CANTON JUNCTION LAUNCHES NEW CHAPTER WITH ADDITION OF CASEY RIVERS AND RYAN SEATON

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Award-winning Difference Media recording artist Canton Junction announces the beginning of a new chapter with the addition of lead vocalist Casey Rivers and baritone Ryan Seaton. Rivers and Seaton join Canton Junction founding members Matthew Hagee and Tim Duncan to round out the acclaimed quartet, following the departure of Aaron Crabb and Shane McConnell. The group’s highly anticipated sophomore recording is slated to release in August.
“It is a very exciting time for Canton Junction as we welcome Casey and Ryan to the family,” said Matthew Hagee. “We believe the incredible musical gifts of these two men, along with their heart for people, are a perfect match for what Canton Junction is all about—and where we are headed in the future. We continue to be thankful for the contributions Aaron and Shane made to the group, as we prepare to embark on this new leg of our journey.”
Casey Rivers has had successful careers in both gospel and country music, sharing stages with such legendary figures as Loretta Lynn and Kenny Rogers. He was runner-up to Chris Young on USA Network’s Nashville Star in 2006, and went on to achieve notoriety as a solo country artist. Rivers also served as lead vocalist for southern gospel trio Beyond The Ashes from 2008 to 2012.
Ryan Seaton was a member of Ernie Haase & Signature Sound from 2003 to 2009, during which time the group received a GRAMMY® Award nomination and three Dove Awards. Seaton’s 2010 solo debut, The Stage Is Bare, garnered two Dove Award nominations. His critically acclaimed follow-up recording, Prisoner Of Hope, released in 2013.
Since their debut in 2012, Canton Junction has quickly become one of southern gospel music’s most sought-after quartets. The self-titled Canton Junction featured the #1 singles “Hold On” and “Sweeter As The Days Go By,” and garnered a 2013 GMA Dove Award for Southern Gospel Album of the Year. Last year, the group received the Singing News Fan Award for Favorite Southern Gospel New Traditional Quartet.
Difference Media is a division of Cornerstone Church, founded and pastored by John Hagee. The label features some of the leading names in Gospel music including Aaron & Amanda Crabb, Canton Junction, Matthew Hagee, Tim Duncan, The Cornerstone Sanctuary Choir, Ricardo Sanchez, John Hagee and The Hagees. A non-denominational evangelical church with more than 20,000 active members, Cornerstone Church is home to John Hagee Ministries, which telecasts Pastor Hagee’s radio and television teachings throughout America and to more than 190 countries around the world. The ministry also operates GETV, a 24/7 online television and video on-demand broadcast of sermons and original programming, as well as music videos and performances by Difference artists (getv.org).
For further information, visit differencemedia.org or turningpointpr.com. Follow Canton Junction on Twitter @cantonjunction.

THE HAGEES’ LOVE MARKS MILESTONE RELEASE WEEK

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Difference Media artist The Hagees celebrated the highest sales debut of their career with the June 10 release of Love (Capitol Christian Distribution). The recording debuted at #2 on Nielsen SoundScan’s Southern chart; #27 on the Top Current Contemporary Christian chart; and #15 on the all-genre Top New Artist Albums chart for the week ending June 15. The precedent-setting release of Love marks the highest debut for the Difference Media label since its inception.
Produced by multi-Dove Award winner Aaron Crabb, Love includes “Precious Lord, Take My Hand,” featuring Pastor John Hagee, group patriarch and world-renowned evangelist; the contemporary country “When Love Comes To Town,” featuring Matthew Hagee; “That’s What Love Looks Like,” with lead vocals by Sandy Parker; and the powerful affirmation of “I’ll Never Leave You,” spotlighting Tina Ketterling. The project is highlighted by the Dottie Rambo-penned “I’ve Never Been This Homesick Before,” showcasing guest vocals from Dove Award-winning quartet Canton Junction.
Comprised of Pastor John Hagee, his son Pastor Matthew Hagee, and daughters Sandy Parker and Tina Ketterling, The Hagees’ storied Gospel career has spanned more than two decades, boasting multiple acclaimed recordings and international appearances.
A world-renowned evangelist and best-selling author, Pastor John Hagee is founder and senior pastor of Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, Texas. A non-denominational evangelical church with more than 20,000 active members, Cornerstone is home to John Hagee Ministries, which telecasts Pastor Hagee’s radio and television teachings throughout America and to more than 190 countries around the globe. The ministry also operates GETV, a 24/7 online television and video on-demand broadcast of sermons and original programming (getv.org).

