iE THE PRESSROOM BLOG

Radio Single “My Adoration” Continues Upward Chart Momentum – #3 CRW, #11 R&R

(Colorado Springs, CO) JUNE 25, 2008 – Popular sister act, The Sonflowerz, winners of the 2007 GMA Academy 2007 Group of the Year, recently signed an agreement with The Covenant Artist Agency for tour support of the group’s growing success from their new CD “All Over The World.”

“My partner and I were listening to The Sonflowerz CD. Three songs into it we knew these young ladies were something special“, said Mike Holeton, president of Covenant Artist Agency. “We feel blessed to be able work with The Sonflowerz to help them take their ministry to the next level.”

The growing interest in the group’s new CD also caught the attention of the biggest church in North America. The children’s choir from Lakewood Church in Houston, TX will perform the title track to The Sonflowerz CD “All Over the World” during weekend services this weekend, July 5^th and 6^th. The mega-church averages 40,000 weekly attendees and is pastored by Joel Olsteen. The second verse of the song emphasizes reaching people for Christ all over the world including the city of Houston:

You can hear it down in Houston

It’s changing lives in Hong Kong

It’s filling up the streets of London

With the sounds of revival songs

The radio single “My Adoration” continued its climb up the INSPO national radio charts moving from #5 to #3 this week on the CRW INSPO chart just behind Laura Story and Mandisa, and from #14 to #11 on the R&R Soft AC/INSPO chart. Over 305 stations are currently spinning the single including heaving rotations on KJLY, American Family Radio Network, WCRH, WHCB, WOLC and WRAF.

The Covenant Artist Agency represents Alisa Childers (formerly of ZoeGirl), Mark Roach, FFH, David Phelps, Wayne Watson, Anthony Evans, Caleb Rowden, Melissa Greene (of Avalon) and speaker Dr. Tony Evans.

Click the link below to view The Sonflowerz new music video “Legacy”, one of the songs on “All Over The World”, which tells the story of a friend and missionary in Nepal. “When I look back on the life of my friend, Ben Couch, I see a life of a servant,” says Elissa of The Sonflowerz. “Ben was the kind of guy who would do anything for you and who would love without any reservations. His story still drives us to continue to live boldly for our Savior.”

Houston, TX — The Access, on the RAW Music Group label, blasted their way through 3 performance competitions, against a combination of 22 other bands and soloist in the Indie Jam Showcase on The Music Boat 2008 Cruise, to the top. Grabbing the grand prize of a slot on Winter Jam 09 Tour Spectacular, Christian music’s largest tour, The Access laid the groundwork for their future. The showcase was hosted by nationally known live music producer, Tom Jackson, and attracted artists, music lovers and industry professionals.

The fresh new faces of the guys from Baytown, Texas have created a buzz everywhere they perform. Their recent performances have included the Indie Extreme Independent Artist Showcase at GMA Music Week 2008 at the Global Café in Nashville, TN. and an opening performance for Leeland at the Christian Life Center in Humble (Houston), TX. The band is currently recording their first album in Houston at Ivory Tower with MD Thompson, for a fall release on the RAW Music Group label, administered by Indie Extreme, LLC. The Access is scheduled to perform live in Wilmore, KY. at the famed “ Ichthus Festival” on Sat. June 14th at 11:40am.

The band’s first singles “ Pressing On” and “I Remember When” will be hitting CCM AC and CHR radio early this summer in preparation for the full album release in September 2008.

“The Access has been working very hard, in the studio finishing up there debut album and playing live performances.” says Mark Silvestri of RAW Music Group, “The music Boat was no exception. Their final day of competition The Access played to a crowd on the main deck, most of whom had probably never heard their music. When through singing and ministering, a standing ovation kept judges from making final comments for several min. as the audience whistled and cheered. I could only think, God is truly ordered their footsteps.”

“Having the opportunity to play in the Music Boats annual competition was an incredible experience. One myself and the band will never forged. With 22 other acts we had our work cut out for us.” Explained lead singer, Justin Cellum, “The judging was, at times, brutal! However, putting their critiquing to good use we “pressed on” to take the prize. Friendships were forged that will last a lifetime. It was and is exciting to see what God is doing in our music, ministry and lives.”

“We are very excited about the opportunity to work with and support the development of The Access and RAW Music Group. The talent level of this young band is uncommon, energetic and powerful. The vision of RAW Music Group and Mark Silvestri is right in line with the mission and goals of Indie Extreme. We believe in independent music and the artists who create this great music,” says Kathy Douglas, CEO of Indie Extreme, LLC “The Access is proudly independent and paving the way for other young artists and bands who chose to minister in the Christian music industry without ties to major record labels.”
Indie Extreme, a Nashville and Houston-based independent record label management firm, provides RAW Music Group with label administration, e-commerce, book keeping and inventory management. The company also provides the label with consulting on artist and business development as part of the complete overall resources available to each member. The membership of Indie Extreme includes hit CCM songwriter Matt Brouwer, GMA Academy 2007 Group of the year The Sonflowerz, Wildflower Records owned by legendary folk artist Judy Collins and many others.

