GRAMMY-nominated worship artist and songwriter Phil Wickham is bringing Christmas back to Southern California with the Hallelujah! It’s Christmas! Southern California Christmas Tour.

Fresh off the heels of his first arena tour, Wickham is offering a more intimate worship experience this Christmas. The fan-favorite, five-night tour will feature a mix of Christmas classics and newly released worship music to celebrate the reasons for the season. Designed for families and friends to gather together, the tour will create space to worship, reflect and experience the hope and joy found in the Christmas season.

“Christmas is a reminder that God came near to us in the most beautiful and unexpected way,” said Wickham. “I love that Christmas music gives us an opportunity to pause, gather together, and celebrate the hope and joy we have because of Jesus. I’m so excited to bring this Christmas Tour back to Southern California and sing these songs with friends, family, and our church community. My prayer is that, in the middle of all the lights, traditions, and celebrations, we would be reminded of what Christmas is really about—that God is with us. I can’t wait to worship and celebrate with you this Christmas!”

The Southern California Christmas Tour will make stops in Fontana, San Diego and Downey, giving audiences across the region the opportunity to experience Wickham’s Christmas music live.

TOUR DATES:

Monday, November 30, 2026 – Fontana, CA – Water of Life Church

Tuesday, December 1, 2026 – Fontana, CA – Water of Life Church

Thursday, December 3, 2026 – San Diego, CA – Maranatha Chapel

Friday, December 4, 2026 – San Diego, CA – Maranatha Chapel

Sunday, December 6, 2026 – Downey, CA – Calvary Chapel Downey

Following its inaugural gathering, Christian Music Conference (CMC) will return to APRA AMCOS in Sydney on March 5th, 2027, bringing together artists, creatives and music industry leaders for a dedicated day of insight, connection and conversation around the future of Christian music.

CMC is an annual one-day, ticketed event which gathers together the entire Christian music industry of Australia to Grow the Genre and Advance the Gospel.

CMC is for artists, writers, producers, worship & creative pastors releasing original music, those working within the Christian music industry, broader music industry, and those aspiring to be involved.

The 2027 event builds on the foundation established at the inaugural CMC in 2026, where artists and

creatives gathered with industry professionals, including DSPs, publishers, labels, radio programmers, touring professionals, managers, marketers and other industry leaders for a focused day of learning and connection.

Founded by Australian Christian artist manager Cameron Gullo, CMC grew from his work across labels, publishers and artist management in Australia and the United States, and his commitment to championing Christian art, and bridging the gap between church and industry.

That purpose is expressed simply through CMC’s mission: Grow the Genre. Advance the Gospel.

The 2027 speaker, artist and program announcements will be released in the lead-up to the conference, with newsletter subscribers receiving updates and ticket information directly.

Event Details
Event: Christian Music Conference (CMC)
Date: Friday, 5 March 2027
Location: APRA AMCOS, Ultimo, Sydney
Format: One-day, ticketed Christian music industry conference
Hashtag: #CMC27

About Christian Music Conference
Christian Music Conference is an annual Australian gathering for artists, writers, producers, worship & creative leaders, and professionals working across the Christian and broader music industries.

CMC creates access to practical industry knowledge, experienced voices and meaningful connections across the people helping Christian music develop and reach audiences. Grow the Genre. Advance the Gospel.

For more than four decades, Brooklyn-born Bishop Hezekiah Walker has used music and ministry to inspire generations. He has also been extending that legacy into the work of making his community stronger. This month, Walker celebrates the grand opening of a housing development that has been six years in the making. The ribbon cutting ceremony for HezHouse Apartments, a 10-story, 236-unit affordable housing complex in East NewYork, Brooklyn, will be held on October 21^st.

The opening of HezHouse Apartments is commemorated as Walker is also enjoying a new distribution deal with Roc Nation Distribution, where he was signed in November 2025. “Favor,” reunites Walker with his Love Fellowship Choir for their first stand-alone single in 10 years. “Favor” is the first single from Walker’s Roc Nation deal and is currently available on all digital streaming providers while also impacting radio.

