tag:stephenrewmusic.com,2005:/blogs/news?p=2News2020-05-29T11:59:00-06:00Stephen Rew Musicfalsetag:stephenrewmusic.com,2005:Post/63338732020-05-28T17:31:21-06:002020-05-29T11:58:39-06:00Music City SongStar Names "Redemption Road" Semi-Finalist Winner in Songwriting Competition<p>"Redemption Road" was recently recognized as a semi-finalist in the <a contents="Music City SongStar" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://musiccitysongstar.com/" target="_blank">Music City SongStar</a> contest presented by FoxHedge Music! The songwriting competition is open to songwriters from around the globe and all genres of music. "Redemption Road" was written by Stephen Rew and Robert Jason.</p>
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<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/395608/3c84685f67699a24e1664c492515870de3206403/original/songstar.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>Stephen Rew Musictag:stephenrewmusic.com,2005:Post/63254972020-05-21T16:47:43-06:002020-05-29T11:59:00-06:00"Redemption Road" Earns Finalist Nod in 21st Annual Great American Song Contest<p><strong>"Redemption Road"</strong> was named a finalist in two categories for the<a contents=' "21st Annual Great American Song Contest," ' data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.GreatAmericanSong.com" target="_blank"> <strong>"21st Annual Great American Song Contest,"</strong> </a>which reviewed submissions by more than 1,800 songwriters from around the world. Writer/performer <strong>Stephen Rew</strong> and writer/producer <strong>Robert Jason</strong> each earned a finalist nod for the song in the <strong>Christian / Inspirational</strong> contest category, while Rew also earned recognition as a finalist in the <strong>Lyric Writing </strong>category.</p>
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<p><a href="http://www.greatamericansong.com/honorary.html"><img src="http://www.greatamericansong.com/images/finalist-200.png" class="size_orig justify_left border_" height="167" width="200" /></a></p>Stephen Rew Musictag:stephenrewmusic.com,2005:Post/62765572020-04-08T16:46:50-06:002020-04-08T17:54:58-06:00Can "Social Distancing" Actually Bring Us Closer Together?<p>Not long ago, a colleague and I were discussing how recent travel bans and contact restrictions have impacted both our work and our personal lives. </p>
<p>We are now using the jargon “social distancing" to describe this phenomenon. </p>
<p>As we were talking, we came up with a concept that we ultimately refined into one central thought: </p>
<p><strong>Boredom breeds fear.</strong> </p>
<p>Does this sound familiar? </p>
<p>Although boredom may not be the exclusive sire of fear, this concept reminds me of another adage many of us have heard before: </p>
<p>“Idle hands are the Devil’s workshop." </p>
<p>The concepts are strikingly similar, in that the primary tool Satan uses to control us is <strong>fear</strong>. </p>
<p>Interestingly, fear is not only Satan’s primary weapon, but it is also frequently the weapon of choice for politicians, advertising agencies, media and anyone else who is trying to gain a powerful level of control over others. </p>
<p>While there’s much to be said about the connection between fear and control, I’d like to dig a little bit deeper into the factors that can breed fear in the first place. </p>
<p>If we think about it, the connection typically looks something like this: </p>
<ul> <li>
<strong>Isolation </strong>breeds boredom </li> <li>
<strong>Boredom </strong>breeds fear </li> <li>
<strong>Fear </strong>makes us vulnerable to the forces that prey upon it for their purposes of <strong>control </strong>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Now, isolation can come in many forms. </p>
<p>We can be <strong>physically isolated,</strong> as is being practiced on a worldwide scale presently. </p>
<p>We can be <strong>mentally isolated, </strong>when we are surrounded by people who do not challenge us to grow and explore (i.e. take risks, the antithesis of boredom). </p>
<p>We can also be <strong>emotionally isolated </strong>when we numb ourselves -- intentionally or not -- to the hurts, needs, wishes, hopes and dreams of others around us. </p>
<p>And then there is the ultimate expression of isolation, which is<strong> spiritual isolation.</strong></p>
<p>We read in Scripture that “God is love." However you filter that statement through your own human perception of what love is, it remains that God is love. Spiritual isolation occurs when we disconnect from love (God.) </p>
<p>But what is love? </p>
<p>Beyond all else, I believe that <strong>love is relationship. </strong></p>
<p>We can argue that love is a feeling, or a state of being, or a state of mind, or -- as I believe --that love is a choice of commitment. But when all the semantics depart, love is relationship. </p>
<p>Consider it this way: </p>
<ul> <li>God is love </li> <li>Love is relationship </li> <li>Therefore, <strong>God is relationship </strong>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Given this equation, it follows that ultimately, mankind was created -- by love (God) -- for the purpose of relationship. </p>
