Seattle, WA…March 28, 2011…BEC Recordings’ brings out the softer side with the newest signing of female singer/songwriter Jessa Anderson to the label family.  Anderson will release her label debut, Not Myself Anymore, on May 17th.  The label-debut album was produced by Brandon Perdue (The CO, The Ember Days) and Kevin Bruchert (The Glorious Unseen, Abandon).

Already, this artist has been making a name for herself with her radio debut single, “Not What I Thought,” impacting AC and CHR radio as it was New and Active as well as on the National Christian Audience chart. New fans can check out two of Jessa’s songs from the forthcoming label debut on her Facebook by simply “like”-ing her page.  This young mom is grateful for this opportunity to share her heart and music on a larger scale. 

“I seriously almost had a nervous breakdown the night before we left to start doing concerts [full-time], because it was weird to picture myself doing what I wanted to do and being on the stage,” shares Jessa, “now it’s up to me to say what I want to say and present [these] songs that are so personal to me.”

Drawing from an influential pool of strong female songwriters such as Sara Groves, Nichole Nordeman and Ginny Owens, Anderson’s music reflects a constant wrestling with the unknown and the darkest parts of humanity right alongside the gritty, everyday things that make up the human life.

“I always gravitated toward women who were writing their own music and just that honesty. That’s what I like to listen to, and hopefully that’s what I’m communicating when I’m writing songs, too,” she shares.

More About Jessa Anderson:
A 20-something Michigan native met her singer/songwriter husband, Jordan, while touring with Cedarville University. Shortly after she transferred to Belmont University and they married, the couple decided to pursue music full-time. With no back-up plan, they struck out on their own recording albums independently and booking their own shows. Jordan plays guitar for his wife, and he and their young daughter (Lorelei, of course inspired by “Gilmore Girls”) continue to travel with Jessa full-time.

SEATTLE, WA–March 24, 2011– Aaron Gillespie is launching his debut single’s music video, “We Were Made For You,” produced by Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse, today exclusively at GodTube.com. Click here to view the video. 

Last month musician Aaron Gillespie traveled to Haiti with Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse to see first-hand the work of the organizations, as well as to tape a documentary that will debut this summer. Gillespie hopes that this music video and the upcoming documentary will bring back an awareness to Haiti since the 2010 earthquake as well as the work of BGEA and Samaritan’s Purse.

“God’s heart is humanity, and you really find it in Haiti. We are so convinced that we have it all figured out here, with our prosperity and all of our stuff, but we don’t. Gods heart is waiting, go find it,” shares Aaron Gillespie upon returning from his trip.

The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team and Samaritan’s Purse deployed within 24 hours of the tragic earthquake and has maintained a strong presence in the country since.  The two groups are meeting the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the families that have been affected by the earthquake. Samaritan’s Purse has provided shelter for more than 10,000 families and over 50,000 Haitians.

Gillespie and his wife, Jamie, visited various areas and worked with these organizations to learn more about the country and the current situation.  Areas that Gillespie visited include the small villages of Titanyen and Simonette, Jesus’ Name orphanage as well as the Samaritan’s Purse Cite Soleil Cholera Treatment Center.

While visiting the Jesus’ Name orphanage, the director Jean Louis Esaie and the children personally touched Gillespie and his wife. While they were visiting, they saw the urgent need for a new latrine at the orphanage. The funds raised will go to this and other immediate needs at Jesus’ Name. A portion of the music video includes Aaron playing with the kids from Jesus’ Name. Also launching today is a micro-site, which includes a trailer for the documentary, exclusive photos from Aaron’s visit to Haiti, plus links to how you can join Aaron in helping the people of Haiti. You can visit www.ransom.tv/AaronG

For more information on Aaron Gillespie, follow him on Twitter @AaronRGillespie as well as on his Facebook http://www.facebook.com/AaronRGillespie. His solo debut, Anthem Song, is available now in stores and digital outlets. He is also touring nationwide – check his website for dates near you.  http://www.aarongillespie.com

- ### -

About Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA)
BGEA proclaims the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ throughout the world by every effective means available. From its headquarters in Charlotte, N.C., BGEA directs a wide range of domestic and international evangelism ministries, including: large-scale Festivals led by evangelists Franklin Graham and Will Graham; Dare to Be a Daniel, a youth evangelism training project; My Hope World Evangelism Through Television; the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team, offering the hope of Jesus Christ in the midst of tragedy; and many others. 

