Since the release of his fifth studio album, Fighter, BEC Recordings’ international rock artist Manafest has been around the world touring. This week, he celebrates his second No. 1 Rock radio single, “Fighter.” In April, this album debuted in the Top 20 on the iTunes® Rock album chart at No. 16 and was the highest career debut for Manafest landing at No. 7 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart.
Manafest spent weeks touring in Japan and China supporting the international release of Fighter where he debuted at No. 8 on the Japan iTunes chart. While he was there, he also taped the music video for the hit title-track song, which will be debuting today in partnership with the Sonshine Festival. Click here to view the music video debut. Manafest will be performing at Sonshine Festival on July 12, click here to learn more about the festival and artist line-up.
This summer Manafest can be seen at all the major festivals across the country. He will also be headlining a Western Canadian tour in June (dates and venues below). Next week he’ll be traveling to Singapore for the Music Matters Conference. See the dates and festivals he’ll be performing at below.
In addition to the radio and international success, Manafest’s newest venture is receiving wide acclaim from the media. Media are saying that the album is “lyrically intense,” the “musicianship is nearly flawless,” lyrical content is “hopeful but also challenging listeners,” and gives “rap a hardcore edge.”
This week BEC Recordings’ and international rock artist Manafest (aka Chris Greenwood) released his fifth studio album, Fighter. This album follows his critically acclaimed release The Chase and is already on track to reach the heights of his previous effort. In true Manafest fashion, he has already taped two music videos from this new album. Fans can view “Never Let You Go” and “Pushover” online now.
“Never Let You Go,” Fighter’s lead CHR single, currently New and Active, shows the softer, more spiritually reflective side of Manafest’s endless pursuit. This song is also charting on the National Christian Audience chart. The title track is currently at Rock radio and charting in the Top 10.
The media are digging Fighter stating it is “lyrically intense,” “packs a power punch,” and an “ambitious blend of rap, hip-hop and R&B.” Here are samples of what the media are saying about Manafest’s Fighter:
"Wrapped up in each of the eleven tracks is a message defined by positivity and the will to get up and make a difference. If anyone out there needs a new album to spin while working out, trying to get through hard times in life, or just to put a little fire under you, look no further."
-IndieVisionMusic
"All things considered, Fighter is a fun, upbeat rap rock album with a pleasantly encouraging message. Fans of Manafest and the genre in general will find plenty to like here."
-JesusFreakHideout
"Lyrically intense, the musicianship on this record is nearly flawless. Arguably better than most Top 40 rock, fans of the genre will NOT want to pass this up, and I hope to see several of these songs go on to gain major mainstream exposure."
-NewReleaseTuesday 4.5 star review
"Fighter packs a power punch dripping with melodic hooks, hardcore tracks and spot-on vocals...making his musical output stronger than ever before."
-CCM Magazine 4 Star Review
"An accessible but still ambitious blend of rap, hip-hop and R&B. The street-savvy artist tackles topics like childhood insecurity, perseverance and evangelism."
-GMCtv online
"This one-two punch of blazing spirit and back-against-the-wall verve could just be the thing that endears Fighter to fans."
-Crosswalk
"The entire album seemed to have a common theme which was hopeful but also challenging listeners to stand up for what they believe, and not give up."
-ChristianMusicJunkie Blog
"Manafest is giving rap a hardcore edge"
-The Shorthorn (University of Texas Arlington paper)
INTERNATIONAL RELEASE:
This month Manafest is supporting the international release as he tours six major cities in Japan as well as Beijing and Shanghai, China. He arrived in Japan last week and will depart after his shows in China April 17. It was Manafest’s last studio project The Chase that blew up in Japan, quadrupling sales of his previous efforts.
Last week the Japanese version of Fighter released debuting at No. 8 on Japan's iTunes chart. While he is there, he will be taping the next music video from this album for the title track. Fans can watch daily video blogs from overseas – click here for the blogs. The media have also clamored to Manafest’s album and shows as he has been featured on Yahoo! Japan and MSN.
