Category: NEWS

Alex Krawczyk’s “A Song for You”: A Folk Hymn of Love and Healing

Every so often, a song comes along that doesn’t just play in your ears—it settles into your bones, like a memory you never knew you had. Alex Krawczyk’s latest single, A Song for You, is one of those rare tunes. It arrives not with a bang, but with a gentle embrace, a warm cup of tea on a cold morning, an echo of classic folk storytellers—Joni, Judy, even a whisper of Leonard Cohen’s poetic touch.

Krawczyk, a rising voice in the folk-pop world, has made a name for herself with soul-stirring melodies and lyrics that heal as much as they haunt. Her 2022 debut Le Olam turned heads, but A Song for You feels more personal, more intimate.

Produced by Robbie Roth, the track is a love letter—literally. The song’s central premise is a playful contradiction: writing a song for someone who asked not to be celebrated, yet doing so anyway because love, real love, demands to be sung.

Alex Krawczyk’s “A Song for You”: A Folk Hymn of Love and Healing

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The production is as unassuming as it is effective—fingerpicked guitar, hushed percussion, and Krawczyk’s voice, a soothing balm that carries just enough ache to make you lean in closer. Lyrically, she weaves a dreamscape, conjuring images of home, the Pacific Ocean, and the healing power of music itself. Lines like “Thank you for bringing back the music, you’re proof that love can prevail” aren’t just lyrics; they’re affirmations, quiet revelations wrapped in melody.

What sets Krawczyk apart in an era of overproduced, algorithm-chasing folk-pop is her sincerity. She’s not here for viral hooks or flash-in-the-pan success—she’s here to connect. And with A Song for You, she does just that. It’s a song for a friend, a lover, a memory, or perhaps even for the listener themselves.

In the great tradition of folk music, Alex Krawczyk reminds us that songs don’t need to shout to be heard. Sometimes, a whisper carries the deepest truth.

–Tom Lange 

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Review: Zach McKenzie’s “Don’t Dish It Out if You Can’t Take It”

Riding high on the momentum of his previous UK hit, “The Day That I Found You,” Zach McKenzie returns with “Don’t Dish It Out if You Can’t Take It,” a fiery breakup anthem that melds raw country storytelling with a soul-stirring, resilient spirit. Clocking in as a defiant declaration of emotional independence, the single stands out as a refreshing twist on the traditional heartache narrative.

From the very first verse, McKenzie commands attention with sharp, vivid imagery—“I saw red when I heard the news”—setting the stage for a tale of sudden betrayal and swift self-empowerment.

The track’s narrative pivots quickly from devastation to determination, as he chooses to “pack up and leave,” refusing to linger in sorrow. This decisive move is mirrored in the upbeat, infectious melody that drives the song, encapsulating both pain and liberation.

The chorus is a high point, with McKenzie deftly blending catchy hooks and clever wordplay. Lines like “Cupid doesn’t work on a time frame” highlight his knack for turning personal heartbreak into anthemic defiance. The rallying cry, “if you’re mad because, without you, I’m gonna make it,” not only underscores the resilience at the heart of the track but also resonates as a universal call to those who’ve ever reclaimed their strength after a breakup.

Musically, the single is a rich tapestry of country twang, soulful grit, and gospel-inflected harmonies. McKenzie’s signature vocal style shines through—imbued with honest vulnerability yet buoyed by a determined energy that invites listeners to celebrate their own newfound freedom. The production is clean and vibrant, ensuring that every strum of the guitar and every beat of the drum propels the message forward with anthemic charm.

Lyrically, McKenzie continues to solidify his reputation as a storyteller who isn’t afraid to bare his soul. In the playful second verse, the twist of stumbling into new love only two weeks after heartbreak adds a touch of serendipity and humor, proving that sometimes the best way out of the darkness is to dive headfirst into the light.

