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.
Worship leaders Bryan & Katie Torwalt release their new live album, I’ve Got Good News, today (May 20). This project marks the first-ever live recorded album for the married worship leaders as they celebrated being back on the road after the pandemic.
Captured in Orange County, I’ve Got Good News features songs written by Chandler Moore, Cody Carnes, Brock Human, Chris Davenport, Naomi Raine, and more. Click here to listen to the new album.
The new album will feature 11 live-recorded tracks and follows the couple’s No. 1 song on Air1 “Miracle In The Works.” As a live album, there will be live video content for every song and The Torwalts will be going back on the road in May with Benjamin Hastings. In 2021 they were on tour with Maverick City Music and Tribl and will also be featured on Tribl’s album that releases later this month. For more information and dates on the Torwalts’ tour, visit here.
“What does it mean to hear the good news in 2022? It’s a relief to hear that Jesus is still on His throne today,” shares Bryan & Katie Torwalt about their new album’s theme. “Though we might not be spared from sadness or grief in this life, the God of the universe is with us through it all. In Timothy, God promises us a gift of a ‘sound mind’ as opposed to a spirit of fear. Or maybe the best news is that He is both the Alpha and Omega, our beginning and end of the story. We pray that as we give language to what good news looks like in life for us today, that you are filled with hope and relief as you hear these living words of the Gospel of Jesus.”
Multi-talented singer, songwriter Blessing Offor releases Brighter Days (Live Sessions) EP. Earlier this year (Feb 25), Offor released his debut EP Brighter Days.
The seven-song passage takes us through the layers of Blessing’s character as he takes his life experiences and turns them into foot stomping revelations. Filled with thought provoking lyrics alongside Blessing’s powerful voice and expert musicianship, Brighter Days is full of infectious optimism that jumps right out of the speaker.
Blessing’s ability to bring emotion to life is apparent, and each song acts as a window into his extraordinary story. Listen to Brighter DaysHERE.
The youngest of six siblings, the Nigerian-born singer/songwriter immigrated to the United States with his uncle at the age of six. Born blind in one eye, Blessing’s parents sent him to the United States in an effort to restore his vision, though unfortunately he lost his complete eyesight by age 10.
Gravitating towards the piano before losing his vision, Blessing’s school teachers helped nurture his talent, and he soon found himself at Belmont University honing his craft in Music City. Hints of pop, Motown, and soul flourish across Blessing’s music as he sings of optimism, hope, and finding silver linings in dark clouds. Blessing’s seven song EP Brighter Days is out now via Chris Tomlin’s Bowyer & Bow imprint in partnership with Universal/Capitol Christian Music Group.
Since Daphne Richardson’s debut in 2020, she has been making great strides in the music industry. Now for the first time, a monumental moment, we are glad to announce her first body of work on the 20th day of May, 2022. Canadian singer/songwriter Daphne Richardson is not called a music powerhouse for no reason. Featuring MOBO award-winner CalledOut Music and Folabi Nuel, Daphne adds new melodies to her catalog. Born from personal experiences and Daphne’s passion for rebuilding hearts and minds through her music, ‘Authentic’ takes us on a journey of self discovery in Christ while reaffirming God’s love for each of us.
‘Authentic’ is a soulful 5-track EP packed with inspiring lyrics and lovely vocals that will have you thinking about the importance of true Authenticity. It reminds us that although we are a work-in-progress, we can find completion in the love of Christ. The beauty of that love is felt in every track as she sings about the victory we find in Christ as believers despite the struggles we go through. After a few listens, there’s no doubt that this project will keep fans wanting more.
When asked about the EP, Daphne says;
“Whether it be that God’s love greets us every morning, or that He’s not done with us, or that this Christian journey is worth giving everything for – each song has a message for the listener to receive and be encouraged by. I pray listeners feel the passion and excitement that we felt as we created these songs. I hope it does something in the hearts of everyone who hears it.”
This EP contains perfect tracks for your praise and worship playlists. Released under HFP Music, artwork created by JaBrand Design, ‘Authentic’ is available to download and stream on all digital streaming platforms from 20th May, 2022. The EP has 5 tracks in total.
AUTHENTIC [The EP]
Track 1. Worth It – written by Daphne Mahalia Grant, produced by Godwin Hillary
Track 2. Merciful God – written by Daphne Mahalia Grant, produced by Michael Olamide Idowu and Caylan Penny
Track 3. Not Finished Yet – written Daphne Mahalia Grant, produced by Michael Olamide Idowu
Track 4. Heavy– written by Daphne Mahalia Grant and CalledOut Music, produced by Godwin Hillary and Caylan Penny
Track 5. Eternal Eyes – written by Daphne Mahalia Grant & CalledOut Music, produced by CalledOut Music
Centricity Worship, a division of Centricity Publishing, releases its debut EP, Centricity Worship And Friends, today (May 13) to digital and streaming outlets everywhere via https://fanlink.to/cwfriends. All of the songs were composed at Centricity Worship writing retreats where many well-known artists and songwriters from various record labels and publishing companies gathered to create music for the Church to sing.
“King Jesus continues to defy our expectations,” says Wong. “We wrote this song about the mystery of who Jesus is; the humility, the kindness, the compassion that we wouldn’t first come to expect from royalty. No other king has loved as deeply, served so humbly, or triumphed as unequivocally as our King. We hope that this song will bring you back into wide-eyed wonder of Jesus.”
“The Centricity Worship And Friends EP is a beautiful collection of worship songs for the Church, filled with biblical truth and singable melodies,” remarks Mayberry, who not only produced the EP, but also co-wrote and is featured on some of the tracks.
The full Centricity Worship + Friends track listing and corresponding artists and songwriters follow:
1. You See Me (In Focus) Artists: Seth Condrey, Rita Springer, Centricity Worship Writers: Matt Armstrong, Seth Condrey, Rita Springer
2. Only Jesus Artists: Patrick Mayberry (featuring Chris McClarney), Centricity Worship Writers: Mike Grayson, Patrick Mayberry, Chris McClarney
3. Here At This Table Artists: Seph Schlueter, Centricity Worship Writers: Seph Schlueter, Rita Springer, James Tealy
4. First Love Artists: Frankie Barranco, Gary Rea, Centricity Worship Writers: Frankie Orella, Gary Rea, Kristian Stanfill
5. I Come Running Artists: Patrick Mayberry, Kristian Stanfill, Centricity Worship Writers: Mike Grayson, Patrick Mayberry, Kristian Stanfill
6. No Other King Artists: Heath Balltzglier, Seth Condrey, Centricity Worship Writers: Patrick Mayberry, Chris Renzema, Mitch Wong
Centricity Worship was created as a platform for song discovery with the goal of equipping the global Church with new and powerful worship songs. It’s foundation dates back to a series of songwriter retreats which birthed songs like Lauren Daigle’s “Come Alive (Dry Bones)” and Corey Voss’s “Nothing But The Blood.” These retreats have since become a part of Centricity Worship’s DNA.
“Centricity Publishing has been doing these worship retreats for years, and out of them have come some really powerful songs that have gone on to inspire worshipers around the world,” says Chad Segura,Vice President, Centricity Publishing. “Along with our own team of writers, we always like to invite other talented songwriters from around the industry as well. We love getting to do this with our friends. And in recording some of the favorite tunes from the resulting collaborations, our hope is that people will discover and connect with these songs, incorporating them into both their personal and corporate worship settings.”
