Summertime Dropouts Set To Release First Single From "Rewind"

Voluminous Records' flagship artist Summertime Dropouts is set to release Full Time Cutie, the first single from their upcoming debut album Rewind.

Executive Producer Clint Gibbs, who has been involved with a laundry list of the "who's who" on Top 40 radio states, “their skill and dedication to the music is on par with the ’A’ crop of major label acts. After hearing the Summertime demos I knew they had a great record ahead of them.”

Full Time Cutie tells the story of a teen content with her life as a popular outsider and music head who refuses to get caught up in the melodramatic games typical of highschoolers. Instead, she'd rather cut against the grain and immerse herself in her bright pink guitar en route to a Grammy.

A corresponding video for Full Time Cutie will be released to major video outlets in time for the album release set for June 12th.

About Summertime Dropouts:

On its Voluminous Records debut album entitled Rewind, Minneapolis-based Pop Punk band Summertime Dropouts has crafted an indelible collection of songs which transport the listener on a trip down memory lane to a time when life was much simpler and carefree, far removed from the burdens of a complex world.

From a musical perspective, the band draws from the inspiration of bands like All-American Rejects, Boys Like Girls, Blink-182 and Sum 41 to create a musical masterpiece brimming with pure pop punk magic.

Visit SummertimeDropouts.com or their Facebook page for more information.

Brooke Fraser To Release "Flags" October 12 - U.S. Tour Announced

New Zealand-born singer and songwriter Brooke Fraser will release her third album, Flags, on October 12 on Wood and Bone Records. The new record was recorded in Los Angeles at EastWest Studios and was produced by the artist. A full U.S. tour has been finalized for November and December, where she’ll perform in legendary venues such as The Parish in Austin, Highline Ballroom in NYC and the El Rey in Los Angeles.

Flags is a dreamy, alternative-pop collection that showcases her agile soprano, lilting melodies, and knack for telling her stories through the lives of vibrant characters on songs like “Betty,” (co-written with Switchfoot’s Jon Foreman and Ben West of Detroit indie duo The Real Efforts of Real People), “Crows and Locusts,” “Jack Kerouac,” and “Ice on Her Lashes.” “I’ve never used as many characters or as much narrative in my songwriting as I have on this record,” Fraser says. “On my previous albums [2003’s What To Do With Daylight and 2008’s Albertine], I was singing completely as myself, which is why I think I got so burnt out from touring. Albertine was inspired by incredibly significant events and people and every time I’d sing I’d go back to that moment where my heart was ripped open. So singing such heavy songs nearly every night for three years took a toll. On Flags, it’s still me speaking, but it’s me speaking through the voices of different characters and their stories. It’s more survivable.” The album also features a co-written duet with Aqualung’s Matt Hales, titled “Who Are We Fooling?”

In 2002, when she was 18, Fraser signed with Sony Music and moved to Auckland where she played regularly at local venues while she wrote the songs that would appear on her debut album, What To Do With Daylight. That album, released in New Zealand in 2003, debuted at No. 1 and achieved gold status the same week. It eventually went eight times platinum, selling more than 120,000 copies in New Zealand alone, and remained in the Top 10 on the album charts for more than a year. The album spawned five Top 20 singles and made Fraser a star in her home country, leading to 2004 tours of Australia and New Zealand with John Mayer and David Bowie.

In 2005, Brooke took a trip to Rwanda, 11 years after a genocide that claimed the lives of nearly one million people. During the journey, she met and befriended a number of Rwandans who entrusted their stories to her, including an orphan named Albertine, the namesake of her second album, which was released in the U.S. in May 2008. After being featured on the iTunes homepage as an “Editor’s Choice” selection, Albertine entered the Billboard Top 100 chart and climbed to No. 5 on the digital retailer’s U.S. album chart. Fraser toured the States that fall, winning over audiences with her dry wit and warm stage presence.

BROOKE FRASER U.S. TOUR DATES

Nov 9 - Houston, TX - House of Blues Bronze Peacock
Nov 10 - Austin, TX - The Parish
Nov 12 - Dallas, TX - House of Blues – Cambridge Room
Nov 13 - Birmingham, AL - WorkPlay Theatre
Nov 14 - Nashville, TN - Belcourt Theatre
Nov 15 - Atlanta, GA - Variety Playhouse
Nov 17 - Vienna, VA - Jammin Java Music Club & Café
Nov 18 - Washington, DC - DC9
Nov 19 - New York, NY - Highline Ballroom
Nov 20 - Boston. MA - Café 939 at Berklee
Nov 21 - Philadelphia, PA - World Café Live
Nov 23 - Toronto, ONT - The Mod Club Theatre
Nov 24 - Chicago, IL - Lincoln Hall
Dec 2 - Los Angeles, CA - El Rey Theatre
Dec 5 - San Francisco, CA - Café Du Nord
Dec 7 - Portland, OR - Doug Fir Lounge
Dec 8 - Seattle, WA - Triple Door
Dec 9 - Vancouver, BC - Venue

