Well, here we are at the end of 2009, a challenging, and exciting year.  After finishing “The Way We Roll Tour” this past fall, we have dived back into the studio.  It’s such a different head space than touring. We feel this new record we’re working on is a pivotal point in our career and we look forward with excitement and expectation.  This record is turning out to be not only some of the best newsboys songs I’ve heard, but some of the finest vocal performances of Michael’s and our career.  Our passion, enthusiasm and focus are off the charts!

With the big changes the band went through this past year, we knew our work was cut out for us. At every show, we felt we had something to prove… and we had to win.  Kind of the same feeling we had when we first jetted to the US full of drive, passion and purpose.  This mission has not changed.  These are feelings  and emotions we have not felt in a while, and we liked it.  As a band, it pulled us closer.  It’s been a win-win.

Yet this is a change.  It will sound different.  It has given us on incredible opportunity to reinvent ourselves once again. We’ve been here before and we’ve just gotten stronger.  I guess you could call it newsboys 2.0.  I’m convinced that this transition is ordered by Lord.  There is no way that we could have pulled this off, if that wasn’t  the case.

My ongoing attempt to stay connected with you, the fans, has been an amazing success.  My efforts have been rewarded by an ever-increasing loving community that we’ve built onFacebook .  I attempt to and am successful most days to visit and make comments and status updates.  This is always been my heart, but up until this social technology was available, it has been impossible.

Also, my personal website, DuncanPhillips.net, is being revamped.  The look and feel of it will be made well… simpler.  Via Twitter, Flickr,  Facebook and YouTube I make regular text, photo and video updates.  My online store is also expanding with brand new t-shirts, 8×10s, signature drum sticks, drum heads and more. Please come and visit either DuncanPhillips.netor TheSquizz.com.

newsboys are currently preparing for Winter Jam 2010.  This is going to be a brand new show.  We are definitely stepping it up - we’ll be hitting you guns a blazing! Production, as always, will be world class.  Some you’ve seen, some you haven’t.  We are ready and hungry….the ‘boys are back in town, so… look out!

We spent a few days this past week rehearsing for Winter Jam, plus managed to squeeze in time for a photo shoot… check out my behind-the-scenes pictures on Facebook!

Come join us Spring 2010 for this new and improved version of newsboys!

Love to all,
Duncan ]]> http://duncanphillips.net/2009/12/2009-recap/feed/ http://duncanphillips.net/2009/12/message-from-duncan/ http://duncanphillips.net/2009/12/message-from-duncan/#comments Wed, 02 Dec 2009 03:42:03 +0000 admin http://duncanphillips.net/?p=19 Well here we are…30 shows into the “Join the Tribe Tour” and we’re just getting started…..

The transition from Peter to Michael has been as smooth as we could expect. Peter has been amazing as he has helped us make this monumental transition. Michael has taken on the “mantel” of the lead singer of the Newsboys, and feels the gravity of it. He feels that he has been divinely placed here at this time….as do we. The years of friendship between Michael and the band seem to take on greater weight. We truely believe that this is a Divinely appointed time for us all.

From the initial rehearsals we realized that this was something special. We recognized that our two decade friendship was not just “by chance”. Looking forward we all see that the Newsboys will be a way more “efficient” and “effective” ministry. There are two side to what we do….the live touring, and the studio. Typically for one side to prosper the other has to suffer. This is now, not the case. I see it as a two edged sword. The two now, can work in tandem….

It’s my belief that we’ll get better songs, more often than before. Peter can immerse himself into what is his “forte”…writting #1 hits, while we can do what we believe we are called to….ministering the Gospel. I am so excited about our future. I truely believe that the best is yet to come from the Newsboys…..So, as we finish out this tour, we thank you all for all your love and support…..Duncan.

This is an Australian cookie recipe classic.  I remember both my grandmothers making them (with their own slight variations of course) and they are not dissimiliar to your Oatmeal cookie recipe.   Note that in Australia, we call cookies ‘biscuits’!  A bit confusing I know, but then your ‘biscuit’ is our ‘scone’!!!

Anzac Day marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.^[1] The acronym ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, whose soldiers were known as Anzacs. Anzac Day remains one of the most important national occasions of both Australia and New Zealand.^[2] This is a rare instance of two sovereign countries not only sharing the same remembrance day, but making reference to both countries in its name.

ANZAC biscuits were made for the returning ANZAC’s, by the wives, girlfriends and mothers. It was a way for all Australian’s and New Zealanders to thank the returning troops for their service.

Please be aware that an Australian tablespoon is 20mls (US & UK is 15mls), an Australian teaspoon is the same as the US & UK (5mls), and 1 cup is 250mls.

1 cup rolled oats

1 cup plain flour, sifted

¾ cup sugar

¾ - 1 cup dessicated coconut (depending on how ‘coconutty’ you want your biscuit)

125 gms (4oz) butter

2 tablespoons golden syrup

½ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda

1 tablespoon boiling water

Method

Preheat oven to 130 degrees (approximately 260 degrees farenheit).

Grease 2 oven trays or line with baking paper.

Combine oats, sifted plain flour, sugar and coconut.

Combine butter and golden syrup in a small saucepan.

Stir butter and golden syrup together over gentle heat until melted.

Mix soda with the boiling water.

Add to the melted butter mixture.

