Mike Chandler is one of those quiet radio legends. Long before he acquired the Virginia Beach-based Rejoice Musical Soulfood network of 38 gospel radio stations, he was a trained engineer with NASA and has worked in both television and radio for 33 years. Now, some of the top artists in gospel are coming together to celebrate Chandler’s 33 years in the radio industry and to also commemorate the tenth anniversary of Rejoice.

“What a lot of people don’t know is that Mike is a skilled engineer who can build a radio station from the ground up but you wouldn’t know it because he’s so humble and approachable,” says April Washington, CEO of Habakkuk Music, one of the top gospel music labels in the USA. Washington has shown her appreciation by enlisting her two biggest acts to perform on the anniversary concert, the legendary Lisa Page Brooks (best known for her 2009 #1 smash “I Want to Say Thank You”) and the hot young group, Gerald Scott & Co., which is burning up the charts with its hit, “Alright.” The program also features Byron Cage, David & Tamela Mann and the Virginia Aires quartet. All tickets are $25 for the concert taking place Saturday, September 1 @ 5 pm at Elizabeth City State University’s ECSU Fine Arts Auditorium.

Chandler’s radio career began in 1979 when he was an engineering student at Florida State University where he also had his own WFSU TV show, “Black Expressions.” At the time, NASA was under fire to employ more black engineers so they went to FSU in pursuit of gifted students with strong math or science skills. “I always loved math and science,” he says. After his morning college classes, he spent his afternoons getting his NASA training and finished his evenings by buying airtime and hosting a 7-9 p.m. R&B radio show on KRT 1350 AM, a country station, in Coco Beach. “We were playing Barry White and Al Green, “ he laughs. “I know it made those country music lovers throw up.”

Chandler stayed with NASA until the Challenger space shuttle explosion in 1986 when the agency laid off 1,100 employees after the disaster. He moved to Jacksonville where he worked the 3-7 pm drive at WPDQ (an R&B station) and then walked across the street each night and did the 11 o’clock news at the ABC TV affiliate. One day the owner of WPDQ, Bishop Levi E. Willis, came to check on the station and encountered Chandler. “He had a vision of developing a national gospel radio network,” he remembers. “When he learned that I had engineering experience he asked if I could help him build his network so he moved me to Norfolk. When I got there he had 8 stations and when I left in 1996 he had 72.” Chandler then made a ransom of money in the cell phone industry before buying Rejoice Musical Soulfood from ABC Radio Networks n 2006. Now, the network is 38 stations strong and one of the major power players in the gospel world.

 

Top selling Gospel artist Kirk Franklin has signed his first group, The Walls Group to his label Fo Yo Soul Entertainment.

Raised in the Lonestar state of Houston, Texas, The Walls Group is made up of four siblings Ahjah – 14, Paco – 15, Rhea – 16, and Darrell – 21.

The Walls Group was sought after by virtually every big record label in the business. With their current single “Mighty You Are” making waves at radio.

An excited Kirk Franklin had this to say about the signing, “When I first saw a video of The Walls Group, I knew they were something special,” Franklin said. “I was truly blown away by their vocal abilities at such young ages.  And when I flew down to Houston to meet them, I couldn’t believe how down to earth and humble they were.  I truly saw something unique in this group and I’m excited to start this new journey with The Walls.”


PATH reached out to the groups’ father and manager Roger Walls known to many as “Pop Walls” who had this to say, “What can you say about Kirk? We’ll be the first ones on his label, so all the focus will be on the kids.”

Kirk plans to officially announce the group at one of the stops on the Kings Men Tour, and the group will began recording their new project at the end of October.

Initially hesitant to sign with a label, Pop Walls is glad he made the decision to sign. “After Three years of CD release parties and slow progression, everything is now happening instantly,” explains Walls.

Pop Walls will retain his role managing the group along with Kirk Franklin’s imprint.

The Walls Group’s sophomore album is due out in 2013. Their current self-titled album is available online now.

About The Walls Group:

Before The Walls Group took shape they were making headlines in their home city of Houston as “The Walls Kidz,” and the world would be slowly exposed to their undeniable talents by various social networks. Their YouTube channel has developed a devoted following recording over 4 million channel views, and at the beginning of the year their rendition of Kirk Franklin’s song “The Appeal” earned the group over 100,000 views in just a few weeks.