<p>Throughout the ages, we humans have been asking ourselves, “Why am I here? What is my purpose?” As complex as we try to make the answer, it really is quite simple: </p>
<p><strong>We were created by love, for the purpose of relationship. </strong> </p>
<p>Love is the inward choice. Relationship is its outward expression. </p>
<p>Loving ourselves and loving those around us -- our families, communities, tribes and churches -- flows from a loving God, the One who created us for that very purpose. </p>
<p>Perhaps in this unprecedented time of “social distancing,” when many of us are feeling more isolated, bored and fearful, God is giving us time and space to reflect on what relationship really means, and how we are -- or sometimes aren’t -- loving ourselves and those around us.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/395608/8bc2774877367cc3c7f879470d0bd1ae6dbcdddc/original/steve-and-stevie-sunrise-deborah-rew-resized-for-web.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /> </p>
<p>Rather than distracting ourselves by constantly jumping from one thing to the next, perhaps God is asking us just to be still.</p>
<p>Rather than allowing our stillness to turn our hands idle with boredom, perhaps God is giving us space to take a breath and cultivate the internal resources we need to love ourselves more deeply and engage more meaningfully with our families, our friends and our communities. </p>
<p>Perhaps we can turn this time of social distancing into a time of <strong>restoring relationship.</strong></p>
<p>I don’t know about you, but I’m seeing the blossoming of restoration everywhere I look. People disconnecting from the “rat race” maze are connecting with their families and friends in deeper ways than ever before, even if it’s only through video chats and phone calls. </p>
<p>The casual, sometimes divisive interactions on social media are transforming into exchanges of shared feeling. And in the parks I frequent, strangers are starting to greet one another -- albeit from a safer physical distance -- with genuine warmth and neighborly humor. </p>
<p>It's like we are awakening from the sedation of "normal life" to actually see those around us. And as we have witnessed so many times in the past, we tend to rise to our better selves when we are faced with collective adversity. </p>
<p>In order to do this, of course, we must also learn to recognize and challenge our fears and remain vigilant against the forces that would seek to control us with them. </p>
<p>But that’s for another post. </p>
<p>Yours in Love, </p>
<p>Stephen Rew</p>Stephen Rew Musictag:stephenrewmusic.com,2005:Post/62685342020-04-01T12:30:51-06:002020-04-01T12:30:51-06:00"Redemption Road" Rises to Top 15 on Power Source Music Nashville<p>Good news on "Redemption Road" today. It is at #13 on the Power Source Music Nashville chart!</p>
<p>I'm thankful to all the radio stations playing this positive, upbeat song!</p>
<p>Listen to it <a contents="right here on my music page" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://stephenrewmusic.com/music">right here on my music page</a> and share with someone you think could use a little good news today.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/395608/87cc78f63156dd359f1eeddd4dcf76bfc710f2e5/original/20200401-101032.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" /></p>Stephen Rew Musictag:stephenrewmusic.com,2005:Post/60369092019-12-03T17:00:00-07:002020-02-05T13:19:22-07:00"Watchin' Demons Scatter" Earns Top 20 Recognition in 24th Annual USA Songwriting Competition<p><span style="color:#000000">"Watchin' Demons Scatter," written by Stephen Rew and Corey Lee Barker, placed in the Top 20 Country in the 2019 USA Songwriting Competition. Rew and Barker are both happy to see recognition for the message in this song. The finalists are listed here, or on the USA Songwriting website:</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#339966"><strong>Top 20 Honorable Mention 2019 USA Songwriting Competition</strong></span></p>
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<p><span style="color:#000000"><strong>COUNTRY</strong><br>"Rebel Boy & Church Girl" by Vanessa Selwyn & James Hoppe<br>"It's All About Showing Up" by Tarryn Aimée Smith & Steve Dean<br>"Watching' You Be You" by Dale Pommer, Mark Barnowski & Corey Lee Barker<br>"Good Things Are Comin'" by Adam Daniels (Highbarger) & Corey Lee Barker<br><span style="color:#339966">"Watchin' Demons Scatter" by Stephen Rew & Corey Lee Barker</span><br>"We Made It" by Jeff Roe, Ryan Griffin, Jason Duke & Selby Copeland<br>"Bonafide" by Neal Morgan & Steven Anderson<br>"She Was Everything" by Matt Rogers, Greg Barnhill, Stan Karcz & Heath Deloach<br>"Ain't That What Living Is?" by MaryBeth Stone & Bonnie Warren<br>"Nothing Between Us" by Brett Gillan, Matt Houston & Jessie </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000000"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/395608/f0b5ea18fe90ee68bee3b233bb6e01b2598cfdc5/original/watchindemonsscatter-finalistcertificate-usa-songwriting-2019.