About Samaritan’s Purse
Samaritan’s Purse is an international Christian relief organization that provides immediate, no-red-tape response to the physical and spiritual needs of individuals in crisis situations – especially in locations where few others are working.  Samaritan’s Purse has worked in more than 100 countries to provide aid to victims of war, disease, disaster, poverty, famine and persecution.

SEATTLE, WA–March 16, 2011 — BEC Recordings’ Aaron Gillespie’s solo debut, Anthem Song, has received widespread attention.  After releasing strong last week, Gillespie’s single, “We Were Made For You,” has been selected as the featured iTunes Discovery Download this week.  Fans can snag this track for FREE as well as the entire album for $7.99 at iTunes now. 

Anthem Song resounded loudly with fans as it charted in the Top 10 at No. 6 on the Billboard Contemporary Christian Albums chart – the second highest selling new release last week. The album also debuted in the Top 20 of the overall iTunes Top Albums, No 2 on the Christian iTunes Albums and No. 1 on Canada’s iTunes Christian charts. The single, “We Were Made For You,” remains in the Top 15 at CHR radio as well.

As an album that was both very personal as well as a long-time coming for Gillespie, Anthem Song continues to receive acclaim from media. GMCtv notes Aaron as “one of the most familiar faces in both hardcore and alternative rock circles (and) amidst the most prolific and varied.” Hollywood Jesus states that this album has “everything from great melodies to musical diversity to solid lyrics, these songs are very well done.” Likewise, Christian Music Zine praises the debut single as “a song that deserves to be played from town to town.” Fans can also hear an in-depth interview with Aaron this week on the NewReleaseTuesday podcast.

Here are some comments from fans who are loving Anthem Song: 

“Aaron Gillespie has never sung with more emotion or passion, and it carries the album from start to finish.” 

“His musical diversity is so awesome and inspiring.”

“Aaron lives, sings, and worships at full throttle.”

- ### - 

About Aaron Gillespie & Anthem Song:
Anthem Song was sparked by a trip in 2010 to Uganda with Compassion International.  Following this trip, Gillespie retired his role as drummer for the popular metalcore band Underoath and began writing and recording for Anthem Song.  He remains the frontman of the indie-rock band he founded, The Almost.  Follow Aaron on Twitter @AaronRGillespie as well as on his Facebook http://www.facebook.com/AaronRGillespie 

Catch Aaron Gillespie on the Anthem Song Tour:
3/16/11    Madera, CA
3/17/11    Irvine, CA
3/18/11    San Jose, CA
3/19/11    Oroville, CA
3/20/11    Rocklin, CA
3/23/11    Salt Lake City, UT
3/25/11    Corpus Christi, TX – opening for Jeremy Camp
3/26/11    Longview, TX – opening for Jeremy Camp
3/29/11    Coeur d’Alene, ID
3/30/11    Maple Ridge, BC
3/31/11    Seattle, WA
4/01/11    Portland, OR
4/03/11    Vancouver, WA
4/06/11    Highlands Ranch, CO
4/07/11    Albuquerque, NM
4/09/11    College Station, TX
4/12/11    Lafayette, LA
4/13/11    New Orleans, LA
4/14/11    Panama City, FL
4/15/11    Jacksonville, FL
4/17/11    Ajax, ON
5/14/11    Waterloo, ON
5/20/11    Cincinnati, OH
5/27/11    Winnipeg, MB
5/29/11    Edmonton, AB
6/03/11    Des Moines, IA
6/17/11    Brownsville, TX
6/18/11    Ichthus Festival
6/24/11    Billy Graham Evangelical Association – Brookfield, WI
7/03/11    Broken Arrow, OK
7/09/11    Windsor, NY
7/10/11    Fort Wayne, IN
7/14/11    Sonshine Festival
8/05/11    Rock The Desert Festival
8/06/11    Soulfest Festival
8/13/11    Purple Door Festival

SEATTLE, WA–March 08, 2011 — Today, Aaron Gillespie is thrilled to release his album, Anthem Song, to what he hopes is a new generation of worshippers. Upon releasing today, Anthem Song, immediately charted on iTunes debuting at No. 17 on the overall iTunes Top Albums chart, No. 2 on the Christian iTunes Albums chart and No. 1 on Canada’s iTunes Christian chart. 

