When XDB’s “When the Love Is Gone” kicks in, it doesn’t whisper its intentions—it roars them. From the first soaring guitar riff to the final cry of lost love, this is a track steeped in the grand tradition of melodic hard rock, but with enough polish and sincerity to feel like more than just a nostalgic callback.

Rob Kane’s vocal delivery is straight out of the classic rock frontman playbook—equal parts grit and grandeur. He navigates the emotional terrain with a kind of wounded swagger, delivering lines like “We can’t fly on broken wings” and “Now we’re left alone to face the truth” with the conviction of someone who’s lived it.

There’s an almost theatrical melancholy to his performance, evoking the heartbreak ballads of Journey or Whitesnake, but with just enough modern edge to cut through the gloss.

Guitarist Xander Demos, no stranger to showmanship, shreds with precision and purpose. His solo doesn’t just fill space—it speaks, adding another emotional layer to the song’s already bleeding heart. His interplay with Brendan Callahan’s keys evokes the grandiose flair of Savatage and the Scandinavian drama of TNT, both name-checked as influences, and for good reason. This isn’t just hard rock. It’s operatic heartbreak in Drop-D tuning.

XDB Brings the Big Hooks and Bigger Heartbreak on “When the Love Is Gone”

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What makes the track stand out isn’t just the technical chops or the genre fidelity—it’s the arrangement. The chorus hits hard, yes, but it’s earned. By the time Kane belts “When the love is gone / And there’s nothing left to believe in,” the band has taken you on a ride through the wreckage of a relationship, not with self-pity but with resolve.

There’s a real earnestness to the production, too. It’s big, it’s bold, but it never crosses into parody. The band knows its lineage—Stryper, Firehouse, Savatage—but they’re not just dressing up in their heroes’ clothes. XDB brings authenticity to the arena-sized melancholy they’re crafting.

“When the Love Is Gone” is a triumph of heart over trend. It’s unapologetically melodic, gloriously over-the-top, and executed with the kind of precision that turns old-school influences into something vital. With this single, XDB doesn’t just remember rock’s glory days—they remind us why they mattered.

–Paul Shandling

The Scripture Hymnal, a landmark volume of more than 100 word-for-word Bible passages set to original music—conceived and created by Randall Goodgame and published last year by Rabbit Room Press—is among the 2025 finalists in the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association’s (ECPA) prestigious Christian Book Award® program, it was recently announced.

Marking the first-ever ECPA Christian Book Award® nomination for both Goodgame and Rabbit Room Press, the Scripture Hymnal is a finalist in the Ministry Resources category alongside Fighting Shadowsby Jon Tyson and Jefferson Bethke (Thomas Nelson); Forming Faithby Matt Markins, Mike Handler and Sam Luce (Moody Publishers); How Not to Waste a Crisis by Tod Bolsinger (InterVarsity Press); Proclaiming the Word by David J. Jackman (Crossway); and You’re Not Crazy by Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry (Crossway).

The winning title will be announced at the ECPA Awards Celebration to be held later this month in Nashville.

With hand-drawn cover art and interior illustrations from Stephen Crotts, as well as a foreword by W. David O. Taylor, Goodgame’s Scripture Hymnal showcases contributions from a diversity of award-winning songwriters, including Ellie Holcomb, Ginny Owens, Andrew Osenga, Taylor Leonhardt, Dwan Hill and Ben Shive, among others.

“It’s so exciting for the Scripture Hymnal to be honored as a Christian Book Award® finalist because it’s such a joy to help God’s people remember His Word,” says Goodgame, who also created the family favorite Slugs & Bugs series and is an acclaimed singer/songwriter. “The Word is a light to our path, nourishment to our bones, and the sword we wield in battle against the enemy. I pray this recognition ultimately results in more people falling deeper in love with Jesus as they grow in the knowledge of Him through Scripture.”

Goodgame adds, “As I reflect on the long journey of bringing this project to life, I’m overflowing with joy and gratitude for all the hands and hearts that supported and encouraged the Scripture Hymnal, and I’m grateful and humbled to be a servant of the King. God is so good.”

“The Scripture Hymnal project has been a labor of love for the whole production team at Rabbit Room Press, and I’m thrilled to see their good work recognized,” says Pete Peterson, publisher, Rabbit Room Press. “We sing these songs in church all the time, right alongside hymns by Fanny Crosby and Isaac Watts.

Randall has created a body of work in the Scripture Hymnal that has the potential to bless congregations for generations to come. It’s a real gift to the Church, and I think these first 106 songs are just the beginning of what this project will ultimately offer to the Body of Christ.”

The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) is an international nonprofit trade organization comprised of member companies engaged in the publishing and distribution of Christian content worldwide. For nearly five decades, the ECPA has conducted The Christian Book Award® program, one of the oldest and most prestigious honors in the religious publishing industry.

Recognizing the “best of the year” in 12 categories, with five finalists chosen in each category (unless there is a tie), this year’s Christian Book Award® winners will be announced at the ECPA Awards Celebration held during the organization’s Leadership Summit on April 29 in Nashville.

