22x platinum, GRAMMY-nominated rockers SKILLETare offering an exclusive limited run of “All that Matters” and “Ash in the Wind” tees with 100% of all funds going toward Hurricane Relief efforts across Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee being made to Samaritans Purse work across the five-state region.
“We are heartbroken to see the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton,” the band said in a statement. “We have played shows in some of the cities that were hit and they are special places for us. We are partnering with organizations who have boots on the ground, helping get those who are impacted the long-term resources they need.”
This past Friday the band released their latest focus track, “Ash In The Wind,” from their upcoming album, REVOLUTION (11/1/25). The song received a very warm welcome, debuting at No. 1 on the iTunes All-Songs chart.
Also announced yesterday, SKILLET will be the headline act for WINTER JAM 2025, hitting 38 cities across the country.
Next week, SKILLET will embark on their first-ever tour of the Middle East. The band will be playing in Turkey, Kazakhstan, United Arab Emirates, and more.
REVOLUTION’s first single, “Unpopular,” premiered on SIRIUS XM’s OCTANE channel and is headed Top 20 on the Mediabase Active Rock Chart with over 40 stations added. The song has received over 5M streams, and almost 2M views of its music video.
Their last focus track, “All That Matters,” resonated loudly with military families and saw them support VET TIX where donating a concert ticket for every preorder of REVOLUTION placed between Sept 25th and Oct 10th, 2024.
REVOLUTION, for which the band has a limited number of signed CDs available in the band’s preorder store, is expected to only extend Skillet’s formidable legacy. As of 2024, the band have received two GRAMMY Award nominations, picked up a Billboard Music Award, and landed three albums in the Top 5 of the Billboard 200.
Selling over 22 million units worldwide with over 24 billion global streams to date, SKILLET have notched multi-platinum, platinum, or gold RIAA certifications for a total of 12 singles and four full-length albums. Their latest RIAA Gold certifications just hit this summer with the tracks “Legendary” and “Stars.” Not to mention, they have regularly attracted 10 million monthly listeners on Spotify alone, boasting “one of the most-streamed rock songs of all-time” with the 5x-platinum “Monster.”
Marking the first Christmas album of her MULTI-PLATINUM career, Warner Music Nashville star Gabby Barrett will release the stunning Carols and Candlelighton November 8. Delivering the first track, “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” this Friday.
“If you know me, you know that Christmas is my FAVORITE time of the year… so I have been so excited to announce my new Christmas album, Carols and Candlelight, will be available everywhere on 11.8 AND the first song release, ‘I’ll Be Home For Christmas,’ is coming out THIS Friday, 10.25!” shared Barrett on Instagram. “I know we’re close to Halloween, but my heart is in HOLIDAY MODE!!!!!”
Meant to celebrate a season close to Barrett’s heart, the devoted Christian and chart-topping Country artist brings a faithful sense of serenity to Carols and Candlelight.
Always keeping the spirit of the holiday front and center, Carols and Candlelight features 11 Christmastime favorites with a handpicked mix of traditional standards and heartwarming modern classics. From “The First Noel” and “Last Christmas,” to lively collaborations featuring her husband Cade Foehner (“Baby, It’s Cold Outside”) and The Piano Guys (“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”), Barrett works to capture the magic of a special time with meaning far beyond presents and parties, letting her acclaimed vocals shine bright.
Also included in the set is the awe-inspiring “Go Tell It On The Mountain” (for KING & COUNTRY feat. Gabby Barrett), which was nominated for Christmas Recorded Song of the Year at the 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards (10/1). Barrett joined for KING & COUNTRY as a presenter during the award show, which took place at Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena in Nashville, TN.
Meanwhile, Barrett’s released her first single to Contemporary Christian radio as a solo artist, sending “Jesus On A Train,” from her sought-after sophomore album Chapter & Verse, to stations across the nation. This follows previous CCM collaborations like “Build A Boat” (Colton Dixon feat. Gabby Barrett) – which was nominated at the 10th annual K-LOVE Fan Awards for Song of the Year – and Barrett’s “Got Me (feat. Shane & Shane).”
On November 13, Barrett will host her GIVING FOR GOOD SHOW at the CMA Theater inside Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Joined by special guest Rachel Purcell, proceeds will benefit MURPHSLIFE.
Cyndi Thomson releases an alluring rendition of the timeless classic “Silent Night” on November 1st. The collaboration includes D.J. Goodman as producer. Cyndi breathes new life into the enchanting Christmas hymn, while preserving the traditional essence of the song. Her dreamlike vocals, paired with an ethereal production, offers listeners a familiar yet remarkably unique listening experience.
