ben Cissell and Tyler Burkum are currently in the studio working on their summer ‘05 release. 

Kutless has not looked back since the release of their self-titled album in July of 2002. Sea Of Faces, Kutless' sophomore release in Feb. of 2004, established the band by widening their fan base and radio appeal. All six of Kutless' Rock singles reached #1, while both CHR releases and AC release went top the Top 5 - a feat unprecedented for a rock band. Kutless is one of the hardest working touring artists in the Christian music business, playing several hundred shows a year. They are currently gearing up for the release of Strong Tower, their first worship album.

Tooth and Nail band Hawk Nelson has stormed onto the punk-rock music scene with their debut Letters to the President, which released July 2004. Following the release, they were selected to play legendary rock band The Who on the hit NBC show American Dreams. In addition, their song “California” was featured on WB’s Summerland and the track “Like a Racecar” was heard on Smallville. Hawk Nelson strives to reach young audiences with their energetic personalities and positive songs hoping to encourage teens to stand up for what they believe.  -- ©2005 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS


CREATOR OF THE CHRISTIAN MUSIC MAKEOVER THREATENS LEGAL ACTION

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - A few weeks ago ccmbuzz featured a story on the new "Christian Reality" show “Making the Christian Band.”  This was one of those stories that got the comments section on overdrive, with a wide variety of concerns and defences raised.  They weren't the only site.

A blog called 'little more than a placeholder' began a discussion with show creator Brian Mayes publicly on the site, questioning the moral correctness of a Christian Makeover.  James, the owner of the site, then attempted to engage in dialogue with other CCM industry types on the current moral state of the industry.  He was of course ignored, with a few people forwarding his e-mail onto Mayes.

"...not become blind followers of an industry that many believe to be in moral decline."

Mayes has now used his lawyers to send a cease and desist letter to James, attempting to shut down dialogue about the show whatsoever.  Ccmbuzz is now asking its' bloggers to "not become blind followers of an industry that many believe to be in moral decline."  -- ©2005 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS


TREE63 RELEASES EXPANDED EDITION OF THE ANSWER TO THE QUESTION
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - “Blessed Be Your Name,” the first single from Tree63’s February 2004 release, The Answer To The Question, has been named Billboard Magazine’s No. 1 Adult Contemporary Christian radio single for 2004. “Blessed Be Your Name,” penned by Matt and Beth Redman, has been nominated for the prestigious “Song of the Year” and “Worship Song” awards from the Gospel Music Association. 

“Blessed Be Your Name” quickly climbed the charts after its release in early 2004 and has remained a staple of radio playlists across the country. Consumer response to The Answer To The Question has been overwhelming, resulting in the shipment of over 100,000 units to retail.

The third single from the project, “Maker Of All Things,” recently released to radio in advance of a special retail re-release of The Answer To The Question: Expanded Edition on March 1. The expanded edition will include “Maker Of All Things,” which was previously unavailable, along with the new song “Paradise” and several exclusive acoustic cuts. The re-release will also contain enhanced content, including the video and chord charts for the song “King.” 

"...we’ve been amazed at how God provided the opportunity for our music to impact so many people over the last year."

The Answer To The Question: Expanded Edition displays Tree63’s trademark anthemic, guitar-driven sound coupled with intimate, worshipful lyrics. Produced by the team of Jason Burkum and Nathan Dantzler (Audio Adrenaline) along with Tree63 frontman and founder John Ellis, the project features Ellis as songwriter on all but two tracks. 

“We really poured ourselves into this record,” said Ellis. “It’s been an experience to see things move so quickly, and we’ve been amazed at how God provided the opportunity for our music to impact so many people over the last year.” 

Hailing from South Africa, Tree63 first appeared in the United States in 1999 with its Dove Award-winning, self-titled debut for Inpop Records. The project earned a string of international No.1 singles. The song “Treasure” hit No.1 on American Christian radio charts and on 5FM, South Africa’s only national mainstream radio station. Overall, the band garnered three No.1 songs on 5FM, as well as a Top 10 hit on the station with “No Words,” which also claimed the No.1 spot on every Christian radio station in South Africa and the top spot on Australia’s biggest Christian radio station. 