“For decades, God has allowed me to make music that has touched lives, and now He has given me the opportunity to build something tangible for my community,” says Walker. The opening of HezHouse Apartments, the new song, and the new partnership with Roc Nation are all part of the same journey for me: using every gift and every opportunity to inspire, uplift and create a legacy that will outlive me.”

Stanley Brown of Timeless Music Group/TITLE9, brokered Walker’s deal with Roc Nation Distribution. Brown says “when we founded the Love Fellowship Choir, it changed the look and sound of the Black choir while paving the way for many others who are still relevant today. Hezekiah Walker was featured on my debut single “God Is Good” along with Karen Clark Sheard and Kierra Sheard, which earned Roc Nation its first Grammy nomination in Gospel. When the vision started unfolding to further establish Roc Nation’s presence in the Gospel/Inspirational space, Hezekiah Walker was one of the first artists I called. We are moving with intention and excellence to have a real cultural impact, and it is an honor to have Hezekiah Walker as part of the journey.”

In 2013, Walker founded the Hezekiah Walker Community Development Corporation to create resources that empower the East New York, Brooklyn community where he grew up. HezHouse apartments is its first major project, and it amplifies Walker’s commitment to the community that birthed both his ministry and his artistry.

Hezekiah Walker is a legendary gospel artist, songwriter, preacher and community advocate. He formed the Love Fellowship Choir in 1985, invigorating the Gospel music genre with levitating energy that earned numerous accolades, including two Grammy Awards. Hezekiah Walker and Love Fellowship Choir has a rich catalog of 15 albums, but their iconic song “Every Praise” has arguably made the most indelible impact on the Gospel music landscape. The song spent a remarkable 102 weeks on the Billboard Hot Gospel Songs chart and topped the Gospel Airplay chart for 26 consecutive weeks. In 2019, Billboard named “Every Praise” the Gospel Song of the Decade, cementing its place as one of the most influential Gospel songs of all time.

Hezekiah Walker has consistently made enormous contributions to faith, music, community and culture. Today, with the grand opening of HezHouse Apartments and a new distribution partner for his music, those contributions are poised to not only grow but to make Hezekiah Walker a name that is written in Gospel music history.

Hezekiah Walker has made indelible contributions to faith, music, community and culture. Now, with the grand opening of HezHouse Apartments and a new distribution home for his music, his influence continues to expand—cementing a legacy that will endure in Gospel music and beyond.

Country Christian singer-songwriter Jordan Rowe announces a new joint venture label deal with Capitol Christian Music Group (CCMG) and Tape Room Music, expanding his longstanding relationship with Tape Room into an exciting new chapter. Alongside the signing, Rowe has announced his first track release under the new partnership, “If Jesus Lived In My Hometown,” arriving Oct. 23.

“Tape Room and Capitol don’t only believe in me, but also in the direction the Lord has called me to with this music,” shared Rowe. “I’m thankful, I’m ready and I can’t wait to launch Kingdom Country with this all-star team.”

“It didn’t take long for us to recognize that Jordan is a special artist,” shared Brad O’Donnell (CCMG). “The quality of his songwriting, his authenticity and the way he weaves his faith into his music set him apart in country and Christian music. We’re thrilled to welcome him to CCMG and look forward to working with Ashley and the entire Tape Room team to take his music to the world.”

“We’re so pumped to partner with Capitol Christian and Jordan, a true country boy with an authentic voice and a heart for Jesus,” shared Ashley Gorley (Tape Room). “We are excited to watch him bring the message to everyone, simply by being who he is and singing his brand of country music.”

“Jordan is an incredible artist with a clear sense of who he is and what he wants his music to stand for,” shared Alicia Pruitt (Tape Room). “We’re incredibly proud to be building this next chapter with him at Tape Room, and having Capitol Christian alongside us makes it that much more special. We believe Jordan’s music will connect with people and touch many lives through his lyrics.”

