Marizu unveils forthcoming EP; a spectacular display of his vibrant, infectious sound and colorful lyricism. From his first ever headline show in Lagos, Nigeria, to his UK debut at Solos London; this project rounds up a year of important milestones for the artist.

Like all of Marizu’s Melodies, “Masterpiece” immediately makes us crave the richness of solitude and introspection.

Starting off with the first track “You” which sets the tone for the EP, Marizu looks at his personal journey of finding a new and more meaningful life in Christ. Moving on to the second tune and the first single to be released, “Reason,” Marizu shares the story of how he drowned as a child adding that “God is the reason why I’m alive today.”

Then, listeners are introduced to more upbeat afro sounds, “Masterpiece” and “From The Clay” with Limoblaze. Towards the end of the EP experience, he winds down with a slight vibe-shift in “Your Love,” setting the ground for the explosion that is the closing track, “Big God,”  a father/son duo that teased the EP release.

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“This EP is about becoming a new creation in Christ. It speaks on embracing yourself as God has made you – special, beautiful and without any flaws. I titled it Masterpiece because that is what we are in God’s eyes. I hope that everyone who comes across any of these tracks realises just how special they are.”

“Masterpiece” is an alleviating body of work to be listened to with bare ears and an open heart.

The former Flyleaf lead singer offers the project to the world independently, led by a string of arresting singles including “Awaken Love,” “Reconcile” and “Breathe With Me.”

The album’s enigmatic title is drawn from two Greek words: “kenosis,” referring to a state of emptying of self, and “metanoia,” referring to deep change and altering of course.

Together, Lacey Sturm says that the title captures a moment when you start to see the truth about reality that you didn’t see before. “Kenotic metanoia” is the demand to address and respond to that truth, a call to leave one version of yourself behind.

“All these songs have been for my own heart,” Lacey has said. “When David sings the Psalms, a lot of the time he’s telling his soul what to do. That’s me too in this: telling my soul, singing what I know to be true.”

That truth ranges from the life-force found in “Breathe With Me” to the relinquishment of “Not Your Fight.” These songs are both intimately personal and appropriately mysterious, a glimpse into a deep spiritual process of surrender.

Contemplating the human experience, Lacey says, “Are we going to suffer? Do I need to fight against it, or do I stand and embrace whatever comes? Do I reject suffering and pain, or do I stand and walk through it so I can grow spiritually and see that there’s a strength I didn’t know was there?”

Lacey Sturm’s Transformational Sophomore Solo Album ‘Kenotic Metanoia’ Available

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“My strength is made perfect in weakness,” the songstress continues, quoting the scripture. “You lay down your life and you become like Christ. He taught us what it’s like to be human: it’s to willingly lay your life down for love’s sake. It’s walking through that and learning compassion.”

The songs found on Kenotic Metanoia show the full range of both Lacey’s songwriting and vocals skills, fittingly for one of the most lauded voices in hard rock. Her distinctive scorching vocal tones combine with husband Josh Sturm’s broiling guitar riffs. The result is an album that promises to deliver on consistently heating fan hype.

The album also follows a successful summer of Flyleaf reunion dates, featuring Lacey at the band’s helm. With major appearances at festivals like Sick New World and Rockfest, Flyleaf proved that their fanbase is as moved as ever by their emotive hard rock.

Chart-topping BEC singer/songwriter Tasha Layton is embracing the most wonderful time of the year with two Christmas projects showcasing a range of previously unreleased studio recordings and new live tracks.

Layton’s first-ever in-concert set, This Is Christmas: Live from The Fisher Center, arrives November 17, while her acclaimed 2022 full-length holiday debut, This Is Christmas, is slated for reissue as an expanded edition November 24.

A nine-song compilation capturing music from the K-LOVE On Demand Christmas special Layton co-hosted last year, This Is Christmas: Live from The Fisher Center was recorded with an orchestra at Belmont University’s renowned performing arts venue in Nashville.

Along with live renditions of her signature originals “Make It To Christmastime,” “Comfort and Joy” and the title cut, the set also includes such festive favorites as “Diddly Squat” and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” among others.

