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.

Brandon Hixson, Worship Pastor at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Ennis, has earned his second consecutive Josie Music Award for Christian/Gospel/Inspirational Album of the Year.

His album Into The Blue received the 2026 honor, following his 2025 win for Room With A View. The back-to-back awards mark a significant milestone for the local singer, songwriter and worship leader.

The 12th annual Josie Music Awards took place Sept. 20 at Nashville’s historic Grand Ole Opry House. Celebrating independent artists across a wide range of musical genres, the ceremony also recognized several music legends. Vince Gill received the Country Icon Award, Tony Orlando — known for his celebrated career with Tony Orlando and Dawn — received the Icon Award, and Billy Dean received the Lifetime Career Achievement Award. All three also performed during the evening.

For those who know Hixson primarily through his church ministry, the recognition highlights a recording career that reaches well beyond Ennis. His music combines Contemporary Christian themes with personal storytelling, drawing on faith, family and the experiences that connect people.

Hixson’s chart-topping singles include “When I Finally Make It Home,” “Autumn Fall,” “The World Is Your Stage” and “The Man in the Middle.” In May 2026, his song “My Grandparents Prayed” reached the Top 5 on the ACCMA Top 40 Christian Chart.

Since launching his YouTube channel in 2012, Hixson’s videos have surpassed 60 million views. He has also shared the stage with nationally recognized Christian artists, including MercyMe, Third Day, Anthony Evans, Love & The Outcome and Jason Castro.

A 2000 graduate of East Texas Baptist University, Hixson holds a degree in All-Level Music Education. He later earned a Master of Arts in Worship Leadership from Dallas Baptist University in 2018.

Alongside his recording and songwriting work, Hixson continues to serve at Tabernacle Baptist Church, where he leads Tabernacle Worship. His ministry and music share a common purpose: helping people draw closer to Christ through songs rooted in faith and hope.

With two consecutive Josie album honors, Hixson adds another chapter to a career that brings together local church ministry and an international listening audience.

His music is available on Spotify, other major streaming platforms and YouTube.

Music Services, a division of SESAC Music Group, today announced two leadership appointments that open a new chapter of growth for the division. Nick LaPointe joins as Senior Director of Business Development, and Jay Sudarma has been named Vice President of Marketing for Music Services and CCLI Group. Both appointments are effective immediately.

For more than two decades, LaPointe has worked at the intersection of business development, music licensing, and publishing, building the kind of long-standing relationships that turn rights into revenue for the people who own them. He joins Music Services as Senior Director of Business Development, where he will focus on bringing new clients into the division with an emphasis on YouTube administration, publishing and label administration, and distribution for artists and labels who own their masters.

Most recently, LaPointe served as Senior Director, Business Development at FUGA AVS, where he led the signing of major and independent music publishers and expanded the company’s presence in Nashville. He previously held the same title at AdRev and spent nearly two decades at Warner Chappell Music, directing mechanical licensing and YouTube operations while building relationships across labels, publishers, and artist and writer management teams.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Nick to the team. Throughout his career, he has earned the trust of independent publishers and labels by helping them turn their rights into meaningful revenue,” said Rose Cook, Chief Operating Officer, Music Services. “He brings a relationship-driven approach that aligns perfectly with our commitment to delivering best-in-class service to our clients.”

Sudarma steps into a new role as Vice President of Marketing for Music Services, alongside a promotion to Vice President of Marketing at CCLI Group, where he previously served as Director of Marketing. In this expanded capacity, he will lead global marketing strategy across both businesses, guide the division’s forthcoming rebrand, and drive the global roll-out of its shared services platform.

Over the past decade at CCLI Group, Sudarma has transformed the organization’s global marketing capabilities through data-driven strategies that expanded brand reach, strengthened customer engagement, supported revenue growth, and reinforced market leadership. His experience spans brand development, digital marketing, content strategy, website modernization, and cross-functional partnerships.

“During his tenure at CCLI, Jay has proven the value of a disciplined, data-driven approach to marketing, and this expanded role is a natural next step,” said Cook. “He will work across brands in the Music Services portfolio, including AudioSalad, Audiam, Music Services Inc., The Harry Fox Agency, HAAWK, and CCLI, bringing a unified voice to a growing collection of brands while preserving the qualities that make each one unique.”

Motown Gospel/TAMLA has promoted Justin Tomlinson from Senior Director of Marketing to Vice President of Marketing. In his new role, Tomlinson will lead marketing strategy for the label’s artists and releases, drawing on more than a decade of experience connecting music with audiences across genres.