This album has already been making waves among the media of various musical outlets – from a 4-star review in the March issue of Alternative Press to multiple features sharing the heart behind this album.  Anthem Song has also seen success at radio – as the single “We Were Made For You” climbed three spots to No. 13 at CHR this week.

Media outlets on Anthem Song:

“Anthem Song reaches deeper in Gillespie’s heart than any other project, because it both hearkens to his personal calling as well as his innocent beginnings as a musician.”
- CCM Magazine

“Anthem Song solidifies Gillespie’s position as a gifted artist who continues to craft music that is surprising and refreshing.”
- Crosswalk

“Anthem Song‘s greatest quality its unapologetic fearlessness.”
- Alternative Press 4-star review

“Despite the ironic danger of the genre, Anthem Song is devoid of any preoccupation with ‘self,’ consistently pointing to God’s goodness and glory.”
- Christianity Today

“With Gillespie’s talent and passion, this is an album you are going to want to hear.”
- JesusFreakHideout

“Anthem Song, a true worship record at its finest.”
- AbsolutePunk. net

Fans can also catch Gillespie on tour supporting this new project with dates across the country. He will also be supporting Jeremy Camp on two dates later this month as well as performing at festivals this summer (also listed below). Tour dates are below as well as at http://www.aarongillespie.com. 

About Aaron Gillespie & Anthem Song:
Anthem Song was sparked by a trip in 2010 to Uganda with Compassion International.  Following this trip, Gillespie retired his role as drummer for the popular metalcore band Underoath and began writing and recording for Anthem Song.  He remains the frontman of the indie-rock band he founded, The Almost.  Follow Aaron on Twitter @AaronRGillespie as well as on his Facebook http://www.facebook.com/AaronRGillespie

- ### -

Aaron Gillespie Anthem Song on Tour
3/8/11      Grapevine, TX
3/9/11      Frisco, TX
3/10/11    Perryton, TX
3/11/11    Santa Fe, NM
3/12/11    Lake Havasu City, AZ
3/13/11    Rancho Santa Fe, CA
3/14/11    Scotts Valley, CA
3/16/11    Madera, CA
3/17/11    Irvine, CA
3/18/11    San Jose, CA
3/19/11    Oroville, CA
3/20/11    Rocklin, CA
3/23/11    Salt Lake City, UT
3/25/11    Corpus Christi, TX – opening for Jeremy Camp
3/26/11    Longview, TX – opening for Jeremy Camp
3/29/11    Coeur d’Alene, ID
3/30/11    Maple Ridge, BC
3/31/11    Seattle, WA
4/01/11    Portland, OR
4/03/11    Vancouver, WA
4/06/11    Highlands Ranch, CO
4/07/11    Albuquerque, NM
4/09/11    College Station, TX
4/12/11    Lafayette, LA
4/13/11    New Orleans, LA
4/14/11    Panama City, FL
4/15/11    Jacksonville, FL
4/17/11    Ajax, ON
5/14/11    Waterloo, ON
5/20/11    Cincinnati, OH
5/27/11    Winnipeg, MB
5/29/11    Edmonton, AB
6/03/11    Des Moines, IA
6/17/11    Brownsville, TX
6/18/11    Ichthus Festival
6/24/11    Billy Graham Evangelical Association – Brookfield, WI
7/03/11    Broken Arrow, OK
7/09/11    Windsor, NY
7/10/11    Fort Wayne, IN
7/14/11    Sonshine Festival
8/05/11    Rock The Desert Festival
8/06/11    Soulfest Festival
8/13/11    Purple Door Festival

Seattle, WA…March 03, 2011…BEC Recordings’ newest signing Ryan Stevenson is gearing up for his label debut EP, Yesterday, Today, Forever, on March 22nd. The EP has already produced a Top 15 CHR single with the title track.  Fans can go to his Facebook Page and click “like” and hear the title track and other songs from the upcoming project.  The single “Yesterday, Today, Forever” is also available now at iTunes.  This musical career path comes for Stevenson after years of putting it secondary…until now. 