The Walls Group sound is a mixture of worship, contemporary Gospel, urban pop, and down home church. Their youthful voices stand toe to toe with some of the leading gospel artist out today. Their Influences include Kim Burrell, Kiki Sheard, Mary Mary, The Soul Seekers, and Dorinda Clark-Cole. Visit the Walls Group at www.thewallsgroup.org. Twitter @TheWallsGroup and Facebook at facebook.com/Wall2WallEntertainment

Five-Time Grammy-Award winner and multi-platinum selling artist TobyMac will release his fifth solo studio project, EYE ON IT on August 28. To kick-off the release, TobyMac will make his national television debut of the project’s latest single, “Me Without You” on the hit cable morning show, FOX & FRIENDS live on Saturday, August 25. The pre-sale for EYE ON IT is now live at multiple music retailers including iTunes, Family Christian Stores, Lifeway Christian Stores and Amazon. In support of EYE ON IT, TobyMac will be hosting promotional events in conjunction with key radio stations in select markets.

Along with TobyMac’s first three solo projects, his 2009 release, TONIGHT, was recently certified Gold by the R.I.A.A. Written by TobyMac and David Garcia, “Me Without You” is the first track to be released from the five-time Grammy award winner’s upcoming album. The 12-track project, EYE ON IT, pulls from TobyMac’s personal influences with songs “Made For You” and “Family” as well as a nod to his ascension into music with “Thankful For You.” EYE ON IT features musical guests from reigning New Artist of the Year Jamie Grace (“Favorite Song”), Blanca from Group1Crew (“UnStoppable”) and Lecrae (“Forgiveness”).

“I want my music to depict what I’m going through. I want to write about the things that upset me, move me, hurt me and haunt me. The things that are real,” says TobyMac. “With TONIGHT, I was determined to live more passionately with God. I was laying down the gauntlet. EYE ON IT is a continuation of that. It’s saying, ‘This is the person I want to be and I’m going to keep my eye on it, God willing!'”

This fall, TobyMac is set to headline the Winter Jam West Coast Tour and his own “EYE ON IT” tour with Jamie Grace and Chris August and the “HITS DEEP” tour. The “HITS DEEP” tour features TobyMac and friends Chris August, Jamie Grace, Group1Crew, Brandon Heath, Mandisa and Britt Nicole as they perform some of their hit songs in an exciting night of music. For more information on his upcoming schedule, visit http://www.tobymac.com/tour/.

Track Listing for EYE ON IT:
1 Me Without You
2 Steal My Show
3 Eye On It
4 Forgiveness (feat. Lecrae)
5 Speak Life
6 UnStoppable (feat. Blanca of Group1Crew)
7 Lose Myself
8 Family
9 Thankful For You
10 Made For Me
11 Mac Daddy (Tru’s Reality)
12 Favorite Song (feat. Jamie Grace) 

Deluxe Bonus:
13. Me Without You (Capital Kings Remix)
14. Steal My Show (Jack Shocklee Remix)
15. Lose Myself (Capital Kings Remix)
16. Family (Jamie Moore Remix)
17. LoudNClear Tru (Telemitry Remix)
18. Me Without You (Telemitry Remix)

*Tracks 13-18 are only available on the Deluxe Edition of the album

About TobyMac:
With over 11 million units in career sales, each of TobyMac’s four solo projects have received RIAA Gold certification and his live DVD, Alive & Transported, is certified platinum by the RIAA and received a GRAMMY® award. In 2012 the much-celebrated and acclaimed artist celebrated his eighth consecutive GRAMMY® nomination, this time for his songwriting contribution to rising star (and recording artist on his label, Gotee Records) Jamie Grace’s No. 1 hit “Hold Me.” His latest album Tonight received GRAMMY nods for “Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album” and “Best Contemporary Christian Song” with “City On Our Knees” the track that topped the sales and radio charts faster than any of his previous singles, spending 8 weeks at No. 1 on the Christian Audience Chart. Tonight also garnered him the highest sales debut of his solo career with over 78,000 units and a No. 6 Billboard Top 200 debut. The album was also named as iTunes® Best Christian Album of 2010 and recently took home the Dove Award for “Best Rock Contemporary Album of the Year.”

