Guy’s new No.1 single ties him with Abba, Dean Martin, Roy Orbison, The Rolling Stones and most recently P!nk who have also gained six chart-topping hits during their careers on the Australian charts (1940 to 2012). “Battle Scars” becomes the 997^th No.1 single in Australia (1940 to 2012) and the 431^st for ARIA (1983 to 2012), plus it’s the fourth song to debut at No.1 this year, the fifth No.1 for an Australian, and the fourteenth No.1 of the year so far, as we were up to our tenth this time last year with Gotye.

As Guy did with his last No.1 single, he does again with this one. Eve had never had a No.1 single in Australia, and when she did a guest vocal on Guy’s “Who’s That Girl” (Dec 2010 & Jan 2011, two weeks) it became her first No.1 appearance on the Australian charts. Now guy does it again with his guest on this new track, Lupe Fiasco who has not been any higher than No.5 with “The Show Goes On” (peaked March 2011), scoring his first No.1 appearance here.

Upon hearing ‘Battle Scars’ was a #1 ARIA single Guy said “I’m blown away by the response to the song and so stoked that people have connected to the song. It was completely unexpected but TOTALLY welcome!!! Very grateful.”

To date, Guy has released six consecutive Platinum selling studio albums with his last two single track releases ‘Gold’ and ‘Don’t Worry Be Happy’ reaching Gold and 4 x Platinum sales respectively.

[info from Sony Music]

His recent solo country performance debut at the 2012 CMA Music Festival in Nashville resulted in a host of media and fan accolades. Of his song, “One Mississippi,” USA Today’s Lucas Hendrickson writes, “Note to country radio programmers: keep an ear out for ‘One Mississippi.’ And keep a spoon handy, for you will be eating this song up with it.”

“I grew up listening to country music,” Powell tells Billboard. “It was a big part of shaping me musically and I think that’s pretty evident in Third Day music. There’s always been little tinge of it.”

To help further shape the sound he was looking for, Powell worked with producer Jason Hoard who has been touring with Third Day since 2010. Hoard, a multi-instrumentalist, played banjo and mandolin on the album and also contributed to the songwriting credits along with famed tunesmith Brett James (“Jesus Take the Wheel,” “Love You Out Loud,” “Out Last Night,” “When the Sun Goes Down”).

“I started writing with Brett. He was really the first step,” says Powell in his Billboard interview. “We just hit it off really well and came up with a lot of ideas in a short amount of time, and then Jason worked on a few of those ideas as well. We started recording them and it just started feeling great.

“There have been so many times in the past that I had song ideas that didn’t really fit lyrically or musically with Third Day,” Powell wrote on his personal Tumblr site, announcing the project. “I filed those songs away to the ‘maybe sometime’ category. Well, that time is now.”

Powell is already booked for over two dozen shows this summer and fall to introduce fans to his new music. He’s back by a seasoned group of country musicians, affectionately named The Backsliders, and although it’s a bit of a change for an artist whose primary outlet puts him in front of thousands of fans a night, it’s a change he clearly feels led to follow. “It’s different to think about getting in a van with a trailer and driving five to eight hours a night,” Powell told USATODAY.com. “It’s something I never thought I would do again, but when you’re driven to get this music out, you’ll do it.”

Powell also stresses that his work with Third Day continues, with the band putting the finishing touches on a new album – helmed by veteran rock producer Brendan O’Brien – that’s due for release this fall with a Spring 2013 tour to follow.

Long known as Christian music’s premier live band, Third Day has played for audiences reaching into the millions all around the world. They have been featured by top media outlets including “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” (NBC), “The Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson,” (CBS), “60 Minutes” (CBS), ABC’s “Nightline,” USA Today, the New York Times, and even graced the cover of Billboard magazine which dubbed them “one of the best rock bands.”

About Mac Powell:

As front man for Third Day, Powell has contributed to the Atlanta-based, multi-Platinum act’s 27 No. 1 radio singles and more than seven million album sales, including two RIAA Platinum as well as eight Gold certifications. A Georgia Music Hall of Fame inductee (2009), Third Day has garnered 24 career GMA Dove Awards from 42 nominations, four GRAMMY Awards (with 11 career nominations), an American Music Award (with three American Music Award nominations) and multiple ASCAP honors, including its coveted Vanguard Award, for songwriting.

SIGNS RECORDING AGREEMENT WITH UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP

 ROD STEWART’S ALBUM MERRY CHRISTMAS, BABY OUT NOVEMBER 9.

