Dove Award-winning singer/songwriter and trailblazing worship artist Cheri Keaggy returns with What I Know To Be True today, June 3. Co-produced by Keaggy and GRAMMY, Dove and ASCAP Golden Note Award-winning guitarist/vocalist Phil Keaggy, What I Know To Be True features 15 songs penned by Cheri Keaggy.
“This new album marks the first time I have co-produced with my uncle, Phil Keaggy,” Cheri Keaggy says. “He has been so supportive through the years, playing on a few of my projects and inviting me to perform with him. Because these songs are so personal and close to my heart, Phil was the right person to help bring them to life.”
“This record celebrates life’s joys and sorrows, and the seasons God walks us through,” she continues. “Three-and-a-half years ago I received a call from my sister that my father had taken his life. None of us could have imagined he would make that choice. For a long time, I couldn’t think about writing or recording again. But we grieve not without hope, and my journey has been framed through the lens of the Hope I have in Jesus.”
“This new music is proof of how God heals broken hearts,” Keaggy adds. “A transformation has happened and continues to happen as I place my life in His hands, trusting that He is good. He is writing a bigger story.”
Since the release of her self-titled 1994 Sparrow Records debut, Child of the Father, Cheri Keaggy has been writing and performing songs that have helped listeners around the world give voice to their worship of God. She has released nine albums; garnered nine #1 singles; and was honored with a Dove Award in 1998 for Special Event Album of the Year for God With Us: A Celebration of Christmas Carols and Classics. Her signature songs include “My Faith Will Stay,” “Make My Life An Altar,” “Open My Heart” and “You, Oh Lord, Are My Refuge,” while her “In Remembrance Of Me” and “There Is Joy In The Lord” have been sung in churches around the globe. She has also spoken at women’s events and conferences across the country.
The Porter’s Gate shares new music with their album CLIMATE VIGIL SONGS.
“This project is part of The Climate Vigil movement. All of these new songs are themed on creation care and environmental justice and we hope they can find a home in your worshiping communities. Help us spread the word!” -The Porter’s Gate
The Porter’s Gate was founded in 2017 by Isaac and Megan Wardell with a mission to be a “porter” for the Christian Church – one who looks beyond church doors for guests to welcome.
It started as a group of 50-plus songwriters, musicians, scholars, pastors and music industry professionals from a variety of worship traditions and cultural backgrounds gathered for meaningful conversation about worship and vocation.
The Belonging Co, the fast-growing church based in Nashville, TN, has released their fifth live album, Now. Listen to Now today across all platforms. This album follows their recent, widely received fourth album, Here, which made its debut in March 2022.
The Belonging Co church was founded by Henry and Alex Seeley in 2014 in the basement of their home with only four people in the very first meeting. Now, The Belonging Co sees thousands of people gather each weekend at their Nashville, TN, Columbia, TN and online locations.
A diverse group of worship leaders have made The Belonging Co their home church and are among those who make up The Belonging Co worship team. This album is a reflection of live worship moments that were captured within the church with the hope of bringing listeners into a personal encounter with God.
The Belonging Co premiered the live video of “Just the Mention of His Name” (feat. Andrew Holt and Natalie Grant) today, via YouTube.
Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame inductee and Journey band member Jonathan Cain releases his solo studio album, Arise, Friday (May 27) from Identity Records with The Fuel Music distribution. Resonating with joy and a profound sense of God’s power and grace, the recording offers a wake-up call to the Church and is this iconic artist’s sixth faith-inspired, full-length project since 2016.
Mixing brand new songs with tracks from his acclaimed Oh Lord Lead Us EP, including the American Songwriter, The 700 Club-featured title track that became his biggest solo hit to date, Arise is a call for the Church’s collective voices to be heard.
“Like faith in action, the music of Arise moves to the spirit of revival. God is making his presence felt here on earth, and it’s up to us to wake up, to feel it, feel the revival and just dig in,” encourages Cain, who leads worship at City Of Destiny Church in Apopka, FL where his wife, Paula White-Cain, is pastor. “I hope that this music stirs up and awakens people in a way that they can become a part of what God is doing.”
Encouraging this participation is Arise’s anthemic lead track, “Roar.” “Release the roar, in your praise. Release the sound, call His Name. Use your voice, let it out. Silence the enemy, shout it loud,” belts Cain amidst an uplifting chorus of voices.
