Robin Mark / Paul Baloche Fall Tour
Oct 11+12 – Gander, NL
Oct 13 – Yarmouth, NS
Oct 15 – Halifax, NS
Oct 16 – Ottawa, ON
Oct 17/18 – Cambridge, ON
Robin Mark
Oct 19 Oakville
Paul Baloche with Joel Auge
Oct 19 – Montreal
Brian Doerksen + Kathryn Scott Tour
Nov 05 – Abbotsford, BC
Nov 06 – Calgary, AB
Nov 07 – Steinbach, MB
Nov 08 – Ottawa, ON
Life Tour
with Vicky Beeching, Bluetree and speaker Phil Cann
Oct 10 – Gander, NL
Oct 11 – Moncton, NB
Oct 12 – Montreal, PQ
Oct 14 – Ottawa, ON
Oct 15 – Brampton, ON
Oct 16 – St Catharines, ON
Oct 17 – Winnipeg, MB
Oct 18 – Saskatoon, SK
Oct 20 – Calgary, AB
Oct 21 – Edmonton, AB
Oct 22 – Langley, BC
Oct 23 – Victoria, BC
Canada's Christian Music Hub:
Check out YourMusicZone.com for an extensive list of upcoming events in Canada
Turn Off The Stars
The sonic landscape created by Toronto's Turn Off The Stars is an impressive one. Soaring guitars and haunting vocals collide in remarkable fashion to produce truly beautiful melodies. Couple these talents with the blue-collar backgrounds of Turn Off The Stars members and the similarities to bands responsible for the Brit-Pop hey-day become even more clear on their self-titled debut release.
Turn Off The Stars has toured with the likes of Switchfoot, Tea Party and Thousand Foot Krutch.
Article One
Article One, are one of Canada's most talented up-and-coming rock bands, combining violin, keys, and three-part vocal harmonies to create a reminiscent yet inventive sound.
Comprising founding brothers (vocals/guitars/piano) and (vocals/violin) as well as (vocals/drums), Article One began playing locally alongside the release of a five-song EP. An immediate buzz followed the trio, and they were asked to join The Elms Ontario tour. Shortly thereafter, the band released its first full-length self-titled CD, through CMC Distribution which prompted its busiest touring season to date. Among those performances was Kingdom Bound's International Talent Search, where Article One walked away with the winning title. The band has played more than 50 shows in the last two months alone and was nominated for New Artist of the Year at Gospel Music Association Canada's Covenant Music Awards.
Most recently Article One have signed with Inpop Records. Lead vocalist and primary songwriter Nathan Piche comments, "All of us in Article One are extremely excited about signing to Inpop! We have spent the last three years developing a sound that is unique, yet accessible, for both the Christian and secular markets. We feel honoured to be joining such a talented roster of artists and privileged to be supported by such an outstanding record company. We cannot wait to begin this stage of our career."
"Article One provides Inpop with a fresh, unique and international pop sound," says, president of Inpop Records. "The band's prominent use of violin in every song makes their sound strictly their own. If you like the pop sensibilities of groups like The Fray you will love Article One."
Hewit
Hewit is a band of 5 musicians with a passion for their art. Their music has substance that demands the listener's attention and draws them into a unique experience that transcends that of a typical rock'n'roll band. Stylistically, Hewit draws inspiration from many different sources, with the most significant influence coming from Britain. Bands such as U2, COLDPLAY, TRAVIS, KEANE, MUSE and ELBOW have all had an impact not only on a musical level, but ideologically and spiritually as well.
Joel Auge, Tony Lind, Darryl McWaters, Curtis Nahwegahbow and Brad Toews are based out of the Hamilton-Burlington-Oakville corridor of Southern Ontario and have been performing together as Hewit since early 2005. Each of them brings a wealth of musical experience to the collective, making this a truly unique band.
