Issue #22
03-04-2004
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 remain your host and answer man, Michael Janke. Currently on my hot list: Evanescence's Fallen, Avalon's Oxygen, White Heart's Freedom, and Amy Grant's Lead Me On.

Last Issue's Stumper: We were asked about the status of the Jason Wade / Lifehouse / Tumnus worship album. I only received one response, which I shall print in its entirety. Judge the validity as you wish: "As a huge Lifehouse fan I'm going to semi-answer it and this is all I know. It has already been recorded, more than a year ago I believe. On the contract with the record company DreamWorks (now owned by Universal) it said two Lifehouse albums and a worship album (Mr. Tumnus). Well, the band decided to use that third album for another Lifehouse album instead of the worship one. So, until they sign another contract it won't be out…anytime soon. Which is sad. My guess is closer to a year and a half to two years. Thank ya kindly, jenn"

Reality TV Update: Last week's Survivor was extra-sweet. They had me convinced that Colby was gone (I went into the episode thinking Ethan) so when Rich was "bamboozled" and voted out unanimously it was one of the best moments in the history of the series. On The Apprentice, its only a matter of time before Omarosa is gone. By now I think we've seen the true colors of the remaining players and I like both Amy and Troy to finish strong and one of them to win the prize. Both are multi-talented with the right kind of temperment to handle a true leadership role.

One more time, just for fun, 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: Hey! I love your column! I was wondering, am I crazy, or has Stu left Kutless for some reason? He's not on any of the photos for their new album, Sea of Faces. I just saw Kutless in concert last month, and Stu wasn't there either. What's happened to our fire-haired bass player?
    Ayana

A: Ayana, Dawn had the same question. You two should hang out sometime - I think you'd get along well. Anyway. From what I understand Stu is indeed no longer with the band. But I have not heard why, other than a blip somewhere about him working at his church. If I hear more about it, I will post the news.

Q: Is it true that Disciple is breaking up?
    Curtis

A: No. In fact they're currently touring and working on a new album scheduled for a summer release. Unless it's all a ruse. A complicated ruse to make me look bad. I wonder...

Q: Hey there.. Love your column! I see on your upcoming release list that Michael W. Smith has a new album coming up (I see that it got pushed back to November), and was just looking for a tidbit or two about what it will be like.. Is it worship? Instrumental? Original songs like the 'old' Smitty albums?

And you don't have to answer this next one, but since I've got a can opener hand, I might as well open up a can or two. What is your personal opinion of Christian artists [i.e. the artist in my previous question] that charge more than just a nominal fee for extra "Fan-club" privileges [T-shirts, news updates on websites, etc.]? Is this a perfectly decent way of getting extra support for an artist's ministry or does this only help encourage the "over-commercialism" that many people think exist within the Christian community? I mean, I can't see the apostle Peter setting up "Pete's Pals" fanclub, but at the same time he and the other early church leaders definitely needed financial support for their ministry. I truly believe in giving artists the benefit of the doubt, but I'm torn on this because I work with youth and they're already inundated with commercialism in the 'secular' world. Will they lump Christ as just something else that's being marketed to them? That's a loaded question w/ many facets, I know.
    Josh

A: First question: the word is that it's supposed to be another pop album, so all you Change Your World and Live the Life fans can breathe easy. Second question, I'll just give you my personal opinion so take it for what it's worth. I see nothing wrong with charging for that. A fan club costs money. It takes cash to keep records, print newsletters, do mailings, coordinate activities, etc, etc. The majority of Christian artists out there are not making a lot of money, if they're even breaking even. For these people, the costs on extra things can be prohibitive. Fan clubs are not our rights as a fan so if we really want to be a part of it and support the artist then we should probably accept that it costs a little bit of money. Even for artists who are making a good living, it still costs money so it is their right to cover their costs. I'll agree that it probably isn't a good idea to price-gouge your fans, but I suppose the law of supply and demand would come into play there, as well as your conscience. The good thing is that with the advent of the internet, people can start their own fan clubs for free if they can't afford the official one.

Q: I'm not sure where to direct this question - I am looking for dates and locations for Chondra Pierce. I am unable to locate any local information, if there is any. I am located in Red Lion, PA which is in York County, PA. We are willing to travel within are area. We are centrally located between Harrisburg, PA, Lancaster, PA and Baltimore, MD. Any information would be appreciated. Thank you in advance for your prompt response!
    Amy

A: itickets.com, Amy. Go here.

Q: Are there any Christian tribute bands? Never heard of one. If not, I wonder why? Certainly, there are many out there. Doing songs by all sorts of artists. Just never came across one doing either CCM songs or just songs by a CCM artist or group. Thanks for your help and looking into this if you do.
    U. Guasch

A: None that I'm aware of; that is, none that are signed. Unless you count Apologetix, which is more of a parody band than anything else.

Q: I've heard rumors of Switchfoot crossing over to the secular music scene. Is this true? I recently read an article on www.mtv.com (a website that I've never accessed before I heard about this article) quoting the singer, Jon Foreman, saying a bad word. Personally, if this is true, I am going to take the bands advice that is sung in their song "Adding to the Noise": "If we're adding to the noise, turn off this song..."
    Candice

A: Yes, Switchfoot is in the midst of a big push in the mainstream. "Meant To Live" has done quite well and "Dare You To Move" is scheduled to be the follow-up single - a brilliant decision, if you ask me, and I know you didn't. As for the rest of your e-mail, you are of course free to respond how you choose. My response would be that everyone makes mistakes, we all need a little bit of grace, and the band, and Jon, clearly do love the Lord. Should the rest of the world write us off the next time that we make a bad decision or mistake in front of a large group of people? I'm thankful that God isn't that quick on the trigger. Go ahead and read my column for my further thoughts.

Q: I absolutely love your website - one of the most comprehensive sites on the net. I'm often siting cmcentral.com as a source for the material used on the Christian hit radio top 20 meltdown. I believe I wrote to you once concerning one of your commentaries...wonderful stuff. And no, that comment came earnestly from the heart... it was not a blatant attempt at brown nosing :o). God bless you today and thanks for all you do.
Marcia E. Ware
Meltdown executive producer
2001/2003 GMA Award-winning Large Market Station of the Year
WAY-FM

A: Marcia, I love brown nosing, even if it's not blatant. So I'm plugging your station. Have a nice day.

Q: Hey I am a huge All Together Separate fan but I haven't heard anything from them in a while. Did they break up? Are they taking a little break from the music biz or am I just out of the loop? Thanks.
    Ben

A: I think I already answered this question. Ah, yes, I did: All Together Separate is indeed no longer, umm.... together. That is, they are now separate. All together. Or something. By all reports, the group has indeed called it quits; removing themselves from summer festivals and such. I have seen no official press release, but all information seems to indicate that is a safe conclusion to draw. If anyone has more information on the story, please submit it. P.S. All Star United is still united, just in case you were wondering..

Q: Hello, I've been searching madly for an e-mail address to book Jake for a concert. The 1 address I found (information@christianartists.com) is non-existent. Do you have any leads that could help me?
    Sheri

A: Sheri, I would love to help you. My aunt's name is Sheri so how can I refuse. Jake is on hiatus, but you can visit this website for info on Toby Penner, who's doing solo work.

Stumper of the Week

Q: I was wondering what is going on with Sarah Sadler? She had a pretty big hit with her song "Beautiful" last year, but I haven't heard much about her since. I even tried going to her website and it wasn't working for me, do ya got any info on what's up with her?
    Josh

A: I have a bad feeling about this one, Josh. My gut tells me she's without a contract right now. But I do not know that for sure so I'll throw it out there to the public for any current news.

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.