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      <title>Featured Artist</title>
      <link>http://www.virtuousreality.com/artists/</link>
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      <language>en</language>
      <copyright>Copyright 2009</copyright>
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            <item>
         <title>Esther Havens Photography</title>
         <description><![CDATA[<a href="http://www.virtuousreality.com/artists/esther%20havens.jpg"><img alt="esther%20havens.jpg" src="http://www.virtuousreality.com/artists/esther%20havens-thumb.jpg" align="left" hspace="5" width="150" height="225" /></a>We're gonna branch out a little this week and spotlight an artist who works in pictures instead of music. I don't know how many of you are into photography but it takes a special talent to look at the world around us and frame a shot so that it tells a story instead of just freezes a moment in time. Anyone can take a picture, but not just anyone can show you the world in a single shot. Esther Havens can. She has an eye that sees beyond the surface and she's willing to go anywhere (literally anywhere) God is working in this world to help <em>"open (people's) hearts and minds to see the third world conditions in a way that might challenge them to make a difference".</em>

If you want to know more, check out her <a href="http://estherhavens.com">website</a> to see some of her amazing photos and read her blog. What this young woman does with a camera and natural light is truly impressive. I love it when God's people use their talents to bless Him and not for their own fame...I pray that's what Esther Havens is all about.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.virtuousreality.com/artists/2009/07/esther_havens_photography.html</link>
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         <pubDate>Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
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         <title>There&apos;s More to Kris Allen</title>
         <description><![CDATA[Have you guys already seen this? 

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You're probably way ahead of me because I don't watch much American Idol but I was shocked (and apparently so was he) to hear that Kris Allen won this time around. I've only tuned in twice this season, once to see this Adam guy that everyone was talking about, and once accidentally in London where I was won over immediately by Kris' rendition of "Ain't No Sunshine". Man he did a beauty of a job with that one. From that point on I was hoping he would win but didn't really think it would happen because of all the hype behind Adam. Come to find out the guy seems to love Jesus and leads worship in his church. Who knew? Well, probably everyone who was paying attention...which wasn't me. So cheers to him and I hope and pray that he holds onto Jesus with everything he has because this idol life can ruin anyone. I pray that he stays quiet and humble and that Hollywood doesn't turn him into the worst possible Kris he could be. I also pray that we all remember that men make horrible idols and only God can live up to His hype. ]]></description>
         <link>http://www.virtuousreality.com/artists/2009/06/theres_more_to_kris_allen.html</link>
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         <pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2009 10:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
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         <title>Special request for TobyMac</title>
         <description><![CDATA[We recently had a request to feature TobyMac on our site and I thought how cool is it that someone who's been around as long as Toby is still loving Jesus and making music that's about Him. So I went looking for some good info but he doesn't seem to do a lot of talking about himself. Even his website is more about a camp he started with friends than it is about himself. 

See for youself - <a href="http://www.tobymac.com/">http://www.tobymac.com/</a>

That's when I realized that I really like Toby Mac. Because I'm sick of people talking big about themselves but not having much to back up the talk. For example - I just recently heard from a friend in the entertainment industry that one of my favorite Christian bands is the worst group of people she's ever worked with. She said they were rude to everyone, didn't pay people for the work they did and even though they talked a good Jesus talk onstage, once they were off they were horrible. She even said that a friend of hers even gave up on Christianity because of how this one band acted. How sad is that? 

That being said, I appreciate a man who has followed Jesus faithfully for a long time (as far as I can tell) and loves his family a lot and is more concerned about living what he believes than talking about it.

Check him out and let me know what you think.

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         <link>http://www.virtuousreality.com/artists/2009/05/special_request_for_tobymac.html</link>
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         <pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2009 12:41:22 -0600</pubDate>
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         <title>Have you heard of Starfield?</title>
         <description><![CDATA[I didn't know anything about them but then we started singing this song in church called <strong>Reign In Us</strong> and I LOVE IT!!! Turns out they have more than just one good song so if you don't already know about them, check them out and let me know what you think - <a href="http://www.starfieldonline.com">www.starfieldonline.com</a>

Here's a little blurb from their website:

<a href="http://www.virtuousreality.com/artists/starfield.jpg"><img alt="starfield.jpg" src="http://www.virtuousreality.com/artists/starfield-thumb.jpg" align="left" width="150" height="100" /></a><em>"We are so privileged, yet we're so dissatisfied with our lives no matter how well we're doing", lead singer Tim Neufeld says. "There's always this underlying pressure to be doing better, when the exact opposite should be the case. The pressure and call on our lives should be to live with less and give away more."</em>

If you go to their site you'll find links to their Blog, Facebook, MySpace and YouTube pages. Looks like they have the whole computer arena covered. ]]></description>
         <link>http://www.virtuousreality.com/artists/2009/04/have_you_heard_of_starfield_1.html</link>
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         <pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2009 08:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
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         <title>Tenth Avenue North</title>
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I'm highlighting this band because recently the lead singer, Mike Donehey, went on a ski trip with our youth group to hang out with people and help them worship... I think that's pretty cool. Here's a little blurb from their website:

At present,
We're just trying to find our way in the Christian music industry
"dodging traffic at the intersection of art, faith, and commerce,"
as Jon Foreman once put it.
We all come from church backgrounds and families, and therefore,
are not satisfied saying the same old things in the same old ways.
What we're hoping for with this music that we're making is to not just entertain people.  
I think it's safe to say that we already have plenty of that.
What we're wanting is to see people encounter truth.
Remember, we all worked at a church for some time,
and there we saw plenty of emotion. We saw plenty of people having a good time,
but it wasn't long until we realized that if emotion isn't being evoked by truth,
well, then it just doesn't last.  And we want this love in hearts to last.
I guess you could say we're done just trying to get emotional from blast beats
and hip guitar lyrics.  Instead, we desire to be cut to the heart.
To be honest, genuine, and faithful to what we believe is truth.

Nobody said it would be easy,
but if easy isn't true, then who wants it?

Here's a link to their site if you want more - <a href="http://www.tenthavenuenorth.com/">Tenth Avenue North</a>]]></description>
         <link>http://www.virtuousreality.com/artists/2009/03/tenth_avenue_north_1.html</link>
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         <pubDate>Sun, 01 Mar 2009 08:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
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         <title>Eduardo Verastegui </title>
         <description><![CDATA[Did you see the movie Bella? It was so sweet...such a beautiful story of love and sacrifice and second chances. Here's the most wonderful thing about the movie. The main actor, Eduardo, is sort of the Brad Pitt of Latin America. He acts, he sings, he models, he does it all - but a few years ago someone confronted him on how he was living and reminded him that it's not enough to just say you believe in Jesus, you have to actually live it. Here's the movie trailer and his story in his own words:

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You know what's really amazing? Babies are being saved because this guy decided to live his beliefs instead of live for himself. If you want to know more about the movie, here's a link to the site - <a href="http://www.bellamoviesite.com/">Bella The Movie</a>. It's rated PG-13 so you might not be able to see it yet but it's a great story that's actually doing good instead of harm...almost unheard of these days and I love it!]]></description>
         <link>http://www.virtuousreality.com/artists/2009/02/eduardo_verastegui_1.html</link>
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         <pubDate>Sun, 01 Feb 2009 08:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
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         <title>Jason Castro - He is Second</title>
         <description><![CDATA[If any of you are into American Idol you know who Jason Castro is, but do you know how much he loves Jesus? Because I didn't until a friend sent me to the <strong>I Am Second</strong> website and I saw this video (<a href="http://www.iamsecond.com/#/seconds/Jason_Castro/">click here for a better quality video</a>):

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This is the kind of guy I hope y'all are looking for. Not vampires from books or the latest superstar or the hot guy in your school, but a guy who really loves Jesus and is trying to live for Him. Isn't it encouraging to know that they are out there? Keep in mind that the guys who really love Jesus are usually looking for girls who really loves Jesus, and that's something you can be working on as you trust God with your life and whoever He has lined up for you. Who knows,  he might even have great hair and a nice smile like Jason Castro :)]]></description>
         <link>http://www.virtuousreality.com/artists/2009/01/jason_castro_1.html</link>
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         <pubDate>Thu, 01 Jan 2009 08:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
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         <title>Meet Dave Barnes</title>
         <description><![CDATA[With Christmas just around the corner, it's the perfect time to introduce you to Dave Barnes...assuming you don't already know him. He's such a good musician, but my favorite thing is that he doesn't mind making a fool of himself and putting it on "the JuTube" for all to see...love that! A good friend (hello Mo) brought me into the world of Dave via this video, and now it's my turn to do the same for you. Consider it a Christmas present...you're welcome. 

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To learn more about Dave...well, first watch his <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1vLEbbgD2g">YouTube videos</a>, then go to his website at <a href="http://www.davebarnes.com">www.davebarnes.com</a>. And if you want to hear some of his best stuff (in my opinion) check out the songs <em>Until You</em> and <em>On a Night Like This</em>.

You might also want to look into the <a href="https://www.mochaclub.org/mochaclub/welcome">Mocha Club</a>, which is something he's involved with that ties us together with Africa and for $7 a month you can help one of God's kids on the other side of the world. Anyone can handle $7 a month to help someone in need and anything we do for "the least of these" we did for Jesus.

Merry Christmas Everyone - It's all about Jesus!!]]></description>
         <link>http://www.virtuousreality.com/artists/2008/12/dave_barnes_1.html</link>
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         <pubDate>Mon, 01 Dec 2008 12:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
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         <title>Plumb</title>
         <description><![CDATA[<img alt="plumb%20blink.jpg" src="http://www.virtuousreality.com/artists/plumb%20blink.jpg" hspace="4" align="left" width="200" height="200" />All it takes is a split second to glimpse God's grace in the midst of daily life---and then, blink, that instant is gone forever! In her most personal album yet, Plumb shares fleeting but precious experiences from her own life---and opens your eyes to the momentary miracles that fill each new day.

It’s been 10 years since a band called Plumb hit the scene with its electronic-rock driven self-titled disc that paved the way for future mega-bands Evanescence and Flyleaf. Since 2000, Plumb has gone from being a band to being the stage moniker for lead vocalist-turned-soloist Tiffany Arbuckle Lee, a woman known for pensive lyrical fare and a rich, if not sometimes haunting, soprano voice.

But an even bigger change for Plumb came with her marriage and the subsequent birth of her two sons. The result became <strong>Blink</strong>, a collection of modern pop lullabies and reflective narratives on life as a wife, mother, artist and follower of God. 

"From the get-go when I had the dream in the back of my mind to do music, I never wanted to be labeled country or Christian or whatever," says the outspoken artist, whose real name is Tiffany Arbuckle Lee. "I've just wanted to be a singer/songwriter appreciated for her artistry and musicianship by people from all walks of life. My life as a Christian is to be evident through each step along the way—not just when I'm in the studio or on stage, but with my interaction with the Wal-Mart cashier or wherever."

Check out one of my favorite Plumb songs "In My Arms" on her<a href="http://www.plumbinfo.com/"> website</a> or her <a href="http://www.myspace.com/plumb">MySpace</a> page.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.virtuousreality.com/artists/2008/11/plumb_1.html</link>
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         <pubDate>Sat, 01 Nov 2008 06:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
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         <title>Flyleaf</title>
         <description><![CDATA[This is a little bit different kind of band than we normally feature, and I know it's not going to fit everyone's taste. However, some of you are hurting and struggling through life (we read your prayer requests) and Flyleaf has been there. They love Jesus and aren't afraid to address some of the harder issues this world throws at some of us...and they always point to hope. Please give them a chance, pay attention to their lyrics and let us know what you think! - Jamie

<img alt="Flyleaf.jpg" src="http://www.virtuousreality.com/artists/Flyleaf.jpg" width="500" height="193" />

<strong>Bio (from their website):</strong>
Heavy music and pained lyrics go together like cake and ice cream, and Belton, Texas quintet, Flyleaf, aren't about to break with tradition. But while many loud rockers reopen old wounds by singing about their broken homes and broken hearts, Flyleaf confront past traumas to heal old scars and prove in the process that hope shines brighter than despair.

"I used to be in a really negative band, and that seemed to almost fuel my emptiness because that's what the songs were about," says charismatic singer Lacey Mosley. "That's why I think what we're doing is important because there needs to be something heavy out there that has a positive message so people see that it's possible to get through the worst situations."

Flyleaf's self-titled debut album echoes with songs about abuse, neglect, addiction and dysfunction, and messages about overcoming adversity. And the band's wide array of brooding beats, atmospheric textures and lunging riffs compliment Mosley's emotionally revealing lyrics, which range from breathy and beautiful to scathing and aggressive.

"I'm So Sick," starts with a moody bass line throbbing over a haunting ethereal vocal before guitars crash in like a rock through a plate glass window. The track see-saws between rage and reflection, guitarists Sameer Bhattacharya and Jared Hartmann providing textural flourishes and atmospheric touches that bridge the emotional shifts. "Cassie" layers stop-start guitars atop an urgent backbeat and builds to an exultant chorus. "All Around You" augments a wall of power chords with evocative jazzy licks and "Fully Alive" is a cinematic number with angry muted riffs that segue into another glorious refrain.

Flyleaf's infectiously heavy positivism is all the more surprising considering Mosley's struggles while growing up. "My mom was a young single mother of six," she explains. "We didn't have money and things were hard for all of us. We moved whenever we couldn't make ends meet in one place, and that happened pretty often so there was a lot of struggling, suffering and character building.

"It's easy to get depressed when you're dealing with that kind of stress," she continues, "especially when it looks like things will never get better. There was nothing constant in my life, and nothing to believe in. I got into some really bad stuff that I thought would make me feel more loved, or maybe just numb, but it cost me everything that was important to me, and literally almost took my life."

When you take a dive, sometimes you have to hit the bottom before you can swim your way back to the top. For Mosley, writing songs about survival helped her reach the surface and breathe again. "I had to lose everything to look up and see that there is a truly constant hope of a happy ending and that's what we make music for." she says. "If my music helps one person, than it's worth having been through what I've experienced."

All five members of the band are of the Christian faith. This faith influences their music, but lead singer Lacey Mosley doesn't necessarily believe that makes Flyleaf a strictly Christian band. "We all share the same faith. And so when we deal with the whole 'Christian band thing,' we kind of think about something P.O.D. says, like, 'If you're a Christian, it affects everything in your life. So if you're a plumber, does that make you a Christian plumber?' " Mosley said. "I don't know the answer. We're a band, it's part of who we are, so it comes out in our music, and it's the fuel for what we do. And finding faith saved my life. So I'm not ashamed of it at all. And most of our album reflects that." The song Perfect appears on Guitar Praise, a Christian Rhythm game based on the Guitar Hero and Rock Band games.

For more on the band, go to their website: <a href="http://site.flyleafmusic.com/">Official Flyleaf site</a>
Check out this cool thing Flyleaf is doing with World Vision!: <a href="http://www.mellowtown.com/wvflyleaf/">Use Your Voice to Make a Better World for Children</a>]]></description>
         <link>http://www.virtuousreality.com/artists/2008/10/flyleaf_1.html</link>
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         <pubDate>Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:05:00 -0600</pubDate>
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         <title>Bethany Dillon</title>
         <description><![CDATA[<a href="http://www.virtuousreality.com/artists/bethany%20dillon.gif"><img alt="bethany%20dillon.gif" src="http://www.virtuousreality.com/artists/bethany%20dillon-thumb.gif" width="170" height="113" align="right" /></a> When Bethany Dillon came on the scene in 2004, at the young age of 14, it was not only the depth of her songs that garnered attention but her distinctive alto voice that sang with deep soul and wisdom of someone twice her age. So Far: The Acoustic Sessions is an organic, stripped-down album of fan favorites along with “Hero” from the Chronicles of Narnia Soundtrack, and a Beatle’s cover to top it off. Recorded over 2 days in a studio, this album has the ‘feel’ of an intimate live show. Already a proven hit digitally with the 2007 EP release, So Far: Acoustic Sessions is now fully developed with 10 songs and a tour to support it spring 2008, but why not just let Bethany tell you about it.
_________________________________________________ 

About a year ago, the idea for this little project was proposed to me by my friend Brad. He asked if I had any interest in recording a six-song EP of acoustic versions of songs from the three previous records, and I immediately felt like the creativity in me let out a deep sigh. Only a handful of months before that, I’d finished and released Waking Up-- so the thought of writing anything felt like having to run fifty more laps after completing a marathon. I’ve always been a bit of a drama queen, but I promise, those sentiments post-record season are as genuine as they come.

But, the thought of having the freedom to make new arrangements to old songs, kick back and enjoy the creativity of everyone in the studio—that sounded like a whole lot of fun. And, even though it was “recording”, it sounded extremely restful.

So, in the middle of the very crazy spring of 2007, my brother/road manager and I flew to Nashville on some days off to begin the process with producers Ian and Justin. We only recorded six of the ten songs during that trip, and then came back to record “When You Love Someone”, “Hallelujah”, “We Can Work It Out”, and “Hero” over six months later. 

There’s the technical stuff; beneath the surface of that, this project has been such a sweet thing for my soul. Experiences like tracking “Hallelujah” live; Ian a couple feet away playing piano, me standing in a vocal booth, eyes squeezed shut, wishing it were longer than four minutes. Something so special to be a part of as well was seeing “Hero” take on new life-- along with the if-only-I-had-a-penny-every-time-I-sang-it songs “All I Need” and “Beautiful”. When the opportunity to cover a Beatles song came up, my Mom (it’s an understatement to say she’s a Beatlemaniac) almost instantly blurted out, “’We Can Work It Out’! You should do that one!” 

All that to say, it’s been a blessing to get to sing these words again, to watch and be a part of them growing and reaching places now they wouldn’t have before. The biggest blessing, however, is that they are… well… quieter. I love making records, don’t get me wrong; but when there’s only a piano, or only a guitar and a vocal, it seems truer to what happens in my room at 2am. 

This has been a blessing for me, and so my deepest hope is that it is to you as well. Not that you’d be wowed by a lot of production, or distracted by new material, but that you’d be able to sit back and hear His voice in these songs. He’s probably able to speak better to you when everything’s turned off (that may not be the wisest marketing move there, but I believe it), but when you do decide to press play on something, I’m praying right now that He’d stir you up through these very simple sounds. 

Be blessed. 
Beth

P.S. Bethany recently married Shane Barnard of Shane and Shane fame.

<strong>Artist Links</strong>
Bethany Dillon <a href="http://bethanydillon.com/default.aspx"><strong>Online</strong></a>
Bethany @ <a href="http://www.myspace.com/bethanydillonmusic"><strong>MySpace</strong></a>
Bethany on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bethany-Dillon/15011325087"><strong>Faceboo</strong>k</a>]]></description>
         <link>http://www.virtuousreality.com/artists/2008/09/bethany_dillon.html</link>
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         <pubDate>Mon, 01 Sep 2008 00:05:00 -0600</pubDate>
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         <title>Special D</title>
         <description><![CDATA[<a href="http://www.virtuousreality.com/artists/Special%20D%20Pic.jpg"><img alt="Special%20D%20Pic.jpg" src="http://www.virtuousreality.com/artists/Special%20D%20Pic-thumb.jpg" width="170" height="235" align="right" /></a>In the modern day music industry with dime a dozen sound-a-likes and flash in the pan overnight sensations, there’s something to be said about an act with unceasing work ethic and commitment to artistic expansion instead of merely following the latest fad. For western Kentucky alt-rockers Special D, that latter formula can perhaps be chalked up to its Midwestern upbringing (no glitzy west coast plastic or east coast attitude here) or maybe it stems from members’ unwavering commitment to the creative process on its brand new CD Over and Over and the evolving live experience over the past two and a half years. 

But no matter what the reason, the rollicking foursome has cultivated a fervent fan base from its region and beyond, performing for countless thousands of fans on the main stage of such prominent festivals as AtlantaFest, Rock The Light and Unity Festival, plus sharing the bill with the likes of Toby Mac (Forefront/EMI), Skillet (Atlantic), Family Force 5 (Maverick), Jars of Clay (Nettwerk), Third Day (Essential), Jason Morant (Integrity/Epic) and DecembeRadio (Slanted), amongst many others. In concert or on Over an Over, the ambitious outfit is known for its slicing guitar sounds, soaring melodies and infectious party appeal, which merges the dynamic worlds of The Killers, Switchfoot and U2’s most recent era to empower, enchant and entrance with unending charisma every step of the way. Add in powerful production from Ainslie Grosser (known most recently for his work with Warner Brothers’ breakout band MuteMath), plus a lyrical dichotomy packed with reality-based reflections that provide hope in a seemingly dark world and Special D’s astute leaps forward are undeniable. But the band will let fans be the judge on an extensive 2008 tour in support of Over and Over, which thus far includes main stage slots at Rock The Light and Rock The Universe, amongst many others. 



<u>Artist Links</u>
Special D <strong><a href="http://www.speciald.net/home.html">Online</a></strong>
Special D @ <a href="http://www.myspace.com/specialdrockhat"><strong>MySpace</strong></a>]]></description>
         <link>http://www.virtuousreality.com/artists/2008/08/special_d.html</link>
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         <pubDate>Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:05:00 -0600</pubDate>
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         <title>Lanae&apos; Hale</title>
         <description><![CDATA[<a href="http://www.virtuousreality.com/artists/lanae%20hale.jpg"><img alt="lanae%20hale.jpg" src="http://www.virtuousreality.com/artists/lanae%20hale-thumb.jpg" width="150" height="150" align="right" /></a>Meet Lanae’ (Lah-nay) Hale and you’ll be captured by the vibrant 24- year old singer songwriter whose textured, up-to-date songs, also carry wisdom, soul and spirit well beyond her years.  Hang out and have a chat with Lanae’ and you’ll easily be touched by the warmth and down-to-earth qualities, which permeate her expressive music and significant lyrics.

Out of Gainesville, Florida, Lanae’ Hale, who developed her style by playing worship in church and trying out her songs in coffeehouses, is the latest addition to the talented stable of artists at Centricity records. Lanae’s debut and self-penned effort is a 6-song EP that will give you a glimpse into her heart and most likely open up yours in the process. 

Lanae’ arrived in Nashville from Florida only a year ago, however, she has been getting ready for this moment, practicing, singing, playing and writing, since she was, well, in her words, ‘little bitty.’ Raised by a musical family including a dad that led worship, Lanae’ has always had a love for music. 

Maybe it’s the struggles in her own life that have given her such a practical sensibility, a refreshing sense of humility and a sweet welcoming smile that is likely to captivate anyone that gets the chance to see and hear her.

When Lanae’ arrived in Nashville, she was not one of those people who went around banging on every door with abandonment trying to get that record deal, not even close. “I really felt like if it was indeed meant to be, then God would open that door for me,” she recalls.

Though raised in the Sunshine State there was a time when this songstress struggled through days consumed with dark and negative thoughts, only to come out of them discovering vibrancy in her message and music.  “I think I am so excited about things now because I went through a really difficult time but God brought me through it with grace.”  

Lanae’ reflects on that period of time when she was not in a good place, sometimes overwhelmed with unhealthy and harmful thoughts. Like a lot of young women Lanae’ felt the enormous pressure of living up to our material world’s 21st century expectations and sometimes that pressure sweeps you into a dark corner. “I was into cutting and if not for the grace of God I may not have made it through. It’s hard to explain but sometimes you don’t like yourself and do bad things to yourself, such as cutting. If I can reach out to God and change then others can as well. More than anything else, I would like to help young girls through my own music and my own testimony.”

Lanae’ discovered that through God, there is always a way out of the darkness and back into the light. “I realized that God loved me.  And that’s my prayer really, that my music will be used to reach people, especially young girls who may happen to be going through some of the same trials that I had to go through.”

While Lanae’s brand of music is a bit more subtle than many- her messages are loud and clear.  On first listen, what initially hits you is the versatility and range of her voice. She can be porcelain smooth, soft as a prayer and then grab you with a soulful-jazz tinged growl. She has the rare capacity of creating an infectious hook with a simple change of phrasing or by changing the course of a melody with a crisp, clear vocal punctuation mark. Her voice has such range that it’s easy to imagine her leading a sweet choir one moment or a soulful-warehouse jazz unit the next.  In the song ‘Stay,’ her call to “please stay,’ builds from a sweet request to a daunting and desperate plea with the capability to take you to your knees.

The EP opens with the hooky, poppy “’Spring Again,” that would sound incredible blasting from your radio speakers and may conjure up comparisons to Sixpence None the Richer or the Cranberries. On ‘Spring Again,’ there’s a lament for the passing of spring, giving way for fallen leaves. In the next track there’s re-birth as, “Alive Again,’ basks in the comfort of God’s grace.  The production is crisp, yet pleasantly sparse, allowing her voice to be the focal point. This is the kind of music that sounds better and better every time you hear it. Timeless sounding, first-rate songs have that effect. And the best news is that this is Lanae’s first release. We will hopefully be hearing Lanae’s music for a very long time to come.


<u>Artist Links</u>
Lanae' Hale <strong><a href="http://www.lanaehale.com">Online</a></strong>
Lanae' @ <a href="http://www.myspace.com/lanaehale"><strong>MySpace</strong></a>
Lanae' @ <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lanae-Hale/5742472229?ref=s"><strong>Facebook</strong></a>
Lanae on <a href="http://www.virtuousreality.com/video/2008/07/lanae_hale.html">YouTube</a>
<a href="http://centricitymusic.com/site/index.php?nid=40108&s=hm"><strong>Centricity Music</strong></a>

]]></description>
         <link>http://www.virtuousreality.com/artists/2008/07/lanae_hale_1.html</link>
         <guid>http://www.virtuousreality.com/artists/2008/07/lanae_hale_1.html</guid>
        
        
         <pubDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:05:00 -0600</pubDate>
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         <title>This Beautiful Republic</title>
         <description><![CDATA[<a href="http://www.virtuousreality.com/artists/br.jpg"><img alt="br.jpg" src="http://www.virtuousreality.com/artists/br-thumb.jpg" width="200" height="200" align="right" /></a>The hope of eternity is not easily articulated nor readily captured in song. Many try but few are successful in generating a genuine connection between the music, listener, and the feeling of a life beyond this one. Yet, where imagination meets the glory of a future reality is where you will find this Toledo, Ohio outfit. The width, length, height, and depth of its calling are expressed in one lyric from the band’s debut album, Even Heroes Need A Parachute. 

I get the feeling that I’m not home yet. 

“The name This Beautiful Republic signifies a kingdom of faith and love,” explains lead vocalist Ben Olin. “And we chose our album’s title to emphasize the common ground that all humans share. No matter who you are or what you do, the need for a savior is vital. So we hope, beyond anything else, to show people this savior, Christ, and to give listeners a brush with eternity.” 

To say that This Beautiful Republic’s debut release evokes strong, positive emotion would be an understatement. Sonically, the band lies somewhere between Switchfoot, Foo Fighters, Jimmy Eat World, and Taking Back Sunday. Heavy guitars, heavier hooks. But beyond powerful, commercial rock choruses and strong, dynamic, melodic songwriting is an element not found many places. It is the presence of something other-worldly that sets this band apart. 

“Big choruses are an important part of the songs,” explains Olin. “Anthemic, driving melodies that people can sing along to is what we are about. And they are written with the live show in mind. We want the crowd to be able to partake in this and grab hold of it. We intend to make the music about the listener, not just ourselves.” 

It is rare that a debut effort contains such strength from front to back. Consider the track “Cloud Cover.” It is an exercise in ambiance, which moves to a wonderful, wide-open expanse that is the song’s hook. Straightforward in its evolution, the song incorporates purposeful, direct instrumentation as well as structure, taking the listener deep into a heavenly presence. Similarly, debut radio single, “Jesus to the World,” contains a forthright chorus that lingers long after the song is finished, beckoning listeners to connect with heaven. This Beautiful Republic’s rock fills, beats, and riffs offer enough potency to satisfy the most ravenous audience. Added texture intelligently placed with keyboards and samples also make the record three-dimensional. 

This Beautiful Republic has placed a heavy emphasis on its live show, stating that the song recordings are meant to be mere glimpses of its performance. Spin kicks, guitar swings, and multiple members in the air are common staples of a show that features a more aggressive feel than the album alone. And whether they are sleeping on floors or facing sleepless nights, hundreds of shows will follow their debut release. 

Label innovator Forefront Records stakes its faith in this fresh unit by plotting a massive campaign around Even Heroes Need A Parachute. Citing the group’s universal appeal, there is little question that this move will prove pivotal to all involved. And This Beautiful Republic aims to obey its calling, welcoming and encouraging believers while inviting their searching with open arms.

“God has gifted us in this way, so that’s the main avenue we use. We want people to have a unique encounter with Him using the most powerful medium possible ... music. The confidence to risk doing this comes from the provisions we have experienced. He has always been faithful to help us every step of the way. So, we are going to go where He wants us and embrace His people along the way. If nothing else, we want all to know that there is a real beautiful republic beyond this world, waiting for us to take hold of it in the here and now.” 

