After much anticipation, GRAMMY Award-winning Hillsong Worship unveils their latest album, “These Same Skies.” Available now across all digital platforms, the new compilation marks the multi-platinum selling group’s first live recording since the release of “There Is More” in 2018. A physical version for “These Same Skies” will drop on Dec. 3. Listen to the album here.

The album is the first Hillsong Worship project recorded entirely stateside (in Orange County, Calif.), and is inspired by the Gospel of Matthew and the setting of the historical Sermon on the Mount. “These Same Skies” highlights Hillsong Worship leaders Brooke Ligertwood, Reuben Morgan, Benjamin Hastings, Aodhan King, Chris Davenport and Mi-kaisha Rose.

“It is under these same skies that Christ’s church–His body on earth–exists today,” says Ligertwood. “And–though separated by oceans and closed borders–the mission of Hillsong Worship continues under these same skies. One in heart and spirit, unified in mission and cause–to glorify the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, to build His Church, and to serve His Church with the new song.

Adds Ligertwood, “We pray and believe that all of our labor sown in faith will mean a harvest for God’s glory, and we pray something that really blesses you and helps you to encounter Jesus in a fresh way in this season.”

“These Same Skies” features 11 newly penned powerful tracks, including the group’s recently released singles “That’s The Power (feat. Benjamin Hastings),” and “Never Walk Alone (feat. Mi-kaisha Rose).” Since its October debut, “Never Walk Alone (feat. Mi-kaisha Rose)” has seen more than 1.7 million global streams.

With more than 7 million YouTube subscribers and 2.8 billion YouTube channel views, as well as an 8 million+ social media audience, Hillsong Worship continues its global legacy to reach nations and generations by writing and leading songs that influence both individual devotion and congregational worship for the glory of God. Their catalogue of songs are sung by an estimated 50 million people worldwide each week. To date, the group has garnered 7 billion career streams and over 20 million career album sales. In 2018, Hillsong Worship earned its first-ever GRAMMY for Best Contemporary Christian Music Song/Performance with “What A Beautiful Name” and has won nine GMA Dove Awards. While the GRAMMY® Award winning “What A Beautiful Name” topped the Christian Airplay charts for nine consecutive weeks and reached RIAA Platinum certification (900 million global streams), a host of others such as, “Who You Say I Am,” “King of Kings,” “Cornerstone,” “Mighty To Save” and “This I Believe (The Creed)” continue to inspire, encourage and minister to millions of people around the globe.

Grammy-nominated Songwriter Alvin Garrett’s recently released The Lightness Of Love Deluxe album shines a light on the importance of coming together and giving back with four new tracks, ahead of the holidays. Featured by People.com, American Songwriter, USA Today, Urban Music Scene and FOX Soul “The Book Of Sean,” with a poignant message of building unity and sharing positivity, The Lightness Of Love Deluxe includes “Flowers,” a tribute song to those who tirelessly sow seeds into others and their communities, “Forever,” “Make You Happy,” and “It Feels So Good.” Hailed as an artist that “…believes love is the great unifier — and he proves it…” (People.com), the Grammy-nominated songwriter is currently featured as the Braver Angels Artist of the Month with a call to bridge partisan divide. In an in-depth conversation, he shared more about how giving back and empowering your community can help bring people together, watch the full interview here: https://braverangels.org/aom-alvin-garrett/.

In addition, Garrett is currently featured in Birmingham Lifestyle’s Nov. Giving Back issue with his innovative songwriting program “The Write Life” offered through nonprofit The Dannon Project, one of the nation’s leading reentry and training-to-work agencies.

“‘The Write Life’ is not just about a songwriting program, but a life coaching process to help people build the confidence to share their own stories, a positive mindset and relationships that can help break down preconceived barriers,” explained Garrett.

Speaking with Birmingham Lifestyle, he added “I love giving back as a mentor — not just teaching songwriting but also representing who a person can be through working hard, making good decisions and dreaming.”

The triple threat singer/songwriter and producer recently released the music video for title track “The Lightness Of Love,” featuring guest co-star Meredith Lilly, the State Director for U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock of Georgia and former campaign manager for President Barack Obama. Earlier this year, he performed his emotive, self-penned song “It Starts In The Heart” as the opening to the 56th annual Selma Bridge Crossing, one of the largest annual Civil Rights Commemoration events in the world.