Overall, “Don’t Dish It Out if You Can’t Take It” is more than just a breakup song—it’s a celebration of reclaiming one’s power and the promise of new beginnings. With its compelling narrative, infectious energy, and genre-blending production, McKenzie not only reaffirms his rising star status but also delivers a track that will undoubtedly resonate with anyone who’s ever had to turn heartbreak into a stepping stone towards something better.

For fans of smart, soulful country music with an edge, Zach McKenzie’s latest single is a must-listen—one that boldly reminds us to stand our ground and love life, even when it leaves us picking up the pieces.

Pete Dupree`

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Gary Pratt’s “Before Someone Gets Hurt:” A radio-ready ballad that hits where it hurts

Gary Pratt delivers an emotional gut punch with Before Someone Gets Hurt, a song that lands somewhere between hard-earned wisdom and aching regret. From the opening lines, the Pittsburgh native wears his heart on his sleeve, navigating the all-too-familiar moment when love turns into a losing battle.

The production leans into modern country sensibilities—clean, radio-ready, and tinged with just enough steel to keep things rooted in tradition. Pratt’s vocal is earnest and unflinching, carrying the weight of the song’s dilemma: “Believe me, I’d change if I could… But I gotta stop this before someone gets hurt.” His delivery is raw, yet controlled, underscoring the painful realization that sometimes love isn’t enough.

The melody has a contemporary, mid-tempo flow that recalls the best of Nashville’s heartbreak anthems, while the lyrics bring depth beyond the typical breakup song. There’s a refreshing self-awareness in the writing—this isn’t about blame, but rather the painful responsibility of knowing when to walk away.

Pratt’s continued success—half a million Spotify streams and counting—proves that his brand of emotional storytelling resonates with listeners. Before Someone Gets Hurt is another solid entry in his growing catalog, reinforcing why he remains an independent artist worth watching.

–Bob Allmann

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Earnest Pugh Enters Top 10 With “Don’t Give Up”

Earnest Pugh is a singer, songwriter,  best selling-author, and Emmy Award Winning actor who over the last 2 decades delivered 13 CDs projects that included 4 chart-topping radio hits such as: “Rain On Us” “I Need Your Glory” “God Wants To Heal You” and “Thank You So Much.” His latest single, “Don’t Give Up” was the featured single on two projects in 2024: The chart-topping R& B “Love Mountain” movie soundtrack as well as Pugh’s 12th CD Project, “Worthy Is The Lamb.”

According to Pugh, “I was inspired to write the song after I reviewed the “Love Mountain” movie script and became acquainted with my role (Elliot) as the father of 4 children who were navigating challenging relationships. As a family, our main kitchen-table discussion centered around navigating life’s ups and downs with an understanding that giving up is not an option.”

Earnest Pugh Enters Top 10 With “Don’t Give Up”

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Kerry Douglas, Executive Producer and CEO of Blacksmoke Music Worldwide who has been responsible for Pugh’s career for nearly 20 years stated, “I initially enlisted Earnest as an actor in the “Love Mountain” film,  but when I saw his character unfold and evolve, I challenged him to sing a song commensurate to his role in the movie and he nailed it! The upbeat foot-stomping song was produced by Aaron Carter and is available on all digital platforms.Catch Earnest in a city near you during his Spring promotional events.

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Gotee Records Announces Jess Loper As New GM

Gotee Records announces Jess Loper as the new General Manager for the independent label. She will report to Joey Elwood, now the CEO of Bell Partners Christian Music, of which Gotee Records is the primary imprint in the new agreement announced earlier this month with Bell Partners.

Previously, Loper has held the position of VP of Brand Management (Gotee Records) and Publishing (Emack Music) as well as handled A&R for artists Jon Reddick, Hollyn, Aaron Cole, Joseph O’Brien, Charly Beathard, and RENEE, cultivated writer relationships for Emack writers Tyrus Morgan, Hunter Leath, Ben Shive, and Lindsey Sweat, assisted with film and TV placements (ESPN, Fox Sports, ABC, NBC & VH1) and handled administration for Man Cub Music (Bryan Fowler & Micah Kuiper).