Along with sold out tour dates, back-to-back radio hits and being named the GMA Dove Award’s 2008 “Artist of the Year,” he was also nominated for “Favorite Contemporary Inspirational Artist” at the 2010 American Music Awards and was up for three Billboard Music Awards in 2011 including “Top Christian Artist.” The hit song “Tonight” was also chosen as the theme song for MLB’s 30 Clubs in 30 Days Spring Training Series and featured on the Golf Channel. Additionally, his music has been heard in major motion pictures such as “Hancock,” “TRANSPORTER 2,” while also being featured on Fox sports, The NFL network, being selected as the theme song for Fox College Football and WWE’s Fatal 4-Way Pay-Per-View. “Showstopper,” from the chart-topping album Tonight, was featured in ESPN’s ESPY Award Show and used to launch the last season of CBS hit television show CSI: NY.

Gospel singer Deitrick Haddon confirms what many have  speculated.  Deitrick is officially divorced from fellow Gospel singer Damita.  This ends 15 years of marriage.

Speculation began industry-wide when Damita dropped the last name Haddon from all of her promotions.  Deitrick Haddon recently took to twitter acknowledging the divorce, but made clear that the separation was not recent.

“Our break up is NOT recent, it’s been well over a year process,” says Haddon.

The announcement comes at a time where both Deitrick and Damita are extremely busy.  Deitrick just released a movie and soundtrack called ‘A Beautiful Soul,’ and Damita’s new CD was recently released.  Even though the couple is no longer together, they still seem to be supportive of one another.  In the same series of tweets, (shown below) Deitrick says, “Since Damita and I may end up in many conversations.. While You’re talking go and support Damita’s new CD.  It is absolutely amazing.”

For years, Deitrick and Damita were un-separable.  At the height of Deitrick’s budding career he would always interview and include Damita.  As Damita became a brand herself, the two formed a Gospel power-couple, with a unique ability to inspire the youth and minister to the saints.  

After a year long separation and divorce process, it’s refreshing to find out that things didn’t get messy in the media.  Hopefully it will stay that way.   

“Ive learned giving some folk information is like putting an ax in the hands of a murderer,” says Deitrick Haddon.  He goes on to tweet, “No interviews and no questions!”

Below we’ve included the official tweets of Deitrick about this issue.

CLICK to enter the “A Beautiful Soul” DVD Give-Away

Hey PATH!  We’re excited to announce a FREE Give-Away for our subscribers!  

Now is your chance to own Deitrick Haddons new movie “A Beautiful Soul” on DVD before it hits stores.

We’re giving away 5 DVD copies of the movie that was release in select theaters nation-wide.  

HOW TO WIN: All you have to do is go to the entry box below, login, and do at least one of the 3 things it tells you to do.  The more things you do the more entries you will receive, which will increase your odds of winning.

After you’ve won, we will contact you by email for your shipping address.  You have 24 hours at that point to provide a shipping address and claim your prize! 

CONTEST ENDS WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29TH @ MIDNIGHT/est.

Good luck and God Bless!  -Path MEGAzine

Listeners who’ve tuned-in to their favorite gospel station lately, have likely heard the Billboard Gospel Top Ten smash single, “Keep Me.” But what they may not have known is that Patrick Dopson is the gifted singer/songwriter behind the mega hit.

While new to the scene as a solo artist, Dopson is no stranger to the industry or spreading God’s word through music. Growing up in Selma, Alabama – often known as the birthplace of the civil-rights movement – he began singing in the church his father pastored, which was one of the only integrated churches in the city in the 80’s. His mother served as the minister of music and introduced him to a wide variety of music which spurred his admiration for black gospel. Throughout the course of his career, he has served as worship leader for some of the most progressive, multi-cultural ministries in the country including Bishop Gary Oliver’s Tabernacle of Praise. His ministry is now based out of Christian Life Church, Montgomery, Alabama, where his father is Pastor.

Dopson’s urban-contemporary sound has opened the doors of opportunity, leading him to work alongside many of the industry’s greatest and most decorated artists like Fred Hammond, Pastor John P. Kee, Martha Munizzi, Tamela Mann, Marvin Sapp and a host of others.

“Early in my career, I was blessed to write and provide background vocals on Fred Hammond’s Grammy Award-wining project, Free to Worship. I learned a great deal from him and will always treasure that experience,” says Dopson. “In fact when people search for the album, my songs are frequently mistaken with his, but honestly I find that to be quite the compliment. Although we may share similarities, there is one difference that often catches listeners by surprise–I’m a white brother.”