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" /></span></p>Stephen Rew Musictag:stephenrewmusic.com,2005:Post/60369082019-11-08T17:00:00-07:002020-02-05T13:26:44-07:00New Holiday Pop Song, "Christmas Card Shuffle," Available Now<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/395608/f727205b575f24bf8c8deff288ec9974f84bee6b/original/christmas-card-shuffle-cover-art.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MjQzeDI0MyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="" height="243" width="243" /><span style="color:#000000">Stephen Rew explores a new genre with his new holiday Pop song, "Christmas Card Shuffle." The song was written by Deborah Rew (lyrics), Joe Bye, and Stephen Rew (music), and produced by Robert Jason. </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000000">"Christmas Card Shuffle" is available at all digital retailers, or you can download it <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://stephenrewmusic.com/music" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></p>Stephen Rew Musictag:stephenrewmusic.com,2005:Post/60369072019-08-09T18:00:00-06:002020-02-05T13:31:35-07:00"Redemption Road" Released to Christian Country Radio<p><span style="color:#000000">Get your hands to clapping and feet to dancing! Celebrate <em>the way</em> on "Redemption Road!" Stephen's new song is being released to radio on Aug. 12, 2019. Here is the press description of this energetic song: </span></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="m-5020143400953221382m3748108893955939770m2306940829348786167gmail-m-8235415517306370211gmail-msonormal">"Redemption Road" is an up-tempo Christian country song in the vein of neotraditional country music and country rock, fusing muscular guitar and honkytonk piano stylings with the smooth, easy-to-sing-along-with vocals performed by artist Stephen Rew. Written by Rew and producer Robert Jason, “Redemption Road” clocks in at a radio-friendly 3:23 and offers listeners a joyful testimony about the search for abiding peace and a celebration of the journey toward eternal life that will make them want to dance, sing, and share the good news. </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="m-5020143400953221382m3748108893955939770m2306940829348786167gmail-m-8235415517306370211gmail-msonormal" style="text-align: left;">Stephen Rew’s last single, "Hold on Tight," was nominated for ICMA 2018 Song of the Year and he was also nominated for ICMA Songwriter of the Year. His previous releases include "Watchin’ Demons Scatter," "Superman," and "I Want My Country Back," among others. "Redemption Road" is a fun, energetic song that will put a big grin on your face!<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/395608/cf547478049ed78cb91acc6c7580d36236cbec4a/original/redemroad-with-frame-resized.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzM2eDMzNiJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="336" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="336" /></p>
<p> </p>Stephen Rew Musictag:stephenrewmusic.com,2005:Post/60369062019-04-14T18:00:00-06:002020-02-05T13:38:11-07:00Presenting at the ICMA Awards at Nashville's Grand Ole Opry House<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/395608/75b1fd90f45789268f330039b5f7ab28ffe315e9/original/opry-stage-2019.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzI1eDI0NCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="" height="244" style=" margin: 5px;" width="325" />Stephen was an award presenter at the 2019 Inspirational Country Music Awards Show at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville on April 4, 2019. He and Jayne Carter, another nominee, gave the "Behind the Scenes" award. It was a fun, memorable evening for the nominees, performers, and the audience. Go to <a data-imported="1" href="http://www.inspirationalcountrymusic.com" target="_blank">www.inspirationalcountrymusic.com</a> for the list of winners. See more photos below.</p>
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<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/395608/afeb21fcf9d7b0f71fa3fc94f17113205c1348d0/original/stevejayneopry.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MjUweDQ0NSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="" height="445" style="margin: 5px; " width="250" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/395608/009d6e1f7d194b23892ad18d59e767bf3cba6877/original/awardshowstage2019.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzI1eDI0NCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="" height="244" style=" margin: 5px;" width="325" /></p>
<p> </p>Stephen Rew Musictag:stephenrewmusic.com,2005:Post/60369052019-04-09T18:00:00-06:002019-04-17T10:55:58-06:00Performing at the Historic Franklin Theater
<p><span style="color:#000000"> <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/395608/9c1d5395592fa96e45e1b5edd2b06da80789fe80/original/franklin-resized.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6Mzc2eDI4MiJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="" height="282" style=" margin: 3px;" width="376" /> </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000000">Stephen performed at the historic Franklin Theater in Franklin, TN at the Inspirational Country Music Association's (ICMA) Showcase Concert on April 2, 2019. A variety of artists sang two songs each to the ticketed show. This was part of the ICMA Convention Week which culminates in the Award Show at the Grand Ole' Opry on April 4th. </span></p>