On the heels of the live album, Layton’s This Is Christmas (Expanded Edition),< bows November 24. Produced by her husband, GRAMMY and Dove Award winner Keith Everette Smith, the 14-track collection spotlights four newly recorded songs alongside the project’s 10 seminal favorites and holiday originals.

Featuring the previously unreleased “Turn Your Eyes (This Christmas Day),” penned by Layton, Smith, Miles Landon, and Tony Wood, the album also includes a fresh arrangement of “Angels We Have Heard On High” and the digital singles “This Christmas” and “White Christmas,” the latter of which holds special meaning for Layton.

Recorded at Hollywood’s famed EastWest Studios (Frank Sinatra, The Rolling Stones), “White Christmas” was co-produced by Keith Everette Smith and “Glee” vocal producer Tim Davis.

The track showcases 16 a cappella vocalists accompanying Layton in a classic style made popular by the late Fred Waring, a lauded bandleader and television and radio personality.

“‘White Christmas’ was originally written for the 1942 movie ‘Holiday Inn,’” Layton shares. “The verse is rarely sung but I wanted to include a portion of it because it touches on my story, having lived in Los Angeles for a decade. 

This song is a classic, and what an opportunity to work with Tim Davis and the vocalists to record it in the Fred Waring style. My hope is that this arrangement captures the nostalgia of that era.”

In addition, Layton’s rendition of “Somewhere In My Memory”—from 2022’s This Is Christmas—can be heard in the new Hallmark Channel original movie “Where Are You, Christmas?”

She is also featured on TobyMac’s latest single, “Christmas Hits Different,” and will be sharing music from both her seasonal sets during four Texas and Louisiana stops as a special guest on Phil Wickham’s “Behold Christmas Nights” tour beginning later this month.

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Warner Music Nashville MULTI-PLATINUM star Gabby Barrett has announced the title and release date for Chapter & Verse – her massively anticipated sophomore album, due out on February 2, 2024.

Her most autobiographical work to date, Chapter & Verse will follow the 23-year-old hitmaker’s PLATINUM debut Goldmine and deliver even more of the fullhearted songwriting that’s made her one of Country’s brightest young superstars.

Also today (11/10), Barrett shares the latest release from Chapter & Verse: an unforgettably poignant track called “Growin’ Up Raising You.”

In a stunning evolution of Goldmine and its Deluxe edition – a 2020 release featuring smash singles like mega breakout 7X PLATINUM #1 “I Hope,” 4-week Hot AC #1 crossover “I Hope (feat. Charlie Puth),” 3X PLATINUM three-week #1 “The Good Ones,” and PLATINUM

“Pick Me Up” – Chapter & Verse finds Barrett taking greater creative control than ever before having co-written and co-produced already released “Glory Days” – her current single that’s Top 30-and-climbing at Country radio – and “Cowboy Back.”

Along with fully leaning into her Country roots on Chapter & Verse, Barrett’s deepened the emotional scope of her songwriting and created an up close portrait of her experience as a wife and mother of two children, with her third baby due early next year.

To that end, the album’s title refers to the chapters and verses within each book of the Bible, as well as the still-unfolding chapters in her marriage, family, career, and overall journey through life.

On “Growin’ Up Raising You,” Barrett offers up one of Chapter & Verse’s most heart-melting moments. Written by Barrett, Jon Nite, Zach Kale, and Jimmy Robbins, the slow-burning ballad details all the fear and hope of new motherhood, with Barrett’s beautifully nuanced vocal channeling both vulnerability and undeniable strength:

“We’ll get it wrong, we’ll get it right / Whole lotta tears we’ll both have to cry / You’ll learn to run, I’ll learn to let go / Years will go fast, nights will go slow / Lord knows the best thing that I’ll ever do / Will be growin’ up raising you.” 

In a testament to her sharp instincts as a co-producer (alongside Ross Copperman), “Growin’ Up Raising You” sets that outpouring to a luminous backdrop of soaring strings, tender harmonies, and a lovely intertwining of acoustic, electric, and pedal steel guitar.

“‘Growin’ Up Raising You’ is a very sensitive song for me,” shares Barrett. “I’m only 23 – I don’t have all the answers to everything, and I haven’t gotten everything figured out. I’m doing the best that I can while trying to raise other people to be the best people they can be.

