Parachute Band

Last updated

Parachute Band
Origin Auckland, New Zealand
Genres Worship, Christian pop
Years active1995–2013
Labels Parachute, Integrity
MembersSam de Jong
Jeremy Gregory
Callum Galloway
Elliot Francis
Past membersOmega Levine
Simon Moore
Jeff Parsons
Alister Wood
Rhys Machell
Wayne Huirua
Libby Huirua
Chris de Jong
Julian Sylvester
Brian Platt

Parachute Band was a Christian worship band from Auckland, New Zealand, formed out of the New Zealand-based organisation Parachute Music. [1] The band made pop/rock music and spanned over two generations of musicians. [2]

Contents

1995–2006

The first Parachute Band line-up was formed in 1995 to lead worship at Parachute Festival. Parachute Band began recording New Zealand-written contemporary worship music, performing it both in New Zealand and worldwide. [3]

The original line-up, led by Wayne Huirua, Libby Huirua and Chris de Jong, released seven studio albums, toured extensively in the U.S., won numerous New Zealand Music Awards for Best Gospel/Christian Album, and won the Gospel Music Association's International Achievement award (in the U.S.).

In 2006 the original members retired from the band [4] and a generational changeover took place. This was marked by a ceremony at the 2007 Parachute Festival.

2006–2013

The second generation Parachute Band (formerly known as Victor Rose) released four studio albums; Roadmaps and Revelations (September 2007), Technicolor (September 2008), Love Without Measure (February 2011), and Matins : Vespers (released at Parachute Festival in January 2012). [5] The band toured the United States, Canada, Asia, South Africa, UK, Europe, New Zealand and Australia, including performances at Creation Festival, Kingdom Bound Festival and also being the house band for the annual Parachute Festival. [6]

The band won the 2008 VNZMA Peoples Choice Awards. [7]

Love Without Measure was the first recording that the band self-produced. [8] [9]

In 2012, the band announced frontman Omega would be leaving the group in order to "have more time to enjoy marriage and to invest more into his local church community." [10]

Without Omega, Parachute Band collaborated with American Christian rock band Leeland at the 2013 Parachute Festival and The Almost frontman Aaron Gillespie in 2014 for worship sets.[ citation needed ]

Awards and recognition

1995–2006
2007–2009
2010–2013

Discography

Albums

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shona Laing</span> New Zealand singer

Shona Laing is a New Zealand musician. Laing had several folk hits in her native country and in the 80's became internationally popular for her alternative music, most notably "(Glad I'm) Not a Kennedy" and "Soviet Snow" which was based on the Chernobyl disaster. Various alternative radio stations in the US such as WLIR played songs from her "South" album and she became internationally known. Laing contributed to Manfred Mann's Earth Band album Somewhere in Afrika and contributed music to, and appeared in, the 1985 action film Shaker Run.

Juliagrace is a New Zealand professional speaker and award-winning singer and songwriter. At the age three, she played the piano and performed to large crowds at twelve. From 2000 to 2005, she was the lead vocalist for the Auckland-based live electronica outfit Elevator. In 2005, she began her solo career in songwriting which won her the success of the album of juliagrace and Beautiful Survivor in 2010. Grace is also known for her mental health-advocate work, since 2012.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lawrence Arabia</span> New Zealand musician

Lawrence Arabia is the musical guise of New Zealand artist and composer James Milne.

Alabaster Box is an Australian Christian pop rock band formed in the Gold Coast, Queensland, now based in the United States.

Eastern Orthodox worship in this article is distinguished from Eastern Orthodox prayer in that 'worship' refers to the activity of the Christian Church as a body offering up prayers to God while 'prayer' refers to the individual devotional traditions of the Orthodox.

<i>The Worship Project</i> 1999 studio album by MercyMe

The Worship Project is the fifth self-released album by American Christian rock band MercyMe. Produced by the band and recorded by Jim Bryson, the album was released on October 14, 1999. In contrast to the band's previous efforts, which were influenced by grunge music, The Worship Project is a worship album. MercyMe wrote songs for the album using a basic verse–chorus style so as to be easy to learn and sing along to and to easily fit on a PowerPoint screen. The album incorporates alternative, rock, and pop musical styles, as well as "rootsy" elements like organs and violins.