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<p><span style="color:#000000"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/395608/cb4d993d5cfba36d19021c5ef254e707ea69cf52/original/steve-rew-franklin-resized4.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6Mzk4eDI2NSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="265" style="margin: 3px auto; display: block;" width="398" /></span></p>
Stephen Rew Musictag:stephenrewmusic.com,2005:Post/60369042019-02-24T17:00:00-07:002019-04-17T10:30:20-06:00Stephen Rew Nominated for 2018 ICMA Awards
<p>The Inspirational Country Music Association (ICMA) announced nominations for the 2018 awards. The award show will be April 4 at the Grand Ole' Opry in Nashville, TN. Stephen Rew is nominated for Songwriter of the Year and Song of the Year - <em>Hold on Tight</em>. The organization also asked Stephen to perform at the Tuesday night ICMA Showcase Concert April 2 at the Franklin Theater and to present an award during the Award Show on the 4th. Stephen is very honored to be included with such talented artists and songwriters! <br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/395608/0fa89136ea88ca250a1eb70e11d8c913ecea0c34/original/2018-icma-nominationresized.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzAzeDQyMyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="" height="423" style=" margin: 3px; border: 3px solid black;" width="303" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/395608/39e8109230b97f7a5cedc486cbf8c06b6cae472c/original/2018-icma-nomination-songwrite-resized.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzExeDQxNSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="415" style="margin: 3px; border: 3px solid black; vertical-align: top;" width="311" /><br></p>
Stephen Rew Musictag:stephenrewmusic.com,2005:Post/60369032018-07-12T18:00:00-06:002020-02-05T13:32:45-07:00Songs Are Now Streaming!<p>Both EP's (<em>Watchin' Demons Scatter </em>and <em>Everyday Heroes</em>) are streaming now on Spotify, Apple Music and ITunes. If you are a streamer, please merrily, merrily stream away! This is a new experiment for Stephen. He wants to know if streaming really works for independent artists. We welcome your feedback!</p>Stephen Rew Musictag:stephenrewmusic.com,2005:Post/60369022018-06-25T18:00:00-06:002020-02-05T13:36:44-07:00"Watchin' Demons Scatter" 5th in Nation in 2017 on Christian Music Weekly<p><strong>"Watchin' Demons Scatter"</strong><em> </em>reached #1 on <em>Christian Music Weekly</em> and #5 on <em>Power Source <br>Music Nashville. </em>In 2018 we learned that the song was #5 for all of 2017 on <em>Christian Music Weekly.</em> We thank the radio stations that kept this song in rotation for so long (almost a year) and for the kind comments such as, "This is our favorite song we've heard this year in Christian Country Music!"<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/395608/84636325068d71abeb2e295f61d63f194e2f31e3/original/26951912-1620113214743571-222267589931339786-o-1.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjgzeDQxNSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="415" width="683" /></p>Stephen Rew Musictag:stephenrewmusic.com,2005:Post/60369012017-02-21T17:00:00-07:002020-02-05T13:41:43-07:00"Superman" Charts at No. 1 and Top 10<p>Stephen's original song "<strong>Superman"</strong><em> </em>charted at No.1 for two weeks in early fall of 2016 on <em>Christian Music Weekly</em> and rose to No. 9 on the <em>Power Source Music Nashville Chart</em> in February 2017. The song is included on the newest EP titled <em><a contents="Watchin' Demons Scatter" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://stephenrewmusic.com/music" target="_blank">Watchin' Demons Scatter</a>.</em> </p>Stephen Rew Musictag:stephenrewmusic.com,2005:Post/60369002016-09-02T18:00:00-06:002020-02-05T13:42:19-07:00"I Want My Country Back" Nominated for ICMA Song of the Year<p><strong>"I Want My Country Back"</strong> has been nominated for <strong>Inspirational Country Song of the Year</strong> in the Inspirational Country Music Association! The song stayed on the <em>Power Source Music Nashville</em> chart for 10 months, peaking at No. 5 in March 2016. Stephen Rew recorded the song for an EP in October 2014, then released an edited version to Christian Country radio in August 2015. Diana Williams is the songwriter. The Top 10 nominee category will be voted down to a Top 5 in August and the third round of voting will determine the winning song. Winners will be announced at the annual Inspirational Country Music Awards in Nashville on October 27th.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/395608/25204e87fb13e9fb8cbd73768ce6a1529776b92a/original/stephenrew-iwantmycountryback-resized.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDIzeDQyMyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="423" width="423" /></p>Stephen Rew Musictag:stephenrewmusic.com,2005:Post/60368992016-09-02T18:00:00-06:002017-05-07T15:07:01-06:00New Release: Superman - Charting!
