Gray Dot Archives
Welcome to where old news goes. We archive most of our old press releases here. To browse, scroll down from most recent to oldest. The dates precede the press releases.
WORLDWIDE CHAT
A SUCCESS FOR FEBRUARY
Thanks to The Lighthouse Electric,
Jimi Ray will be online talking with fans before his show at the Rocketown
club in Nashville, Tenn, Feb. 20, 1997 at 7:45 - 8:45 ET . Be sure to come
by and talk with Jimi.
NEW CHART NUMBERS ARE IN -- AGE OF FAITH CLIMBS HIGHER
CCM charts have Age of Faith at #3 with a bullet on the Christian Hit Radio chart.
Jamsline has them at #2
The CRR has them as "Heatseeker Single" status.
On CCM''s Adult Contemporary chart is at #32.
AGE OF FAITH FEATURED IN CCM
The latest issue of CCM magazine features AoF. Get your January issue at your local bookstore as their web site does not have the article.
AGE OF FAITH ALBUM REVIEWED FAVORABLY IN BILLBOARD
In the December 21 issue, Billboard said " ... solid, no-frills rock marked by memorable melodies and finely crafted lyrics ... another winning Gray Dot band."
AGE OF FAITH AT #16 ON JAMSLINE CHART
Age of Faith'
s first rock single from their new Gray Dot Records debut, Embrace,"
Satisfy" has recently peaked at #22 on the Pure Rock Report'
s Rock charts, and continues to work its way up the relatively new Jamsline charts.
Age of Faith has recently their second CHR/AC single from Embrace,"
The Love of Jesus," a duet featuring Third Day'
s Mac Powell and Age of Faith'
s Jimi Ray on vocals.
08 November 1996
AGE OF FAITH ANNOUNCES NEW GUITARIST
Gray Dot Records recording artist Age of Faith have announced the addition of guitarist David Buchanan to their lineup. Buchanan, like the rest of the members of Age of Faith (Jimi Ray-vocals, acoustics; Steve Blair-percussion; Stacy Smith-bass) hails from North Carolina and has been a familiar face in other local rock bands.
Buchanan replaces former guitarist Daniel Polydores, who took leave from the band shortly after recording their Gray Dot Records debut, Embrace. Said songwriter and lead vocalist Jimi Ray,"
Daniel had to make some tough decisions for his family'
s sake, and felt in the end that the right thing for him was to leave music altogether, and we have the utmost respect for that. And while his departure did leave us in the lurch for a couple of months, I feel blessed that he was with us when he was, and that he was able to leave his mark on our current record."
For the last several months, Age of Faith has toured as a three-piece, with Ray handling all guitar parts, and as a four-piece with guest guitarist Roscoe Meeks (Geoff Moore and the Distance, DC Talk) sitting in. Meek also contributed parts on two cuts on Embrace.
This lineup change is the second in two months for Age of Faith, who also saw turnover on bass guitar when former bassist Drue Bachman had to leave the band to tour in support of his side band'
s release for Innocent Media. Drue can be seen singing for My Friend Stephanie, currently touring with The Waiting.
Age of Faith resumes their national tour supporting Embrace.
04 October 1996
AGE OF FAITH CURRENTLY AT #22
Taken from"
Rock Charts" © Pure Rock Report (reprinted with permission)
Age of Faith Satisfy Gray Dot (Word)
Current position (Oct. 21 chart): #22
Weeks on chart: 8
Last Week at: #22
Debuted at # 47 (26 August 1996)
08 November 1996
20 September 1996 - Zandra Koen, a Word Distribution sales representative is presented with a framed copy of Age of Faith's Embrace, as part of an award for her outstanding first-quarter sales on the project.
Also receiving plaques at the album release banquet were Age of Faith's technical crew from Jimi Ray of the band. The banquet at the Radisson Grand Hotel in Fort Mill, South Carolina, was attended by friends and supporters of the band, local media personalities, corporate buyers, the winner of the Age of Faith guitar giveaway, and representatives from CCM Magazine, 7-Ball Magazine, and Release Magazine.
