This month, I am pleased to report on two new developments that indicate that Catholic music is continuing to break through to a larger audience.
Matt Maher an artist hailing from Newfoundland, but now residing in Arizona and working with the Life Teen organization, must be hailed as 2008’s most successful Catholic musician. Three years ago, Christian praise superstar Chris Tomlin, took one of Maher’s songs, “His Grace is Enough,” and made it one of the biggest songs of the year. This year, Maher has released, through Essential Records, the most successful Catholic record in years. The re-release of Maher’s song has hit the no. 2 position on the Adult Contemporary Christian Billboard Charts this summer. His success is now opening doors for other Catholic musicians.
TORONTO — Lots of priests sing. Not many have composed more than 400 songs and released 15 CDs, or hold a PhD in the classical music tradition of Kerala and Tamilnadu in southern India.
The Christian music industry is going through growing pains. It was recently announced that Cook Communication Ministries has acquired CMC Distribution. The latter company is responsible for almost every CD sold in Christian bookstores in Canada.
Although there were reassurances it was going to be business as usual, the company said digital download sales were going to be a specific focus. My suspicion is the current model of sales through standard retail channels is one, much as in the secular world, that is no longer working. I hope this will be an opportunity for the Canadian Christian music industry to continue to support independent artists as well as address the reality that the nature of selling music has changed and needs to adapt to changing times.
This month, we have a whole set of new recordings to go through for your summer enjoyment. Stellar Kart — Expect the Impossible
OK, this might not be the impossible, but it sure is fun. These songs have a punk/pop attitude that makes it hard not to break out into a smile. Highly energetic and accessible, I am sure that Stellar Kart will make new fans on this effort. If you like groups like Hawk Nelson, songs like “Automatic” and “Innocent” will grip you immediately. “Jesus Loves You” and “Pray” show that Stellar Kart is not just about the party atmosphere but have a serious spiritual side. Recommended highly.
TORONTO - St. Michael’s Choir School in Toronto is releasing From Courts on High, a recording with 25 different selections of sacred music.
The school has been providing sacred music for religious services at St. Michael’s Cathedral since its founding in 1937, and has evolved into a centre for musical and academic excellence recognized worldwide. It is affiliated with the Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music in Rome.
The music of Kirk Franklin is unlike the genre of music commonly associated with the church.
The multi-Grammy Award winner presents a blend of rock, rap, R&B and hip-hop in his productions while remaining true to his gospel roots. His previous success includes Hero, which won the 2007 Stellar Awards CD of the year.
TORONTO - On the outside, the Laudamus Chorus might seem like any other performing choir, with rehearsals, semi-annual performances, four-part harmonies and a core group of about 25 people.
Arts & Entertainment 
This month, I am pleased to report on two new developments that indicate that Catholic music is continuing to break through to a larger audience.
The Christian music industry is going through growing pains. It was recently announced that 
This month, we have a whole set of new recordings to go through for your summer enjoyment.
TORONTO - St. Michael’s Choir School in Toronto is releasing From Courts on High, a recording with 25 different selections of sacred music. 
The music of Kirk Franklin is unlike the genre of music commonly associated with the church. 
TORONTO - On the outside, the Laudamus Chorus might seem like any other performing choir, with rehearsals, semi-annual performances, four-part harmonies and a core group of about 25 people.