Listen to The Lightness Of Love Deluxe, here: https://alvingarrett.hearnow.com/the-lightness-of-love-deluxe

Singer, songwriter, and worship leader Ryan Ellis was introduced this past summer as the newest member of the Provident Label Group/Sony Music family with his powerful debut single “Heart of the Father.” The song, which at press time has more than five million streams, continues to be heard on radio stations across the U.S. and is the most-added single this week, vaulting it into the Top 20.

On the heels of its success, PLG announces Ellis’ release of Episode I, his six-song compilation blending worship, pop, and R&B. Available now, Episode I has already received key placements on all major digital service providers. Click HERE to find out more.

Ryan Ellis’s name may be new as a signed artist, but he’s been preparing for this moment his entire life. With songwriting talents that have allowed him to pen songs for Matt Redman, Natalie Grant, Meredith Andrews, Steven Malcolm, House Fires, and more, he also wrote Chris Tomlin’s “Resurrection Power,” earning him a GMA Dove Award nomination and ASCAP’s “Most Performed Song” award in 2018.

Accolade, however, is not the fuel of Ellis’s fire. He shares, “I’m a devoted husband and father first. I have a deep love for Jesus and the way that songs draw people in to experience Him, to be inspired and encouraged, and ultimately to let them know that they are loved. Music is the language that everyone can understand, and it’s all I know how to do.”

Prior to partnering with Provident, the San Diego native spent five years serving in the U.S. Navy, including a tour of duty in Afghanistan, yet his gift for artistry had him singing and dancing since childhood. Honing his skills to becoming a founding member of the original Jabbawockeez hip-hop dance crew, it was when he had a personal encounter with Jesus that his life changed and led him to become the Worship Pastor at Isla Vista Upper Room and overseeing Isla Vista Worship.

He eventually released the EP’s Live from the Upper Room II and Kingdom Glory, and in 2019 he dropped a dual album release Lyfe and Rysponse, both a challenge and invitation to listeners to be candid about the struggle yet stand firm in the truth and promises of God. With millions of online streams and a growing amount of listeners, there is no denying the integrity and sincerity found in the songs of Ryan Ellis isn’t falling on deaf ears. “What I want people to take away from this project is a deep relationship with the Lord,” he says. “I want them to be able to have conversation starters, to be able to jam out in the car but at the same time be thinking about heart stuff. I would love to be able to empower them wherever they are in life, to empower them to take risks and be creative, and go deeper in all relationships. That’s my heart behind this – to inspire.”

Ellis continues to reside in southern California with his wife and two children. He is represented by maddjett.

This Is Christmas, the first holiday offering from acclaimed BEC Recordings hitmaker Tasha Layton, is now available. Produced by Layton’s husband, GRAMMY and Dove Award winner Keith Everette Smith, the six-song EP features four original selections co-penned by Layton, as well as two Christmas classics.
 
Kicking off with a carefree cover of comedian Heywood Banks’ “Diddly Squat”—a big-band sendup on the watchful eye of Ol’ Saint Nick—This Is Christmas encompasses a range of seasonal sentiments, from lighthearted merriment to reverent moments of worship. Highlights of the EP include the title-cut, an anthem of praise celebrating the eternal impact of Christ’s humble birth in a Bethlehem stable; Layton’s soaring arrangement of the timeless favorite “O Holy Night”; and the poignant closing track, “Comfort and Joy,” a reminder of Christ’s promise of peace to a hurting world.
 
“I’ve wanted to do a Christmas record for so long,” Layton shares. “I love this season and I think there’s never been a time our world has needed to know the Hope of Christmas more than now. For so many, the holidays can be a difficult time, but it’s my prayer that through these songs listeners will be reminded of the true meaning of Christmas.”

“My husband is an incredible producer, and I personally think he pulls off Christmas music especially well,” she adds. “Keith and I loved working on this project together. The album is like a variety show, offering a little bit of everything stylistically. There are a few songs for churches to use during the holiday season, and some that are just plain fun!”
 
This Is Christmas is the latest in a string of milestones for Layton this year. Her current single, “Look What You’ve Done,” remains a Top 5 hit on Billboard’s Christian Airplay chart; and she made her debut on ABC’s GMA3: What You Need To Know last week, discussing how past struggles have shaped her life and inspired her music. Layton also recently served as co-host of the 52nd GMA Dove Awards Pre-Telecast, presented by AWKNG TV. In addition to sharing hosting duties with acclaimed Gospel singer/songwriter DOE, Layton performed a stirring acoustic rendition of “Look What You’ve Done” during the ceremony.
 
