Fair Trade Services’ Baylor Wilson releases new music with her Joy Comes In The Morning EP. The EP features four tracks, including Wilson’s already released “Jesus Happened” and the title track. You can download/streamJoy Comes In The Morning today.
At 26, Wilson has already lived a lot of life – starring in Season 29 of NBC’s “Survivor,” scoring a country music publishing deal, competitive cheerleading, to name a few – before graduating from college. But, those moments were just a precursor to the life she found when she met Jesus.
Growing up in Dallas, she arrived in Nashville after a chance meeting with Jeff Hanna, lead singer of the legendary rock band The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. It was Hanna who encouraged the then high school senior to pursue her music dreams. Taking his advice, she moved to Nashville to attend Belmont University where she dove into country music and played her songs at every showcase and venue she could.
She was a college sophomore when she appeared on CBS’s hit show “Survivor,” teaming up with her mom to spend 37 grueling days in Nicaragua, where she ended up finishing in fifth place and her mom made the top three. But it was a year after graduation that she walked into an auto body car shop turned church one Sunday with a friend and her life changed forever.
“I walked in and they were worshipping and singing. It was the first time I felt free to really worship. I felt God’s tangible presence fall over me for the first time. I was weeping and weeping, realizing I didn’t want to live the way I was living anymore. I didn’t want to fill my life with things like partying and drinking and dating the wrong people. I felt a profound peace that night. Later, I found out it was because I met the Prince of Peace.”
Nashville-based singer/songwriter Abby Robertson celebrates a milestone with the release of her debut, self-titled, EP. You can stream/downloadAbby Robertson now. Accompanying mech is available for purchase on her official website.
“Y’all, I could cry honestly. These songs were birthed out of some really character building seasons in my life,” Robertson shares on social media. “Literally, every single one of these songs means so much to me. I am excited to see how God uses these songs for His glory.”
Branan Murphy releases his new EP Better King (DREAM Records & Paravel Records) to all digital retail outlets today. The North Carolina native teamed up with producers Eric Ramey, Justin Amundrud, Kyle Williams, TBabz and David Spencer to create his best work yet. Branan started releasing songs from his EP earlier last year when he debuted his first single “I Will Wait” that saw a Billboard Top 10 Hot AC / CHR single from it.
Since, songs like “Good”, “Bored (feat. Byron Juane)”, and his ever #1 Billboard Hot AC / CHR single “This World Is Not My Home” have broken new ground for the artist. Now, with a new bass driven pop single “Better King” and an Afrobeat remix by TBabz that features Oba Reengy, the EP sets the stage for what’s the come with Murphy. Branan shares his heart behind his new EP.
“To be honest, this EP kind of snuck up on us. I was writing songs in the middle of a pandemic, trying to respond to all that was happening in the world and all that was happening in me, and these songs just feel like they fit together. If anything, I think the times we’ve been living in have been a revealer. I have been able to see what’s true about myself in ways that I wouldn’t have otherwise. I see how much being dependent on God is what I was made for, how much joy there is in that dependence, how control is a mirage, how life is best when I just let Jesus be king instead of myself. This whole EP is me remembering who I am and who he is, and how that allows me to have the most freedom and the most joy in this really crazy and challenging world we find ourselves in right now.” – Branan Murphy
Dreamers releases their new EP, Land Of The Living (DREAM Records). A mixture of pop and worship, the sound of Dreamers is fresh, inviting and hopeful. The group have been dropping singles from their new EP since June when their first song “Count On” was released. Produced by Lawrence Davies and Mark Griffiths, the EP was recorded in a live night of worship at Influencers Church in Adelaide, South Australia.
Worship Leader and Youth Pastor Dan Menelaou shares the story behind the title track. “Land of the Living is based on Psalm 27. David was someone who understood depression, anxiety, rejection, abandonment, and disappointment. But in verse 13 he says, “Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living.” This is our prayer for the teenagers in our ministry and for anyone who listens to this EP – that no matter what they are facing they can take courage and know that God is good and His goodness is here during our time on earth, even in the midst of trouble.”
