[WhiteRob]

World-renowned artist/worship leader Darlene Zschech (“Shout to the Lord”), released her first solo studio project, titled Kiss Of Heaven, this week, Tuesday, October 14th. While staying true to her calling to lead worship, Zschech recorded Kiss Of Heaven to explore her own unique expressions of love and our constant need for each other within the body of Christ. Songs range from personal worship moments to a love song for her husband, a brand new version of “Shout to the Lord” and “Kiss of Heaven,” along with a cover of U2’s “Walk On.”

RADIO
The project’s first radio single, “Pray,” has consistently been one of the most added songs at AC radio over the past five weeks and is also gaining adds on R&R’s CHR and INSPO charts. Just this week, “Pray” is again the most added AC song, with key market stations in Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta and the KLOVE Network already spinning "Pray."

Brian Sumner, Spirit FM WRXT/Roanoke-Lynchburg comments, "A great pop song from the biggest name in praise and worship - what a cool sound, and with The Lord's Prayer in the bridge! Darlene Zschech's 'Pray' sounds fresh and familiar!" Rob Dempsey, Director of Network Programming -WLFJ/Greenville, exclaims, "The message of Darlene Zschech's 'Pray' is simple, timely, and bold. 'Pray' has made an instant connection with our listeners!'"

MEDIA
Tremendous features and reviews have also come in from media outlets that have jumped on board to seek major coverage on Kiss Of Heaven. Worship! has Darlene on the cover for their Nov/Dec. issue, while other coverage has been garnered by R&R/CCM Update, All Music Guide, Focus On The Family’s Renewing The Heart, Charisma, ChristianityToday.com, CMCentral.com, Christian Retailing, CCM, Billboard, CBA Marketplace, FaithTalk, Worship Leader, Pentecostal Evangel, LeSea Broadcasting, and so much more. Sample rare reviews include:

“Kiss Of Heaven includes songs that didn’t fit the typical worship CD. While they’re clearly radio-friendly, they don’t neglect Zschech’s commitment to honor the church. How does she fare in this new venture? Quite well. Her solo voice is…buoyant and powerful at the same time. Zschech sounds very comfortable in this new market.”
-CBA Marketplace

“Combining messages that were too personal for corporate praise with some of her more popular worship anthems from the last few years, Kiss of Heaven highlights the full breadth of Zschech’s life…the real glue that holds the album together is Zschech’s great songs and powerful vocals….Kiss of Heaven reminds us just how talented a vocalist she is.” -CMCentral.com

“A first-class pop production from one of Christian music’s most beloved voices and worship leaders. (Kiss of Heaven)…goes to show that some worship leaders can put the pop in worship, but can’t completely take the worship out of pop.” -ChristianityToday.com

TOUR
Throughout September and into the first week of October, Zschech, along with the Hillsong Worship Team, toured the United States for the “Hillsong Worship Tour-USA,” hitting such markets as New Orleans, Orlando, Waco, San Diego and Phoenix. The tour wrapped up last week in Modesto, CA and the group is on their way back to their homeland of Australia.

BALI MEMORIAL
This past weekend, October 11th and 12th, Zschech joined members of the Hillsong Church in Bali for services remembering those who perished in the Bali bombing in October of 2002. It was reported that over 200 people died in the bombing and half of them were Australians. This was the worst incident ever to occur in the peaceful land known as Bali. A bomb was set off in front of two local clubs, killing residents and foreign tourists alike, as well as destroying cars, buildings and houses in the vicinity. The incident also made a major impact on the tourism in Bali. Zschech has performed since the age of 10 in her native Australia, and is also the producer and worship leader behind the gold-certified Shout To The Lord With Hillsongs Australia worship project. Kiss Of Heaven is not a recording signaling a departure from Zschech’s 18-year role as worship pastor of Hillsong Church Australia. Zschech comments, “I’m still the worship pastor there. Nothing in that is changing. There’s been this holy calling to see worship in truth reestablished around the globe, and that job is not done yet.”