<p><span style="color:#000000">Stephen Rew's new original song, <em><strong>Superman</strong></em>, was released to radio in late July and is already at #13 on <em>Christian Music Weekly</em> and is the #1 Hottest Ad and a Biggest Mover on <em>Christian Radio Weekly. </em></span>The dynamic melody and cleverly-written lyrics in <strong><em>Superman</em></strong> will inspire us to clap our hands in celebration of the world's true Superman, but lead us to kneel humbly as we realize the power He provides. The ending line surprises and captures our hearts! Stephen was a nominee for <strong>2014 New Artist of the Year </strong>and <strong>2015 Music Evangelist of the Year </strong>in the Inspirational Country Music Association. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/395608/8fba6ab4c5c1a83875a10683bf8f9baa126fab0c/original/superman-stephen-rew-resizedyjpg.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTQweDU0MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="540" style="vertical-align: middle;" width="540" /></p>
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Stephen Rew Musictag:stephenrewmusic.com,2005:Post/60368982016-06-19T18:00:00-06:002016-09-03T08:46:37-06:00"Another Hero is Headed Home" on CRW Radio Charts for Weeks!
<p><em>Another Hero is Headed Home</em> has been on the CRW+ Add Charts for Christian Radio since April 2016! The song was #1 on the Hottest Adds and various other charts published byi CRW. It continues to be in the Top 5 of certains charts on June 20. Here is an example:</p>
<p></p>
<div class="quickWindowTitle" style="width: 260px; text-align: left; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: #009ce8;">
<img src="http://www.crwradiopromotions.com/indie/resources/labels/Label-sm-Ads.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="20" style="text-align: left;" width="200" /> </div>
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<div class="quickWindowScroll" style="width: 260px; height: 130px; overflow: auto; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">
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<td style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; font-weight: normal;"><strong>Rank</strong></td>
<td style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; font-weight: normal;"><strong>Song Info.</strong></td>
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<td style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; font-weight: normal;">Stephen Rew / Another Hero Is Headed Home</td>
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<td style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; font-weight: normal;">Mary Phillips & Ken Townshend / Amazing Grace</td>
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<td style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; font-weight: normal;">Dan Francis / No Other Name</td>
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<td style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; font-weight: normal;" align="center">2</td>
<td style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; font-weight: normal;">Bev Foster / Spirit Branded</td>
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Stephen Rew Musictag:stephenrewmusic.com,2005:Post/60368972016-04-16T18:00:00-06:002019-04-16T16:41:10-06:00Releasing to Christian & Gospel Radio ... for Our Heroes
<p>The song that launched Stephen Rew's music ministry is being released to Christian and Gospel stations in April 2016. <em>Another Hero is Headed Home </em>is a moving tribute to our everyday heroes. Stephen was inspired to write the chorus after his father died. A few years later, while hearing the final testimony of a spiritual mentor who had been a firefighter, God gave the rest of the words and melody to Stephen within minutes. You can read about Stephen's amazing journey with this song <a href="/files/495685/another-hero-is-headed-home-blog-posts.pdf" data-imported="1">HERE</a>. <br> <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/395608/ab7ec308a1ff4ca1f4e7491bf34512041fc6fab2/original/anotherhero-cd-cover-resized.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzAweDMyNCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="" height="324" width="300" /></p>
Stephen Rew Musictag:stephenrewmusic.com,2005:Post/60368962016-04-04T18:00:00-06:002016-04-17T14:53:32-06:00"I Want My Country Back" #5 on Power Source in March!
<p><em><span style="color:#000000">I Want My Country Back </span></em><span style="color:#000000">peaks at #5 on the <em>Power Source Inspirational Country Chart</em> in March 2015. This song about traditional American Values and music has been on this chart for 8 months! The message is clearly resonating with listeners. </span><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/395608/0e6fd7bb5abed94145337443b0c452bddaacdc14/original/no-5-on-chart.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzkxeDE3MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="170" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="391" /></p>
Stephen Rew Musictag:stephenrewmusic.com,2005:Post/60368952015-12-15T17:00:00-07:002017-05-07T15:07:31-06:00#1 Song at Christian Music Weekly!
