OLD OR NEW?

LinkFM is aiming to give you a more user friendly website, to find what you’re looking for quickly and effeciently when you point your browser to www.linkfm.co.za.  With an updated look going online recently, let us know what you think. Old?  or New?  Which site do you prefer?

 

SOUTH AFRICAN IDOLS

As at, well, right now, we’ve reached the TOP8 on Mnet’s ‘South African Idols’. What is your opinion on this years season of Idols?  Who deserves to be there, who doesn’t? Opinion on the judges? The new host… let’s hear it from YOU, the LinkFM community…

CHRIS SLIGHT – “Back to school” tour part 2

 

GMA’s New Artist of the Year, Song of the Year nominee and the best-selling new solo act of 2008, Chris Sligh has had a great debut year following the release of his critically – acclaimed debut, RUNNING BACK TO YOU, and his hit singles “Empty Me” and “Arise.”  Now, as he prepares to release two new singles this month (“Something Beautiful” to CHR and “Vessel” to AC on 3/27), the man who also co –wrote Rascal Flatts current hit single, “Here Comes Goodbye,”  wants to “give back” during what he knows is a difficult time financially for many.

Last fall Sligh initiated his “Back To School” tour, with 32 shows throughout August and September, one that became one of, if not the most successful new artist headlining tours of the year.  With a desire to work directly with his friends at Christian radio, Sligh took it upon himself to reach out to stations across the country to partner with him on the tour. Sponsor stations shared in the expense and any spoils directly with Sligh, something rarely done in the music industry on a regular basis.   This year, Sligh is  coming back for the second round of the “Back to School” tour but this time there’s a new name – “The Stimulus Package,” and a new angle. We thought we’d let Sligh fill you in himself:

“I am proud to announce that this year, the “Back To School” tour will be featuring Aaron Shust, myself, new artist Rough Draft and a special, to-be-announced opening guest!   Last year, we did things a little differently than most tours do…this year, we’ve taken the spirit of what we did last year and we’re taking it a step further. Our goal is to have most of these shows once again directly sponsored by radio stations in order to say thank you for the love they have shown Aaron and me during both of our careers.”

The key aspects of the tour include some great opportunities for fans:
1. The tour is coming with no guarantee.  Slight and Shust are taking the risk so that the radio stations don’t have to.   
2. This tour is an “optional donation” tour.  They will ask for $10 at the door, but to encourage families – and really anyone – to come, it is a “give what and if you can” at the door.    
3. As a special opportunity for those who want it, 100-150 tickets will be sold at each show, in the range of $25-30.  These tickets will give the buyer the opportunity to get an exclusive meet and greet with Aaron and Chris, plus a short 3-4 song acoustic show an hour and a half before the show starts.  Once the acoustic show/meet & greet is over, the listeners can find the best seat possible before anyone else is allowed into the venue!
4. The tour will also give away t-shirts to the first 500 people to attend each concert.  Also included will be a CD of their choice from Aaron or Chris.

TAMMY TRENT visits Link FM

On Thursday, 5 March, Dove award “Female Vocalist of the Year” nominee, Tammy Trent, took time to chat to Mark during the Power Hour about her passion, her music, and her life story. Having been in ministry since 1995, God has taken Tammy on an incredible journey. Tammy says “When I stood on the side of the sea as my husband (Trent) said goodbye to me before diving under the water, I never knew that would be the very last time I ever saw him.”  Her testimony is one of incredible healing and restoration in Jesus.