“Justin understands how to build a campaign around an artist’s identity and bring that story to the people who need to hear it,” said Walter Thomas, Executive Vice President of Motown Gospel and TAMLA Records. “He pairs creative instincts with a deep knowledge of the gospel audience and the wider music landscape. He has been an important part of our team’s work, and I’m excited to see him lead our marketing efforts in this new role.”

Tomlinson began his career with a digital marketing internship at Motown Records/Cash Money before working in talent production at BET Networks. He joined RCA Inspiration in 2015, rising through its marketing and digital teams and working on campaigns for artists including Kirk Franklin, Kierra Sheard, Travis Greene and Koryn Hawthorne. His career also includes digital strategy roles at Sony Music Nashville and global marketing work at Atlantic Records, where his experience extended across country, R&B and hip-hop.

As Senior Director of Marketing at Motown Gospel/TAMLA, Tomlinson has helped shape campaigns for the label’s roster and supported its efforts to reach both longstanding gospel listeners and new audiences. Leading award winning campaigns for Eric Bellinger, Karen Clark Sheard, Jonathan McReynolds, Ricky Dillard, Tasha Cobbs Leonard and more.

“Gospel music has shaped my life and my career, so stepping into this role at Motown Gospel means a great deal to me,” said Tomlinson. “I’m grateful to Walter and the team for their trust, and to the artists who allow us to help tell their stories. I look forward to building thoughtful campaigns that honor the music, serve our artists and create new opportunities for their voices to be heard.”

The Gospel Music Association (GMA) is presenting a special Gospel Music Showcase as a lead-up to the 57th annual Dove Awards. The event is co-sponsored by Motown Gospel and Tyscot Records. It takes place Monday, October 5, 2026 @ 7:30 PM at Rocketown in Nashville.

The music director for the event is Grammy® Award nominated producer Dana Sorey who will open the concert with a singalong of legacy gospel artists. The evening will feature a dynamic roster of talents such as the platinum-selling ensemble, Anthony Brown & group therAPy whose current radio single “Always Be Good” is No. 3 on this week’s Billboard Gospel Airplay chart. The singing cop Mervin Mayo, who’s been racking up a million digital streams a week all summer, will perform his new single, “You Can’t Tell Me That God Ain’t Good.”

Kelontae Gavin, who just celebrated a billion TikTok views on his track, “At the Meeting,” will be there. New Tyscot Records signee, Jonathan Nelson, will be on hand to perform his new single, “When I Think, I Thank.” The brilliant contemporary quartet, BC1way, will be in the house. Stellar Gospel Music Award winner Adia is on the bill. The longest running host in cable TV history Dr. Bobby Jones and his Nashville Super Choir will be on hand to sing music from their first album in two decades. Other surprise artists are slated to sing.

Award-winning artist, songwriter, and storyteller Micah Tyler celebrates his Eighth No. 1 CCM Radio Single with “Perfectly,” continuing an impressive run at Christian radio that has seen eight of his 12 radio singles reach No. 1 and all 12 land inside the Top 10.

Stream & Enjoy

One of the most anticipated singles of Tyler’s career, “Perfectly” began generating significant momentum well before its official release. The song sparked the largest social media response of any single in his career and has since generated more than 40 million views while helping Tyler add more than 450,000 new followers. Ahead of its release, “Perfectly” also received its official premiere on SiriusXM The Message.

At its core, “Perfectly” offers a simple but powerful reminder of the Gospel: we don’t have to be perfect to be perfectly loved by God. Pairing Tyler’s signature heartfelt storytelling with an uplifting, sing-along chorus, the song has connected with listeners through its message of grace, identity, and unconditional love. “Perfectly” was co-written by Tyler, Jeff Pardo, and Jake Henry and was produced by Pardo.

The official music video brings that message to life through a fun, unexpected concept. The six-in-one video features appearances from several familiar faces, including actress Candace Cameron Bure, Super Bowl champion Ben Roethlisberger, pastor and author Jonathan Pokluda, Danny Gokey and more. The lighthearted, cameo-filled concept underscores the song’s universal truth: no matter who you are, you are fully known and fully loved.

Tyler also recently released a version of “Perfectly” featuring Colton Dixon, which has generated additional excitement as the two artists prepare to hit the road together this fall for the Colton Dixon & Micah Tyler Live in Concert tour.

