Peter Furler releases his “I’m Alive” video (http://t.co/DYotPltm) from footage taken during the 2012 Winter Jam Tour Spectacular that wrapped up earlier this month after hitting 47 cities and playing to nearly 535,000 people - the #1 tour in the world (first quarter) for the second consecutive year (Pollstar). “I’m Alive” is the opening track on Furler’s acclaimed solo debut album, On Fire, which also sparked the radio hits “Matter of Faith” and “Reach.”
The idea for “I’m Alive” practically assaulted Peter. “I just felt this overwhelming sense of freedom,” he says of the song. “When we’re born again, our spirit is free to join with God’s Spirit. Then, when we begin reading and doing what Jesus said, and following the promptings of the spirit of God, this leads us to live without being bound or led by anxiety, emotions or the material, to be ‘On Fire’ with the full life of Christ.”
With Peter’s quintessential pop vocal breaking through, this contagious anthem does just that, building from a place of doubt and imprisonment to an all-out release of gratitude for forgiveness and freedom.
You shed Your tears for me,
and then You took my hand
and raised me high
I’m alive
I’m on fire
and my spirit burns with desire
Joining Furler’s band during the Winter Jam tour and featured on the video is fellow artist and former newsboy bassist/vocalist, Phil Joel, as well as guitarist Dave Ghazarian (Superchick) and drummer Jeff Irizarry.
With multiple GRAMMY nominations and Dove awards, “Songwriter of the Year” nods and musical talent that has driven the sales of five RIAA Certified Gold records, over seven million albums sold and 25 No. 1 songs, Peter Furler made his return to music after amicably ending his long tenure in 2009 as the lead singer of newsboys, the band he founded in Mooloolaba, Queensland, Australia. Refreshed and reawakened to the joy of music, Furler’s first solo album, on fire, released amidst wide critical acclaim on Sparrow Records.
As one of the most successful, award-winning artists today continues his musical journey, Peter Furler is one of Australia’s biggest exports of any musical genre.
Playing “Reach,” “Matter of Faith” and other favorites from his widely acclaimed and first solo CD, on fire, Peter Furler will also draw upon his multiple radio hits spanning his career as founder of the newsboys during Christian music’s largest annual tour, Winter Jam. Joining Furler’s band during the tour is fellow artist and former newsboy bassist/vocalist, Phil Joel, who recently released his solo album, Playlist. Rounding out Furler’s band is Dave Ghazarian (Superchick) on guitar and Jeff Irizarry on drums.
The 48-city Winter Jam tour that begins today in Charleston also features Skillet, Sanctus Real, Kari Jobe, NewSong, Building 429, Group 1 Crew, illusionist Brock Gill and others in venues like American Airlines Center (Dallas), Fed Ex Forum (Memphis); Sprint Center (Kansas City), Time Warner Arena (Charlotte); AT&T Center (San Antonio), Phillips Arena (Atlanta) and more.
With multiple GRAMMY nominations and Dove awards, “Songwriter of the Year” nods and musical talent that has driven the sales of five RIAA Certified Gold records, over seven million albums sold and 25 No. 1 songs, Peter Furler adds to his accolades this week by gathering the No. 1 Christian song of 2011 in Australia with “Reach.” A featured track on his solo CD, “Reach” held the top spot on The Rock Across Australia (TRAA) Top 100 Song Chart for eight consecutive weeks. The song also became a multi-format top 10 single in the US as his current single, “Matter Of Faith,” hits Top 15 and continues to climb this week on the Billboard AC Indicator chart.
Furler makes his return to music after amicably ending his long tenure in 2009 as the lead singer of newsboys, the band he founded in Mooloolaba, Queensland, Australia. Refreshed and reawakened to the joy of music, Furler’s first solo album, on fire, released amidst wide critical acclaim on Sparrow Records and sparked cover features in CCM Magazine, Christian Musician, I Am Entertainment magazine and more. The album is available on iTunes, Amazon, Walmart, LifeWay Christian Stores or at favorite Christian retailers everywhere.
