Nashville, TN, June 10, 2002 – Sparrow/sixstepsrecords’ David Crowder Band, Sparrow Records’ biggest selling debut artist ever, is receiving widespread critical acclaim for its debut release Can You Hear Us?. With over 6,200 copies of Can You Hear Us? sold in its first week at retail, David Crowder Band’s debut has riveted the attention of the media and fans alike:

The Dallas Morning News says, “He [David Crowder] makes sincere, vertical music that’s pleasantly out of step with current modern worship…It’s not difficult to envision thousands of college students bouncing to its beat…”

The Orange County Register gives the album an “A” and says, “David Crowder’s songs are as beautiful as the nature-inspired images they so often portray.”

Musicforce.com says David Crowder Band has “breakthrough potential” and “should become a major find for traditional college rock and modern worship crowds.”

CDNOW says David Crowder Band’s songs are “more challenging than most contemporary praise and worship music, guaranteeing that Crowder will make himself heard.”

Keith Giles of www.worshipmusic.com writes, “When I get a box of CDs in the mail for review… it’s not supposed to happen that I end up listening to the same CD over and over again to the neglect of the others in the stack…that is exactly what happened to me when I placed the David Crowder Band CD in my car.”

In addition to media’s support of the project, several hundred fans have taken the time to visit www.davidcrowder.com to voice their enthusiasm for the music and ministry of David Crowder Band in the site’s guest book:

“I can honestly say that you guys are the most anointed band I have heard in a while... I really encourage you guys to keep slammin’ out awesome praises.”

“Hey you guys, I really love your music…I love your originality. God has really blessed you with extraordinary talents.”

“Love all your music, you guys are doing an awesome job for the Kingdom! I am a missionary in New Zealand and am introducing your music to the Kiwi's!”

“I just want to say that David and the band rocks. They are the best band out there…If you haven’t heard them you need to.”

“Your music makes me want to get down on my knees, jump, lift up my hands, sing, shout, pray and cry at the same time.”

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Page 2, David Crowder Band Garners Critical and Fan Acclaim

Similarly, fans have given Can You Hear Us? a five star rating, the highest rating at Amazon.com. Reviewer comments include:

“The first time I heard the David Crowder Band was in the spring of 1999. I guess you could call my experience "love at first sound" because I've been listening ever since.”

“This album is a must have for all music lovers everywhere. Ever strum, note, riff, and every single musicality on this CD is well worth the listen”

“Can You Hear Us? is without a doubt one of the best Christian CDs to hit stores in years, and should be a staple of any good worship collection.”

David Crowder Band began by leading worship at University Baptist in Waco, TX, the 1000-member church Crowder helped found for college students at Baylor University. Dually intellectual and hearfelt, the band’s dynamic music combines such influences as Dave Matthews with the poetic lyrical depth of artists like Rich Mullins. In addition to the debut radio single“My Hope,” which is receiving increased airplay every week, Can You Hear Us? includes a refreshing majority of original songs and stunning reinterpretations of hits written by Martin Smith of Delirious (“Obsession”), Sinead O’Connor (“Thank You”) and Matt Redman (“Undignified”). Additional information on the band, including tour dates and song samples, can be found at davidcrowderband.com, sixstepsrecords.com and sparrowrecords.com.

Founded in 2000 by Louie Giglio, sixstepsrecords is a young worship label and is a division of Choice Resources, the parent ministry for Passion Conferences. Other artists on the roster include Charlie Hall (Porch & Altar) and Chris Tomlin (The Noise We Make). The label partners with Sparrow Records for marketing, sales, and distribution operations.

Brentwood, Tennessee-based EMI CMG was founded in 1994. It is the world’s largest Christian music company, operating the Sparrow, ForeFront, Worship Together and EMI Gospel labels in addition to EMI CMG Publishing and Chordant Distribution Group. EMI CMG is a unit of EMI Music, the third largest recorded music company in the world.

For more information, contact: Rick Hoganson, 615-459-9870, Hoganson@Prodigy.net.