Mammoth Blog

•  Fewer places to list your tickets.
•  Little to no access to other brokers to work trades.
• Fee after fee after fee after fee piled up on top of you.
• Policy changes, sometimes daily.

•  Control costs for brokers and consumers.
•  Keep it simple and effective, a la Google.  Read More

FlipATicket.com today announced that it is leading the charge of brokers who have united and said, "Enough is enough!". Over the course of the last several years, brokers have witnessed drastic changes the ticket industry has undergone; so drastic, in fact, that it is difficult to fully grasp.

If you were told five years ago that EI would be purchased by Ticketmaster, or that StubHub would be purchased by eBay, or that TN would morph into a gargantuan network of thousands of brokers, or that Ticket Technology would be bought by StubHub/eBay, or that LiveNation would buy every venue under the sun and ditch Ticketmaster for their own ticketing service, only to merge with Ticketmaster a few months later, would you have believed any of it? Who could have imagined that all of those things would take place in five short years?

Perhaps a better question would be: How have these changes helped your business? Let's see...

* Fewer places to list your tickets.
* Little to no access to other brokers to work trades.
* Fee after fee after fee after fee piled up on top of you.
* Policy changes, sometimes daily.

And what is the result of these changes that we have all witnessed? You, the broker, are left holding the short end of the stick, working harder to earn less. Your choice of places to buy, sell, and trade tickets has been boiled down to making a decision between the lesser of all that is evil. That's how you grow a business, right? No, we didn't think so either.

A number of months back, the folks behind BlueBucs.com sat down and started working on ideas of how to counteract the absurdity that has transpired in our industry, and to help brokers regain control over their business and costs. They poured over so many ideas and options that it is impossible to enumerate, but their brainstorming team always came back to two primary "must do" points:

* Control costs for brokers and consumers.
* Keep it simple and effective, a la Google.

Brokers need to be able to effectively communicate with one another, and consumers need to be able to do a simple search, find the tickets they want, and make a purchase. Neither the broker nor the consumer should be gouged with a litany of fees. Folks are tired of the nickel-and-dime games!

Imagine, if you will..

* No more throwing away thousands (or tens of thousands) of dollars in fees each year.
* No more ridiculous "rules" and policy changes each week that are impossible for anyone (including those imposing them) to keep up with.
* No more bowing to your "master", the ticket exchange. They should work for you, not the other way around!

The solution is FlipATicket.com, a brand new, back-to-basics site for brokers to buy and sell tickets, and retail outlet for consumer sales.

Will FlipATicket be the next StubHub, or EI, or TN? Absolutely not. And we don't want to be! Those guys define "ticket exchange", and "ticket exchange" is the problem that FlipATicket is designed to solve! Rather, the goal is to build a platform designed by, run by, and geared for ticket brokers. A platform that offers you an affordable and effective alternative for listing, buying, and selling tickets. A platform with a simple fee structure so that you don't need to hire an IRS agent to help you figure out how much revenue you just lost.

FlipATicket.com will attract customers who are just as tired as you are of dealing with a "ticket exchange". Customers that will appreciate never having to call the horrendous customer service line of a "ticket exchange", because they can now contact you, the seller, directly. The bottom line is, FlipATicket.com will provide you with more opportunities for sales to customers who are *yours*, and both you and your customer will be paying less fees!

We are currently operating in a beta test, which will run until Monday, February 28, 2011. During the beta test period, all ticket brokers will be able to buy, sell, and trade tickets - free of charge, our way of saying "Thank you!" for helping us work out any bugs and for providing feedback on features and future development ideas. As a special added bonus, during the beta test period, registered brokers will have free limited access to our flagship website, BlueBucs.com (the #1 source of presale and onsale information).

On Tuesday, March 1, 2011, all beta test accounts will be disabled, and broker accounts will be available for a nominal fee. A monthly subscription will be available for $39, or you can save 5% by choosing the annual subscription at a rate of just $444. There will be no additional fees to buy, sell, and trade your tickets on FlipATicket.com.

However, we are offering special discount pricing for those who choose to partner with us during the beta launch period. We have allotted a limited number of FlipATicket memberships at deeply discounted prices. As of this posting, only 25 of these spots are available. They are available only while they last, or until the beta test ends, whichever occurs first. Choose from one of the following:

* Founding Member Lifetime Membership - A one-time fee of $999. Never pay another penny to buy, sell, and trade your tickets on FlipATicket.com.
* Charter Membership - Annual subscription rate of just $365. Yes, you read correctly. Just $1 a day to buy, sell, and trade your tickets on FlipATicket.com, with no additional fees.