MATTHEW HAGEE EMBRACES A NEW SEASON MARCH 18

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Leading pastor, author and recording artist Matthew Hagee takes center stage for A New Season, his March 18 Difference Media/Capitol Christian Distribution solo debut. Produced by Michael Sykes (Oak Ridge Boys, Gaither Vocal Band), the project features 11 Inspirationally-focused country selections.

Highlights of A New Season include the debut single, “I Don’t Want To Get Adjusted”; the Hagee co-penned songs “This Ain’t Nothin’” and “My Nomination”; and “That’s Jesus,” which was co-written by Hagee’s father, internationally-renowned evangelist Pastor John Hagee. The project also showcases a new arrangement of the beloved classic “The Day He Wore My Crown,” featuring guest contributions from Larry Stewart and David Innis of legendary country group Restless Heart.

“I constantly am trying to encourage people that God is a God of new beginnings and second chances,” Hagee says of the project’s theme. “Regardless of what they’ve gone through, if they’re breathing, God’s got better things in store. It’s a new season. There’s something better waiting for everybody.”

Executive pastor of the 20,000-member Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, Texas, where he preaches alongside his father, Matthew Hagee is the author of Shaken, Not Shattered (Charisma House). A husband and father of four, Hagee is a member of the Dove Award-winning Southern Gospel quartet Canton Junction and also records and tours with his family’s vocal group, The Hagees.

Difference Media is a division of Cornerstone Church, founded and pastored by John Hagee. The label features some of the leading names in Gospel music, including Aaron & Amanda Crabb, Canton Junction, Matthew Hagee, Tim Duncan, The Cornerstone Sanctuary Choir, John Hagee and The Hagees. A non-denominational evangelical church, Cornerstone Church is home to John Hagee Ministries, which telecasts Pastor Hagee’s radio and television teachings throughout America and in more than 190 countries around the globe. The ministry also operates GETV, a 24/7 online television and video on-demand broadcast of sermons and original programming, as well as music videos and performances by Difference Media artists.

A New Season, distributed by Capitol Christian Distribution, will be available March 18.

For further information, visit differencemedia.org or turningpointpr.com.

CANTON JUNCTION’S ‘BACK ON MY FEET AGAIN’ TO BENEFIT THE DREAM CENTER

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Dove Award-winning Difference Media artist Canton Junction will donate proceeds from their recording, “Back On My Feet Again,” to The Dream Center, a multi-faceted urban ministry impacting the people of Los Angeles. The group’s music video of the song will premiere on GodTube.com Thursday, November 7, and will be viewable at JHM.org and DreamCenter.org beginning November 8. Featured on Canton Junction’s full-length CD and DVD, Show Me Your Way, “Back On My Feet Again” is currently available at iTunes.com.

“We wanted to use ‘Back On My Feet Again’ to draw attention to the great work of The Dream Center,” said Pastor Matthew Hagee of Canton Junction. “The message of restoration and hope is what The Dream Center is working on 24 hours a day, seven days a week—helping one life at a time to get back on their feet again.”

“This song has ministered to so many of our people to refuse to stay down and choose to embrace second chances,” said Pastor Matthew Barnett, founder of The Dream Center. Established in 1994, The Dream Center is a volunteer driven organization that finds and fills the needs of over 50,000 individuals and families each month. The Center provides mobile hunger relief and medical programs, residential rehabilitation programs for teens and adults, a shelter for victims of human trafficking, transitional housing for homeless families, foster care intervention programs, job skills training, life skills counseling, basic education, Bible studies and more.

Comprised of GRAMMY®-nominated singer/songwriter Aaron Crabb; award-winning bass vocalist Tim Duncan; singer, pastor and author Matthew Hagee; and acclaimed vocalist Shane McConnell, the members of Canton Junction have collectively garnered numerous Dove Awards and multiple GRAMMY® nominations, among other accolades and honors.

Difference Media is a division of Cornerstone Church, founded and pastored by John Hagee. The label features some of the leading names in Southern Gospel music, including Aaron & Amanda Crabb, Canton Junction, Matthew Hagee, Tim Duncan, The Cornerstone Sanctuary Choir, John Hagee and The Hagees. A non-denominational evangelical church with more than 20,000 active members, Cornerstone Church is home to John Hagee Ministries, which telecasts Pastor Hagee’s radio and television teachings throughout America and to more than 190 countries around the globe. The ministry also operates GETV, a 24/7 online television and video on-demand broadcast of sermons and original programming, as well as music videos and performances by Difference Media artists (getv.org).

For further information, visit differencemedia.org or turningpointpr.com. Follow Canton Junction on Twitter @cantonjunction.

