Issue #10
05-12-2003
by Michael Janke

Got a burning question? Trying to understand recent events? Need clarification on a rumor? Want to know how and why things happen the way they do? Ask CMCentral!

Welcome back to Ask CMCentral. My name is Michael Janke and I am your answer man and resident opinion columnist. And though I may be the AskCMC guy, I still have much to learn. Last week is a good example.

I've received a ton of feedback relating to the last issue of AskCMC. Much of it relates to Paul Alan, Inside the Outside, and Aluminum Records. Thanks to many friends and unnamed sources, I can now provide more accurate information. Aluminum Records has apparently reached an almost defunct status. Inside the Outside, who one of our readers recently caught live at Union University in Jackson, TN, has asked to be released from their contract and is working on new material as they shop for a new record deal. Chris and Lonnie have left the group and been replaced by Matt Erickson and Reid Stains. Paul Alan has recently married and has more steady and reliable work outside of the music industry, though he continues to write (possibly for country music artists). That being said, both Alan and IO have had singles serviced to radio recently in Australia, according to Scott Gowers. Still, it appears to be over for them at Aluminum. It's sad to see this happen, but hopefully Inside the Outside continues to thrive in a new home and someday we are graced with more music from Mr. Alan.

Joe Polek, from WMSJ, wants to remind us that Susan Ashton has done a lot of background vocal work for country artists like Garth Brooks. Jason wrote in to say, in regards to Benjamin Gate not breaking up: "My source spoke directly to Jeremy about this and he confirmed it was true. Are you guys sure this is not true?" It appears that you are indeed correct, Jason, since others are now reporting the same, though it hasn't been officially announced. Kirk wrote in with more on the All Together Separate demise, saying that their ex-guitarist is now playing with Switchfoot. Shawn and Tim both wrote in to say that not only is Pete Stewart working with Marcos but he has just released an album with KJ-52 under the band moniker of Peace of Mind.

Finally we get some Stumper feedback! Jeff writes in with information on our Tim Miner Stumper: Tim was on TBN Friday after the Dove Awards. He sang a very cool soulful version of " I Lift Your Name On High." He announced that he was starting a new record label called Dream Nation and already had at least one artist signed (The person was supposed to be on after him, but I missed it). He said that the label would cover all types of genre of music to reach Christ (he even jokingly added he would even have country). I hope he is the first one to record. I have missed his incredible music. He is also doing the soundtrack to the next movie from the TBN crowd.

Edward writes in about the Karthi Stumper: I can answer half of it. SecondSpin.com has as of this writing 7 used copies of Karthi's self-titled CD available, for only $1.99 each. As a satisfied customer of SecondSpin I can attest they are legit. Paul points out that it can be found here, here, and here.

Elyse would like to know where she can get a copy of Mark Joseph's excellent book, The Rock and Roll Rebellion. It doesn't seem to be available in stores at the moment.

A quick reality television update. My pick to win American Idol is Clay Aiken. Kimberly Locke is amazing, but I don't think she has the fan base to pull it off. And I just cannot fathom the boredom of having to sit through an entire album full of songs from Reuben-slash-Barry-White. And how Jenna ever managed to get six of the seven votes on Survivor is beyond me. It was worth watching, though, if only for Heidi's hilarious comments in the final tribal council.

On with this week's questions.

Q: I'm amazed by the enormous popularity of Christian music and yet the complete lack of an outlet for Christian music videos. Hasn't anyone tried to make a Christian MTV or something? It seems like it would be such a huge draw. There's got to be someone out there with the know-how to put this together... isn't there?
    Chris

A: Actually, it has been attempted. The network was called Z-Music and in the mid-90's it attempted exactly what you are describing. Unfortunately, for a variety of reasons it didn't survive. What are some of those reasons? The costs (sunk, fixed, variable) are enormous. It's hard for new networks to pick up coverage in an already-saturated cable market. Christian music videos are still, on the whole, not as well made as most of their secular counterparts. Many Christian music artists simply don't want to spend the money to make videos (Avalon, one of the most popular groups, has only made one concept video). The list goes on. It's hard enough to support a half-hour or hour-long show, like 1-Cubed (or CCM-TV, in the past). I don't think we'll ever see a "Christian" MTV, for many of the above reasons and the way that both the television and music industries are evolving today.