Worship leader, songwriter, and artist Hope Darst has received her first RIAA Gold Certification for her Top 5 radio hit and GMA Dove Award-nominated song, “Peace Be Still.” The single was released from her debut album on Fair Trade Services and was co-written by Darst, Andrew Holt, and Mia Fieldes and produced by Jonathan Smith.

“Wow, I am truly blown away when I think about how God has used this song to impact so many people,” shares Hope Darst, “What started out as a personal song to fight fear has become a song of faith for people around the world in corporate worship, or mom’s putting their babies to bed, or families in hospital rooms during the highs and lows of life or a prayer for those whose hearts and minds need God’s peace.

It’s a testament to the power of scripture and music working together to remind us of God’s promises and faithfulness. I am so grateful to be a part of this song and hope to sing it for a long time!”

This certification proceeds her brand-new project, In The Mighty Name, which will be released on April 18th. The new album includes 13 live-recorded tracks, featuring the current single, “Mighty Name of Jesus,” which has already inspired over 250k fan-created posts on social media, generating more than 70MM views. This is her first live album, featuring songs and moments dedicated to serving and equipping the believer and local church with corporate and personal praise and worship.

This live worship project reflects Darst’s passion for writing songs for the Church and creating an atmosphere where people can encounter the love and power of Jesus.

Curb Records is excited to welcome Christian music artist Carly Ann Taylor to its artist repertoire.

“I am beyond stoked to be starting my career with the amazing team at Curb Records, the result of a series of events that truly only God could have orchestrated,” shares Taylor. “My prayer is that God will use my music to reconcile hearts back to Him, help people realize safety and rest in the Lord through worship music, and guide others to praise wholeheartedly no matter the season of life they may be in.”

As a life of dysfunction surrounded her, Taylor was introduced to music at a young age, clinging to it as an outlet and developing her own unique style. Moving to San Diego at 15 years old to be taken in by her older brother and his wife, who she now refers to as her mother and father, Taylor experienced the healing power of family, encountering God’s redeeming love.

Accepting Christ into her life, Taylor began singing in the church her family attended, a moment that changed her life’s trajectory. Graduating with a degree in commercial music production from Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, CA, Taylor is the youth worship leader at her home church in Encinitas, CA.

Now, Carly Ann Taylor shares her journey from a life of brokenness to one of redemption, showcasing her voice through a rich combination of experience, faith and conviction. Finding healing, hope, and salvation in Jesus Christ, Taylor’s life calling is to lead people towards an authentic, transformational worship experience.

Multi-award winning singer-songwriter-producer, Charles Jenkins celebrates a huge win at the 2025 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards.

Charles’ big day includes winning three big awards; “2025 Songwriter of The Year,” “2025 Most Performed Song of The Year” for his #1 hit song, “God Be Praised” and “2025 Most Performed Song of The Year” for his 2nd #1 hit song of the year “Look at God” performed by Koryn Hawthorne. This momentous occasion brings Charles Jenkins to a total of eight BMI Trailblazer Gospel Awards.

“Winning BMI Gospel Songwriter of the Year and being honored with 2 additional Trailblazer Awards was a dream come true! I am grateful for my mentor Cathy Hughes, BMI President and CEO, Michael O’Neill, VP of Creative, Catherine Brewton, Assistant VP of Creative, Wardell Malloy, Kobalt, Vydia, Tracey Artis, Radio Stations, Program Directors, and Announcers everywhere.

This is a testament to the fact that independent artists can win too! My deepest gratitude to my family, team, friends, fans, and above all, to God. But this recognition also belongs to everyone who has been touched by these songs,” mentions Charles.

Charles Jenkins is currently working on a feel-good EP entitled “Wishing You The Best.” The EP includes an infectious soulful birthday anthem entitled, “It’s My Birthday Month” accompanied by a spectacular and festive heartwarming video featuring world renowned DJ Steve Aoki, and produced by David Kang (who has produced videos for Taylor Swift, Mariah Carey, Justin Bieber, and Katy Perry). The “Wishing You The Best” EP, will be released in May 2025.

Charles Jenkins continues to spread The Good News with messages of love, hope and inspiration to fans across the globe, while shining as the true trailblazer that he is.

His name is MAJOR., and he is making a major impact in music and entertainment. From his EP HOPE OF MY SOUL, the single “I Prayed For You (said a prayer)” has soared to #7 on the Billboard Gospel Radio Airplay Chart and is still gaining momentum.

You can watch MAJOR. sing his chart-topping single today, Wednesday, April 9, on the Tamron Hall Show airing at 2 PM EST (check local listings).

This first quarter year has been epic for MAJOR. For “I Prayed For You (said a prayer),” he received a 2025 NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® recognized his philanthropic efforts by awarding him the 2025 St. Jude Champion’s Spirit Award.

MAJOR. was recently recognized at the 2025 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music as one of the Songwriters and Publishers of the MOST-PERFORMED SONGS of the Year for his songwriting contributions on the hit single “Able” recorded by Jonathan McReynolds.

