A BIG Update on the New Record

Andrew_Peterson · Posted: 05 Feb, 2008 1:03 am Post subject: A BIG Update on the New Record

Friends,

I'm writing to let you know that Resurrection Letters, Vol. II won't be releasing as soon as I had hoped. In fact, it'll be releasing much, much later than I had hoped.

Allow me to explain.

The album is all but complete. We finalized the mixes last Tuesday, we had a mastering engineer lined up to master the record (the final icing on the cake before you send it to the press) today or tomorrow, and Brannon McAllister had put together a gorgeous cover that the Captains and I agreed was perfect. Everything was all set to go, then I had to go and open my big mouth.

On a whim, I asked my manager to send the record to a certain label to see if there was, at this ridiculously late point in the game, any possibility that they'd pick up the record, at least for the sake of distribution. Well, to both our surprise the meeting went well and we're seriously considering negotiating some kind of a deal with them. But even if the next meeting is a bust and we decide not to go with the label situation again, some things that were discussed at that first meeting gave us some food for thought.

So, rather than release this album at break-neck speed for the sake of a relatively short Resurrection Letters tour, we're going to take a step back and really, really think about the best way to release this album. I have long felt an ache that The Far Country never got the chance that it might've had if there had been a solid team of people working on it who believed in it and its message, opening doors, letting the world know about it, helping more and more people to hear the music that I prayed would be good for peoples' hearts. I want to do everything in my power (short of dumbing down or cheezifying the songs) to give this new album a shot.

During that phone call in which my manager told me about the meeting regarding Resurrection Letters, Vol. II, I felt the Lord leading me to just wait. And I don't use that kind of churchy language lightly. I felt a sense of peace, and rightness, and--perhaps most of all--relief.

My book releases in about six weeks, I have the joy of putting together the Resurrection Letters tour with Ben, Andy, Jill, and a few other guests, and I have my sweet family to tend to. Releasing an album in the midst of all that made everything feel less like a blessing and more like a burden.

I flatter myself to think that this will have much of an effect on your lives, but I wanted to let you know as soon as I could that the album won't be releasing anytime soon. My book, however, will be, and I REALLY hope that you'll spring into action on March 18 and buy fifteen copies apiece for the sake of my mortgage and the wonderful people at Waterbrook Press who have worked so hard on it. (I'll save my groveling at your precious feet for when we're closer to the release date.)

Finally, there's some good news. The good news is, we're going to figure out some way to sell a pre-release EP sort of thing on the tour. Something that'll have a few songs, maybe alternate versions, to span the gap between now and when the full album releases, probably in the Fall. More on that later.

As always, I'm grateful to you for your encouragement and support.

AP

drewsmusic · Posted: 05 Feb, 2008 7:27 am Post subject:

With as many bowling pins as you were about to put in the air, it's really good to hear you finding a way to put your work out there with peace and more confidence. Thanks for being patient and not anxiously pushing your kid out the door - I think everyone around here wants the maximum impact/distro for your music, the most appropriate presentation for your craft, and the best provision for your family.

The preorder offer still stands should you need it. I'll order a dozen and spend the wait time reading your book and trying to catch you live.

sevenmiles · Posted: 05 Feb, 2008 8:53 am Post subject:

I'm with Drew on this one. I also think an EP is an awesome idea.

Thanks for the update, Andrew. I'll buy some books and keep this possible record deal in prayer, too.

tim

_________________
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Lindsay: Would you like to try some of this?
Buster: It’s so watery. And yet there’s a smack of ham to it.
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Arrested Development

TEK · Posted: 05 Feb, 2008 9:00 am Post subject:

I'm also with Drew on the pre-order. Let us know if there is anything we can do to help out with release. I know that the end product will be worth the wait. May God continue to bless you and your family and may He give you peace to continue to spread His message.

Tony

lyndsay · Posted: 05 Feb, 2008 9:10 am Post subject:

HOORAY! i don't know if i have the standing to say this, but i'm proud of you. i know it's hard to put the brakes on something that was going full speed ahead, but i'm so thankful that it lifted a burden! and i'm super excited that your music might get in the hands of more and more people!! the slatens will be in prayer for the record and the book (which i am anxiously awaiting!) and the peterson daily life.

Shawn · Posted: 05 Feb, 2008 11:16 am Post subject:

Andy,

I am ashamed to say that I let my selfish side get the better of me this morning when reading that RLV2 was being delayed. Then I started reading the responses and REALLY felt guilty. I am thankful that you are feeling peace and following God’s lead in your life and not listening to chumps like me who might derail your journey. Now I need to go pray for patience.

Your (too often selfish) friend,
Shawn

Rebekah · Member Joined: 17 Oct 2002 Posts: 812 Location: Oshawa, ON

HEE HEE. I'm soooo with you, Shawn! Glad to know I'm not the only impatient one around here.

I, too, read the post from Andy and then the responses and thought "Oh, man, I'm going to have to take a few minutes so that when I post a supportive, enthusiastic message, I'll actually mean it." How wonderful the grace of God is, that he can lead me to that place!

So - while there is a part of me feeling sad about not having the record in my greedy hands ASAP, I do think it is a great thing that you are listening to God's voice in your life, Andy. And when I think about more folks being touched by your music, I get really excited about what God can do with that. How amazing it will be when He is using your musical gifts to further the faith of even more folks. That's Kingdom work, right there. Praise God!

Cheers and blessings,
R.

_________________
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tanya_gurl · Member Joined: 30 Oct 2002 Posts: 1363 Location: STL

I can't compete with God's will. Although I think the fall is quite a while to wait. Still if it means more people will hear it, then that is awesome.

I guess I'll have to sneak into the Christian School in April to get my Andy fix.

eiszoe · Posted: 05 Feb, 2008 4:43 pm Post subject:

Sounds like a God thing. If the Label support falls through, please consider me (and I'm sure others on here), as a source of support as you build a marketing infrastructure for the new record. I'm sure we'd all love to be contribute our talents and time in the selling of the Gospel through your latest creation. (we might want to hear at least samples first in order to be specific in our pitch?). Perhaps an expanded version of a Street Team?

Hopelives · Posted: 05 Feb, 2008 7:22 pm Post subject:

Well, as disappointed as I am to wait, I suppose it's character building. Very Happy

Um, the whole ep thing...any chance those of us who live in the far reaches of the world, like say, California, would be able to get one?

Totally excited about the book, have already pre-ordred and also will be doing my best to support as I'm a member of the CFBA...hopefully if your schedule permits, you'll help out with a blog interview?

All the blessings in the world to you!

And courage for all of us waiting! Wink

sevenmiles · Posted: 05 Feb, 2008 8:52 pm Post subject:

Anyone know where I can buy the book in a manner that does the most good for Andrew?

tim

ronzilla · Posted: 05 Feb, 2008 9:20 pm Post subject:

www.rabbitroom.com will probably be your best bet there. It's not in the store there yet though...

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drewsmusic · Posted: 05 Feb, 2008 9:30 pm Post subject:

I had to read that twice. Wink

I know what you're saying.

ohio · Moderator Joined: 10 Apr 2005 Posts: 1759 Location: Sweden

There's a 5-10 year delay on American Christian music in Sweden. What's waiting another season or two?

ronzilla · Posted: 06 Feb, 2008 1:53 pm Post subject:

Oh man. Does that mean you'll have to endure "I Can Only Imagine" all over again?

I'll be praying for ya...

_________________
Ron Davis - my blog
Uphold Liberty - my political soapbox

Does being an admin here make me a "Community Organizer"?