AARON & AMANDA CRABB TAKE NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT AS CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED 'MERCY' RELEASED

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Dove Award-nominated singer/songwriters and worship leaders Aaron & Amanda Crabb take the national spotlight for multiple appearances this week, as their highly-anticipated fourth recording, Mercy (Difference Media/Capitol Christian Distribution), bows tomorrow to critical acclaim.

Aaron & Amanda Crabb are slated to appear tomorrow on Daystar Television Network’s flagship program, “Marcus & Joni," where they will perform several selections from Mercy. Reaching over 100 million households in the United States and over 680 million households worldwide, Daystar is the fastest growing faith-based television network in the world. In addition, the couple will be featured on an upcoming broadcast of “Life Today with James and Betty Robison,” which airs throughout the United States and Canada and reaches millions of homes in Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

Highlighting Mercy—among new recordings from such artists as Amy Grant, Alan Jackson and Hawk Nelson—in the “Reasons to Sing This Spring” feature, WatchGMCtv.com says, “Take The Crabb Family’s unmistakable Aaron Crabb with his wife Amanda’s angelic additions and the results are just as appealing to southern gospel audiences as they are the mainstream country scene…”

In addition, CCMMagazine.com’s April issue gives the album a four-star review: “Mercy incorporates the finest elements of country and gospel, invests straightforward messages of Christian hope and features two of the sweetest voices gracing gospel’s recent memory.”

This Sunday San Antonio’s Cornerstone Church will live-stream the official Mercy album release party on the ministry’s GETV.org at 6:30 pm CT. The event, which will feature surprise special guests, will be highlighted by Aaron & Amanda Crabb's performance and the duo responding to questions from fans.

Co-produced by Aaron Crabb and Ben Isaacs (The Oak Ridge Boys, The Isaacs), Mercy features 11 songs revealing a decidedly country direction for the duo, including the project’s debut mainstream country radio single “I’m Learning,” and the multi-format Christian radio single “Take Him To The Place.”

Aaron Crabb gained prominence as a member of the groundbreaking Crabb Family, one of the most popular acts in Southern Gospel music with more than 10 Dove Awards and three GRAMMY® nominations to their credit. Since the group disbanded in 2007, Aaron & Amanda Crabb have released three acclaimed projects as a duo—2008’s Dove-nominated After the Rain, 2009’s CD/DVD Live at Oaktree, and 2010’s Love With No End. The couple serve as worship leaders at San Antonio’s Cornerstone Church.

Difference Media is a division of Cornerstone Church, founded and pastored by John Hagee. The label features some of the leading names in Southern Gospel music, including Aaron & Amanda Crabb, Canton Junction, Matthew Hagee, Tim Duncan, The Cornerstone Sanctuary Choir, John Hagee and The Hagees. A non-denominational evangelical church with more than 20,000 active members, Cornerstone Church is home to John Hagee Ministries, which telecasts Pastor Hagee’s radio and television teachings throughout America and to 245 countries around the globe. The ministry also operates GETV, a 24/7 online television and video on-demand broadcast of sermons and original programming, as well as music videos and performances by Difference Media artists (www.getv.org).

Difference Media recently signed an exclusive distribution deal with Capitol Christian Distribution (formerly EMI CMG Distribution). Mercy is the label’s inaugural release under the new agreement.

For further information, visit www.differencemedia.org

CANTON JUNCTION ANNOUNCES ADDITION OF SHANE MCCONNELL TO ACCLAIMED LINE-UP

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Difference Media recording artist Canton Junction announces the addition of celebrated vocalist Shane McConnell to its acclaimed lineup. McConnell joins Matthew Hagee, Aaron Crabb and Tim Duncan, to round out the popular quartet.

“Shane is a remarkably talented and incredibly gracious individual, who greatly complements the idea that Canton Junction is where good things come together,” said Matthew Hagee, who also serves as executive pastor, Cornerstone Church. “We are extremely blessed to have him and look forward to what the future holds for Canton Junction.”

“I’ve enjoyed all the opportunities I’ve had in the studio through the years, but now as a member of Canton Junction, I’m especially looking forward to being able to interact with live audiences,” McConnell said. “I’ve always loved quartet harmonies, but I also have a heart for praise & worship, so Canton Junction seems like a great home for me. I believe it’s going to be a fun journey!”

McConnell has been a highly sought after Nashville studio vocalist since 1998, having performed on recordings by Garth Brooks, Wynonna, Kenny Rogers, Steve Green, Sandi Patty, Andy Griffith and Bill Gaither, among countless others. In addition, his voice has been heard on recordings for Walt Disney World and SeaWorld. Since 2006 he has been part of the Gaither Homecoming family, performing on Homecoming videos, live events and studio projects.