Gray Dot honors salesperson
AGE OF FAITH SIGNS WITH GRAY DOT
21 September 1996 - Age of Faith finalizes and signs long-term recording contract with gray dot records. Pictured left to right: Stacey Smith (bass guitar, AOF), Marty Bush (CEO, gray dot records), Steve Blair (percussion, Age of Faith). gray dot president Marty Bush stated,"
We
believe Age of Faith has the same potential impact and audience that we saw in Third Day last year. Their music resonates with the warmth of the gospel and their live show is the essence of good-time rock and roll."
AGE OF FAITH CURRENTLY AT #22 PURE ROCK REPORT
Taken from"
Rock Charts" © Pure Rock Report
Age of Faith Satisfy Gray Dot (Word)
Current position (Oct. 21 chart): #22
Weeks on chart: 8
Last Week at: #22
AGE OF FAITH FEATURED IN CCM UPDATE
Taken from"
Album Reviews" ©CCM Communications
Age of Faith Embrace Gray Dot (Word)
It'
s a whole'
nother ball game, as Age'
s Jimi Ray takes BIG steps away from the CHR/AC sound of his two early'
90s releases toward an acoustic-driven rock sound reminiscent of Toad the Wet Sprocket and Hootie & The Blowfish. Production by Jeff Tomeii (Collective Soul) and guest shots from folks like Mac Powell (Third Day) can only help establish this new direction. But it'
s Ray'
s flawless melodic sensibility and lyrical gifts which will win the ears of radio and garner a fresh batch of fans.
AGE OF FAITH, L.S.U. CCM UPDATE'S PICK OF THE WEEK
L.S.U."
Baby Flies a Comet"©CCM Communications
Anybody with sensibilities as witty as L.S.U. deserves some kind of medal; they perform this song as if they were recording a tribute to their own music. This works in a big way, with its poetry slam lyrics and hooky chorus. I expect at least top five peaks.
Age of Faith"
Satisfy"
Okay, this song has been out for a couple of weeks, so you probably have already formed an opinion for yourself. If not, try mine: alternative music that aims higher than 15. Weaving through influences like Simply Red and The Black Crowes, this tune jams with some great guitar, great horns, and a wonderfully clear message.
AGE OF FAITH HOLDS ALBUM RELEASE PARTY
Gray Dot'
s newest artists, Age of Faith, invites everyone to their album release party to celebrate Embrace at the Rollerland at the Radisson Grand Resort (Jim and Tammy'
s old place) outside Charlotte, NC. Friday, September 20.
Tickets are $3 at the door and copies of the album will sold along with T-shirts. The event is off I-77 south of Charlotte, N.C. at exit 90. Turn left at light, go aprox. 1 mile. Turn left on Regent Parkway to the Radisson Grand Resort.
If you miss them Friday, catch them Saturday at Carowinds in Charlotte. Also appearing are the Newsboys, Petra, Big Tent Revival, Geoff Moore and the Distance, Susan Ashton and others.Aug. 23 , 1996
C. H. R. ADDS NOW PLAYING ON 50 STATIONS!
WORQ, WUPX, WAY-FM, AIR1, WNCB, WKDU, WTRK, WTCC, KNLR, WGRP, WBNY, CITR, WUFI, KHCA, WRKC, WCVP, WBGL, CFCR, WBWB, KCMI, WGEV, WJLF, WCNI, WSUB, WOUI, WTAC, WLFC, WRUT, CJAM, WVDA, WGMX Thanks, CHR reporters!
Also currently charting with"
Satisfy" on the PRR!
Shelf date: September 11
Seeking First Peak Adds: September 13 - 27
Hook Up with your Local Retailer for the Age of Faith Guitar Giveaway!, KSRQ, WHME, WRNU, WZDM, KRKS, WJTA, WOLR, WNDA, WNNN, WCLQ, CKER, WKBI, WKXD, KCTF, WYSZ, WUFM, KLUX, WFIX, WTUR, WCM
AGE OF FAITH ADDED
Age of Faith "The Losers Win"
is added by these radio stations: WKDU, WTRK, WGRP, WUFI, KHCA, WRKC, WCVP, WBGL, WBWB, KCMI, WGEV, WJLF, WCNI, WSUB, WLFC, WRUT, WGMX, KSRQ, WHME, WFIX, WZDM, KRKS, WJTA, WOLR, WNDA, WCLQ, CKER, WKBI, WKXD, KCTF, WYSZ, WNCB, AIR1, WORQ, WAY-FM
GRAY DOT RECORDS ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF L.S. UNDERGROUND PROJECT
Despite numerous delays beginning in the summer of 1995, gray dot has announced a release date for the final L.S. Underground (a.k.a. L.S.U. and Lifesavers Underground) album, Bring It Down Now.