The Lads are a New Zealand Christian rock/pop group that was formed in 1993. In 2005, after releasing five studio albums, The Lads relocated from New Zealand to Nashville, Tennessee. In 2017, The band started a kids worship series titled Big Big Worship and have relocated back to New Zealand as of August 2018.

Mumsdollar was a New Zealand rock band formed in 1998 with Ben Claxton on lead vocals, Dave Barr on guitar and backing vocals, Tim Beale on drums, and brothers Pete Wood, on guitar, and Steve Wood on bass and backing vocals.

<i>Technicolor</i> (Parachute Band album) 2008 studio album by Parachute Band

Technicolor is the second album released by Gospel musical group Parachute Band. Released on October 14, 2008, the album features 11 new tracks drawing on the concept that God’s living water equals life in all its color. Technicolor debuted at #10 on the U.S. Christian/Gospel charts.

Rapture Ruckus was a Christian hip hop and rock band from Wellington, New Zealand signed to BEC Recordings. They have released four albums: Rapture Ruckus in 2002, I Believe in 2006, Rapture Ruckus Live at World's End in 2008, and Rapture Ruckus in 2010 as debut album with BEC Recordings. I Believe won an award for Best Gospel/Christian Album at the New Zealand Music Awards, Rapture Ruckus Live at World's End debuted at No. 7 on the New Zealand album charts and Rapture Ruckus (2010) was nominated for a Dove Award for Best Rap/Hip Hop Album. Headed by Brad Dring, they have been a headline act at Parachute Music Festival several times and now in the US at Jesus Jam, Creation Festival, Sonshine Festival Three Rivers Festival and Festival One.

<i>I Believe</i> (Rapture Ruckus album) 2006 studio album by Rapture Ruckus

I Believe is the second studio album of the Christian hip hop/Christian Rock band, Rapture Ruckus, from Wellington New Zealand. Released through Parachute Records, the album won the 2006 Gospel/Christian Album of the Year at the New Zealand Music Awards. The single "Lose Control" charted at #7 on the NZ iTunes video charts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2010 New Zealand Music Awards</span>

The 2010 New Zealand Music Awards was the 45th holding of the annual ceremony featuring awards for musical artists based in or originating from New Zealand. Finalists for the three technical awards were announced on 16 August 2010 with winners announced on 1 September, the date on which finalists for 16 'non-technical' categories were revealed. Five 'non-technical' awards were presented without a group of finalists being selected. The awards ceremony took place on 7 October 2010 at Vector Arena, Auckland. Hosted by television presenter Shannon Ryan and comedian Ben Hurley, the ceremony was broadcast on television channel C4. Various musicians, most of whom had been nominated for awards, performed songs on the awards night.

<i>Come to the Well</i> 2011 studio album by Casting Crowns

Come to the Well is the fifth studio album by American contemporary Christian band Casting Crowns, released on October 18, 2011, through Beach Street and Reunion Records. The album, which has a predominantly pop rock and rock sound, was based on the Biblical story of the woman at the well. In writing the album, lead vocalist Mark Hall collaborated with songwriters Steven Curtis Chapman, Matthew West, and Tom Douglas. The album received mostly positive reviews from critics, many of whom praised the album's songwriting, and received the award for Top Christian Album at the 2012 Billboard Music Awards.

<i>Zion</i> (Hillsong United album) 2013 studio album by Hillsong United

Zion is the third studio album by Australian contemporary worship music band Hillsong United. It was released on 22 February 2013 for Australia, and was released by 26 February 2013 internationally, under Hillsong Music and Sparrow Records. Production for the album began in March 2011 in Sydney, Australia. Michael Guy Chislett and band member Joel Houston oversaw production of the album, with the latter serving as executive producer.

<i>Citizens</i> (album) 2013 studio album by Citizens

Citizens is the first studio album by Christian rock band Citizens, which was released on March 12, 2013 by BEC Recordings and Mars Hill Music, and the producer on the album is Brian Eichelberger. This album has seen critical success.