During these uncertain times, Thomson’s rendition offers a deep sense of peace and a moment of solace. Her serene delivery evokes a sense of calmness and grace beyond the timeless lyrics. Thomson’s “Silent Night” is a refreshing take that instills hope and faith, encouraging all generations.
“I wanted my version of “Silent Night” to feel unique, something that stands out while still carrying a message of hope that has always made this song special,” Cyndi remarked. “My wish for this rendition is that it brings comfort to those that need it most and brings listeners closer to the joy of the birth of Jesus.”
Cyndi Thomson To Release Captivating Rendition Of “Silent Night”
Nied’s Hotel Band’s song “We’re In This Together” stands as a vibrant declaration of unity, embodying the band’s trademark blend of classic rock, rhythm and blues, and heartfelt message-driven songwriting. Hailing from Pittsburgh, a city steeped in working-class grit and pride, Nied’s Hotel Band channels the communal spirit of their hometown into this song, making it not just an anthem for our times but a reflection of the band’s own ethos.
At its core, “We’re In This Together” radiates positivity and collective strength, an uplifting message underscored by the warmth and richness of its musical arrangement. From the very first lines of the chorus, “We’re in this together, all in this together, we’re stronger together,” the band makes their intentions clear.
This is not just a plea for harmony in a chaotic world but a call to action, inviting listeners to join hands and face life’s challenges side by side. In an era of heightened social divisions, this track feels both timely and sincere, avoiding preachiness while remaining pointedly relevant.
The song’s structure is a dynamic mix of rhythmic verses, soaring choruses, and intricate instrumental breaks, which keeps the energy flowing and engages the listener from start to finish. John Vento, the band’s lead vocalist, lends his gritty yet soulful voice to the track, delivering the lyrics with a conviction that feels as much like a rallying cry as it does a heartfelt conversation.
Vento’s vocals embody the blue-collar resilience that has come to define the band and their Pittsburgh roots, creating an emotional bridge between the personal and the universal.
Instrumentally, “We’re In This Together” is tight and polished without feeling overly produced. Tim Hadley’s production strikes a balance between a live, organic feel and studio refinement. The saxophone lines, played by Ed Jonnet, are particularly noteworthy, adding a smooth, almost jazz-like flair to the arrangement, especially during the solo sections that serve as breathers in the song’s otherwise driving tempo.
These sax solos weave effortlessly into the broader rock and R&B tapestry, giving the song a dynamic edge that harkens back to Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, a comparison that local media has often drawn for Nied’s Hotel Band.
The song’s guitar work is another highlight, with both Tim Hadley and Jim McCullough sharing duties. Their guitar solos—especially toward the song’s climactic breakdown—are not just technically proficient but emotionally resonant, blending bluesy tones with rock grit. These solos add texture and emotional depth to the song’s hopeful message.
The addition of a drum breakdown, led by Greg McIltrot, offers a rhythmic shift that injects fresh energy into the latter half of the track, showcasing the band’s prowess in building and sustaining momentum.
Guest vocalists Mia Z and Megan Paullet bring a welcome layer of harmony to the chorus sections, their voices soaring above the band’s instrumentation to create a sense of collective uplift. Their presence enhances the song’s communal theme, suggesting that the unity “We’re In This Together” advocates for is not merely theoretical but achievable when voices unite in song and spirit.
Lyrically, the song is simple but effective. It doesn’t attempt to break new ground poetically, but its earnestness is its strength. Lines like “We need to meet on common ground, for the sake of our children” deliver a direct and unambiguous plea for reconciliation in a world that often feels fractured.
The repeated refrain of “We gotta’ get along” may seem straightforward, but in the context of the song’s powerful instrumentation and vocal performances, it resonates deeply.
Overall, “We’re In This Together” is a song that feels right for its time. It’s a rallying cry for togetherness wrapped in a rich, multi-layered arrangement that speaks to Nied’s Hotel Band’s collective experience and talent. With its timeless message of unity, combined with the band’s powerful rock and R&B sound, the track stands as a testament to the band’s ability to fuse message and music in a way that feels both classic and contemporary.
Provident Label Group and Essential Worship announce the signing of CXMMXNS. GRAMMY®-Award and Dove-Award-winning songwriters Ben Fielding and Reuben Morgan have united to form this special worship collective that will bring forth new songs for the church’s modern worship catalog. Its debut offering – CXMMXNS Chapter 1 – will feature Aodhan King, Reuben Morgan, and Ben Fielding. The project will be released on November 8th.