Since the release of its self-titled debut last year, Canton Junction has quickly become one of the leading groups in southern gospel music. The recording features the #1 single, “Hold On,” and the current single, “The Son Shines Down On Me.”

Difference Media is a division of Cornerstone Church, founded and pastored by John Hagee. The label features some of the leading names in Southern Gospel music, including Aaron & Amanda Crabb, Canton Junction, Matthew Hagee, Tim Duncan, The Cornerstone Sanctuary Choir, John Hagee and The Hagees. A non-denominational evangelical church with more than 20,000 active members, Cornerstone Church is home to John Hagee Ministries, which telecasts Pastor Hagee’s radio and television teachings throughout America and to 245 countries around the globe. The ministry also operates GETV, a 24/7 online television and video on-demand broadcast of sermons and original programming, as well as music videos and performances by Difference Media artists (www.getv.org).

For further information on Canton Junction or other Difference Media artists, visit www.differencemedia.org or www.turningpointpr.com.

Photo: (l-r) Canton Junction’s Shane McConnell, Aaron Crabb,
Matthew Hagee and Tim Duncan

THE HAGEES CHRISTMAS AVAILABLE NOW!

Difference Media Presents First Christmas Album From The Hagees

(Nashville, Tenn.) November 8nd, 2012 — Proud to present its first-ever Christmas project for The Hagees and Difference Media,The Hagees Christmas is a project that has something for everyone this holiday season. Produced by Michael Sykes, with additional production by Aaron Crabb, the project includes 13 tracks made up of traditional Christmas hymns like "Silent Night," and "O Holy Night," while also featuring classic treasures such as "The Christmas Song," "Silver Bells," and "White Christmas," among others. Matthew Hagee and Aaron Wilburn collaborated to write an original tune on the project, "Glory To God," while a beautiful rendition of "A Baby Changes Everything" is sure to be a standout and will be at radio during the Christmas season.

The Hagees have filmed a Christmas special, which will air at the end of November, and are currently in preparation for their 2013 release.

TRACK LISTING:

Let It Snow
O Holy Night
O Little Town of Bethlehem
Blue Christmas
Glory To God
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Winter Wonderland
Silver Bells
Silent Night
White Christmas
I'll Be Home For Christmas
The Christmas Song
A Baby Changes Everything
For more information on Difference Media, visit these sites: www.DifferenceMedia.org, www.FB.com/DifferenceMediaGroup, and Twitter @DifferenceMedia.

Stay up to date with The Hagees and all of Difference Media by signing up for the e-mail newsletter at www.DifferenceMedia.org

Christmas is available online at www.jhm.org, iTunes, Amazon, everywhere music is sold or via phone at 1-800-854-9899.

CANTON JUNCTION DEBUT CD RELEASE AVAILABLE NOW!

NASHVILLE, TN (September 4, 2012) – DIFFERENCE MEDIA is excited to announce that the highly anticipated self-titled debut CD of CANTON JUNCTION is now available! The quartet, consisting of Aaron Crabb, Tim Duncan, Matthew Hagee and Michael Sykes celebrated the release on a live telecast of CELEBRATION with MARCUS & JONI LAMB on DAYSTAR TELEVISION NETWORK on release day, September 4, 2012.

The group’s name, Canton Junction, “where good things come together” literally means: the crossroads of different subjects or regions into one gathering point. That definition perfectly describes exactly what happened when these four musical forces collided. Aaron Crabb, Tim Duncan, Matthew Hagee and Michael Sykes are four very different individuals who came from varying musical backgrounds and geographic locations, yet the moment they began singing together they stood on common ground.

The debut release is a two-disc set featuring twenty tracks of both new and classic material and is also representative of many roads merging into one. The influences you will hear range from timeless hymns to contemporary tunes ... from southern gospel to big band. Among the group’s repertoire are time-tested songs of the church, fresh new songs written out of their own experiences, as well as songs you may have heard, but not like this.

Canton Junction started somewhat spontaneously, in preparation for special music at Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, Texas. But after that first Sunday morning performance and the subsequent television broadcast, the response they received was overwhelming. After years of making music individually, these four men knew the harmony they had experienced – literally and figuratively - was out of the ordinary. They had to keep singing.

The two-disc set is available now at all retail outlets and online digitally. Additionally, it is available at www.JHM.org by clicking here.
Connect with Canton Junction by following them on Twitter @CantonJunction or liking them at http://www.facebook.com/CantonJunctionMusic. For more information about Difference Media, visit www.DifferenceMedia.org.