Visit www.tammytrent.com for more info,

DOVE AWARD NOMINATIONS: 2009

2009 Nominees
SONG OF THE YEAR
Dove Award given to the songwriter and publisher.
song title; writer; publisher
“Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)”; Chris Tomlin, Louie Giglio, Traditional; sixsteps music (ASCAP), worshiptogether.com Songs (ASCAP)
“Cinderella”; Steven Curtis Chapman; Sparrow Songs (BMI)
“Empty Me”; Chris Sligh, Clint Lagerberg, Tony Wood; Foolish Tool Music (ASCAP), Word Music LLC (ASCAP), Kindacrazy Music (BMI), Row J Seat 9 Songs (ASCAP), New Spring Publishing (ASCAP), Bridge Building Music (BMI)
“Give Me Your Eyes”; Brandon Heath, Jason Ingram; Sitka 6 Music (ASCAP), Peertunes Ltd. (SESAC), Grange Hill Music (SESAC), Windsor Way (SESAC)
“I Will Not Be Moved”; Natalie Grant; Nat in the Hat (ASCAP)
“I’m Letting Go”; Francesca Battistelli, Tony Wood, Ian Eskelin; Designer Music (SESAC), Word Music LLC (ASCAP), Honest & Popular Songs (SESAC), Row J Seat 9 Songs (ASCAP), New Spring Publishing Inc. (ASCAP)
“Mighty to Save”; Ben Fielding, Joel Houston; Integrity’s Hosanna! Music (ASCAP)
“Never Going Back to OK”; Matt Fuqua, Josh Havens, Brad Wigg, Dan Muckala; Smells Like Music (ASCAP), Screaming Mimes Music (ASCAP)
“Reason Enough”; Ernie Haase, Wayne Haun, Joel Lindsey; Bridge Building Music (BMI), Psalmsinger Music (BMI), Ernie Sig Sound Music (BMI), Hefton Hill Music (BMI)
“You Reign”; Bart Millard, Barry Graul, Steven Curtis Chapman; Simpleville Music (ASCAP), Wet As A Fish Music (ASCAP), Sparrow Songs (BMI)

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Jeremy Camp
Jon Foreman
Ernie Haase
Brandon Heath
David Phelps
Marvin Sapp
Chris Tomlin

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Francesca Battistelli
Brooke Fraser
Karen Peck Gooch
Natalie Grant
Mandisa
Sandi Patty
Laura Story

GROUP OF THE YEAR
Casting Crowns
David Crowder*Band
Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
Mary Mary
MercyMe
Skillet
Third Day

ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Casting Crowns
Steven Curtis Chapman
Fireflight
Marvin Sapp
Third Day
tobyMac
Chris Tomlin

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Addison Road
Francesca Battistelli
Fee
Jonathan Nelson
Remedy Drive
Chris Sligh
Tenth Avenue North

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
Brown Bannister
Ed Cash
Ian Eskelin
Wayne Haun
Bernie Herms
Jason Ingram, Rusty Varenkamp

Dove Awards in Recorded Song categories are given to the artist and songwriter (if other than the artist).
RAP/HIP HOP RECORDED SONG
“Beautfiul Morning”; Reiterate; Grits featuring Pigeon John; Teron Carter, Stacy Jones, Mo Henderson, John Duncan; Revolution Art
“Do Yo Thang”; The Yearbook; KJ-52; Jonah Sorrentino; BEC Recordings/Uprok
“Joyful Noise”; Our World Redeemed; Flame featuring Lecrae & John Reilly; Marcus T. Williams-Gray, Lecrae Moore, Emanuel Lambert, Jr.; Cross Movement Records
“Pull Your Pants Up!”; Pull Your Pants Up!; Dooney “Da Priest”; Duwayne Brown; Malaco Records
“So Beautiful”; Citizen Activ; Manafest featuring Trevor McNevan; Chris Greenwood, Adam Messinger, Trevor McNevan; BEC Recordings

ROCK RECORDED SONG
“Better Man”; Satisfied; DecembeRadio; Josh Reedy, Brian Bunn, Eric Miker, Boone Daughdrill, Scotty Wilbanks; Slanted Records
“For The Love Of The Game”; For The Love Of The Game; Pillar; Rob Beckley, Lester Estelle, Noah Henson, Michael Wittig; Essential Records
“Lost”; End Of Silence; Red; Jasen Rauch, Rob Graves, Chad Cates; Essential Records
“Shine Like The Stars”; Expect The Impossible; Stellar Kart; Adam Agee, Ian Eskelin; Word Records
“The Hunger”; Unbreakable; Fireflight; Dawn Richardson, Justin Cox, Glenn Drennen, Wendy Drennen, Phee Shorb, Ben Glover; Flicker Records

ROCK/CONTEMPORARY RECORDED SONG
“Find You Waiting”; Satisfied; DecembeRadio; Josh Reedy, Brian Bunn, Eric Miker, Boone Daughdrill, Scotty Wilbanks; Slanted Records
“Keys To The Kingdom”; Ordinary Dreamers; Group 1 Crew; Manwell Reyes, Blanca Reyes, Pablo Villatoro, Andy Anderson, Noe A. Chaparro; Fervent Records
“Never Going Back To OK”; Never Going Back To OK; The Afters; Matt Fuqua, Josh Havens, Brad Wigg, Dan Muckala; INO Records
“Unbreakable”; Unbreakable; Fireflight; Dawn Richardson, Justin Cox, Glenn Drennen, Wendy Drennen, Phee Shorb, Rob Hawkins; Flicker Records
“Washed By The Water”; The Heat; NEEDTOBREATHE; Bear Rinehart, Bo Rinehart; Atlantic Records