Again, these are being offered on a first come, first served basis. They are going fast, and will never again be offered.

Can we compete on sheer volume of sales from day one? No, we can't. But by partnering with FlipATicket.com, we can all work together and slowly but surely take back our industry, one-by-one as brokers decide for themselves: "Enough is enough!"

Register today at http://www.flipaticket.com/register

Most people think it improper to spank children, so I have tried other
methods to control my kids when they have one of 'those moments.'

Tough Love vs. Spanking - Good Argument

Save the City Records has announced the October 6, 2009 release of veteran rapper Benjiman's sophomore CD, S.K.R.I.P.T. (Spreading Kingdom Realities In Perilous Times).

Produced by Brandon Bee (Amber Pacific, Jaime Jamgochian, Stacie Orrico) and featuring collaborations with Sparrow Records recording artist Shawn McDonald and indie artist Paul Wright (formerly of Gotee Records), S.K.R.I.P.T. is already garnering favorable reviews.

"This is a very tight and professional release, with a nice contrast between heavy, rock-oriented rap and smooth, soulful hip-hop," says Christian music website JesusFreakHideout.com. "Benjiman...is putting out music that can compete with the best, and it's great to have him back."

Although there's no denying that Benjiman easily falls into the "rap" category, elements of his music take it beyond that simple classification. Building on an R&B foundation, he adds in "rapcore" elements, creating an extraordinary fusion of R&B, rap and rock. Throughout the project, Benjiman sprinkles captivating tales about ordinary people he has encountered. In the leadoff single, "Back Home," co-written and produced by Wright and mixed by Jeff Frankenstein of the Newsboys, Benjiman compares human suffering to the suffering of Christ as he tells a story about a man who has lost his job. In "Stones" (featuring vocals from special guest McDonald), he sets a vision of how God works in our everyday lives against a backdrop of funk and folk music. Producer Brandon Bee brings his guitar virtuosity to the project, turning the blowtorch up on "Our Spot" and "Smokescreen," and R&B/Gospel drummer Sam Mathews (Bryan Duncan) adds a fresh funky feel on "Stones" and "System." To top it all off, legendary mastering engineer Steve Hall ("American Idol," Madonna, Earth Wind & Fire), gives the project a world-class sheen.

Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, Benjiman was inspired by Christian rock pioneers Petra and dcTalk. He found a passion for reaching people through music and began his career performing around his small hometown of Lacomb, Ore. One day he received a call to rap for a little-known band named Callbox, who later changed their name to Kutless. On that group's first album, Benjiman rapped on a song called "Pride Away," which led to further collaborations with Kutless and Falling Up. Eventually, he signed a recording contract with BEC Recordings in 2004 and his first solo release, Activate, climbed the charts with the Top 10 hit single, "Trace of Love" and the Top 20 hit, "Activate." That project paved the way for several nationwide tours and a myriad of festival performances.

Now a familiar face at big festivals nationwide such as Creation, Spirit West Coast and Joshuafest, Benjiman says he feels called to reach out to the churched and the unchurched. "Rap is a universal language that opens doors to many audiences," he says. "My ministry is to reach kids who no one else will talk to. After my live appearances, I often end up talking to kids with troubled pasts; they gravitate toward me. I'm able to show them that they are not alone and that the Lord loves them. I have met with kids who were going through serious trouble. Somehow they came to one of my concerts, and God ministered to them through the lyrics."

Benjiman's S.K.R.I.P.T. will be available on Save the City Records, a division of Rain On Me Productions, LLC, and distributed through Bema Distribution. For more information on Benjiman and his new album, S.K.R.I.P.T., visit savethecityrecords.com.
source>>>

San Antonio rock act Abandon will release its first full-length disc, Searchlights, to retail outlets nationwide Aug. 25, 2009. In support of the project, Abandon will open for Flicker Records act Fireflight this fall on "The Hope Tour."

Abandon made its label debut last July with the release of a self-titled digital EP, which received rave reviews from critics who called it "catchy" (ChristianityToday.com), "a tasty morsel of what is to come" (jesusfreakhideout.com), and hailed the band for being "at the forefront of the current music industry" (indievisionmusic.com). The EP additionally produced two No. 1 Rock radio singles with "Hold On" and "Providence."

