Internationally recognized praise band Planetshakers globally releases REVIVAL today (Sept. 17) from Venture3Media (V3M). Available to pre-buy / pre-save now at all major digital and streaming outlets, the album was recorded live during the REVIVAL Conference held April 1-3 at Planetshakers Church in Melbourne, Australia during a brief break in the pandemic lockdowns.

With curfews set at 8:00 pm, and with only trips to the grocery store and up to two hours of outdoor exercise allowed, a word of hope – of revival – came from Planetshakers Pastor Russell Evans.

“As the world faces one of its most challenging predicaments and the church globally faces restrictions in the free world that are surprising to say the least, God declared over Planetshakers as a movement, ‘REVIVAL!’” exclaims Worship Leader and Pastor Sam Evans. “He then opened up a window of opportunity for us to join together as a church to hold REVIVAL Conference…It was raw, emotional and powerful! In the midst of restriction, God was not restricted. He moved in healing power – restoring, renewing, reviving.

“After being oppressed for months and months, it was such an incredible blessing to gather together,” continues Pastor Sam. “The songs we were singing and the declarations we were making were so the opposite of what we were experiencing. We want to share this experience with the world with the hope of encouraging and empowering others to stand on God’s promise and believe in His ability to revive any situation with His mighty resurrection power.”

Capturing the pent-up, heartfelt roar of praise and worship that erupted during the conference in perhaps the most raw live recording ever released from Planetshakers, REVIVAL is a full production experience. The album not only introduces some new worship leaders, but also features the core Planetshakers worship team consisting of Joth Hunt, Sam Evans, Andy Harrison, Josh Ham, Aimee Evans, Noah Walker, Natalie Ruiz, Chelsi Nikkerud, Rudy Nikkerud and more.

In conjunction with today’s release of the album, there is also a special Planetshakers Revival 7 Days Devotional available now on YouVersion at https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/27632-revival.

Next month, these same songs have also been recorded by Planetshakers band with Planetshakers Bible College students surrounding them in-the-round on the Planetshakers Revival, Live At Chapel album releasing Oct. 15. More information on these accessible, unique and simplified versions of the songs will be shared online at Planetshakers.com.

Although Melbourne is again locked down with one of the harshest restrictions in the world despite relatively low numbers of COVID cases, Planetshakers continues its mission to “empower generations to win generations.” The ministry is seeing huge streaming numbers online with hundreds of thousands of people from all across the globe connecting to its worship services and resources remotely.

“The passion to see other people connected to God through worship hasn’t changed…It is my greatest source of joy and continues to motivate me and propel me forward,” shares Pastor Sam. “I want everyone all over the world to experience what I experience.”

It is hard to believe that the choir responsible for one of this year’s most electrifying songs is celebrating 25 years of glorifying God through song. The good news is that this is not only true, but the 100-member choir is marking its silver anniversary with the release of a brand-new album, Third Round. This is the group’s third live recording, made even more special by the 25-year milestone.

“This is a feel-good record,” Lemons told Good Day Atlanta earlier this week. “It is our third live recording in our home of Atlanta, but it is a little different because we wanted to focus on the feel of Gospel music…how you felt when you walked into the church and heard the choir singing, and how that resonated in your spirit…the joy that singing brought to you.”

Third Round includes “For Your Good,” the single that has had fans of choir music abuzz most of the year, garnering more than 100,000 streams and hitting the #3 spot on Billboard’s Gospel Digital Sales Chart and 11 rafter-raising songs that make any day a Sunday morning church experience.

Released on HezHouse Entertainment/RCA Inspiration, Third Round is available everywhere digital music is sold.

 Preview Third Round here: https://KevinLemons.lnk.to/ThirdRoundEM!KL

A video and audio version of a high energy, full-length unplugged concert by The Rescued, a worship collective founded by songwriter/musician James Jones, has been released. “The Rescued Unplugged Live” features eight songs available across multiple platforms.