As one of the most successful, award-winning artists today continues his musical journey, Peter Furler is one of Australia’s biggest exports of any musical genre. Writing, producing, recording and singing such international classics as “He Reigns,” “Shine,” “Something Beautiful” and “It is You,” Furler has a raw honesty and ability to turn a rock show into a deep worship experience. He has collectively performed to over 15,000 Muslims in Morocco, for the Pope during World Youth Day, at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, at a 9/11 service for U.S. military leaders at the Pentagon, at a New Age festival on the shores of Galilee in Israel, rocked the punters at an outback pub in Australia, and was enthusiastically received last year in front of 20,000 people at Easterfest in Mooloolaba as his first concert since returning to music.
More information Peter Furler can be found at: http://peterfurler.com, www.facebook.com/peterfurlerofficial and http://twitter.com/PeterFurler.
Centricity Music’s high energy pop-rock band, Me In Motion, will be heading to Canada in December to join Peter Furler’s 2011 Christmas Tour. The 10-day tour launches December 1st and features Building 429 and Levi McGrath along with Me In Motion.
“I'm really honored for the opportunity to join Peter on the road this December,” says Me In Motion’s frontman, Seth Mosley. “It’s been a big blessing to get to know him, as the band worked on Peter’s debut solo record. And now to get the opportunity to share the stage with such an iconic figure in Christian music, who had a big impact on me growing up, is a dream come true. Peter is 100% genuine and lives what he sings. It's gonna be a good one."
Me In Motion just released their new single to radio, Yes We Can, and already the upbeat, catchy song has received eight radio adds out of the box. The song’s lyrics are based on the message from Phillipians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. As Mosley describes the single, “It’s difficult to live our faith in this world but when the world says we can’t make it we shout back….yes we can!”
With multiple GRAMMY nominations and Dove awards, “Songwriter of the Year” nods and musical talent that has driven the sales of five RIAA Certified Gold records, over seven million albums sold and 25 No. 1 songs, Peter Furler returns to music after ending his long tenure in 2009 as the lead singer of newsboys, the band he founded in Mooloolaba, Queensland, Australia. Refreshed and reawakened to the joy of music, Furler steps out with his first solo album, on fire, releasing today amidst wide critical acclaim on Sparrow Records and available on iTunes, Amazon, Walmart, Family Christian Stores, LifeWay Christian Stores or at your favorite Christian retailer.
With July cover features coming from CCM Magazine, Christian Musician and others, Furler is also being featured in a Gretsch guitar giveaway at HearItFirst.com. One grand prizewinner will receive a guitar similar to the one Furler is playing on the on fire album cover, as well as an autographed poster and a copy of the new album, on fire. Four runner-up winners will each receive an autographed poster and the new CD. To enter the giveaway contest, go to www.hearitfirst.com.
Furler’s music has always been about making a difference and leaving the listener encouraged, and with these new songs comes a sense of confidence like he has never experienced before as a singer. His first radio single from on fire, “Reach,” has been vibrating across the airways, breaking into the Billboard Top 10 overall Christian radio airplay chart and continuing to climb the AC Monitored chart. The song also becomes Furler’s first video as a solo artist. The full video made its debut yesterday at www.godtube.com/music-videos, and today at http://new.music.yahoo.com/peter-furler/videos/view/reach--221561703.
Producing all the tracks for on fire with Seth Mosley (Me In Motion), Furler and Mosley trade parts playing most of the instrumentation heard on the album, but also bring in Furler’s long-time collaborator, Steve Taylor, as well as John Painter (Flemming and John), Jimmy Abegg (Ragamuffin Band) and fellow former newsboys member Phil Joel. Summer Furler also joins her husband for the first time in the recording studio, singing background vocals, while joining as keyboardist in his band. Peter’s father, Bill Furler, adds his voice to one of the four corporate worship tracks on the album, “Greater Is He,” and DJ Andy Hunter brings his brilliant programming on the songs “Psalm 23” and the bonus track, “Water To Wine.”
