EMI's New Faces Showcase

New Faces Showcase
Gospel Music Week: Entry Nine (Wednesday, 4/22 2-3:30pm)

Wednesday afternoon I was privileged to be part of a small group invited to EMI's home offices for a showcase of several of their newest artists. These five artists- Above the Golden State, Danyew, Britt Nicole, Sarah Reeves & Josh Wilson- are all presently touring together as part of an innovative tour called the New Faces Tour. It was a great way to end GMA Week for me, reminding me that not only are there a number of strong established acts anchoring the CCM scene, but there are numerous gifted young artists who are arriving on the scene, and will continue to carry the torch into the future. Artists like Francesca Battistelli, Brandon Heath, Leeland and Tenth Avenue North bode well for the future. As GMA president John Styll aptly stated in one session this week, neither music nor the gospel are going to disappear from the cultural landscape, so we can safely assume that gospel music, in some form, will likewise continue to come to bear as well.
When I hear artists like these, my heart is encouraged, and I know that the gospel message will indeed continue forward from the words, both spoken and sung, of these young troubadours. Texas native Josh Wilson is a gifted singer-songwriter whose 2008 release "Trying to Fit the Ocean in a Cup" is one of my favorite albums of the last year, and can be picked up by inquisitive listeners for a mere $7.99. Sarah Reeves is a gentle worship leader from Alabama, while Danyew is a California-born worshipper with a fresh sound. Both unleashed excellent 6-song introductory albums for $5's each this past week. Above the Golden State is a Oregon-bred 3-piece pop-rock band with a $7.99 full length debut currently in stores. Britt Nicole will be unleashing a new project (her second) on August 11th. I was truly blown away by all three songs she shared, her musical diversity, her richly textured vocals and her obvious heart to glorify God. If these songs are any indication, she is growing way beyond the pop sounds of her excellent debut, and will be a force to be reckoned with in the future! Of all the artists, she was my biggest surpise, and I eagerly anticipate her next album.
EMI is making a concerted effort to sign excellent new artists, who have a depth of talent that will transcend trends and one-hit wonders. Additionally, they've launched a new initiative called Now Hear This to make new artists worth the consumer risk. So far, EMI has released $7.99 full-length debut projects from Above the Golden State, Capital Lights, Julian Drive, Phillip LaRue, Kristian Stanfill and Josh Wilson. In addition, they've released $5 6-song projects to introduce artists like Abandon, Danyew, Philmont, Sarah Reeves and Jason Allen Rich. The goal is to deliver 6 songs now, and another 6-song disc in about 6 months, providing new music not only at a low-risk price point, but also more often. Future artists will include Chris & Conrad, Future of Forestry, Christy Nockels and Seven Stories Up. For a limited time, EMI is offering a 13-song Now Hear This Sampler for $1.99 or FREE with the purchase of any featured title. What a great opportunity to check out a baker's dozen of promising new artists and hopefully find a few new favorites! When's the last time you got 18 great songs for $5? Yeah, I've never (legally) gotten that before either! Not only is it a great deal, but you'll be getting in on the ground floor of some truly amazing artists. Grace & Peace. -Mike