In April 2009, Abandon released the EP on disc, while giving fans a taste of six new cuts available via digital outlets only. Searchlights combines the best tracks released by Abandon over the last year plus three never-before-recorded songs, "Confession," "Here We Are Now" and "Safe In Your Arms."

"Thematically, Searchlights is a promise of rescue from a dangerous place, that if you look up, you will see the light of hope through the dark," says Abandon's Josh Engler. "Sonically interesting and energetic with passionate lyrics, we hope fans find what they're searching for with this record."

Abandon will debut Searchlights live on the road with Fireflight beginning Oct. 1. Joined by Word Records artist Remedy Drive, "The Hope Tour" will visit major markets including Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Phoenix and San Antonio. For a complete list of tour dates, visit www.fireflightrock.com. Music from Searchlights can also be heard via Christian radio, with "Be Alive In Me" currently working its way up the Radio & Records Rock chart and "Safe In Your Arms" set to add at CHR radio Aug. 21.

With a sound that has been likened to popular bands U2 and The Killers, Abandon comprises brothers Josh Engler (vocals) and Justin Engler (rhythm guitars), cousins Dave Vela (drums) and Stevan Vela (lead guitar) as well as Bryan Fowler (bass). They formed as part of their church's worship band, eventually moving on to play local shows. The group came into relationship with Forefront Records after Director of A&R Chris York heard them perform at a Nashville club. For more information on Abandon, visit: www.myspace.com/abandontx.
source>>>

The documentary film-makers from the Nomad Series who brought us Sara Groves: Just Showed Up For My Own Life DVD in 2006, have returned to the CBA market with "The Great Reverse." Available September 15, 2009 through INO Records/Provident-Integrity, the film follows nine young travelers as they aim to make a change in West Africa.

Out of their element and exposed to the raw emotion of the moment, the travelers experience the greatest culture shock of their young lives. Hoping to impart time tested lessons, they soon learn that the roles change as they become students; gaining insight into life, loss, strength and love. In discovering the world, they discover themselves. To catch a glimpse of their journey you can view multiple clips at www.nomadshow.com

The film's soundtrack features a diverse sound, with music by popular bands such as MercyMe, Seabird, Sara Groves, Jars of Clay and Sleeping At Last. Plus, as a way to introduce and promote a host of stellar indie artists, the film also includes music from Jon Foreman, Dave Barnes, Lori Chaffer, Gerod Grigor, Tyler Burkum.

With comments ranging from "your own view of the world may be changed," "you can't help but be awakened as well," and "nothing short of courageous" for the first documentary, the anticipation for this next project is great.

"We were pleasantly surprised with the great reception and reviews of our first film," recalls Backroad Entertainment's Troy Groves. "That confirmed that these unsanitized stories of faith are needed."

The difference with this reality series and much of what is on reality television is that there is no set up, no auditions, no game show element. It's a pure inside look at the lives of every day believers and reveals what happens when people put themselves in a position to depend on God. source>>>

House of Heroes is offering another free download this week at iTickets. The song this time is "Friday Night," from their latest album, The End Is Not The End.

Head over to iTickets for your free download from House of Heroes. And here are the lyrics:

Friday Night

I don't want to spend this Friday night
Like I had to spend last Friday night
I don't want to spend this Friday night
Dying by the record machine

All day, cigarettes
All day, entertain the void
There are so many things I should be doin'
But I don't, and I don't change

All day, kerosene
All day, I play with matchbooks
I pushed them all away or burn them alive
In attempts to save me
Regret would require less arrogance

And I don't want to spend this Friday night
Like I had to spend last Friday night
I don't want to spend this Friday night
Dying by the record machine

I like myself on the following conditions:
That I'm better than the next guy at everything I'm into
And my looks are important if I'm less sophisticated
And my girlfriend's a bombshell now I'm all she's ever dated
And money's an object if it pays for my ego
Power's a drug and pride is the needle
And it rips through my skin, goes into my bloodstream
Oh, I feel like laughing
Ha! I feel like choking on it
Regret would require less arrogance

I don't want to spend this Friday night
Like I had to spend last Friday night
I don't want to spend this Friday night
Dying by the record machine

