Issue #11
06-02-2003
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. I was out of town last week on a work-related trip so I apologize for being late with this issue. Music currently receiving the bulk of my attention: Evanescence's Fallen, Kelly Clarkson's Thankful, Plumb's "Boys Don't Cry," Weird Al's "Ebay," and Hillsong's You Are My World.

Okay, first of all let's address the question from last issue that caused my inbox to be flooded. I stated that no "Christian MTV" existed. And everyone in America wrote me to let me know that I was wrong (also, some people from England, China, Nigeria, New Zealand, and even Saddam's bunker in Baghdad). I was wrong for two reasons. One, how I defined "Christian MTV" is bigger in my mind than others. I was aware of Praise TV, but to my knowledge (being from Los Angeles) it only ran late night on the weekends, and that didn't qualify. Its reach is actually greater than that, though, so I was incorrect. I was simply ignorant of two more channels. TVU broadcasts 24/7, though you have to have the Sky Angel Network to view it (or you can watch online). And, finally, JC-TV is a new venture from TBN which appears to be trying to emulate the MTV format, by offering up a multitude of youth-oriented programming including music videos. Thanks to everyone, and I do mean everyone, who wrote in about this.

Last issue's Stumper asked about the group Shaded Red. I received many responses to this one as well; most of it indicating that the group has changed their name to Indio, and has a scheduled concert in August at The Door in Dallas. They also have an association with CCM legend, Benny Hester: "Benny still makes concert appearances here and there, usually with the Christian band, Shaded Red. Benny is currently producing and supporting the multitalented brothers who make up the rock band, Indio. Indio can be heard playing on various nights at clubs along Los Angeles' famous Sunset Strip. Benny met Indio when they arranged and performed a cover version of Benny's mega hit, 'When God Ran'." Thanks to everyone for the help on this one, too.

There is a brand new section of CMCentral for Missing Artists. It's quite thorough and updated, so please visit there before you send me any new questions on missing bands. I will not answer any question that can be answered by clicking over to that portion of the site unless there is breaking news of some sort. Thanks to Robin for re-starting the area (it was a part of the old About Christian Music site).

Pinson wrote in to say that "Peter Furler did confirm with me at GMA that he does indeed play all the drums on Petra's upcoming album. Wade James (ex Chagall Guevarra plays bass) Bob Hartman plays guitar. There are no keyboards on this album." And Calder Management, in regards to Ash Mundae, wrote to say: "Chuck Ash now co-fronts a fabulous power pop/rock band based in Nashville called 'Hether.' They are entertaining label interest. (It is not a 'Christian' band.) His brother Jeremy is an independent."

Reality television update. The Amazing Race is back! Thursday nights, in Survivor's time slot (8 PM EST/PST). This is the best reality show on television, folks. Life is good again, and that is all I have to say.

On with this week's questions. I'm tired from my trip so this will be a short issue.

Q: What's the deal? You reported last week that Thousand Foot Krutch signed with Tooth & Nail with an album in October. Then you reported this week that FM Static just signed with Tooth & Nail, with an album in July, and includes 2/3rds of TFK. Is TFK breaking up? How does this work?
    Jason

A: The band TFK is a separate legal entity from FM Static. Just as dc Talk can be signed with Forefront but its solo members be on different labels, so can FM Static consist of 2/3 of TFK and be signed in a different way than TFK.

Q: I am not trying to be controversial but is there any article or website that states factual information that Michelle Branch is a Christian. I've come across articles about Lifehouse and even direct quotes... but not her. I'm not a doubting Thomas. I do think that her songs portray strong biblical and spiritual themes I was just wondering for some cold hard facts.
    Keith

A: George had the same question, Keith. The official CMCentral stance on why we cover artists like Michelle can be found in the F.A.Q. But to answer your question better, I have seen no "official statements" to the fact, but editorial members of the site have both first and second hand information enough to validate her inclusion.

Q: Randy Matthews put out some great bluesy rock-n-roll in the early 80's. But I haven't heard or seen anything from him since. Where is he now?
    John

A: Randy actually is one of the most important figures in the history of Christian music, though he's not quite as well known as some of his peers. According to Mark Allan Powell, his I Wish We'd All Been Ready record is the first nontraditional gospel album to be recorded for any label (Word), so he is a true pioneer in every sense of the word. Larry Norman's "Why Should the Devil Have All the Good Music?" was inspired by a Matthews quote. He continued recording for Myrrh into the late 1970's and moved to other label's in the 80's. Randy's last record was 1990's The Edge of Flight. He also appeared on the late 90's Jesus music reunion First Love album. Today he pastors in the state of Florida.

Q: Where is Eric Champion? His Transformation album was amazing, but Natural kind of flopped? Any ideas? Is he in a new band?
    Greg

A: Ah, another chance to plug the new area. Please see the Missing Artists section of CMCentral for your answer, as well as the answer to the status on the likes of Chasing Furies, Aurora, Forty Days, etc.

Q: I heard a song on the radio last weekend. However, I have lost what I wrote the name down on. They compared his sound to secular acts like Dave Matthews Band and John Mayer. The song was about a girl and I think his initials were DM... like Darren Manning or Darrell something. I know I'm not giving you much to go on, but it's killing me. I asked the radio station and they have no clue what I'm talking about, but I know what I heard, well sort of.
    Josie

A: I believe the artist you are talking about is Darrell Mansfield. Mansfield is a music veteran who's been recording since the late 1970's. Visit his site here.

Q: Is VonRay a Christian band or consider themselves Christians?
    Joel

A: Yes. View this interview with the band for more.

Q: I know this is such a strange and really probably uncommon question but what I wanted to know was if there were any Christian groups that that sing in Chinese? I have Christian friends who live in China I wanted to share Christian music with them.
    Vic

A: Doing a search I found a site that might be of help to you. It's for the Chinese Christian Music Association.

Stumper of the Week

Q: I have a question that may have been asked in some form or another, but I really don't know. I have heard that Jaci Velasquez put out 2 independent albums when she was 12 and 14. Where could I get those? Also, how do people get them in the first place? Thanks!
    Elizabeth

A: I believe her first independent album was released when she was 14. But in all honesty I cannot answer this question at all. Does anyone have some solid information about what Jaci did or didn't release, and when it was? I am assuming that whatever she released it is no longer available.

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.