After amicably leading newsboys through its transition to the current lineup, Furler stepped away from non-stop touring, sold much of what he owned – cars, home, his shares in Inpop Records, a label he’d co-founded in 1999 that launched the careers of such notables as Newworldson, Mat Kearney and Shane & Shane, among others, etc. – moved to the Gulf of Florida and took time to reflect, express himself through visual art, surf and play music just for pure enjoyment. Although initially not planning to release any of the new music created during this time, the result of this redefining period led to the most joyful and uplifting music of Furler’s career.
As one of the most successful, award-winning artists today continues his musical journey, here is what the critics are saying:
“The organic way this album came about is a testament to the closeness and richness of relationship Peter shares with God. He never set out to make a solo project, and yet, in just ‘living life’ this project of hope, encouragement, vigor and excitement about the greatness of God developed. The humility with which Peter continues to present his music and his art is further proof that he is a man genuinely called to share his great gifts with the Kingdom. I couldn’t think of a better cover artist for July...a time when we celebrate independence and freedom. Peter’s delivered the soundtrack of the summer!” - Caroline Lusk, Editor, CCM Magazine
“The former newsboys' leader takes a stab at solo life, blending the best styles from his tenure with the band. Catch plenty of high octane pop anthems alongside moving moments of worship.” – Gospel Music Channel
“A Return Worth Waiting For… There isn’t a dull moment on the record… This is one of CCM’s ‘must-own’ albums of 2011 and it doesn’t disappoint.” – NewReleaseTuesday.com.
“Sounding refreshed and creatively sharp as ever, Peter Furler takes listeners on a journey that features familiar stops with a few unexpected twists and turns along the way. While newsboys fans will likely gravitate to Furler’s debut solo effort, there’s no doubt a new generation of listeners will also be impacted by this solid collection of reflective and worshipful songs that meshes pop, rock and electronic influences.” – Beliefnet.com
“On Fire is a thought-provoking, immensely entertaining project at its core, and a polished product from an industry veteran.” – JesusFreakHideout.com
“There’s plenty of programming, power chords, and praise, all tied together by alt-pop arrangements and his signature Aussie accent…Furler remains a catchy songwriter.” – ChristianityToday.com
“Peter Furler’s On Fire on Solo Debut… And it sounds great… vertical lyrics, straight-ahead electric guitars, and pulsating electronic rhythms… That’s something to get fired up about.” – Crosswalk.com
“It’s great to hear Peter back, with his strong vocals which you instantly know as Peter Furler when you hear him singing. It’s good to see the man who helped craft the sound and noise of the newsboys take a step forward on his own, and create an album a little bit different to what we have known him for with his old band. Now with a brand new era of anthemic songs and sounds, Peter Furler is definitely On Fire.” – LouderThanTheMusic.com.
Peter Furler is one of Australia’s biggest exports of any musical genre. Writing, producing, recording and singing such international classics as “He Reigns,” “Shine,” “Something Beautiful” and “It is You,” Furler has a raw honesty and ability to turn a rock show into a deep worship experience. He has collectively performed to over 15,000 Muslims in Morocco, for the Pope during World Youth Day, at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, at a 9/11 service for U.S. military leaders at the Pentagon, at a New Age festival on the shores of Galilee in Israel, rocked the punters at an outback pub in Australia, and was enthusiastically received last month in front of 20,000 people at Easterfest in Mooloolaba as his first concert since returning to music.
More information Peter Furler can be found at: http://peterfurler.com, www.facebook.com/peterfurlerofficial, www.twitter.com/peterfurler
Multiple GRAMMY nominated, Dove Awards winning Peter Furler offers his first solo album, on fire, today for pre-sale on select retailers, including iTunes (http://tinyurl.com/3p7zslx), Family Christian Stores (http://tinyurl.com/3sgqf4a), Amazon (http://tinyurl.com/3q899ey) and LifeWay Christian Stores. Furler returns to music after ending his long tenure in 2009 as the lead singer of newsboys, the band he founded in Mooloolaba, Queensland, Australia. Refreshed and reawakened to the joy of music, Furler releases the full album June 21 on Sparrow Records.
