Jeff Deyo: The one time lead singer of Sonicflood reaching saturation point
Published in the CR Mag 69
Monday 1st July 2002
One-time Sonicflood singer JEFF DEYO holds a vision to see Nashville become a renowned place of worship. Tony Cummings reports.
Jeff Deyo Band
Jeff Deyo Band
The torturous disintegration of the original Sonicflood after the release of their groundbreaking 'Sonicflood' rock praise album did little to help the reputation of Nashville's CCM scene. But now the dust has settled. A brand new Sonicflood have emerged to release the 'Resonate' CD, one¬time band members Jason Halbert and Dwayne Larring have become acclaimed record producers for acts like Petra and Matt Redman, and Sonicflood's original lead singer Jeff Deyo has stepped forward with a brilliant rock worship debut 'Saturate' for Gotee Records. Aided and abetted by special guests tobyMac, Fleming And John and Rebecca St James, and with the same producers that made 'Sonicflood' such a tour de force, the album, in the words of the Cross Rhythms review, features "brilliantly inventive arrangements of Vineyard evergreens ("More Love, More Power") with powerhouse originals."
For observers of the Nashville scene, one of the most encouraging aspects of Jeff Deyo's emergence has been his decision to continue the monthly gathering for God's people to come together for Nashville's transformation. Those meetings, originally called Sonicpraise, have been renamed WorshipCityPraise. Commented Jeff, "Our vision hasn't changed; just the name. We decided since this gathering was not about a man or a band, but about Nashville being transformed into the likeness of Jesus, we would go ahead and start calling it by the name it has been prophesied to become. You probably know that Nashville is currently known around the world as Music City USA. Well, a number of years ago it was prophesied that this city would become known around the world as Worship City USA. So, as a step of faith, we have decided that we should begin calling things that aren't as if they are until they are! We're gonna worship God with our songs and our lifestyles and pray for this city with a 2 Chronicles 7:14 mindset until Nashville actually becomes transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit into Worship City USA!"
Jeff continued, "We are not satisfied with a small sign in front of church that reads, 'Revival This Week'. We want the Spirit of God to literally come down in power and authority as thousands upon thousands of Christians submit their lives wholly and completely to Jesus. As this happens, we pray that the rivers of Living Water contained within us would burst out of our souls creating a tidal wave that flows through the streets of our cities, towns and neighbourhoods washing away ungodliness of all kinds. We plan to lead by example as we worship God with our songs, our prayers and our lives! We believe that God will hear from Heaven, forgive us (his people) of our sins and heal (transform) our city, as we come together to humble ourselves, pray, seek God's face and turn from our selfish ways (2 Chronicles 7:14). We also want to be a part of answering Jesus' prayer to the Father in John 17 for us to be one. As this begins to happen, Jesus said that many people would believe that he was sent to the earth - many people. This is what we want! Our worship gatherings are for all God's people of all ages, races, denominations and backgrounds to come together with the purpose of worshipping our God and praying for the spiritual healing and transformation of our cities and nations. We don't worship God based on a music style, but rather on a lifestyle. The purpose of these gatherings is not simply unity. To have hundreds of thousands of worshippers gathered in stadiums is awesome, but this is not the ultimate goal. A transformed or 'awakened' city is the true goal. Call it evangelism, call it revival, call it fulfilling the great commission, call it whatever you want -we just want many people to truly and deeply come to know Jesus. But true unity must happen in us first."
When pitched the tough question, what is the future of Sonicflood, Jeff is quite candid. "There were some differences in the band and everybody went their own separate ways. If you look on the back cover of the CD, there are four guys [on it] and none of those guys are with the band currently calling itself Sonicflood. And none of the guys that are in the band Sonicflood were on the first album. To me, it's a bit confusing. I can be honest and say there were some legal threats, legal wrangling as you might put it, for placement and control. It's disappointing and saddening for the Kingdom of God. I got out before all that stuff happened. It wasn't really my decision to leave. The other guys asked me to leave. I think it was really God protecting me from what was about to happen. That's all I would say at this point."
In the stormy period between the break-up of the original Sonicflood and the recording of 'Saturate', Jeff contributed to the various artists project 'He Chose The Nails' inspired by the best selling book by Max Lucado. Jeff explained how he came to contribute to the album. "I was working with Bryan Lenox, who helped us produce the 'Sonicflood' record, and he was telling me about this upcoming project he was working on with Max Lucado. While he was describing it, I remember thinking to myself, 'I would like to be a part of something like that.' And literally, like six months later, Bryan calls me and says that one of the bands has to back out and there's an opportunity for me to write a song for that. I had a couple songs written... I was on the Newsboys tour [at the time]. I put my cell phone down, picked up my guitar and played These Hands' over the phone and they were like, "That's the song!' We've gotta have that one!' It was a great feeling to be a part of that. For me, it brought back one of the most basic but foundational messages, the Cross. Like [Max] says, 'Without the Cross, there's nothing!'"
Of all the riveting tracks on 'Saturate', probably the most attention grabbing is Jeff's radical recasting of the George Beverly Shea '50s oldie "I'd Rather Have Jesus". Jeff told CCM magazine how he came to re-invent the song. "I was sitting at a Billy Graham crusade and George Beverly Shea sang it and it was like it was the first time I'd ever heard it. The message was relevant... but I thought the music made it like it was written in another language. So I wrote new music for it."
Your Music
A Sonic Decade
It was in early 1999 when a love-struck Rick Heil, the bass player for Christian blues rock band Big Tent Revival, stepped off a tour bus and stepped behind the wheel of his truck to cross state lines to visit his girlfriend. Fatigued and sleep-deprived from touring, he lost focus while driving 70 miles per hour on a Missouri highway and ended up flipping his truck several times. The scene was so horrific that those who witnessed the accident actually thought Rick hadn’t survived it. When he crawled out from the wreckage, he had two amazing sights to behold. Behind him – a totaled truck with everything crushed except the driver’s side seat and door; before him – gleaming in the grass… the ejected SONICFLOOd pre-release demo disc he was listening to before he flipped his truck. “The Lord spared me, so I knew it was where I was supposed to be,” recalls Rick of that fateful day. “SONICFLOOd was doing what I wanted to do: love songs to God.” Shortly after that, Rick left Big Tent Revival, a three-time Grammy nominated band, to join SONICFLOOd, an obscure fledging band that hadn’t yet released a single album. At the time, this decision seemed to make little sense. But then, not too many things about Rick Heil’s life would make much sense from a worldly point of view.
The band’s self-titled debut album was released later that year, followed by a tour. Edgy and invigorating, SONICFLOOd’s unique brand of worship rock was unlike anything the Christian audience had heard before, and the band soon created quite a buzz. However, after only a year together, internal dissension tore the band apart and the original band members soon parted ways. Rick too wanted to bail, but after praying over the situation with his new bride, CeCe, decided to take a giant leap of faith. Rather than run from what seemed like a collapsing building, he and his wife decided to keep the band going and take on the SONICFLOOd name… and its six figure debt. Rick also felt that God wanted the band to honor its pre-booked worship concert commitments. He often found himself scrambling to secure musicians to play at these shows but still managed to honor those commitments. Looking back, he believes that God was teaching him and others that it’s not about who’s playing – it’s about God.
While fighting to keep the band from extinction, Rick was also fighting a battle of another kind – against Crohn’s Disease, an incurable intestinal disorder. The disease rained down on Rick relentless and excruciating agony, making touring hellish for him. “Some days I swore I wasn’t going to make it through the show. I had an open sore along my waistband called a fistula – a tract going from inside my intestine to outside of my body, spilling its acidic contents onto my skin. I had to wear a gauze pad and change it every couple of hours. The pain was horrific because I’d have to use my diaphragm to produce notes. I honestly believe I was closer to God at that time because I was at his feet calling him constantly.”
Over the years, SONICFLOOd has sold over 2 million albums and garnered many accolades, including 2 Dove Awards, a Grammy nomination and several ASCAP Awards. But it’s the band’s tireless labor in the mission field, including facilitating over 10,000 child sponsorships, that makes them among today’s most cherished worship bands. They have inspired worshippers across the land, boldly proclaiming the name of Jesus Christ wherever they played, including churches, community events, high schools, festivals, arenas, military bases and clubs. They are distinguished as having performed the first Christian concert ever in a secular venue in modern Istanbul, Turkey, a region which is 98% Muslim. They have truly lived up to their title, “The Fathers of Modern Worship Music,” and have changed the face of worship music forever, paving the way for modern praise and worship movements.
Today, Rick Heil is completely symptom free from the illness that had once tormented him. There is no medical explanation for his cure, and he thanks the Lord Jesus Christ for healing him.
IV: Rick, you are living walking proof of God’s supernatural grace and healing powers. During your battle with Crohn’s Disease, you were walking in the deep valley at times. Can you tell us about it?
Rick: I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease when I was 11, and dealt with it most of my life. I had eight feet of intestines taken out. And learned how to play the guitar in the hospital, I was in there so much. There would be months when I was not allowed to eat anything, so I was fed intravenously or through a tube.
The surgeon who opened me up the last time could find no sign of Crohn’s disease. Where it should be reoccurring, the skin was pristine. I’m praising the Lord. When God takes away something you’ve dealt with for so long, you have to re-learn life. When a person is in pain, that does something to the psyche; you sort of become focused inward, because all you’re thinking of is how to get away from this pain. The pain twists the mind. So, when all of a sudden I was walking around pain-free, I felt like air. I didn’t know how to act, and become a person who is more focused on the people around me than myself. Because that’s the whole Gospel: die to yourself and live as Christ. So, God, in His grace, has allowed me to live without [Crohn’s disease.]
IV: For those out there living with pain, illness or depression, what encouragement can you offer them?
Rick: Lay it down at the Lord’s feet. I thought, in my pride, that I could handle it myself. And I grew up with the misconception that God didn’t care, that God wasn’t going to do anything, that He couldn’t do anything. That was Satan’s lies to me. God does care. He has never lost his power to heal, to raise from the dead, to restore, to make whole. When I finally got to the point of brokenness, when the doctors were saying I was going to die, when I had no more energy to carry around this bag of pain with me, I had no where else to run except into God’s arms. I said, “Lord, I give it all to you. I lay it all down at your feet. Let Your will be done in my life.” At that point, I didn’t care if I lived or if I died. I was just tired of carrying it. But that’s when my life changed. That’s when God began the process of healing in my life; first with my heart, in my understanding of Him and His power. When I realized that God could restore my heart that was as hard as a rock and turn it into a heart of flesh, and give me peace and take away the desire to kill myself, then He was able to heal my body. So, I started on this exploration into God’s character. I came to realize as Psalm 103 says, “He forgives all my sins and he heals all my diseases.” The Word is full of promises to us that He loves us so much that we could never fathom His love, that He is willing and capable and desiring to make us whole. God reprogrammed my mind through His Word. I realized I was holding offense toward God. You can’t grow in a relationship if you’re holding offense against somebody. So, I had to let go of those things. It was a time of humility, and when you’re broken, humility comes easy. In that time of humility, God is able to work; He’s able to speak to our spirits freely. He’s able to work our change from the inside out.
