Sprinkle Playing Fair

Aaron Sprinkle is best known for his role as a producer, working with everyone from Anberlin and Copeland to Kutless and Jeremy Camp. But the Seattle-based artist has also played in a couple of bands (indie rock acts Poor Old Lu and Rose Blossom Punch) and released a few solo CDs in the singer/songwriter tradition.

Now he’s just completed putting the finishing touches on the sophomore release from his band Fair, Disappearing World, which streets on February 9. The new CD follows 2006’s The Best Worst-Case Scenario, which received widespread critical and underground acclaim.

“Musically I wanted to really tap into my influences, which are mostly ’60s and ’70s and lot of ’80s too,” says Sprinkle on the band’s MySpace page. “That’s really the feel of this record—a lot of very retro moments wearing those influences on our sleeve. The record’s more dynamic and exciting in some places than the last one, but it’s also more fragile and sincere in other places.”

Mambazo returns to America

South African veteran vocal group Ladysmith Black Mambazo is returning to America this winter to perform tunes from its 2009 Grammy Award-winning CD Ilembe. The group is best known for its collaborations with Paul Simon, but has since appeared with Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Josh Grobin, Melissa Etheridge, and even Nelson Mandela. Click here for a list of tour dates.

Katy Perry to tie the knot

Katy Perry, originally known as Christian singer Katy Hudson, is getting married, according to MTV News. The 25-year-old entertainer is reportedly engaged to 34-year-old actor Russell Brand, whom she met on the movie set of “Get Him to the Greek.”

“All Access” with Women of Faith

The Women of Faith series introduces a new event this week entitled “All Access,” for leaders who bring a group of 50 or more participants to one of the 2010 tour dates. Starting with this weekend’s conference in Dallas, the “All Access” attendees will get a chance to meet and hear samples of speeches and songs from Natalie Grant, Mandisa, Anita Renfroe, Lisa Whelchel, and others.

Centricity celebrates five years

Since its 2005 launch with its sole artist Jaime Jamgochian, Centricity Music has added ten acts and now celebrates its fifth anniversary with a lineup that includes Downhere, Andrew Peterson, Jason Gray, Lanae’ Hale, and Matt Papa. This year the label introduces several new artists, including alternative rockers Me in Motion and Sixteen Cities, and country artist High Valley. Keep a lookout for new projects from Peterson and Downhere in 2010.

Rapping against human trafficking

Mr J. Medeiros, a relatively unknown rapper from Colorado Springs, is generating some attention with a socially conscious new song, “Constance,” which speaks up against human trafficking. Listen to the song and check out the powerful music video here.