I feel so blessed to be able to have three little lives that I can help to flourish while I’m also trying to figure out life myself.”

Today, Motown Gospel released the “Kingdom Business: Season 2” Soundtrack featuring new music from the popular BET+ original series available now to stream.

The album was preceded by lead track “That Way” featuring Chaundre Broomfield and Serayah with 11 additional tracks by Gospel legends and cast members Yolanda Adams, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Kurt Carr and Kiandra Richardson. Music for the series is overseen by Kirk Franklin, Warryn Campbell and Marcus Carter.

After an intense finale cliffhanger for Season 1, the second installment picks up with Denita Jordan (Yolanda Adams) trying to protect her kingdom after going through tragedy. Rbel’s (Serayah) journey toward redemption finds itself filled with more obstacles due to several scandalous revelations and the Jordan family fights for their Gospel record label, their legacy, and their lives. As Denita faces medical and legal woes, Rbel works to secure justice for her slain best friend Dani and escape her own demons.

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Brought to the small screen by the series’ creators and showrunners, Kerry Lenhart, and John J. Sakmar and executive producers, DeVon Franklin, Holly Carter, Kirk Franklin, Michael Van Dyck, Kerry Lenhart, John J. Sakmar and Keesha Brickhouse, “Kingdom Business” provides audiences with an in-depth look into the world of the Gospel music industry, which is as complex and riddled with conflict, money and fame as it is with faith. The series stars Yolanda Adams, Serayah, Chaundre Broomfield, Michael Jai White and Michael Beach.

“Kingdom Business: Season 2” is available on all major digital streaming platforms and season 2 of “Kingdom Business,” the series, is streaming now on BET+.

Acclaimed Gospel Artist Kelly Garner is pleased to announce the release of her new full-length album, It’s Not Over. The project blends her own personal originals with universal themes of faith, hope, and the power of music to heal and uplift. The project is a testament to her musical versatility, emotional depth, and her ability to create a meaningful and memorable musical experience for her audience and one she is excited at the opportunity to spread her mission through this powerful collection of songs.

Kelly Garner’s album, “It’s Not Over,” offers a diverse and deeply personal musical journey. The project begins with “Good Ole Gospel Sing,” an original song that warmly reminisces about her childhood experiences attending “Gospel Sings” at her grandparents’ church. This nostalgic track captures the joy and cherished memories associated with those formative years.

The album also contains the heartfelt original song “The Day I Get Home,” a poignant reflection on the passing of her mother in October 2022. This emotionally charged song allows listeners to connect with the artist on a profound level as she shares her personal journey of loss and longing.

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In addition to these deeply personal tracks, “It’s Not Over” features original songs that explore themes of hope and purpose in life. These songs resonate with listeners, offering a sense of inspiration and motivation to navigate life’s challenges with optimism and determination.

Renditions of some of Kelly Garner’s favorite worship choruses, add a spiritual dimension to the collection. These well-loved worship songs contribute to the overall message of resilience and faith that permeates the album.

“’It’s Not Over’ is a project that I hope helps people ‘hold on’ and remember that they still have purpose at whatever stage or position they are in life.  I’ve been in Nashville since 1990, and signed my first record deal in 1992. I could not have sung this record with as much passion or conviction back then as I can now.  I had not ‘lived’ enough!” exclaimed Kelly Garner. “Now, I can speak to issues everyone faces and tell each story from a very deep place of life experience.  This album is the album that I’ve always wanted to make!  Most of all, I hope it makes a difference in this world!”

Producer Kris Crunk shared, “I’m so proud of this project. The recording is epic and big in spots, tender and small in other places. But all along the way, it tells the message of hope and perseverance in the promises of God. It proclaims a message that ‘it’s not over if we keep our eyes on Jesus!’ The project is a ‘who’s who’ of Nashville’s best and an amazing culmination of the writing and performing career of Kelly Garner.”

The Gospel music supergroup with over 700 million digital streams, Anthony Brown & group therAPy, released its first full-length album in four years today.