I’d encourage your readers to know that He is the One who works miracles. We all need a miracle everyday. Like the Israelites being fed enough manna for that day, God provides enough for each day. The joy of the Lord is our strength, and it’s only Him that we can put our trust in.
IV: I know one project that’s been near and dear to your heart is Call2Fall. For those in our audience who aren’t as familiar with Call2Fall, can you share how this ministry got started and what we’re looking to accomplish through it.
Rick: We were invited by a 15-year-old kid to come down to Florida, because the ACLU had sued the school because teachers had prayed with the students outside of school time. Whenever the students assembled to pray, the teachers had to turn their backs toward them. They ended up settling out of court, but this 15 year old kid wrote us asking us to come down and lead them in worship, pray with them, encourage them, and we brought with us a law professor from Liberty University. She got there and told them their rights as being followers of Christ and students in a public school. It doesn’t mean that you leave your Christianity at the door. Then following graduation, this past May, all of the students remained standing and recited the Lord’s prayer after the principal had told them to sit down. It was really encouraging. This community came together. It didn’t matter what denomination you were, if you were a follower of Christ, you were involved. A quarter of the population came out, and it made us think we’d love to see the body of Christ united for a cause greater than any one church. We really need to come together in these last days as God’s people, to humble ourselves and repent for our sins so that our land will be healed. This country is in a world of hurt. So, we were thinking about all of this, and I started doing some research and found out about the Family Research Council, who was doing this Call2Fall campaign this past July 5th where they were calling all the churches to have a moment of getting down on their knees in repentance and prayer and crying out to the Lord for the country. So, we got involved, and thought we’d love to get this on the road and get more people involved for next year. We’re praying that by next July 4th we’ll have at least 2 or 3 million people signed up and committed to falling on their knees and crying out to the Lord for this country’s sake.
A lot of people blame a lot of other things for the situation we’re in as a country, but I blame the Church. I blame us… first of all, for not taking care of the poor, and turning it over to the government, making the government pick up our slack. That’s outside their jurisdiction. It’s the Church’s job to take care of the poor, the stranger at the gate, the widow. That’s what God had called us to. He’s called us to be His representatives to others, and have His heart for the poor and needy. We’ve failed in that area. We need to pick that back up, and be a Church of action. We have to be held accountable for the sins going on in our country. Well, there’s the fact that we’re committing them personally, maybe some of us are, yes, we’re all sinful, we’re all fallen. But we need to be salt and light. Back in Biblical times, salt was a preservative, but it had to be rubbed into the meat so that it wouldn’t spoil. We as God’s people need to be rubbed in to be effective spreading the Gospel of Christ and living it out in these dark times. So, Call2Fall is just basically a call to God’s people. You know, 2 Chronicles 7:14 says, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” That’s all we need to happen. We need this land to be healed. We need God’s people to come to a place of humility and repentance to really seek God’s face, being the voice for the innocent, standing up for the Word of God and what it says. When I think of the Church, I think “anemic.” When you’re anemic, you have no energy, you’re pale, you just kind of mope around. Man, we need to be filled with passion. We are living in a generation of skeptics who don’t know who to trust. The only way they’ll trust us is if they see Christ in us.
IV: On behalf of all of us at InnerVoice, congratulations on celebrating the 10 year mark of your music ministry and thank you for taking the interview. We look forward to seeing you in concert in our area soon. SONICFLOOd has been an inspiration to us all.
www.sonicflood.com
www.myspace.com/sonicflood
www.facebook.com/sonicflood
twitter.com/sonicflood
www.call2fall.com
A very special thanks to Kristen Topping.
***
Meet the Band
Chris Knight (Drums)
IV: Who did you play with before joining Sonicflood?
Chris: I got my start in Nashville playing for a group named Everlife. After that I started playing with a variety of Christian, pop, and country artists. I did showcases around Nashville, and did some extended touring. However, most of my 5 years in Nashville was spent on the road with country artist Carolyn Dawn Johnson. Carolyn had great success with a #1 written single, and 3 top ten billboard hits. We shared stages with the likes of Kenny Chesney, Brooks and Dunn, Keith Urban, and did a short run in Canada with Reba McEntire and Carrie Underwood. However, my favorite experience with Carolyn was getting to play on The Opry here in Nashville a few times.
IV: Is there a significance to the lower-case “d” in SONICFLOOd?
Chris: It's my understanding that it wasn't in our budget to get all the letters capitalized. So, we had to pick one letter to "take one for the team." Thanks, "d."
McKendree Tucker (Keyboards/Vocals)
IV: As a keyboardist, who was your biggest musical influence?
McKendree: My biggest influence for the piano has to be the mainstream artist Ben Folds. My biggest influence as a worshipper has to be Martin Smith of Delirious?
Branden Taulbee (Bass/Vocals)
IV: I’ve read that you and your wife had your first child in August. How is the baby doing? How has fatherhood changed you?
Branden: My wife Deanna and I were blessed with a little girl, Leah, in August of 2008. She's now 14 months old, and is walking and trying to talk. She's all girl, she loves bracelets, purses and hairbows. She also loves to strum on any basses and guitars that are left lying around, which is a common occurrence in our home. Fatherhood has changed me in that it radically changed my perspective on my relationship with God. My desire to protect and provide for my daughter, as well as the unconditional love that is realized between us causes me to be much more aware that my Heavenly Father looks at me the same way. If I, as a flawed human, can love and care for my child like this, how much more is God the Father able to love us and keep us in His care?
Rick Heil (Lead Vocals)
IV: I heard you in concert a while back sharing about how amazing it was to be a dad. How is fatherhood treating you and what has fatherhood taught you?
Rick: It’s definitely been a learning experience. It’s really helping me to understand God’s love. I can’t imagine loving someone so much that I’d be willing to sacrifice my own son for them. God’s love is so deep that He would sacrifice His own son to reunite us to Him. And He had the power to stop it, but He just tied His hands so that we could be set free. That just freaks me out, man.
Phil Baquie (Guitar/Vocals)
IV: Originally from Australia, how does the American church culture compare to the Australian church culture?
Phil: Well, I've lived in the USA for just over 10 years now. One of the first things I noticed when I first moved here to America was the difference in the way political leaders speak. Here in the USA it seems more socially acceptable to acknowledge God, whereas in Australia that was not as predominant as it is here. Something I have noticed after traveling around much of the world is that God is moving amongst His people everywhere.
***
A Letter from Phil Baquie of SONICFLOOd
I am being mobilized & have to report November 15th 2009 to Ft. Benning, GA for Operation Enduring Freedom. This means I am being deployed to Afghanistan for about one year.
To say I am in shock would be an understatement and I was not anticipating this happening anytime soon as I'm in the Inactive Ready Reserve. Having said that, I will serve my country with honor and am grateful for all America has done for me and do still feel a sense of duty to serve in the areas I have been trained.
This means my last gig with SONICFLOOd is October 31st. I write this with tears as I have loved being a part of this band and believe in everything it's trying to accomplish. I hope that the position of guitar/bgv will be held upon my hopeful return from Afghanistan.
I love you guys so much and am believing that God is in control and has amazing things planned for SONICFLOOd and the journey he has me on.
To God be the Glory and God bless America,
Sonicflood
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Sonicflood
Origin Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Genres CCM
Years active 1998–present
Labels Gotee Records
INO
Resonate Records
Website www.sonicflood.com
Members
Rick Heil
Chris Knight
McKendree Tucker
Phil Baquie
Branden Taulbee
Sonicflood (sometimes stylized as SONICFLOOd) is a U.S. group of Contemporary Christian music, based in Nashville, Tennessee. The band has roots in a group called Zilch, which formed in 1997. The group took the name Sonicflood in 1998 as they became known as a praise and worship band, and after some personnel changes. The name Sonicflood is a reference to a line in the Book of Revelation, chapter 19, verse 6.[1]
Sonicflood is known for producing modern praise and worship music. They released their debut at a time when such music was gaining commercial audience in the Christian music industry. Their success in turn fed the genre, expanding it's appeal and reach.[2]
Since their debut Sonicflood has sold almost 2 million records, and produced top worship hits (often as covers) including "I Could Sing of Your Love Forever", "Resonate", "Cry Holy" and "Here I am to Worship". In the early years of their existence, the group earned two Dove awards and three further nominations, and one Grammy nomination. Additionally, their eponymous debut took Gold status, and spawned several #1 hits on Christian radio.
Sonicflood's line-up has changed significantly from its original band, partially due to disagreements over the artistic direction that they should take. These conflicts eventually left the band with no founding members. With Rick Heil at the helm since 2000, the band has continued to release albums and tour internationally.
Sonicflood and Sonicpraise
Sonicflood released its debut album in February 1999. With this release, the band became one of many bands in the burgeoning genre of praise and worship music, joining Delirious?, Hillsong, Matt Redman, and others at a time when the genre was a fast growing part of the Christian music industry.[14] The album landed on Billboard charts including the Billboard 200, the top 10 Christian albums, and peaking at #2 on the Heatseekers Chart.[11] The band would stay on the top 10 Christian album charts well into the year 2000 (for over 72 weeks),[15] and becoming possibly the best known praise and worship band in America.[16]
The release had two #1 hits on Christian radio, "I Want to Know You" (written by Andy Park) and "I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever" (written by Martin Smith of Delirious?), and several lesser charting singles. The latter was probably their most well known song,[17] and would gain an additional Dove nomination the following year, in the "Song of the Year" category. The band garnered three Dove Award nominations in 2000 and one win, for "Praise and Worship Album". In 1999 the band recorded a live album at the Flevo Festival but featuring content from other shows as well.[11] Originally scheduled for a late 2000 release, changes in the band's structure would delay the album until 2001.
In the fall of 1999 the band toured with speaker Josh McDowell. The following Spring Sonicflood joined the "Life Liberty Disco Tour", headlined by the Newsboys.[18] The band also recorded a track for the compilation album City on a Hill with Peter Furler as lead vocalist. This release would take a Dove award for "Special Event Album" in 2001, although by that time the band would bear no resemblance to the one which recorded it.