Q: I've heard a buzz about the new group Strange Celebrity that is coming out I believe on the Warner Christian label. I knew one of the guys in the band growing up, so I've been curious about the scoop on this band. Also, is it true that a former Petra member is the lead singer?
    Jesse

A: The answer to this can be found in the following question, sent in by Dave: "Can you tell me who if anybody has left Petra? I have heard Quinton Gibson is now with Strange Celebrity. Who else is in that outfit? Also, is Louie still with Petra? And is Peter Furler actually playing on the new Petra record or just producing/writing?"

Louie has indeed parted ways with Petra, after a long and lustrous career. As for Peter Furler, other than the producing I am not sure about any additional roles he might be playing in relation to the new Petra project.

Q: I absolutely fell in love with Zilch's one and only album on Gotee Records, especially that surfer song at the end... what a wild ride. Anyway, I saw on the Alive Music Festival website that Zilch was on their list of performing artists for 2003! Could this be? Are they really truly back? If so, is their lineup still in tact (Otto Price, Jason Halbert, etc.)? Please enlighten me if you can!
    Josh

A: Ashley wrote in with the same question. The answer is that Zilch is indeed back, but different. Please see the following website: www.zilchonline.com

Q: What ever happened to Jon Gibson. I loved his music back in the day, around 1992. He was so talented he could have been such a strong force in the music biz.
    ItsOkay007

A: Jon is still recording. He released an album last year, entitled Soulful Hymns.

Q: What ever happened to Ash Mundae? Their first CD was quite good, but I haven't heard anything from them lately.
    Kristen

A: Ash Mundae was on the Pamplin label, which went under a little over a year ago. I haven't heard anything from them since, as far as signing with anyone new, so if they are still recording I assume that they are independent as of now. If anyone has more news feel free to write in.

Q: I picked up an album from Van Morrison the other day titled "Hymns to the Silence". I wasn't expecting it, but I found many religious/Christian references through out the album. Besides his classic rock hits, I've only heard this one CD. Is Van Morrison a professed believer?
    John

A: Not being a big Morrison fan myself, I did a little research on this one. The answer seems to be that yes, Morrison is a Christian; or at least he has a strong Christian background and heritage. Check out this link which discusses a book that centers around his art and faith.

Q: Hi, I was wondering if you guys might be able to discover what is going on in the world of Fleming and John. they are one of my favorite Christian duos and I miss them.
    Tiny Rain

A: Check out their official website. Looks like they were busy last year with movie scores as well as work on albums from the likes of Jars of Clay, Ben Folds, Lee Ann Womack, and others.

Q: As a fan of Ben Glover's debut album, "26 Letters," I'm curious to know if a sophomore release is in the works. What happened to him? Ben seemed like such an up and coming talent!
    Pete

A: Ben is no longer with his record label, Word. I believe he is working as an independent artist for now.

Q: I heard Ellie Bannister's song on the Traveling Light CD and I reminded that same name was appeared on the Our Family project. She sang with Cindy Morgan in that project. Who is she? Is she a recording artist? Does she have any relation with Brown Bannister?
    Jade

A: Ellie is indeed related to Brown Bannister. She is his daughter.

Q: Am I crazy or do you think that Out of Eden should do a worship album? Their song "Every Move I Make" was awesome on the Point of Grace, Girls of Grace album. Give me your thoughts.
    Derrick

A: My thoughts, huh. Okay. Sure, why not. I too enjoyed their contribution to the Girls of Grace CD. It would be interesting to hear a more R&B oriented worship album, were the group inclined to record such a thing.

Stumper of the Week

Q: I was wondering if you have heard anything on Shaded Red. I kept hearing they were going to release something new, and then they just dropped off the face of the earth. Any ideas?
    John

A: Okay, just about a million people have wrote in to me, asking about Shaded Red. I believe that the group is no longer together but for the life of me I cannot remember any details. Anyone?

That wraps up this issue. Keep the questions coming, to ask@cmcentral.com. I'll be back next Monday with my opinion column, and AskCMC will return the week after.
          Michael Janke

Please include your name with all submissions. No name, no answer. All questions are subject to editing. Not all questions can be answered due to editorial and other considerations, and personal replies are not possible.