“As a company, we’ve changed so much over the last 10 years, and our staff, I think, is pound for pound the best in the business because our job titles do not speak to the breadth of what each person does,” shares Joey Elwood. “Jess is an example of this incredible versatility as she has touched every facet of our business (Brand Management, Publishing, Label Services, and Operations) in her eight years at Gotee.

So, it’s with tremendous excitement that we want to announce her appointment to GM, and we see this transition for her as an inevitable step in her progress as a leader in our industry and at Gotee.”

Jess Loper began her career as an Editor with Business Wire in the newsroom, which services the Associated Press with press releases for publicly held companies. From there she took her love of words into the music industry in the A&R department at Capitol CMG/Universal Music. In this position, she was an integral part of the production process for CMG’s roster of artists (Amy Grant, Chris Tomlin, Kari Jobe, TobyMac, Passion/sixstepsrecords) while also working with business affairs, union negotiations, and film & TV licensing for the label.

In 2017, she joined the team at Gotee Records as VP of Brand Management (Gotee Records) and Publishing (Emack Music). Most recently, she launched Without Labels Collective, a company that focuses on music supervision and licensing for film & television (The Jesus Music Documentary, Trinity Broadcasting Networks, The Huckabee Show, Compassion International, and Thrive just to name a few).

This new venture is also focused on educating and supporting songwriters & artists on the business side of the creative process. She serves on the Board of the CMPA and works closely with the GMA Dove Awards. Her greatest role in life has been getting to be a mom to Brody (16) & Kellen (13). In the Spring of 2022, she married her favorite songwriter, Brent Loper, on the front porch of their little farmhouse in Culleoka, TN.

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Atlanta Braves To Host Free Chris Tomlin Postgame Concert July 5

The Atlanta Braves will host a free Chris Tomlin postgame concert presented by Atlanta-area Chick-fil-A® restaurants on Saturday, July 5, at Truist Park following their game against the Baltimore Orioles.

Access to the postgame concert is free and included for fans with a game ticket. Special field pass ticket packages are now available at Braves.com/ChrisTomlin and include a game ticket and access to watch the postgame show from the Truist Park field.

Chris Tomlin is a GRAMMY® award-winning and eleven-time GRAMMY® nominee who has sold over 12 million albums worldwide with over 6.8 billion career global streams, received over 28 Dove Awards, and is a two-time BMI Songwriter of the Year honoree and ASCAP Songwriter of the Year.

Tomlin has landed 21 number-one singles, 30 Top Ten hits, and spent a combined 157 weeks at number one across his career. Additionally, Tomlin was named one of only four artists ever to receive the Sound Exchange Digital Radio Award for over 1 billion digital radio streams in 2016 and is the first Christian artist to reach Pandora’s billion streams threshold, ultimately earing him Pandora’s renowned BILLIONAIRE award.

Widely considered one of the most influential and successful Christian artists in history, Tomlin has sold out notable venues across major cities, including Madison Square Garden in New York City, Banc of California Stadium and Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Red Rocks in Denver, among others.

Tomlin partnered with Atlanta Pastor Louie Giglio in 1997 to create Passion Conferences. Atlanta held Passion Conferences’ largest conference to date, hosting over 55,000 young adults at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. For more information about Chris Tomlin, visit ChrisTomlin.com.

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Single Review: Amazing Grace – Lady Redneck

Lady Redneck brings her signature heartfelt approach to the timeless hymn Amazing Grace, offering a rendition that is both intimate and deeply moving. Known for her blend of Christian country and heartfelt storytelling, she delivers this classic with a sincerity that makes it feel personal rather than just another cover.

Vocals & Emotion

Lady Redneck’s voice is rich, clear, and emotive, carrying the weight of the song’s message with reverence. Her delivery is neither overdone nor overly polished, allowing the natural beauty of her voice and the hymn’s powerful lyrics to take center stage.

There’s a gentle vulnerability in her tone, which adds to the song’s emotional impact. She sings with a warm sincerity that invites the listener to reflect on the song’s meaning, making it feel like a personal testimony rather than just a performance.