POP/CONTEMPORARY RECORDED SONG
“Cinderella”; This Moment – Cinderella Edition; Steven Curtis Chapman; Steven Curtis Chapman; Sparrow Records
“Give Me Your Eyes”; What If We; Brandon Heath; Brandon Heath, Jason Ingram; Reunion Records
“I Will Not Be Moved”; Relentless; Natalie Grant; Natalie Grant; Curb Records
“I’m Letting Go”; My Paper Heart; Francesca Battistelli; Francesca Battistelli, Ian Eskelin, Tony Wood; Fervent Records
“This Is Home”; Chronicles Of Narnia:Prince Caspian ; Switchfoot; Jonathan Foreman, Andy Dodd, Adam Watts; Walt Disney Records

INSPIRATIONAL RECORDED SONG
“A New Hallelujah”; A New Hallelujah; Michael W. Smith; Michael W. Smith, Debbie Smith, Paul Baloche; Reunion Records
“For The Glory Of You”; Windows And Walls; Mark Harris; Mark Harris, John Lemonis, Tony Wood; INO Records
“Bless The Lord”; Great God Who Saves; Laura Story; Laura Story; INO Records
“Come Thou Fount”; Roots Run Deep; Jadon Lavik; Public Domain; BEC Recordings
“Dependence”; Jamie Slocum; Jamie Slocum; Curb Records

SOUTHERN GOSPEL RECORDED SONG
“Big Mighty God”; Nothin’ But Good; The Mike LeFevre Quartet; Lee Black, Sue C. Smith, Kenna West; Canaan Records
“I Believe God”; Real Faith; Brian Free & Assurance; Marty Funderburk, Steve Marshall; Daywind Records
“Reason Enough”; Dream on; Ernie Haase & Signature Sound; Ernie Haase, Joel Lindsey, Wayne Haun; Gaither Music Group
“Welcome To The Family”; Room For More; Booth Brothers; Jim Brady, Barry Weeks, Tony Wood; Daywind Records
“Yahweh”; The Ride; The Hoppers; Paula Stefanovich; Canaan Records

BLUEGRASS RECORDED SONG
“Help Is On The Way”; Help Is On The Way; Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver; Michael E. Reed; Horizon Records
“I See A Crimson Stream”; Sounds Like Sunday; Janet Paschal; Garfield T. Haywood; Vine Records
“The Old White Flag”; You Gotta Love It!; Triumphant Quartet; Dianne Wilkinson; Daywind Records
“They’re Holding Up The Ladder”; We Are Family; Jeff & Sheri Easter, Lewis Family, Easter Brothers; Russell Easter, James Easter, Edd Easter; Daywind Records
“What Will I Wear”; I Just Wanted You To Know; Kim Hopper; Deborah Bailey; Canaan Records

COUNTRY RECORDED SONG
“Did I Make A Difference”; Front Row Seats; The Oak Ridge Boys; Rob Crosby, Bill Anderson; Spring Hill Music Group
“Good Side Of Goodbye”; Home For Now; Living Waters Trio; Wayne Haun, Dave Clark; Vine Records
“I Saw God Today”; Troubadour; George Strait; Rodney Clawson, Monty Criswell, Wade Kirby; MCA Nashville
“I Wish”; How You Live Deluxe Edition; Point of Grace; Cindy Morgan, Phil Madeira; Word Records
“Jesus And John Wayne”; Lovin’ Life; Gaither Vocal Band; Gloria Gaither, William J. Gaither, Doug Johnson, Kim Williams, Benjamin Gaither; Gaither Music Group

URBAN RECORDED SONG
“Declaration (This Is It)”; The Fight Of My Life; Kirk Franklin; Kenneth C. Loggins, Michael H. McDonald; Zomba Gospel
“Get Up”; The Sound; Mary Mary; Warryn Campbell, Erica Campbell, Tina Campbell, Eric Dawkins; Columbia Records, Integrity Music
“Love Him Like I Do”; Revealed; Deitrick Haddon with Ruben Studdard and Mary Mary; Warryn Campbell, Erica Campbell, Deitrick Haddon, Lamar Edwards; Zomba Gospel
“No Looking Back”; No Looking Back; Damita; Damita Haddon; Tyscot Records
“Not A Slave”; Life By Stereo; J.R.; Courtney Peebles; Cross Movement Records