One of Billboard’s Top 5 female Christian artists of 2020, singer/songwriter and worship leader Tasha Layton has quickly become a familiar voice on Christian radio with such hope-filled anthems as “Look What You’ve Done” and her breakthrough single, “Into The Sea (It’s Gonna Be OK),” which was among the biggest hits at Christian radio last year. Prior to her solo career, Layton appeared on Season 9 of American Idol and spent four years as a back-up vocalist for pop superstar Katy Perry. A South Carolina native, her voice has been heard in productions for Disneyland and Cirque du Soleil; she has served as an instructor at the National Praise and Worship Institute at Nashville’s Trevecca Nazarene University; and Layton is featured in pro-audio company TC Helicon’s book, “The Ultimate Guide to Singing.” Also a newly minted author, Layton’s guided prayer journal, “Boundless: Moving Freedom From Your Head To Your Heart,” released last month.

Singer, songwriter and worship leader Patrick Mayberry releases his Holy Spirit Come EP today (Nov 5) from Centricity Music. Available now at digital and streaming outlets globally, the 6-song recording features the Air1– and Worship Leader-premiered title track, lead single “Breakthrough Miracle Power” and more songs steeped in community with language meant to inspire a wide spectrum of worshippers to join in a heavenward chorus.

“All of these songs have been written for the people of the church!” exclaims Mayberry. “I pray that they meet people right where they are in their journey with faith and the Lord…that they would continue to shape and transform how they view themselves and God while pointing to how God views them – as His kids who He’s crazy about!”

With the title track, “Holy Spirit Come,” Mayberry also reminds Christians that “…we can call on the Holy Spirit as our counselor, our healer, our deliverer. Imagine what our lives, our families, our churches would be like if we continually lived with that in the forefront of our minds and hearts! I pray this song is an anthem for our churches that would flow to every inch of our lives!”

A current multi-format, top 25 and climbing AC Indicator and NCA Monitored Billboard charts radio hit, “Holy Spirit Come” has also become Mayberry’s first concept music video. Directed by Elliott Eicheldinger and produced by Joshua Wurzelbacher, the video features James Duke on guitar, Bede Benjamin-Korporaal on piano, Dan Mackenzie on Bass and Tucker Wilson on Drums.

Loveth drops her highly anticipated 6-track EP, “Best Place To Be“, with lead single “Best Place To Be” executive produced by Spiritualbeatz, plus tracks like “Okosisi Na Enye Ndu,” “Something About Your Name,” “Over Do,” “You Be God,” and “I’m A Winner.”

Her Debut single “You Be God” was released just a few weeks ago in both audio and visuals. The video features cameo appearances from popular comedians such as MC Edopikin and Real Warripikin. It was shot and directed by IdeaHub. 

Loveth propels us into her own spiritual soundscape that brims with unexpectedness and surprise. BEST PLACE TO BE by Loveth, showcases her ability to play with a selection of sounds.

Stream / Buy EP on Boomplay

Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame inductee and Journey band member Jonathan Cain globally releases his six-song EP, Oh Lord Lead Us, today (Oct. 29) from Identity Records with The Fuel Music distribution. The EP precedes Cain’s upcoming and sixth solo album in as many years (release date to be announced) and continues this iconic artist’s offerings of faith-inspired new music.

Following the release of his biggest solo hit to date with the title track “Oh Lord Lead Us,” which was featured by American Songwriter, The 700 Club, ABC Audio, Worship Leader, Ultimate Classic Rock and many more, Cain’s new EP is a beautifully crafted musical invitation to prayer, renewal and commitment.

“It’s not just ‘I go to church,’ it’s a love exchange, a love surrender,” shares Cain, who leads worship weekly at City Of Destiny where his wife, Paula White-Cain, is the Senior Pastor. “We have a 24/7 God, and every year we need to reestablish a covenant with our faith and recommit with praise, worship and prayer. The more you can commit, the more blessed you will be.”

Cain, who is earning his pilot’s license, likens it to flying an airplane. “You can’t just halfway be a pilot, you have to be all in.”