New Releases - Week of June 8, 2010

This week's new release:

Jayreed - Holy (EP)
UPC: 6-95211-91221-0
SRP: $2.97
Genre: Gospel Rap / Holy Hip-Hop
Notes: Digital Only

Born James Wilbert Fleetwood Jr., JAYREED (which stands for Just A Young Radical Evangelist Executing Deliverance) started his Christian Rap ministry in 2003. At the time, he was enlisted in the U. S. Navy aboard the U. S. S. Ronald Reagan. Longing to share his faith with others, it was a common thing to catch the fiery MC ministering to others through music. One day while at sea he had an experience that would convince him to devote his entire life to his “Holy Hip Hop” ministry. During a performance of his song, “Everlasting Life,” a young man burst out of the crowd and fell to his knees, asking God to forgive his sins. Shortly after, a number of different people came seeking prayer for salvation and deliverance. It was a scene that he would never forget. This event made it clear that the Navy was only a temporary stop for the enthusiastic minister. The Holy EP (available in digital format only) is a precursor to his forthcomingfull-length album entitled "Further Upon The Rock" slated for October 2010.

New Releases - Week of June 1, 2010

This weeks' new releases:

Rezurrected Muzic Presents: Tha Circus
UPC: 7-03132-29612-8
SRP: $11.98
Genre: Gospel Rap / Holy Hip Hop

Rezurrected Muzic recording artists Minority and Illustrate have joined forces on their latest effort entitled Tha Circus. The album addresses the regional divide in musical styles within the hip hop community while maintaining a unified focus on Christ. Thematically, the album reveals how hip hop music sometimes becomes entrenched in a battle over which style reigns supreme. Musically, the album is ground-breaking and successfully combines elements of virtually every style within the genre. The end result is a unique and diverse genre all its own. Ultimately, Minority and Illustrate embrace the contradictions of hip hop politics while setting aside the differences to focus on the true message behind the music - that Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Producers on the project include: Jason Salter (Dove-nominated K2's, The Carlos Mencias Show, The Baka Boyz), Base Jase (Rhythm of Gospel nominated M.V.P., M.T.V.), DK Kair One, Beats Bionic and Illustrate.


Jack Yates - The Journal of Jack Yates
UPC: 7-93573-78082-9
SRP: $13.98
Genre: Contemporary / Pop / Gospel

“Smooth as silk” and “melodic as the sound of a hummingbird over a gentle spring breeze” are some of the cliches that are mentioned when referring to the vocal stylings of Jack Yates. Former lead singer/producer of 3-time Stellar Award Nominee James Grear and Company, Jack enters the gospel music arena with his first solo project that speaks volumes to humanity in the 21st Century. The Journal of Jack Yates is filled with messages of love and inspiration presented through the medium of music and spoken word with Jazz, R&B, and Rock influences. This project has something for everyone as it includes an earth shaking traditional hymn coupled with words of wisdom from Jack’s personal journal. Produced by Jack and the esteemed Pharis Evans, you will find your heart filled with inspiration as this project encourages you to continue on your life's journey...no matter who or where you are.

New Releases - Week of December 1, 2009

This week's new releases:

Brooke Fraser - What To Do With Daylight [abridged]
UPC: 6-34457-51882-7
SRP: $8.99
Genre: Pop

Brooke Fraser is a verifiable superstar in Australia, New Zealand and, more recently, the U.S. Originally released in Australia and New Zealand in 2004 (and the precursor to the 2008 U.S. release of her second blockbuster solo effort entitled “Albertine” which yielded a Top 5 hit at Christian Radio with the single “Shadowfeet”), “What To Do With Daylight” was the initial impetus for Brooke’s burgeoning career and eventual worldwide success. Music lovers in the States often identify her as a member of the modern worship outfit Hillsong United, as she has penned some of their most beloved hymns including “Hosanna,” “Lead Me To The Cross” and “Lord of Lords.”

In anticipation of a brand-new solo album tentatively slated for the Summer of 2010, “What To Do With Daylight” is being released in the U.S. to reinforce the successes Brooke has experienced over the course of the last couple years. To date, the album has only been available as an import and, more recently, digitally. With the public demand at a high level for all things Brooke Fraser, this is a great catalog item which will prove to be an evergreen seller over the course of time.