For more information about The Access and RAW Music Group go to www.myspace.com/theaccessband or www.indieextrememusic.com/theaccess

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 2008) – Executives of the independent label management firm Indie Extreme welcome performers to an artist reception during GMA Week 2008 in Nashville. Celebrating are, from left, Elissa Leander of The Sonflowerz, Indie Extreme President Eddie Lambert of Los Angeles, Indie Extreme CEO Kathy Douglas of Houston, hit CCM singer-songwriter Matt Brouwer, and Becca Leander of The Sonflowerz. The firm started the week by spotlighting 10 contemporary Christian acts during its second Independent Artist Showcase at the Global Cafe’ in downtown Nashville. The showcase featured performances by Brouwer, The Sonflowerz, Await the Day, Tquan Moore, Quimi, The Access, Virginia Hill, Laura Kaczor, Traci Root and Daniel Pratt.

Founded in 2006, Indie Extreme supports independent artists and record labels by providing administrative and managerial services such as correspondence, bookkeeping, CD/merchandise fulfillment, marketing, database development, web site development, management/maintenance, e-commerce management, and the coordination of vendor services. The company’s main office is in Nashville, with representatives in Los Angeles and Houston. For more information about Indie Extreme, visit http://www.indieextreme.com, call (615) 309-1718 or (281) 890-5034, send an e-mail to lisa@indieextreme.com or kathyd@indieextreme.com, or write the company at 9000 E. Church St., Ste. B-103, Brentwood, TN 37027.

Sonflowerz Take Top Spot at 33rd Annual GMA Music in the Rockies

for Best Vocal Duo & Best Over-All Vocal Group

A seven-years-in-the-making overnight success, the Colorado Springs-based and international sister act, The Sonflowerz (www.sonflowerz.com), is experiencing unprecedented success as they prepare for the May 13th release of their highly anticipated CD, All Over The World. The release follows on the heels of their electrifying performance at the 33rd Annual GMA Music in the Rockies event, where they won First Place in the Vocal Duo category and Best Over-All Vocal Group by some of the most respected members of the Christian music industry.

Christian Radio Weekly (CRW), Dave Koch reports that “Edge of My Seat is at #1 on Monday, March 31st CRW IAA Chart with over 30 stations. These girls are amazing and everyone loves them! Their vocal sound is fresh and unique and that’s why radio is responding so enthusiastically,” said Dave Koch, CRW Publisher/Editor. “The two radio singles, ‘Edge of My Seat’ (AC) and ‘My Adoration’ (INSPO) are musical worship experiences radio listeners will certainly embrace.”

The Sonflowerz have already made a significant splash in Europe (the band has toured the UK four times) where their single, “Move Me,” rose to #4 on the Christian Music Charts. Now The Sonflowerz are teaming up with six-time Dove Award winning producer/songwriter, Don Koch to bring their original brand of modern worship music to an even broader audience both in the US and abroad.

“When I first met The Sonflowerz, I was taken back by how transparent their hearts are,” Don Koch said. “I could easily see Christ in them. Their passion for family, for ministry, and their love for singing come shining through. But there is more. They are really talented. It is an honor and privilege to be working with them.”

Music industry vets Brian Tankersley (Brooks & Dunn, New Song), Brian White (Trace Atkins, Terri Clark), Dove Award-winning music arranger Russell Mauldin, and Dan Needham (Amy Grant, Chris Tomlin) are also contributing their talents to the project making it one of the most anticipated releases of the season.

Composed of sisters Elissa (guitar/lead vocals/songwriter) and Becca (vocals/bass/keyboard/guitar) Leander, The Sonflowerz trace their roots to their church youth group where they got their start leading worship at their youth group. The group recorded two independent projects, “You Remain” in 2002 and “Alive In You” in 2005, and toured across the United States and Europe. The Sonflowerz (www.sonflowerz.com) became a duo in 2007 as they prepared for the release of their newest project, All Over The World.

