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.

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