And I don't want to spend this Friday night
Like I had to spend last Friday night
I don't want to spend this Friday night
Pickin' fights by the record machine

True, but not quite, that I'm tired of the fantasy
And, I see the light, but the dark is so accomodating.
The worst mistake I could make
Is watching you walk away
Now that I know how to change
I do it just the same

I don't want to spend this Friday night
Like I had to spend last Friday night
I don't want to spend this Friday night
Dying by the record machine

I don't want to spend this Friday night
Like I had to spend last Friday night
I don't want to spend this Friday night
Pickin' fights by the record machine source>>>

A jury has found James Broadnax guilty of capital murder over the killings of Stephen Swan and Matthew Butler outside their Christian music studio in 2008.

The punishment phase begins in the morning.

The jury deliberated about 40 minutes.

In closing arguments, defense attorney Brad Lollar focused on whether confessions given to the media or Broadnax's actions were intentional because he had used marijuana laced with PCP and embalming fluid.

He also said without those confessions to reporters, prosecutors would not be seeking the death penalty.

Dallas County prosecutor David Alex countered that Broadnax knew what he was doing and sounded "proud" of his action in those interviews.

He said the interviews "only amplif[y] that he is as cold as they get," Alex said. But they are not the reason that prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.

"This defendant took the handgun you all saw and executed Stephen Swan and Matthew Butler for no other reason than they had stuff and he didn't," Alex said. source>>>

Catholic Online is offering us some musical food for thought from Deacon Keith Fournier:

"The problem with much of what calls itself 'Christian' music these days is that it puts 'God words' to poor music. Sometimes in so doing it misses the opportunity to truly move human hearts toward God's Living Word, the One who truly understands the human experience and is capable of transforming it through His redemptive love. Additionally, it often misunderstands the fullness of the Christian mission. We are not called to build little cultural ghettos within which we escape the corruption and pain wrought by the effects of sin. Sometimes we develop such strange language and subcultures that real people, the kind who flocked to Jesus, find us at best unapproachable and at worst weird.

We are to manifest in very human and real ways the implications of that pre-eminent passage from the Sacred Scripture: 'God so loved the world the world that He sent His Only Son (John 3:16).' He still does, and He sends his Son into that world through us. We are to be with the very people whom He came to save, heal and love! We need to sing, dance, weep and play with them. Not only do they need it, we do as well. I have had the privilege of spending time with some very holy people in my life -- true saints. One thing I can say is they were intensely real, intensely human and approachable. I know that's how Jesus was and how He should be experienced as people still touch the hem of His garment through us." source>>>

Christian music fans across the nation will be tuning in Thursday night for the live broadcast of the highly anticipated 40th Annual GMA (Gospel Music Association) Dove Awards.

Set to begin at 8 p.m. ET, the two-hour awards show will feature multiple musical performances from dozens of artists as well as appearances from a number of well-known celebrities.

Performers this year include established Christian favorites Mary Mary, Chris Tomlin, Natalie Grant, Steven Curtis Chapman, as well as newcomers Francesca Battistelli, Chris Sligh, and Tenth Avenue North, among many others.

Also to take place will be a special tribute to Southern Gospel legend Dottie Rambo, who died in a tragic bus accident last year, and - one hour before the show - the world premiere of a new documentary special, "From Idol to Inspiration," which explorers the impact of popular reality show "American Idol" on the Christian music industry and vice-versa.

The main event, of course, will be the presentation of the Dove Awards, which will be handed out in 43 categories, including two - Artist of the Year and New Artist of the Year - that will go to artists who drew the largest number of fan votes.

Leading the pack in nominations this year is renowned Christian worship leader and song writer Chris Tomlin with seven nods, followed closely by CCM singer and songwriter Natalie Grant with six. Both Tomlin and Grant are also vying again for "Male Vocalist of the Year" and "Female Vocalist of the Year," respectively, after having won in their respective categories for three consecutive years to date.

This year also marks the second straight time that the Dove Awards will be televised live by the Gospel Music Channel after years syndicating the event and having it shown later on tape.

The rapidly growing television network is currently available in more than 45 million homes in all major markets on the major cable systems as well as on DIRECTV on Channel 338.

The 40th Annual GMA Dove Awards encores on GMC at 10 p.m. ET and 12 a.m. ET. source>>>

How long has Skillet been around?

We have been around since 1996. So around 12 years, going on 13.