Lakewood Music recently performed their song “Land Of The Living” at their Lakewood Church service in Houston, TX. You can check that out here.
After releasing three successful Christian hip-hop summer playlists, Reach Records, has now released of its fourth, Summer ’21 Playlist. The playlist features 16 new tracks from Reach Records artists: Lecrae, Trip Lee, Tedashii, Wande, Hulvey alongside extended fam Jidenna, BigBreeze, Indie Tribe, Porsha Love, Funky and more.
The Summer ’21 Playlist features new music from Lecrae with“Holupwait” featuring production by Cardec Drums, Wande‘s “Don’t Worry Bout It” (ft Porscha Love), Indie Tribe‘s “Team” (ft. Nobigdyl., Jon Keith, Mogli the IceBerg, and DJ Mykael V), Jude Barclay‘s “High School Never Really Ends”and 116‘s “Moshpit” (ft Jaye Newton, Wande, and Not Klyde). Trip Leemakes his long-anticipate return on “You Got It,” and Tedashii brings “Lights In The City” to the party! “La Fiesta,” a song from the Blue Miracle movie soundtrack featuring Lecrae and Funky reappears on the Summer ’21 mix tape with additional vocals from Redimi2 and Alex Zurdo.
While you’re immersed in Latin rhythms from the “La Fiesta Remix,” the afro-beat rhythm on Lecrae’s “Everyday” featuring Limoblaze and Wondaland artist/Nigerian American singer, Jidenna (“Classic Man”) keeps the party lit! “What Reach Records is aiming to do with the Summer ’21 Playlist, is take music that typically gets overlooked from marginalized ethnic communities so the Hispanic Community, the Black community, the African community. By taking that music and elevating it, we are allowing God to penetrate different spaces and places,” shares Reach Records president and co-founder, Lecrae.
Rising Ghanaian gospel singer and worshipper Jacquelyn Oforiwaa-Amanfo (JOA) has released her much anticipated maiden gospel album “The Love Story”, available now on all digital music platforms.
Jacquelyn in a build-up to the release of this masterpiece held a very successful and well-organized album listening session on August 2, two days before the official release. The listening session was attended by media personalities, bloggers, gospel industry players, ministers of the Gospel, and more.
The Love Story album is a perfect depiction of Spirit-breathed songs carefully written, a project that speaks about the unfailing love of God in its entirety, an unrelenting love of God that is manifested through all and in any circumstance of life.
The 13-track new album is definitely an experience of different sub-genres of gospel music ranging from Afrobeat, contemporary worship, gospel Pop/R&B, Reggae, and Highlife.
Speaking about this project, JOA mentioned the importance of talking about the composite love of God in a way that people can relate to, as each song on the project adds up to the whole journey of the love with God that is still being discovered day by day.
She mentioned that in a quest to follow Christ and be found in him as an individual, she had been through a lot of many challenging moments that clearly revealed other sides of God she wouldn’t have known existed if not for those low moments. Adding that watching the love of God unfold gradually in these times was amazing.
Jacquelyn has already released five solid and beautiful singles from the album, songs we have already enjoyed. Miracle God, Dear God, Aseda ft Nana Amoah, This Love, and the very latest song “Faithful God” ft MOG. As we have tasted of this great gift of God revealed through the songs already released, there is no doubt the expectation for this project is very high.
The Letter Black has released their fourth full-length studio album in The Letter Black, a confident self-titled offering confirming that the band has fully come into their own. This is the band’s first release in partnership with Rockfest Records.
“It’s about confidence, not arrogance,” lead singer Sarah Anthony reflects. “We’re finally comfortable and know who we are. We’ve become better songwriters, we’re settled in the band, and in life in general.”
That confidence became a crucial asset for Sarah and Mark Anthony, the couple who leads The Letter Black. As they found themselves unexpectedly at home throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, they used it as an opportunity to launch into the most collaborative creative process they’ve ever attempted. “I think that’s what makes this the best record, because it was truly Mark and Sarah, in a room, figuring out what’s fun and not trying to worry about what we have to do to appease anyone else,” Mark Anthony remembers.