Sonicflood dissolved throughout the year 2000, citing differences in over the vision of the band.[19] Issues that led to the band dissolving included whether the band should return to a more conventional musical strain or continue making praise and worship music[9][19] and how the band should sound.[12] These were complicated by the fact that the band had no true leadership; the original arrangement was equal ownership for each member.[12] In a corporate fashion, this meant that each one had equal say in the direction of the band.[12]
Jeff Deyo resigned in May 2000 at the behest of the remaining members.[19] In later interviews, he would state that he viewed what happened as himself having been laid off.[12] Dean Rush, a New Zealander who had previously played with the Newsboy's Phil Joel, was recruited as lead singer, but lasted only a short time.[20] By the fall of that year, all members except Heil had departed.[19] During this period the disagreements between members cascaded into legal threats.[19] It was reported that Larring and Blanton were pushed out under pressure directly from Heil.[21] For his part, Heil denies using any form of legal action.[21] Heil took the role of lead singer and began recruiting new members to fill the band's touring obligations.[22]
This turmoil led to the delay of their live album because the now-departed members owned the name Sonicflood, which in turn prevented any publishing under it.[12][21] By Spring of 2001 Sonicflood had gone Gold and the legal complexities that surrounded the band's name and ownership had been resolved.[21] Sonicpraise, the live effort recorded in 1999, was finally released. Similar to their eponymous album, it featured a mix of songs from that Sonicflood and new covers written by other praise artists.[23] This album earned a Grammy nomination for "Best Gospel Rock Album", and landed the band on Billboard charts once again.[11]
Jeff Deyo went on to sign with Gotee, releasing a series of praise and worship albums under his own name. Aaron Blanton joined By the Tree, and remains with that band today. Halbert and Larring formed a production company, based in Los Angeles.
Gotee Records continues to release Sonicflood products from time to time. These albums include Gold (a 2004 re-release of both Gotee albums with some bonus material[24]), The Early Years in 2006 (which contains a mix of songs from the same,[25]) and an installment in the Open Mic Karaoke series.[26]
As its first offering, 7101 Music Nation presents “The 1st ELEMENTS National Songwriting Camp” to be held on November 14-18, 2010 in Dumaguete, Negros Oriental. Set against Dumaguete's beautiful beaches and rain forests, Elements aims to gather aspiring and professional songwriters from various disciplines and provide them with a venue to learn, collaborate, interact, and create music in a natural setting.
For five days, more than two dozen respected and renowned Artists and practitioners from the Philippine music industry will come to share their talents and experiences through case studies, interactive outdoor sessions, music games, group activities, and one-on-one consultations. A total of sixty (60) aspirants will be accepted to be the first batch of ELEMENTS participants. There are Twenty (20) slots each from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao that will be made available.The process of selection will be through online application and live auditions. It will be handled and overseen by Maestro Ryan Cayabyab and his working team of distinguished songwriters.
The application period is from July 20 to August 22, 2010. The final list of participants will be announced on September 22, 2010. All news, information, and updates can be accessed through the official camp website at http://www.7101musicnation.com.ph.
The 5-day workshop will present modules on Musikang Pinoy: History 101, Basic Music Creation, Lyrics, Beyond Music and Words, Commercial Music Structures, The Music Producer, Publishing & New Business Trends, Music & Technology, Music Videos & Production and Music & Inspiration. Speakers, Lecturers, and Team Facilitators include such luminaries as Jim Paredes, South Border's Jay Durias, Side A's Joey Benin, Joey Ayala, Noel Cabangon, Gary Granada, Gary Valenciano, Chito Miranda of Parokya ni Edgar, Gabby Alipe of Urbandub, Sponge Cola's Yael Yuzon, Jonathan Manalo, Jungee Marcelo, Trina Belamide, and many more.
Cebu Entertainment
Christian rock band Sonic Flood to stage concert in Cebu
The Freeman Updated May 09, 2008 12:00 AM
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“Music was created by God, as was every instrument, to be used to bring Him glory.
We are commanded in the New Testament to sing and make melody with all our heart to the Lord and to address each other in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs!” (Col. 3:16 and Eph.5:19) says Rick Heil of SONIC FLOOD.
This is the desire and belief that is central to the life and ministry of the Grammy-nominated worship band SONIC FLOOD.
Having released eight albums since their debut in 1999, sold over two million records, and received numerous Dove awards and a Grammy nomination Best Gospel Rock Album in 2001, SONIC FLOOD’S brand of modern worship—including the hits “Here I am to Worship,” “I Could Sing of your Love Forever” and “Cry Holy”—has made a major impact on worshippers all over the world.
This impact is sure to continue in the Philippines with the band’s tour to Manila and Cebu next month in June.
SONIC FLOOD’s music is a staple during praise and worship services in churches and is especially popular with the youth due to its rock flavored sound. The band is credited with helping push along the modern rock-worship movement.
And so, it is Praise and Worship Night with SONIC FLOOD at the Grand Ballroom of the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel on Saturday, June 14.
Tickets are priced at P1500, P700 and P300. For sales and reservations, please call 4124512, 2326888 and 5169387 or visit the official SONIC FLOOD ticket outlets at Waterfront Cebu City Hotel, Ayala Center Cebu Customer Care Counter, SM City Customer Service Counter and Wings
Sonic Flood: The American group influenced by British pop worship
Published in the CR Mag 49
Monday 1st February 1999
It's the sound of Britain's new wave of worship which has been a major influence on Nashville's SONIC FLOOD. Ian Matthews caught up with the guys.
Sonic Flood
Sonic Flood
A new name to watch out for this year is American band Sonic Flood. This band has a long pedigree of musicianship within CCM Stateside, with (amongst other things) a keyboardist from dc Talk and a guitarist from Seven Day Jesus. At the end of last year they came together to look for something deeper than what they had experienced in music thus far. The result of this is the eponymous album to be released soon by Gotee (through Alliance Music in the UK). To British ears there is something familiar about the sounds on this CD, and clues to this are given in the covers of Martin Smith's "I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever" and Matt Redman's "Heart Of Worship". I asked the band what their motivation was for the project. "Originally, we were playing some local clubs in the Nashville area. At the time we were going after a mainstream, pop style break, we were doing the normal stuff that everyone in CCM does - trying to be as cool as possible and as much like the world as possible, and then sneaking the Gospel in at the end of the show. We then inserted one worship song into the show - probably because it was the thing to do.
"After a few shows it became the focal point of the entire concert and we couldn't wait to get to this point because it was so powerful when it actually came. The president of Gotee Records came up to us after one of the shows because he was so 'blown away' by the worship time. He asked us if we would consider doing a project, which would encompass the idea of worship he found there. At the time we though he was crazy as there was no way we were going to be a praise and worship band. We had worked hard and worked our way up to make something of our project. A little while later we visited Brownsville, to the revival, and in about a month God had turned us around completely! We pretty much abandoned everything we wanted, all our goals. We started wanting to do music that was glorifying God, something that we could do directly to him. We wanted to find and write songs that start here on earth the worship that we will be giving to God for eternity in Heaven."
As mentioned above the different members were all playing for different projects. They describe how they came together, "We were all playing in different bands and would meet up occasionally at various festivals across the States. We were just friends, but started to realise that we had some common goals and visions that God was giving us."
On listening to their CD it is clear that there was a particular bias to their musical influence. "Delirious? are more of a philosophical than musical influence, they are paving the way for what we want to do. If anyone was to listen to the CD it would be obvious who our influences are. There is a strong Radiohead influence. A lot of British bands have influenced us a lot, especially The Verve and Oasis. The British bands have really captured something in terms of melodies and creativity, rather than a mould."
They go on to explain why they thought this was, "This is probably because of the way that British radio is set up as opposed to the USA. In the UK radio is set up so that it is much more conducive to artistic expression and creativity. By the time something has become a hit for an American band it has become so watered down and so packaged. Everything is so packaged and down to formula. It seems that only when the British decide that Oasis is a cool band that America decides the same! The music is so much fresher. This could also be down to the fact that Europeans have much more of a world view, whereas many Americans grow up and live in the same State, never leaving it. So there is not so much culture and experience to draw upon when writing music."
With the current situation concerning Christian radio in the UK, their thoughts seemed particularly relevant. "Because of the restrictions on radio here, bands have had to build up a following based on concerts, word of mouth. It is phenomenal how many records bands such as dc Talk and Delirious sell here considering the difficulties Christian radio has. Delirious? started off in 'grass roots' worship, built things up and now they're heading off into the mainstream. It seems that we're going into the other direction."
There is no doubt that worship has become the object of obsession for the band. "That's why we are here. It seems that anything that is happening in worship at the moment is happening in England. I think that this is the birthplace of what God is going to spread worldwide, in a restoration of worship. We want to spend time in England soaking up what is happening, to receive an anointing and take it back to the States. The Matt Redman song we cover on our album ("When The Music Fades") sums up a lot of what we are about and want to be and do."
Sonicflood's Deyo To Headline 'The Day'
0 Comments | Intelligencer Journal Lancaster New Era; Combined Saturday edition, Mar 6, 2009 | by David O'Connor
An annual start-of-summer tradition in New Holland is returning in 2009.
It's called "The Day," a morning, noon and night of Christian contemporary and praise-and-worship music, to be held on Saturday, June 6.
Featuring Grammy-nominated singer Jeff Deyo, known as both a solo artist and the frontman for the popular Christian music group Sonicflood, the ninth annual event is free and will run from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The location is the New Holland Park on East Jackson Street. The rain location is the big Petra Christian Fellowship Church on Airport Road, outside new Holland.
Organizer Crystal Sowel, of Ephrata, recently confirmed that the 2009 version of "The Day" is ready to go, calling it a full "day of praise and worship."
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Along with the performers, there will be a free "kids' zone" from 1 to 4 p.m. and two worship workshops, also free.
"The Day" has averaged more than 1,500 spectators since its inception.
Performer Deyo has brought his catchy, rock-fueled sound to the New Holland event and elsewhere in Lancaster County over the years.
Also performing June 6 will be well-known artist Christopher Wright of Exton, who's returning from last year, and the Michael Gungor Band.
A more detailed schedule of events will be announced later.
Sowel planned the first "Day" around the year 2000, after attending the huge Creation music festival in west-central Pennsylvania.
"It's a wonderful time where people can come, free of charge, and worship, fellowship, hear God's word, have an opportunity for their kids to be ministered to and much more," she said last year.
