Nov. 1, 2008
Chrissy's Bio
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Hum, can't find a very long bio already made for Chrissy... If you know of a bio I could use please leave a comment! Chrissy Katina was born in southern New Jersey. Dramatic from the minute she opened her eyes according to her mother, Chrissy was an outgoing and talkative child, she realized her love for music and performing very early on. At age 16, she had the opportunity to sing and record in the R&B group, CHOICE, with the artist Pink. Since then Chrissy's dreams have continued to be fulfilled on an even higher level. After becoming a Christian in 1997, she realized the talent God had given her was meant to be used for Him. Facts About Chrissy BORN- 4/5/79 in Stratford, NJ ALSO LIVED IN-Atlanta, GA and Franklin, TN MARRIED-Yes! May 9, 2004 on Sanibel Island KIDS- 2 boys (9 and 11) and a baby girl (almost 2!) HOBBIES-Singing, Songwriting, Recording, photography, computers and shopping with and for my daughter FAVORITE TV SHOW- 24, LOST, Deal or No Deal and anything on TLC or Discovery Channel! WHAT KEEPS ME BUSY- my family (it's HUGE!) and my personality- I don't like to sit still. FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE- Proverbs 31:30-Charm is deceptive, beauty is fleeting but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. FAVORITE FOOD- anything with sugar! FAVORITE MEMORY- my wedding day and seeing my daughter for the first time. CLUMSIEST THING EVER DONE- I flipped OVER my bike when I was riding down the street and hit the brake too fast! FAVORITE THING TO DO AT HOME- relaxing with the family FAVORITE QUOTE- It's not where you are at that counts, it's which direction you are heading... |
Nov. 1, 2008
Kelli's Bio
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Kelli Trontell and co-writer Don Gatlin's song "Right Here With Me" was selected out 25,000 submissions as American Idol's Top 20 finalists for the first-ever American Idol Songwriter: a songwriting contest. Finalists in the contest were chosen by American Idol Executive Producer Simon Fuller and 19 Entertainment. Although "Right Here With Me" did not make the final cut for the Season 6 finale, Trontell and Gatlin believe there is still a greater potential and home for their song. "Ive been outrageously blessed with the great talent and mentors in my life," Trontell said. "Music is where it starts and ends for me. This is the beginning. My dreams are laid out before me."
It doesn't take long for Kelli Trontells sultry vocals to infiltrate the soul. Intriguing, engaging and warm, Trontell creates music from an emotional palette that is as relevant as it is entertaining. From the ripe age of six, where her love of music was first sparked through singing hymns in church and an appearance on the original Star Search in 1993, Trontell has been destined for a long, fulfilling career in the entertainment industry. A born and bred Californian, she received a Bachelors degree in Communication from Azusa Pacific University in May 2000 before packing her bags and heading to Phoenix, Arizona for a change of scenery. It didn't take long for her to become a popular artist on the local music scene as a regular performer at high-traffic clubs Handlebar J's and Mr. Lucky's. Trontells growing popularity resulted in an invitation from Alice Cooper to perform for his annual Christmas Pudding night of entertainment on two occasions no small feat considering she was one of a handful of artists on the bill that hadn't already been a superstar or recorded for a major label. Perhaps even she couldn't have imagined that one day she would be able to say she has shared the same stage with such legendary rockers as Cooper, Peter Frampton and Nils Lofgren or that she would perform the National Anthem in front of thousands for MLB's Anaheim Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, the NBA's Phoenix Suns and for the Professional Bullriders Association. Not one to rest on an already lengthy list of accomplishments, Trontell set out for Nashville, Tennessee, poised to take her career to the next level following an introduction to songwriting by Gin Blossoms guitarist Scott Johnson ("Hey Jealousy) and well-noted singer/songwriter Greg Barnhill ("Walkaway Joe"). Upon her arrival in Music City, Trontell has fine-tuned her artistry, having spent several hours in recording studios with some of the worlds top studio musicians working on a new project. She has collaborated with hit producers/songwriters Rory Lee Feek (Some Beach) and Tim Johnson (I Let Her Lie), songwriter Jamie Teachenor (How Do You Get That Lonely), alternative country great Walt Wilkins and engineer Bill McDermott (Blaine Larsen). |
Nov. 1, 2008
Kristin's Bio
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Some are apprehensive of change and don’t welcome it with open arms. It can bring hardships and difficulties – or new things to learn and re-learn. Others, however, view change as a chance to spread their wings and fly... to learn and grow from the past – to take advantage of new adventures and discover the exciting opportunities that lie ahead as the stories of our lives unfold.