The buzz around them has been building steadily since their inception with multiple television and film placements (CTV's "Playing House", "8 Days to Live" and ABC's "Falcon Beach", to name a few) as well as some great radio exposure. Sirius Satellite Radio and CBC's Galaxie Rock Radio have been spinning their songs on a regular basis for over a year. American ears are turning northward as a result of a radio promotion in the fall of 2006 which saw over 100 college stations add Hewit to their playlists. Join the masses who are discovering their music and experiencing their stunning live performances.
Finochio
Finochio should be more than just a name you find difficult to pronounce. It is a word that should be on your lips, and a sound that should be in your ear. It's an idea...the idea that life and its Creator should no longer be apart, nor should art be removed from the Artist. Finochio is a good idea.
Finochio is also a mesmerizing new talent, and one that is exploding onto the North American scene with both infectious pop rock and true worship, captivating audiences at every turn. Exciting new songwriter/worship leader Nathan Finochio is the driving force behind these songs, whether they're performed solo or with the touch of the collective that is "Finochio". Filled with an intense passion for the church and an undeniable love of people, Nathan's lyrics clearly communicate his heart for depth and a return to something more, as well as his understanding that life happens in grocery stores and living rooms, not just in chapels. The music of Finochio is as universal as the words they sing, incorporating the electronic sounds of today into the more familiar territory of greats like The Beatles and Bob Dylan, while somehow creating something you've never heard.
In addition to his current work, Nathan has produced several albums, including a solo project for Integrity Worship Leader Eugene Greco, which he recorded while attending Portland Bible College in Oregon. Finochios debut EP and singles found places on the Canadian Christian Pop Charts for an unprecedented 20 weeks, and are now starting to tour festivals, churches, clubs, and wherever else their blend of intense indie piano-rock and passionate worship finds an audience. Nathan is currently on staff as the Worship and Creative Arts Director at Crossroads Community Church in Harriston, ON., and enjoys an iced caramel macchiato from Starbucks on any occasion.
Finochio is, apparently, an Italian word that literally translated means "fennel". That has absolutely nothing to do with this band or their artistic vision, but to me, it seems interesting: fennel tastes an awful lot like licorice, and licorice is quite possibly the least orthodox type of candy available here in North America. It's not terribly sweet, and is basically a mild toxin, but there is just something about it...maybe there is a correlation here. Here's to the dichotomy. Here's to a good idea.
Christine Evans
Coming off her nation-wide Canadian tour last summer, singer-songwriter Christine Evans has produced a second CD that builds upon the critically acclaimed strengths of her recording debut. Push features a song cycle of the young musician’s well-crafted, whip-smart original songs driven by a dozen, organic and pulsing soundscapes.
Christine co-produced the new CD with veteran studio wizard Tom Hall, who has worked with a Pantheon of pop, rock and jazz stars. Hall says, "Just when I think I have a grasp of Christine’s talents, she surprises anew. Each time we work together she reveals exciting new facets of her craft." He goes on to say, "“Her music is compelling, powerful and timeless."
"I learned so much watching Tom produce my first CD, Take Me Home, and that allowed me to be much more involved in the production of my new album." Christine explained from her dorm room at Interlochen Academy, an arts school in Michigan with famous alumni including opera star Jessye Norman and jazz-pop diva Norah Jones. "The title, 'Push' comes from my belief that, in order to effect change, we all need to push the boundaries and ourselves to the limit."
As with Christine’s brilliant debut CD, (the title track was chosen Vancouver Island Music Awards Song of the Year and included on Women & Song Volume 8 along with recordings by Madonna, Sarah McLachlan, and Jewel, who studied theatre, writing and art at Interlochen in the 1990s.), the heartfelt lyrics on Push are vivid, revelatory narratives of surprising maturity and wisdom. The young musician has been studying Jane Eyre at school (while listening to the music of Ani DiFranco, U2, and Switchfoot), and her new songs bristle with searing honesty and strength.