As special incentives for the pre-sale, Family Christian Stores and LifeWay Christian Stores will offer an autographed poster from Furler, while on iTunes, pre-orders of the album will receive the exclusive track, “Water To Wine,” as well as an instant download of the song “I’m Alive.”
The idea that became “I’m Alive” practically assaulted Furler. “I just felt this overwhelming sense of freedom,” he says of the song. “When we’re born again, our spirit is free to join with God’s Spirit. Then, when we begin reading and doing what Jesus said, and following the promptings of the Spirit of God, this leads us to live without being bound or led by anxiety, emotions or the material, to be ‘on fire’ with the full life of Christ.” With Peter’s quintessential pop vocal breaking through, this contagious rock anthem does just that, building from a place of doubt and imprisonment to an all-out release of gratitude for forgiveness and freedom.
Producing all the tracks for on fire with Seth Mosley (Me In Motion), Furler and Mosley also traded parts playing most of the instrumentation heard on the album, but also bring in Furler’s long-time collaborator, Steve Taylor, as well as John Painter (Flemming and John), Jimmy Abegg (Ragamuffin Band) and fellow former newsboys member Phil Joel. Summer Furler also joins her husband for the first time in the recording studio, singing background vocals, while joining as keyboardist in his band. Her first concert, and Peter’s first since returning to music, was enthusiastically received last month in front of 20,000 people at Easterfest in Mooloolaba.
Another family member, Peter’s father, Bill Furler, adds his voice to one of the four corporate worship tracks on the album, “Greater Is He.” DJ Andy Hunter brings his brilliant programming on the songs “Psalm 23” and the bonus track, “Water To Wine.”
Furler’s music has always been about making a difference and leaving the listener encouraged, and with these new songs comes a sense of confidence like he has never experience before as a singer. Music fans are already catching a glimpse of the rejuvenated Furler as his first radio single from on fire, “Reach,” has been vibrating across the airways, breaking into the Billboard Top 15 overall Christian radio airplay chart and continuing to climb.
“We all need to be reminded that God is personal,” Furler says as “Reach” struck a very personal chord with him. “The One who created the heaven, the One who is everywhere and all knowing yearns deeply for us... He cares for us individually, where we are.”
After amicably leading newsboys through its transition to the current lineup, Furler stepped away from non-stop touring, sold much of what he owned – cars, home, his shares in Inpop Records, a label he’d co-founded in 1999 that launched the careers of such notables as Newworldson, Mat Kearney and Shane & Shane, among others, etc. – moved to the Gulf of Florida and took time to reflect, express himself through visual art, surf and play music just for pure enjoyment. Although initially not planning to release any of the new music created during this time, the result of this redefining period led to the most joyful and uplifting music of Furler’s career.
The full track listing for on fire follows:
1. I’m Alive
2. Reach
3. Glory To The King
4. Never Ending Love Song
5. Matter Of Faith
6. All In Your Head
7. Closer (Featuring Steve Taylor and Some Other Band)
8. Faster And Louder
9. Psalm 23
10. Hold On
11. Greater Is He (Featuring Phil Joel and Bill Furler)
With “Songwriter of the Year” nods and musical talent that has driven the sales of five RIAA Certified Gold records, over seven million albums sold and 25 No. 1 songs, Peter Furler is one of Australia’s biggest exports of any musical genre. Writing, producing, recording and singing such international classics as “He Reigns,” “Shine,” “Something Beautiful” and “It is You,” Furler has a raw honesty and ability to turn a rock show into a deep worship experience. He has collectively performed to over 15,000 Muslims in Morocco, for the Pope during World Youth Day, at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, at a 9/11 service for U.S. military leaders at the Pentagon, at a New Age festival on the shores of Galilee in Israel, and rocked the punters at an outback pub in Australia.
As one of the most successful, award-winning artists today continues his musical journey, more information Peter Furler can be found at: http://peterfurler.com, www.facebook.com/peterfurlerofficial, www.twitter.com/PeterFurler.