 The Wild Bison Music & Arts Festival returns to the Lipscomb University campus for its third year on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The festival features two stages, 11 performing acts and a full day of music, film, fashion and visual art. Headliners include Fulton Lee, The Arcadian Wild, Pomegranate, Jolie Wing and Caleb Christopher Edwards, alongside a side-stage lineup chosen through Lipscomb student voting, faculty picks and Lipscomb’s own record-label practicum. The event is FREE and open to the public. The event takes place on the Lipscomb campus, located at One University Park Drive, Nashville.

New this year is an 11 a.m. conversation with Glenn Kaiser (Resurrection Band, Cornerstone Festival) and Steve Taylor, assistant professor at Lipscomb and a veteran filmmaker, writer, producer and recording artist, on the roots of festival culture, the “Pickin’ – a – Parton” tribute jam, a student “Mixtape Exhibition” house band, a mini-film festival of student work, food trucks, and the 1891 fashion truck.

“This third iteration of Wild Bison is sure to be the best yet,” said John J. Thompson, director of Lipscomb’s Music Industry Studies program and co-director of the festival. “We are so excited for the wider Nashville community to get to experience the music, film, fashion, and visual arts we get to take for granted every day here at Lipscomb. And of course, we are super excited to welcome Fulton Lee to the lineup — alongside The Arcadian Wild, Pomegranate, and the rest. Oh, and we are turning the annual pickin’ party into a “Pickin’ – A – Parton” tribute to Dolly! Rock, country, pop, alternative, Americana… it’s all happening here at Lipscomb.”

Full Lineup and Schedule:

Mixtape Expo: 12:30 PM (side stage)

Noelle Lidyoff: 1:10 PM (side stage)

Holiday Recess: 1:50 PM (side stage)

Jolie Wing: 2:20 PM (main stage)

Jay Tyndall: 3:10 PM (side stage)

Caleb Christopher Edwards: 3:40 PM (main stage)

Boys on Bikes: 4:30 PM (side stage)

Pickin’ – a – Parton Party in Marni Pavilion: 5:00 PM

Pomegranate: 5:30 PM (main stage)

Too Far Forward: 6:20 PM (side stage)

The Arcadian Wild: 6:50 PM (main stage)

Fulton Lee: 8:00 PM (main stage)

The festival is presented by Lipscomb’s Music Industry Studies program and produced entirely by Red Dog Productions, the department’s student-run Live Music Practicum. These students are getting an immersive learning experience as they are booking the artists, running sound and coordinating volunteers all while earning class credit and gaining industry experience. Wild Bison is co-presented by Lipscomb’s George Shinn College of Entertainment and the Arts and The Arcadian Wild and is sponsored this year by International Justice Mission.

As their highly anticipated headlining Forever Now Tour draws in thousands of fans in the states, GRAMMY-winning rock band Switchfoot sets their sights on Europe for additional tour dates. The band has announced nine new stops internationally, hitting Romania, the Netherlands and Great Britain starting February 2027. Presale for the new shows begins tomorrow, Sept. 29 at 10 a.m. local time with general onsale beginning this Friday, Oct. 2 at 10 a.m. local time.

“Europe has always held a special place in our hearts,” said lead vocalist Jon Foreman. “It was where we went on our real first tour, sleeping on the park benches in London to save enough money to go surf France! What a joy to head back to Europe to bring our new album overseas, marking the first time Forever Now will be played outside of the Americas!”

The Forever Now Tour kicked off earlier this month with a sold-out opening night in Grand Rapids, Mich., with opening weekend drawing in more than 20,000 fans across five cities and two countries in just five days. Named after their recently released album Forever Now, the U.S. leg will hit 38 cities total with stops in major markets like Los Angeles, Chicago, Nashville and more, joined by special guest Anberlin.

Fans can expect to hear their classics like “Meant to Live” and “Dare You To Move,” as well as tracks from the new album, including their current single “Absolution,” which is climbing up the Alternative charts. The band’s stop in Birmingham, Ala. last week (9/24) featured a special surprise with openers Colony House joining Switchfoot for a duet on “Beautiful Life,” Switchfoot’s current single at Christian radio.

Produced by longtime collaborator and accomplished producer Mike Elizondo and recorded largely in part at Elizondo’s Phantom Studios on the outskirts of Nashville, Forever Now is the most thematic and narrative-driven album of Switchfoot’s already storied career, spanning 13 tracks that center on the emotional roller coaster of a person’s final day of life, and more specifically, the questions one might ask themselves if confronted with the harsh but potentially enlightening reality. One of alternative rock’s most celebrated acts, the California-bred band channels the spirit that first inspired them to pick up guitars, delivering their boldest and most guitar-driven collection to date.

