ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

P.O.D. Rockets to the Top
by CA Staff for Christian Activities
9/19/2001

NASHVILLE, TN - Following up their landmark platinum-selling debut release, The Fundamental Elements of Southtown, Atlantic Records artist P.O.D. released Satellite, Sept. 11, 2001.  Shipping over 500,000 units, Satellite rocketed to the top of the charts selling more than 133,000 units its first week out, breaking the record for highest first week scans on the current Contemporary Christian SoundScan chart among others, and debuting at #6 on the Billboard Top 200 chart.

Barry Landis, vice president/general manager for Atlantic Records, comments on P.O.D.’s strong first week sales: “This is an incredible accomplishment for P.O.D.  They are pioneers, redefining the perception of Christians who are creating music for the world,” Landis said.

In addition to the massive sales of Satellite, the group’s premiere video "Alive," directed by Francis Lawrence (Ginuwine, Jay-Z, Aerosmith) and shot in Los Angeles, was premiered on MTV Network’s street week album launch. Backed up by several on-air appearances by P.O.D, “Alive” quickly ousted N’Sync for the #1 slot on MTV’s Total Request Live (TRL) chart within days.

P.O.D.'s premiere single "Alive" is currently climbing the mainstream rock and alternative radio charts, moving up to #14 and #16 on those charts respectively.  “Buzzworthy” on MTV charts, it is at #17 and continues to climb.  In addition to ”Alive’s” numerous consecutive weeks at #1 on MTV’s TRL, the song has spent three consecutive weeks at #1 on the Christian rock radio charts.

To coincide with events leading up to street week, P.O.D. headlined a performance before a packed crowd in New York City’s Battery Park. Aired live on MTV’s TRL, fans were given a chance to hang out with P.O.D. and pre-order a copy of Satellite.

Other pre-street week events included P.O.D. walking the red carpet at the MTV Video Music Awards at The Metropolitan Opera in NYC, a headline concert at Universal Studios’ Rock The Universe in Orlando, Florida, Main Stage performance at San Diego’s Street Scene w/Outkast and a midnight In-store appearance at The Wherehouse in San Diego.

Coming back stronger than ever, the group invested more time and energy into Satellite than they have on any of their previous records. “We've given our hearts and souls to this one like never before. We've fasted, we've prayed — we've asked Jah (Jehovah) for power, and let me tell you He has provided. I’ve never felt this alive before," said P.O.D drummer Wuv.

Apparently the fasting paid off. A Rolling Stone review of "Satellite," which gave P.O.D. 4 stars, said: "If P.O.D.'s religious devotion inspired them to turn out the most soulful hard-rock record so far this year, then maybe more new-metalheads should get down with God."

The group chose to cancel numerous street week events due to the devastating tragedy in New York City, including in-store appearances, performances and an appearance on The Tonight Show, but has had incredible response to the project which has been bringing help, healing and encouragement to the nation during this time.

“I am amazed and deeply moved by the amount of e-mails and posts we are seeing about how SATELLITE is helping people through this.”  commented Tim Cook, manager, P.O.D.  “Particularly songs like “Youth Of The Nation,” “Ghetto,” and “Alive.””

“In light of recent events, many of the songs from Satellite have taken on new meaning for me and many others,” says Landis.  “I’m pleased the album is getting into the hands of a lot of people who are searching for answers.”

Upcoming events for the group include their headline U.S. Youth Of The Nation tour beginning Oct. 18th and running through the middle of December 2001.

Since forming in 1992, the southern California-based group – Sonny: vocals; Marcos: guitars; Traa: bass; Wuv: drums has developed an unprecedented world-wide following through relentless touring and performances with numerous bands. The Atlantic Records artist now averages 150 shows a year and has quickly become RIAA platinum-selling artist.

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