Along with having nationally-known bands, "The Day" features local worship bands who don't have a chance to go out on tour.
Fronted by Deyo, Sonicflood's 1999 debut, self-named album became a gold-selling record and won a Dove Award, Christian music's version of a Grammy.
The band's second album, "Sonic Praise," then received a Grammy nomination in 2000, and Deyo in recent years has been a successful solo performer.
The 2008 New Holland festival, overcoming temperatures in the 90s, featured the popular national recording artists Big Daddy Weave.
"The Day" is just the first Christian contemporary festival here in June. The Witness Festival in Quarryville is being planned for the following Saturday, June 13.
*credits to:www.crossrhythms.co.uk/artists/Sonicflood/8192/
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Charice Pempengco
Charice Pempengco
Charice Pempengco (born May 10, 1992) is a 15-year-old Filipino singer whose YouTube videos impressed audiences worldwide. She has appeared on the Ellen DeGeneres and Oprah Winfrey shows as well as many others. She's currently signed to... [more]
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Charice Wins Icon of Tomorrow in J-14 Magazine Teen Icon Awards
Written by pinoyambisyoso on Nov-4-10 2:48am
From: pinoyambisyoso.com
International singing sensation Charice has won the Icon of Tomorrow Award in J-14 magazine’s first ever Teen Icon Awards . She defeated other teen stars from the United States and Australia . Teen Icon Awards winners also include Taylor Swift for Iconic Singer , Justin Bieber for Iconic Male Star , The Jonas Brothers for Iconic Band , Selena Gomez for Iconic Female Actress , Miley Cyrus for Iconic Female Star and David Archuleta for Iconic Fan Favorite . Charice defeated other stars... Read Full Story
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The Canadian Tenors Live in Manila
Written by pinoyambisyoso on Oct-9-10 12:59pm
From: pinoyambisyoso.com
The Canadian Tenors was the creation of Jill Ann Siemens , who first had the concept of the group back in 2003. They started as a trio and debuted in 2004 in Victoria . Now a vocal quartet consist of Remigio Pereira , Victor Micallef , Fraser Walters , and Clifton Murray . In September 2009, The Canadian Tenors toured with David Foster as the opening act. They also performed O Canada at the 2009 Grey Cup game . And on February 10, 2010, the Tenors appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show and... Read Full Story
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Charice with David Foster Concert in Manila Philippines (Videos)
Written by pinoyambisyoso on Oct-26-10 11:23am
From: pinoyambisyoso.com
David and Friends concert in Manila , Philippines held at the Araneta Coliseum last October 23 (Saturday) was packed with 10,000 crowds. The show featured Natalie Cole , Peter Cetera , “ American Idol ” alumnae Ruben Studdard , The Canadian Tenors and our own Charice Pempengco . During the concert Hitman , the international singing sensation who calls David Foster her mentor, became the scene stealer at the latter’s entourage of big-league performers— American singers Natalie Cole and... Read Full Story
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All-Star Concert David Foster and Friends Live in Manila
Written by pinoyambisyoso on Sep-26-10 11:12pm
From: pinoyambisyoso.com
Fifteen-time Grammy winner, record producer, composer and arranger David Foster will perform in Manila for the first time with his friends. Aside from our very own Charice , other artists are Natalie Cole , Peter Cetera , Ruben Studdard and the Canadian Tenors . Foster produced and wrote hits like Chicago ’s “Hard to Say I’m Sorry,” Cetera’s “The Glory Of Love” and John Parr’s “Man In Motion.” Other production and writing credits followed with hits for Alice Cooper, Al Jarreau, Hall and... Read Full Story
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Charice is no. 4 in Billboard's 'Top Stars Under 21'
Written by toomuchnews on Oct-13-10 6:00pm
From: toomuchnews.com
MANILA, Philippines – It’s nonstop blessings for international singing sensation Charice as she ranked number 4 in US Billboard’s top Stars Under 21. On Friday, almost two days after her successful debut on the pilot episode of "Glee"’s second season, Charice personally informed her fans and supporters through her Twitter page account that she’s part of Billlboard.com’s "21 Under 21: Music’s Hottest Minors." According to the music site, the 21 young artists who are below 21... Read Full Story
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Star Power Sharon’s Search for the next Female Pop Superstar
Written by pinoyambisyoso on Sep-26-10 9:49pm
From: pinoyambisyoso.com
Star Power Sharon’s Search for The Next Female Pop Superstar premieres this October 10, 2010. Sharon empowers young hopefuls, female singers aged 15-21 years old from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao to maximize their own potentials, develop their talents and improve their skills. She paves the way for them to reach their dreams, but only a few will be chosen to battle it out with each other for an exciting first season. Sharon, who is also a multi-awarded recording artist, helps hone future... Read Full Story
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Newsweek Says Charice is Asia’s Rising Pop Star
Written by pinoyambisyoso on Sep-21-10 9:36pm
From: pinoyambisyoso.com
International singing sensation Charice is Asia’s Rising Pop Star according to Newsweek Magazine . The article was written by Sonia Kolesnikov-Jessop and published on September 16. Read full article here . In another news, Charice is one of the nominees for the Icon of Tomorrow category of the J-14 Magazine 2010 Teen Icon Award . Aside from Charice, also nominated in the same category are Bella Thorne, Bridgit Mendler, Cody Simpson, Frankie Jonas and Greyson Chance. To vote for Charice... Read Full Story
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Charice talks Sunshine Corazon on GLEE
Written by channelapa on Sep-23-10 2:32am
From: channelapa.com
Charice Pempengco talks about her new role as Sunshine Corazon on GLEE . Her character is a foreign exchange student from the Philippines and rival to Rachel Berry (Lea Michele). Charice really relates to her Filipino character. It’s almost like playing herself. She shares about her first day walking onto the GLEE set. It’s a dream come true for her. Watch Glee Season 2 episode 1 . Her Oprah connections are paying off big time. See her performances on Oprah : In This Song , Note To God... Read Full Story
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Charice Covers Lady Gaga in Poker Face
Written by davidkatague on Sep-7-10 12:23am
From: lifeinus1960present.blogspot.com
Besides Lady Gaga, my other favorite singer is Charice Pempengco. In this video, she tries to imitate Lady Gaga(Accapella). She did a good job mimicking Lady Gaga even without a musical instrument as background. \ In case you have not heard about Charice (no TV in your House) here is a write up about her sudden rise to fame from Wikipedia. "Charmaine Clarice Relucio Pempengco (born May 10, 1992), better known as Charice, is a Filipina singer and actress who rose to popularity through YouTube... Read Full Story
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Singer Charice Pempengco, 18, does Botox to look “fresh” on ‘Glee’ (update)
Written by mrrusssss on Jul-19-10 11:03pm
From: topcelebrityheadlines.com
This is what Nicole Kidman and Courteney Cox hath wrought. A particularly fresh-faced, beautiful, talented young Filipino singer named Charice Pempengco got a dream gig: a part on Glee. How did she prepare for the gig? Did she hire an acting coach, maybe? Did she do some vocal exercises? No and no. This chick got Botox. SHE’S 18! For the love of God. Filipino teenage singer Charice Pempengco says she prepared for her debut on the hit TV show “Glee” by getting Botox and an anti-aging... Read Full Story
Santa Ana Charice Pempengco
Charice confirms 'Sunshine' will be back on 'Glee' soon
International Singing Sensation Charice Pempengco has confirmed that she will appear on 'Glee...
Laraine Santiago
Santa Ana Celebrity Examiner
Charice on No. 4 Spot of Billboard’s ‘21 under 21’ Elite List
* Laraine Santiago
* September 24, 2010
Billboard.com has just released its elite list of ’21 under 21’ so named because it ranks the top 21 performers under the age of 21 who Billboard foresees will greatly impact the music world in the coming 12 months. Topping the list is the 20-year old multi-awarded country/pop singer, Taylor Swift. Justin Bieber came in a strong 2nd; while the 3rd spot was grabbed by Selena Gomez of the famed show, ‘Wizard of Waverly Place’ aired over at the Disney Channel. The newest Gleek in town, Charice, nabbed the 4th slot and Soulja Boy was awarded...
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* demi lovato and justin bieber
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Charice nominated in J-14 magazine's 'Teen Icon of Tomorrow'
* Laraine Santiago
* September 19, 2010
'You Tube Singing Sensation' and Oprah favorite Charice has been nominated in J-14 Magazine as Teen Icon of Tomorrow. J-14 is a monthly magazine published in the US by Bauer Publishing and is geared towards capturing the readership of female teenagers by featuring fashion, beauty tips and celebrity news covering teenage stars. Charice is a teenage singer from the Philippines who landed her first US TV appearance through the Ellen Degeneres Show. The witty host personally invited the young diva on national television after she saw a clip of her jaw-dropping...
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* Ellen Degeneres
David Archuleta, Charice Pempengco at Grove in LA tonight: See for Free at 7:30
* Jodi Jill
* November 21, 2010
* 3 Comments
David Archuleta and Charice Pempengco will be on stage tonight, together at the Grove Shopping Mall in Los Angeles. The annual lighting of the Christmas Tree is expected to bring out hundreds to enjoy the season and see two of the talented stars from American Idol and Glee respectfully.The Southern California Christmas time fun has begun and with that different parts of the area are lighting up the trees with sparkling colors and there is always a celebrity around to help. Last night, Charice was at the Citadel Mall in Los Angeles singing and kicking off the holidays, but tonight is even...
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* David Archuleta Charice Pempengc0
* David Archuleta
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Justin Bieber heard Charice Pempengco sing 'Baby' in LA? It was amazing! (Video)
* Jodi Jill
* November 20, 2010
Tonight Charice Pempengco was at the Citadel mall in Los Angeles performing a free concert for fans. Talk about an amazing performance tonight under the crystal clear skies! Not only did she sing some of her singles, she also took audience requests and sang other entertainers songs too.One of those songs was 'Baby' by Justin Bieber and let's be frank when we say she did a show stopping performance. Only singing a few verses, the Charice had everyone holding on every note because the performance was so outstanding. Unlike Justin's yet fresh to compliment Bieber's music,...
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* Citadel Outlets
Charice Pempengco in Los Angeles: Sings at free concert for locals (4 Videos)
* Jodi Jill
* November 20, 2010
* 1 Comment
Charice Pempengco gave her fans a chance to enjoy a free outdoor concert tonight in Los Angeles. Throwing vocals that were absolutely amazing, she did several songs including a Christmas song. One of the most impressive performances had to be when she sang parts of Miley Cyrus' song as well as Lady Gaga's singles and sounded far better than the original.Charice Pempengco was part of the Christmas celebration just off Interstate 5 Freeway at the Citadel Outlets. Giving the fans a chance to hear her wide variety of her vocals, the crowd went absolutely insane for the celebrity tonight...