ABOUT FIGHTER:
Produced by Adam Messinger (Justin Bieber) and Seth Mosley (newsboys), Fighter vents the Toronto native’s losses and draws hurting people toward inspiration like never before. A fighter himself, Manafest knows what it means to have a fight. His uphill climb began at age five when his father committed suicide. Years of childhood insecurity and fear gave way to a promising skateboarding career, but then an injury took that away, too. Music soon filled the void, and it would prove to be a perfect fit.
“Whether it’s family, personal, or professional, it’s been a fight,” he says of a life and career that, despite their many layers and successes, are really just beginning to step into the ring. “I’ve had the willingness to bear pain to get through all this, and I’m winning now. Fighter was made to keep bringing a light to people; keep fighting.”
ABOUT MANAFEST: Over the past 11 years, Chris Greenwood has used the moniker Manafest to organically build his fan base playing hundreds of shows on three continents. In 2006, Manafest released Glory from which the rock anthem “Impossible,” featuring Thousand Foot Krutch’s Trevor McNevan, became a global hit. In 2008, Manafest followed up with Citizens Activ, which catapulted success garnering multiple TV placements and his overall presence in the US and internationally. In 2010, Manafest released his most critically acclaimed project, The Chase, which he received his second JUNO Award nomination as well as won the 2010 GMA Canada Award. In June 2011, Manafest released his first self-titled live DVD / CD. Touring worldwide Manafest has also traveled to the United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand, Japan and United States.
BEC Recordings’ and international rock artist Manafest (aka Chris Greenwood) will be releasing his fifth label studio project, Fighter, on April 10th. Produced by Adam Messinger (Justin Bieber) and Seth Mosley (Newsboys), Fighter vents the Toronto native’s losses and draws hurting people toward inspiration like never before. With great hope, the starting title track crunches down hard on life’s oppression while Manafest retells his story to encourage others going through their own hard times.
A fighter himself, Manafest knows what it means to have a fight. His uphill climb began at age five when his father committed suicide. Years of childhood insecurity and fear gave way to a promising skateboarding career, but then an injury took that away, too. Music soon filled the void, and it would prove to be a perfect fit.
“Whether it’s family, personal, or professional, it’s been a fight,” he says of a life and career that, despite their many layers and successes, are really just beginning to step into the ring. “I’ve had the willingness to bear pain to get through all this, and I’m winning now. Fighter was made to keep bringing a light to people; keep fighting.”
Since 2001, Manafest has battled his way into the business—playing a thousand shows in nine countries, winning an armload of industry awards – including nine GMA Covenant Awards, two Juno and four Dove Award nominations, and gaining recent victories like his first No. 1 hit, “Bring the Ruckus.” His 2010 release, The Chase, blew up in Japan, quadrupling sales of previous efforts.
“Never Let You Go,” Fighter’s lead CHR single, shows the softer, more spiritually reflective side of Manafest’s endless pursuit. The title track is currently at Rock radio and charting in the Top 5. This week Manafest also debuted the new music video for the song “Pushover,” click here to view. “Pushover” shouts out against bullying, another chapter in Manafest’s early life that helps him relate to what many of his younger fans are likely going through today.
Manafest continues to tour heavily as he finishes the REDvolution tour next week with RED and Thousand Foot Krutch. In 2011, Manafest was seen on tour with Newsboys, Skillet and TFK. This summer fans can catch Manafest on all major festivals such as Spirit West Coast, Creation East and West and Ichthus.
BEC Recordings’ and two-time JUNO nominated Manafest is set to release his first live DVD/CD Manafest Live in Concert on June 7th. This DVD/CD is just another career milestone for this artist that has sold more than 200,000 albums worldwide along with 45,000 digital singles of his hit “Avalanche” from his recent release The Chase, which is also currently No. 1 Soundscan Canada - Canadian Christian Chart.
Manafest fans can check out a preview of the DVD/CD by “Like”ing his Facebook page now. In addition the pre-sale of the upcoming LIVE release with multiple options is available now - click here. The Manafest Live in Concert was recorded in full on the Superchick Reinvention Tour last fall. The project includes Manafest’s hit songs from his albums Glory, Citizens Activ, and the most recent and award-nominated project The Chase.