“We need to put roar in our praise. We better stand up for our faith,” says Cain. “As Christians, we must not sit by and say, ‘Well, politics and religion don’t matter.’ They surely do. There are a lot of people that just let status quo be, and I’m not one of them…The enemy is at our front door trying to destroy this church. We are soldiers. We wear the armor of God, so be victorious. Stand in the gap with the Holy Spirit and band together.”
Inspired by the feast of Pentecost, which is celebrated by Christians June 5 this year and marks the gift of the Holy Spirit promised by Jesus and described in Acts 2, Cain penned “Upper Room” for the new album.
“I think it’s such an important feast,” says Cain, adding, “For the apostles to win 3,000 souls to Jesus that day as nations from around the known world were in Jerusalem, it is almost as extraordinary as the resurrection. And so I thought, ‘This is really crucial for our faith. That’s a cornerstone thing.’ I try to write about the cornerstones. What do we build faith on?”
Come meet our God in the upper room Come feel a sound like the driving wind Tongues of fire fill the upper room Holy Spirit fill our hearts within (From “Upper Room” chorus)
Cain, a Chicago native, has spent decades pouring out his musical gifts in front of huge audiences, but when not touring, he can be found serving his home church and has never been more fulfilled than in his role as worship leader.
“Worship is ‘What do you have for me?’ God wants to know what you’re bringing,” he says. “A lot of times people come to worship thinking that they’re going to get something out of this when really, it’s the exact opposite. You need to lay it down at the altar for God. That’s what worship is.”
Produced by Cain, mixed by David Kalmusky (Justin Bieber, The Fray, Keith Urban), mastered by GRAMMY Award-winning Adam Ayan (Paul McCartney, Carrie Underwood, Foo Fighters), Arise was recorded at Cain’s state-of-the-art Addiction Sound Studios in Nashville with select parts done remotely.
A beautifully crafted, musical invitation to prayer, renewal, commitment and revival, the full Arise track listing follows:
01) Roar 02) Beautiful Thunder 03) Arise 04) Oh Lord Lead Us 05) Upper Room 06) Something Greater 07) No One But You Jesus 08) Pour Myself Out 09) Worship Our Way 10) Pray To The Father 11) Freedom In Your Grace
Along with his solo music, Cain wrote and recorded new music with his band Journey, which will release Freedom July 8. The band’s first album of all new songs in over a decade, Journey’s Cain has a long line of hits that bear this artist’s signature. He has written or co-written such massive radio hits as the best-selling catalog rock song in iTunes’ history, “Don’t Stop Believin’,” and “Who’s Crying Now,” “Open Arms,” “Faithfully” and many more.
North-Carolina’s folk worship delta Mission House release new album ‘Live From Raleigh’ recorded in a room full of their friends. Made up of songwriters Jess Ray and Taylor Leonhardt – the only female duo in worship – Mission House introduce new songs as well as older tunes taken to new heights through the live context of this project.
The band was formed three years ago, and with the last two years in a global pandemic, it’s been a very interesting context in which to start! Jess shares, “We knew from the outset that the purpose of this band was to write “songs to sing together” which was a challenging vision to uphold in a season that required a lot of caution and caused a lot of isolation.”
This makes ‘Live From Raleigh’ very special. It’s the sound of Mission House hitting the restart button as a band; of them finally getting to call their community together again to sing and shout and worship as a family, face to face.
The new project was recorded in Taylor’s home church and features 10 of Mission House’s best songs played by a fantastic band and backed by 200-person-strong gang vocals from family and friends in attendance.
‘Live From Raleigh’ is a snapshot of the duo’s community, where these songs were crafted and sung years before Mission House had a name. “We’re thrilled to share this story with the world, inviting others into it and inspiring them to write their own version of the story,” Jess concludes. ‘Live From Raleigh’ makes a statement that though the recent years have been heavy and lonely, we were made for God and for one another. Hope and Joy will have the last word.
ICF Worship introduce ‘Here’s To The One We Love’, a brand-new album expressing the heart of their vibrant church based in Zurich, Switzerland, and with branches all over the world. ‘Here’s To The One We Love’ transcends a conceptual album, rather it’s a diary of real people’s stories and experiences, a collection of songs that were birthed in community and were sung Sunday after Sunday.