The result is a blistering set of rock anthems ranging from the empowering “Rise,” to the gut-wrenching suicide prevention centered “Kiss of Death,” to scorching Trevor McNevan collaboration “Born for This.” The band shows off their always riff-ready musical chops through cuts like “Throwing Darts,” the album also showcases experimental moments with an electronic flavor like “Let You Go.” Throughout all of it, confidence is at the core.
“Be strong, and confident,” Sarah concludes as she thinks about the album’s core message. “Put your shoulders up, lift your head up high, take a deep breath and go. Whatever that looks like in your personal life, I hope you have renewed strength, and maybe even a smile on your face.”
Capitol Christian Music Group’s newest singer-songwriter Anne Wilson is releasing her live EP featuring the Top 5 radio hit single, “My Jesus.” The EP, My Jesus (Live In Nashville), features five songs recorded live from White Dove Barn in Nashville, including a Little Big Town cover of “Boondocks” and a new song “No Place Like Home.” Celebrating today’s release, Wilson is also debuting the live video performance of “No Place Like Home,” click below to watch.
“We recorded my three songs that were released earlier this year as different versions than the studio tracks, and I love how they turned out,” shares Anne Wilson. “I’m also really excited to share the new song ‘No Place Like Home’ as it is about my brother Jacob and our memories together on my grandfather’s farm in Kentucky. I have been so surprised by everyone’s reaction to my songs this year and being able to reimagine them live with an amazing band was really fun.”
The overwhelming response to “My Jesus” has continued since it was released earlier this year, quickly becoming one of 2021’s breakout hits. The “My Jesus” music video has more than 4M YouTube views, 12.9M views, and 290k shares on Facebook. Her three-single EP, My Jesus, has become Capitol CMG’s largest debut single launch from a new artist in nearly 10 years. Wilson has also entered Spotify’s USA Viral 50 chart with her hit song for 10 days.
Although she has lived through the tragic season of losing her brother at a young age from a car accident, she is also in a new season of seeing God sustain her and her family during hard times. A story that so many can relate to and connect with her and her music.Fans will be able to connect in person this fall as she can be seen on the Big Daddy Weave “All Things New” tour. She will also make her Opry stage debut next month on September 4th. Wilson continues to write and record new music as she prepares for a full-length debut down the road.
Some albums are destined for a certain time. After several years of evolution and change in her life, Grammy Award-Winning Artist, NAACP Image Award-Winning Actress, Songwriter, and Producer, Tamela Mann, releases her new Tillymann Music album, Overcomer, through The Orchard Distribution today, Friday, August 6. There is a new sense of authority and urgency in Tamela’s music now; she has lived these songs and is ready to share the strength and purpose she has found.
Propelled by the singer’s strong, passionate vocals, and her newfound voice as a songwriter, each of the 12 tracks on Overcomer was conceived to bring healing and hope to a world resetting after a tumultuous chapter in its history. There is plenty to unpack from a lyrical standpoint, and Tamela is at the writing helm on most of the songs.
“I poured my experiences into the lyrics, putting my heart and soul into the words on this album,” Tamela says. “It’s me looking at my life and the things I was dealing with, trying to learn from those things, and doing what I can to overcome them.”
Overcomer may be Tamela’s best work to date. Each song stands on its own as a masterful production. The album was executive produced by Tamela and her husband, Music Producer and NAACP Image Award-Winning Actor/Comedian, David Mann, with production quarterbacked by a cadre of all-star producers and writers. Special guests include Kirk Franklin and Wyclef Jean on the stand-out track melding R&B, reggae, rap, and gospel, “Hello God;” Todd Dulaney on the worshipful “Finished Work;” Travis Green, the co-writer and producer of the anthemic “Finished;” and The Fellas, on her current single, “Help Me.” “Touch From You,” the debut single from the album, added to Tamela’s bank of personal bests; the track was her seventh No. 1 on Billboard’s Gospel Airplay chart. “Source” and “He Did It For Me” are two other standouts. Says Tamela of the inspiration behind the lyrics for them both: “God is the source and my go-to when I’m lost. I can’t do anything without Him, and I never want to try to.”