Instrumentation & Production

The arrangement is minimalistic yet effective, allowing the lyrics to shine without unnecessary embellishments. This stripped-down production choice enhances the intimacy of the track, making it feel as though Lady Redneck is singing directly to the listener in a moment of personal devotion.

Amazing Grace – Lady Redneck

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Interpretation & Impact

What sets this version apart from countless other renditions of Amazing Grace is Lady Redneck’s ability to make it feel fresh while honoring its traditional roots. Her phrasing is thoughtful, giving space for reflection between lines, and she avoids unnecessary vocal gymnastics that many modern artists tend to add. The simplicity of her delivery makes the message of redemption and grace stand out more powerfully.

Final Thoughts

Lady Redneck’s Amazing Grace is a beautiful and touching rendition that stays true to the hymn’s essence. It’s a song of faith, redemption, and hope, and she captures all of these elements with her heartfelt vocals and simple yet effective arrangement. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Lady Redneck or just love traditional hymns performed with authenticity, this version is worth a listen.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) Lady Redneck once again proves that music doesn’t need to be complex to be profoundly moving—sometimes, sincerity is all you need.

–Jimmy Rawlings

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Chris Tomlin Takes A Seat At ‘THE LAST SUPPER’ Film As Executive Producer

Pinnacle Peak Pictures and producer Michael Scott are thrilled to announce multi-award-winning artist Chris Tomlin as an Executive Producer on the upcoming film THE LAST SUPPER. This marks Tomlin’s first foray into theatrical filmmaking, bringing his unparalleled reputation and authenticity in contemporary Christian music to the big screen. 

Hailed by TIME Magazine as the “most often sung artist in the world,” Tomlin’s global impact includes an astounding 21 number-one radio singles, 30 top-ten hits (the most of any Christian artist), and over 7 billion streams.

With a career-spanning decades, he has spent more than 158 weeks at number one on radio, solidifying his place as a defining voice in Christian music. In 2016, Tomlin joined an elite group of only four artists—alongside Justin Timberlake, Pitbull, and Garth Brooks—to receive the Sound Exchange Digital Radio Award for surpassing 1 billion digital radio streams. He also holds the distinction of being the first Christian artist to reach 1 billion streams on Pandora, earning the platform’s prestigious BILLIONAIRE award.

Chris Tomlin’s Personal Connection to The Last Supper

“I have always said that worship is more about seeing than singing and years ago, I was leading worship in Israel and that understanding was deeply reinforced. While standing in the place and seeing where Jesus gave His life, I was profoundly moved, reflecting on His final moments on Earth.

That experience was a marking moment in my life,” shared Tomlin.  “In watching THE LAST SUPPER film I have had that same spiritual encounter.  My prayer is that this film will meet people where they are and make a deep and eternal impact on their lives.”

thelastsupperfilm

A Cinematic Celebration of Divine Love and Sacrifice

The anticipation surrounding THE LAST SUPPER has been electrifying. In just a few weeks, the film’s teaser trailer garnered over 35 million views, underscoring the immense global interest in this powerful story. The newly released full-length trailer offers an even deeper glimpse into this reverent and moving cinematic journey. 

THE LAST SUPPER is an awe-inspiring depiction of the ultimate act of divine love and sacrifice, told through the eyes of those who walked alongside Jesus Christ. This deeply intimate film unveils untold perspectives, shedding new light on the profound Biblical truths that shaped salvation history. More than a retelling, it is an invitation to experience redemption, grace, and the eternal promise of hope like never before.

A Star-Studded Cast Brings The Story to Life

Directed by Mauro Borrelli, THE LAST SUPPER features a stellar cast, including Jaime Ward as Jesus, James Faulkner as Caiaphas, and Robert Knepper (Prison Break) as Judas. The ensemble also includes Henry Garrett (Silo) as Nicodemus, James Oliver Wheatley (The Lost Pirate Kingdom) as Peter, Daniel Fathers (House of the Dragon) as Joseph of Arimathea, Nathalie Rapti Gomez (Love on the Rock) as Mary Magdalene, and Ben Dilloway (Masters of the Air) as Malchus.