The Audio versions of the new project, available on Apple, Spotify and other digital outlets, includes unplugged versions of the eight tracks. By purchasing the entire project at betherescued.com/music, the listener receives the audio version of the unplugged concert plus two radio versions of “Fill My Cup” and “iPraise. ‘Fill My Cup” hit No. 1 at CRC Weekly, and “iPraise” climbed to No. 2 on the CRC chart. The audio digital copy also includes a code to download the “Fill My Cup” video for free. A video version of all eight songs from the unplugged concert are also available for purchase on the website.

“The production quality of this album is amazing,” says lead vocalist James Jones. Kevin Clark, a producer out of St. Louis, mixed and mastered the audio and Blue Ocean Media Group produced the video.

The Rescued is the result of Jones gathering St. Louis area worship leaders and musicians to work together to create an all-acoustic set of 25 original songs. The collective selected their seven favorites and created full band, radio versions that became the first, self-titled EP.

“Our goal is to bring light to the world and show God’s love through the songs he has poured into us.” Jones says.” John 1:5 says, ‘The Light shines in the darkness. The darkness has never been able to put out the Light.’.

“The Rescued was not meant for us as musicians to have an outlet to write and play music. It was meant for the people of the community to be part of the experience of the salvation story,” he says. “At the end of the day, that’s the only thing that matters, to be rescued.”

Red street Records’ contemporary Christian artist Cade Thompson has released his highly anticipated debut album Bigger Story, available now across all streaming platforms. Bigger Story features 10 tracks produced by longtime collaborators Matt Armstrong, Bryan Fowler, Micah Kuiper and AJ Pruis.

Recorded in the heart of Music City, Thompson sat down with some of the industry’s top songwriters including award-winning artist Matthew West, as well as Krissy Nordhoff, Micah Kuiper, Ross King, Jeff Owen, Matt Armstrong, Jeff Pardo, Benji Cowart and Ethan Hulse to pen powerful and inspiring songs drawing inspiration from personal experiences about his experience with God.

Thompson explains, “This album was written out of my life experiences which led to this one question: How would I explain the Gospel to someone who might not have ever heard of Jesus? Each song on this album has a truth that reminds us we are all a part of a bigger story, one that is bigger than ourselves. My hope for this album is that it inspires each listener to truly walk in a relationship with Jesus and join the story.”

Throughout the past year, Thompson has revealed a variety of singles to radio introducing fans to his music including “Every Step of the Way”, “Provider” and “Source of Life.”

“We are thrilled to see the impact Cade’s music is having on the industry and listeners across the globe,” says Red Street Records Founder & multi-award winning artist Jay DeMarcus from Rascal Flatts. “Last year, we planted seeds by releasing some radio singles and we are excited the date has been set for Cade to reveal his debut album. Cade is so talented, has such a heart for God and to inspire others and we are honored to be a part of his journey and help bring his music out to the world.”

Fans can catch Thompson performing his hit songs and others found on the new project, live this fall on the Step Into The Light Tour alongside Newsboys, Mandisa and We Are Messengers. For a full list of tour dates, please visit www.cadethompsonmusic.com.

Iconic multi-platinum, singer and songwriter Michael W. Smith has re-envisioned his #1 highest-selling album of all time, Worship, in honor of the 20th anniversary of the album’s release on September 11, 2001. Out today, Worship Forever has re-imagined the album from start to finish, this time, with a full symphony orchestra. The new record also includes a bonus track, “SING AGAIN”, a song with lyrics Smith felt especially appropriate for today.

Iconic multi-platinum, singer and songwriter Michael W. Smith has re-envisioned his #1 highest-selling album of all time, Worship, in honor of the 20th anniversary of the album’s release on September 11, 2001. Out today, Worship Forever has re-imagined the album from start to finish, this time, with a full symphony orchestra. The new record also includes a bonus track, “SING AGAIN”, a song with lyrics Smith felt especially appropriate for today.