In our world and times, hope sometimes feels far away and darkness stands close, but ICF Worship encourage the Church to keep Her eyes on Jesus, not stopping to celebrate the giver of life at any given moment. This urge breaks through each of the eight tracks, from the hymn-like ‘Only You’ to the up-tempo ‘Faithful God’ and the focus song featuring Matt Redman, ‘When the World Is Changing’. This song encapsulates the essence of ‘Here’s To The One We Love’ as it was written by Redman and the band in the midst of the global pandemic, unable to foresee the difficulties yet to come. “I think God is reminding us just how fragile and fleeting this world is – and, in contrast, how utterly constant, enduring and reliable He is,” says Matt Redman. ‘When The World Is Changing’ brings a sense of urgency, reminding us that we’re singing about something that matters, as well as deep peace in the face of uncertainty. This new live album brings out ICF Worship’s gift of song writing and worship leading, inspiring energy, hope, and joy with each new song.
Globally renowned vocalist TAYA drops her debut full-length album (out today – May 27, check out the album trailer here).
The world first heard TAYA on UNITED’s RIAA Certified Multi-Platinum global worship anthem “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)” which was boasted #1 at Radio and spent a record-setting 61 weeks at #1 on the Billboard Top Christian Songs Chart. Since then, her voice has become an unmistakable clarion call to worship across the world. During her tenure with UNITED, as well as Hillsong Worship, TAYA has helped steward over 1 Billion global career streams as well as performed live for over 10M people in 12 different countries across six continents.
Multi-talented Music group, SWIM Music has released their new album titled “RISEN”. The group which was formed by renowned worship leader and Senior Pastor of Simply Worship International Ministry Rev Victor Atenaga, is an assemblage of some of the finest music ministers who are members of SWIM (Simply Worship International Ministry).
The 11 track album featruing, Rev Victor Atenaga, Osa Ekhator, Austin, Joseph Urie, Faithful and other amazing music ministers, is to remind us of the significance of Christ’s resurrection. And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain…and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.
“Risen” album is now available on all digital stores;
StowTown Records is thrilled to announce the release of a brand new recording from multi-award-winning group, The Perrys. John 3:16 features this popular group at their very best, delivering powerful songs that have made them a mainstay in the Southern Gospel Music genre for more than four decades.
This latest recording features 10 songs with masterful production, powerful vocals and thought-provoking lyrics from several of gospel music’s most prolific writers, including Joel Lindsey, Wayne Haun, Joseph Habedank and Marcia Henry, just to name a few. In addition to the title cut and first single, “John 3:16 Is Calling Out to You,” co-written by Joel Lindsey and Val Dacus, other cuts include “I Think I’ll Just Go On,” “Heaven To Me” and the timeless classic, “That Sounds Like Home To Me,” written by legendary writers Eddie Crook and Aaron Wilburn. For The Perrys, the song that will be especially meaningful is “Calvary’s Touch,” which was penned by Karen McPherson and the late Kyla Rowland. Just before Kyla’s passing earlier this year, she gave this song to The Perrys for this album, and it may very well be the final new recording of a Kyla Rowland song.
Led by longtime group member, Libbi Perry Stuffle, The Perrys have enjoyed numerous honors and accolades, as well as dozens of radio hits. “It has been amazing to see how God has worked in the lives of Libbi and The Perrys over the years,” states StowTown Records President Landon Beene. “They have endured some very difficult times, but God has honored their faithfulness and their desire to always present the message of the Gospel. StowTown is delighted to have the privilege to present this project to listeners worldwide.”
John 3:16 offers listeners victory, encouragement and redemption, as well as the undeniable message of the saving power of Christ. “John 3:16 is probably the most well-known scripture in the world,” Libbi states. “We have never been ashamed to proclaim that message every time we step on stage. It’s ageless, and we will never grow tired of sharing it.”
For Libbi and The Perrys, it was a thrill to be back in the studio with the group’s longtime producer and friend, Wayne Haun. It was also thrilling to have the opportunity to record songs from several writers who have impacted their musical journey in a profound way. “With all the changes we have experienced over the past few years, we are truly blessed to be able to look back and find consistency,” Libbi shares. “Wayne is a longtime friend and producer and always pushes us to do our very best in the studio. He is also great with helping us find just the right songs. We were blessed to be able to include songs written by some very special friends who have afforded us the opportunity to deliver the eternal message that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.”
John 3:16 is distributed by Provident/Sony and is available at digital and retail outlets worldwide.
NASHVILLE, Tennessee (May 20, 2022) – American Music Award-winning, GRAMMY-nominated pop vocal group Avalon has long been admired for show-stopping, mega-hits like “Testify To Love,” “Can’t Live A Day,” and “Adonai.” While these iconic compositions have shaped their legacy and remain close to their hearts, the members of Avalon – Janna Long, Greg Long, Jody McBrayer, and Dani Rocca-Herbert – are ready to explore a new musical direction.