Forever Now Tour Upcoming Dates w/special guest Anberlin:

Oct. 2, 2026 in Montclair, N.J. at The Wellmont Theater

Oct. 3, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pa. at The Fillmore Philadelphia

Oct. 4, 2026 in Boston, Mass. at Citizens House of Blues Boston

Oct. 7, 2026 in Nashville, Tenn. at The Truth

Oct. 8, 2026 in Detroit, Mich. at The Fillmore Detroit

Oct. 9, 2026 in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. at Kewadin Casino

Oct. 10, 2026 in Chicago, Ill. at House of Blues Chicago

Oct. 11, 2026 in Omaha, Neb. at Steelhouse

Oct. 13, 2026 in Billings, Mont. at Pub Station

Oct. 15, 2026 in Denver, Colo. at Ogden Theatre

Oct. 16, 2026 in Ruidoso, N.M. at Jack’s Backstage

Oct. 17, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nev. at Bel-Aire Backyard

Oct. 18, 2026 in Phoenix, Ariz. at The Van Buren

Oct. 21, 2026 in Bakersfield, Calif. at Fox Theater

Oct. 22, 2026 in Saratoga, Calif. at The Mountain Winery

Oct. 23, 2026 in Napa, Calif. at Blue Note Napa

Oct. 24, 2026 in San Diego, Calif. at The Sound

Oct. 25, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif. at The Wiltern

Nov. 4, 2026 in Orlando, Fla. at House of Blues Orlando

Nov. 5, 2026 in Charlotte, N.C. at The Fillmore Charlotte

Nov. 6, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga. at Tabernacle

Nov. 7, 2026 in Wilmington, N.C. at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater

Nov. 10, 2026 in Raleigh, N.C. at The Ritz

Nov. 12, 2026 in Brandon, Miss. at City Hall Live

Nov. 13, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Okla. at The Criterion

Nov. 14, 2026 in Austin, Texas at Stubbs Waller Creek Amphitheater

Nov. 15, 2026 in Dallas, Texas at Annette Strauss Square

Nov. 17, 2026 in Kansas City, Mo. at Uptown Theater

Nov. 19, 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah at The Complex

Nov. 20, 2026 in Garden City, Idaho at Revolution Hall

Nov. 21, 2026 in Seattle, Wash. at The Moore Theatre

Forever Now Tour European Dates:

Feb. 17, 2027 in Bucharest, RO at Quantic Pub

Feb. 19, 2027 in Timisoara, RO at Timisoara Convention Center – Experience Hall

Feb. 20, 2027 in Cluj-Napoca, RO at Héritage Concert Hall

Feb. 23, 2027 in Utrecht, NL at TivoliVredenburg

Feb. 25, 2027 in London, UK at 02 Shepherd’s Bush Empire

Feb. 26, 2027 in Birmingham, UK at 02 Institute Birmingham

Feb. 27, 2027 in Leeds, UK at Stylus

Feb. 28, 2027 in Manchester, UK at New Century Hall

March 1, 2027 in Glasgow, UK at The Garage

Acclaimed singer/songwriter Justin Gambino was among the winners at the recent Josie Music Awards, taking home trophies for Artist of the Year Christian/Gospel/Inspirational, and EP of the Year Christian/Gospel/Inspirational for his 2025 release Just Like Jesus. The largest independent music awards show in the world, the 12th annual event was held earlier this month at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry House and featured performances from country superstar Vince Gill and pop icon Tony Orlando, among others.

During his acceptance speech, Gambino reflected on God’s faithfulness through his prodigal years. “If you would’ve told me 22 years ago when I was standing in a courtroom looking a judge in the eyes — looking at jail time or the military — I would not have believed you that I’d be standing here on this circle. But my God is in the redeeming business and He’s a Good Father.”

Gambino’s Josie Music Award-winning Just Like Jesus EP released last year from Residence Music and illuminates the joys and struggles of his post-prodigal life with refreshing candor and profound gratitude. Rooted in his signature soul-fueled, folk-rock sound, the project features five selections co-penned by Gambino and produced by his longtime collaborator Walter Halliwell.

Drawing nominees and attendees from around the world, The Josie Music Awards was established in 2015 to honor exceptional talent, growth, outstanding bodies of work, and contributions from those who inspire, encourage, and shape the culture of the global independent music industry.