If you ask Kristin Schweain about change, she may have a thing or two to tell you. Raised in a very musical home in Jackson, Missouri, Kristin grew up with a dream of becoming a professional musician. Following in the footsteps of her grandfather, Frederic Spies, who was an accomplished jazz pianist, she began playing the piano as a child, and wrote her first song at the age of eighteen. After graduating from highschool, she studied both classical voice and piano at DePauw University's School of Music in Indiana, at Missouri Baptist College in St. Louis, Missouri, and at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. While attending school in Nashville, Kristin answered an ad on campus to audition for a local trip-hop band. Following her audition, Kristin was invited to join the band and they named themselves Fleau. “I was excited to join the band, because in so many ways, I loved what they were doing artistically. It was our mission to break the mold of the typical formulas of pop music by incorporating down-tempo electronic and hip-hop beats with smooth jazz inflected melodies.” It was a surprise then when Kristin was approached by Norman Miller, future manager of ZOEgirl, after she was spotted by someone from Sparrow Records’ A&R department at the band’s showcase. Miller elaborated on the new girl group he was trying to establish and extended an invitation to Kristin to join the group. Excited by the prospects, but hesitant because of stylistic differences and her commitment to Fleau, Kristin agreed to join the group after much prayer and encouragement from those around her. Not long after, ZOEgirl was born. “I was excited to embrace this new opportunity with Alisa (Childers) and Chrissy (Katina), whom I had just met, but felt so connected to in such a short period of time,” says Kristin. “ZOEgirl was not what any of us were ‘looking for’, yet we knew in our hearts that God had something really special in store for it.” When ZOEgirl burst onto the music scene in 2000, the group immediately earned the title as the fastest-selling debut artist in Sparrow Records' history. In 2002, the threesome accepted the Dove Award for Gospel Music Association's New Artist of the Year. With seven album releases and a string of radio hits, ZOEgirl has toured with acclaimed Christian artists such as Clay Crosse, Avalon, Natalie Grant, Newsboys, TobyMac, and Jump5. Then, in 2006, Kristin and band mates Alisa Childers and Chrissy Katina decided to venture into different avenues, and after the group’s final performance that winter, Kristin was faced with new questions about her future and the many changes that lie ahead. With all of the successes and accomplishments of ZOEgirl, and always working as one-third of a group, Kristin was left unsure of her career as a solo artist. “My work with ZOEgirl brought security and familiarity,” says Kristin. “I wasn’t sure what I was going to do. I knew that I wanted to pursue my own solo career, but I was a bit intimidated stepping out on my own, not knowing what people would think of my music. So I decided to start in the place where I am most comfortable and feel I know myself best... at my piano.” February 13th, 2007 brought more change and excitement when Stella Rose Elisabeth, Kristin and husband Ryan’s first child, made her entrance into the world. “Motherhood,” says Kristin, “has completely changed my perspective of life. I look at things in an entirely different way now – a much more unselfish way. Nothing calls you to attention more than being a parent. It’s beautiful and challenging all at the same time.” Then, in May of 2008, Kristin accepted a position at St. Paul Lutheran Church in her hometown of Jackson, MO as Associate Music Director leading worship at the contemporary service. “I know God has called me here for this season and has a great deal in store for me,” Kristin says. “I am hopeful and open as this new chapter in my story begins.” There’s no doubt that while listening to Days Of Eden, you will be drawn in by the captivating lyrics and soaring melodies, coupled with the smooth, angelic vocals of a person whose life has gone through a long journey of changes and seasons of faith. From This Is Life, an up-tempo piano-driven song about the ups and downs of life, to Emma Prayed, a raw and sentimental ballad about a young woman whose life takes a dramatic turn as she prays for the very first time, there is sure to be a song for everyone on this project. Ranging from songs that were written years ago, to material that was written primarily for this album, you won’t be surprised to feel a connection with Kristin as you walk with her through her own personal journey of faith and hear the stories of loved ones that surround her. The title track of the record, Days Of Eden, for example, was written by Kristin in her early days of ZOEgirl. Knowing that the song wouldn’t fit the stylistic genre and go well with the other material the group had recorded, Kristin was sure it would eventually have its time and serve a purpose. “Days of Eden is a song I have literally waited years to record, and as I was preparing to make this record, I knew that its time had finally come. I have always felt so strongly