Gathering a “New Artist of the Year” GMA Dove Award nomination in the midst of its 65-city tour with newsboys that wrapped up last month, The City Harmonic immediately launch into the festival season with main stage appearances at major events across the US. Known for its engaging live performances, the band also announces its first national US headline tour in support of its highly acclaimed and first full-length album, I Have A Dream (It Feels Like Home).
The headline “I Have A Dream Tour” begins in November and features special guest artist Daniel Bashta, writer of the hit song “Like A Lion (God's Not Dead),” and nationally recognized author/speaker Bob Lenz. The tour also introduces Eric Brandon and will be in partnership with Compassion International and Life Promotions. All the tour dates will be announced in the coming weeks.
While on tour, The City Harmonic is playing its hit singles and new music from I Have A Dream (It Feels Like Home), including the title track, a top 15 Billboard National Christian Audience radio hit, “Manifesto,” which is featured as a bonus track on the album, and its current top 25 and climbing single, “Mountaintop.” The fastest-rising song ever for the band on the radio charts, “Mountaintop” is gathering airplay on numerous outlets, including Air-1 Network, WGTS/Washington D.C., WONU/Chicago, SiriusXM, WBVM/Tampa, WTRJ/Jacksonville, WBSN/New Orleans, WAYG/Grand Rapids, WBFJ/Greensboro, KLFF/San Luis Obispo and more.
In addition to being the current radio single, “Mountaintop” will become the band’s third music video following “I Have A Dream (It Feels Like Home)” and “Manifesto,” which has been has been viewed on YouTube more than 1,500,000 times (http://www.youtube.com/thecityharmonic). For the new video, most of the production credits will be going to the band’s listeners. Music fans from around the world have taken video of themselves, friends or church groups, etc., singing along with the song and submitted the results through the band’s website (www.thecityharmonic.com/mountaintop). Having received numerous responses to their call for footage, the band is beginning to create the final video now.
One of the best-selling new artists of last year, The City Harmonic, continues to gather international acclaim. Featured on the current cover of Worship Musician, an upcoming cover of Surrender Magazine, and performing acoustic tracks from its new album in a June RELEVANT Podcast, the critics are using adjectives like “fabulous,” “infectious,” “exciting,” “spectacular,” “worshipful,” “captivating,” “creative,” “brilliant” and more to describe I Have A Dream (It Feels Like Home). Released Oct. 18, 2011 on Kingsway with EMI CMG Distribution in the USA, the album hit No. 1 on iTunes® in Canada, No. 6 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart and never left the Top 4 on the iTunes Christian/Gospel US chart in its debut week at retail. The digital single, “Manifesto,” has also sold well over 100,000 copies and is the only song from a new artist in 2011 to break into the top 10 of the SoundScan Top Current digital singles sales chart.
The City Harmonic, consisting of Elias Dummer, bassist Eric Fusilier, guitarist Aaron Powell and drummer Josh Vanderlaan, wrote, recorded and produced all of the songs for I Have A Dream (It Feels Like Home). From the “now but not yet” tension of earthly Christian living heard in much of the album, including the title track and “Mountaintop,” to having hope in the midst of struggle in “Fell Apart” and “Be Still O My Soul,” to dealing with apathy in “Yours” and “Wake Me Up” and living missionally in “Spark” and “Benediction,” the songs take the listener on a poetic journey.
One of the best-selling new artists of 2011, The City Harmonic, continues to gather acclaim following the release of its first full-length album, I Have A Dream (It Feels Like Home). Gathering three awards, including “New Artist of the Year,” from the Gospel Music Association Canada Covenant Awards last fall, the Gospel Music Association bestows another “New Artist of the Year” nomination on the band for the 43rd Annual GMA Dove Awards, which will take place April 19 at the Fox Theater in Atlanta.
Hearing the news while traveling on the 60-market “God’s Not Dead World Tour” with newsboys that launched Jan 12 and runs through May 5, The City Harmonic front man, Elias Dummer, comments, “We’re so grateful to be out every night making music for and with the Church, and this is another humbling reminder that that means something to people. Many thanks.”