Rowe continues to build momentum with his signature “Kingdom Country” sound, blending his Georgia roots with his faith and love for country music. Since signing his publishing deal with Gorley’s Tape Room Music in 2020, Rowe has released music featuring Lainey Wilson, Tracy Lawrence, Rhett Akins and Eddie Montgomery, while building a standout songwriting catalog with cuts recorded by Luke Combs, Jordan Davis and Cory Asbury. He has also shared the stage with major artists including Cody Johnson, Jon Pardi, Cole Swindell and Anne Wilson, while earning recognition from Rolling Stone, American Songwriter and CMT.

His forthcoming track “If Jesus Lived In My Hometown” imagines what life might look like if Jesus lived in a small southern town. Drawing inspiration from the familiar places and everyday moments of his hometown, Rowe reimagines the miracles of Jesus through the lens of small-town life, bringing biblical stories to life in a way that feels closer to home.

“Writing ‘If Jesus Lived In My Hometown’ made me ask myself a hard question: if Jesus walked the streets of my town, who would I have been in the story?” shared Rowe. “I hope listeners hear it and ask themselves the same thing.”

As the world’s leading Christian music company, Capitol Christian Music Group (CCMG) is a market leader in recorded music, distribution and music publishing. The company has helped shape the careers of some of Christian and gospel music’s most recognized artists, including Amy Grant, Chris Tomlin, TobyMac, Crowder and Tasha Cobbs Leonard. With a longstanding history of developing artists and expanding their reach across Christian and mainstream music, CCMG’s new partnership with Tape Room builds on Rowe’s established foundation, opening the door for continued growth and new opportunities.

With a new label partnership in place and more music on the horizon, Rowe looks ahead to the next chapter of his growing career. 

Camp Electric, the annual music and faith camp for teens held at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, is inviting aspiring artists to step up to the mic for its 4th Annual Rock the Camp contest, powered by Fender. Entrants will submit a performance video, rally their supporters during public voting and compete for a grand prize that includes an opening slot for Dove Award-winning Christian hip-hop artist KB at a live show in Nashville next summer and a Fender 75th Anniversary electric guitar.

Video submissions will be accepted October 5 – November 6, 2026, with public voting running November 2 – 15, 2026. Supporters may vote once per day, per email address. Public voting will play a major role in determining the top five finalists, whose videos will advance to a panel of artists and music industry professionals for final review on November 6.

The judging panel includes award-winning producer, composer and songwriter Tommee Profitt; chart-topping Christian artist Colton Dixon; California alt-pop recording artist bodie; contemporary Christian artist and songwriter Terrian; and Charles Van Dyke, VP of Promotion & Partnerships at Provident / Sony Music. Many past winners of Rock the Camp have received record deals, notably 2019 winner Joseph O’Brien, who is now signed with Gotee Records.

The panel will select one grand prize winner from the five finalists. The winner will receive an opening slot for KB in Nashville in summer 2027 and a Fender 75th Anniversary electric guitar.

Rock the Camp is part of Camp Electric’s mission to inspire the next generation to develop their gifts and use them for the glory of God. Camp Electric returns to MTSU June 27-July 1, 2027, for students ages 13-19, with its artist and instructor lineup to be announced.

From guitar and drums to songwriting, vocals and more, Camp Electric students learn from working musicians and industry professionals who offer practical guidance to help them grow. Past and present instructors include players associated with artists such as TobyMac, Forrest Frank, Carrie Underwood and for KING + COUNTRY.

Fresh off their first GMA Dove Award win, worship collective Red Worship announces its first headlining tour, THE WITNESS TOUR, with tickets on sale now. The announcement follows a milestone week for the group, which took home the Dove Award for Gospel Worship Album of the Year, marking a defining moment in its growing impact on worship music after the recent release of its new live album, WITNESS.

Born out of Redemption Church in San Jose, California, Red Worship has quickly become a dynamic voice in worship music, amassing more than 75 million career streams and a social audience exceeding 1.5 million. Kicking off April 8, 2027, in Orlando, Florida, THE WITNESS TOUR will make 12 stops across the country, bringing the collective’s bold, presence-driven worship experience to audiences for nights centered on breakthrough, freedom, and encountering God.