about its message, and knew it would be the perfect title track for my album.” No matter where you are in your journey of faith, allow Days Of Eden to bless your heart, refresh your mind, and captivate your soul. Be courageous to observe life’s questions left unexamined – choose to welcome change with open arms as your story unfolds and be thankful for the opportunities that God has given you. “I’ve realized recently more profoundly than ever that I've turned many pages in my life without really seeing what was written, and there has been much substance overlooked and blessings missed by my skimming through the content,” Kristin says. “However, God's promises are true and because of His word and His story, I know that my ending is great. It's all the chapters and pages that unfold to get me there that I want to be thankful for... that I choose to be thankful for.” |
Nov. 1, 2008
ColmanBlue Bio
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ColmanBlue really is an answer to a prayer for all three of its members, Chrissy Katina and Kristin Schweain, both former members of popular Dove Award-winning group ZOEgirl, and Kelli Trontell, a life-long performer and songwriter whose song, "Right Here With Me" was a finalist for the first America Idol Songwriter. As all three surrendered and laid down their careers, God picked it up and began to use them and their love of music for His purposes and plan. Being very intentional with every step along the way, Chrissy and Kelli and Kristin want nothing more than to be completely dependent on the Lord as He directs each decision and their ultimate path.
Chrissy Katina was born in southern New Jersey. Dramatic from the minute she opened her eyes according to her mother, Chrissy was an outgoing and talkative child, she realized her love for music and performing very early on. At age 16, she had the opportunity to sing and record in the R&B group, CHOICE, with the artist Pink. Since then Chrissy's dreams have continued to be fulfilled on an even higher level. After becoming a Christian in 1997, she realized the talent God had given her was meant to be used for Him. Kristin Schweain was raised in a very musical home in Jackson, Missouri and grew up with a dream of becoming a professional musician. Following in the footsteps of her grandfather, Frederic Spies, who was an accomplished jazz pianist, she began playing the piano as a child, and wrote her first song at the age of eighteen. After graduating from highschool, she studied both classical voice and piano at DePauw University's School of Music in Indiana, at Missouri Baptist College in St. Louis, Missouri, and at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. In 2000, Chrissy and Kristin were invited to join the Christian group, ZOEgirl. After selling over a million records, being honored with the Dove Award for Best New Artist, and touring with great artists and bands like TobyMac, Newsboys, Avalon, Natalie Grant and Jump5 for over 6 years, the group decided to explore other new musical opportunities on their own. During this time, Kristin wrote and recorded her solo CD, Days of Eden and Chrissy began laying the foundation for ColmanBlue. After 2 years apart, they are so are so excited to be working together again. ZOEgirl undoubtedly left a mark on Christian music and today is no different for Chrissy and Kristin as they embark on this new journey with ColmanBlue. Kelli Trontell, born in Southern California, has been destined for a long, fulfilling career in the entertainment industry since the ripe age of six, where her love of music was first sparked by singing hymns in church. She appeared on the original Star Search in 1993 and was a popular performer on the club circuit in Phoenix, Arizona for several years (sharing the same stage with artists such as Alice Cooper, Peter Frampton and Nils Lofgren) before heading to Nashville in 2004 to further pursue her artistry and craft her songwriting skills. In 2007, a song Kelli co-wrote, "Right Here With Me," was selected out of 25,000 submissions as a Top 20 finalist for the first-ever American Idol Songwriter: a songwriting contest by American Idol Executive Producer Simon Fuller and 19 Entertainment during the hit show’s sixth season. Later that year, Kelli experienced another life-changing event serving on staff for the Luis Palau Nashville CityFest, which culminated with a celebration attended by nearly 100,000 in downtown Music City. During this season, God asked her to lay her musical ambitions down to "make Jesus famous." Six months after the festival closed, Kelli answered a call from Chrissy to start a new group, which is now ColmanBlue. “I am anticipating greatness and for the Lord to open doors and opportunities that we could not push through on our own,” Kelli says. “I’m holding nothing back and being very intentional to the calling that the Lord has on my life. I want to share my story and love people.” ColmanBlue is Kingdom-minded with a desire to share their musical talents to show others the face and love of God. They will be spending the remainder of 2008 writing and recording their first release and are excited to see God's hand move as they embark on this new journey together. |