“I'm so stoked to get this LIVE project out so fans that have never seen a show before can experience it,” shares Manafest. “We bring a killer live show right into their home. All band all rock!”
This LIVE project comes at a perfect time for Manafest as his notabilty continues to rise with the radio and tour success. The hit single, “Avalanche,” gave Manafest his highest charting single at CHR peaking at No. 4 as well as No. 10 on Rock. The recent radio single “No Plan B” produced his second Top 15 CHR hit off of this album coming in at No. 13. The third single off of The Chase will release “Every time You Run” to radio on June 10th. Since the release of The Chase, this Canadian has traveled to the United Kingdom, Ireland, Japan, United States, and New Zealand.
Manafest Live In Concert Track listing:
1. Avalanche
2. 4-3-2-1
3. Top Of The World
4. No Plan B
5. Bounce
6. Impossible
7. Bring The Ruckus
8. Fear
9. Every time You Run
10. Renegade
11. Fire In The Kitchen
12. The Chase
13. *Full LIVE Concert DVD included
14. *Bonus videos for Avalanche, No Plan B & Impossible
This week BEC Recordings’ Manafest received a JUNO Award nomination for the acclaimed 2010 release, The Chase. This marks Manafest’s second JUNO nomination (2007 Glory) for “Contemporary Christian Album.” The Chase has been a career milestone record for this Canadian-based artist with more than 30,000 albums sold worldwide, 40,000 digital singles sold for “Avalanche,” a 2010 GMA Canada Award ("Best Hip-Hop Album"), and his highest career radio charting.
"It has been so exciting to see the songs from The Chase climbing the charts and receive this recognition," shares Manafest. "With this album, I have been touring with a full band making the live show explosive on and off stage. It has been awesome watching kids react to the songs at shows. I'm honored."
In addition to the recent JUNO nod, Manafest (aka Chris Greenwood) is releasing a series of back-to-back music videos. The first video released is “Bring the Ruckus,” which has also received recent ESPN placement on NHRA drag racing. The video can be viewed here. This action-packed video was directed by Chris Stacey and features fight choreography from the trainers that worked on the set of “Hero” with Jet Li.
Other highlights from The Chase include:
• The hit single, “Avalanche,” gave Manafest his highest charting single at CHR peaking at No. 4 as well as No. 10 on Rock.
• The current radio single “No Plan B” is climbing the CHR, Rock and National Christian Audience charts.
• Manafest also appeared on the Much Music Network (Canada’s #1 Music Source) to talk about his new album.
• Since the release of The Chase, Canadian native and two-time JUNO-nominee Manafest has traveled to the United Kingdom, Ireland, Japan and United States. This month, Manafest will be in New Zealand followed by the second-leg tour with Superchick.
After releasing his most aggressive and sonically evolved record to date earlier this year, BEC Recordings’ Manafest continues an upward climb as he tours worldwide and receives his highest charting radio single.
Since the release of “The Chase,” Canadian native and JUNO-nominee Manafest has traveled to the United Kingdom, Ireland, Japan and United States. He will soon be jumping on tour with Superchick across the U.S this fall. The Superchick “Reinvention” tour will begin on September 22nd through October 30th. This tour adds to the 1,000+ shows that Manafest has already performed in his career. For tour dates, visit Manafest’s site.
Radio has also climbed on board the Manafest train. The hit single, “Avalanche,” gave Manafest his highest charting single at CHR peaking at No. 4 (his first time to debut and chart in the Top 10 on CHR) as well as No. 10 on Rock. Air1 also fell in love with Manafest’s single as they debuted his music video for “Avalanche” earlier this year. You can view the video here. Manafest also appeared on the Much Music Network (Canada’s #1 Music Source) to talk about his new album. You can watch the interview here.
“The Chase” is produced by Adam Messinger (Chris Brown, JoJo, Justin Bieber) featuring gritty guitars, aggressive rhythms fusing rock and rap styles. Media have also raved about this album saying it is “his best work to date,” “has a good project on his hands,” and it “doesn’t get better than this.”