“This is such a special moment for us. When Red Worship started, our heart was simply to create music that would lead people into an encounter with Jesus. To now celebrate our first Dove Award win and announce our first headlining tour is honestly beyond anything we could have imagined,” shares Red Worship. “We’re incredibly grateful for everyone who has believed in us, prayed for us, and been part of this journey. More than anything, we see this as a testament to God’s faithfulness. We’re excited for what’s ahead, and we can’t wait to get in rooms across the country, worship together, and see what God does. We really believe we’re just getting started.”

The tour announcement follows the September release of Red Worship’s latest live album, WITNESS. The 14-track project captures the collective’s signature blend of contemporary worship, gospel and urban influences, along with hymns and spontaneous moments of praise. Featuring songs including “Yeshua,” “Memories,” “Christ Our King,” “Testify (smell like smoke)” and “We Lift Your Name,” the album reflects the heart of a church passionately pursuing God’s presence while creating songs for the global Church.

Red Worship’s first Dove Award win marks another significant milestone for the collective, following its inaugural nomination in 2025 and two nominations in 2026. The group continues its momentum this fall as part of CeCe Winans’ Come Worship! Tour, before bringing its own live worship experience to audiences nationwide on THE WITNESS TOUR next spring.

RED WORSHIP — THE WITNESS TOUR 2027
April 8 — Orlando, FL
April 9 — Birmingham, AL
April 10 — Charlotte, NC
April 11 — Powder Springs, GA
April 15 — Sunset Hills, MO
April 16 — Memphis, TN
April 17 — Houston, TX
April 18 — Keller, TX
April 22 — Baltimore, MD
April 23 — Bensalem, PA
April 24 — Hawthorne, NJ
April 25 — Grove City, OH

 Grace Graber has launched the second season of her powerful Breaking Through With Grace Graber podcast, a K-LOVE Podcasts production. The first episode features a conversation with David Leonard, who takes listeners into his deeply personal journey with his daughter’s health crisis.

The podcast is no stranger to hard conversations. Throughout the first season, Grace Graber sat down with guests like Meredith Andrews, Josh Wilson, Stephen Stanley and Matt Hammitt to talk about mental health and faith.

“Season one was super healing for me. It was healing to grow with my podcast team,” Grace Graber, known for her lively punk rock takes on worship songs, shares. “I learned how to advocate for my audience, not in just music and singing about what I’m feeling, but through tapping into what people are going through and trying to speak to it.”

Along the way, Grace had more than her fair share of breakthroughs as well.

She continues, “I learned that like everything is connected in that the body keeps the score. I had a lot of personal growth in the background while we were filming the podcast.”

Some of that growth came through the natural growing pains of being a rapidly ascending artist who has been striving to be heard for years — and is finally hitting radio play success with a top 25 CHR single for her take on “Gratitude” and multiple viral punk worship covers on social media. The impact has come with its fair share of challenges. The Breakthrough continued to keep Grace grounded in what it’s all about.

“I feel like it’s so easy as an artist to stay in your bubble and focus on yourself. This podcast forced me to think about people other than me, about the impact that stories, these topics and these conversations, can have beyond just me,” Grace says.

The songwriter, mental health advocate and social media influencer is taking everything she’s learned into season 2 of the podcast, as is clear from episode 1. David Leonard has yet to offer an in-depth sit down interview about what he went through with his daughter’s health or how that continues to impact his own emotional landscape on a daily basis. Grace Graber’s empathetic, warm, welcoming approach is the perfect place for that conversation to be hosted.

Season 2 also hits as Grace prepares to release her next single, which leads into a new album later this year.

“People keep telling me that this is just the beginning. To be honest, I can’t believe it’s just the beginning because all my wildest dreams have come true,” Grace offers. “Season 1 kind of plays into the next single, because it feels so good to be believed in.”