Already known for its engaging live performances, The City Harmonic is playing its hit singles and new music from I Have A Dream (It Feels Like Home) while on tour, including the title track, a top 15 Billboard National Christian Audience radio hit, and “Manifesto,” which is featured as a bonus track on the album.
“I was eager to see if they could translate that big, sonic sound from the studio to a live show,” says a ChristianMusicZine.com tour reviewer. “…I was really quite blown away with how impressive these guys were live, with such an aura around them that is hard to find…from the powerful piano notes, to the banging of a ‘ginormous’ drum, to the clip of Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous mountain top speech, I don’t think they could have possibly done more…”
In less than a year, The City Harmonic went from being virtually unknown to international acclaim. Released Oct. 18 on Kingsway with EMI CMG Distribution in the USA, I Have A Dream (It Feels Like Home) hit No. 1 on iTunes® in Canada, No. 6 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart and never left the Top 4 on the iTunes Christian/Gospel US chart in its debut week at retail. The digital single, “Manifesto,” has also sold well over 100,000 copies and is the only song from a new artist in 2011 to break into the top 10 of the SoundScan Top Current digital singles sales chart as it’s companion music video has been viewed on YouTube by over 1,300,000 people (http://www.youtube.com/thecityharmonic).
“Wowing” the critics, who are using adjectives like “fabulous,” “infectious,” “exciting,” “spectacular,” “worshipful,” “captivating,” “creative,” “brilliant” and more to describe the album, I Have A Dream (It Feels Like Home) became one of two Christian music entries on Google Music’s 2011 Favorites list and has been named among the best albums of 2011 by Watchgmctv.com staff, senior music and entertainment editors.
“There is nothing in Christian music that sounds like this. So, so incredibly good! In the still-saturated world of worship, this album was a breath of fresh air. There’s a fresh verve and energy in these vertically minded songs, and their obvious passion for God is downright contagious,” says www.watchgmctv.com.
The City Harmonic, consisting of Dummer, bassist Eric Fusilier, guitarist Aaron Powell and drummer Josh Vanderlaan, wrote, recorded and produced all of the songs for I Have A Dream (It Feels Like Home). From the “now but not yet” tension of earthly Christian living heard in much of the album, including the title track and “Mountaintop,” to having hope in the midst of struggle in “Fell Apart” and “Be Still O My Soul,” to dealing with apathy in “Yours” and “Wake Me Up” and living missionally in “Spark” and “Benediction,” the songs take the listener on a poetic journey.
The best-selling new artist of 2011, The City Harmonic continues to gather acclaim for its first full-length album, I Have A Dream (It Feels Like Home). The hit single “Manifesto,” featured as a bonus track on the album, has now sold over 100,000 copies, while the album’s title track is No.16 and climbing on the Billboard National Christian Audience chart. With KLOVE, Air1 and other radio networks playing the song, “I Have A Dream (It Feels Like Home)” is also the band’s second video, which has gathered over 35,000 views so far at http://www.youtube.com/thecityharmonic.
Named “New Artist of the Year” by the Gospel Music Association Canada, music fans will be able to hear the band play its hit singles and new music from I Have A Dream (It Feels Like Home) on the 60-market “God’s Not Dead World Tour” with newsboys that launches Jan 12 and runs coast-to-coast through May 5. Every week leading up to the launch of this tour, The City Harmonic is giving away 10 pairs of tickets – one pair for each market on the tour – through its Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/thecityharmonic. To enter the drawing, Facebook participants are asked to ‘share the status’ of the giveaway. (For a list of all the tour dates, go to www.thecityharmonic.com.)
While on Facebook, people are also encouraged to ‘like’ The City Harmonic’s page. As a way of saying “thanks” for the ‘likes,’ the band is offering a free download of its hit single, “I Have A Dream (It Feels Like Home).”
