Last month saw the release of Larry Stephenson’s fourth gospel album, Thankful. You can read our review of the CD here.

Pinecastle is currently offering a free download of one track from the CD. This is part of a campaign they are operating called Pass The Grass in which they are making downloads available as a means of increasing interest in a project.

To obtain the free track you’ll need to provide Pinecastle with a minimum of your zip code and email address. They ask for voluntary submission of your name and address as well, though these are not required.

The track they are giving away is Press On O’Pilgrim. It’s an up tempo gospel tune driven by Larry’s high lonesome singing.

Get your own copy by visiting Pinecastle.com and clicking on the “Giveaway” link in the top navigation.

Pinecastle Records has launched a new service on the label’s web site, a download page for authorized radio programmers. Audio files will be posted as soon as they are released to radio with the choice of either MP3 or lossless Windows Media files.

Stations/hosts must first be authorized by Pinecastle and receive a password, after which they will have access to new releases right away.

Pinecastle still plans to send out manufactured discs by mail, but expects that many programmers will appreciate not having to wait for a CD to arrive to begin airing new material on their shows - especially outside of the US.

A tutorial is available on the Pinecastle site which explains how the system works, and how you can request a password.

The Tryon Daily Bulletin, out of Tryon, NC, has a story featuring an interview with Tom Riggs of . The interview focuses to large degree on the current state of the music industry and Riggs’ vision for the future of the label in this changing environment.

It’s not a lengthy piece and is definitely worth the read.