“We’ve always been passionate about writing songs that help people worship, carry profound truth, and help the church sing together,” shares Ben Fielding. “Over the years, we’ve had the honour of working with so many amazing worship leaders and songwriters. The CXMMXNS is not a departure from what we’ve always done, but an extension. It’s a new chapter.”
CXMMXNS is focused on contributing to the next generation of the global church’s modern worship canon. The group is dedicated to platforming fresh and familiar voices alongside some of the world’s most respected gospel music writers and recognizes CXMMXNS’ commitment to being a collaborative worship movement. The hope is to develop the next generation of worship leaders while championing established greats in the genre.
Reuben Morgan adds, “CXMMXNS is about all of us drawing closer to God. We want people everywhere to experience that sense of God’s presence that lifts and brings wholeness to every part of our lives. Music anchored in the word of God, lyrics that carry weight and are transformative because of the power of the Bible and the work God does through His word. Worship is unique in the way that it brings us together. Fresh sounds, new melodies, a new song for a new season in the church.”
“We are so thrilled to partner with CXMMXNS and see them continue to impact churches across the globe,” states Emma Pettyjohn, Director of Essential Worship. “The remarkable careers of Reuben Morgan and Ben Fielding speak for themselves, and their heart for churches and worship leaders is truly inspiring. We believe that CXMMXNS will be home to worship leaders around the world and serve as a trusted resource equipping churches with new music for years to come.”
Birthed in Sydney, Australia, CXMMXNS is passionately committed to gathering worshippers worldwide and serving local churches with songs everyone can sing. Worship, grounded in scripture, that unites believers around our common confession—CHRIST.
“Heal The World This Christmas” touches on themes of unity and healing. Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind this song and how you hope it resonates with listeners during the holiday season?
I’ve been having a lot of conversations with friends and family about the state of our world and how people seem to be growing more and more distant because of political beliefs. It’s disheartening to know we can no longer agree to disagree and instead have to choose sides. In light of that, it’s natural to think back to a time when we loved and supported one another regardless of who someone was voting for.
“Heal The World This Christmas” reflects those ideals and hopefully will serve as a reminder that we can get back there if we make the effort.
Stream & Enjoy
You’ve written several socially-conscious songs like “Ghosts Of A Simpler Time” and “If You See Peace.” How do you approach incorporating messages of hope and healing into your music without delving into overt politics?
I’m a person who is all about looking to make a difference in ways that uplift, encourage and inspire. So being overtly political would only serve to be divisive and I don’t see that helping matters. When I sit down to write a socially-conscious song, I want it to resonate with everyone and in turn, perhaps it will motivate people to extend more love and grace to one another, including those who don’t hold the same beliefs as they do.
Stream & Enjoy
You mentioned that people used to “agree to disagree” more easily. What do you think has changed in society, and how do you see music playing a role in bridging these divides?
Music has always had the power to unite people, especially when I was growing up during the 1960s and 70s. We had so many songs back then that really made a difference, such as “We Shall Overcome” by Joan Baez, Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ In the Wind” and Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come.” And look at Woodstock and how unifying that event was. Maybe it’s pie-in-the-sky to think music could have that same power nowadays, but there’s always hope in my heart that it can.
Your Christmas hit, “Christmas Without You,” has been celebrated globally. What is it about holiday music that makes it such a powerful medium for connecting with listeners across generations and cultures?
There’s something about holiday music that feeds the soul. We’ve all grown up hearing the same Christmas songs every year from the day we were born. So we have that shared experience regardless of what kind of music we typically listen to outside of the seasonal stuff. When “White Christmas” or “Jingle Bells” comes on the radio, we all turn it up and sing along.
With 24 studio albums under your belt, your career has spanned decades. How has your approach to songwriting evolved over the years, and what keeps you motivated to keep producing new music?
When I first began writing songs, I had no idea what I was doing. It was a very daunting process and my main goal was to not write a bad one. After trying my hand at it a few times, I realized I had a talent for it but still had a long way to go to perfect the craft. All these years later, I’m still working at perfecting it and that is what motivates me most of all. I also have been fortunate to be able to write many different genres, which has kept me raising the bar of my skill and creativity.
Your film, “Luanne Hunt: I Won’t Stop Singing!” has garnered international recognition. What was it like transitioning from music to film, and how did telling your story through this medium differ from expressing yourself in your songs?