Expanding its creative investment further, Universal Music Group has signed iconic artist Rod Stewart to a long-term worldwide recording agreement, it was announced today by Lucian Grainge, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr. Stewart and his manager, Arnold Stiefel.

As part of this multi-album deal, the two-time Hall of Famer has teamed with Grammy award-winning producer, songwriter and Verve Music Group Chairman David Foster to record his first Christmas album.  Stewart’s warm, expressive and distinctively raspy voice is proving a perfect fit for the holiday classics. The album will also feature a handful of star-studded vocal duets and is scheduled for release this fall via Verve Music Group.

“I’ve known Rod and Arnold for many years and have been wanting to work with them for some time,” stated Mr. Grainge. “Rod possesses one of pop music’s most inventive and memorable voices; and we’re delighted to be part of the next great chapter in his already storied career.”

“UMG remains committed to artistic creativity and expanding opportunities for artists in the marketplace,” continued Mr. Grainge. “And nowhere is this more evident than in our new partnership with an artist of Rod’s caliber.”

Rod Stewart commented, “I’m confident that by partnering with my fellow CBE, Lucian, and his cracking, top-notch company, we have the best team in the business. And the chance to work again with David Foster makes it that much sweeter.” 

“This is a match made in heaven,” Arnold Stiefel declared.  “Rod’s writing spirit has been rekindled and Universal is the perfect keeper of the flame.”

With his soulful and singular voice, narrative songwriting and passionate live performances, Rod Stewart has paved one of the most iconic and successful musical careers of all time.  In July, he will reunite with Stevie Nicks to reprise their acclaimed Heart & Soul tour and in September he will return to his Las Vegas residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace.

During Stewart’s iconic five decade-long career, he has sold more than 150 million albums worldwide, scored countless charting hits, 18 Grammy nominations and two inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  He is a Grammy Living Legend and in 2007 was bestowed the prestigious CBE (Commander of The British Empire)title by the Queen of England.

For more information, visit www.rodstewart.com.

 ROD STEWART’S ALBUM MERRY CHRISTMAS, BABY OUT NOVEMBER 9.

Tooth & Nail Records’ rock trio Children 18:3 receives rave reviews for their third label release, On The Run, available today. In addition to the media praise, Children 18:3’s current radio single “Moment to Moment” broke into the Top 10 on the Rock charts. Watch the album trailer here to get a taste of what fans are talking about.

Media outlets such as JesusFreakHideout and IndieVisionMusic are featuring this Minnesota-based rock group on their homepages as well as this week’s New Release Tuesday podcast, which you can listen to here. In addition last week, Alternative Press premiered “We’ll Never Say Goodbye” from On The Run. Children 18:3 will also be featured in CCM Magazine as well as HM Magazine. Here is what media outlets are saying about On the Run:

“Children 18:3 are three for three with one of 2012′s better rock efforts, and it still stands that no one else really brings their trademark sound to the table like this trio, remaining a Tooth & Nail distinctive in the process.”

– JesusFreakHideout

“On The Run by Children 18:3 is without a doubt the top punk rock album of the year. I can’t get enough of this album, which is one of the catchiest and most hope-filled emotional rock albums I’ve ever heard.”

- New Release Tuesday

“On the Run is an energizing record of palm-muted guitar and poppy, upbeat drums. The standout, “Moment to Moment,” will have no problem becoming your new guilty pleasure.”

- Seattle Weekly

“On The Run - Catchy and Super-Charged”

– About.com

“They spread their proverbial wings for this release and created an album that is as unique as they are.”

- Indie Vision Music

“The band stands tall as being a band that is in a class of its own.”

– Emurg

“They have truly matured in their sound and style with this album.  Risks have been taken, and they prove to be risks worth taking.”

– Rawkzilla

Fans can catch the band performing the new tunes from On the Run as special guests on the DisTOURtion 2012 Tour with Blessed By A Broken Heart and Write This Down along with special guest Rocky Loves Emily. This tour will begin August 1st through September.

Dallas, Texas-Based Covenant Church

New Standing CD/DVD Set for Global Release August 6

Integrity Music announces a new partnership with Covenant Worship, the music ministry of Dallas, Texas-based Covenant Church for the distribution and sale of worship music and resources beginning with the August 6^th release of Standing, a combined CD/DVD.

Originally founded in 1976, Covenant has grown to encompass five campuses that serve the greater Dallas area. A non-denominational church in fellowship with 70 other congregations, Covenant reflects the changing, multi-cultural face of the American church. And Covenant’s music, including original songs penned by their worship team, reflects this diversity, combining a multitude of styles and influences.