“When I was graduating high school, my youth pastor gave me a guitar because he felt like God was telling him to, which up until that point, I’d never played, sang or written songs,” notes the Oregon-born/Idaho-based performer.

Attending Northwest Christian College along with other industry familiar faces, Sparrow signee Shawn McDonlad, Gotee artist Paul Wright and BEC’s own executive Tyson Paoletti, Stevenson found himself in the dorm hallway playing with Shawn and Paul.

“God lit a fire in my heart, and I literally learned to play overnight. It just fit and made sense to me, so I started writing songs and leading worship during chapel services.”

However, it wasn’t the time for Stevenson to pursue this career full-time as he graduated and soon got married.  He then devoted himself fully to his career as a paramedic, working 50 hours a week.  It wasn’t until he won a Christian battle of the bands at the Idaho State Fair that Stevenson had a peace to pursue music one last time. His music attracted the attention of mixer Chris Stevens (TobyMac) and his collage-mate Paoletti, who eventually signed him.  The result is the forthcoming release.

Yesterday, Today, Forever EP is an unconventional blend of funky pop, innovative electronica and worship.  The EP release will be supported by Stevenson on tours with Group 1 Crew, Press Play, Rachael Lampa and Charmaine.  It has been a long road to get to this point for Stevenson, and he is embracing what God has in store.

“I believe God takes us through things to strengthen and stretch us and my ministry is about resonating with people, connecting heart to heart, being a source of hope and a voice of compassion. I hope these songs draw us to a new realm of worshipping the creator, breaking down walls and embracing those the world would deem un-embraceable. I want to sharpen the body and speak life and love into my generation.”

-### -

http://www.ryanstevensonmusic.com
http://twitter.com/ryansmusic

Seattle, WA…February 24, 2011…BEC Recordings’ Rapture Ruckus calls New Zealand home, and amongst the most devastating national disaster, Rapture Ruckus is asking fans to help give back. Rapture Ruckus, Brad Dring, talks about the decision to make the song “Hold On” available to share with friends and family. 

“In our country’s darkest hour we pray God’s light will shine brighter than ever before,” shared Brad Dring, Rapture Ruckus. “Over the last few days we’ve seen many people quoting lyrics from our song ‘Hold On’ on Facebook and other social networks. We are giving this free download of the song so you can share it with your friends or anyone you think it may help or encourage. We also hope that those of you unaffected by the earthquake would take this opportunity by donating to help rebuild the lives of those affected by this horrible tragedy.”

Fans can get the song “Hold On” on their Facebook here as well as donate to the New Zealand Salvation Army here.

The news of the earthquake came just after Rapture Ruckus returned from their stellar NZ tour with Newworldson and labelmate Manafest.  The “Welcome To My Space Station” tour sold out in Wellington, Auckland, Palmerston North, Whangarei, and Cambridge. The tour also played at the historic venue in Christchurch, Majestic Theatre, where the Beatles once played. Tour production included 12 LED screens to make a 120 ft wide wall immersing the audience in a world of video and light – mimicking the control room of a space station. Rapture Ruckus has returned to the states and is currently touring with The Museum on the Not For Sale Freedom Tour.

In addition to the touring news, Rapture Ruckus was honored with their first GMA Dove Award nomination.  The BEC Recordings’ self-titled debut was nominated for “Rap / Hip-Hop Album of the Year.” The awards will take place on Wednesday, April 20th in Atlanta, GA and will air on Easter Sunday on GMCtv on April 24th.