<p><strong><em>I Want My Country Back</em> </strong>is <strong>THE #1</strong> Song at <em>Christian Music Weekly</em> on Dec. 16th! Prayers of thanksgiving go Up and out to radio, listeners and supporters. You have helped make this possible! The song also continues to climb the <em>Power Source</em> chart at #30 this month. Stephen is thankful to songwriter<a href="http://dianawilliamsmusic.com/" target="_blank" data-imported="1"> Diana Williams</a> for trusting him to record her song. You can read more of his comments at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/stephenrewmusic/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Stephen Rew Music Facebook Page</a>. What a Christmas gift!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/395608/e54e3999c877fec9923f81ea1d3d55136139aa6a/original/no-1-song-dec-2015-cmw.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzA2eDY2NSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="665" width="306" /></p>
Stephen Rew Musictag:stephenrewmusic.com,2005:Post/60368942015-11-08T17:00:00-07:002015-11-30T03:06:46-07:002015 Inspirational Country Music Awards
<p>Stephen performed at the 2015 Inspirational Country Music Awards week in Gallatin, TN on October 19th. The three days were filled with spiritually uplifting concerts, classes, and worship experiences. Reconnecting with the members of ICMA was fun and rewarding. Stephen asked True Heart (winners of Duo of the Year) to add harmony to the chorus of a new song he's written. Hopefully the song can be recorded soon! </p>
Stephen Rew Musictag:stephenrewmusic.com,2005:Post/60368932015-08-07T18:00:00-06:002015-08-08T07:11:48-06:00Top 10 Music Evangelist of the Year Nomination!
<p><span style="color:#000000">July 30, 2015 the Inspirational Country Music Association announced the nominees in the first round of voting for the 2015 Inspirational Country Music Awards to be held in October 2015. Stephen was voted into the Top 10 Music Evangelist of the Year category -- a complete surprise! Last year, he was in the Top 10 New Artist of the Year, but did not make it to the final round. 2014 was his first year as a member of the Nashville association. He's very honored to be voted into the Music Evangelist category by the members. What an unexpected blessing! <br><br><img src="http://www.stephenrewmusic.com/img/icm_week-slider.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="176" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="625" /></span></p>
Stephen Rew Musictag:stephenrewmusic.com,2005:Post/60368922015-07-14T18:00:00-06:002015-07-15T09:45:56-06:004th Radio Release: "I Want My Country Back"
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/395608/25204e87fb13e9fb8cbd73768ce6a1529776b92a/original/stephenrew-iwantmycountryback-resized.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MjY3eDI2NyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="" height="267" style=" margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; border: 5px solid black;" width="267" />Stephen's 4th radio release, "<strong>I Want My Country Back</strong>" is out to Christian/Inspirational Country Radio Stations in July 2015! He sang the first version of this song at the Inspirational Country Music Awards Membership Breakfast in November 2014 when the entire crowd stood up, raised their hands, and sang the last chorus. (Watch the video <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Blbzk04z0B4" target="_blank" data-imported="1">HERE</a>.) <br><br>The song was shortened for radio. This upbeat tune honors traditional country music and reminds us: "<em>It's not about the boots that you wear, it's about the roots of where you come from.</em>" The catchy lyrics and music were written by Stephen's songwriter friend, Diana Williams. The DJ's are excited to play this song, even as "<strong>It's About to Rain</strong>" still climbs the chart. Listen to the full song in the store. <br><br></p>
Stephen Rew Musictag:stephenrewmusic.com,2005:Post/60368912015-04-29T18:00:00-06:002015-04-30T08:12:14-06:00Ward Conference Photos
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<p>The Ward, AL Conference was a special day! We'll tell more about it in the next post, but here are a few photos from the Stephen Rew Facebook Page. There are also videos on the Stephen Rew Music YouTube Channel. They will be added over the next week or two. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.850567861698114.1073741833.440473246040913&type=1" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Conference Photos</a><br></p>
Stephen Rew Musictag:stephenrewmusic.com,2005:Post/60368902015-04-19T18:00:00-06:002015-04-20T15:14:41-06:00God Connections Lead to South Alabama Seminar on Legacy - April 25th
<div><span style="color:#000000"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/395608/690e1692465766fb6f214e506a56c390b6543e91/original/ward-ad-2015.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6Mzc1eDQ3OCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="" height="478" style=" margin-left: 8px; margin-right: 8px;" width="375" />Stephen Rew's imagination can't compete with God's wildest plans. Only God can dream up the crazy connections in life such as the one leading Stephen to speak and perform in Ward, Alabama on April 25th. Never heard of Ward? Most people haven't. In fact, Diane Parten (co-host on A Christian Talk of the Town tv program), is the first person Stephen has randomly met that has heard of the tiny town where his father grew up. But that is just the beginning....</span></div>
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<div><span style="color:#000000">Stephen met Diane during ICM Week 2014 because his booth was across the aisle from the ladies of" A Christian Talk of the Town." After days of fun bantering and hearing Rew perform and speak at the ICM Members Breakfast, the ladies invited him on the tv show. Parten asked Stephen if he'd be interested in speaking for her organization, "A Heart Connection." The first follow-up emails revealed: 1) Ralph, Diane's husband, is from Cuba, AL -- just down the road from Ward and, 2) Diane and Ralph lived in Cuba for several years and knew "some Rews." Were they releated to Stephen? Of course they were! Stephen thought that was all very cool, but the next email was incredible. Ralph's mother taught Stephen's Dad in first grade! And, Ralph dated Stephen's first cousin while in high school. Later, they learned that Ralph and Stephen are actually distant cousins.</span></div>
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<div><span style="color:#000000">Both the Partens and the Rews realized immediately that this was more than a casual connection. God put them together for a reason. When Stephen explained that his first radio song, "Another Hero is Headed Home" is dedicated to his Dad and that the song talks about the importance of a faith legacy, Diane said, "We've got to do a conference down there. I do a Ladies Conference every year in Cuba. Let's put one together!" One of Diane's best friends in Cuba is Wanda Rew and she suggested they bring the conference all the way back to Stephen's roots. The result: Stephen will speak and sing at the Ward Baptist Church starting at 10:00 am on April 25th. There will be additional entertainment by Jimmy Edward Rew, Stephen's first cousin. There will be an old fashioned Dinner on the Grounds. </span></div>
<div><span style="color:#000000">The title is, of course: Legacy.</span></div>
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<div><span style="color:#000000">Only God can put people together in such a powerful testimony to Him.</span></div>
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Stephen Rew Musictag:stephenrewmusic.com,2005:Post/60368892015-04-14T18:00:00-06:002015-04-20T15:01:14-06:00Songs Climb Higher!