TRADITIONAL GOSPEL RECORDED SONG
“Cry Your Last Tear”; Cry Your Last Tear; Bishop Paul S. Morton & the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship Mass Choir; Vashawn Mitchell; Light Records
“Deliverance”; Past And Present; Lillie Knauls; Teddy Huffman, Lillie Knauls, Wayne Haun; Vine Records
“Free At Last”; Down In New Orleans; The Blind Boys of Alabama; Traditional; Time Life Music
“God Is Good”; Love Forever Shines; Regina Belle; Bernard Belle; Pendulum Records, Walker Davis Entertainment
“Souled Out”; Souled Out; Hezekiah Walker; Estee Bullock, Nate McNair; Zomba Gospel
“Take It Back”; Take It Back; Dorinda Clark-Cole; Derrick Starks; Zomba Gospel

CONTEMPORARY GOSPEL RECORDED SONG
“Favor Of God”; Change The World; Martha Munizzi; Aaron Lindsey, John Rowsey; Martha Munizzi Music
“Great Grace”; Overcomer; Alvin Slaughter; Mary Alessi, Aaron Lindsey; Integrity Music
“How Great Is Our God”; How Great Is Our God; LaRue Howard; Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves, Ed Cash; EMI Gospel
“My Name Is Victory”; Right Now Praise; Jonathan Nelson; Jonathan Nelson, Justin Savage; Integrity Music
“Shall We Gather At The River”; The Standard; Take 6; Robert Lowry; Heads Up International
“Waging War”; Thy Kingdom Come; CeCe Winans; Christopher Capehart, Brannon Tunie, CeCeWinans; PureSprings Gospel

WORSHIP SONG
Dove Award in the Worship Song category given to the songwriter and publisher.
song; writer; publisher
“A New Hallelujah”; Michael W. Smith, Debbie Smith, Paul Baloche; Word Music LLC, Smittyfly Music, This Is Your Time Music, Integrity’s Hosanna! Music, Leadworship Songs
“Breathe On Me”; Natalie Grant; Nat In The Hat Music
“Jesus Messiah”; Chris Tomlin, Daniel Carson, Jesse Reeves, Ed Cash; worshiptogether.com Songs, Alletrop Music, sixsteps Music
“Mighty To Save”; Ben Fielding, Joel Houston; Integrity’s Hosanna! Music
“You’re Not Alone”; Meredith Andrews; Word Music LLC

Dove Awards in Album categories are given to the artist and producer (if other than the artist).
RAP/HIP HOP ALBUM
Citizen Activ; Manafest; Adam Messinger, Manafest, Boi-1da, Chris Stacey, Arion, Josh MacIntosh; BEC Recordings
Ordinary Dreamers; Group 1 Crew; Andy Anderson, Christopher Stevens, Sam Mizell; Fervent Records
Pull Your Pants Up!; Dooney “Da Priest”; Dooney “Da Priest”; Malaco Records
Rebel; Lecrae; Joseph Prielozny, G-Styles, Dion Burroughs, Kadence, Devon Burroughs, Teddy P., Bobby Taylor, JR, k-Drama, Sixth Sense Music Productions; Reach Records
Reiterate; Grits; Mo Henderson, T-Dogg, Anthony Johnson, Jr.; Revolution Art

ROCK ALBUM
Comatose Comes Alive; Skillet; Carl Diebold, Paul Kerby, Zachary Kelm; Ardent Records, INO Records
For The Love Of The Game; Pillar; Travis Wyrick; Essential Records
Satisfied; DecembeRadio; Scotty Wilbanks; Slanted Records
Southern Hospitality; Disciple; Travis Wyrick; INO Records
To Know That You’re Alive; Kutless; Peter Kipley; BEC

ROCK/CONTEMPORARY ALBUM
Daylight Is Coming; Remedy Drive; Ian Eskelin; Word Records
Expect The Impossible; Stellar Kart; Ian Eskelin; Word Records
Hello; After Edmund; Scotty Wilbanks; Slanted Records
Never Going Back To OK; The Afters; Dan Muckala; INO Records
Unbreakable; Fireflight; Rob Hawkins; Flicker Records