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Charice Pempengco performs 'Because You Loved Me' at holiday party (video)
* Jodi Jill
* November 14, 2010
Charice Pempengco was spotted last night and you won't be surprised because she was behind a microphone. At a holiday party, one of the guests took to the camcorder and taped Charice performing 'Because You Loved Me.' As you will notice, this strong talent had everyone in the room absolutely delighted with the performance.The party was somewhat private as it was a vocal coach to the stars' party known as Eric Vetro's Holiday Party. Celebrating the season, the performers gathered to talk shop, reflect on the year and even relax after all their performances. Of course with...
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* Charice Pempengco
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* Glee
Charice Pempengco performs at David Foster and Friends concert - Pics
* Jodi Jill
* October 16, 2010
* 4 Comments
Charice Pempengco photos of her performance last night at the David Foster and Friends concert show the intensity of her music last night. Taking to the stage with Ne-Yo as well as alone, she gave the crowd exactly what they wanted to hear and then some.The evening was all about the music, but Charice definitely look gorgeous! She had on a balck short dress with matching shoes and a matching bracelet. The singer, looking young as ever let her vocals do all the work as she was magnificant.Take a minute to check out Charice Pempengco on stage with the photo slide show from last night!
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Charice Pempengco had fans lined up for autographs in Las Vegas (Video)
* Jodi Jill
* October 16, 2010
* 4 Comments
Last night after Charice Pempengco's amazing performances at the David Foster and Friends concert, the Glee star has fans lined up for autographs. In a mini chaos moment, the fans seemed to want photos and autographs from the superstar. Coming at her from every angle, her publist seemed to have trouble keeping the line in order.At the David Foster and Friends concert, Charice performed two amazing solo numbers as well as sang with Ne-Yo in a tribute to Michael Jackson with his Earth Song. The evening was magical with Charice and Jackie Evancho leaving everyone who came in awe of such...
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* David Foster and Friends
Charice Pempengco
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Charice Pempengco
Charice at the Rosemont Theatre, Chicago, Illinois on October 21, 2009.
Background information
Birth name Charmaine Clarice Relucio Pempengco
Born May 10, 1992 (1992-05-10) (age 18)
Origin Philippines
Genres Pop, R&B, soul, adult contemporary, dance-pop
Occupations Singer, actress
Instruments Vocals, guitar, piano, drums, bass
Years active 2007–present
Labels 143/Reprise
Associated acts David Foster, Iyaz, Ne-Yo, David Archuleta, Celine Dion, Orianthi
Website Official Website
Charmaine Clarice Relucio Pempengco (born May 10, 1992), better known as Charice, is a Filipina singer who rose to popularity through YouTube. Dubbed by Oprah Winfrey as the Most Talented Girl in the World,[1] she is the first solo Asian artist in history to land in the Top 10 of the Billboard 200 album chart.[2] Crossing over to television acting, she has appeared on the TV series Glee where she plays a recurring character named Sunshine Corazon.[3]
Articles about Charice Pempengco’
Nov 22, 2010
Charice Pempengco Performed Live at Citadel’s 9th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting with Cody Simpson
Posted by Mischelle Esguerra in Concerts, Entertainment, Music, United States • No comments
Image credit: Monsterlyrics.com Charice Pempengco, the Filipina international singing sensation, together with Australian teen pop star Cody Simpson started the holiday season at the Citadel outlet mall just outside Los Angeles last Saturday, November 20, 2010, according to international news sites. Together they lit the Christmas tree, in accordance with the launching of this year’s [...]
Charice Pempengco To Sing The Christmas Song on NBC Special’s Christmas in Rockefeller Center Show?
Posted by Shella Marie Gutierrez in Entertainment, Local, Music, United States, World • No comments
Charice Pempengco has been chosen to participate in a grand ceremony of NBC Special’s “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” in New York City this November 30 as reported by several entertainment news sites.
Charice Pempengco raises bar for all female singers with incredible vocal range
September 5, 2009 by vongsundara
LATEST UPDATES
September 5, 2009: Fixed broken links for embedded YouTube clips.
March 17, 2009: Added video and comments for Through The Rain and My Heart Will Go On.
February 25, 2009: Added some information regarding Charice’s vocal range.
February 1, 2009: Original post date.
Sometimes in life, I witness someone so talented and driven that it inspires me to work harder on my own craft. Charice Pempengco is the most recent example of this.
I recently stumbled upon videos of a fantastic young singer from the Philippines named Charice Pempengco on YouTube. It seems as though I’m a little behind the times, as Ellen Degeneres and Oprah Winfrey discovered Charice Pempengco a few months back, and Charice has since gone on to widespread fame after appearing on Oprah three times now.
I am a huge fan of talented vocalists; I won’t listen to any musicians or bands whose vocals aren’t at least up to par (which is why I can’t stand punk music and a lot of pop rock). I’ve recently taken my obsession to YouTube, as it’s the perfect venue to compare vocalists in live performances. In fact, there are many videos that splice separate performances of the same song by different artists together, which makes my life easier when I’m trying to compare different vocalists.
The last big-hype vocalist to come along was Leona Lewis. I searched for all the big-time songs that young female vocalists sometimes use to announce themselves to the world. These songs generally consist of power ballads made famous by Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion and other legendary divas. While I do love Leona Lewis — I listen to her album quite often — I definitely thought her promoters did her a disservice by promoting her as the next big voice in the world, as Leona is more in the mold of an Alicia Keys, a great stylized vocalist with a unique quality to her voice. Compared to the Mariahs and Whitneys of the world, though, Leona falls well short. Her lower register is almost non-existent, her chest voice range is also limited causing her to switch into falsetto a bit more quickly than I would like (though she does have a fabulous falsetto).
Enter 16-year-old Charice Pempengco. Now, I’ve heard a lot of good young singers who were considered great because they sounded like adults (Bianca Ryan and a young Christina Aguilera for instance). Charice Pempengco goes beyond this classification, as she is the best female vocalist in the world right now regardless of age. Her low register is powerful, steady and clear while her chest voice is full and lush and has the greatest range of any chest voice I have ever heard. Combine this with an equally great head voice and an incredibly full falsetto and you have the best vocalist I think I’ll hear in my lifetime.
After watching her performances on YouTube, I became transfixed to my computer monitor and literally stayed awake for overnight listening to her music, basically having to go to work the next day with zero sleep. Below I have compiled a list of must-see (and must-hear) performances by Charice Pempengco thus far in her career. I’ll be updating this article with new performances as they happen, so check back often.
Charice’s vocal range can be considered mezzo soprano though her upper register can be classified as dramatic soprano. The highest note I’ve heard her sing live is a G#5 in One Moment in Time.
I did see one hiccup as far as vocal performances go, though, and that was Charice’s rendition of Against All Odds (she was following the Mariah Carey version). Given, it was an improvised performance that was not planned, but it does sound like Charice does not have the same range in her head voice as Mariah Carey does, though really no one but Mariah has had the range (Charice does beat Mariah in the range of her chest voice though).
Charice Pempengco has now been signed and is working on an album produced by David Foster, which should help correct her one flaw (if you can call it that), which is finding her musical identity. Fortunately for Charice, though, there are two ways to prove yourself, either find your own style or outdo the masters at their own styles. Sometimes finding individual style is important because you don’t want to come off as a second-rate Whitney Houston when singing her songs, but when you can actually destroy the original version with your vocals alone, perhaps originality isn’t all that necessary. David Foster has produced a couple of arrangements specifically for a couple of Charice’s performances, and I look forward to hearing more arrangements that can take advantage of her unique vocal strengths.
