Absolutely Gospel announced the nominees for the 2023 Absolutely Gospel Music Awards, which will take place on April 18, 2023.

Artists and songwriters who call Daywind Music Group home dominated many top categories, including Song of the Year (8), Album of the Year (5), Progressive Single (7), Bluegrass Artist (6), Musician (6), Artist Songwriter (5), Professional Songwriter (4), Fan Favorite Artist of the Year (4), and more. 

Karen Peck & New River and Joseph Habedank led all artists with a phenomenal 10 nominations each this year, including Song of the Year and Fan Favorite Artist of the Year nominations or both. 

The Sound came in right behind them, earning 8 nominations, in categories including Song of the Year and Album of the Year. Other artists receiving multiple nominations include The Guardians Quartet (6), Brian Free & Assurance (7), Jim & Melissa Brady (6), The Nelons (6), Greater Vision (4), High Road (3), Southbound (2), Chosen Road (2).

Ed Leonard, president of Daywind Music Group, states, “We are so honored by the nominations our artists and songwriters received for the 2023 AGM Awards. Our creators are family, and to see them recognized in this way for their wonderful God-honoring works is both humbling and thrilling at the same time.”

The 2023 Absolutely Gospel Awards celebration will take place on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at the Capitol Theater in Lebanon, Tennessee at 6:00 p.m. Tickets will be available to purchase soon.

Daywind Nominees:

• Song of the Year
  • “All the Praise” – LeFevre Quartet (T.R. Collins, M.Neale)
  • “Answer Is Jesus” – Karen Peck & New River (K.P.Gooch, L.Black, K.T.West)
  • “Child of the King” – Joseph Habedank (J.Habedank, D.Clark, D.Koch)
  • “God Is Real” – The Sound (J.Mills, L.Mills, R.Mills, S.C.Smith, B.Weeks)
  • “Not For Long” – Guardians Quartet (K.P.Gooch, J.D.Rowsey, S.C.Smith)
  • “He’s Got a Way” – Southbound (C.Brown, J.Braselton, S.J.Elbe)
  • “Looks Like Jesus” – Brian Free & Assurance (with Jimmy Fortune) (S.C.Smith, K.T.West, B.White)
  • “That Heavenly Home” – Tribute Quartet (J.W. Acuff)
• Album of the Year
  • 2:22 – Karen Peck & New River (W.Haun)
  • Come On In – Guardians Quartet (J.D.Rowsey, W.Haun)
  • God Is Real – The Sound (B.Weeks)
  • Meet Me At the Cross – Brian Free & Assurance (R.Free)
  • Think About There – Greater Vision (G.Wolfe, T.Ivey) 
• Breakthrough Artist:
  • Chosen Road
• Male Vocalist
  • Jim Brady (of Booth Brothers/Jim & Melissa Brady)
  • Joseph Habedank
  • Levi Mills (of The Sound)
  • Bill Shivers (of Brian Free & Assurance) 
• Female Vocalist
  • Becky Isaacs Bowman (of The Isaacs)
  • Melissa Brady (of Jim & Melissa Brady)
  • Karen Peck Gooch (of Karen Peck & New River)
• Male Group
  • Brian Free & Assurance
  • Guardians Quartet
  • The Sound
  • Tribute Quartet
• Female Group
  • High Road
• Mixed Group
  • Jim & Melissa Brady
  • Karen Peck & New River
  • The Nelons
• Songwriter (Artist)
  • Lee Black (of Legacy Five)
  • Jim Brady (of Booth Brothers/Jim & Melissa Brady)
  • Karen Peck Gooch (of Karen Peck & New River)
  • Joseph Habedank
  • John Darin Rowsey (of Guardians Quartet)
• Songwriter (Professional)
  • Jason Cox
  • Wayne Haun
  • Sue C. Smith
  • Nathan Woodard
• Producer
  • Ricky Free
  • Wayne Haun
  • Ben Isaacs (of The Isaacs)
  • Trey Ivey
• Musician
  • Autumn Nelon Clark (of The Nelons)
  • Sarah Davison (of High Road)
  • Matthew Gooch (of Karen Peck & New River)
  • Jacob Mills (of The Sound)
  • Josh Singletary (of Tribute Quartet)
  • Gerald Wolfe (of Greater Vision)
• Traditional Single
  • “Not For Long” – Guardians Quartet (K.P.Gooch, J.D.Rowsey, S.C.Smith)
  • “Not My Will” – Tribute Quartet (A.Walker)
• Traditional Recording
  • Come On In – Guardians Quartet (J.D.Rowsey, W.Haun)
  • Think About There – Greater Vision (G.Wolfe, T.Ivey)
• Progressive Single
  • “Answer Is Jesus” – Karen Peck & New River (K.P.Gooch, L.Black, K.T.West)
  • “Child of the King” – Joseph Habedank (J.Habedank, D.Clark, D.Koch)
  • “God Is Real” – The Sound (J.Mills, L.Mills, R.Mills, S.C.Smith, B.Weeks)
  • “He’s Got a Way” – Southbound (C.Brown, J.Braselton, S.J.Elbe)
  • “Liar, Liar” – Brian Free & Assurance (J.Cox, J.Habedank, J.Tomlin)
  • “Scars In Heaven” – The Nelons (J.M.Hall, M.West)
  • “Welcome” – Jim & Melissa Brady (J.Brady, M.Farren, T.Wood)
• Progressive Recording
  • 2:22 – Karen Peck & New River (W.Haun)
  • I Feel Like Singing: Live at Daywind Studios – Angie Primm & Friends
  • Meet Me At the Cross – Brian Free & Assurance (R.Free)
• Southern Roots Single
  • “Children Sing” – The Nelons (J.Clark,  T.Wood)
  • “Faith, Hope, & Love” – High Road (K.Bearfield, S.Davison, K.T.West)
  • “Give Him What You Got” – The Isaacs (S.I.Yeary, R.I.Bowman)
  • “Make It Count” – The Sound (K.T.West, J.Cox, R.Mills)
• Southern Roots Recording
  • God Is Real – The Sound (B.Weeks)
  • Songs That Pulled Me Through the Tough Times – Becky Isaacs Bowman (B.I.Bowman, B.Isaacs)
• Special Event Project
  • 30th Anniversary Celebration: The Live Experience – Greater Vision
  • I Feel Like Singing: Live at Daywind Studios – Angie Primm & Friends
  • Songs That Pulled Me Through the Tough Times – Becky Isaacs Bowman (B.I.Bowman, B.Isaacs)
  • We Need a Little Christmas – The Nelons (J.Clark)
• Southern Music Video
  • “Looks Like Jesus” – Brian Free & Assurance (with Jimmy Fortune) (B.Free)
  • “The Keepers” – Karen Peck & New River (C.Baucom)
  • “Scars In Heaven” – The Nelons (C.Baucom)
• Fan Favorite Artist of the Year
  • Jim & Melissa Brady
  • Joseph Habedank
  • Karen Peck & New River
  • Tribute Quartet
• Bluegrass Artist
  • Appalachian Road Show
  • Chosen Road
  • Darin & Brooke Aldridge
  • Donna Ulisse
  • Joe Mullins & the Radio Ramblers
  • Marty Raybon & Full Circle

Congratulations to TRIBL recording artist Maverick City Music who won FOUR awards at the 65th Annual GRAMMY Awards.

Maverick City Music completely swept all Gospel and Contemporary Christian music categories, winning every category in which they were nominated — Best Gospel Performance/Song, Best Gospel Album, Best Contemporary Christian Music Album, and Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song.

GRAMMY Awards

“This collaboration — not just with Kirk Franklin, but also with the 1,500 residents at Everglades Correctional Institution — is the heart of the Kingdom,” says Maverick City Music. “For the first time ever, a singular artist won every Christian and Gospel category. This truly is a testament to what following God’s vision can do.”

In addition to the group’s historic GRAMMY wins, Maverick City Music also performed “Without You” alongside Quavo in a moving tribute to Migos’ fallen member Takeoff during the program’s “In Memoriam.” With this performance, the record-breaking music collective aims to raise awareness around gun violence and keeping the faith during troubled times.