Overcomer is the latest accomplishment and centerpiece in Tamela’s busy career. In Tyler Perry’s Assisted Living (BET+), she reprises her role as “Cora,” which she originated in Perry’s successful “Madea” plays, films, and hit television show, Tyler Perry’s Meet The Browns. She and David released their first book and joint album, the NAACP Image Award-winning Us Against the World. She is starring in two upcoming films: the Tyler Perry “Madea” movie coming to Netflix and Soul Santa airing this Christmas on BET, which she executive produced with David. Tamela also launched her own successful athleisure apparel line, the Tamela Mann Collection (tamelamann.com). The line has become a popular staple in the athleisure apparel space.
Tamela has always created art that encourages people and draws them closer to their faith. Her hit-laden music career includes such memorable songs as “Change Me,” “God Provides,” and the unforgettable, No. 1 Platinum-selling classic, “Take Me to the King.” Tamela has earned numerous accolades. In addition to scoring a Grammy, she is a BET Award winner, Billboard Music Award winner, and multiple Gospel Music Stellar Award, NAACP Image Award, and GMA Dove Award winner. “I love butterflies. I feel like I’m coming out of the cocoon again, energized and on fire,” says Tamela, who underwent surgery to have both her knees replaced in the summer of 2019. After taking some time to work on her health and wellness, and a fresh creative mindset, she’s stepping forward a changed woman to express her heart and soul. “This is new music for a new time and a new me,” she says.
If someone were to ask the singer/songwriter what her greatest wish was for this album, says Tamela Mann: “My heart’s desire is to give people hope and let them know there’s still compassion in the world. It’s the opportunity for me again to show God’s love and His grace. That’s my purpose in life and for Overcomer.”
Production Credits: Executive Producers: Tamela Mann and David Mann, Sr. Produced by: Phillip Bryant, Jevon Hill, Kirk Franklin, Travis Green, Dontaniel Kimbrough, Todd Dulaney, Shaun Martin, Rickey “Slikk” Offord, Stanley Green, Tamela Mann
With a passion to encourage congregational worship, create resources for churches and draw listeners closer to God, Highlands Worship releases Prayers To The King Aug. 13 to digital retail and streaming outlets globally. The 10 songs on the LP were meticulously crafted to create a contemplative, peaceful and worshipful environment to encourage and inspire listeners to connect with God in prayer.
Produced and co-written by Highlands Worship’s Chris Griffin and mixed by Chris Greeley (Bethel Music), Prayers To The King also features nine songs co-written by legendary Hosanna! Music songwriter Lynn DeShazo (“Ancient Words, “More Precious Than Silver,” “Be Magnified,” etc.).
“Our goal with writing songs specifically for the prayer environment is to help create the moment where we can connect with God,” shares Griffin. “The Bible says, ‘Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise [Psalm 100:4].’ Worship can walk us into God’s presence.”
Uniquely written and recorded for the Pray First app created by Church of the Highlands, one of the largest churches in America, the new music is being shared with the world on the app at no cost. Churches and individuals are invited to download the app for free on their devices via the Apple App or Google Play stores. In fact, the open-source app is built so that if churches wish, they may reconfigure the app specifically for their congregations.
“Our prayer is that the playlist of songs in the app is way more than just music— we hope it helps people encounter God in a real way,” continues Griffin.
Along with the app, Highlands Worship has beautifully captured every Prayers To The King song on video. These videos will release in the coming weeks, with select video premieres to be announced soon.
Prayers To The King and the Pray First app are an extension of Church of the Highlands’ annual 21 Days of Prayer that begins Aug. 8 and invites congregants to pray over their church, communities and nation.
“Pray First is a saying that the people of Church of the Highlands use often to remind us that in every situation we should take our burdens to God,” shares Worship Pastor John Larson, who leads Highlands Worship’s team of 1,000+ members and 70+ full or part-time musicians. “Prayer is our first priority, not our last resort. The Bible says that God sees when each sparrow falls [Matthew 10:29]. So how much more does God love and care for us? Our hope is to pray without ceasing; that every moment of our lives is covered by a faith-filled habit of prayer.”
The full Highlands Worship, Prayers To The King track listing follows:
