[WhiteRob]

Atlanta-based Casting Crowns is gearing up for the national release of its self-titled debut album on Sept. 30. Discovered by Sawyer Brown frontman Mark Miller, the album is a rich-sounding, edgy-pop record that addresses key issues within the church through powerful and poignant lyrics crafted by lead-singer Mark Hall.

A few songs generating enthusiasm among retail and media include “Voice of Truth” and “Who Am I.” Growing up with dyslexia, A.D.D. and other learning challenges, Hall allowed these challenges to keep him from doing things he felt God calling him to do. He noted, “I finally came to the realization through my fears that God does not need me, but He wants me. He could call someone smarter or better but he has called me and am not going to let Satan stand in the way and hold my challenges over my head as fear.”

Mike Snowdon, Music Buyer for Mardel Bookstores, added, “”Voice of Truth’ has unbelievably poignant lyrics and Mark is willing to be open about his failures and experiences. As a body of believers, we can identify with the song, as we have all had similar reactions to our own failures. His honesty is refreshing and the songs are a ‘wake-up call’ for believers.”

In addition to “Voice of Truth,” the other song generating acclaim from media and retail is “Who Am I.” Jackie Chapman, editor of Release magazine noted, “I’m not sure what caught my attention first, the harmonies or the simplicity of the lyrics, but the song affected me nevertheless. It reminded me how the power of music can make a 4-minute song into a powerful prayer. The affect of ‘Who Am I’ made me start the CD over. I found some pointedly written songs, the likes of which we need more in Christian music, songs that simply do not beat around the bush.”

Having already performed before key media and retail outlets, Casting Crowns is garnering acclaim with its first album. “Casting Crowns is one of the brightest new artists of 2003,” notes Kevin McNeese, Family Christian Stores webmaster associate. “The bands honesty and integrity shines through every powerful song on this debut release. Everyone here at Family Christian Stores is expecting great things from Casting Crowns.”

Through partnerships with Provident Music Distribution, Casting Crowns is being featured on endcap materials with Essential Records newcomers Silers Bald. Casting Crowns is also a featured title on phase-two of Provident Music Distribution’s BLUR: Music That Brings Focus To The Season, available Nov. 4 through Dec. 31.

“Here I Go Again,” a Casting Crowns track, is on the BLUR ‘free-with-purchase’ CD, along with songs by best-selling artists Michael W. Smith, Jars of Clay and Third Day, among others. BLUR, in approximately 1,700 participating stores, will be free to consumers with the purchase of select PMD titles. In January and February, Casting Crowns is a featured title on the BUZZ RELOADED endcap promotion and they also have a cut on the BUZZ RELOADED ‘free-with-purchase’ CD.

Casting Crowns, formed during frontman Mark Hall’s tenure as a youth minister in Daytona Beach, Fla., four years ago, developed its unique sound while leading Wednesday night worship for his youth group. Accepting a similar post in Atlanta, he and other band members relocated in order to continue and grow their music ministry. In addition, stemming from his passion for youth, Hall launched a curriculum called “Jumpstart Resources” designed to assist smaller churches with their youth programs.

For more information on Casting Crowns, visit www.castingcrowns.com or www.reunionrecords.com

Photo Caption: Casting Crowns recently performed at Family Christian Stores managers sales conference in Grand Rapids, Mich., with other Provident Music Distribution artists. Pictured backstage before the showcase are: (left to right) Megan Bryant, Juan DeVevo, Mark Hall, Melodee DeVevo, Casting Crowns; Creative Trust Workshop artist Warren Barfield; Hector Cervantes, Chris Huffman, Andy Williams, Casting Crowns; Reunion Records artist Jill Paquette, Rocketown Records artist Shaun Groves, Fervent Records artist Jill Phillips, and Michael O’Brien of NewSong.

Beach Street Records was recently launched by Mark Miller, founder and frontman of the multi-platinum country music phenomenon Sawyer Brown. Casting Crowns, the label’s flagship artist, releases to Christian retail through partnerships with Provident Label Group and Provident Music Distribution.