What version of Skillet has been your favorite? Alt rock, industrial rock or hard rock?

You know, every version I am currently in is my favorite. As I look back at it now, I've liked all of it, but I do love what we are doing now, which is hard rock. Right now we have a lot of the orchestra with strings behind it, and I really like all that; it gives the music a very dramatic sound. It's pretty cool.

You have a new drummer, Jen Ledger. How has the transition been?

Oh, easy, I can't imagine an easier transition. She just came in, killed it on the drums, and she started singing a little bit, too. She sings on our new album. Our fans just love her. I mean, I really can't imagine a better transition. She had big shoes to fill, you know. Lori (Peters) was a great drummer and our fans really loved Lori. So it's pretty exciting to see how that's happened. She just fits right in.

Why did Lori Peters leave the band?

Well she's been doing it a long time and just wanted to move on, try some new things. She did love being on the road. We still go to church together, and I saw her about a month ago. She is doing good and misses it, but she is getting on with her life.

What can you tell us about Jen?

Jen is from England and she had come to our church. Our church does this music school program. People pay to come and get music and bible training. That sort of thing and she came over for that. I knew her from church, not real well, but I knew her and hadn't heard her play drums but knew she could play drums. So it kinda felt natural that when Lori told us she was going to be leaving and whatnot, we starting taking auditions, and it seemed only natural to try Jen out. She looks similar to Lori and she is a girl and goes to our church. She auditioned and I said, yeah, sure, I was surprised about how good she was. Pleasantly surprised.

What should a typical rock fan expect from a Skillet concert?

The biggest thing whether we play churches or bars or whatever we play, we do a little bit of all of it; I think most are generally surprised at the energy we have on stage. It is a very energetic rock show and dynamic as well. I think people need to get ready for a big production, we do a pretty big one. I am a production freak, and I like all the lighting and the dynamics. I think people will leave feeling they got more than they paid for, and that's my goal. I don't want people thinking, "Ah, that was good, don't think I will pay for that again." Because of this, I believe that is why we have a lot of repeat customers.

What is the ultimate Skillet album?

I think "Comatose" has been, by far, the best Skillet record. That pretty obvious in the record sales. That record has sold more records for a reason. I think it is because people got the songs. People like what the songs are about. I think a big part of that is our lyrics, singing about relevant topics that people are going through and relate to it. So that is pretty cool. And every band thinks their newest record is their best record. We just finished a brand-new record that we have coming out in August. Of course, I'm excited about it cause I think it is probably our best record yet. You always are going to think that and you never know until it actually comes out and see what people think. ... Those songs are going over really well. People are having a good time rocking out to it, and we have gotten good feedback on them. Any time we play a new song, that night it is up on YouTube. People are always singing those songs because they see them on YouTube. So that is really cool.

Have you ever given your testimony during a concert?

Oh, sure. I always do some kind of talking. It depends on what it may be. It may be as simple as explaining what the song is about, why I believe what I believe and why does Skillet do what we do. Could be that or it could be as simple as why I became a Christian in the first place. Most of the time, though, I will just explain a song or two and have a quick word. I just keep it to a minimum because people are paying to see a concert not to hear me preach. So I try to keep it that way, especially for people that aren't Christians but like our music they heard on the radio. They come to the show and I try to do my very best to give them more than they paid for. Then I will say, hey, thanks for coming, this is what we're about. When we write our songs, we want you guys to know that there is a God that loves you tonight and no matter what is going on in your life or how bad it might get, God loves you. It is just a word on why we do what we do and write uplifting music. I try to go more on that model because then people don't feel like your preaching at them. That they go, oh, that's cool, and hopefully take something away with them. Maybe they find themselves feeling really good. People come up to me all the time at our shows, especially when we do mainstream dates like the 3 Days Grace tour we were a part of, people always come up and say, "I don't know why, but you guys made me feel really good tonight." People say that all the time. Then I like to say to them, "Hey, if you find yourself feeling good, it is probably because of the spirit behind our music." Because we are writing songs that are going to give you hope. That is what God gives us. So that's pretty cool.

What advice would you give a musician who is struggling to keep their spirituality in his or her music?