Hitting No. 1 on iTunes® in Canada, No. 6 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart and never leaving the Top 4 on the iTunes Christian/Gospel US chart in its debut week at retail, I Have A Dream (It Feels Like Home) was also named among the best albums of 2011 by Watchgmctv.com staff, senior music and entertainment editors. Released Oct. 18 on Kingsway with EMI CMG Distribution in the USA, the album has been “wowing” the critics, who are using adjectives like “fabulous,” “infectious,” “exciting,” “spectacular,” “worshipful,” “captivating,” “creative,” “brilliant” and more to describe it. Here are a few of just the most recent reviews:
“This Ontario-bred [quartet] follows its promising debut EP with a set of songs mixing elements from modern British rock (especially U2 and Keane) with folk and traditional gospel. Frontman Elias Dummer’s crisp, driving keyboards and forceful yet vulnerable vocals set him apart from his peers in worship-oriented Christian rock. With his bandmates, he delivers tunes that range from the anthemic (“Yours,” “Wake Me Up”) to the reflective (“Le Reve,” “Benediction”). “Spark” and “Mountaintop” widen the album’s scope by drawing on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s final speech for both themes and language. Reinforcing the songwriting's quality is the band’s sense of dynamics; tracks like “Be Still, O My Soul” and “Holy (Wedding Day)” display orchestral grandeur as they rise from quiet openings to dramatic crescendos. Piano predominates here, though “Love” is built around a wistful acoustic guitar line. A radio edit of The City Harmonic’s breakthrough tune “Manifesto” adds further heft to an album distinguished by fine craftsmanship and fervency.” – iTunes
“The album is worth more than just a casual listen, as the band has gone to great lengths to produce a record of exceptional songwriting, musicality and style. At a time when many albums are mass-produced and stylistically homogenized, The City Harmonic stands apart for their authenticity and art.” – NewReleaseTuesday.com
“I Have a Dream has big songs fit for big venues… a passionate and hopeful album…a sincere rock-worship album that manages to incorporate the sounds of groups like U2, Coldplay, and Arcade Fire in the best kind of way.” – www.thechristianmanifesto.com
“What makes The City Harmonic stand out from among the worship music glut that floods the Christian market is that this band has created art when they recorded their songs.” – Music Spectrum
In less than a year, The City Harmonic went from being virtually unknown to international acclaim. Its hit single, “Manifesto,” has become the only song from a new artist this year that has broken into the top 10 of the SoundScan Top Current digital singles sales chart as its companion music video has been viewed on YouTube by nearly 1,200,000 people (http://www.youtube.com/thecityharmonic). Receiving three Gospel Music Association Canada Covenant Awards this fall, the band is not as interested in finding fans as they are looking for participants in the journey; “getting people in on the act—hearts pounding and feet moving.”
“Fabulous,” “infectious,” “exciting,” “spectacular,” “worshipful,” “captivating,” “creative,” “brilliant” – all of these adjectives and more are being used by the critics as they applaud The City Harmonic for its first full-length album, I Have A Dream (It Feels Like Home), which releases today on Kingsway with EMI CMG Distribution in the USA.
Already hitting No. 1 on the iTunes® Canada Inspirational Chart, the growing success has energized the band’s engaging live performances throughout North America. Recently finishing its headline tour with Aaron Gillespie, the band continues across North America this fall (see current itinerary below) and will join newsboys for the “God’s Not Dead World Tour” that launches in January and travels coast-to-coast through April 2012. Tour dates to be announced soon.
For a limited time in conjunction with the release of I Have A Dream (It Feels Like Home), The City Harmonic is offering the title track and current radio single for free through its Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/thecityharmonic. The song was actually written even before the songs on the “Introducing” EP (Nov. 2010), and has always been the lynchpin on which the full-length record would hinge.
“The dream, like Martin Luther King’s, is that there is another way,” explains The City Harmonic front man Elias Dummer, “that it can be what we say it is, the eventual truth that we will awaken, just as Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz awakened from her dream, to find ourselves home at last.”
The City Harmonic, consisting of Elias Dummer, bassist Eric Fusilier, guitarist Aaron Powell and drummer Josh Vanderlaan, wrote and recorded all of the songs for I Have A Dream (It Feels Like Home), which was co-produced by the band and Jared Fox. From the “now but not yet” tension of earthly Christian living heard in much of the album, including the title track and “Mountaintop,” to having hope in the midst of struggle in “Fell Apart” and “Be Still O My Soul,” to dealing with apathy in “Yours” and “Wake Me Up” and living missionally in “Spark” and “Benediction,” the songs take the listener on a poetic journey.