Today, with the release of a self-titled, brand-new project, the group has officially announced a name change – Avalon Worship. Produced by Don Koch, this new Red Street Records project – Avalon Worship– reflects who they are as individuals as well as a worship collective.
“For the past eleven years Greg and I have been staff worship leaders at a local church north of Houston,” Janna says. “Jody’s also a staff worship leader at a church in Ohio. Dani became a worship leader right out of high school. Leading worship has been a natural progression in our personal lives, so it made sense to extend that into our recording world.” “We’re all personally in a place where we need the connection only genuine worship can bring,” Jody adds. “There’s real healing and safety in the presence of God. These songs are where we are as adults and as Christians and believers.”
This natural evolution has given the group a renewed energy for creating music that edifies and encourages.
Avalon Worship includes both original recordings as well as worship covers of some of the most well-known songs sung in churches every weekend, all carried by the group’s signature, powerhouse vocals.
Jay DeMarcus, owner Red Street Records said: “I am so extremely proud of my friends. I think they have made one of the best albums of their entire career. This Christ centered, hope-filled, grace-driven music will touch the very depths of your soul. It will hit you right where you live, with an anointing that is palpable and very real; it will lead you straight into worship.”
“You Deserve It All” – a new track – is a vocal-forward, heart-mover reminiscent of the group’s early hits. “It’s a stunning song that encompasses what worship is all about,” Jody says. “We were created to worship. Every weekend I drive from Nashville to Cincinnati where I serve at a local church there. Sometimes when it’s time to leave I think, ‘I don’t want to go do this.’ But this song, every time I hear it, I’m reminded this opportunity is afforded by God and I have a chance to give it back to Him. He deserves that back in praise.”
“Here,” a song Greg Long co-wrote with Don Koch (who produced the album) and Dave Clark, is an honest cry about our need for God’s presence. “That line, ‘we’re fine to come here empty, as long as we leave with you,’ came from the writer’s room,” says Greg. “It was one of those days. I’d flown in from Houston to Nashville and had several writing appointments. I got in the room with Don and Dave and said, well, any ideas? We were empty. I said, we need Him here with us. Let’s stop and pray. So we did, we asked the Lord to be in the room and He was. When He shows up, everything changes. And we’re so glad.”
Musical and vocal standout “So It Will Ever Be,” is an impassioned track heralding God’s sovereignty and how there is none like Him. “It’s not an easy word to accept, sovereignty,” Greg shares. “Especially when things aren’t going your way. Resting in His sovereignty is not always easy, but it’s always right.” “You cannot deny the sovereignty of God,” Jody says. “He is going to be that forever. We can rewrite that to make ourselves feel better, we can try to manipulate the gospel, manipulate who God is, but He will always be who He is. His narrative is forever. His sovereignty is forever.”
Adding their well-tuned vocal arrangements to worship hits like “Rattle,” “The Blessing,” and “Graves Into Gardens,” the songs become instantly singable. But the group chose which covers to include based on what the message and lyrics meant to them. “We chose these covers based on how they connected with us and how they’ve connected with the body of Christ as a whole,” Janna says. “‘ The Blessing’ is one of those songs that came during the pandemic,” Dani says. “I think we’re all grieving something we don’t know how to process. Most of us haven’t grieved what happened, we just survived it and went through it. For me, ‘The Blessing’ reflects the grieving process, the Lord carrying us through the unknown.” “It’s a song we all wanted to do,” Jody says. “We all have families and children and the way that song echoes the favor of God on our children…the first time I heard it I sat in my living room and wept. Because that’s what we want.”
With a balanced mix of known favorites and brand-new songs ready for congregations to sing, Avalon Worship cements the group’s purposeful step into the worship genre.
Powerful and poignant, each track was handpicked to reflect a personal cry for God to draw near. More than a collection of songs, Avalon Worship is faith extending outward to be a blessing to all who hear it.
ABOUT AVALON WORSHIP Red Street Records artist, Avalon Worship, has been inspiring lives around the globe for years. When you hear the name Avalon, you may think of one or more of their number one hits like: “Adonai,” “Can’t Live a Day” or “Testify to Love” – just to name a few. However, there is much more to this dynamic vocal foursome than meets the eye. The collective desire of every member is to deliver a message of hope and ultimate love, freely offered from Jesus Christ, and to blatantly declare their devotion to Him through the words of every song they sing. This three time Grammy Nominated, American Music Award and Dove Award winning Christian artist is composed of Greg and Janna Long, Jody McBrayer, and Dani Rocca.