The recording opens with A Nation Redeemed, Christine’'s ethereal vocals soaring over a driving beat that hammers home her most political message. The title track follows with an even more dramatic, octave-spanning reading framed by a richly orchestral rock arrangement. There’s an undertow-like pull behind her stark, emotive songcraft on the achingly sweet Believe.
Give It Up might be the most masterful and compelling composition from a collection of a dozen, beautifully shaped original songs. A liquid guitar intro and Christine’s most vulnerable vocal shift into overdrive, riding a Stones-like rhythm riff through an anthemic chorus that rings like a clarion call between the song’s ruminative verses, "This temporary place, this momentary phase is smaller than we see..." Evans goes on to explain, "I think that this world is only one piece of a much larger picture, so it’s always important to look beyond ourselves and our own lives."
An Artist Ambassador for Kids Help Phone, the 24-hour hotline for children and youth, Evans spent last August touring Canada from Vancouver to Montreal in support of the agency. She also donates $1 from the sale of each CD to Kids Help Phone.
The young musician wrote all of the songs on her debut recording, many before she was a teenager. She’s been writing songs since she was seven, and her songwriting continues to develop by leaps and bounds. On Push her songs reveal a depth of feeling and insight with concise, pop poetics and delicious melodic hooks.
Called “a very gifted singer-songwriter” by one of her mentors, Peter, Paul & Mary folk great Peter Yarrow, Christine continues to work on her singing with famous, New York-based vocal coach Bill Riley. Riley has coached Celine Dion, Faith Hill, and members of the Metropolitan Opera, and Evans has taken his instruction and her studies at Interlochen to heart on Push. Dazzling displays of vocal pyrotechnics punctuate her haunting, powerful readings.
Push is a triumph.
Carried Away
When God places a calling on one’s life, it always supercedes even the most delicately planned details and carefully tuned compasses. Ask the members of Canada’s own Carried Away to share their stories and they’re yet another example of God’s all knowing omnipotence. Out of the Brampton, Ontario based trio, sisters Colleen and Pam Walker had dreams that didn’t necessarily revolve around singing, but rather respective visions of photography and teaching. Their cousin and final group component Christine Prankard was also musical in her inclinations leaning towards the guitar, though like the others, she had never dreamed of becoming a full time entertainer.
But the Lord moves in mysterious ways as the three young ladies quickly found out, winding the threesome through a series of seemingly odd circumstances starting in humble confines of their territory’s “Music Fest”, an area-wide church talent competition with over a dozen churches participating.
“About four years ago, Christine approached me and Colleen and thought it would be fun to sign up for ‘Music Fest’ and sing our favorite Point of Grace song Keep the Candle Burning,” says Pam, age 17. “Somehow we wound up winning first prize beyond all the other singers, instrumentalists and performers, which was quite the shock to us back then.”
Soon after the victory, calls started flowing in on a regular basis from other churches in the area inquiring about booking opportunities, to which the young women were absolutely stunned. However, as the inquires kept coming, their confidence level grew and they christened themselves Carried Away to perform Christian music covers and worship songs around town.
“It started out as just a little something extra to do for fun on the weekends, especially since we all had other careers in mind,” Pam continues. “As we got used to singing in front of audiences together, we also started developing a genuine love for it and through prayer God kept pulling us further in that direction.”
Indeed His perfect providence continued to shadow the group, who have garnered a growing grassroots following and steady independent touring career, decided to step up to the next level. They turned to the Christian pop/rock Mecca of Nashville, Tennessee and drove 12 hours from their country’s border by van with only some suitcases and a single church friend to greet them upon arrival. That connection proved to be much more than a means of hospitality, but also a tie to what would become an integral notch in everyone’s belt. Besides being a pastor, it turns out this local also just so happened to have a mutual connection to producer extraordinaire Otto Price (SONICFLOOd, Grits) to whom he passed on the trio’s demo.