Joel Little is a New Zealand record producer, musician and Grammy Award-winning songwriter. He is best known for his work as a writer and producer with artists Lorde, Taylor Swift, Broods, Sam Smith, Imagine Dragons, Ellie Goulding, Khalid, Elliphant, Jarryd James, Shawn Mendes, Marina Diamandis, Amy Shark, Goodnight Nurse, Noah Kahan, Years & Years, the Jonas Brothers, and Niall Horan.

The 2015 New Zealand Music Awards was the 50th holding of the annual ceremony featuring awards for musical recording artists based in or originating from New Zealand. It took place on 19 November 2015 at Vector Arena in Auckland and was hosted by Taika Waititi. The awards show was broadcast live on TV3, and hosted by Sharyn Casey and Dominic Bowden. 2015 marks the 50th anniversary of the awards from its origins in 1965 as the Loxene Golden Disc.

<i>Simple Gospel</i> 2015 live album by United Pursuit

Simple Gospel is the second live album from United Pursuit. The group released the album on August 14, 2015. They worked with Garrett Sale, in the production of this album.

Tomorrow People is a seven-piece New Zealand reggae band that formed in 2010. Their debut album One was released on 1 June 2012 under Illegal Musik / Warner Music and debuted at Number One on the New Zealand charts. It was later certified Gold. They have also released an EP called One.5 in 2014, and a full-length album called Bass & Bassinets in 2015. Their EP "BBQ" Reggae was released in January 2018 and debuted at number one in New Zealand.

<i>Old Church Basement</i> 2021 live album by Elevation Worship and Maverick City Music

Old Church Basement is a collaborative live album by American contemporary worship groups Elevation Worship and Maverick City Music. It was released on April 30, 2021, via Sony Music Nashville through their imprints Elevation Worship Records and Provident Label Group. The featured worship leaders on the album are Dante Bowe, Chandler Moore, Naomi Raine, Brandon Lake, Joe L. Barnes, Tiffany Hudson, Chris Brown, and Amanda Lindsey Cook. The album was produced by Chris Brown, Steven Furtick, Jason Ingram, Tony Brown, and Jonathan Jay.