For Dopson, what’s more important than skin color or fitting the mold of a particular genre, is making sure the music continues to reach the ears and ultimately the hearts of all people. “I know my call inside the lining of the music. It’s not to perform vocal calisthenics, but to tear down stereotypes, racial barriers and the spirit that chooses to divide,” states Dopson. And during the first half of 2012, he’s been doing just that. Since hitting the radio airwaves, “Keep Me” has been blessing the lives of many and recently soared to the number seven spot on Billboard’s Gospel chart. Plans are currently underway to release the official music video for the song within the coming weeks.

Following the success of his lead single, Dopson just dropped his first full-length album, Open the Heavens, on his independent label, Oilonit Music. “The compilation of songs on the album represents my heart’s expression to God. Each was birthed through prayer, a message or an experience along the way,” says Dopson. “The project is really a praise and worship experience. We’ve discovered the songs are being utilized by praise teams across the country and individuals are using it in their personal prayer time with God.” Thanks to an exclusive deal with Central South Distribution, Open the Heavens can be found on iTunes, as well as in national retail stores like Walmart and Best Buy.

These days, Dopson’s schedule is filled with tour dates, guest appearances and promotional events in support of his album. However, the husband and new father is determined to strike a balance between his ministry and his family life. “My family is the nucleus of anything good that comes from me,” says Dopson. ” Although it isn’t typical within the industry, I make every possible effort to have my wife Christina and son Garion travel with me from city to city. And if that means an extra flight here or there or frequent stops along the way, then that’s what we do.”

As Dopson continues to reap the rewards of his hard work and diligence, his debut efforts have garnered four 2012 Stellar Award first round nominations in the categories of Song of the Year; New Artist of the Year; Contemporary Male Vocal of the Year; and Praise and Worship CD of the Year. “After the release of an album that was eight years in the making, it is rewarding to see the fruits of our labor and experience the benefits that come with completely trusting in God,” says Dopson. “I believe that the time it takes while pressing through the process helps us to remember that it is only by His grace and favor that we can enjoy anything that others may deem as success.”

 

Save The City Records is happy to announce the debut 6-song EP from the new duo, Stomptown Revival, which is being distributed by Provident Distribution.  The duo is comprised of Gabe Martinez, frontman for the critically acclaimed band Circleslide, and Brandon Bee, a solo artist/producer with over 80 production credits (Stacie Orrico, Matthew James, Amber Pacific), and together they are bringing their own indie rock and folksy blues sound to the marketplace.  Stomptown Revival’s unique rootsy sound is driven by acoustic and slide guitars, a harmonica, and a stompbox , a percussion instrument pioneered by early bluesmen.  The music is innovative and brings a new excitement to the Christian music genre, with powerful lyrics that are vertical with a message of hope and resurrection. 

“We wrote two songs that sounded like Americana bluesy music,” explains Bee. “We’re both managed by the same guy, and he showed up and wanted to hear the songs. I was playing a dobro, Gabe was playing harmonica and acoustic guitar. Our manager loved it and thought there was definitely something there. Hence, the birth of our new brand of music we refer to as spiritual stomp.” 

“We didn’t really intend to make a record,” Martinez adds. “We were just writing for the sheer joy of it. It was spontaneous and organic, with a sense of friendship and community, like we’re hanging around the campfire together.”

Martinez and Bee hooked up in 2004 at a music retreat in Seattle, WA, and when a Circleslide guitarist injured his hand, Bee became the substitute player.  They remained close friends who started writing songs together and then discovered their mutual interest in American Blues music.  It was at that point when StompTown Revival was born.

The new EP kicks-off with the rowdy new single, Guiding Me Home, which immediately grabs the listener and makes them hold on tight to the rockin’ new sound that is reminiscent of Mumford & Sons and Civil Wars.  The worship song, Anthem Of Love was the first song written for the project and then Martinez and Bee cover the traditional and well-known hymn, Leaning On The Everlasting Arms, with a new Appalachian sound that enhanced the early southern gospel spirituals.  The Sun Will Find A Way is a song about “the Son” who can lead to redemption, Waiting On The Man delivers a message of living right now while waiting for judgment day, while Born Again longs for a renewed and more intimate relationship with Christ.

