Issue #21
02-12-2004
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. I am your host and answer man, Michael Janke. Currently on my hot list: Jeff Deyo's Light, Evanescence's Fallen, the In the Name of Love tribute, and Avalon's Creed.

Reality TV Update: The Apprentice is great TV and Survivor: All Stars is thoroughly enjoyable. But I miss The Amazing Race. This week's Survivor will be an emotional episode, from everything I read. Don't have much else to say right now.

Last Week's Stumper. We were all wondering what the deal was with Jason Perry. Apparently no one really knows. He's like Batman, I guess - comes out when he feels like it. Or when he sees the Batsignal. Well, my comparison breaks down a little there, I admit. Claire had the best info: "In October Jason spoke at my school in Nashville and I asked him about a solo project or book and he said that he would love to write another book but is not sure when he will do that…about the CD he said that it will probably be somewhat praise and worship oriented and not necessarily 'Jason Perry the solo artist' but more of a collaboration. Like I said this was October and I am sure things have changed since then." Like she said, that was October. So until we hear more, that's the most we know.

About Thousand Foot Krutch, Raymond wrote in to ask that I mention an album called Rude Awakening, apparently on the Home label. Guess I missed that one.

Right now (temporarily) about 100% of the content on this site is written by yours truly. But if you just can't get enough, tune in for more each day at the following: www.xanga.com/mikeknaj.

Before I get to this weeks questions, everyone should read the following: I cannot nor will not comment on rumors. Nor will I comment on questions that have to do with the private lives of artists, unless it is something already made public or perhaps something happy (like a recent marriage). Other than that, it is not something I wish to talk about, nor do I consider it any of our business what an artist is or isn't doing, might be struggling with, etc. So please save your energy and don't even bother writing in with such questions.

On with this week's questions.

Q: DEGARMO AND KEY IS THERE ANY WAY THEY COULD DO A REUNION TOUR OR GET BACK TOGETHER, ALSO THE SWEET COMFORT BAND DID A REUNION TOUR IS THERE A VIDEO OR DVD??
    BILL

A: For future reference, AskCMC readers, please do not write in all-caps. It makes things hard to read. Anyway, so Bill, you're a DeGarmo and Key fan. Is there any way they could do a reunion tour? I suppose there probably is, though I have heard absolutely zero suggesting that it might happen. Will they get back together? I'd bet CD collection that it never happens - at least for anything more than maybe a show or two. The climate in today's market just cannot support the existence of a band like them - Petra can't even sell records anymore today, which is really sad (Jekyll and Hyde was quite tasty). As for the Sweet Comfort Band part, there is no video available.

Q: I don't understand Audio Adrenaline's lyrics to their new song, "Leaving Ninety-nine". What is 99? I can't find it in the Bible, but I'm not sure where to look.
    Cimarron

A: The song is about the parable of the lost sheep, in Matthew 18:10-14. In it, Jesus is saying that God loves us so much that if he had 100 sheep and you were missing he would leave the other 99 to try to find you. Yes, you. That's pretty special, don't you think?

Q: I just heard a song by a new group called Building 429. Can you tell me anything about this group? Will they be releasing an album anytime soon?
    Chris

A: We've heard Building429 and we likes it, yes, Precious! The bands name comes from Ephesians 4:29. They formed up in North Carolina four years ago. "Glory Defined" is their new single and they have an EP coming out on April 6. I've heard some of it and I dig it. They will be touring with Sonicflood and will also be at Creation East and West, Atlanta Fest, Alive Fest and Rock the Universe. Find out more here.

Q: My question concerns a particular website I came across recently. The website is ************. If you've never been to the site, it's a website dedicated to giving people a number of reasons why a particular artist/group is corrupt and that the artists themselves are completely out of line in how they promote themselves, and their concerts among other things. Some artists that have had articles written on themselves being "corrupt" include Rebecca St. James, Michael W. Smith, TAIT, Third Day, Newsboys, Stacie Orrico, Mercy Me, and a whole host of others. Personally, I don't agree with what the website states, and I just wanted to get your opinion on the whole thing. It's a Christian based web site too, that says they are not judging Christian artists, they are just reporting the facts. So, my question is what are your thoughts on the whole thing. Thank you!
    Duane

A: I debated whether or not to include this one. As you can see, I removed the link to the site, which should tell you what I think about it. This site is not only full of bad information, it is representative of exactly why so many people do not like Christians. They are some of the most legalistic people I have ever come into contact with. They take things out of context, judge the validity of a Christian's faith by who they work with or even who happens to listen to their music, and show absolutely no grace. They put themselves in God's place, making judgements about people's faith that only God can know. Apparently no one can sin - if you do you're corrupt. Funny, I thought that just made us human, which is why we need God's grace and can't get to heaven on our own... And they hide behind the excuse that they are trying to do good, honor the Lord, and just "reporting the facts." After reading their "facts," I feel like I need to go take a shower; I can only imagine what it must feel like to be one of the artists who they crucify and judge. In short - the content of the website has absolutely no value whatsoever, in my opinion and is in fact a perfect example of the what happens when we take our eyes off of Jesus and humble ourselves and instead begin to believe that we can do his job for him.

Q: I can't think of anyone so richly deserving to be inducted into the GMA Hall of Fame than Sandi Patty. Can't believe she has been singing 25 years. How has Sandi Patty survived the last 11 years without radio ? You can't find Sandi anywhere on the radio. I travel all over this nation, no Sandi on Christian radio.
    Joyce

A: Well, it hasn't exactly been eleven years since she's had radio hits. But she is clearly not the favored child of radio like she once was. Why is that? Essentially, because Christian radio finally grew up. What used to pass for Adult Contemporary was really what should've been playing on Inspirational formats. Christian AC stations finally moved away from the Sandi Patti's, Steve Green's, Wayne Watson's, and Larnelle Harris' and began to reflect the styles that you find on a mainstream AC station. What once passed for Christian AC is now what you'll generally hear on an Inspirational station. So if you're going to hear Sandy anywhere, that's probably the place to look. Now, if only Christian CHR would grow up...

Q: Wondering what happened to the Celtic fusion group, Iona. Any info you can provide is greatly appreciated.
    Scott

A: What happened to them... umm... nothing? They're still alive and kicking. Visit their website if you like.

Q: Do you ever get tired of answering questions that people could answer themselves if they would just Google it?
    Beth

A: Shh! You'll give away my secrets!

Stumper of the Week

Q: Okay...so all the rumors - are they true? We've been hearing about this Lifehouse worship album for almost 2 years. As a Lifehouse fan and a worship pastor - I'm looking forward to checking it out - but no one seems to know anything other than "It's going to be called (Dear) Mr. Tumnus" and "It should be out sometime in the next year to a year and a half" (mostly taken from 2002 interviews). I think we got a taste of it on the Passion One Day Sacred Revolution album with Jason Wade's song "Revolution Cry" but again - now we hear nothing else. I'd love to hear if this project has been killed or if it's on its way sometime in the next...year to year and a half.
    Andy

A: Any Lifehouse fans out there who can give us an update on this one?

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

There is a 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.

Please include your name with all submissions. No name, no answer. If your e-mail subject is descriptive it has a better chance of catching my attention. All questions are subject to editing. Not all questions can be answered due to editorial and other considerations, and personal replies are not possible.