Originally released on September 11, 2001, Worship offered hope during a time of despair and mourning.  Smith says, “The Worship record was a special one for me.  From the recording live in Lakeland, Florida – to the release on 9/11– the day our nation was attacked.  I’ve seen God use those songs and that music in ways I could have never dreamed.  I’m so excited, now, to have re-imagined this record – start to finish – with a full Symphony Orchestra.  This is a very special recording from an incredible night.” 

After weeks of anticipation and expectation, Minister Preye Orok releases her debut 13 track album ‘Mercy’. 

Preye Orok who started off professional music journey in 2017 has so many beautiful songs to her credit  like ‘Dependable God’, Nara Ekele, Separated & Stay. 

Her music and ministry is characterized by a deep passion for revival and soul winning. A yearning for the palpable power and presence of God in our lives. 

Unarguably she has enjoyed an array of acceptance and her songs have grown to become a tool for worship across denominations. 

She believes her songs are a tool for the church and a mantle to draw men to Christ. Preye’s passion is to see many build an intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit. 

The 13 track album is all wrapped in thanksgiving, God’s Love and Mercy. Mercy captures God’s unfailing and unwavering love towards mankind. One who regardless of our shortcomings never gives up on us rather his love overwhelms us on a daily basis. Mercy is the nature, character and attribute of God…. For it is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed. Remember, You are a Carrier of God’s mercy, if you are alive. His tender mercies are OVER ALL HIS WORK.

Production credit goes to Greenwox, Bishop, Manuz &  Sunnypee

About Preye Orok

Preye Orok is a passionate worship leader, a songwriter and a recording artist who first encountered worship at a very young age in Deeper Life Bible church where her late mother was the head of the children’s unit. Despite the loss of her mother at an early age, she stayed committed to God and became the chapel prefect in her secondary school days.

After her secondary education, she joined the Foundation Faith Church (Salem) choir in 2000 and was privileged to lead the choir as the music director in 2003.

She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Ambrose Alli University, Edo State and a Masters’ Degree in Oil & Gas Accounting, from the Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom.

Preye’s personal relationship with God and her passion for His Kingdom inspires her song writing.

Married to Offiong Orok and they are blessed with a lovely son.

Leonel Emeka Orji, a worshipper and a creative releases his first music album titled HEARTCRY OF A PILGRIM.

HEARTCRY OF A PILGRIM is a compilation of songs that are heart cries emanating from Leonel’s walk with God in different seasons of his life through this journey of faith in Christ Jesus but also relates to every believer’s walk with God in different seasons of life; and the need for every believer to be and remain in God, through personal relationship and intimacy with Christ Jesus by the Holy Spirit and seeking His kingdom and His righteousness in all things. It consists of 12 tracks and is now available on all digital stores.

Songs like “Pilgrim” from the album, admonishes and exhorts believers to keep faith reminding followers of Christ that though we are in this world, we are not of this world and to continue to keep our gaze on the Lord Jesus Christ.

Acclaimed singer / songwriter Chris Renzema releases his third full-length and second Centricity Music album, Get Out of the Way of Your Own Heart, today (Sept. 3). Available now at digital and streaming outlets everywhere, the album features lyrics that cut to the bone while singing about hope and echoing the universality of both pain and praise.

The progression to the new album began with more than 36 million audio streams of Renzema’s independent project, I’ll Be The Branches, which was a personal, but less autobiographical, worship album. This recording was followed by the sophomore, Centricity Music debut Let The Ground Rest that sparked more than 90 million streams and began to reveal more of his life story weaved into the songs. Receiving well-over one million Spotify track saves over the last year, a 2020 Pandora “Artist to Watch” nod and a GMA Dove Award nomination for “New Artist of the Year,” Get Out of the Way of Your Own Heart continues Renzema’s more personal trajectory.