In addition to wrapping up production for The Answer To The Question: Expanded Edition, Tree63 is preparing for the World Vision-sponsored All God’s Children Tour, with label mate Paul Colman and Word Records artist Building 429, beginning early March. Tree63 will also hit the studio soon to record the follow up to The Answer To The Question, slated for release this fall.  -- ©2005 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS


MONTANA SOUTHERN GOSPEL PROMOTER PASSES AWAY

KALISPELL, MONTANA - Ken Dutter, 64, died Saturday, January 29 at his home after suffering a heart attack.  He had been battling cancer.  Ken and Mary Dutter promoted about six gospel concerts annually for several years.  He also sang lead in his own group, the Mountain Heirs. His is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter, and several grandchildren.  Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Christian Center Church, Kalispell, Montana.  -- ©2005 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS


GOSPEL MUSIC ASSOCIATION RELEASES 2005 NOMINEES

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - The nominees for the 36th annual Gospel Music Awards were announced at a press conference held recently in Nashville, Tennessee.  Multiple nominees include Switchfoot, Casting Crowns, Michael W. Smith and MercyMe.  Here is the list of nominees in each category:

Song of the Year
"Blessed Be Your Name"; Matt Redman, Beth Redman; Thankyou Music (PRS), Worshiptogether.com Songs (ASCAP)
"Dare You to Move"; Jonathan Foreman; Sugar Pete Songs, Meadowgreen Music (ASCAP)
"Friend of God"; Israel Houghton, Michael Gungor; Vertical Worship Songs (ASCAP), Champions for Christ Publishing (BMI), Integrity's Praise! Music (BMI), Sound of the New Breed (BMI) 
"Glory Defined"; Jim Cooper, Kenny Lamb, Jason Roy; Dayspring Music (BMI), WB Music (ASCAP), I Give Music (ASCAP)
"Healing Rain"; Michael W. Smith, Martin Smith, Matt Bronleewe; Word Music, SmittyFly Music (ASCAP), Curious? Music UK (PRS), Songs From the Farm (BMI) 
"Meant to Live"; Jonathan Foreman; Sugar Pete Songs, Meadowgreen Music (ASCAP)
"More"; Matthew West, Jason Houser, Kenny Greenberg; WB Music (ASCAP), Westies (ASCAP), Rodeheaver (ASCAP), Greenberg Music (BMI) 
"Through the Fire"; Gerald Crabb; Lehsem Songs (BMI)
"Who Am I"; Mark Hall, Juan DeVevo, Melodee DeVevo, Hector Cervantes, Megan Garret, Andy Williams, Chris Huffman; Club Zoo Music (BMI), SWECS Music (BMI) 
"You Raise Me Up"; Rolf Lovland, Brendan Graham; PolyGram International Publishing (ASCAP), PeerMusic III (BMI), Peermusic Ireland (BMI) 

Male Vocalist of the Year
Fernando Ortega
Israel Houghton
Jason Crabb
Jeremy Camp
Mark Hall

Female Vocalist of the Year 
Bethany Dillon
Christy Nockels
Joy Williams
Natalie Grant
Nicole C. Mullen

Group of the Year
Casting Crowns
MercyMe
Selah
Switchfoot
The Crabb Family

Artist of the Year 
Casting Crowns
MercyMe
Michael W. Smith
Selah
Switchfoot

New Artist of the Year 
BarlowGirl
Bethany Dillon
Building 429
Day of Fire
Matthew West

Producer of the Year
Brown Bannister
Ed Cash
Israel Houghton
Mark A. Miller
Pete Kipley 

Rap/Hip Hop Recorded Song of the Year
“Back in the Day”; It’s Pronounced Five Two; KJ-52; KJ-52, Todd Collins, Jonah Sorrentino; Uprok Records
“Hittin’ Curves”; Dichotomy A; Grits; Teron Carter, Stacy Jones, Otto Price, S. Moss; Gotee Records 
“Life is Short”; Professional Rapper; John Reuben; John Zappin, Grant Harrison, C. Pendleton; Gotee Records 
“Lord You Are”; HD Higher Definition; The Cross Movement; John Wells, Virgil Byrd, William Branch, Brady Goodwin; Cross Movement Records
“Move”; Professional Rapper; John Reuben; John Zappin, Grant Harrison, C. Pendleton; Gotee Records 

Modern Rock Recorded Song of the Year
“Alone”; Fight The Tide; Sanctus Real;Chris Rohman, Matt Hamnitt; Sparrow Records 
“Control”; Reset EP; MuteMath; Paul Meany, Darren King, Adam LeClave; Word Records 
“Rawkfist”; Phenomenon; Thousand Foot Krutch; Trevor McNevan, Steve Augustine, Joel Bruyere; Tooth & Nail 
“Revolutionary Love”; Illuminate; David Crowder Band; David Crowder, Jack Parker, Jeremy Bush; Sixsteps Records
“The Gift of Cool”; A Beautiful Glow; Worship Circus; Gabriel Wilson, Solo Greely, Eric Lumiere, Josiah Sherman; INO Records

Rock Recorded Song of the Year
“Come on Back to Me”; Wire; Third Day; Mac Powell, Mark Lee, Tai Anderson, David Carr, Brad Avery; Essential Records
“Cornerstone”; Day of Fire; Day of Fire; Josh Brown, Gregg Hionis; Essential Records
“Everything About You”; Fight The Tide; Sanctus Real; Chris Rohman, Matt Hamnitt, Steve Goodrum, Tedd Tjornhom; Sparrow Records
“Stay”; Stay; Jeremy Camp; Jeremy Camp; BEC Recordings