Evanescence News

(4/16/03, 5 p.m. ET) -- Evanescence's interview in the April 18 issue of Entertainment Weekly has created a stir in the Christian music world. As a result, the band's label, Wind-Up Records, is pulling its album from Christian music stores.

Vocalist Amy Lee said in the interview, "There are people that are hell-bent on the idea that we're a Christian band in disguise, and that we have some secret message. We have no spiritual affiliation with this music. It's simply about life experience." Lee adds, "I guarantee that if the Christian bookstore owners listened to some of those songs, they wouldn't sell the CD."

Lee's band mate Ben Moody said in the interview, "I'm not ashamed of my spiritual beliefs, but I in no way incorporate them into this band. We're actually high on the Christian charts, and I'm like, What the f--k are we even doing there?"

Evanescence is signed to the same label as spiritually leaning acts such as Creed and 12 Stones. The band's first single from its album Fallen was "Bring Me To Life," featuring 12 Stones vocalist Paul McCoy. The track performed well at Christian radio, and Wind-Up was distributing the album to Christian music stores.

The band's comments apparently got the attention of the Christian music community -- as well as the band's label. Wind-Up recently recalled Evanescence albums and singles from Christian stores and radio stations.

In a letter dated April 10, posted on the Christian Music Central (cmcentral.com) Website, Wind-Up records chairman Alan Meltzer explained to retailers that "despite having roots within the Christian community prior to the release of Fallen, recent statements by band members have made it abundantly clear that Evanescence is a secular band and view their music as entertainment. No more, no less. As such, we strongly feel that they no longer belong in Christian retail outlets."

Meltzer also wrote, "I have no issues or problems with the band not wanting to promote a religious agenda. That is their opinion. How it has been handled is a separate issue. That being said, I do have a problem with misrepresenting the artist to the Christian community. That is not and has never been the intent of Wind-Up or the band. Nevertheless, it is quite apparent that the landscape has now changed...I apologize for what has become an unfortunate and embarrassing situation."

The label reportedly requested that Christian stores pull all of the band's products by June 30.

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