References

  1. "Artists". Parachute Music. Retrieved 29 January 2012.
  2. "Departments". Parachute Music. Archived from the original on 2 March 2012. Retrieved 29 January 2012.
  3. Cummings, Tony (1 July 2002). "Parachute Band: The worship veterans birthed at New Zealand's Parachute Festival". Cross Rhythms . Retrieved 16 April 2016.
  4. "Parachute Band – Technicolour | CROSS RHYTHMS REVIEW". Crossrhythms.co.uk. Retrieved 29 January 2012.
  5. {{ |title=Parachute Band To Release New Album |publisher=NZ Music Commission|url=https://nzmusic.org.nz/news/artist/parachute-band-to-release-new-album-matins-vespers/ |accessdate=7 September 2022}}
  6. Cummings, Tony (12 December 2010). "Parachute Band: New Zealand's rockers bringing worship to today's youth". Cross Rhythms . Retrieved 16 April 2016.
  7. 1 2 "Parachute Band". VNZMA . Retrieved 24 April 2008.
  8. Lurwick, Bill (22 February 2011). "Parachute Band: Loving Beyond the Music". New Release Today. Retrieved 16 April 2016.
  9. Davies, Jono; Wood, Dave (24 March 2011). "Interview - Parachute Band". Louder Than the Music. Retrieved 16 April 2016.
  10. de Jong, Sam. "Important Update". Parachute Band. Retrieved 21 December 2012.
  11. Williams, Christian Today Australia (2006). "Parachute Band Wins International Award, Heads to AGMF"
  12. "Parachute Band: Chart History". Billboard. Retrieved 7 December 2018.
  13. Rimmer, Mike (1 February 1998). "Review: You Alone - Parachute Band". Cross Rhythms . Retrieved 16 April 2016.
  14. Baugh, John (1 December 1998). "Review: Always and Forever - Parachute Band". Cross Rhythms . Retrieved 16 April 2016.
  15. Kirk, Trevor (1 December 1999). "Review: Adore - Parachute Band". Cross Rhythms . Retrieved 16 April 2016.
  16. Kirk, Trevor (1 August 2000). "Review: Collection Vol 1 - Parachute Band". Cross Rhythms . Retrieved 16 April 2016.
  17. Honeyman, Lins (1 August 2000). "Review: Love - Parachute Band". Cross Rhythms . Retrieved 16 April 2016.
  18. Jenkins, Olin (17 March 2001). "Parachute Band - Love and Adore". The Phantom Tollbooth. Retrieved 16 April 2016.
  19. Cummings, Tony (9 May 2002). "Review: Amazing - Parachute Band". Cross Rhythms . Retrieved 16 April 2016.
  20. Kittle, Ashleigh. "Amazing - Parachute Band : Review". AllMusic . Retrieved 16 April 2016.
  21. Armstrong, Jeremy. "Glorious by Parachute Band". Worship Leader. p. 59. Retrieved 16 April 2016.
  22. Lennie, Tom (1 January 2004). "Review: Glorious - Parachute Band". Cross Rhythms . Retrieved 16 April 2016.
  23. Armstrong, Jeremy. "All the Earth by Parachute Band". Worship Leader. p. 62. Retrieved 16 April 2016.
  24. Farias, Andree (1 December 2005). "All the Earth: Live from New Zealand". Christianity Today . Archived from the original on 7 September 2009. Retrieved 16 April 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  25. Thomson, Phil (21 November 2005). "Review: All the Earth: Live from New Zealand - Parachute Band". Cross Rhythms . Retrieved 16 April 2016.
  26. Felberg, Bob (22 February 2006). "Parachute Band - All the Earth". The Phantom Tollbooth. Retrieved 16 April 2016.
  27. Armstrong, Jeremy. "Roadmaps and Revelations by Parachute Band". Worship Leader. pp. 64–8. Retrieved 16 April 2016.
  28. Holden, Tim (2 October 2007). "Review: Roadmaps and Revelations - Parachute Band". Cross Rhythms . Retrieved 16 April 2016.
  29. Gregorious, Jessica (1 October 2008). "Parachute Band, "Roadmaps and Revelations" Review". Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved 16 April 2016.
  30. Armstrong, Jeremy. "Technicolor by Parachute Band". Worship Leader. p. 58. Retrieved 16 April 2016.
  31. Breimeier, Russ (1 September 2008). "Technicolor". Christianity Today . Archived from the original on 7 September 2009. Retrieved 16 April 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  32. Eden, Simon (5 November 2008). "Review: Technicolor - Parachute Band". Cross Rhythms . Retrieved 16 April 2016.
  33. DeRossett, Garrett (1 October 2008). "Parachute Band, "Technicolor" Review". Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved 16 April 2016.
  34. Davies, Jono (25 February 2009). "Review - Parachute Band - Technicolor". Louder Than the Music. Retrieved 16 April 2016.
  35. Armstrong, Jeremy. "Love Without Measure by Parachute Band". Worship Leader. pp. 84–5. Retrieved 16 April 2016.
  36. Ham, Robert (31 January 2011). "Love Without Measure". Christianity Today . Retrieved 16 April 2016.
  37. Townsend, Pete (23 March 2011). "Review: Love Without Measure - Parachute Band". Cross Rhythms . Retrieved 16 April 2016.
  38. Davies, Jono (4 February 2011). "Review - Parachute Band - Love Without Measure". Louder Than the Music. Retrieved 16 April 2016.
  39. Maxwell, Jamie (2 May 2012). "Review: Matins Vespers - Parachute Band". Cross Rhythms . Retrieved 16 April 2016.
  40. Francesco, Jonathan J. (3 April 2012). "Parachute Band Offers A Memorable Sonic Worship Experience". New Release Today. Retrieved 16 April 2016.
  41. Perry, Joseph. "ALBUM OF THE MONTH: MATINS VESPERS". Milk & Honey. Retrieved 16 April 2016.

{{ |title=Parachute Band To Release New Album |publisher=NZ Music Commission|url=https://nzmusic.org.nz/news/artist/parachute-band-to-release-new-album-matins-vespers/ |accessdate=7 September 2022}}