I’ve been producing music videos for years, so moving from those to making a documentary film seemed like a natural progression. It was wonderful to tell my story in detail, as opposed to writing snippets about it in three or four-minute songs. The film also has given me the opportunity to inspire others through the telling of how I overcame great odds to achieve my fondest dreams. There are many people out there who I’m sure want to give up when they encounter a lot of opposition.
I wanted to let them know to keep going because in the end, it’s your life to make or break. You don’t want to be looking back on it in your old age and feeling a lot of regret.
Stream & Enjoy
You’ve been recognized with numerous accolades, from American Songwriting Awards to Josie Music Awards nominations. Which of these achievements are you most proud of, and how have they shaped your journey as an artist?
I am extremely grateful for all of my accolades but the one I seem to think about most is when Sweden’s largest daily newspaper, Dagens Nyheter, named “Christmas Without You” one of its Top 25 Christmas Songs of All-Time in 2015. I remember reading that list for the first time and being truly shocked to see I was the only independent artist on it alongside Mariah Carey, Willie Nelson and other music superstars.
What an incredible honor that was for me and I truly felt like I had “made it.” After that, my musical journey became about having fun and pushing the creative envelope as opposed to trying to get some kind of significant recognition. It was a freeing moment and every accolade after that magical moment has been the “cherry on top.”
Looking ahead, what are some future projects or themes you’re excited to explore in your music? Do you have any plans for more socially-conscious songs, or are there new directions you’
With all that’s going on in the world, I must admit I am tempted on a regular basis to write more socially-conscious songs. But I think I’ve reached my quota for the time being.
Earlier this year, I wrote several songs for what will be my 25th album but haven’t started producing them yet. At the moment, I am working on something that could potentially be the theme song for a screenplay I’ve written about my life that takes up where “I Won’t Stop Singing” left off. I’ve also been producing an ongoing singer/songwriter showcase in my area called “Nashville Nights!”, so that will keep me busy going into 2025 and beyond.
Multi-GRAMMY Award winning duo and Curb | Word Entertainment recording artist for KING + COUNTRY shared some exciting holiday news today! A DRUMMER BOY CHRISTMAS LIVE: The Cinematic Concert Experience is coming to movie theaters everywhere December 5-9, 2024.
“Our #1 sadness each holiday season is only being able to make it to 10-15 cities for Christmas shows. So captured our full Christmas show at the Houston Toyota Center last year.. And our friends at Fathom Events have been so kind to place it in an astounding 1,500+ theatres.. within 30 minutes of almost every American,” the duo announced on social media.
Deadline Hollywood first reported this news and also shared that for the first time in 12 years, for KING + COUNTRY will be coming off the road in 2025 to focus on creating a new album and their next feature film.
You can catch for KING + COUNTRY live in concert now on “The Unsung Hero Tour” through November 10. The band will then embark on a very limited run of “A Drummer Boy Christmas Tour” starting December 1.
The chart-topping Southern Gospel trio, Southbound, has renewed their recording relationship with Daywind Records which began in April of 2021. Known for their Top 10 hit songs such as, “Address Change Notification,” “Somebody Testify,” “Middle of Nowhere,” “No Better Than That,” “He’s Got a Way” and the #1 song for the year in 2023, “Lost and Found.”
Southbound has built a reputation for stirring, soulful vocals and powerful messages. The re-signing with Daywind Records, followed by the digital release of their latest single, “I Left It In The Water,” on Friday, Oct 11th, highlights their ongoing musical journey and commitment to expanding their legacy. With their deep devotion to sharing the Gospel through music, Southbound continues to captivate peers and fans alike. On the heels of their latest release, the trio is set to release their next full-length album in January 2025.
Clint Brown, of Southbound, celebrates the renewed Daywind partnership by stating, “I believe you should surround yourself with people that have already been where you want to go. And we are so excited for the opportunity to re-sign with Daywind Records and remain surrounded by a family of people that continue to lead us on our path to bring hope, help, and blessing through the songs we sing.”
Dusty Wells, director of artist & label relations at Daywind Records, commented, “We couldn’t be more thrilled to announce the exclusive re-signing of the amazing group, Southbound, which is led by Clint Brown along with Seth J. Elbe and Jody Braselton, to the Daywind Records’ family! Their heart and passion for ministry and Southern Gospel music is undeniable, and we’re excited to be a part of their journey.