Here is how the critics are responding to I Have A Dream (It Feels Like Home):
“Following up their acclaimed Introducing EP, they prove here that they are no one-hit wonder. Artistic songs…will surely gain them even more accolades…Strong vocals and lilting instrumentation round out a fabulous first full-length album.” – CCM Magazine
“Musically captivating, the project builds from song to song, carrying the listener on a journey… Track by track, there are layers and mysteries and scriptural connections to explore… one of the best albums of 2011.” – Watchgmctv.com
“No worship band in recent history has created the kind of reaction The City Harmonic has with their EP, Introducing The City Harmonic…their album has remained in the top 15 of all of Christian music …[Have A Dream (It Feels Like Home) will continue the musical journey, with lyrics that point to the wonders of our God combined with sweeping melodies and infectious choruses…It has been this kind of embrace that has resulted in many naming The City Harmonic as the ‘New Artist of the Year.’” – Amazon.com
“Anyone who has heard and loved the song ‘Manifesto’ has an idea of the gifts the band The City Harmonic is bringing to current Christian music. Now… this new and exciting band…is getting ready to release its full-length debut.” – LancasterOnline.com
“A band to be reckoned with, it’s hard to believe this is their full length debut. If this band don’t go on to become one of the best in Christian music, then there is simply no justice. Oozing talent, brilliant musicianship, huge sounding rock songs, what more could you want? An absolute gem of an album.” – Louder Than The Music (5-star review)
“The City Harmonic are ready to take the world of Christian music by storm.” – I Am Entertainment
“A few adjectives to describe the band The City Harmonic: Uplifting. Brilliant. Grandiose. Jubilant. …Fortunately for us music lovers, when they breathe in all that is good, they also breathe out this music that words can’t describe, speakers can’t contain, and other bands could never duplicate.” – Relate Magazine
“…the creative resonance that the Canadian foursome brings is somewhat of a breath of fresh air that rises above a Christian music landscape…birthed out of their hearts to not only love God, but also to love others, The City Harmonic looks to usher in a new breed of sound that welcomes Christians and non-Christians alike… it’s perfect for music gatherings outside of the church walls, yet, it has a good range of worship natured tunes that music leaders can utilize in creating a worshipful atmosphere in their churches.” – Foursquare Leader
“This album is uplifting, song after song. It’s filled with emotional vocals and meaningful lyrics…Cleverly crafted piano and guitar blend perfectly with lead singer Elias Dummer's vocals for a truly spectacular listening experience.” – Teen Ink
“The City Harmonic aren’t your ordinary Christian band. In 1 year they’ve managed to go from being unknown to being one of the biggest emerging Alternative Rock bands to hit the industry…We’ve had [I Have A Dream (It Feels Like Home)] on repeat in our office for a few days now and absolutely love it… We’ve actually found it hard to pick stand-out tracks for this album because they are all so good and on the 50+ times we’ve listened to it have never skipped a track.” - m-briomusic.com (5-star review)
“I believe this is the best debut album by any band in the history of Christian music. If it were possible I would give this album ten stars out of five.” – Christian Music Review Blog (5-star review)
“Definitely deserving of a five-star rating, the anticipated follow-up to their Introducing The City Harmonic EP was well worth the wait!!” – Jay’s Musik Blog (5-star review)
“While there is so much to be said for this kind of talent and creativity, it should suffice to simply know that quality in every regard positively abounds in this album. Is it worth your dollars? More than ten times.” – TheWorshipCommunity.com
“The record is outstanding both lyrically and sonically.” – AlphaOmegaNews.org
In less than a year, The City Harmonic went from being virtually unknown to international acclaim. The band has gathered an impressive five nominations, including New Artist of the Year, for the Gospel Music Association Canada’s 33rd Annual Covenant Awards that will be held in Calgary, AB October 28. Its unifying hit radio single, “Manifesto,” which is featured as a bonus track for a limited time on I Have A Dream (It Feels Like Home), has sold over 90,000 copies as its companion video has been viewed on YouTube by over 1,000,000 people, (http://www.youtube.com/thecityharmonic). Becoming the best-selling new artist of 2011 on the SoundScan Top Current digital singles sales chart, the band has simultaneously gathered endorsements from Mac Powell (Third Day), Peter Furler, Matt Redman, Kyle Korver (Chicago Bulls), Seth Smith (Colorado Rockies), as well as “likes” from Tommy Shaw of Styx and thousands of others on its Facebook page.