Artist: Manafest
Album: The Chase
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Reviewer: Alex Judge
The seasoned urban rocker/rapper Manafest hits the streetsstrong with his latest release, “The Chase.” With three other releases under his belt, this newest addition to Manafest’s discography is by far his best yet. More aggressive and more melodic would be the best way to describe it. Each song has a very strong rock basis and certainly a very urban rap feel, keeping to the style that for which Manafest has become so well known. With last year’s Dove nomination of his song “So Beautiful” from his previous release, it seems that Manafest has taken the route of recreating that successful sound with new lyrics and new chords, which was pulled off flawlessly. Each song on this album is melodic, gritty, and rockin’ all at the same time. “No Plan B” and “Avalanche” are among the top songs, though every song has the potential to be a favorite depending on your taste. Themes on this album range from feeling stuck in your sin, to marriage, to chasing your dreams. Between the great music and relevant lyrics, “The Chase” would be a great addition to your music collection.
SEATTLE, WA...March 30, 2010...Today BEC Recordings’ Manafest drops his fourth studio project, “The Chase” (iTunes, Amazon $5.99). After three records that received international acclaim including huge success in Japan, Juno nominee Manafest releases his most aggressive and sonically evolved record to date. Check out the full album at AOL’s Listening Party (http://music.aol.com/new-releases-full-cds/#/11).
“The Chase” is produced by Adam Messinger (Chris Brown, JoJo, Justin Bieber) and features eleven tracks of gritty guitars, aggressive rhymes fusing rock and rap styles. Already the album is generating a positive reviews from media across the board.
“This is an outstanding album by Manafest, and his best work to date. If you have always enjoyed rock and hip-hop fusion then Manafest is one of the best out there, and you should definitely support him and his music by checking out The Chase.”
--IndieVisionMusic.com
“Comfortable in his own skin...Manafest has a good project on his hands.”
--Rapzilla.com
“The Chase is an enjoyable album with so much variety that it never seems to become tedious. Releases like this one don't come around too often, so if you crave rock and rap, it doesn't get better than this.”
--JesusFreakHideout.com
Over the past seven years, Chris Greenwood has used the moniker Manafest to organically build his fan base playing hundreds of shows on three continents. In 2006, Manafest released “Glory” from which the rock anthem “Impossible,” featuring Thousand Foot Krutch’s Trevor McNevan, became a global hit. This release dramatically increased his record sales 5x over. In 2008, Manafest followed up with “Citizens Activ,” which catapulted success garnering multiple TV placements and his overall presences in the US and internationally. Contact Lori Mahon for interviews and reviews.
Connect with Manafest:
www.myspace.com/manafestca | twitter.com/Manafest |
music video, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6LZj4uJ_bE
After three records that received international acclaim including huge success in Japan, Juno nominee Manafest (aka Chris Greenwood) returns to partner with BEC Recordings for his March 30th release, “The Chase.” This fourth studio project is Manafest’s most aggressive and sonically evolved record to date.
“I’m really stoked to have this record teamed up with BEC Recordings again,” shares Manafest. “This is a full on rock record with a more mature sound. I am still on the chase and living out my dreams everyday with this new release.”
“The Chase” is produced by Adam Messinger (Chris Brown, JoJo, Justin Bieber) and features eleven tracks of gritty guitars, aggressive rhymes fusing rock and rap styles. The album can be pre-ordered on Manafest’s MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/manafestca) as well as the new song “No Plan B” can be heard. The debut radio single "Avalanche" will be impacting Rock on March 12th and CHR radio on April 2nd.
Over the past seven years, Chris Greenwood has used the moniker Manafest to organically build his fan base playing hundreds of shows on three continents. In 2006, Manafest released “Glory” from which the rock anthem “Impossible,” featuring Thousand Foot Krutch’s Trevor McNevan, became a global hit. This release dramatically increased his record sales 5x over. In 2008, Manafest followed up with “Citizens Activ,” which catapulted success garnering multiple TV placements and his overall presence in the US and internationally. Contact Lori Mahon for interviews and review copies.