The street date for the release is April 1, 1996; however, there will be release-related activities taking place on the preceding weekend of May 29-31, as various markets simulcast the release (many in its entirety) on radio and at in-store listening parties.
In many major markets, gray dot has arranged for one station and one store to receive advance copies of the release to use in the release parties/broadcast and for giveaways. Stations and stores involved will also receive quantities of commemorative shirts and signed posters of the album art.
gray dot will be broadcasting the release over the internet on April 1 in FM-stereo quality, and subsequently making Mike Knott available for an online chat afterwards.
After April 1, the record will be available through Spring Arbor distributors to stores. Stores that have backordered the release will be shipped on March 29.
Tentative plans are also being made to support the release with a mini-tour by L.S.U. similar to the one that yielded a number of the live tracks on the record.
The Bring It Down Now CD is 72 minutes, 25 seconds long (18 songs) - virtually all that we could cram onto that format. The cassette contains 22 songs and clocks in at 88 minutes and 9 seconds. The new cuts were recorded during the same time period as Elektra Records'
new project from The Aunt Bettys, and were produced by Gene Eugene, Derri Daugherty, and Steve Hindalong. The CD and cassette books are entirely different, in art and in text. The posters to promote the Bring It Down Now release are of the cover art (a self-portrait by Michael Gerard Knott) framed with a border of live shots from the show that is the source for most of the record'
s live tracks.
The tracks contain new songs, unreleased songs, live songs, drastically different remixes, and a couple of well-preserved oldies. But most distinctively, the record segues from song to song without silence, much like L.S.U.'
s The Grape Prophet does, or like many Pink Floyd records do. The overall approach is very ethereal, swirly, and haunting - especially recommended for fans of Circle Slide, Siamese Dream, Mercurious, and other more dangerous records. It is a fitting final release from one of alternative CCM'
s founding bands, showcasing the adventurous approach that earned them such a title.
Consumers that wish to order the record directly may do so through True Tunes and through RadRockers music houses.
THIRD DAY RECEIVES COVERAGE IN SEVERAL MAJOR PUBLICATIONS
Compelled To Play
As seen in the December 1995 issue of CCM. Entire story ©CCM Communications 1995. Please respect their copyright and do not duplicate.
With the fiery passion associated with evangelical missionaries, Third Day boldly proclaims its aspiration to"
tell people about Jesus." Lead singer Mac Powell declares, "We are a Christian band,"
expunging any doubts of the band'
s mission.
On its self-titled debut release, band members Powell, Tai Anderson, Mark Lee, David Carr and Brad Avery weave a guitar-laden musical tapestry intertwined with strand of influences from Lynard Skynard, U2 and Rich Mullins. And with a voice likened to alternative maven Eddie Vedder and a country music crooner Travis Tritt, Powell buckles out powerful vocals. The result is"
pure rock'
n'
roll" tinged with shades of Southern rock, progressive tones and folky hues.
Claiming"
no need to deliver a watered-down message," Powell'
s honest, penetrating lyrics impact listeners with the force of a speeding locomotive, hitting a listener head-on with a direct, soul-searching message.
Third Day'
s roots, however, are less conspicuous, originating three years ago with Powell and acoustic guitarist Mark Lee. A concert, a youth leader and perhaps providence transformed the duo into a full-fledged band. When David and Tai--who were in a different band--and Third Day performed at the same event, David'
s youth pastor invited Mark and Mac to play at this church. In need of a drummer for the concert, David joined the duo, then remained a permanent member. Tai joined up when they began recording demos and something in the band clicked when they found an affinity for the same influences and sounds.
Through word of mouth, Third Day procured bookings at various concerts, built up a fan base, and secured a record deal with Gray Dot Records--adding lead guitarist Brad Avery along the way. Throughout the band'
s evolution, Powell attests,"
It was obvious that the Lord'
s hand was in the whole thing."