<p><span style="color:#000000">It's an honor to see that the two songs playing on Christian Country Radio have climbed higher on the Power Source Music Chart! "The Day the Thunder Called My Name" is now at #9 and "It's About to Rain" moved up to # 67 in April. Thank you to the DJ's playing these songs on radio and for the listeners who request them!</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000000"><img src="http://www.stephenrewmusic.com/img/April_Chart_-_Thunder_edited-1.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="193" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="388" /></span></p>
Stephen Rew Musictag:stephenrewmusic.com,2005:Post/60368882015-03-04T17:00:00-07:002015-03-05T09:57:56-07:00Two Songs Charting
<p> <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/395608/debb448490ca5b5f862ddb5137e07ea979d6326d/original/stephen-rew-half-february-2015-12-fb-post-copy.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzU0eDIzMCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="" height="230" style=" margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px;" width="354" /></p>
<p>Two songs are on the chart in March! <strong><em>The Day the Thunder Called My</em> <em>Name</em></strong> is at <strong>#12 and <em>It's About to </em><em>Rain</em> </strong>entered at #97. It's amusing to see that Stephen's name is just above Carrie Underwood's on the <a href="http://www.powersourcemusic.com/?page_id=1126" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Power Source Inspirational Country Music Cha</a>rt. He's had several radio interview requests this month and has been asked to provide 10 one minute ministry spots for one new Christian Country Music station in Nashville. We'll let you know when those come out! He's also booked for a conference in Alabama in April. You'll definitely hear more about this special opportunity in the coming weeks. <br><br></p>
Stephen Rew Musictag:stephenrewmusic.com,2005:Post/60368872015-01-30T17:00:00-07:002015-01-31T14:01:00-07:00Thundering to #14
<p><em><strong><img src="http://www.stephenrewmusic.com/img/Rew-Thunder-CoverArt-14Underline-2.jpg" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="" height="183" style=" margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" width="179" />The Day the Thunder Called My Name</strong> </em>is at #14 on the <a href="http://www.powersourcemusic.com" data-imported="1">Power Source Inspirational Country Music Chart</a> for February. The song was released to radio in August and quickly climbed the chart. It received a boost when Stephen performed it live at the Inspirational Country Music Awards showcase concert at The Nashville Palace. Thank you to the DJ's and Listeners for playing and requesting this song! </p>
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Stephen Rew Musictag:stephenrewmusic.com,2005:Post/60368862015-01-07T17:00:00-07:002015-01-08T07:28:37-07:00New Year Update
<p>Happy New Year and God's Blessings to You in 2015!<br></p>
<p>Thank you for your encouragement in 2014. It was a whirlwind year for Stephen Rew's music. Just in the last six months of the year he was nominated as a <strong>Top 10 New Artist of the Year</strong> in the Inspirational Country Music Association, saw his first two recorded songs climb to the top of the charts, and was the featured speaker/entertainer at the Inspirational Country Music Association Membership Breakfast in Nashville on November 12th. Wow! He has been amazed and humbled by this journey that God has led. <br><br>After going through six weeks of training on his job during December and January, Stephen expects to his 2015 schedule to be more open and he can hopefully add more speaking, teaching and singing engagements. <em><strong>It's About to Rain</strong></em> was so popular at the awards show in November that it's being released to radio this month. Listen for it on Christian Country radio stations around the world! Your requests always help the music get heard. This song has a wonderful foot-stomping message about redemption using the story of Elijah.<br><br>Please consider signing up for our E-mail list. We don't send out many, but you'll find out if there are new songs or bookings in your area. We'd love to hear from you anytime!</p>
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Stephen Rew Musictag:stephenrewmusic.com,2005:Post/60368852014-10-28T18:00:00-06:002014-10-29T09:38:57-06:00Debut EP Album Out Nov. 4th