With multiple GRAMMY nominations and Dove awards, “Songwriter of the Year” nods and musical talent that has driven the sales of five RIAA Certified Gold records, over seven million albums sold and 25 No. 1 songs, Peter Furler returns to music after ending his long tenure in 2009 as the lead singer of newsboys, the band he founded in Mooloolaba, Queensland, Australia. Refreshed and reawakened to the joy of music, Furler steps out with his first solo album, ON FIRE, releasing June 21 on Sparrow Records.
After amicably leading newsboys through its transition to the current lineup, Furler stepped away from non-stop touring, sold much of what he owned – cars, home, his shares in Inpop Records, a label he’d co-founded in 1999 that launched the careers of such notables as Newworldson, Mat Kearney and Shane & Shane, among others, etc. – moved to the Gulf of Florida and took time to reflect, express himself through visual art, surf and play music just for pure enjoyment.
“I didn’t have a clue what I was doing next,” Furler reflects. “I’d been doing 100-plus shows a year, writing, then finishing a record for more than a decade. It was good, but it was a merry-go-round that was never going to stop.
“Artistically and creatively, I began to see that God didn’t make the horse to win at the races, but for his pleasure – to watch it run,” continues Furler. “I had a definite yearning to get back to nature, to express myself creatively, to do something just for the joy of it.”
Although initially not planning to release any of the new music created during this time, the result of this redefining period led to the most joyful and uplifting music of Furler’s career.
“The songs never really stopped. They kept coming,” Furler says. “I’d take a long walk, and a song would come into my head… There is a fire shut up in my bones that I have not been able to hold in since I was a child. For me, I find its release through melody and testimony.”
Furler’s music has always been about making a difference and leaving the listener encouraged, and with these new songs comes a sense of confidence like he has never experience before as a singer. Music fans are already catching a glimpse of the rejuvenated Furler as his first radio single from ON FIRE, “Reach,” is already a Billboard hit single that continues to rapidly gather national airplay as it goes for sale on iTunes today (http://is.gd/bG1V0J).
“We all need to be reminded that God is personal,” Furler says as “Reach” struck a very personal chord with him. “The One who created the heaven, the One who is everywhere and all knowing yearns deeply for us... He cares for us individually, where we are.”
Writing, producing, recording and singing such international classics as “He Reigns,” “Shine,” “Something Beautiful” and “It is You,” Furler is one of Australia’s biggest exports of any musical genre. With a raw honesty and ability to turn a rock show into a deep worship experience, Furler is a favorite on the touring circuit. He has collectively performed to over 15,000 Muslims in Morocco, for the Pope during World Youth Day, at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, at a 9/11 service for U.S. military leaders at the Pentagon, at a New Age festival on the shores of Galilee in Israel, and rocked the punters at an outback pub in Australia.
As one of the most successful, award-winning artists today continues his musical journey, more information on the new album and upcoming tour plans will be revealed soon. For all the latest activity, see http://peterfurler.com, www.facebook.com/peterfurlerofficial.
While many know Peter Furler as founder and lead singer of the multi-million selling band newsboys, few are privy to the more private side of Furler's creative life.
What most of us didn't know, is that Peter has another artistic gift, that of oil painting.
Currently, Furler's paintings can be seen in record company offices, recording studios and management firms. Now, for the first time, he is placing six of his original paintings on eBay for collectors and fans.
No doubt many investors and fans will be looking to own a piece of Furler's legacy. The paintings, like his music, show another side of the imagination of one of CCM'S most successful singer/songwriters.
"I love mixing paint colors, just like I love mixing guitar chords," says Furler. "Out of one comes something you've never seen before, out of the other, a song you've never heard.''
One of the unique and creative aspects of Furler's paintings is the form in which they appear. While some of his art is painted on regular canvas, Furler also has a series of paintings (Garden of Eden) that are painted on drum heads (see above).
Although Furler has been newsboys' frontman for the past 12 years, he started with the band as its drummer and is pleased to see his art take full circle.
For those interested in purchasing one of Furler's pieces, search Peter Furler paintings on eBay. The auctions close between 1:00 pm CST and 4:00 pm CST on Friday, December 11.
