Christian Music - Reviews, News, Interviews

Get guidance on Bible study from C.S. Lewis - Free Course!

New and Noteworthy Artists of 2009 - Part 1

  • Andy Argyrakis CCMmagazine.com
  • Published Jan 29, 2009
New and Noteworthy Artists of 2009 - Part 1

A look at the brand-new artists of 2009 hot off the presses …

New Artist Name:  Abandon
Name of Debut:  TBA (ForeFront)           
Tentative Release Date:  Self-titled EP out now; full-length out early 2009
The Sound:  Alternative Pop/Modern Dance
The Story:  These San Antonio-rockers were honing their chops locally before branching out with the outreach tour, “The Seven Project,” which finds members talking about the most applicable teenage issues in schools across the country.
Fun Fact:  The group got signed because a label staffer just so happened to be eating dinner at a restaurant next door to a club where Abandon was playing and liked what he heard through the walls.

New Artist Name:  And Then There Were None
Name of Debut:  Who Speaks for Planet Earth (Tooth & Nail)
The Sound:  Euro-Dance/Punk Rock
The Story:  At first, this act set out to be a metal band, but now with a refined line-up, the guys combine a punk ethos with grooves destined for the dance floor.
Fun Fact:  Though not every member is a vegetarian, the group teamed up with Peta2 to spread awareness about dietary alternatives.

New Artist Name:  Danyew
Name of Debut:  TBA (Sparrow)           
Tentative Release Date:  Digital EP February 17, 2009; full-length May 5, 2009
The Sound:  Electronic/Programmed Pop; Atmospheric/Alternative Rock
The Story:  This up-and-coming San Diego star was reared on a steady musical diet of Bjork, Coldplay, Copeland, Eisley and Radiohead.
Fun Fact:  On record, the one-man band goes by his last name, but for the curious, Danyew’s first name is Phil.

New Artist Name:  High Valley
Name of Debut:  TBA (Centricity)           
Tentative Release Date:  June 2009 (Canada), September 2009 (America)
The Sound:  Country
The Story:  These Canadian imports are about to debut in the States, but the group’s already scored “Country Album of the Year” and “Country Song of the Year” in 2007 at the GMA Canada Covenant Awards.
Fun Fact:  Opening act credits include country superstars like Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, LeAnn Rimes and Reba McEntire.

New Artist Name:  Jaymes Reunion
Name of Debut:  Everything You've Been Looking For (BEC Recordings)           
Tentative Release Date:  May 2009
The Sound:  Pop/Rock
The Story:  Though this appears to be a solo act, it’s actually a band comprised of front man Cameron Jaymes, plus a “reunion” of sorts with a bunch of musical pals. The group is rounded out by Braydon Nelson (from the Berklee School of Music), bassist Eric Watson (who went to Jaymes’ church), plus percussion players Jeremy Taylor and Jared Byers (who connected with Jaymes on the touring trails).
Fun Fact:  The guys are strong supporters of the T.J. Martell Foundation Walk-A-Thon, which raises funds for leukemia, cancer and AIDS research.

New Artist Name:  Kari Jobe
Name of Debut:  Kari Jobe (Integrity)           
Tentative Release Date:  February 10, 2009
The Sound:  Modern Worship
The Story:  Following extensive time as a worship pastor out of Gateway Church in Dallas, this inspirational singer/songwriter caught the ear of Integrity Music.
Fun Fact:  Jobe’s educational pursuits include completed studies at Dallas Baptist University, Christ For the Nations Institute and Oral Roberts University.

New Artist Name:  Julian Drive
Name of Debut:  My Coming Day (Inpop)           
Tentative Release Date:  January 27, 2009
The Sound:  Alternative Pop/Southern Rock
The Story:  Originally intended to be an indie act, these Georgia boys caught the ear of famed producer Lynn Nichols (Phil Keaggy, Switchfoot), who helped opened the door toward a slew of Nashville connections.
Fun Fact:  In anticipation of the album, the group’s logged over 260 dates so far, including stops with the David Crowder Band, Rush of Fools, Day of Fire and Disciple.

New Artist Name:  Joy Lippard
Name of Debut:  Joy Lippard           
Tentative Release Date:  February 24, 2009
The Sound:  Pop/Rock
The Story:  She may only be 18, but Joy Lippard is a veteran already after penning her first song at a mere 11 years of age (inspired by the September 11th terrorist attacks). From then until now, the Washington D.C. native’s become versatile on piano and guitar, often singing songs about self-image and empowerment.
Fun Fact:  The teenager’s resume also includes first place in the pop/rock division at the 2006 GMA Music In The Rockies songwriting competition.

New Artist Name:  Philmont
Name of Debut:  TBA (ForeFront)
Tentative Release Date:  Oh Snap EP out now; full-length TBA
The Sound:  Pop/Punk/Alternative
The Story:  After forming in Charlotte around 2005, members balanced college with band practice before booking its own tours on breaks and recording independently.             
Fun Fact:  Part of Philmont’s grassroots approach to marketing included plastering all the Port-O-Johns at Cornerstone with 11x17 posters and giving free bracelets to anyone who listened to the band’s sounds on a portable CD player.

New Artist Name:  Revive
Name of Debut:  Chorus of the Saints (Essential)           
Tentative Release Date:  March 10, 2009
The Sound:  Modern Pop/Rock
The Story:  With fame already established in Australia, these overseas stars relocated to America in hopes of expanding its ministry. In the process, members met up with Third Day who helped these newcomers get established in the stateside scene.
Fun Fact:  Third Day front man Mac Powell co-produced the band’s debut and is clearly excited about the undertaking:  “I can’t wait for the U.S. to hear this new album,” he says. “It has the ability to make you want to groove or move you to tears in your own living room.” 

New Artist Name:  Sarah Reeves
Name of Debut:  TBA (Sparrow)           
Tentative Release Date:  May 5, 2009
The Sound:  Modern Worship
The Story:  The 19-year-old worship leader developed artistically in her Alabama church’s fine arts program and went on to win several local and regional competitions.
Fun Fact:  Reeves came to the attention of Sparrow after Plumb played her songs to an A&R rep at the label.

New Artist Name:  Freddy Rodriguez
Name of Debut:  Light in the Darkness (Integrity)           
Tentative Release Date:  February 10, 2009
The Sound:  Modern Worship
The Story:  This rising worship leader has already been compared to Israel & New Breed thanks to his festive compilation of gospel, Latin and rock influences.
Fun Fact:  Light In the Darkness was recorded at the Champions Center church in Las Vegas, which Rodriquez says is “probably 25 percent Hispanic, 25 percent black, 25 percent white and 25 percent Asian; so you hear a lot of styles, which is great by me because that’s where I’m at personally.”

New Artist Name:  Yellow Cavalier
Name of Debut:  TBA EP           
Tentative Release Date:  Late Spring 2009
The Sound:  Modern Pop/Rock/Dance
The Story:  With an infectious blend of rock ‘n’ roll guitars, soaring synthesizers, gigantic drum beats and charismatic vocals, Yellow Cavalier seeks to inspire the younger generation of Christian listeners and beyond. 
Fun Fact:  The group cites dcTalk, Daniel Bedingfield and Justin Timberlake as its primary influences.


Look for Part 2 of CCMmagazine.com's 2009 New Artist Preview next week.

 


© 2009 CCMmagazine.com.  All rights reserved.  Used with permission. 



**This feature first published on January 30, 2009.