Following the release of its acclaimed “Introducing” EP and in advance of the band’s first full-length album, I Have A Dream (It Feels Like Home), releasing Oct. 18, The City Harmonic received an impressive five Covenant Award nominations, including a nod for New Artist of the Year. The Gospel Music Association Canada’s 33rd Annual Covenant Awards ceremony will be held in Calgary, AB October 28. The Covenant Awards honor Canadian gospel music.
In addition to “New Artist,” The City Harmonic received Covenant Awards nominations for Song of the Year, Modern Worship Song of the Year and Recorded Song of the Year for “Manifesto,” as well as Praise and Worship Song of the Year for “My God.” Both songs are featured on Introducing The City Harmonic, while the multi-format hit radio mix of “Manifesto” is also featured as a bonus track for a limited time on I Have A Dream (It Feels Like Home). The unifying hit single, “Manifesto,” has sold over 80,000 copies becoming the only song from a new artist this year that has broken into the top 10 of the SoundScan Top Current digital singles sales chart. The companion music video has been viewed on YouTube by over 940,000 people (http://www.youtube.com/thecityharmonic).
The City Harmonic recently completed its second video, the title track from I Have A Dream (It Feels Like Home), which will release on YouTube and through multiple broadcast and online outlets this month. The song also becomes the first radio single from the new album that is already gaining national airplay.
The City Harmonic, consisting of front man Elias Dummer, bassist Eric Fusilier, guitarist Aaron Powell and drummer Josh Vanderlaan, wrote and recorded all of the songs for I Have A Dream (It Feels Like Home), which was co-produced by the band and Jared Fox. From the “now but not yet” tension of earthly Christian living heard in much of the album, including the title track and “Mountaintop,” to having hope in the midst of struggle in “Fell Apart” and “Be Still O My Soul,” to dealing with apathy in “Yours” and “Wake Me Up” and living missionally in “Spark” and “Benediction,” the songs take the listener on a poetic journey.
In less than a year, The City Harmonic went from being virtually unknown to international acclaim. The success has energized the band’s engaging live performances throughout North America (see fan video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcQpDtgkKBE) while simultaneously gathering thousands of “likes” on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/thecityharmonic) and online endorsements from people like Mac Powell (Third Day), Peter Furler, Matt Redman, Kyle Korver (Chicago Bulls), Seth Smith (Colorado Rockies) and numerous others.
Not as interested in finding fans as they are looking for participants in the journey; “getting people in on the act—hearts pounding and feet moving,” The City Harmonic launches the HELLOSOMEBODY tour with co-headliner Aaron Gillespie Sept. 21 in Phoenix, AZ. In celebration of this tour, The City Harmonic is giving away their brand new single, “I Have A Dream (It Feels Like Home),” as a free download via the promotion at www.hellosomebodytour.com. The tour is being sponsored by HELLOSOMEBODY in an effort to continue feeding the hungry around the world. The City Harmonic’s full itinerary can be found at www.thecityharmonic.com.
Following the release of its acclaimed “Introducing” EP, The City Harmonic returns with its first full-length album, I Have A Dream (It Feels Like Home), Oct. 18 from Kingsway with EMI CMG Distribution in the US. In less than a year, The City Harmonic went from being virtually unknown to international acclaim with its debut EP that sparked the unifying hit single and video, “Manifesto,” which has respectively sold over 80,000 copies and been viewed on YouTube by over 900,000 people. The success has energized the band’s engaging live performances throughout North America while simultaneously gathering thousands of “likes” on Facebook and online endorsements from people like Mac Powell (Third Day), Peter Furler, Matt Redman, Kyle Korver (Chicago Bulls), Seth Smith (Colorado Rockies) and numerous others.