She’s referencing the experience she’s had of consistently finding her teenage heroes in her corner, from collaborating with Hawk Nelson to Adam Agee of Stellar Kart serving as her manager in this chapter while she heads into her album Sophomore Year, due out in November.

“This last year has been incredible and it’s only gearing up to sophomore year but it’s all just stacked one by one. I’ve seen a team of people, my heroes, just fight for me,” Grace reflects gratefully. “I hope the music and these resources just show people God has so much more in store than we could possibly imagine. He is not finished with any of us.”

Five-time GRAMMY nominee, two-time NSAI Songwriter-Artist of the Year and award-winning hitmaker Matthew West is extending his nationwide Jesus Is King Tour into spring 2027 with 18 new dates. The additions bring the tour to 35 dates total, including a newly announced April 25 show at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium. The spring run begins April 8 in Myrtle Beach, S.C., and continues through May 8 in Raleigh, N.C.

“One of the most meaningful parts of this tour has been hearing crowds sing these songs night after night,” shares West. “These songs were written to point us to Jesus — the One who is seated on the throne, the One who is worthy of it all. I can’t wait to keep singing these new songs with you and share the message of Jesus Is King with even more people.”

Named after West’s 14th studio album, Jesus Is King, released on Sept. 25, the tour brings the record’s message to audiences across the country. West wrote or co-wrote all 12 songs around a central question: Who is Jesus, really? Each track fills in the blank, “Jesus is ____,” as he explores faith, failure, forgiveness, unanswered questions, surrender and hope. The album opens with its title track and returns to it in a closing reprise, a declaration West comes back to after wrestling with what it means to let go of control. He also released the Jesus Is King short film, letting listeners into the heart of the album, available on YouTube now.

West will also bring Jesus Is King to TBN this Wednesday, Oct. 7, for A Night of Worship with Matthew West, a special worship program airing at 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. ET as part of TBN’s Worship Takeover week leading into the GMA Dove Awards.

LISTEN: JESUS IS KING

Further cementing his status as “one of Christian music’s most prolific songwriters” (Billboard), West just notched his 40th No. 1 song with a co-write on Jon Reddick’s “Holding On (Praise God),” adding to a decorated career defined by his rare longevity and impact as a recording artist and songwriter. In addition to being named NSAI’s Songwriter-Artist of the Year twice, West is an ASCAP Golden Note Award recipient, ASCAP Songwriter of the Year nominee and a multi-year ASCAP Christian Music Songwriter-Artist of the Year winner, with more than 375 songwriting credits to his name.

His latest book, “Don’t Stop Praying: The God Who Hears Is Just a Breath Away,”a personal, Bible-based look at the power of prayer, is available now. Keep up with West and his upcoming announcements at matthewwest.com and on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, X and TikTok.

Jesus Is King Tour Spring Dates:

April 8, 2027 in Myrtle Beach, S.C. at Palmetto Pointe Church

April 9, 2027 in Lexington, S.C. at Mt. Horeb Church

April 10, 2027 in Roanoke, Va. at Berglund Performing Arts Theatre

April 11, 2027 in Birmingham, Ala. at Wright Center at Samford University

April 15, 2027 in Jacksonville, Fla. atWestside Baptist Church

April 16, 2027 in Longwood (Orlando), Fla. at Northland Church

April 18, 2027 inFort Myers, Fla. at First Assembly of God

April 22, 2027 in Cartersville (Atlanta), Ga. at The Church at Liberty Square Cartersville

April 23, 2027 in Cincinnati, Ohio atPrinceton Pike Church of God

April 24, 2027 in Charlotte, N.C. atFirst Baptist Charlotte

April 25, 2027 in Nashville, Tenn. at Ryman Auditorium

April 29, 2027 in Richmond, Va. at Liberation Church

April 30, 2027 inReading, Pa. at Santander Performing Arts Center

May 1, 2027 in Jersey City, NY at Loew’s Jersey Theatre *Onsale Oct. 13

May 2, 2027 in Williamsville (Buffalo), N.Y. at Eastern Hills Church

May 6, 2027 in Ballwin (St. Louis), Mo. at First Free Church

May 7, 2027 in Knoxville, Tenn. atKnoxville Civic Auditorium

May 8, 2027 in Raleigh, N.C. at Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts

New Day Records (a part of Daywind Music Group) is excited to announce the signing of Ledbetter Brothers.