About Rapture Ruckus:
Fronted by MC Rapture (Brad Dring), Rapture Ruckus debuted in 2002 at New Zealand’s Parachute Festival (one of the largest music festivals in the Southern Hemisphere) breaking the event’s record for highest-selling new act. Rapture Ruckus has continued touring, supporting bands throughout North America, Europe, Africa and Asia.  Already releasing three albums since their 2002 debut, and winning the 2007 New Zealand Music Award for Best Gospel Album, Rapture Ruckus released their music to the United States via BEC Recordings in 2010. For more information on the force that is Rapture Ruckus, visit http://www.raptureruckus.com/. Follow Rapture Ruckus on Twitter @raptureruckus

- ### -

SEATTLE, WA–February 22, 2011–Last week musician Aaron Gillespie traveled to Haiti with Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association to see the work of the organizations and the progress in rebuilding from last year’s earthquake. This trip preludes Gillespie’s release of his solo album, Anthem Song (Produced by Aaron Sprinkle), on March 8th on Tooth & Nail Records / BEC Recordings. This album is now available for iTunes pre-sale that includes a bonus track only available with the pre-order.

During his three-day trip, Gillespie visited schools and orphanages in the small villages of Titanyen and Simonette as well as the Cite Soleil Cholera Treatment Center. Aaron traveled with his wife Jamie, who has a desire for missions.

“Haiti is beautiful and full of life,” shares Aaron Gillespie upon his return. “It is also mismanaged and they need of a lot of help. Jesus said that we should go everywhere and help people. Let’s go to Haiti as lovers of Christ and pour Him out on that great country in a tangible way. For so long I expected Haiti to be something terrible like the media displays, but in the face of it all there is hope and life there, and it is waiting to be rediscovered and taken back in Jesus’ name.”

Follow Gillespie’s trip and journey in Haiti through the photos captured here. Inspired by the location and people of Haiti, Gillespie also taped footage for a music video for his current single “We Were Made For You.” Footage was gathered from various locations across Haiti – from an old abandoned factory in Titanyen to the landmark National Cathedral in Port-au-Prince where Gillespie had the opportunity to play guitar alongside a 63-year-old Haitian who was blind. Watch this video as Gillespie gives the talented musician his own Fender guitar.

Anthem Song was sparked by a trip in 2010 to Uganda with Compassion International.  Following this trip, Gillespie retired his role as drummer for the popular metalcore band Underoath and began writing and recording for Anthem Song.  He remains the frontman of the indie-rock band he founded, The Almost.  Fans can still pre-order Anthem Song in a variety of bundles at www.aarongmerch.com as well as here.  Another hot pre-order is available at Family Christian Stores for $5.97, click here.

Follow Aaron on Twitter @AaronRGillespie as well as on his Facebook http://www.facebook.com/AaronRGillespie

- ### -

Seattle, WA…February 07, 2011 …Fans of Thousand Foot Krutch have been enjoying the sounds of FM Static, the summery pop-rock side-project, since their 2003 debut.  The counterpart will be releasing their fourth studio project, My Brain Says Stop, But My Heart Says Go, on April 5, 2011 on Tooth & Nail Records. This release finds primary figureheads Trevor McNevan and Steve Augustine (both of Thousand Foot Krutch fame) turning in its most melodic, memorable and meaningful album to date that will make it feel like summer outside no matter what the season. 

“It’s funny because every artist is excited about their new record and there are a lot of cliché things people say like it’s their best work yet, but this was honestly such an inspired process and it all came out so naturally,” notes McNevan of the instantly infectious batch. “I’m a sucker for a big hook and this record zeros in more on that top 40 side than in the past, but we didn’t go in with any intentions or hidden agendas. This isn’t a concept record, it’s more of a highlight reel of moments and situations in my life.”

My Brain Says Stop, But My Heart Says Go is firmly planted in present tense, urging listeners to not be afraid to step out in faith without worrying or feeling weighed down by a sagging self-esteem or less than ideal circumstances. In other words, seize each day and make the most of every moment.

The lead CHR and AC single “Last Train Home,” chronicles the basic human emotion of trying to fix ourselves, and realizing that God’s in control, over laid back R&B-tinged alt-rock. This song was the highest debuting single last week at CHR radio.

The band’s self-titled track “F.M. S.T.A.T.I.C.” is a timeless anthem that will be going to Rock format radio on February 18th.  This single was also recently featured in full on CW’s “Hellcats” – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RclJXA-nD8&feature=related.

For more information on FM Static and this release, check out their Facebook or follow their Twitter @FMStatic.

- ### -