The City Harmonic, consisting of front man Elias Dummer, bassist Eric Fusilier, guitarist Aaron Powell and drummer Josh Vanderlaan, wrote and recorded all of the songs for I Have A Dream (It Feels Like Home), which was co-produced by the band and Jared Fox. From the “now but not yet” tension of earthly Christian living heard in much of the album, including the title track and “Mountaintop,” to having hope in the midst of struggle in “Fell Apart” and “Be Still O My Soul,” to dealing with apathy in “Yours” and “Wake Me Up” and living missionally in “Spark” and “Benediction,” the songs take the listener on a poetic journey.
A little over halfway into that journey, track seven’s title song marks a high point that is already being recognized nationally. The song becomes the first radio single and video from the album, and follows the band’s across-the-board breakout hit, “Manifesto,” which became one of the most played songs on the Billboard National Audience chart and the only song from a new artist this year that has broken into the top 10 of the SoundScan Top Current digital singles sales chart. Poised to continue the success, “I Have A Dream (It Feels Like Home)” is already being heard on stations like WHPZ FM (South Bend, IN), WBVM FM (Tampa, FL), WQME FM (Anderson, IN) and WGRC FM (Lewisburg, PA).
“Martin Luther King spoke of an America where people could be equal, he called people to see that there could be a better way,” muses The City Harmonic frontman Elias Dummer as he talks about the inspiration for the single. “In Revelation 21, God shows John the eventual city of God, the New Jerusalem God creates on earth to bring together Creator and created – a place where things are finally made right and we will no longer need to long for more. The human life is lived in between, and we despair to ‘feel at home.’ This song serves to put us in the mindset of what will be.
“Interestingly, we had a woman approach us at a concert not long ago in tears because this song inspired her while dealing with the loss of a close friend,” adds Dummer. “The song might be about the ‘not yet,’ but it also helped someone to deal with the ‘now.’”
With the band’s name partly derived from the sense that in communal worship we catch a fleeting glimpse of the world that we pine for, I Have A Dream (It Feels Like Home) is an organic offering by the band of this hopeful, nostalgic idea. The album also bucks the trend of many full-length recordings that follow EP debuts, as The City Harmonic’s I Have A Dream (It Feels Like Home) is all new music, with the additional “Manifesto” radio mix as a bonus track for a limited time only. The band’s hit EP, Introducing The City Harmonic, will remain a stand-alone offering.
The City Harmonic is about “getting people in on the act—hearts pounding and feet moving.” The band, consisting of front man Elias Dummer, bassist Eric Fusilier, guitarist Aaron Powell and drummer Josh Vanderlaan, joins Aaron Gillespie to co-headline the HELLOSOMEBODY Tour that launches Sept. 22 in Phoenix, AZ and hits 12 cities before wrapping up in Rockford, IL Oct. 16. Featuring special guest Ben Pirtle, founder of HELLOSOMEBODY (http://hello-somebody.com/), as well as Jake Hamilton (Sept. 21-30) and AJ Cheek (Oct. 1-16), the tour is being sponsored by HELLOSOMEBODY in an effort to continue feeding the hungry around the world (see full tour itinerary below).
With the band’s name partly derived from the sense that in communal worship we catch a fleeting glimpse of the world that we pine for, The City Harmonic isn’t as interested in finding fans as they are looking for participants in the journey.
“We want this tour to help people see their stories lining up with God’s story for them and the world. Worship ought to feel like that – some unveiling of something bigger than ourselves,” says The City Harmonic’s front man Elias Dummer. “If we can somehow spark in people a dream, something they just can’t shake, then that will inspire them to sing like every word matters, to live like every day matters, and having tasted heaven they’ll get on with helping this world feel more like home. This tour promises to be a creative night of worship, and all for a great cause.”
“This is a different night, it isn’t a concert, it isn’t a popularity contest. This night is about Jesus and worshipping Him out loud and for real,” shares Aaron Gillespie. “Bring everyone you know, we are being sponsored by HELLOSOMEBODY, and we are gonna be feeding needy kids through their incredible merchandise. Come hang!”