With Standing, Integrity introduces the dynamic music of this 10,000-member congregation led by Pastors Mike and Kathy Hayes and featuring worship pastors David and Nicole Binion. The CD/DVD combo includes 13 songs and 6 live worship videos featuring Covenant’s choir and worship team led by the Binions and worship leaders Joshua DuFrene and Colin Edge.

“The music of Covenant Worship represents the blending of cultures and styles into songs that will touch a large segment of today’s Church,” said Craig Dunnagan, Vice President of Music Publishing and Worship Resources.  “Integrity Music is excited and honored to be walking alongside Covenant in their calling to equip worship leaders, choirs and individuals around the world with the music and resources being birthed in their ministry.”

“As a pastor, a songwriter, and a worshipper, I can hardly express my feelings of excitement and gratefulness for our partnership with Integrity,” adds David Binion. “Over the last several years, we have been writing songs at Covenant Church that we truly believe in, songs about God’s power to move in His people today… to share these songs with churches around the world is the fulfillment of a God-given passion, and simply a dream come true! I am thrilled to see where God takes us in this new season – as a worship team, as a church, and as the Kingdom of God.”

Standing will be available everywhere Christian music is sold beginning August 7. The complete track list for the CD/DVD is:

CD                                                                   DVD

1.   Standing                                                                          1.   Standing

2.   We Sing                                                                           2.   Taste and See

3.   Faithful                                                                           3.   Your Great Love

4.   Walls Come Down                                                        4.   We Will Believe

5.   Taste and See                                                                                5.   Dwell

6.   Heaven on Earth                                                           6.   Heaven on Earth

7.   Dwell

8.   Your Great Love

9.   Never Going Back

10. We Will Believe

11. My Heart Cries

12. We Will Declare

13. Nobody Like You

To view a live performance of “Standing,” visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuMAAI-MO-w. For additional information on Covenant Worship and Covenant Church, visit http://www.covenantchurch.org.

Already confirmed to return to Australia this September for the Deni Ute Muster, Chugg Entertainment are thrilled to confirm that the certified pop sensation, Kelly Clarkson, will also be playing a run of national arena shows on her return to our shores this year.

The tour will travel around the country starting at Brisbane Entertainment Centre on Tuesday 25th September, Sydney Entertainment Centre on Thursday 27th September, Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena on Monday 1st October, Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Wednesday 3rd October and finishing up at Perth’s Challenge Stadium on Friday 5th October.  Tickets for all shows go on sale Wednesday 11th July 9am (local time).

Kelly’s acclaimed career took off after winning the inaugural American Idol competition in 2002. Her first album was released in 2003, and now, five albums and countless top-ten hits later, Kelly continues to wow crowds.

Her latest album, STRONGER, debuted at #3 on the ARIA Albums Chart and is certified platinum.  All 5 of Kelly’s albums have debuted in the Top 5 here in Australia. Her current single, Darkside, is  now featuring in the promo spots for Channel 7′s Once Upon A Time. The first single, Mr. Know It All is certified 3x Platinum and 2nd single Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You) certified 2x platinum.  Kelly recently won a Country Music Association Award and 2 American Country Music Awards for her hit single with Jason Aldean, Don’t You Wanna Stay.

Since bursting onto the music scene 10 years ago, Kelly Clarkson has released 5 studio albums, sold over 20 million albums worldwide (including nearly 1 million in Australia) and notched eight singles on the Top 10 on the Aria Singles chart.  Prior to the release of 2011′s STRONGER she had released four studio albums, 2003’s platinum No. 2 THANKFUL, 2004’s 7x-platinum BREAKAWAY (which has sold over 12 million copies worldwide, spawned five Top 10 hits, and stayed on the charts for two years), 2007′s platinum-selling MY DECEMBER, and 2009′s platinum-selling ALL I EVER WANTED, which produced the smash singles My Life Would Suck Without You and Already Gone. Clarkson has also received two Grammy Awards, two American Music Awards, two MTV Music Awards, and 11 Billboard Music Awards.

Part of Kelly’s appeal is her ability to cross over.  Her vocal range is outstanding, and her style isn’t easy to pigeon hole. In fact, she became the first ever artist to top the Billboard Hot 100 in the Country Songs, Adult Contemporary, Adult Pop Songs and Dance/ Club Play Songs charts, no mean feat considering the divergent audiences these categories appeal to.