*credits to:www.zimbio.com/Charice+Pempengco/articles
Charice Pempengco (born May 10, 1992) is a 15-year-old Filipino singer whose YouTube videos impressed audiences worldwide. She has appeared on the Ellen DeGeneres and Oprah Winfrey shows as well as many others. She's currently signed to... [more]
Follow Charice Pempengco
* Front Page
* Articles
* Pictures
* Videos
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Top Picks Date Title
Charice Wins Icon of Tomorrow in J-14 Magazine Teen Icon Awards
Written by pinoyambisyoso on Nov-4-10 2:48am
From: pinoyambisyoso.com
International singing sensation Charice has won the Icon of Tomorrow Award in J-14 magazine’s first ever Teen Icon Awards . She defeated other teen stars from the United States and Australia . Teen Icon Awards winners also include Taylor Swift for Iconic Singer , Justin Bieber for Iconic Male Star , The Jonas Brothers for Iconic Band , Selena Gomez for Iconic Female Actress , Miley Cyrus for Iconic Female Star and David Archuleta for Iconic Fan Favorite . Charice defeated other stars... Read Full Story
Add Comment
The Canadian Tenors Live in Manila
Written by pinoyambisyoso on Oct-9-10 12:59pm
From: pinoyambisyoso.com
The Canadian Tenors was the creation of Jill Ann Siemens , who first had the concept of the group back in 2003. They started as a trio and debuted in 2004 in Victoria . Now a vocal quartet consist of Remigio Pereira , Victor Micallef , Fraser Walters , and Clifton Murray . In September 2009, The Canadian Tenors toured with David Foster as the opening act. They also performed O Canada at the 2009 Grey Cup game . And on February 10, 2010, the Tenors appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show and... Read Full Story
Add Comment
Charice with David Foster Concert in Manila Philippines (Videos)
Written by pinoyambisyoso on Oct-26-10 11:23am
From: pinoyambisyoso.com
David and Friends concert in Manila , Philippines held at the Araneta Coliseum last October 23 (Saturday) was packed with 10,000 crowds. The show featured Natalie Cole , Peter Cetera , “ American Idol ” alumnae Ruben Studdard , The Canadian Tenors and our own Charice Pempengco . During the concert Hitman , the international singing sensation who calls David Foster her mentor, became the scene stealer at the latter’s entourage of big-league performers— American singers Natalie Cole and... Read Full Story
Add Comment
All-Star Concert David Foster and Friends Live in Manila
Written by pinoyambisyoso on Sep-26-10 11:12pm
From: pinoyambisyoso.com
Fifteen-time Grammy winner, record producer, composer and arranger David Foster will perform in Manila for the first time with his friends. Aside from our very own Charice , other artists are Natalie Cole , Peter Cetera , Ruben Studdard and the Canadian Tenors . Foster produced and wrote hits like Chicago ’s “Hard to Say I’m Sorry,” Cetera’s “The Glory Of Love” and John Parr’s “Man In Motion.” Other production and writing credits followed with hits for Alice Cooper, Al Jarreau, Hall and... Read Full Story
Add Comment
Charice is no. 4 in Billboard's 'Top Stars Under 21'
Written by toomuchnews on Oct-13-10 6:00pm
From: toomuchnews.com
MANILA, Philippines – It’s nonstop blessings for international singing sensation Charice as she ranked number 4 in US Billboard’s top Stars Under 21. On Friday, almost two days after her successful debut on the pilot episode of "Glee"’s second season, Charice personally informed her fans and supporters through her Twitter page account that she’s part of Billlboard.com’s "21 Under 21: Music’s Hottest Minors." According to the music site, the 21 young artists who are below 21... Read Full Story
Add Comment
Star Power Sharon’s Search for the next Female Pop Superstar
Written by pinoyambisyoso on Sep-26-10 9:49pm
From: pinoyambisyoso.com
Star Power Sharon’s Search for The Next Female Pop Superstar premieres this October 10, 2010. Sharon empowers young hopefuls, female singers aged 15-21 years old from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao to maximize their own potentials, develop their talents and improve their skills. She paves the way for them to reach their dreams, but only a few will be chosen to battle it out with each other for an exciting first season. Sharon, who is also a multi-awarded recording artist, helps hone future... Read Full Story
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Newsweek Says Charice is Asia’s Rising Pop Star
Written by pinoyambisyoso on Sep-21-10 9:36pm
From: pinoyambisyoso.com
International singing sensation Charice is Asia’s Rising Pop Star according to Newsweek Magazine . The article was written by Sonia Kolesnikov-Jessop and published on September 16. Read full article here . In another news, Charice is one of the nominees for the Icon of Tomorrow category of the J-14 Magazine 2010 Teen Icon Award . Aside from Charice, also nominated in the same category are Bella Thorne, Bridgit Mendler, Cody Simpson, Frankie Jonas and Greyson Chance. To vote for Charice... Read Full Story
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Charice talks Sunshine Corazon on GLEE
Written by channelapa on Sep-23-10 2:32am
From: channelapa.com
Charice Pempengco talks about her new role as Sunshine Corazon on GLEE . Her character is a foreign exchange student from the Philippines and rival to Rachel Berry (Lea Michele). Charice really relates to her Filipino character. It’s almost like playing herself. She shares about her first day walking onto the GLEE set. It’s a dream come true for her. Watch Glee Season 2 episode 1 . Her Oprah connections are paying off big time. See her performances on Oprah : In This Song , Note To God... Read Full Story
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Charice Covers Lady Gaga in Poker Face
Written by davidkatague on Sep-7-10 12:23am
From: lifeinus1960present.blogspot.com
Besides Lady Gaga, my other favorite singer is Charice Pempengco. In this video, she tries to imitate Lady Gaga(Accapella). She did a good job mimicking Lady Gaga even without a musical instrument as background. \ In case you have not heard about Charice (no TV in your House) here is a write up about her sudden rise to fame from Wikipedia. "Charmaine Clarice Relucio Pempengco (born May 10, 1992), better known as Charice, is a Filipina singer and actress who rose to popularity through YouTube... Read Full Story
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Singer Charice Pempengco, 18, does Botox to look “fresh” on ‘Glee’ (update)
Written by mrrusssss on Jul-19-10 11:03pm
From: topcelebrityheadlines.com
This is what Nicole Kidman and Courteney Cox hath wrought. A particularly fresh-faced, beautiful, talented young Filipino singer named Charice Pempengco got a dream gig: a part on Glee. How did she prepare for the gig? Did she hire an acting coach, maybe? Did she do some vocal exercises? No and no. This chick got Botox. SHE’S 18! For the love of God. Filipino teenage singer Charice Pempengco says she prepared for her debut on the hit TV show “Glee” by getting Botox and an anti-aging... Read Full Story
Santa Ana Charice Pempengco
Charice confirms 'Sunshine' will be back on 'Glee' soon
International Singing Sensation Charice Pempengco has confirmed that she will appear on 'Glee...
Laraine Santiago
Santa Ana Celebrity Examiner
Charice on No. 4 Spot of Billboard’s ‘21 under 21’ Elite List
* Laraine Santiago
* September 24, 2010
Billboard.com has just released its elite list of ’21 under 21’ so named because it ranks the top 21 performers under the age of 21 who Billboard foresees will greatly impact the music world in the coming 12 months. Topping the list is the 20-year old multi-awarded country/pop singer, Taylor Swift. Justin Bieber came in a strong 2nd; while the 3rd spot was grabbed by Selena Gomez of the famed show, ‘Wizard of Waverly Place’ aired over at the Disney Channel. The newest Gleek in town, Charice, nabbed the 4th slot and Soulja Boy was awarded...
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* billboard
* Charice Pempengco
* Glee
* Taylor Swift
* demi lovato and justin bieber
* Hannah Montana - Miley Cyrus
Charice nominated in J-14 magazine's 'Teen Icon of Tomorrow'
* Laraine Santiago
* September 19, 2010
'You Tube Singing Sensation' and Oprah favorite Charice has been nominated in J-14 Magazine as Teen Icon of Tomorrow. J-14 is a monthly magazine published in the US by Bauer Publishing and is geared towards capturing the readership of female teenagers by featuring fashion, beauty tips and celebrity news covering teenage stars. Charice is a teenage singer from the Philippines who landed her first US TV appearance through the Ellen Degeneres Show. The witty host personally invited the young diva on national television after she saw a clip of her jaw-dropping...
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* Charice Pempengco
* Glee
* Glee episode
* Lea Michele
* Oprah
* Ellen Degeneres
David Archuleta, Charice Pempengco at Grove in LA tonight: See for Free at 7:30
* Jodi Jill
* November 21, 2010
* 3 Comments
David Archuleta and Charice Pempengco will be on stage tonight, together at the Grove Shopping Mall in Los Angeles. The annual lighting of the Christmas Tree is expected to bring out hundreds to enjoy the season and see two of the talented stars from American Idol and Glee respectfully.The Southern California Christmas time fun has begun and with that different parts of the area are lighting up the trees with sparkling colors and there is always a celebrity around to help. Last night, Charice was at the Citadel Mall in Los Angeles singing and kicking off the holidays, but tonight is even...
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* David Archuleta Charice Pempengc0
* David Archuleta
* Charice Pempengco
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Justin Bieber heard Charice Pempengco sing 'Baby' in LA? It was amazing! (Video)
* Jodi Jill
* November 20, 2010
Tonight Charice Pempengco was at the Citadel mall in Los Angeles performing a free concert for fans. Talk about an amazing performance tonight under the crystal clear skies! Not only did she sing some of her singles, she also took audience requests and sang other entertainers songs too.One of those songs was 'Baby' by Justin Bieber and let's be frank when we say she did a show stopping performance. Only singing a few verses, the Charice had everyone holding on every note because the performance was so outstanding. Unlike Justin's yet fresh to compliment Bieber's music,...
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* Charice Pempengco
* Justin Bieber
* Baby
* Citadel Outlets
Charice Pempengco in Los Angeles: Sings at free concert for locals (4 Videos)
* Jodi Jill
* November 20, 2010
* 1 Comment
Charice Pempengco gave her fans a chance to enjoy a free outdoor concert tonight in Los Angeles. Throwing vocals that were absolutely amazing, she did several songs including a Christmas song. One of the most impressive performances had to be when she sang parts of Miley Cyrus' song as well as Lady Gaga's singles and sounded far better than the original.Charice Pempengco was part of the Christmas celebration just off Interstate 5 Freeway at the Citadel Outlets. Giving the fans a chance to hear her wide variety of her vocals, the crowd went absolutely insane for the celebrity tonight...
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* Charice Pempengco
* Citadel Outlets
* christmas lighting
Charice Pempengco performs 'Because You Loved Me' at holiday party (video)
* Jodi Jill
* November 14, 2010
Charice Pempengco was spotted last night and you won't be surprised because she was behind a microphone. At a holiday party, one of the guests took to the camcorder and taped Charice performing 'Because You Loved Me.' As you will notice, this strong talent had everyone in the room absolutely delighted with the performance.The party was somewhat private as it was a vocal coach to the stars' party known as Eric Vetro's Holiday Party. Celebrating the season, the performers gathered to talk shop, reflect on the year and even relax after all their performances. Of course with...
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* Charice Pempengco
* Charice Pempengco glee
* Glee
Charice Pempengco performs at David Foster and Friends concert - Pics
* Jodi Jill
* October 16, 2010
* 4 Comments
Charice Pempengco photos of her performance last night at the David Foster and Friends concert show the intensity of her music last night. Taking to the stage with Ne-Yo as well as alone, she gave the crowd exactly what they wanted to hear and then some.The evening was all about the music, but Charice definitely look gorgeous! She had on a balck short dress with matching shoes and a matching bracelet. The singer, looking young as ever let her vocals do all the work as she was magnificant.Take a minute to check out Charice Pempengco on stage with the photo slide show from last night!
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* Charice
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Charice Pempengco had fans lined up for autographs in Las Vegas (Video)
* Jodi Jill
* October 16, 2010
* 4 Comments
Last night after Charice Pempengco's amazing performances at the David Foster and Friends concert, the Glee star has fans lined up for autographs. In a mini chaos moment, the fans seemed to want photos and autographs from the superstar. Coming at her from every angle, her publist seemed to have trouble keeping the line in order.At the David Foster and Friends concert, Charice performed two amazing solo numbers as well as sang with Ne-Yo in a tribute to Michael Jackson with his Earth Song. The evening was magical with Charice and Jackie Evancho leaving everyone who came in awe of such...
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* Charice Pempengco
* Charice
* Glee
* David Foster and Friends concert
* David Foster and Friends
Charice Pempengco
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Charice Pempengco
Charice at the Rosemont Theatre, Chicago, Illinois on October 21, 2009.