For interviews, press kit, CD, and story/interview consideration please contact Kathleen Burke/ Burke Communications (www.BurkePublicity.com), phone 949-770-3001 (PST) or email music4filmbiz@cox.net

# # #
EDITORS NOTE:
• The Sonflowerz have scheduled a FREE (for GMA registrants and $5.00 to the public) showcase performance on
Saturday, April 19th, 7:00 PM at the Global Café, on 4th and Broadway, in downtown Nashville. And, will be doing interviews during GMA Week (www.gospelmusic.org) from April 19th through April 23rd.
• Compassion International announced a new partnership with The Sonflowerz…As members of Compassion’s Independent Artists Network The Sonflowerz join a growing number of artists who are lending their voice to children in need. As a ministry Compassion International has partnered with Christian musicians, including Michael W. Smith, Jeremy Camp, and Rebecca St. James for over 20 years.

• Burke Communications are also scheduling for our additional artists during GMA Week and they include GINNY
OWENS www.myspace.com/ginnyowens, MATT BROUWER www.mattbrouwer.com ANTHONY EVANS www.anthony-evans.com; FAREWELL JUNE www.farewelljune.com, www.myspace.com/farewelljunemusic, www.purevolume.com/farewelljune, www.myccm.org/farewelljune and EOWYN www.myspace.com/eowynmusic

Rain Single Airing on Radio Stations in Major Cities from Coast-to-Coast

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Jan. 21, 2008) – The Houston-based Southern rock band Evangeline is bursting onto the national music scene by landing a top-10 hit on the Media Base and New Music Weekly singles charts, according to the independent record label management firm Indie Extreme.

Rain, the first single from the act’s debut album, We’re Alright Down Here, continues to climb various independent record charts. The album and single were co-produced by contemporary Christian EMI recording artist Robbie Seay. The single is currently airing on mainstream adult contemporary and top-40 radio stations in cities ranging from Peoria, Ill., Appleton, Wis., and Omaha, Neb., to Raleigh-Durham, N.C., Louisville, Ky., and Houston.

“Evangeline is very close to charting on Billboard’s Top 40 singles chart,” said Libby Wood, director of label administration and marketing for Indie Extreme in Nashville. “The last time we checked, Rain was the 133rd most played single on monitored radio stations. The band also is receiving about 600 spins a week on smaller unmonitored stations.”

Rain received high scores from listeners during recent “new music face-offs” on radio stations in Houston and Louisville. Radio exposure has helped the band land bookings at Walter’s on Washington in Houston on Feb. 8 and Main Street Crossing in Tomball, Texas, on Feb. 15. Evangeline plans to launch a national tour in March.

“In light of the difficulty for independent artists in today’s market, it is especially gratifying to see this act earn their way to commercial viability,” noted Harvey Cooper, the Hollywood-based independent marketing consultant who is overseeing retail promotion for the album and single. “What is so totally unique about Evangeline is how their root, eclectic, deep-seeded lyrical music could be so commercial.”

Described as a “Southern rock band for the 21st Century”, Evangeline uses soulful pop, rock and folk music and thought-provoking lyrics to communicate the depths of life’s struggles and challenges in relationships, pain, death and faith. Songwriter/bassist Jeffrey Armstreet and singer/songwriter/guitarist Jonathan Barrick founded the band in 2006. Recent additions are guitarist Joe Degelia (formerly with hitCCM recording artist Matt Brouwer) and drummer Beji George (formerly with the band Still Life).

Released in late 2007, We’re Alright Down Here features 10 songs written all or in part by Armstreet and Barrick, with contributions from songwriter Madi Diaz and Seay. Armstreet co-produced the project with Seay.

The act received international exposure by performing in the Independent Artist Showcase during GMA Week last April in Nashville. The band has performed at nightclubs such as The Engine Room in Houston; Dosey Doe’s in The Woodlands, Texas; Momo’s in Austin, Texas; and WarehouseLIVE in Houston.

“We are very excited – all of this is pretty surreal,” said Armstreet, who has produced and recorded several CDs for other artists at his Red Tree Recording Studio in Houston. “As a songwriter, it’s wonderful to know we have written songs that are being heard. As musicians, this is a dream come true. We are looking forward to performing at nightclubs and other venues across the country.”

Indie Extreme, a Nashville-based independent record label management firm, provides Evangeline and its record label, Rainwater Records, with label administration services such as marketing support, distribution, administration, e-commerce, bookkeeping and inventory management. The band is managed by Houston-based Extreme Dreams Artist Agency in Houston. The album and single are being distributed by Burnside Music Distribution.

“We are thrilled with the success of Evangeline,” said Kathy Douglas, CEO of Extreme Dreams Artist Management. “Given the positive response the band has already received, it wouldn’t surprise us to see Rain climb to the top of the independent record charts.”

Evangeline’s album and single can be purchased and downloaded at http://www.evangelinegroup.com, http://www.indieextrememusic.com/evangeline.

For booking information, send an e-mail to kathyd@extreme-dreams.com , or call (281) 890-5034 or (713) 398-7304.