Their sixth oeuvre, Affirmations (Key of A / Tyscot / FairTrade), is a dozen soul-stirring tracks that showcase the dynamic outfit’s polished grasp of contemporary gospel music with sly touches of Classical, Hip-Hop, Pop, Pentecostal, and even Celtic flavoring.

The first radio single, “Speak Your Name,” an enthralling anthem of praise, rises to No. 4 on this week’s Billboard Gospel Airplay chart.

Affirmations are personal. “Some of the emotional, mental, financial supports that I’ve grown accustomed to seem to be more quiet than normal,” Brown confesses. “I believe there are seasons where God quiets the things that typically rescue us. There are Biblical examples where different people encouraged themselves.

King David had to strengthen himself in the Lord. I wanted to do a project that spoke to that season for people who feel like right now they aren’t getting the support [they are used to receiving].

I wanted to remind them that you have all you need. The power of death and life is in your tongue, and you can speak and encourage yourself with the word of God. This project is a record full of things that you should speak over your own self every single day.”

Anthony Brown & group therAPy Release First Album In Four Years Titled ‘Affirmations’

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Brown’s longtime collaborator Justin Savage (Kirk Franklin, Israel Houghton), and keyboardists Darryl Woodson, and William McMillan, (Travis Greene, Tasha Cobbs Leonard) each co-produced various tracks with Brown for the project.

The set is a mix of ballads and contemporary grooves anchored by the group’s exquisite classically trained voices.

Gospel legend,  Kierra Sheard Kelly, squalls on the coda  of “Grace,” and Justin Savage’s pre-teen son Zach Savage, opens “Up Up Up” with a refrain from the Civil Rights anthem,  “This Little Light of Mine.”

With Brown’s husky emcee tone, heartfelt lyrics, and the group’s classically trained vocals; it’s no surprise they are the most successful gospel group of the last decade with megahits such as “Trust in You,” “I Got That,” and “Blessings on Blessings.”

Aside from their 700 million streams, there are eleven Billboard Top Ten singles and four No. 1 hits. The R.I.A.A. gold-certified track, “Worth,” spent 24 weeks at the apex of the Billboard Gospel Airplay chart in 2015.

There are three GRAMMY award nominations, six Billboard Music Award nominations, and several ASCAP  Rhythm and Soul Music Awards. “I’m just grateful for all the support fans have given us over the years,” Brown adds. “They have affirmed us and that’s a tremendous feeling.”

Africa’s oldest festival of Christian music, Livingspring Gospel Music Festival (LivingspringCMF) issues The Livingspring 2023 Album titled “The Strong Tower.”

The album is a collection of songs captured during Livingspring Gospel Music Festival’s 40th anniversary. The 14-track album which features a plethora of gospel music ministers such as; Eyitayo, Mezzo Streams, Dele Sax, Favour Chukwuma, Big Bolaji, Gaise Baba, Bois Olorun, and Tosin Bee, provides a variety of praise and worship incense.

Livingspring was founded by Prof. Ladi Osasona in 1983 when he received a revelation for what would inspire several generations of gospel music.

In April of the same year, he together with trusted friends and an army of volunteers put together what would be the first edition of Livingspring: a live celebration of gospel music. Few had seen anything like it – and the fire caught on rapidly.

Livingspring ’83 would go on to birth successive annual editions, each improving upon the last, and would eventually become known as Livingspring Christian Music Festival.

Today, Livingspring features seminars, discovery sessions, drama, choreography, and music from all over the world.

Livingspring seeks to inspire the next generation of gospel artistes and also improve the overall quality of our fellowship with God.

The Livingspring 2023 Album, “The Strong Tower” is now available in all digital stores worldwide.

THE STRONG TOWER – LIVINGSPRINGCMF

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Melding jazz, pop, and classical styles, Juno and GMA Covenant Awards-nominated Mike Janzen independently released his third album of Psalm interpretations, Songs from the Canyon, today (Nov. 1). The project features Janzen musically painting vivid, powerful textures as he explores Creation’s awe-inspiring landscapes along with the deep, plunging canyons of life’s suffering.

Produced by award-winning Timothy Abraham, the album has a profound sonic diversity, resonating from soaring strings to a belting gospel choir. Rich cinematic textures grace these 11 innovative compositions, including on the song “Steady” and its companion music video that premieres today on The Christian Beat.