Stir butter/soda mixture into the dry ingredients.

Take teaspoons of mixture and place on a light greased oven tray, allowing room for spreading.

Cook in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

Loosen while warm, then cool on trays.

Makes approximately 35.

Although I might take pause and think it might be over, I get an overwhelming feeling that there is something more for this rag tag bunch of musicians that ventured from the other side of the globe to seek their destinies. The monumental “passing of the baton” from Peter Furler to Michael Tait as lead singer. Two titans in our industry. Two custodians of our Great Faith. Who would have thought? This transfer has gone as seamlessly as ever. A move that could have been a catastrophe is turning into an amazing picture of God’s will and plan for this ever evolving endeavor.

So at this juncture, with great expectation, I look forward to this next ” movement” of this concerto we call newsboys.

Please be aware that an Australian tablespoon is 20mls (US & UK is 15mls), an Australian teaspoon is the same as the US & UK (5mls), and 1 cup is 250mls.  

Ingredients

500 gms (1.1lb) lamb mince

1 small onion, finely diced

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

2 tablespoons fresh coriander, finely chopped

2 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped

1 teaspoon cardamom

Optional - 1 teaspoon Moroccan seasoning (if you want a bit more spice)

¼ cup buckwheat flour*

1 egg

1 teaspoon sea salt

½ teaspoon pepper

1-2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon butter

I like buckwheat flour as it gives the meatballs a great texture and flavour.  If you don’t have buckwheat flour, plain or all-purpose flour will do.  

Mint Yoghurt Dip

1 cup plain greek-style yoghurt

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 tablespoon finely chopped mint

1 tablespoon finely chopped coriander

Method

Thoroughly combine lamb mince, onion, herbs, spices, flour, egg & seasonings for meatballs.  

Using a 15ml tablespoon, take a scoop of meatball mixture and shape into balls.

You should make about 40 meatballs.

Refrigerate (overnight if necessary) till ready to cook.

Heat oil and butter in a large frying pan over medium heat.

Cook meatballs, turning for 5 to 7 minutes or until browned and cooked through.

Serve meatballs with Mint Yoghurt Dip.

Method for Mint Yoghurt Dip

Place yoghurt, garlic, lemon juice, mint and coriander in a bowl.

Stir to combine.

Serve with meatballs.

Ingredients

2 avocados, peeled and sliced

2 mangoes, peeled and sliced

½ cup pine nuts, toasted

200 gms diced bacon, fried until just crispy,

I packet Gourmet lettuce mix

Dressing

¼ cup olive oil (normal, not Extra-Virgin)

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon French mustard

1 tablespoon thickened cream

Method

1.                   Cook bacon in pan until crisp.

2.                 Drain bacon.

3.                 Arrange lettuce over a large platter.

4.                 Then arrange avocado, mango, pinenuts and bacon over lettuce.

5.                 Top with Dressing.

6.                 Dressing:  Combine all ingredients in a screw-top jar and shake well. Refrigerate till ready to serve salad.

Sorry for the delay in getting this brief statement out. As we say around the nb camp, “I’ve been flat out like a lizard drinking.” It’s been a busy time helping the lads with this transition, while at  the same time finishing up the recording and mixing of the new CD in order to make the May 5th release date.

As you know, I have come to a decision that it is time to stop.  I want  to thank you for your prayers and encouragement!  We have had many people write and call asking about my well-being.  Thank you for your  concern!  I am happy to let you know that I am not dying of some sickness or disease, nor am I in some sort of moral or spiritual crisis (Glory To God!). There has been no band bust-up or punch-out! All is well! (Although now that I think of it, I did accidently render Duncan unconscious one time in a play fight minutes before a concert!)  For me, the decision is that after traveling many thousands of miles across land and sea for over 22 years, along with needing to constantly keep writing and reach production deadlines–let alone feed my dog, It was time for something to give, and my booking agent and his GPS drew the  
short straw!

What are my plans you ask?  Well, at the moment, they are to encourage the lads in this here “passing of the baton” to Michael, as well as to continue songwriting, and most importantly, for Summer and I to continue doing what we are all called to do–that is reach the people that come across our path with the Love and Spirit of Jesus.

I want to thank YOU! For you have always welcomed me, from the early days of criss-crossing the USA in a beat-up, old dodge van, to traveling in trains, planes, ferries, ships, (and of course the occasional motorbike) into some of the most amazing places on this planet!  Let me think: Morocco, Israel, Asia, UK, Europe, Latin America, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, Russia and Uganda just to name a few.  Seeing your faces and hearing you sing has blessed me. Again, many thanks!

Now, I need to ask you a favor.  Please do the same for my friend, Michael Tait.  Welcome him.  Michael is a statesman in our industry, and he is who I have picked to carry on what I started as a teenager.

newsboys is more than a band to me.  It is a group of people: men and women, husbands and wives, sons and daughters pooling together their gifts and talents, making many sacrifices, and believing that together we are all making a difference in telling the good news of the saving power of our Lord Jesus Christ to our generation.  I am happy to say that this has not changed.

I will continue on with the band as friend, songwriter, cheerleader, and prayer partner.

Please enjoy the new CD, In The Hands of God.  We poured our souls into it. I sang at the top of my lungs! It is for you!

Love and Peace,

Peter Furler
March 2009