In their short career, they have brought us incredible music with several Top 5 chart-topping singles and also the number 1 song of the year, Lost and Found, for 2023 for the Singing News year-end chart. We are so excited about new music on the horizon. There’s a lot to look forward to, and we can’t wait for fans to experience what’s coming. Big things are in store!”
Music industry veteran and entrepreneur Melissa Riddle Chalos announces the launch of MRC Artist Advisory, a Franklin, Tennessee-based artist and label services firm specializing in streaming strategy for new music and catalog, brand and content development, and marketing.
With a background in journalism and 15 years on the frontlines of digital content strategy—including 10 years in DSP programming—Chalos offers an impressive breadth of experience built on relationships, collaboration, and trust. She was the first senior programmer of faith-based content for GooglePlay, followed by a six-year tenure at Pandora as the platform’s inaugural associate director of Christian, Gospel, and Kids & Family programming.
While at Pandora, Chalos’ initiative and advocacy drove significant streaming growth year-over-year, and she facilitated original branded partnerships with Disney, KIDZBOP, Cocomelon, and Gaither Music, some of which evolved into SiriusXM branded stations.
“The music industry requires speedboat agility, the ability to mine the data, level-set expectations, shift gears and keep moving—all while bouncing off the waves,” Chalos explains of the mission of MRC Artist Advisory. “For real success, the story-brand has to be real. That’s what energizes me, empowering artists to become compelling brand ambassadors with ‘behind the curtain’ intel, freeing them to focus on creating great art.”
MRC Artist Advisory is also set to offer media training for artists, authors and influencers, to bolster their communication skills and flexibility for every media opportunity. “I’ve spent the better part of 25 years helping artists and those who represent them become better storytellers,” Chalos adds. “The driving force has always been the pursuit of compelling stories, using various platforms to connect with real people.”
Grammy-nominated southern rock band NEEDTOBREATHE have announced two live album reissues in Live From The Woods and Acoustic Live Vol. 1, which will both be released on November 22 via Omnivore Recordings.
Since 1999, the Grammy-nominated southern rock band NEEDTOBREATHE have quietly emerged as a dynamic force in music, from releasing their debut album with Atlantic Records in 2006 to finding themselves playing arenas and receiving nominations for multiple Grammy and Billboard Music Awards.
When their Rivers In The Wasteland album was released in 2014, it debuted at #3 on the Billboard 200, and topped the Rock Albums chart. Always an incredible and dynamic live act, the band recorded their September 13, 2014 performance at The Woods Amphitheatre at Fontanel in Nashville, Tennessee on that tour. Those recordings appeared the following year as Live From The Woods.
With 15 tracks spread across two LPs, and a double CD with two bonus tracks, Live From The Woods features material from across their young yet meteoric career. From the Grammy nominated “Multiplied” to “Wanted Man” (interpolating Modest Mouse’s “Float On” on the live version) to “Brother” which cracked the Billboard Hot 100, Live From The Woods satisfies on every level. AllMusic recognizes, “Overall, while the track selection doesn’t quite substitute for a greatest-hits collection, the album captures a strong live band delivering a clean, energetic performance (including revealing stage banter) that is certain to please fans and is an absolute must for anyone interested in a souvenir of the tour.” The release was another hit, landing on the Billboard 200, Top Alternative Albums, Rock Albums, and Digital Albums charts.
In 2017, NEEDTOBREATHE embarked on an acoustic tour, taking their catalog into a new dimension and their shows to a new level. Acoustic Live Vol. 1 was recorded on that run during 16 shows at 14 of the band’s favorite theaters across the country, including Charleston Music Hall in Charleston, SC, Lincoln Theatre in Washington, DC, and the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN.
The 12-song collection was produced by NEEDTOBREATHE and mixed and mastered by the band’s Seth Bolt (backing vocals, bass) at his Plantation Studios in Charleston. It represents over a decade of music from the band, with songs spanning across five of their six studio albums––from tracks like RIAA Gold-certified “Brother” and “Testify” to “Washed By The Water,” “White Fences,” and “Stones Under Rushing Water” (featuring Drew and Ellie Holcomb), and “No Excuses” including portions of “House Of The Rising Sun” while “Oh, Carolina” mixes in The Who’s “Squeeze Box.”
Available on CD and double-LP (featuring laser-etched Side 4 with album’s cover art), Acoustic Live Vol. 1 is far more than some of NEEDTOBREATHE’s greatest hits performed live, it’s a new way to experience them.