Well the music business is a tough place to keep your faith because music is, well, people become icons and there is so much idolatry in music. A lot of time I meet people that are like, I want to be in a band for Jesus. Well I say that it is a harder than you think it is and you got to make those decisions before you start your band. What you want to do, how you want to do it, who you want to be at the end of your life, cause if you're not, you will find yourself making small compromises. For instance, did anyone really think that when Britney Spears was 13 and on the Mickey Mouse show that she would end up having this mess of a life that she ends up having? Of course she had gone through some help for some of her stuff but all of this is from making small decisions to keep herself on top. I'm not trying to diss on Britney Spears or anything, but you know, if she had made that decision back then to not do this, this and this to keep famous. Maybe she wouldn't have been as famous but maybe her life would have been a little easier. So I always tell people to make these decisions now. If you say you want to write songs that have an uplifting message and not this, that or the other, then to stick to it because as soon as you get into a little of this, it becomes very easy to not write a song that is uplifting.

Why did you feel the Skillet audience needed a Live Album with "Comatose Comes Alive?"

I think a lot of our fans were just happy we released a live album because people have been asking us for a decade. I don't really know why, people tell me and have told me that they always think that we are better live than our records. I don't know why that is, and it is kind of a double-edged sword. I think it has to do with the energy that we have at our show. Our fans are just really happy that we released something live, and I think beyond that, that are a little shocked, including myself, at how good the DVD is. The editing -- and that's not bragging about myself because I didn't edit the DVD -- whoever did the computer editing really went above and beyond. We kept pushing things, we want more effects or we want more this, then they just, they went all out. I was very excited about it. Somehow the DVD had enough energy that you feel like you are at the show.

Who does most of the writing for the band and why?

I end up doing pretty much all of the writing for the band, well because it's my band. I mean, my wife, Korey, has written in the past. Not on this last record, but she has in the past, and she is a good writer. These days though, her priorities have shifted to our two kids. She can't fit in as much time with the music as she once could because school with my daughter and everything else. She is kind of like, you know what, I will be the keyboard player, the guitar player and the mom and you do the writing. Anyway, I love writing and I enjoy it and am kinda the voice of Skillet, so that is probably why it's that way.

What do you want your audience to take away from your live show?

I don't think I have one thing that is the most. I want it to be a duel thing. No. 1, I want people to have a great time. I want them to be blown away with the show. I think if you just come play your songs and sing, no matter what kind of performance it is, that is not enough for people to be blown away. I mean, your fans will love it, but it's not enough for them to say, oh, my gosh, that was really good. So that's why I put a lot of thought and a lot of money into our production. I want people to come and be like, oh, my gosh, the live show, the band and the dynamic, I want the whole thing to be a performance that people come and pay money and say they would definitely pay money and come back to the show. On the other side I want, I do want there to be a message in the music. I want it to be uplifting, I want people to leave feeling better than when they came. Having hope and I want parents to come with their kids and feel glad that they did. To feel like it was a positive message for their kids.

What would you tell someone who wouldn't come to your show because you are a Christian band?

Every so often though, some people will want me to say no, the only thing I want to them to leave with is that this is all about Jesus. But then I always tell people that it is very good for our shows to be legitimately cool and that it is very important from other Christians' perspectives. Cause a lot of our fans are bringing their non-Christian friends that think all Christian music is cheesy, that they think it is second rate and it is important to change those people's mind. It is like we legitimize ourselves to our Christian fans by saying, hey, we got your back, we are coming to do a rock show and we aren't second rate or cheesy, and that is very important to me, and I have no apologies about. This is an all-out, for real rock show, and that isn't what you want to see, then you shouldn't come. I don't like to brag, but there is no secular or mainstream rock band of our level that is bringing the kind of production we bring out at this level. I kinda grew up in that Kiss era and I want my show to look more like a Kiss show and the more it does, the better.

You have a huge Christian radio following, how do you see the band pushing into mainstream radio in the future?

Well, we have done a little bit. We have had very, very, extremely minor, mainstream radio success. When I say minor, I mean it hasn't been across the board, but it has been that certain cities that have played Skillet really faithfully, mainstream stations, rock stations. I really like that cause you can really tell when we go play those cities, the big halls there, that they say, hey I heard you on the rock station. So you can know what cities those are happening in. I think our new record is geared to do more that. We have some new music on the new record that should, I would think, get some good play on mainstream stations. I think that's the goal. We want to keep what we have, I'm not looking to not do Christian radio stuff, but there is a whole audience that doesn't know who we are and that is why we are going to be really pushing some songs.