Currently opening for Kelly Clarkson in the USA, and joining her on this leg of Australian dates is Denver-based foursome, The Fray.  The band’s 2005 debut album How To Save A Life reached #1 in the ARIA charts and achieved double platinum status in Australia. It also featured the #1, double platinum, hit single of the same name How To Save A Life.  The album also received a 2010 Grammy nomination for the band.  Their second self titled album The Fray reached #3 in the ARIA charts and spawned the #1 smash hit single You Found Me which was also double platinum certified in Australia.  Their third album, Scars & Stories was released in November 2011, an album which transforms their real life experiences into a collection of songs that are reflective, but still maintain a pop sensibility.

Opening the stage for the evening will be local chanteuse, Sarah De Bono.  With her candy-coloured hair and a turbo-charged attitude, Sarah De Bono was a major force during the debut broadcast of television juggernaut The Voice, on Channel Nine. Rock chick, pop star, style chameleon…each performance brought the audience closer to Sarah, taking her to into their hearts and in turn, she took them on her journey.

This is set to be a dynamic show, jam-packed with power melodies and big, pop hooks.  Do not miss out.

KELLY CLARKSON
WITH SPECIAL GUESTS THE FRAY AND SARAH DE BONO

TOUR DATES

For more information go to:
www.chuggentertainment.com

 As the old saying goes….all good things must come to an end.  It was announced today by Downhere that the band will end their music ministry in January 2013 with a final tour this fall.  Dates will be announced in the near future.

Statement from Downhere:

Hello friends,

It is with many memories and deep feelings that we relay to you the decision we have made over the course of the last year.  January 1, 2013 will mark the end of our traveling ministry for the foreseeable future.  

It has become very clear to us that this chapter of our journey, initiated by God, is drawing to a close. While we mourn the end of this season we also celebrate over a decade of ministry. It has been hard work and our families have paid a big price. The friends, songs, experiences, and lives changed as a result of hearing the truth of God’s love has sustained us through many years and miles.  

For those of you who know us well you know that this is not a band breakup. In fact, we are open to playing a select few shows or events in the future. After many years and miles spent together we have become a band of brothers who love each other dearly. There is not one single variable that has initiated this change; rather it would seem the same sovereign hand that has guided us together for this season is now leading us in different directions. We are grateful for the role everyone has played in our lives. Your encouragement and support over the years has carried us through thick and thin.  

We have always wanted to finish well. We believe that means finishing together, as a band… and that is what we are going to do. We are working on setting up a few wrap-up shows this fall.  More information will be forthcoming as things get solidified. 

Sincerely,

Jason, Marc, Glenn, & Jeremy

Downhere’s final album for Centricity Music is their current project On The Altar Of Love, received rave reviews withTheFish.com saying,, Plain and simple, this is a band that knows how to write to its strengths and play its songs to the hilt, and this is an album worth acclaim. Downhere has enjoyed great chart success over the years as “Here I Am” and “Hope Is Rising” peaked at #5 and #17 on the AC charts, while “My Last Amen” peaked at #5 on the CHR charts.  All of the songs are from Downhere’s previous project Ending Is Beginning that media heralded as their strongest studio album at that time. Downhere released their first Christmas project in 2009, based on the enormous success of “How Many Kings” that peaked at #4 on the charts.  Also during their illustrious twelve-year career, Downhere has garnered 13 Covenant Awards, 4 Juno Awards and a Dove Award for Modern Rock Recorded Song of the Year.  The group’s most recent Covenant awards were for Song of the Year (Let Me Rediscover You) and Pop/ Contemporary Album of the Year (Two At  A Time).  Two At  A Time was released in the summer of 2010 and had two new songs plus B-sides, including the single, “You’re Not Alone.”

For more information on Downhere’s upcoming tour please visit their website, www.downhere.com or www.myspace.com/downhere.

The Midsummer Station – Out August 20th

First Single Good Time, Duet with Carly Rae Jepsen – out now digitally

Owl City has announced details of his new full-length studio album The Midsummer Station due out August 20th. It was a month ago when we announced news of the new album and gave fans a taste of what to expect with the release the Shooting Star EP on Tuesday, May 15th. Since then, through a series of incredibly successful Twitter interviews where #OCTMS trended worldwide, Owl City revealed the details of the album along with the incredible cover art.

Owl City’s Adam Young took a bold step forward on the new album by choosing to work with co-writers and outside producers for the first time. For example when it came to working on “Shooting Star” – the first song released and one of the focus tracks on the album – he enlisted his friend Matt Thiessen (Relient K), Stargate (Rihanna, Wiz Khalifa) and Robopop (Maroon 5), and on “Gold” – another focus track on the album – he enlisted the team of Josh Crosby, Nate Campany, and Emily Wright (Dr. Luke’s engineer).