Although grateful and excited for their rising popularity, the band credits God as the main attraction."
We'
re just praising God," claims Mac. "People are naturally drawn to that."
The band'
s kinship with live performance suits this philosophy well."
It has always been about playing live, relating to the audience. It'
s extremely powerful,"
Powell says. He adds, "The fruit of the ministry--people getting saved, others who have strayed now returning to God, even Christians giving something to Christ that they have been holding back from Him--that is what the band is all about."
These 20-somethings take their calling seriously."
It is such an honor to preach God'
s word and to tell people about Jesus. But, at the same time, you are human, and you have to remain accountable,"
Powell says, referring to the band'
s recent implementation of an accountability network with their pastors.
Grateful for its success, the band remains humble."
There are lots of bands just as good or better that us out there. We feel fortunate for the small success that we have achieved,"
says Powell."
We know we'
re not the best musicians or songwriters," adds Tai Anderson, "but God uses what we give."
But an observant listener won'
t be duped by Third Day'
s modesty. "We are going to be the best that we can at what we do,"Powell affirms. "It would be a slap in the face to God if we can'
t be our best for him."
-Karly Randolph
"Third Day is an excellent representation of Christian music in the alternative/college rock market. Third Day is well on its way ..."
Christian Retailing
"Straight-up rock with a no-nonsense message."
CCM Update
"This record is certain to be one of the year'
s best, especially highly recommended for fans of real rock and roll ... you simply won'
t believe your ears."
Syndicate
"... good music"
Billboard
Third Day has appeared with The Prayer Chain, Code of Ethics, Jars of Clay, The Waiting, and numerous other performers. This year alone, Third Day played AtlantaFest (Ga.), Cornerstone (Ill.), Flevo Totaal Festival (Holland), as well as numerous stateside and European dates in 1995, and will be expanding their tour schedule extensively in 1996 in support of their debut release. Performance references and attendances are available on request.
THIRD DAY ON THIRD DAY
"We want to be a band that really reaches people. Not just musically, but that they hear the Word. That they hear that God loves them. And recording is awesome, but on stage is where it'
s at. On stage is where you'
re ministering to people. On stage is rock and roll -no ten takes to get it right. You do it right the first time, or it'
s wrong. And sometimes if it'
s wrong, it'
s rock and roll. Some people try to put on stage what is on their album. We'
ve tried to put on our album what happens on stage. There is sincerity in that." Mac Powell, lead vocals
"It'
s real easy, even within the Christian experience, to idolize an artist, no matter how many times he says,'
I'
m no better than you.'
You still hold them in high esteem and run up to talk to them. And I'
m not gonna deny that it feels good when people say,'
Man, you guys are awesome.'
That feels good. I praise God for that feeling. Yet, I want to take that and just give it back to God, and say'
Thank you Lord for putting me in a position where someone would look up to me, and I can say there'
s so much more than that.'
" David Carr, drums
"I'
m just humbled to be doing something that God has given me. I'
ve been playing guitar for a while, but never really thought that I would have the opportunity to use my talent for God in this capacity. It'
s something I'
ve prayed for, but I wasn'
t sure that'
s where God wanted me. You know, we all have dreams and I'
m just humbled to be being used in a situation where I can enjoy it. And I'
m also humbled to be in a situation with guys that he same focus and the same motive -- they just want to please Him." Brad Avery, lead guitar
"We try to just be five guys that just stepped up on stage, with no line between us and the audience. We want to be real people. We don'
t want to be larger than life. We just want to show people that what we do sometimes is pretty insignificant compared to people who are really stepping out on the line for what they believe. But in this band, we have an opportunity to live out real Christian brotherhood -- this relationship helps us with our personal relationship. Hopefully our audience picks up on that, that we'
re for real." Mark Lee, rhythm guitar
"I love God. And I feel like the Bible is really clear in that it says,'
Don'
t wait until you'
re perfect to go out and make a difference. Go now with what you have.'
He sent the disciples out and they felt unempowered to do anything. And Jesus said,'
You go and you speak my name, and I'
ll take care of the rest.'
And that'
s what we as a band are called to do -- to speak his name, to be bold, and to represent the Gospel of Christ with all that we have." Tai Anderson, bass