How do you react to fans who feel you have gotten too mainstream, even now?

I don't get it a whole lot anymore; I did a few years ago. I think some of that is going away. As the years go by some of that stuff, actually I don't know why I don't hear it as much as I did a few years ago. Maybe because Switchfoot and P.O.D. and so many other Christian bands have crossed over and gained popularity and I think that stigma is kind of going away. I mean we get it every now and then, but I don't ever really deal with it anymore. Luckily we have enough fans that believe in what we are doing, that I don't care about those one or two people that judge. It used to really bother me, but now I am like, you know what, I really believe in us and our fans believe in us and support us. If you are not one of them, then you don't have to be.

What would be a dream concert event that would you want to be a part of?

Oh, gosh, I don't know. There are lots of bands I would like to play with. We are going to get to do our first Graham Crusade, which we have never done but am looking forward to. I would love to play with Linkin Park, that would be awesome.

When someone tells you that they have come to God because of your music and message, how great is that feeling?

It's the best, I mean, playing music is awesome, selling records is awesome, selling out shows is really great, but it is nothing like when someone says that our music saved their life. That they decided not to kill themselves because they heard our song "The Last Night." I can't tell you how many times I have heard that. It just blows you away. It is way better than record sales, you know. That they became a Christian by listening to your music or went to rehab for drugs after hearing "Better than Drugs." I just can't tell you how many people that have heard that song and decided to quit doing drugs. It has been just amazing. When that stuff happens, you are like, that is what it's all about.

Has the band been affected by the economic crisis?

Well, yes I am sure we have been, but amazingly, and I can't say why, it hasn't hit us like I expected. The tour is going really, really well. It doesn't appear like we are losing numbers. That has been really good for us because I know most tours are. I don't know why, I'm thankful for that, I don't know why that is but we are drawing people out to shows and selling records so I am really thankful for that. It's more than I can ask for right now.

What can we expect from the new album coming out in August?

I am really leery about what I say about a new record coming out because there is no way for me to be objective. Every band thinks their newest record is amazing. I don't know how many times I have talked to bands that say, wait until you hear our new record, then I hear it and it isn't anywhere near as good as their last. That happens all the time. I will tell you, obviously, the band thinks it's the best we have done, but the people that have heard it outside the band, which is the label and management and radio department, those people who are the most critical that go through it with a fine-toothed comb. Those people are saying, undoubtedly, this is our best record, it has the biggest songs, the best sound and we are all really excited about it. I feel that way, too, but like i said there is no way for me to be objective because I really liked our last record and I thought some of those songs like "Rebirthing" were the best we had done, so if we can match that or do a little better, I will be really happy.

How long do you see Skillet carrying on?

As long as people want to hear us, I will keep playing. I love playing concerts, I love recording albums. I love writing about a movie or conversation or I read something. I want to do something about this issue in the world and the first thing I think about is that I want to write a song about that. Like writing a song will make a difference. It's crazy that 13 years in our career that we are selling more records than ever have and better concerts, so if that keeps going, I will keep doing it. Twenty more years, I want to do the whole Aerosmith thing, you know.

Check out Skillet's Web site at Skillet.com. source>>>

As an artist that has already been pegged as one to watch in 2009, Phillip LaRue joyfully releases his BEC Recordings solo debut today, "Let the Road Pave Itself." On the heels of the release, Gospel Music Channel has jumped on board naming Phillip LaRue as their next "Listen Up" artist for April/May.

GMC's "Listen Up" is Gospel Music Channel's new multiplatform promotional campaign featuring new emerging Gospel/Christian recording artists who are on the verge of becoming break-out stars. Beginning next Monday, April 13th, GMC will showcase Phillip throughout the channel and online with video assets and exclusive interview footage for viewers to learn more about this budding artist.

In addition, AOL Music is hosting a "Listening Party" with the full CD in streaming this week. Click here to check it out. Also recently featuring the full album in stream was Relevant Magazine on their weekly "The Drop" online. Other street week coverage include video interview footage on HearitFirst.com and a street week podcast on NewReleaseTuesday.com.

Not being new to the industry or the Nashville music scene, Phillip has filled the role of producer (Tenth Avenue North) and songwriter (Brandon Heath, Tenth Avenue North, Krystal Meyers,) since his duo LaRue (with his sister Natalie) called it quits in 2003.