In addition, Young is joined by two very exciting guests on the new album. On “Dementia,” Young is joined by one of his heroes, blink-182’s Mark Hoppus. The song documents some of the more psychotic thoughts and feelings Young dealt with in the wake of his platinum debut album Ocean Eyes and one of the more rock-inspired cuts on the new album. And on the album’s first single, the incredibly infectious pop gem “Good Time” (written and produced by Adam Young, with Matthew Thiessen and Brian Lee as co-writers), Young is joined in a duet by “Call Me Maybe” star Carly Rae Jepsen.

When asked about working with Jepsen, Young said…

I love Carly’s song “Call Me Maybe.” I remember hearing it for the first time and immediately became a huge fan of hers – it is absolutely contagious. A bit later, I actually found out that she had known of my music for a while and even went to a couple of shows of mine in Vancouver so I definitely knew I wanted to collaborate with her.

And Jepsen had this to say about working with Young…

This song is pure, sweet summer. Big thanks to Adam for letting me sing on it. I hope it makes people smile. Abandon all plans and take an impromptu road trip!

This mutual admiration and excitement to work together can be heard on “Good Time” – an undeniable summer anthem. By embracing the idea of working with others, Young was able to grow as an artist and producer and really explore new aspects of song writing and production. This openness was born out of several positive experiences collaborating with other artists including Paul van Dyk (“Eternity”) and Armin van Buuren (“Youtopia”). The eleven songs on the new album reflect this growth while still retaining Young’s synth driven melodic pop sensibility.

www.owlcitymusic.com

ALBUM: The Midsummer Station – out 20 August

SINGLE: GOOD TIME – OUT NOW!

Keith Urban is without a doubt one of the hottest acts touring Australia this year.  Following the huge success of the The Story So Far Tour confirmation less than two weeks ago, his legions of fans have spoken and snatched up all available tickets for his show. In order to meet the demand of those who missed out, more shows will now be added in Brisbane and Sydney.

Following this huge response, Chugg Entertainment and Nine Live can now confirm that new shows will be added to the run at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on Sunday 27th January on the eve of the Australia Day public holiday and Allphones Arena in Sydney on Thursday 31st January.

With The Story So Far tour beginning on home soil for Urban, no more shows will be added to the Australian itinerary, as he takes the show overseas.  Do not miss your chance to see this dynamic performer and elite musician do what he does best.

KEITH URBAN : THE STORY SO FAR TOUR

Friday 25 JanuaryEntertainment Centre, Brisbane – SOLD OUT
Saturday 26 JanuaryEntertainment Centre, Brisbane – SOLD OUT
Sunday 27 JanuaryEntertainment Centre, Brisbane – NEW SHOW

Wednesday 30 JanuaryAllphones Arena, Sydney – SOLD OUT
Thursday 31 JanuaryAllphones Arena, Sydney – NEW SHOW

Saturday 2 FebruaryRod Laver Arena, Melbourne – SOLD OUT
Sunday 3 FebruaryRod Laver Arena, Melbourne – ON SALE NOW

ALL TICKETS ON SALE THROUGH TICKETEK
www.ticketek.com.au 132 849

For more information go to:
www.keithurban.net
www.chuggentertainment.com
www.theinsoundfromwayout.com

WITH HIS NEW SONG

FINDING YOU 

AVAILABLE NOW ON ITUNES

Australia’s Got Talent 2011 winner JACK VIDGEN returned to AGT to perform his new single FINDING YOU.  Just as he did time and time again during the 2011 season, Jack once again blew the judges and audience away with his powerful voice and flawless performance.

FINDING YOU showcases a new sound for Jack as he releases his first pop/dance track.  Upbeat and melodic, it could easily be heard on dance floors across the country!  Written by Ilan Kidron from The Potbellez and Louis Schoorl, it will certainly surprise many of Jack’s fans.

“I loved singing FINDING YOU on Australia’s Got Talent last night, on the very stage that started my amazing musical career a year ago.   It was very exciting to share it with the AGT judges, the audience and fans.  I hope everyone loves it as much as I do,” Jack said after his performance.

Jack Vidgen captivated the Australian public during the 2011 season of Australia’s Got Talent as a 14 year old with his larger than life performances.  Since winning he has recorded two albums, completed his first tour, travelled to the US representing Australia at G’Day USA events in LA, New York and Houston and appeared at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas on the America’s Got Talent live shows late last year.

FINDING YOU is available now on iTunes.