BMI celebrated the best in Gospel music over the weekend at the 2025 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards held at Flourish in Atlanta, GA. Gospel music pioneer and pastor John P. Kee was honored as a Trailblazer of Gospel Music in recognition of his artistry and inspiring influence on the genre throughout his prolific career spanning over 40 years.

BMI’s Gospel Song of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Publisher of the Year and the most-performed Gospel songs of the previous year were also announced at the private ceremony hosted by BMI’s President & CEO, Mike O’Neill and Vice President, Creative, Atlanta, Catherine Brewton.

As a Trailblazer of Gospel Music, John P. Kee was honored for his signature blend of traditional and contemporary Gospel music that continues to resonate with fans around the world across generations and genres. O’Neill presented Kee with the ceremony’s top honor, saluting his “extraordinary contributions that have greatly influenced the Gospel genre and deeply touched the community.”

The musical tributes to Kee kicked off with Lena Byrd Miles giving her moving interpretation of “Yes Lord,” followed by Chrystal Rucker’s performance of “The Anointing.” The tributes continued with Kelontae Gavin singing “Never Shall Forget” and Jekalyn Carr giving a passionate performance of “Standing in the Need,” both of which brought the audience to their feet. 

Lisa Knowles-Smith and her children KJ and Ndia paid homage to Kee with their amazing renditions of “Lily in the Valley” and “He’ll Welcome Me.” Vanessa Bell Armstrong followed with “Wave It Away,” featuring Donald Lawrence and The Company, and Zacardi Cortez ended the tributes with an uplifting performance of “Jesus is Real.” 

Upon receiving the honor, Kee, known as the “Prince of Gospel,” thanked his family and friends, many of whom were in the room, for their love and support.

While humbled by their affirmations of the tremendous impact he’s made on them through his mentorship and guidance, he shared, “Every time you win an award, I win an award… I’m just a proud Uncle John.” He went on to say that he was going to “flip the moment” by presenting BMI’s Brewton with a Lifetime Achievement Award for her “vision and determination that have paved the way for future generations of women in business.”

The ceremony concluded with Kee singing the opening line to his hit, “New Life” and he was joined with an impromptu celebration from many of the Gospel greats in the room, including Isaac Carree, Zacardi Cortez, Eric Dawkins, Kirk Franklin, Jonathan McReynolds, Tasha Page-Lockhart, Lisa Page Brooks and Marvin Sapp.

Throughout the afternoon, BMI saluted the 25 most-performed Gospel songs of the previous year, leading up to the highly anticipated BMI Gospel Song of the Year award, which went to “Goodness of God” written by Ed Cash, Ben Fielding (APRA) and Jason Ingram. Performed by CeCe Winans, the hit single reached #1 on the Billboard Gospel Airplay chart, #15 on US Hot Christian Songs and peaked at #2 on Hot Gospel Songs. It also spent an incredible 118 weeks at #1 on Billboard’s Gospel Digital Songs Sales.

Kirk Franklin and Charles Jenkins tied for BMI’s Gospel Songwriter of the Year for each writing two of the most performed Gospel songs of the previous year. Franklin was honored for “All Things” and “Try Love,” securing his fourth Songwriter of the Year award, which now includes three for Gospel and one for Christian.

Jenkins was recognized for his hit songs, “God Be Praised” and “Look at God,” marking the first time he’s received this coveted title and bringing his total to eight BMI Awards garnered over his successful career. 

BMI’s Gospel Publisher of the Year went to Capitol CMG for having the highest publisher share percentage of the top 25 songs, including BMI’s Gospel Song of the Year, “Goodness of God.”

Singer, songwriter and worship leader Patrick Mayberry has found a new label home! Provident Entertainment has officially announced signing Mayberry to their roster of artists with an Instagram post on Monday. 

Congratulations to Patrick and the Provident team and we can’t wait to see (and hear) what is ahead!

Monday, April 7th, GRAMMY.com launches the first video in the GMA x The Recording Academy Positive Vibes Only series celebrating Christian Music Month. Tauren Wells is the first artist to premiere with his performance of “Making Room.”

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“Making Room” is included in Tauren’s newest release, Let The Church Sing EP, available now. He is also releasing a new book, Joy Bomb, available May 20th.

In honor of Christian Music Month, the Gospel Music Association (GMA) is partnering with The Recording Academy, the organization behind the annual GRAMMY Awards, to launch four exclusive performances of their Positive Vibes Only series, which celebrates gospel and Contemporary Christian music. Featuring Tauren Wells, Josiah Queen, Julissa, and Fred Hammond, each video will premiere on GRAMMY.com and the Recording Academy YouTube Channel throughout April:

April 7th – Tauren Wells

April 14th – Josiah Queen

April 21st – Julissa

April 28th – Fred Hammond

The numbers are proof—if you haven’t been watching House of David on Amazon Prime, you’re missing out!

The faith-based historical drama debuted its final episode on Thursday, April 3, with the battle between David and Goliath. 

After premiering at No. 3 on Amazon Prime’s streaming charts, the series has now officially hit No. 1 following the release its finale episode.

Fans of the show will be happy to know that the hit series has already been renewed for a second season coming soon.