Background information
Birth name Charmaine Clarice Relucio Pempengco
Born May 10, 1992 (1992-05-10) (age 18)
Origin Philippines
Genres Pop, R&B, soul, adult contemporary, dance-pop
Occupations Singer, actress
Instruments Vocals, guitar, piano, drums, bass
Years active 2007–present
Labels 143/Reprise
Associated acts David Foster, Iyaz, Ne-Yo, David Archuleta, Celine Dion, Orianthi
Website Official Website
Charmaine Clarice Relucio Pempengco (born May 10, 1992), better known as Charice, is a Filipina singer who rose to popularity through YouTube. Dubbed by Oprah Winfrey as the Most Talented Girl in the World,[1] she is the first solo Asian artist in history to land in the Top 10 of the Billboard 200 album chart.[2] Crossing over to television acting, she has appeared on the TV series Glee where she plays a recurring character named Sunshine Corazon.[3]
Articles about Charice Pempengco’
Nov 22, 2010
Charice Pempengco Performed Live at Citadel’s 9th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting with Cody Simpson
Posted by Mischelle Esguerra in Concerts, Entertainment, Music, United States • No comments
Image credit: Monsterlyrics.com Charice Pempengco, the Filipina international singing sensation, together with Australian teen pop star Cody Simpson started the holiday season at the Citadel outlet mall just outside Los Angeles last Saturday, November 20, 2010, according to international news sites. Together they lit the Christmas tree, in accordance with the launching of this year’s [...]
Charice Pempengco To Sing The Christmas Song on NBC Special’s Christmas in Rockefeller Center Show?
Posted by Shella Marie Gutierrez in Entertainment, Local, Music, United States, World • No comments
Charice Pempengco has been chosen to participate in a grand ceremony of NBC Special’s “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” in New York City this November 30 as reported by several entertainment news sites.
Charice Pempengco raises bar for all female singers with incredible vocal range
September 5, 2009 by vongsundara
LATEST UPDATES
September 5, 2009: Fixed broken links for embedded YouTube clips.
March 17, 2009: Added video and comments for Through The Rain and My Heart Will Go On.
February 25, 2009: Added some information regarding Charice’s vocal range.
February 1, 2009: Original post date.
Sometimes in life, I witness someone so talented and driven that it inspires me to work harder on my own craft. Charice Pempengco is the most recent example of this.
I recently stumbled upon videos of a fantastic young singer from the Philippines named Charice Pempengco on YouTube. It seems as though I’m a little behind the times, as Ellen Degeneres and Oprah Winfrey discovered Charice Pempengco a few months back, and Charice has since gone on to widespread fame after appearing on Oprah three times now.
I am a huge fan of talented vocalists; I won’t listen to any musicians or bands whose vocals aren’t at least up to par (which is why I can’t stand punk music and a lot of pop rock). I’ve recently taken my obsession to YouTube, as it’s the perfect venue to compare vocalists in live performances. In fact, there are many videos that splice separate performances of the same song by different artists together, which makes my life easier when I’m trying to compare different vocalists.
The last big-hype vocalist to come along was Leona Lewis. I searched for all the big-time songs that young female vocalists sometimes use to announce themselves to the world. These songs generally consist of power ballads made famous by Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion and other legendary divas. While I do love Leona Lewis — I listen to her album quite often — I definitely thought her promoters did her a disservice by promoting her as the next big voice in the world, as Leona is more in the mold of an Alicia Keys, a great stylized vocalist with a unique quality to her voice. Compared to the Mariahs and Whitneys of the world, though, Leona falls well short. Her lower register is almost non-existent, her chest voice range is also limited causing her to switch into falsetto a bit more quickly than I would like (though she does have a fabulous falsetto).
Enter 16-year-old Charice Pempengco. Now, I’ve heard a lot of good young singers who were considered great because they sounded like adults (Bianca Ryan and a young Christina Aguilera for instance). Charice Pempengco goes beyond this classification, as she is the best female vocalist in the world right now regardless of age. Her low register is powerful, steady and clear while her chest voice is full and lush and has the greatest range of any chest voice I have ever heard. Combine this with an equally great head voice and an incredibly full falsetto and you have the best vocalist I think I’ll hear in my lifetime.
After watching her performances on YouTube, I became transfixed to my computer monitor and literally stayed awake for overnight listening to her music, basically having to go to work the next day with zero sleep. Below I have compiled a list of must-see (and must-hear) performances by Charice Pempengco thus far in her career. I’ll be updating this article with new performances as they happen, so check back often.
Charice’s vocal range can be considered mezzo soprano though her upper register can be classified as dramatic soprano. The highest note I’ve heard her sing live is a G#5 in One Moment in Time.
I did see one hiccup as far as vocal performances go, though, and that was Charice’s rendition of Against All Odds (she was following the Mariah Carey version). Given, it was an improvised performance that was not planned, but it does sound like Charice does not have the same range in her head voice as Mariah Carey does, though really no one but Mariah has had the range (Charice does beat Mariah in the range of her chest voice though).
Charice Pempengco has now been signed and is working on an album produced by David Foster, which should help correct her one flaw (if you can call it that), which is finding her musical identity. Fortunately for Charice, though, there are two ways to prove yourself, either find your own style or outdo the masters at their own styles. Sometimes finding individual style is important because you don’t want to come off as a second-rate Whitney Houston when singing her songs, but when you can actually destroy the original version with your vocals alone, perhaps originality isn’t all that necessary. David Foster has produced a couple of arrangements specifically for a couple of Charice’s performances, and I look forward to hearing more arrangements that can take advantage of her unique vocal strengths.
*credits to:www.zimbio.com/Charice+Pempengco/articles
myfavoriteband.com
Hillsong United: Charting the amazing rise of Australia's youth worship ministry
Saturday 18th August 2007
Tony Cummings tells the story of HILLSONG UNITED, the youth arm of Australia's Hillsong mega church
Darlene Zschech and Joel Houston
Joel is, of course, the son of Hillsong's senior pastor Brian Houston. He is quite candid about his early musical experience. "I started playing when I was 13. We started a youth band - it was the beginnings of United. I started playing the piano, and I was horrible; I couldn't even do chords. Then I moved onto guitar. But since there was no bass player, I did that instead because I was probably the least talented guitarist out of the three that we had. I started writing songs. When I was 18, I started to see worship as a cool thing, so I started writing worship songs. And our church at that point started building quite a reputation for praise and worship. So I was fortunate enough to be in a place where there was a platform for the songs I was writing."
Joel Houston
Hillsong United were formed in 1998 by Hillsong worship leaders and songwriters Reuben Morgan and Marty Sampson as an edgier, more youth orientated worship alternative to the adult pop of mainstream Hillsong releases. Like their parent church, whose early albums were released under several name variants, at first the aggregation had a certain "branding problem" with the original name adopted being United Live. But whatever the confusing front sleeve design, the debut album, 1999's 'Everyday', did well, as did subsequent albums 'Best Friend' (2001) and 'King Of Majesty' (2002). Said Reuben Morgan at the time of 'King Of Majesty''s release, "This is the third United Live album - another year along in the journey. All we set out to do on this new album was to reflect the heart and soul of our youth ministry, and where the youth are with God. The youth ministry at Hillsong Church has grown over the last year and the songs and sound of the album are a reflection of that. Songs such as, 'King Of Majesty' and 'I Adore' are perfect examples of where the heart cry of our youth is today. The night of the recording was actually an unexpected amazing moment. Apart from the scores of people packing the auditorium, there was a passion for God and a raw sense of worship throughout the place. It was an amazing night where people were saved and people were simply hungry for God."
Such visionary aspirations were continued on the next album 'All Of The Above'. This time Joel told Christian Retailing, "Young people all over the earth [are] in connection with the same God. I really felt that we had to try and capture that picture and create a portrait of a generation across the earth worshipping God and being changed and inspired to affect and make a difference in their world." 'All Of The Above' was the band's first ever studio album. Joel told CCM magazine, "It was a whole new experience for sure. We just thought that we would get in the studio and basically do what we always do. We just grabbed a song and played it front to back, back to front and just worshipped."
Over the span of their career, Hillsong United have stayed largely on the fringe of the CCM "industry", gaining momentum through youth events and word-of-mouth. A few years ago, record execs had told the band that in order to be successful in America, they would have to do huge tours with festival and radio promotions. Instead, Hillsong United charted their own course. In staying true to their ministry, the group has seen many incredible opportunities unfold for them. Joel said, "I think it's a real testimony to anybody no matter what they do. You set out with great ideals. You have desires and dreams. It's really easy to kind of be told what you need to be. I think it's a great testimony of staying true to what's in your heart and what God's called you to do."
The Joint on TWC: Hillsong United Review
June 27, 2009
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Review:
Hillsong United – A_CROSS // The_EARTH: Tear down the walls
This CD can be purchased/listened to at:i-tunes
Synopsis:
I’m going to assume you’ve heard of the worship CD churning machine called Hillsong. I’m not going to assume you’re aware that Hillsong United is the “Youth Band” segment of their team because (I’ve said it before) the lines seemed to have been blurred over the past 2 years as to who’s making what. WELL the line is no longer blurred! With a_CROSS//the_EARTH it is clear that United is back to making music for the Youth. We’ve got an official introduction from the ‘under 21′ worship crew (you might have picked up In a Valley By the Sea but you probably didn’t) but here we have some of that crew making their big time debut. It’s great to have some fresh voices and such on such a stable and incredible team like United! I do dare you to count how many times you sing/yell “Woah oh Oh oh!” Haha, I mean but it is for a corporate setting and what gets you going more than yelling!
As always, you get your money’s worth with 12 tracks in a live setting that’s pushing you from one song to the next as if you’re really there!
Bottom Line:
This CD’s not for your typical church worship setting. It is however for your youth setting! Yours Forever is what I’ve been talking about in regards to Post-RockBand-Worship-Music! It’s busy, it’s loud, it’s anthematic, it’s what I see the multitude of youth who have ravaged these games on their consoles at home craving for in the church. However, the great thing is that there are also tracks like the sweet and beautiful Soon that is angelic. And of course everything inbetween!
[rating:4.5/5]
Must have:
Yours Forever – yes its ridiculous and over the top and it’s exactly why I love it! Soon – it’s everything that Yours Forever isn’t! Freedom is Here – for it’s Angels & Airwaves vibe. You Hold Me Now – I just love the chorus lyrics and how they roll off my tongue! King of All Days!! Yes, King of All Days is a must have!