StompTown Revival’s website (www.stomptown.com) is also a unique experience that is fitting for this new duo, where fans can log-in for citizenship and even become mayor!  “Our marketing strategy focused on creating a virtual town, StompTown USA, and  targets those who long for real, authentic organic music, “ says Keith Stancil, President, Artist Garden Entertainment and Vice President, Marketing, Save The City Records. “We implemented an internet campaign soliciting citizenship in order to build a fanbase before anyone had heard the music.  Citizens can earn points which give them access to special goodies and the person with the most points becomes Mayor.  The response has been incredible!”

To check out the latest updates on StompTown Revival please visit them online at www.stomptownrevival.com, www.facebook.com/StompTownRevival and on Twitter @strevival. 

StompTown Revival Album Listing:

1.       Guiding Me Home

2.       Waiting For The Man

3.       Born Again

4.       Anthem Of Love

5.       The Sun Will Find A Way

6.       Leaning On The Everlasting Arms

Acclaimed Actress, NAACP Image Award Nominee and Dove Award-Winning Singer TAMELA MANN’s highly-anticipated CD, BEST DAYS, is in stores today, The project is released by TillyMann Music Group Inc. and distributed by Central South Distribution. The CD’s debut single, “Take Me To The King,” holds strong at #2 for the third week on Billboard’s Gospel radio chart. BEST DAYS continues trending at #1 on Amazon.com’s Gospel/Christian sales chart and the CD’s debut single, “Take Me To The King,” has been at the top of the iTunes Songs chart since its release in June. “I want to present music that people can be blessed by and that can be healing,” said Tamela about the new CD. “We have to put music out to keep people encouraged and keep lifting the body of Christ up. I hope BEST DAYS will bless and inspire people.” Produced by Myron Butler and Kirk Franklin, the 12-song CD showcases Tamela’s powerful vocals and meaningful lyrics. The title track, penned by Butler, is a jubilant celebration of God’s promises.”It’s a very encouraging song and gives a lot of hope,” Tamela said. “It’s about looking back on your past, but not letting it take over your life. You can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Things will be better.” Her hit single “Take Me To The King” is penned and produced by Franklin and has been the singer’s fastest-climbing and highest-charting single of her career. “Whatever the problem, whatever the situation, remember you can always take it to the King,” said Tamela. Tamela is on the road for a month-long, multi-city promotional tour making stops for TV appearances, church performances, radio station interviews and events across the country. This week, Tamela is on Good Day Atlanta, TBN’s Praise the Lord, and CBN’s The 700 Club, and doing interviews along the tour route and numerous radio stations. She will be signing autographs at in-stores at Wal-Mart in Richmond, Va. and Virginia Beach, Va., and Best Buy in South Philadelphia, Pa. and Mount Vernon, N.Y. Please visit www.tillymannmusic.com and www.facebook.com/davidtamelamann for her updated tour itinerary  In addition to launching her new CD, Tamela appears in the new film Sparkle, in theaters August 17.Sparkle, a remake of the 1976 film, tells the story of a young musical prodigy from a Harlem gospel choir, who is pushed into the limelight and struggles to become a star. The title character, Sparkle, is played by Jordin Sparks, and Whitney Houston plays her mother. Along with Tamela, Houston and Sparks, the stellar cast also includes Derek Luke, Mike Epps, Carman Ejogo, Tika Sumpter, Omari Hardwick, Cee-Lo Green among others.

ABOUT TAMELA MANN Tamela Mann is an accomplished NAACP Image Award nominated actress, singer, songwriter, producer, and businesswoman. Starring as “Cora Simmons,” the loving and churchgoing “but woe to those who cross me” daughter of beloved Deacon Leroy Brown and the iconic Madea Simmons on the hit TBS comedy Tyler Perry’s Meet The Browns, Tamela makes millions laugh every week while she enjoys a unique personal double blessing. Continuing the role she originated in Perry’s 2004 play and 2008 film of the same name, the sassy, high spirited multi-talented singer and actress is able to work every day with David Mann, her husband who plays Leroy. Tamela’s highly successful, Dove Award-winning CD “The Master Plan” remained at the top of the Gospel sales chart for almost a year, and in 2010, Tamela released “The Master Plan Deluxe Edition” which contained not only all the songs from the best-seller, but David’s CD, “Mr. Brown’s Good Ol’ Time Church,” and a full bonus DVD of behind the scenes footage and music videos. Tamela and David’s new cooking and lifestyle show, “Hanging With The Manns,” will be coming to television this fall. For more information about Tamela Mann, visit http://www.tillymannmusic.com.