Beckah Shae - Emmanuel
UPC: 8-59702-55712-7
SRP: $12.99
Genre: Christmas / Contemporary

Beckah Shae’s destiny was mirrored in a simple act at an early age. The little girl, who was already often called a songbird, was recorded singing, “Jesus Loves Me” at the age of 2. Beckah’s mother was raised in a traditional Jewish home, and her conversion to Christianity was a crucial element in guiding Beckah to her own faith and witness through music. Following several confirmations, Beckah heard the call of God to move to Nashville in 2002. It was there God revealed a bigger vision for the songbird. Little did she know, God was working to provide a musical and life-long marriage partner to help take her music to the next level. Beckah was introduced to Shoc, a rising young producer who had previously worked with Christian artists such as tobyMac, Group 1 Crew, and Lil’ iRocc Williams.

With two previous independent albums under their belt (“Butterfly” & “Joy”), the artist/producer team of Beckah and Shoc have created quite a stir in the Christian arena and have garnered attention from some true Christian industry heavyweights. Beckah was featured on Jonny Lang’s latest work “Turn Around” and has been tracking vocals for tobyMac’s upcoming release slated for February, 2010. Their latest effort, “Emmanuel”, is being released just in time for the Christmas season. Choc-full of classic Christmas songs celebrating “the reason for the season”, Beckah’s voice shines through brilliantly, and the production is clear, crisp and contemporary while still capturing the true essence of traditional Christ-centered holiday favorites. Many of the tracks are low-key, but Beckah finds plenty of opportunity to show her fun side on tunes like “Christmas Love” and “Most Beautiful Time of the Year”. In a musical landscape where many Christmas albums have only a few choice morsels to choose from, Beckah Shae provides a truly enjoyable Christmas album from start to finish.

New Releases - Week of June 23, 2009

This week's new releases:


Young Decent - God's Way
UPC: 8-84501-12080-7
SRP: $12.99
Genre: Urban Gospel / Hip-Hop

New Releases - Week of May 12, 2009

This week's new releases:

Sara Renner - All For Love
UPC: 7-03132-28932-8
SRP: $12.99
Genre: Pop

You listen to music to feel good, to remind you of good times and to comfort you in sad times. Remember the feeling you got when you heard Anita Baker sing “Sweet Love” and you wanted to be in love just like that? Or have you ever sat on the dock overlooking a crystal clear lake and looked up at the stars and listened to Stevie Wonder’s “As”… “until the rainbow burns the stars out of the sky , until the ocean covers every mountain high..I’ll be lovin’ you always”…couldn’t you just feel the love of your Creator?

Sara Renner's music is passionate. On her fourth album entitled "All For Love," Sara strays away from her traditional jazz-laden, soulful gospel format to explore a more "poppy" style. Fans of her previous efforts will rediscover the signature voice they know and love. Teamed up once again with producer Nate Sabin (Sara Groves), a remarkable album has been assembled which will appeal to Sara's rabid fan base while, at the same time, draw interest from a whole new segment of music lovers.


breathedeep - Different
UPC: 7-03132-28922-9
SRP: $11.99
Genre: Modern Worship

In a cluttered contemporary Christian scene packed with a plethora of worship clones, the term authenticity may be thrown around a lot though, in reality, is rarely executed to its fullest degree. However, for the members of breathedeep, pouring out an authentic artistic outpouring is only half the battle, instead filling up the remainder of the equation with an amazingly genuine approach to vertical songwriting that doesn't just focus on the sunshine drenched satisfactions of life, but also its disruptive chaos and constant stream of trials. Both are bold paths indeed, but ones founders Mike King (with a troupe of instrumental backers) unashamedly walks throughout their sophomore effort, laying down all burdens before the cross while simultaneously offering unconditional glory to God.

GospelDepot.com & Napster Grant Prominent Placement To The Damascus Experience

Napster & GospelDepot.com have both granted prominent placement on their sites for the new album from The Damascus Experience. The title will be featured in the New Release section for the week of 5/6/08.

Riding on the success of "Sword of the Spirit" which saw The Damascus Experience (TDX) being played on over 300 plus radio stations in the US, Australia, Europe and Israel, The Damascus Experience releases its 3rd album entitled "Born For The Battle" on Prince of Peace Records. Bringing their unique ability to completely fuse all styles of music into one sound, TDX embodies the art of worship through song in a way that transcends many racial and cultural boundaries.

The Damascus Experience is full of revelation for a world in crisis. As the leader of a "musical church of Acts", Rich Spremich, like Paul, witnessed a rebirth through crisis and uses TDX as a platform to share the good news of Jesus Christ to a world in need...a world that doesn't necessarily begin where the church door ends.