Church Songs:
Depends on your church. With your congregation, you might not be able to get away with all of them
But these are definitely worship songs. I’d start you with: King of All Days, No Reason to Hide, Oh You Bring is a delicious worship tune that just sits there in your pocket, and Soon…mmm….Soon.Hillsong United Conference: Joel Houston
Submitted by James Higginbotham on August 29, 2008 – 5:00 amNo Comment
Joel Houston provided a very moving message during the second Saturday Morning Rally. It is his heart for helping others, with no agenda, and the driving force for the I Heart Revolution. I encourage you to read all of the notes below – it will encourage you and change your life!- He never planned on being a worship leader – he was simply asked by his youth pastor
- Today, he is humbled by how God has used him and Hillsong United over the years
- God takes pride in using the weak and humble
- They travel to so many places, but rarely get to experience it (airport-to-airplane-to-airport-to-bus-to-hotel-to-bus-to-venue-to-bus-to-airport…)
- He started to notice the contrast between the amazing worship experiences he led with the streets/people/cultures/life he saw from the bus
- The worship he leads provides an experience with the believers of Christ but does not have an impact through them to the local culture, he considers it a failure
Amos 5:21-24 (The Message) – “I can’t stand your religious meetings. I’m fed up with your conferences and conventions. I want nothing to do with your religion projects, your pretentious slogans and goals. I’m sick of your fund-raising schemes, your public relations and image making. I’ve had all I can take of your noisy ego-music. When was the last time you sang to me? Do you know what I want? I want justice – oceans of it. I want fairness – rivers of it. That’s what I want. That’s all I want.
- God loves it when we worship Him, sing to Him, tell Him how great He is
- He wants to be someone who chases the heart of God in everything by reaching those experiencing injustice
- His biggest fear is that people will be distracted by the stage, lights, loud music and miss the point
- Through the heart, the mouth speaks
- God isn’t impressed with the lights, amazing sound, music – He is impressed with our hearts
- If our heart is in right the place, God will move, God will use us
Isa 58:5-7 (The Message) – Do you think this is the kind of fast day I’m after: a day to show off humility? To put on a pious long face and parade around solemnly in black? Do you call that fasting, a fast day that I, God, would like? 6 “This is the kind of fast day I’m after: to break the chains of injustice, get rid of exploitation in the workplace, free the oppressed, cancel debts. 7 What I’m interested in seeing you do is: sharing your food with the hungry, inviting the homeless poor into your homes, putting clothes on the shivering ill-clad, being available to your own families.
- If we get caught up in our ways of doing things, it is just religion – it is missing the point
- Jesus didn’t die on the cross for us to have religion – He died on the cross so that we may know love
- We can get so consumed in appearances, on the outside, to ensure things appear to be great from the outside
- Everyone that chase acceptance or seek significance, we often mess up by missing God’s heart and love
- If we can remove all of the “stuff”, enough for others to see us reflect Jesus within, we’ll reach others for Christ
- The universal symbol for love is the heart
- He wants to redefine the true meaning of “I heart” from what others have defined it to true love: Jesus laying down His life for the love of others
- We judge others outwardly all the time
- Human judgement is never going to be completely just
- We can keep trying to chase injustice and right the wrongs, but we can’t do it in our strength
- The only way we can bring justice to this world is to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus
- He died to show us more than justice – He died to show us love
- If we demonstrate that our significance, our value was nailed to a cross and that we in turn live our lives that value the unlovable, the least – that is what God wants
- No matter if you are a student, full time ministry leader, or a business person, treat each person you meet with selflessness, love
- We have so much in the church, in our lives – so much abundance
- We need to value each other, focus on others, realize that we are each called to minister to others
- Our life is no less valuable than anyone else’s
- If we can realize the value of each person in God’s eyes as we walk day-to-day, things will start looking better for each person
- Allow your heart to be open, to do it to understand the heart of God rather than being about us
- It isn’t about what we want – we must love without agenda
- We must not get fooled by the illusion of success in the world’s eyes – something that is fleeting and a distraction
- We need to give everything to God for the sake of other’s
- This is what is going to keep you fired up each day to serve your church, go to school, or go to work
- Have you caught this fire?
- God has called us to play a part in His story (”history”) – let’s play our part!
This is what we are about:
We plant seeds that one day will grow.
We water seeds already planted, knowing that they hold future promise.
We lay foundations that will need further development.
We provide yeast that produces effects beyond our capabilities.
We cannot do everything
and there is a sense of liberation in realizing that.
This enables us to do something,
and to do it very well.
It may be incomplete, but it is a beginning, a step along the way,
an opportunity for GodÂ’s grace to enter and do the rest.
We may never see the end results,
but that is the difference between the master builder and the worker.
We are workers, not master builders,
ministers, not messiahs.
We are prophets of a future not our own. Amen.”
- We are called to do amazing things, all the while walking one step in front of the other
- All we need to do is walk through an open door – God will do the rest
- Keep moving, keep going, keep trusting God – even when you don’t feel up to the task
THE HILLSONG CHURCH: 'Cult' Status, Corruption, Homophobia & Exorcism
publication date: Aug 12, 2010
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author/source: Elle
Previous |
“Don't give someone else the power over your financial freedom” …
“Church involvement is still the best way to maximise your gifts & fulfill your dreams!” ~ Brian Houston
Hillsong – A Brief History
Brian [56] and Bobbie Houston emigrated from New Zealand to Australia in 1978. They joined the Sydney Christian Life Centre in Darlinghurst (Sydney), where Brian's father Frank Houston was a minister. Prior to his post in Australia, Frank Houston was a general superintendent for New Zealand Assemblies of God. Formerly known as Hills Christian Life Centre, Hillsong had just 45 parishioners in 1983 – by 1987, the congregation boasted 900 parish members. Music became a powerful marketing tool for Hills Christian Life Centre and the motivation behind The Hillsong Conference, an annual event that has since educated and trained hundreds of Christian musicians – 25,000 people attended The Hillsong Conference in Sydney this year. HCLC record company's release of their praise and worship CDs, in the early 1990s, brought the church recognition and fame, from all over the world. Hillsong became the catch phrase so to speak and the decision was made to change the name from Hills Christian Life Centre to Hillsong Church. The church has its own bible school [900 students], Hillsong International Leadership College, which is where several Christian conferences are held each year, including The Hillsong Conference. In the year 2000 or thereabouts, Sydney Christian Life Centre (the mother church) merged with Hillsong Church. Today, Hillsong church has over 20,000 parishioners attending their services every week.
Pentecostalism
Pentecostalism is the fastest-growing segment of Christianity in Australia and the world.
More than 200,000 Australians attend Pentecostal churches each week, making it Australia's second-biggest church, after the Catholic Church.
Early Pentecostalism emerged at the beginning of the 20th century. It had a revival in the 1970s during the so-called charismatic renewal.
Most Pentecostals believe in exorcism, speaking in tongues, faith healing and, in general, they seek supernatural experiences. Many of the pastors of Pentecostal churches make decisions based on visions from God.
Prosperity theology is practised by larger Pentecostal churches, including Hillsong, Christian City Church and Paradise. This promotes the idea that wealth and worldly success are signs of God's favour.
Most Pentecostal churches are cash rich and expect members to tithe 10% of their pre-tax income. They also take weekly donations. Most services pass the plate three times and accept credit cards. An armoured truck arrives at Hillsong each Monday morning for the weekend takings, usually more than $300,000.
There are few barriers to entry to set up a Pentecostal church because there is no overarching authority, in the way the Vatican is the headquarters of the Catholic Church. Every four days a new Pentecostal church is planted in Australia. Source: Adele Ferguson, "God's Millionaires"
What is a cult?
"A cult is a group or movement exhibiting a great or excessive devotion or dedication to some person, idea, or thing and employing unethically manipulative techniques of persuasion and control (e.g., isolation from former friends and family, debilitation, use of special methods to heighten suggestibility and subservience, powerful group pressures, information management, suspension of individuality or critical judgment, promotion of total dependency on the group and fear of leaving it, etc.) designed to advance the goals of the group's leaders to the actual or possible detriment of members, their families, or the community." ~ Louis J. West & Michael D. Langone, American psychologists
Is Hillsong Exploiting Tax Exemptions?
Hillsong is an Australian Pentecostal mega-church that uses a not-for-profit company, Leadership Ministries Inc (LMI), to fund its church services and charitable work. Leadership Ministries Inc and other tax-free entities in the Hillsong organisation have spent their earnings on housing, cars, accommodation and extensive overseas travel; these expenses do not incur income tax or fringe-benefits because of LMI's tax-exempt status. They do not have to lodge a tax return with the Australian Taxation office, and they do not have to disclose how they make their money – it would seem that Brian is not morally or legally answerable to anyone. Hillsong and its subsidiary companies are worth over $50 million. When the global financial crisis hit in 2008, Hillsong was as safe as houses (no pun intended) and collected over $17 million in 'tithes' – most of it cash. Over the past ten years, Hillsong is said to have received $2 million dollars in grants, yet their financial statements show no accounting for these payments. The New South Wales Government denied a $414,000 grant to an Aboriginal community, when it found that the money was being used to pay Hillsong employee salaries. LMI, the cash cow of Hillsong, can pay its employees $1 million a year of expenses tax-free. As per the legislation referring to remuneration under the Tax Act, there is no cap on the amount of expenses churches can pay ministers of religion, before fringe-benefits tax is ordinarily incurred. Any other not-for-profit institutions, e.g. hospitals, are able to pay employees expenses to a maximum of $9095 per person a year before fringe-benefits tax is incurred. If Hillsong wants to pay all Brian Houston's salary in fringe benefits they can legally do so – he would pay little if any tax. In 2008, Hillsong spent $4.6 million on “missions and overseas aid” and $20.7 million on “church services”. Hillsong makes approximately $9 million in tax-free royalties annually.
"While looking at the Hillsong web presence, I noticed a couple of strange things. The first is that, with all its money and commitment to life in Australia, it has its web site hosted in New Jersey. The second is that it has registered at least three domain names in Australia - hillsong.com.au, hillsong.net.au and hillsong.org.au. When you enter any of these names into your browser you are taken to hillsong.com and the New Jersey host. According to the rules of Australian domain names, .com.au and .net.au are restricted to Australian commercial businesses and .org.au domains are only available to non-profit organisations and charities. I asked the appropriate authorities how it can be possible for the same commercially-registered company to have use of all three names. I realise that Hillsong is really a business pretending to be a church to avoid tax, but I would have thought that their lawyers would have advised them not to be so open when leaving traces in public records. Parishioners of this pretend church keep writing to me to tell me of the great charitable works performed with the $30 million extracted from the faithful each year. Now we find that this great charitable organisation has been firmly locked on to the public teat in order to pay for the charity. Since 1999, Hillsong has received almost $800,000 from Australian taxpayers to fund the things the "church" would be paying for itself if it were not just a business to collect unaccountable and tax-free cash. In the last financial year, Hillsong received $300,000 from a federal department which is supposed to be responsible for industrial relations.”
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