“It was sort of scary but also exciting heading down there for the first time,” notes Colleen, 20. “Here we were barely knowing anybody and then getting in contact with one of the area’s leading producers! It was so cool because he not only took the time to meet with us for a few minutes, but he was so taken by the music, he asked us to visit with him again the next morning, which is when he officially agreed to work with us.”
And from there those “American Idol” like beginnings turned into the big leagues literally overnight as Price gave all parties the vocal workouts of their lives and oversaw an electrifying 12 track project. Along with additional production from Michael Mellett (Amy Grant, Michael Bolton) mixing by Brian Lennox (dc talk) and mastering by Richard Dodd (Tom Petty, Jars of Clay) the results were a first rate record that showed enormous evolutionary growth for the girls.
“I admit it was nerve wrecking having never been in a studio of that caliber before, but the guys made us feel so comfortable and really brought out our voices and input level,” recalls Christine, 19. “When we listen to the final results, it’s amazing to think that a group of girls like us from Brampton, Canada could make a record that we’re so proud of in the hopes of bringing glory to God.”
Besides being offered as a tribute to their Creator, Closer To You and its slick pop sensibilities has amassed an even larger following for the ladies, pre-selling steadily since its recent entrance into the CMC Distribution system. More than moving units and racking up notoriety, the threesome remains committed to connecting with listeners, in both lyrical reliability and sonic relevance.
“We’ve grown up listening to a lot of Christian pop and vocal groups, but there is definitely an edge to what we are doing and we’re shooting for a wide spectrum of listeners,” notes Christine, citing the current comparisons of BarlowGirl, Superchic[k] and Everlife. “We’re finding the appeal lies a lot in a pre-teen and teenage audience, mostly with girls, but it’s also filled with enough variety to branch out to their older siblings, their parents and beyond.”
Message wise, cornerstone cuts like the flavorful grooves I Will Live For You, Be Exalted and Spinning Around convey elements of unabashed faith with a commitment to evangelism, while the more introspectively focused Hallelujah and My Delight are tinged with praise. In either instance, the members of Carried Away insist on spreading the Gospel message, a commitment that carries over into their live shows (which also features moments of acapella singing plus Pam playing keyboards, Christine strumming the acoustic guitar and Colleen on piano).
“We sing about salvation and it’s evident on the album, but it’s magnified even more in concert,” confirms Colleen. “Our goal is to inspire people in spirit and in truth and to let everyone know God has a plan for all of our lives. When it comes to the youth, we particularly want to emphasize that despite the temptation to be sucked into peer pressure, they need to truly dedicate those years to God.”
With such a positive example set from the stage, a satisfying soundtrack to correspond and additional Divine direction, Carried Away is poised to reach additionally lofty heights and expand their impact base along the way. Despite the challenges of establishing themselves in a mostly secularized Canadian scene and the uncertainties of conquering America, these feisty females are going forward with full force.
“We realize it’s not the easiest task in the world to take a style of music and its meaning to an audience that’s not all that used to it,” says Pam, citing Canada’s continuous dry spell of the genre. “But it’s our desire to fill that need there and to travel around the States getting the word out. We’ve already seen that God dreams bigger for us than we do for ourselves sometimes, so we’re ready for whatever road He wills to take us down next!”
Craig Douglas and The Meeting House Band
Craig has been a part of Canadian Christian Music for over 13 years. With his band, Craig Douglas Band, he has toured across Canada and performed at countless conferences, retreats, and other music events. Although starting out as a singer/songwriter, Craig Douglas has also enjoyed branching out into other areas such as producing, recording, worship leading and pastoring.
Currently, Craig Douglas is the Music Pastor for one of Canada’s fastest growing churches, The Meeting House. Their motto, “a church for people who aren’t into church” makes for a unique approach to the worship dynamic. As a Worship Leader, Craig has the responsibility of leading over 2500 people in worship each week. As well, he pastors and equips worship leaders and teams at 5 church sites.