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<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/395608/8b7a27127209afa1848fe805a99f6a6bd6878922/original/everydayheroescover-cdbaby-edited-1.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzI4eDMyOCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="" height="328" style=" margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" width="328" /></p>
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<p><strong><em>Everyday Heroes</em></strong><em> </em>is the name of the debut EP coming out Nov. 4th. It will feature Stephen's three original singles, plus one new song called <em><strong>I Want My Country Back.</strong></em><strong> </strong>CD's will be available through this website and downloads will be in our store, plus on the digital partner sites (CD Baby, Amazon, Itunes, and others.) All the songs either honor the heroes in our lives or encourage us to be heroes to those around us. </p>
Stephen Rew Musictag:stephenrewmusic.com,2005:Post/60368842014-10-28T18:00:00-06:002014-10-29T09:28:32-06:00Fall Festival Performance
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/395608/416264cbc6b674360e49b3f96e4b45d506130d8b/original/fullsizerender-2.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzQ2eDMzNCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="" height="334" width="346" /></p>
<p>Steve was an energetic hit at the Foothills Elementary Fall Festival in Lakewood, CO on Oct. 26th. He moved out into the crowd to sing and dance. The little goblins running around didn't deter their parents and grandparents from moving to the music!</p>
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Stephen Rew Musictag:stephenrewmusic.com,2005:Post/60368832014-10-16T18:00:00-06:002014-10-17T05:05:48-06:00Stephen to be Host/Speaker for ICM Member Breakfast
<p>Stephen is honored to be the host and speaker/entertainer for the Member Breakfast at the 2014 Inspirational Country Music Association Award Show/Convention. Prayers are appreciated!</p>
<p><img src="http://www.stephenrewmusic.com/img/14ICM-TourMusicCity-Flye-Resizedr.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="517" width="388" /></p>
Stephen Rew Musictag:stephenrewmusic.com,2005:Post/60368822014-09-07T18:00:00-06:002015-01-31T14:03:52-07:00Muddy Buck Performance
<p>A few of Stephen's friends took photos of his first performance at The Muddy Buck in historic Evergreen, CO on Friday, Sept. 5th. Teacher and friend, Joe Bye, invited Steve to sing as an opener to his show. While you are checking out the photos, please "like" the Stephen Rew Music facebook page! <a style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;" href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.727451090676459.1073741831.440473246040913&type=1" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Stephen Rew Music/Facebook Album</a> </p>
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Stephen Rew Musictag:stephenrewmusic.com,2005:Post/60368812014-08-13T18:00:00-06:002015-01-31T14:08:21-07:00"Another Hero is Headed Home" reaches #21
<p>Stephen's first radio release, "Another Hero is Headed Home," has reached #21 on the Power Source Inspirational Country Music chart for August. He is humbled and amazed at how this song continues to inspire and touch listeners. </p>
Stephen Rew Musictag:stephenrewmusic.com,2005:Post/60368802014-07-27T18:00:00-06:002014-07-28T15:49:09-06:00Bible Teaching Video Samples
<p>We have uploaded a few Bible Teaching Samples from a class Steve taught on Daniel. The clips serve the purpose of showing some of his teaching styles, plus they are inspirational talks we hope will encourage you.</p>
Stephen Rew Musictag:stephenrewmusic.com,2005:Post/60368792014-07-15T18:00:00-06:002014-07-16T10:43:48-06:00Stephen Nominated for New Artist of the Year
<p>Stephen has just received a Top 10 New Artist of the Year nomination from the Inspirational Country Music Association (<a href="http://www.faithfamilycountry.com" data-imported="1">www.faithfamilycountry.com)</a>. He is honored and humbled. What an amazing year this has been! If he can go on to be nominated in the Top 5 category it will certainly help develop this music/evangelistic ministry. Prayers are appreciated!</p>
Stephen Rew Musictag:stephenrewmusic.com,2005:Post/60368782014-06-25T18:00:00-06:002014-06-26T10:03:15-06:00Another Hero at #24
<p><em><strong>Another Hero is Headed</strong> <strong>Home</strong></em> has moved up to #24 on the Inspirational Country Music Chart (PowerSource) this month. This is amazing for a new artist with his first recorded single. Wouldn't it be cool if it makes the Top 20 in July? We can only give credit where it is due -- Above.</p>
Stephen Rew Music