An organic set of songs for the digital age produced by Paul Moak, "Let the Road Pave Itself" was tracked live in the studio to an old fashioned two-inch tape reel, warmly capturing the sound of Phillip and his friends playing real time rock that's concerned with life's deepest matters of love and faith. Recorded in this manner, Phillip kept many of the first takes without fixing to keep the album as natural as possible.

One such example is the debut radio single and opening track, "Chasing the Daylight," a stirring mid-tempo rocker that has seen dark times but still declares I want to chase the daylight like it's the last day of my life. At radio, this single has moved into New and Active at CHR as well as Air 1 adding the song last week.

For more information on Phillip LaRue and this debut, check out his MySpace and EPK at: www.myspace.com/philliplarue or www.philliplarue.com

About Gospel Music Channel:
Gospel Music Channel is the fastest-growing network in television and can be seen in more than 45 million homes on various cable systems around the country and on DIRECTV Channel 338. For more information, visit www.gospelmusicchannel.com source>>>

MercyMe releases their latest project "10," celebrating the 10th anniversary of the band's career hit, "I Can Only Imagine," penned by frontman Bart Millard in memory of his father. The single sold nearly 3 million units, and became a multi format smash at Top 40, AC, Country and Christian charts alike.

The new album features 12 of MercyMe's number one radio hits that span their five studio releases, from 2001's Almost There to their 2007 release All That Is Within Me. The disc also features three bonus tracks including a new recording of "I Can Only Imagine" with the famed London Session Orchestra, "10" also includes a companion DVD, featuring a diverse mix of concept videos and live performances showcasing the bands unique brand of music. In addition, fans can view an inside glimpse of the story behind "I Can Only Imagine" and get up close and personal with the band through their appearance on Gospel Music Channel's "Faith & Fame" feature.

"10" releases amid yet another successful tour for MercyMe. The Rock & Worship Roadshow, sponsored by Compassion International in partnership with Imagine A Cure, is averaging crowds of 10,000 per date, playing major markets across the U.S., including Portland, OR, Dallas, TX, Denver, CO, and Baton Rouge, LA. In their hometown of Dallas, TX, the band filled American Airlines Center's 18,000 seats, while thousands of other concert-goers were not able to enter, because the venue had reached maximum capacity.

Joining headliner MercyMe on the Roadshow are Gold-selling artist and reigning GMA Male Vocalist of the Year Jeremy Camp, Hawk Nelson, as well as burgeoning bands Tenth Avenue North and Addison Road.

"The response to the Rock and Worship Roadshow has been incredible," said Cliff Reiser, concert promoter at Rush Concerts. "Over 120,000 people have come to shows in 13 cities so far, including 18,000 in Dallas on April 3. This a great testament to MercyMe's continued ability to impact our culture in a positive way."

Watch MercyMe's frontman Bart Millard's response after their sold out show of more than13,000 people in Fresno, CA here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZwI9wys_oA.

In addition, MercyMe's current single, "Finally Home" is No. 1 at Christian AC and Soft AC radio and is climbing the mainstream AC chart presently at No. 24. "Finally Home" has entered the iTunes ® top 10 Christian singles chart at No. 8 today.
For more information on MercyMe and the tour please visit www.mercyme.org or www.rockandworshiproadshow.com . source>>>

As you know KJ-52 likes to keep it real, keep it fresh, and keep in touch with you all! So here are some things that he's been working on...just for you!

1.) Rockin' a daily bible study on his podcast - www.kj52podcast.com - would love for you to all join, share your thoughts as you walk through this together.

2.) KJ also started a blog...yes a blog! Click here to follow, comment, and know all that's going on!

3.) FREESTYLE Friday's are still goin' on folks! First 4 people to respond to KJ-52 on Twitter (@KJ52)...he will use YOUR topic and in the FREESTYLE that day! So get ready, be ready, and your subjects could be used next!

Vote For Your Favorite Remix On KJ-52's Remix The Remix Contest

Get your VOTE on....no, not for the presidential race...that's over and done with....VOTE for your favorite Remix from KJ-52's Remix The Remix contest! Click here to vote today! Voting closes April 27th!

Also, keep in mind that EVERY 1st Monday of the month KJ-52 will be posting a mixtape song on this page!! So bookmark it and make sure to VOTE and check back EVERY 1st Monday of the month!! source>>>