You can find his songs featured on the “Sea to Sea” worship music CDs, as well as “The Meeting House – Soundtrack” CD.
Adam Farrell
Adam Farrell is a chameleon of sound...a mood ring of music. He's Monday morning and Friday night, and he has something just for you.
Whether you're into edgy pop rock, soulful and jazzy grooves, or sweeping ballads, Adam Farrell has something just for you; something that will leave you singing on the way home. His music is driven by his soft and soaring vocals and supported by catchy guitar riffs and raw emotion. Recording his self-titled debut album upon his return from Leadership Training course at Soul Survivor UK in London England, Adam used that eye-opening experience both musically and personally in crafting his record. Released on August 1, the record has featured 3 singles "Upside Down" "I've Found Love" and "End Of Me" in the top 5 at Canadian Christian Radio. Touring frequently with label mate Finochio, in addition to tour stops with Inpop Recording artist Everyday Sunday, Flicker Records artist Kids In The Way and GMA Canada's New Artist of the Year The Silent Adam is winning new fans wherever he goes. Notable highlights have included performances at American festivals like Kingdom Bound (NY) and Soulfest (NH), as well as having a number of his songs featured on compilations including CMC’s Sea To Sea Worship compilation, Launch Rock compilation, World Visions Girls Night Out sampler and YourMusicZones Main Event Sampler. Most recently Adam Farrell won the song search on Myrrh Worship with his song Awake My Soul (May 2007) Keeping up with this momentum, Adam is writing more, playing more, and being more than he ever has before. He has to, to ensure that he has something just for you. And so Adam is refining his skills as a producer, working with other artists to develop their sound. He's also begun work on another album, but it's much too early to discuss that...let's save something for the sequel.
I believe it was a wise man who once said that to be "all things to all men" was something to attain. In this day and age the chances of actually reaching somebody seem so small, but if we could somehow say what people needed to hear when they needed to hear it...well, I guess that would better the odds. The odds are that Adam Farrell is saying something right now, and it's just for you.
Outside The Lines
Outside the Lines is a family-focused music group that encourages kids of all ages to Colour Jesus Everywhere!
Based in Ontario, OTL has performed in front of thousands of kids and adults over the years and has appeared coast to coast on 100 Huntley Street.
OTL Hits is a specially priced DVD/CD combination set with 12 wild, fun-filled videos recorded at Circle Square Ranch along with a matching audio CD.
NEWWORLDSON
NEWWORLDSON, are armed with inspirational lyrics and a fresh new sound and are rescuing soul music from being a mere genre or label and returning the art form to its sacred roots.
Singer Joel Parisien says "there's a lack of community in people's lives today. If you trace back the roots of 'roots' music, of 'soul' music, of 'folk' music, it's about folks; it's social music. We hope our fans become our friends. We hope they leave our shows feeling inspired. Our community is about uplifting people."
To a post-modern world that revolves around celebrity and consumerism, a manifesto like that seems anachronistic and distinctly un-cool. But this kind of prevailing cynicism reveals the need for classic music with a universal message. Supply and demand, ironically, and NEWWORLDSON stands poised to usher in a unique era of contemporary music history.
Blurring the lines of distinction between sassy and spiritual, they forged their name, sound and mission statement right in front of their fan base, rather than in the confines of a boardroom. Within months of coming together as a group, they were headlining concerts and finishing pre-production for their first full-length album with companion DVD. By the winter of 2006, in just five days, the entire tracking session for their debut CD/DVD Roots Revolution was completed. Striving for a timeless quality, the band recorded together live off the floor, sometimes capturing the essence of a song in just one take.
With their rootsy blend of funk, reggae and old school rock and roll, NEWWORLDSON challenges a culture that venerates American Idol and disposable music in general. Undaunted, these unlikely defenders of soul are gracefully walking the line that fractures people into demographics, with passion and integrity.