“I feel like a lot of what I was struggling with over the last year-and-a-half was mostly about me standing in my own way,” shares Renzema. “In the song, ‘Get Out of the Way of Your Own Heart,’ the lyric of the bridge encourages, Take yourself down off the line, give yourself a little grace. A lot of this new album is me trying to express and process feeling a little subpar and trying to allow myself to feel OK and to be a little nicer to myself.”

While Get Out of the Way of Your Own Heart doesn’t always provide painless resolution or black and white answers to gray areas, it does emphasize the fact that we never have to wrestle with life’s hardest questions alone.

Along with the title song, this unique thematic mix is apparent in the opening track, “Hope Or Nostalgia,” the fresh perspective “Just As Good (feat. Ellie Holcomb),” the unifying, Saint Teresa prayer inspired “No Body (feat. Matt Maher),” and “Stronger Love,” which was co-written by and features Leeland Mooring.

“We wrote ‘Stronger Love’ when things were viscerally divided in our nation, with culture preaching that the solution was somewhere within ourselves. So the song became about having an anchor and a hope in something bigger than us,” relays Renzema.

“I hit this point in all the lockdowns and stuff where I was like, ‘I can’t write another song that sounds like a bummer, about me being bummed.’ You gotta just start infusing some hope and some energy into it, for your own sake,” adds Renzema. “Honestly, a lot of the sounds and songs on this record are coming from a place of like, ‘man I wish I could be playing fun music again live.’ This new album is very much geared towards being played in concerts, sang along to, rocked out to.”

Like his desire for real connections, music fans are responding similarly, scarfing up tickets as Renzema gears up for his 29-city, 32 concert “Hope or Nostalgia” fall tour that begins Sept. 7. With at least 12 sell-outs already logged, the tour has added second shows in select markets as ticket sales for every concert are nearing capacity. (See tour sizzle reel at this link.)

 Lakewood Music, the music team at the Houston-based 50,000-member church pastored by Joel Osteen, makes its debut under a new multi-year distribution and publishing administration agreement with Re:Think/Capitol CMG (a Universal Music Group company). The first full-length album under the freshly minted deal, Whatever May Come, is now available to download/stream.

“We are all so excited about this new album and this new partnership,” stated Joel Osteen. “At Lakewood, our message has always been to uplift, encourage, and bring hope to people.”

“Lakewood Music has a tremendous reach and legacy,” says Brad O’Donnell, Co-President of Capitol CMG. “Our teams at Re:Think and WorshipTogether are excited to partner with them to impact the world through music together.”

Rock mainstay The Protest has released a ferocious new project with their Death Stare EP, an adrenaline-laced collection of six fight songs. The EP, which is the band’s first multi-track project in three years, is available now at https://lnk.to/TheProtestDeathstare.

Death Stare was produced by Mitchell Ray Marlow (Papa Roach, Starset, In This Moment) and is releasing in partnership with Rockfest Records. It includes the raucous summer single “Show Up to the Showdown,” and last year’s purpose-centered “Greater.” Each of the other four previously unheard songs echoes that same determination.

“Life can be terrifying, especially lately,” the band admits. “When we realize we have been given the strength inside to face obstacles, it’s so empowering. Our courage can inspire others and be a light.”

The aggressive determination to face both internal and external opposition head-on elevates the track “Paper Tigers” to a fever pitch, an extravagantly riff-laden clap back at our demons. “The Mountain” acknowledges the challenge of staying the course through the inevitable weariness that weighs us down after years of being in the fight, while “Hell to Hold” rounds it out by telling the simple truth: it’s all worth it.

The Protest has released a new line of merch to accompany Death Stare, including special edition trading cards. The merch package is available through Rockfest Records’ online store.

“There are so many exciting things going in our world,” The Protest concludes. “We thrive live, and we are so blessed to be playing again. We can’t wait to share these new tunes!”

The Protest is Joshua Bramlett (vocals), Jarob Bramlett (drums), Adam Sadler (guitar) and TJ Colwell (guitar).