Sharing his personal faith story along with new music in December on the debut episode of the Pure Flix show, “Rockin On Heavens Door,” Cain’s “Oh Lord Lead Us” will also serve as the show’s theme song, opening each episode that is set to feature other well-known musical guests.

In addition to the title song, Oh Lord Lead Us includes “Something Greater,” named after and inspired by his wife’s acclaimed book, and the American Songwriter-premiered “Beautiful Thunder.”

“There’s a conversation going on up there as sound waves roll across the land,” thought Cain as he watched a recent storm near his home in Florida. “You can feel the earth shake, the ground beneath your feet rolling. It’s one of the only places you can see power like that. This is a way that God can get to us, how He got to me. Next time people hear a thunderstorm, I hope they think of this song.”

Roll on, roll on

Mighty waves that shake the ground

Roll on, roll on

Move with glorious sound

Beautiful Thunder

(From “Beautiful Thunder” chorus)

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), Oh Lord Lead Us was recorded at Cain’s state-of-the-art Addiction Sound Studios in Nashville with select parts done remotely.

With more solo music, a songwriting event and a Christmas concert to be announced in the near future, Cain, with his band Journey, closed the second and final night of the iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas Sept. 18 in an iHeart-lauded “epic performance.” Featured this week in the Wall Street Journal, Cain also led worship during the Unleashed Conference hosted by Paula White Ministries (Sept. 30 – Oct. 3).

Cain is further host of the “Anchored” podcast, sharing his heart on topics of faith, family, marriage, manhood and music, and is featured on his wife’s television shows “Paula Today” and “Faithfully” seen on the Life Network For Women and Daystar Television.

Releasing five solo albums over the last several years, including his 2019, Billboard-featured More Like Jesus that Parade calls a “triumphant new album,” the solo recordings follow a long line of hits that bear this iconic artist’s signature. As a member of Journey, Cain 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.

All the latest news about Cain, his solo albums and Rolling Stone–lauded, Publishers Weekly-bestselling Don’t Stop Believin’ book, touring, speaking engagements, philanthropy and more can be found at https://jonathancain.org/, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Spotify and TikTock.

Bethany Music has released its new EP, The Gospel Sessions.

The six-track project, birthed from the worship community of Louisiana’s Bethany Church, declares God’s victory in troubled times.

Songs on the project include: More Than A Conqueror, Good, Good News, Satisfied, You’ve Prayed So Long, I Will Worship You and Been So Good.

“These songs were written during the global pandemic, but also during a time where we were launching a new campus in New Orleans,” says Bethany Music Director, James Stockstill. “We experienced a lot of spiritual warfare and push back, and that came through in these songs. Even during the live recording we had family emergencies and different attacks happening. The heart of this project is that even amidst unprecedented struggle and challenges, our songs of praise to the Lord bring us peace in the storm and victory in all things.”

Produced by BJ Putnam and Leonard Jarman, and penned by a host of writers including Stockstill, Jonathan Stockstill, Putnam, Chris Burns, Meagan Stockstill, and Gregory Hill, the project carries the spirit and sound of a unified Church.

“While writing we noticed a common gospel music theme coming through. Many of us have a deep love and history with gospel music and that caused us to see that sound taking shape. So many of the thoughts presented in this project were written during a time where we all felt such a sense of unrest, strife, and confusion in our country over a litany of things and I think that’s what makes this project so special. The unity, diversity, and genuine joy captured in each song is a reflection of who we feel like the Church should be in this hour,” shares Stockstill.

With a collaboration of world-class artists and musicians on the project featuring Stockstill, Putnam, Chris Burns, and Charlin Neal, along with musicians Calvin Rodgers (drums), Justin Raines (bass), Jarman (producer and keys), Chad Carouthers (guitar), Ross Hebert (electric guitar), and Ricky Draper (organ), Bethany Music is excited to share the heart and sound of the project with listeners.

“Bethany was known for a long time as a voice in gospel music. I think this project has re-engaged so many fans and listeners throughout the years that have loved the worship and sound of this house and it also speaks a lot about who we are currently,” shares Stockstill. “We are a diverse, multicultural, Jesus loving, worshipping church.”

Anne Wilson releases holiday music with her three-track single I Still Believe In Christmas. 

I Still Believe In Christmas is available now to download or stream.

CAIN releases new holiday music with their Wonderful EP. The title track features Steven Curtis Chapman.

Wonderful is available now to download or stream.