The film also stars Marie-Batoul Prenant (Testament: The Story of Moses), Billy Rayner (The Catcher Was a Spy), Harry Anton (The Last Kingdom), Fredrik Wagner (The Playlist), and more.

Chris Tomlin Takes A Seat At ‘THE LAST SUPPER’ Film As Executive Producer

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Ellie Holcomb’s New Book ‘Spring Sings’ Climbs To #1 On Children’s Easter Books On Amazon

Award-winning author and artist Ellie Holcomb has released her new children’s book, Spring Sings (B&H Publishing). This beautiful picture book climbed to the No. 1 new release on the “Children’s Easter Books” chart on Amazon after release. Check out Spring Sings now.

Holcomb uses her beloved lyrical writing style to encourage young readers to watch as the world slowly wakes from winter – to know that the new life of spring also retells the story of God’s Son. Illustrated by Laura Ramos (Sounding Joy)Spring Sings is Holcomb’s fourth book in a series. Her children’s books include Who Sang the First Song?, Don’t Forget to Remember, Sounding Joy, and now Spring Sings.

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“We all know what it feels like to walk through winter seasons, but winter never gets the final word,” shares Ellie Holcomb. “Spring always sings a song of hope, reminding us that God loves to make ALL THINGS NEW! This book is an invitation to open our eyes and ears – to hear the beauty all around us, to remember that no matter how dark things may seem, love always has the final word.”

As she has with her other books, Holcomb will simultaneously release a companion children’s album produced by Nathan Dugger. Sing: Spring Songs will be released on March 21st featuring seven songs including five original songs. The project will include the title track, “Spring Sings,” which will be available on February 21st on all digital platforms.

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Bethel Music’s Josh Baldwin Announces 2025 MADE FOR MORE Spring Headline Tour

Bethel Music’s Gold-certified singer, songwriter, and worship leader Josh Baldwin announces his 2025 MADE FOR MORE spring headline tour. The tour will kick off on April 3 in Nashville, Tenn., and will bring an intimate and dynamic worship experience to multiple cities across the U.S.

Says Baldwin, “I’m heading out on my very first headline tour! The MADE FOR MORE TOUR with my good friend @chrisekiss is headed to cities near you! I am so excited and expectant for these nights! My biggest prayer is that you would come and encounter the overwhelming love of our Savior.”

madeformoretour

On this tour, Baldwin will perform songs from his latest album, including his chart-topping anthem “Made For More.” The song has been a breakthrough moment in Baldwin’s career, becoming his fastest-growing single to date. With over 14.2 million global streams, “Made For More” recently soared to #1 on both the Mediabase Christian AC and Christian Audience charts. Its powerful message of identity and purpose continues to resonate deeply with listeners worldwide, offering a call to remember who we are in Christ.

In addition to the tour announcement, Baldwin has also released the studio version of his heartfelt song “Thank You Jesus.” Available today, the beautiful ballad with genuine lyrics pours out thankfulness to Jesus for all that He has done and continues to do and leads listeners to remember the miracle of our salvation–– the Savior of the world calls us a friend of God!

Bethel Music’s Josh Baldwin Announces 2025 MADE FOR MORE Spring Headline Tour

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For more details and to purchase tickets for the upcoming tour, visit Josh Baldwin’s Official Website. For more on Josh Baldwin, please visit: YouTube | Apple Music | Spotify.

2025 MADE FOR MORE Tour Dates

  • Thurs., April 3 – Nashville, TN
  • Fri., April 4 – Wabash, IN
  • Sat., April 5 – Tupelo, MS
  • Sun., April 6 – Benton, LA
  • Thurs., April 10 – Spindale, NC
  • Fri., April 11 – Lake Wales, FL
  • Sat., April 12 – Conway, SC
  • Sun., April 13 – McDonough, GA

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