Almost immediately following the tour, The City Harmonic will release its first full-length album Oct. 18 (yet to be titled). Bucking the trend of many full-length recordings that follow EP debuts, The City Harmonic’s new album will be all new music. The band’s hit EP, Introducing The City Harmonic, that sparked the considerable radio hit, “Manifesto,” will remain a stand-alone offering. The new album will continue the journey of songs and stories that tell of hope, unity and seeking a greater kingdom.
With a new radio single from the upcoming album set to launch in late August, The City Harmonic’s “Manifesto,” continues to gather fans. Most recently garnering a recommendation from Chicago Bulls star player Klayton Korver on his twitter page, the song has also served as the theme music for a National Day of Prayer promotional campaign, been heard at Major League Baseball stadiums and spent many months on the Billboard National Audience chart. “Manifesto” has also sold over 71,000 digital singles so far, making it the 12th best selling digital single of 2011 on the SoundScan Top Current digital singles year-to-date chart, while more than 786,000 people have viewed the video at www.youtube.com/thecityharmonic.
Powerfully delivering the hit single on main stages across the US, The City Harmonic has inspired and unified thousands of festival goers to loudly respond to the pulse and message of the music. Having already been enthusiastically received at Ichthus Festival, Big Ticket Festival, Alive Festival, Sonshine Music Festival and Creation Northwest, the band’s upcoming events include Ignite Festival (July 29), Kingdom Bound (August 1), Soulfest (August 3-6) and others.
Announcing the HELLOSOMEBODY tour featuring the next generation of worship leaders Aaron Gillespie and The City Harmonic along with special guests Jake Hamilton (Jesus Culture), AJ Cheek and HELLOSOMEBODY founder Ben Pirtle. The tour begins on September 21 and will continue through October. Tour dates listed below.
"This is a different night, it isn't a concert, it isn't a popularity contest. This night is about Jesus and worshipping Him out loud and for real," shares Aaron Gillespie. "Bring everyone you know, we are being sponsored by HELLOSOMEBODY, and we are gonna be feeding needy kids through their incredible merchandise. Come hang!"
The tour’s namesake and sponsor, HELLOSOMEBODY’s mission will be the foundation for this evening of worship. This non-profit brand exists to impact and change the world through love, passion and creativity. Their purpose is simple: feed the hungry around the globe, which is what this tour will do – a global outreach through these creative and passionate artists.
“We want this tour to help people see their stories lining up with God’s story for them and the world. Worship ought to feel like that – some unveiling of something bigger than ourselves,” says The City Harmonic’s frontman Elias Dummer. “If we can somehow spark in people a dream, something they just can’t shake, then that will inspire them to sing like every word matters, to live like every day matters, and having tasted heaven they’ll get on with helping this world feel more like home. This tour promises to be a creative night of worship, and all for a great cause.”
For more information on the HELLOSOMEBODY tour, click here for the official Facebook page. Also follow each of the artists and their online community to learn more.
Introducing The City Harmonic released Nov. 22, 2010 from Kingsway amidst a growing crowd of newly inspired music critics who have widely-praised this new band heralding from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. As the band’s momentum continues to build, The City Harmonic has entered into agreements with The Fuel Music Management and Elite Talent Agency to handle management and booking respectively.
“The City Harmonic are one of those acts that comes along and you get a glimpse of Heaven...bringing a new sound and a perspective that you know is inspired by the God of Creation,” says Tony Patoto, The Fuel Music Management president who also guides the careers of Peter Furler, Newworldson, Brenton Brown, Planetshakers and Bluetree, and has worked over 300 top 40 singles and 100 top 20 albums in the UK with artists such as The Offspring, Moby, Delirious?, Right Said Fred, John Martyn, Technotronic, Iona, Riverdance and more. “Their music is anthemic, gutsy, passionate and driven...That’s where I want to be, with the men and women of faith that are inspired by a great God and use their gifts to glorify Him. That is the essence of The City Harmonic; to make Him known to all men so they may have faith.”
“We are excited to welcome The City Harmonic to the Elite family,” says Mark Claassen, Elite Talent Agency president. “After watching the video for ‘Manifesto,’ everyone in the office was singing it for the next week. This band brings something fresh to the table that is already resonating with churches and concert promoters. We are predicting a very busy year for them.”