<strong>Artist Links</strong>
This Beautiful Republic <strong><a href="http://www.thisbeautifulrepublic.com/default.aspx">Online</a></strong>
This Beautiful Republic @ <a href="http://www.myspace.com/thisbeautifulrepublic"><strong>MySpace</strong></a>]]></description>
         <link>http://www.virtuousreality.com/artists/2008/06/this_beautiful_republic.html</link>
         <guid>http://www.virtuousreality.com/artists/2008/06/this_beautiful_republic.html</guid>
        
        
         <pubDate>Sun, 01 Jun 2008 00:05:00 -0600</pubDate>
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         <title>Christine Evans</title>
         <description><![CDATA[<a href="http://www.virtuousreality.com/artists/Christine%20Evans.jpg"><img alt="Christine%20Evans.jpg" src="http://www.virtuousreality.com/artists/Christine%20Evans-thumb.jpg" width="150" height="223" align="right"/></a>At a time when most young women of 17 are contemplating their place in the world, CHRISTINE EVANS has visions of changing it. 

As a singer/songwriter/musician who plumbs remarkable depths from the platform of youth, hers is the rare gift of visionary insight and inspiration for positive spiritual and social enrichment.  She is propelled by the heart of an artist whose creativity is meant to prick our conscience, make us uncomfortable with the status quo – challenge us as human beings to simply “soar higher.”

From raw rock edge, to compelling lyrics and haunting, ethereal vocals, her self written music is at the same time eclectic, reflective and mature, infused with her own profound personal depth of spiritual values. 

“God and the message of Christ have been present throughout my life, but the meaning of the message finally sank in for me when I was 14—making me not only truly own my faith but to desire to expand the way I express it through my music—to make it real in a passionate and relevant way.”

Now breaking with her music in the U.S., the soft spoken willowy blonde Canadian teenager who views the world through warm, arrestingly green eyes is also breaking all molds. 

With two brilliantly crafted, self-written albums to her credit (including her 2004 breakthrough album, Take Me Home) her latest music collection, Push, received critical acclaim and scored top honors in the ’07 Gospel Music Association of Canada Covenant Awards for the edgy realism of her Push music video. She has also collected multiple wins in Canada’s prestigious Island Music Awards, including 2007 Album of the Year honors for Push.  

With the dawn of 2008, Christine Evans is crossing both musical and territorial borders.  She has signed in the U.S. for innovative management/developmental career tracking under the umbrella of Showdown Management, whose client roster includes Grammy nominated international breakout band sensation, Paramore, as well as acclaimed rock groups Family Force 5, Tenth Avenue North and producers/songwriters Matt Bronleewe, Dan Muckala, Shane Wilson, Joe Baldridge, and Jason Ingram.

With the alliance comes a studio production deal with Grammy and multi-Dove winning producer, Matt Bronleewe, whose more than 20 million career units include production and songwriter credits for artists as diverse as Australia’s pop sensation Natalie Imbruglia, and Christian music’s Jars of Clay and Michael W. Smith. Bronleewe enthused, “Christine Evans brings a fresh new voice to Christian music. Musically she’s going for the raw and innovative and from a lyrical perspective, she wants to really dig in and show her heart on what is the reality of life and Christianity—whether it’s something personal like a personal loss—or a really big subject on how we deal with God, His mercy and His plan for our lives. And like Rebecca St. James, Joy Williams, and other female artists, she offers a strong woman’s presence to CCM, bringing relevant new insights for our time and for her peers.”

The results of Christine’s partnering in studio with the genius of Bronleewe and her own passion for creating music with a message that tears down all walls is being released as a highly-anticipated EP “Standing on the Edge.” 

Christine Evans voice is, above all, an instrument for change.


<strong>Artist Links</strong>
Christine Evans <strong><a href="http://www.christineevans.com/">Online</a></strong>
Christine @ <strong><a href="http://www.myspace.com/christineevans">MySpace</a></strong>
Christine's <strong><a href="http://208.109.219.79/video_window/video_all2.html">Video Blogging</a></strong>
Chrisitne on You Tube
]]></description>
         <link>http://www.virtuousreality.com/artists/2008/05/christine_evans.html</link>
         <guid>http://www.virtuousreality.com/artists/2008/05/christine_evans.html</guid>
        
        
         <pubDate>Thu, 01 May 2008 00:05:00 -0600</pubDate>
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