The announcement was made today at DMG’s media event at National Quartet Convention in Pigeon Forge, TN.

Made up of siblings Grant, Garrett, and Gabe, the group is no stranger to Gospel music, having grown up singing it all of their lives.

“As young boys, we grew up singing along to Daywind accompaniment tracks, never imagining that one day we would have the opportunity to sign with New Day Records and become part of the Daywind Music Group family. To now be standing here together as brothers and see that become a reality is truly a dream come true for us. We’re incredibly grateful for this opportunity and excited to see what God has in store for the Ledbetter Brothers,” shares the Brothers in a joint statement.

GRAMMY and Dove Award winning artist, Jason Crabb, introduced the group to the team at DMG. “There’s nothing I love more than brothers. When the Ledbetter’s first called, I felt like I had to say, ‘no’ because I didn’t feel I would have the time to devote to the record, but then I felt the Holy Spirit tell me to produce them. They love Jesus more than anything, and music is a close second. I’m so excited for them to be with New Day Records and the whole Daywind Music Group team.”

“From the moment Jason Crabb brought the Ledbetter Brothers to our team and played us the project he produced for them, we knew we wanted to help get their music out there,” states Dusty Wells, Director of Artist Relations for Daywind Music Group. “Grant, Garrett and Gabe come from a family with a rich history in Southern Gospel music, and you can hear that heritage in what they do. But what moves me most is their heart for sharing the message of Jesus through their music and their testimonies. We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome the Ledbetter Brothers to New Day Records and the Daywind Music Group family through this exclusive agreement. I can’t wait for more people to hear them!”

Ledbetter Brothers will make their National Quartet Convention debut on Friday, October 2, as part of Jason Crabb’s afternoon showcase.

Their debut single and album, both titled ‘The Turn’, will release in January of 2027.

To stay up to date on all things Ledbetter Brothers, follow them on all social media platforms.

WieRok Records, the flagship label of Franklin, Tennessee-based WieRok Entertainment Group, has signed multi-faceted singer/songwriter, worship leader, and producer Daniel Doss to an exclusive recording agreement.

Doss, whose label debut is slated for release next year, joins WieRok Records’ dynamic roster of acclaimed talent, including chart-topping singer/songwriter Sean Rodriguez and rising husband/wife duo Grace + Max.

“We’ve come to know and love Daniel not just as an incredibly gifted artist and songwriter, but as a man with a genuine heart for ministry,” says WieRok Entertainment Group Co-Founder and CEO Lance Wieland. “At WieRok, relationship always comes before business, and Daniel feels like family. We’re incredibly excited to officially welcome him to WieRok Records and to see what God does in this next season together.”

_{Pictured (l-r): WieRok Entertainment Group Founders Lance & Tammie Wieland; Daniel & Emily Doss;
and WieRok’s Head of Publishing, Rights Management and A&R Holly Salazar.}

“I’m excited to join the WieRok family—a team with a heart for the Gospel and a vision for advancing God’s Kingdom,” Doss says. “It means so much to partner with people who share my passion for pointing people to Jesus and seeing lives transformed by Him.”

One of Christian music’s most sought-after writers for two decades, Doss’ songs have been recorded by such diverse names as Stephen McWhirter, Aaron Shust, Stars Go Dim, Seventh Day Slumber, and Joseph Habedank, and he has co-penned selections for Maverick City Music, Passion City Church, Housefires, and Red Rocks Worship, among other leading collectives. Launching his recording career with the Daniel Doss Band’s 2008 Sparrow Records set, Greater Than Us All, Doss has since released two solo albums, 2017’s Praise the King and 2023’s Revival, and he has multiple singles to his credit.