POP/CONTEMPORARY ALBUM
Bebo Norman; Bebo Norman; Bebo Norman, Jason Ingram, Rusty Varenkamp; BEC
Fall And Winter; Jon Foreman; Jon Foreman; Credential Recordings, lowercase people records
My Paper Heart; Francesca Battistelli; Ian Eskelin; Fervent Records
Relentless; Natalie Grant; Bernie Herms, Shaun Shankel; Curb Records
Revelation; Third Day; Howard Benson; Essential Records

INSPIRATIONAL ALBUM
After The Rain; Aaron & Amanda Crabb; Tre’ Corley; Daywind Records
Great God Who Saves; Laura Story; Ed Cash; INO Records
Infinite Grace; Women of Faith Worship Team; Chance Scoggins; Myrrh Records
Roots Run Deep; Jadon Lavik; Jadon Lavik, Zach Hodges, Keith E. Smith, Nic Rodriguez, Fernando Ortega, Tony Guerrero; BEC
Songs For The Journey; Sandi Patty; David Hamilton; INO Records

SOUTHERN GOSPEL ALBUM
Ephesians One; Karen Peck & New River; Bubba Smith; Daywind Records
I Just Wanted You To Know; Kim Hopper; Dave Clark, Kim Hopper; Canaan Records
Lovin’ Life; Gaither Vocal Band; Bill Gaither, Guy Penrod, Marshall Hall, Wes Hampton; Gaither Music Group
On The Way Up; HisSong; Wayne Haun; Vine Records
Room For More; Booth Brothers; Barry Weeks; Daywind Records

BLUEGRASS ALBUM
Bluegrass Worship; Various; Steve Ivey; Star Song Music
Help Is On The Way; Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver; Doyle Lawson; Horizon Records
Hymns From Chigger Hill; Chigger Hill Boys & Terri; Mike Richards, Terri Argot Gore, Ricky Gore, Mark Dunham, Bobby Strangenberg, Ethan Blair, Justin Kropf; Daywind Records
I Don’t Regret A Mile; Larry Sparks; Larry Sparks; Sparks Music
Pickin’, Praisin’, & Singin’: Hymns From The Mountain; Cody Shuler & Pine Mountain Railroad; Bill McBee, Dale Thomas, Jerry Cole, Cody Shuler, Matt Flake; Rural Rhythm
We Are Family; Jeff & Sheri Easter, Lewis Family, Easter Brothers; Jeff Easter, Sheri Easter; Daywind Records
What A Journey; Paul Williams & The Victory Trio; Paul Williams; Rebel Records

COUNTRY ALBUM
Around the Bend; Randy Travis; Kyle Lehning; Warner Bros. Records
Home For Now; Living Waters Trio; Terry Thompson; Vine Records
Hymned Again; Bart Millard; Brown Bannister; INO Records
I Turn To You; Richie McDonald; Frank Myers, Gary Baker, Tommy Lee James; Lucid Entertainment
Runaway Train; Crabb Revival; Ben Isaacs, Tre’ Corley; Daywind Records

URBAN ALBUM
Bold Right Life; Kierra Sheard; Warryn Campbell, J. Drew Sheard, Asaph Ward, Gerald Haddon, Paul Allen, J Moss; EMI Gospel
The Fight of My Life; Kirk Franklin; Kirk Franklin; Zomba Gospel
Kingdom Business; Canton Jones; Canton Jones, The Music Doctorz, Carlin Muccular, Antonio Neal, Randy Harrison, Vernon Messam; Arrow Records
No Looking Back; Damita; Gerald Haddon, Tim & Bob, Deitrick Haddon, Courtney Horton, David Garcia; Tyscot Records
Revealed; Deitrick Haddon; Andre Harris, Vidal Davis, Warryn Campbell, Blaze “The Champ”, Deitrick Haddon, Gerald Haddon, David Haddon, Tim & Bob, Percy Bady; Zomba Gospel

TRADITIONAL GOSPEL ALBUM
A New Day; Paul Porter; Paul Porter, David Caton, Tony Homer; Light Records
After 40 Years…Still Sweeping Through the City; Shirley Caesar; Bubba Smith; Light Records
Cry Your Last Tear; Bishop Paul S. Morton & the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship Mass Choir; L. Trenton Phillips, Elvin Ross; Light Records
Do It!; Dottie Peoples; Dottie Peoples; DP Muzik Group
Down In New Orleans; The Blind Boys of Alabama; Chris Goldsmith; Time Life Music, Integrity Music

CONTEMPORARY GOSPEL ALBUM
Change the World; Martha Munizzi; Aaron Lindsey, Israel Houghton; Martha Munizzi Music
Stand Out; Tye Tribbett & G.A.; Tye Tribbett II, Dana Sorey, Thaddaeus Tribbett; Columbia Records, Integrity Music
The Sound; Mary Mary; Warryn Campbell; Columbia Records, Integrity Music
The Standard; Take 6; Mark Kibble; Heads Up International
Thy Kingdom Come; CeCe Winans; Tommy Sims, Christopher Capehart, Luther Hanes, Percy Bady, Cedric Caldwell, Victor Caldwell, Alvin Love III; PureSprings Gospel

INSTRUMENTAL ALBUM
A Treasury of Hymns; LaDonna; Eric Wyse; Martingale Music
Always There; Harold Rayford; Antoine Chamber; Tyscot Records
Born to Play; Barry D.; Barry D.; Taqa Records
Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian; Various; Harry Gregson-Williams; Walt Disney Records
Love Beyond All Measure; Stephen Petrunak; Stephen Petrunak; GIA Publications
The Breath of Life; Angella Christie; Angella Christie, Kevin Griffen; ACSM

CHILDREN’S MUSIC ALBUM
Absolute Modern Worship for Kids 4; Phoebe Ebensberger, Emily Ebensberger, Abbie Ebensberger, Joseph O’Brien, Timmy O’Brien, Mikey O’Brien, Abbie Chapman, Meghan O’Brien, Adelaide Bauer, Kristen Bauer, Karissa Selby, Emma Rose Williamson, Tyler Beiden, Garrett Williamson; Chance Scoggins; Fervent Records
All God’s Animals; TJ McCloud; Brandon Scott Thomas, Eric Wyse; Martingale Music
David: Shepherd, Psalmist, Soldier, King!; Bible StorySongs; Paula King, Catherine Walker; Bible StorySongs
Shout Praises Kids – I Am Free; Jeff Sandstrom, Kurt Goebel, Stephen Leiweke, Jeremy Redmon; Integrity Music
Sleepytime Lullabies; Praise Baby; Matt Huesmann; Big House Kids
Tell The World; Hillsong Kids; Julia A’Bell, Gio Galanti, Andrew Crawford, David Wakerley; Hillsong, Integrity Music

SPANISH LANGUAGE ALBUM
Abriras Las Puertas; Malin; Miguel Angel “Malin” Villagran; Integrity Music Latin
Alabanza Y Adoracion: Del Corazon; Lucia Parker; Tom Brooks, Dario Navac; 3:16 Media
Mi Salvacion; Ingrid Rosario; Christian Cartone; Rejoice Music
Refrescate!; Aline Barros; Juan Salinas; Integrity Music Latin
Rescatame; Seventh Day Slumber; Alejandro Allen, Susana Allen; BEC
Sobrenatural; Marcos Witt; Marcos Witt; CanZion
Tengo sed de Ti; Soraya Moraes; Marco Moraes; Line Records

SPECIAL EVENT ALBUM
Billy: The Early Years Official Motion Picture Soundtrack; Brooks & Dunn, Mac Powell, Sara Evans, Alan Jackson, China Edelman, Patty Griffin, Brandon Heath, Gregory Page, Michael W. Smith, Melinda Doolittle, Roy Orbison, Brad Paisley, Josh Turner, Sierra Hull, John Cowan, Harry Stinson, Ronnie Bowman, Ronnie McCoury, John Wesley Ryles; Anastasia Brown; Arista Nashville, Essential Records
Country Bluegrass Homecoming Volume One; Gaither Vocal Band, Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives, The Grascals, Buddy Greene, The Isaacs, Gordon Mote, Ralph Stanley & The Clinch Mountain Boys, The Booth Brothers, George Jones, Wesley Pritchard, Reggie & Ladye Love Smith, Brittany Allen, Jeff & Sheri Easter, Charlotte Ritchie, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Jimmy Fortune, Dailey & Vincent, Jason Crabb, Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, Cherryholmes, Lisa Daggs-Charette, Vince Gill, Sonya Isaacs, Becky Isaacs Bowman; Bill Gaither; Gaither Music Group
How Great Thou Art: Gospel Favorites from the Grand Ole Opry; The Charlie Daniels Band, Mac Powell, Alan Jackson, Patty Loveless, Ronnie Milsap, Ricky Skaggs & The Whites, Sara Evans, Brad Paisley, Trace Adkins, Loretta Lynn, Vince Gill, Dierks Bentley, Carrie Underwood; Steve Gibson; Sony BMG Nashville
Passion: God of This City; Chris Tomlin, Charlie Hall, David Crowder*Band, Christy Nockels, Kristian Stanfill, Fee, Matt Redman; Nathan Nockels; Sparrow Records, sixsteps Records
Your Name; Joel Auge, Leeland Mooring, Paul Baloche, Aaron Shust, Phil Wickham, Josh Reedy, Ayiesha Woods, Ian Eskelin, Mark Stuart, Vicky Beeching, Jared Anderson, Christy Johnson, Sean Loche, Aaron Boyd, Jason Roy, Wes Willis, Lincoln Brewster, Adam Agee; Ian Eskelin; Integrity Music

CHRISTMAS ALBUM
Christmas Gaither Vocal Band Style; Gaither Vocal Band; Russell Mauldin; Gaither Music Group
Christmas Songs; Fernando Ortega; John Andrew Schreiner, Fernando Ortega; Curb Records
Home for Christmas; BarlowGirl; Otto Price; Fervent Records, Curb Records
O Holy Night; Sara Groves; Ben Shive; INO Records
Peace on Earth; Casting Crowns; Mark Hall, Mark A. Miller; Beach Street

PRAISE & WORSHIP ALBUM
A New Hallelujah; Michael W. Smith; Michael W. Smith; Reunion Records
Great God Who Saves; Laura Story; Ed Cash; INO Records
Hello Love; Chris Tomlin; Ed Cash; Sparrow Records; sixsteps Records
Opposite Way; Leeland; Matt Bronleewe; Essential Records
The Invitation; Meredith Andrews; Jason Ingram, Rusty Varenkamp; Word Records

Dove Awards in the Musical and Choral categories are given to the creators.
MUSICAL
Child of Wonder; Lari Goss, Rob Howard; Word Music
East to West; Gary Rhodes; Word Music
God Bless the USA; Sue C. Smith, Joel Lindsey, Russell Mauldin; Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing
Savior; David Moffitt, Sue C. Smith, Travis Cottrell; Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing
The Risen Christ; Don Cason, Karla Worley; Clear Call Music

YOUTH/CHILDREN’S MUSICAL
An Island Christmas; Wayne Haun, Shelby Haun, Joel Lindsey; Lillenas Publishing Company
Angels We Have Heard; Dave Clark, Jayme Thompson; Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing
It’s a Wonder-Full Life; Pam Andrews, Luke Gambill; Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing
Lifesong; Sue C. Smith, Simon Hawkins, Kris Crunk; Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing
The Christmas County Spelling Bee; Celeste Clydesdale; Clydesdale & Clydesdale, Word Music

CHORAL COLLECTION
Cradle That Rocked The World; Geron Davis, Christopher Phillips, Jukka Palonen; Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing
Glorious Day; David Moffitt, Sue C. Smith, Travis Cottrell; Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing
He Still Leads – Christ Church Choir; Landy Gardner, Joy Gardner, Christopher Phillips; Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing
I’ll Say Yes; Carol Cymbala; Word Music
Make a Joyful Noise; Regi Stone; Word Music

Dove Award in the Recorded Music Packaging category given to the art director, graphic artist, illustrator and photographer.
RECORDED MUSIC PACKAGING
…Is My Friend (Hawk Nelson); Invisible Creature; Don Clark; Don Clark; Jeremy Cowart, Neil Visel; BEC Recordings
Remedy Club Tour Edition (David Crowder*Band); Shelley Giglio, David Crowder; Gary Dorsey; Brody Harper; Sparrow Records, sixsteps records
Revelation (Third Day); Tim Parker, Beka Blackburn; Tim Parker; David Mcalister, RW Sims; Essential Records
Storm the Gates of Hell Deluxe Edition (Demon Hunter); Invisible Creature; Ryan Clark; Shane McCauley, David Stuart, Greg Lutze, Ethan Luck; Solid State Records
The Tide Will Swallow Us Whole (Trenches); Invisible Creature; Ryan Clark; Solid State Records