Mitch Fillion filmed the video at All Saints Kingsway in Toronto and featured the Powerhouse Fellowship Soul Choir.

“This song was written as an anthem of hope to those who have braved the lonely valleys of loss, family breakup, and injury,” shares Janzen. “During these traumatic times, there’s often a sense that our world is crumbling around us; however, the book of Psalms is a reminder that the hesed, or steadfast love of God, will carry us through whatever storm or tragedy we encounter.”

The album also features “Hallelujah (Psalm 104)” that Janzen recently performed on 100 Huntley Street; “Took Hold,” which includes guest vocals by Stellar and GRAMMY Award-winner Dee Wilson; and the lead track, “Echoes (Psalm 8),” that highlights Indigenous Canadian artists Ray “Coco” Stevenson (Cree/Objibwe) and Jonathan Maracle(Mohawk Nation).

With Rich Mullins-inspired dulcimer and Snarky Puppy-like brass, “Echoes” explores how the fingerprints of God are seen throughout creation and how we can be guardians of that beauty.

Mike Janzen Releases His Third Album Of Psalm Interpretations ‘Songs From The Canyon’

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“The song was written on the ancestral lands of the Anishinaabe peoples and is sonically inspired by the shared heritage of the landscape,” shares Janzen. “The musical presence of Coco Stevenson and Jonathan Maracle on this track is significant both in their artistry and cultural understanding of creation that resonates perfectly with the pre-modern poet who penned Psalm 8.”

The full Songs from the Canyon track listing follows:
1)    Echoes (Psalm 8)
2)    Hallelujah (Psalm 104)
3)    Took Hold (Psalm 18)
4)    Steady (Psalms)
5)    Wonderful (Psalm 139)
6)    How Long (Psalm 13)
7)    Canyons (Psalm 46)
8)    Great is the Lord (Psalm 96)
9)    Deep to Deep (Psalm 42)
10)  Have Mercy (Psalm 51)
11)  Circling (Psalm 22)

A gifted jazz pianist, composer, and arranger, Janzen has toured across North America, performing in concert halls, churches, and at festivals while combining his undeniable talent with a desire to create music that draws attention to the Maker.

“Mike brings a really imaginative and fresh voice to the current music scene,” says Joe Amaral as he introduces Janzen last month on 100 Huntley Street, Canada’s longest-running daily television talk show. “And whether it’s soul-stirring songwriting to mesmerizing piano solos…his music – it’s approachable, and it hits the deep places of the heart…He combines undeniable talent with the desire to create music that draws attention to God, the Father, the Maker.”

Today, MNRK Music Group in partnership with JamesTown Music announce the new album JOY IS HERE, from GRAMMY-nominated, multiple Stellar Award winner, Billboard Music Award-winning, and Top Gospel Artist, JJ Hairston. Hairston releases his long-awaited first ever Christmas album, JOY IS HERE, recorded live in July 2023 at All Nations Worship Assembly (ANWA) Washington, DC. The album, JOY IS HERE, features a mix of holiday classics with Hairston’s signature style as well as originals. JOY IS HERE is available now wherever music is sold and streamed.

JOY IS HERE features stand out collaborations with Trina Hairston, Melvin Crispell, III, Brittney Wright, Jason Clayborn & Gathering Place Worship Choir and more. JJ Hairston will perform the album track, “Joy To The World” on Monday, November 6^th on The Tamron Hall Show – marking his daytime television debut.

JOY IS HERE – JJ HAIRSTON

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Founded in 1991, the once 35-member church choir from Bridgeport, CT has transformed into a Billboard chart topping national gospel artist, birthing Billboard Gospel #1 hits such as, “You Deserve It,” and “Miracle Worker.” Currently, JJ Hairston is continuing his devotion to a greater purpose alongside his wife, Trina Hairston, serving as Campus Pastors for All Nations Worship Assembly (ANWA) Washington, DC campus.

Hairston will embark on a multi-city holiday tour at various City Winery locations this holiday season. The “JOY IS HERE” Tour will kick off November 20^th in New York, making its way through Boston, Chicago, Nashville, Atlanta and more.