Elite Talent Agency, which books Switchfoot, Jon Foreman, Lou Gramm (lead singer of Foreigner), Underoath, Fireflight, The Almost and others, has already scheduled The City Harmonic for several festivals this summer and can be reached by interested concert promoters at www.eta-live.com, booking@eta-live.com, 615-983-6600, or Fax: 615-983-6601.
Named “One not to miss” by CCM Magazine in its year-end issue, and with upcoming RELEVANT and CCM magazine features, The City Harmonic has also seen its very first radio single, “Manifesto,” jump to the Top 25 on both the Billboard CHR radio and the iTunes overall Christian sales charts. As it continues to ascend the charts, and with over 89,000 people already viewing the “Manifesto” video at www.youtube.com/thecityharmonic, radio insiders are championing the song:
“‘Manifesto’ tested off the charts for us right away. It’s been an instant hit not only with our audience, but with our staff too!” – Paul Goldsmith, Air-1 Network PD
“City Harmonic’s ‘Manifesto’ has had the most listener response of any song we’ve played in several years!” – Chris Behmlander, KXGM-FM (Cedar Rapids, IA)
“This song creates an emotion of worship...Creative, Fresh, Raw music, which is becoming a huge hit here at Positive Hit Radio - The Current!” – Jonathan Michaels, WJLZ (Virginia Beach, VA)
“‘Manifesto’ seems to really be connecting with our staff and listeners on many levels. The unmistakable truth of Christ cannot be better aired! It’s a modern sermon wrapped in three minutes of sonic bliss. Epic...” – Cale Nelson, WHRZ (Spartanburg-Greenville, SC)
Print/online media critics have also weighed in and found The City Harmonic compelling on multiple levels, giving the band five star rankings and Ones To Watch in 2011 status as 100% of the band’s iTunes consumers post five-star reviews. With acclaim already gathered from Music Remedy Colossal Pop, Examiner.com, Hollywood Jesus, IndieVisionMusic.com, Soul-Audio and many others, here are just a few recent quotes:
“Introducing The City Harmonic is a great addition to the entire worship genre, rivaling Passion and Hillsong in influence and potential.” – Worship Leader Magazine
“If you like Coldplay, you will dig The City Harmonic’s take on worship music and their six-song EP debut, Introducing The City Harmonic… With fist-pumping raucous tracks and soaring string-tinged anthems, the EP is a soundtrack for those seeking a greater kingdom hope and unity.” – United Methodist Reporter
“Occasionally, I hear new music and get a rush of blood to the head as what is coming out of the speakers thrills me and fills me with hope...” – Cross Rhythms
“This is the best new worship band I’ve heard since Delirious?… This album completely rocks…This is a nearly perfect worship album and is great for fans of Coldplay, U2, Delirious?.” – NewReleaseTuesday.com
“…there is so much to love, so much to hear, such brilliant music and amazingly sung lyrics. You really need to check it out for yourself to fully appreciate its stunningness.” – Louder Than The Music (5-star review)
“This album completely rocks and is loaded with songs you can proudly share with your friends and family. The themes of this album are trusting God, loving Him and loving others as He loved us.” – Amazon.com (5-Star review)
The City Harmonic is about “getting people in on the act—hearts pounding and feet moving.” Garnering comparisons to Coldplay, Aqualung, Arcade Fire, the band’s self-produced, six-song EP, Introducing The City Harmonic, is a nostalgic Brit-pop meets campfire sing-along mix that features raucous, gang vocals along with agile, soaring anthems crafted to include the listener. The band, consisting of front man Elias Dummer, bassist Eric Fusilier, guitarist Aaron Powell and drummer Josh Vanderlaan, isn’t as interested in finding fans as they are looking for participants in the journey.
With the band’s name partly derived from the sense that in communal worship we catch a fleeting glimpse of the world that we pine for, Introducing The City Harmonic is just a taste of what’s to come from this creative Canadian foursome. The release of the band’s full-length album will be announced soon, and it will continue the journey—songs and stories that tell of hope, unity and seeking a greater kingdom.
More information on The City Harmonic can be found at the band’s newly re-launched website, www.thecityharmonic.com.