Dove Awards in the Video categories are given to the artist, director and producer (if other than the artist).
SHORT FORM MUSIC VIDEO
Daylight; Remedy Drive; John Erwin, Andy Erwin; Erwin Brothers Motion Pictures; Word Records
Fan Mail; KJ-52; Sam Sanchez; Sam Sanchez; Difted Productions; BEC
In the Valley of the Dying Sun; House of Heroes; Danny Yourd; Steve Hoover; Endeavor Media; Mono vs. Stereo
Movin’; Group 1 Crew; John Erwin, Andy Erwin; Dan Atchison; Erwin Brothers Motion Pictures; Fervent Records
Slow Fade; Casting Crowns; John Erwin, Andy Erwin; Erwin Brothers Motion Pictures; Beach Street

LONG FORM MUSIC VIDEO
Alive and Transported; tobyMac; Eric Welch; Tameron Hedge, Dan Pitts; Broken Poet Productions; Forefront Records
Comatose Comes Alive; Skillet; Carl Diebold; Carl Diebold, Paul Kerby, Zachary Kelm; Atlantic, Lava , Ardent, INO Records
Country Bluegrass Homecoming Volume One; Bill & Gloria Gaither; Doug Stuckey; Bill Gaither; Gaither Television Productions; Gaither Music Group
O Holy Night; David Phelps; David Phelps, Jimmy Abegg; David Phelps, Jim Chaffee, Jimmy Abegg, Ben Pearson; MG&A; Word Records
The Altar and the Door Live; Casting Crowns; Cary Goin; John Erwin, Andy Erwin; Erwin Brothers Motion Pictures; Beach Street

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LINK FM

THANK YOU JESUS for 12 years of broadcasting via 97.1FM.

Join with us as we celebrate LINK FM’S 12th birthday.  Send through your name and also the name of the charity you would like to be blessed by LINK FM today to:

SMS:  34 791
EMAIL  Studio@linkfm.co.za
TEL:  043 743 0056 / 043 711 4900

Also:  Has LINK FM been a blessing to you over the past 12 years? Click on the COMMENT TAB below and let us know how Link FM has been a blessing to you.

Pillar Bassist Michael ‘Kalel’ Wittig Exits Band

Longtime bassist for Grammy nominated and Dove Award winning hard rock band Pillar, Michael “Kalel” Wittig recently announced that he will leave the group to pursue other opportunities. Among his new ventures are artist management/marketing/consulting company JMA Music, and Stars Go Dim, a band he created with former Pillar drummer Lester Estelle.

Wittig first informed fans of his departure from Pillar late last month on Facebook and MySpace. In a statement he said, “It’s been an amazing 10 years of my life that I will never forget …There are many reasons why, but it is just the right time …I feel very blessed to have had the opportunity to be a part of something that has changed so many lives.”

In addition to spending more time with family, Wittig plans to focus his energies on JMA Music, a management/marketing/consulting company he developed with partner Joey Avalos in 2007. An astute businessman, Wittig has always had an interest in artist development as well as a desire to “give back to these younger groups and help them to be their best.” JMA Music’s current clients include emerging bands One Minute Halo (myspace.com/oneminutehalo) and A Road Less Traveled (myspace.com/aroadlesstraveled). For more information on JMA Music, visit www.jmamusic.com.

And while investing in up-and-coming artists, Wittig will continue to hone his own craft, joining up with former Pillar bandmate Lester Estelle, Joey Avalos (Justifide, Sky Harbor) and Chris Cleveland for pop/rock band Stars Go Dim, a significant departure from the Pillar sound. The group will release its debut EP October 21, 2008 in advance of a full-length project, Love Gone Mad, produced by Estelle, next year. Currently Stars Go Dim is booking dates throughout the Midwest. A tour itinerary will soon be posted at www.myspace.com/starsgodim. For additional info on the band, visit www.starsgodim.com.

“I am grateful for the early enthusiastic response to Stars Go Dim,” says Wittig. “It’s been exciting to work with this band from the ground up, and I am eager to move forward with our first record and tour.”

Michael “Kalel” Wittig began his music career more than 12 years ago. As a member of Pillar, whose career sales currently exceed 700,000 records, Wittig has toured internationally, produced six Radio & Records No. 1 hits, charted on Active Rock radio, won three Dove Awards, received a Grammy nomination and been spotlighted by major media outlets including Bass Player magazine, MTV, and Fuse TV.

 

 

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