By Andy ArgyrakisCHRISTMAS SONG FROM SCOTTScott Krippayne will always be regarded for his smash single “Sometimes He Calms the Storm,” though he continues to earn significant songwriting credits, including a recent tag team with fellow tunesmith Jeff Peabody for “American Idol” star Jordin Sparks. The pair’s current collaboration is a Christmas track entitled “Crying For a Christmas,” which is meant to bring hope and inspiration to those whose spirits may be low this otherwise celebratory season. Outside of iTunes, the track is available as a single at most Christian retailers.
NEW SINGER STEPS UP TO DECYFER’S MICROPHONELoosing a lead singer isn’t the death sentence it once was with everyone from newsboys to Journey to INXS not only surviving but thriving without its original front men. Alternative rockers Decyfer Down just announced new leader TJ Harris, who was previously known for his time in Fighting Instinct. Together, the band is slated to release the studio CD,
Crash (INO/Columbia), in April 2009, though an iTunes EP previewing a few songs from the heavy-handed batch is currently available.
MARY MARY MOVES UP THE CHARTSSoulful pop/dance duo Mary Mary is earning tons of attention for its brand-new CD,
The Sound (Integrity/Columbia), including heaps of critical acclaim and radio airplay on Christian and secular stations alike. The project also spawned the pair’s highest ever
Billboard Top 200 chart debut (landing at No. 7), while simultaneously topping
Billboard’s Top Christian & Gospel charts.
4HIM’S SOLO FLIGHTThough many members of 4HIM have already cut solo projects, co-singer Marty Magehee just turned in his individual debut disc via Open (Martingale Music/Koch Distribution). Though he sold over 5 million albums with the group and is known for a harmony-heavy sound across hits penned by Nashville’s finest songwriters, this CD is entirely self-produced and features his own writing on each and every song.
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