The GRAMMY-winning album ‘Kingdom Book One’ is a collaboration with Kirk Franklin and aims to raise awareness toward the plight of mass incarceration. At the end of 2022, Maverick City Music wrapped their box-office, record-shattering arena tour with sold-out shows across the country, including Barclays Center in New York City.

• Best Gospel Performance/Song
  • “Kingdom,” Maverick City Music and Kirk Franklin; Kirk Franklin, Jonathan Jay, Chandler Moore & Jacob Poole, songwriters
• Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song
  • “Fear Is Not My Future,” Maverick City Music and Kirk Franklin; Kirk Franklin, Nicole Hannel, Jonathan Jay, Brandon Lake and Hannah Shackelford, songwriters
• Best Gospel Album
  • ‘Kingdom Book One Deluxe,’ Maverick City Music and Kirk Franklin
• Best Contemporary Christian Music Album
  • ‘Breathe,’ Maverick City Music

Maverick City Music is managed by Undivided Entertainment, and their label home is Tribl Records. Shore Fire Media handles PR representation.

Chicago-based multimedia mega-company, Central City Productions, premiered its inaugural installment of the brand-new television series, Black History Honors. Presented by The Procter & Gamble Company, the Black History Honors is a four-part docuseries, honoring heroes of the Underground Railroad – Harriet Tubman, Henry “Box” Brown, Sojourner Truth, Jermain Wesley Loguen, John Parker, Margaret Garner, Robert Smalls, William Still, John and Jean Rankin – featuring musical tributes by award-winning gospel music artists – Donnie McClurkin, Kierra Sheard-Kelly, JJ Hairston, Kelontae Gavin, Doe, Mali Music, Tasha Page Lockhart, Brian Courtney Wilson, Zacardi Cortez, Brandon Camphor and One Way.

The Black History Honors will air in broadcast syndication February 4th through March 5th, 2023. For a complete listing of air dates and showtimes, click here.

The premiere event was hosted by the President of the National Urban League, Marc Morial, at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, Ohio – the regal evening of celebration was attended by local and industry VIPs, including Procter and Gamble Chief Brand Officer, Marc Pritchard, with a musical selection by the University of Cincinnati’s African American Cultural & Resource Center choir.

Don Jackson, founder of Central City Productions, previously shared: “The unique perspective of our Black History Honors series celebrates the lives and legacies of the Underground Railroad freedom activists. 

As well, in this post-Covid season, where African American Museums are struggling to maintain and increase attendance, our series underscores the fact that Black History and Black Museums Matter”.

The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is a museum of conscience, an education center, a convener of dialogue, and a beacon of light for inclusive freedom around the globe.

The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is the preeminent cultural learning center for inclusive freedom — locally, nationally, and globally. The museum’s mission is to pursue inclusive freedom by promoting social justice for all, building on the principles of the Underground Railroad. Visit freedomcenter.org for more information.

The Black History Honors was presented by Procter and Gamble with additional sponsorship from Walmart, Verizon and Chevrolet.

The series will air in broadcast syndication February 4th through March 5th, 2023. For a complete listing of air dates and showtimes, click here; and on Bounce TV on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at 1:30PM ET. For more information on Black History Honors visit StellarTV.com.

Offering love, hope and inspiration, The Kingdom Choir today make a timely return with their brand-new single “Not Giving Up”. Founded in 1994 by Karen Gibson MBE (the Godmother of Gospel), The Kingdom Choir have continued to win hearts since their unforgettable performance at the 2018 Royal Wedding in front of a global televised audience of 2 billion people. Listen to “Not Giving Up” HERE.

Offering a ray of hope amongst the darkness, “Not Giving Up” is instantly affecting as Wayne Ellington’s rich, baritone exalts the power that comes with believing that better times are waiting ahead of us. While his voice alone would make for a captivating, emotional experience, the harmonies from the rest of The Kingdom Choir take it to a whole new level with their grace, majesty and sheer expressiveness able to move anyone. 

“Not Giving Up” was written by Alex Hart, Greg Dwight, Karen Gibson, Wilson Atie, Jonathan Owusu-Yianomah and produced by Alex Hart and Jonathan Owusu-Yianomah.

The Kingdom Choir commented, “In our changing world, this is the song that rises from our hearts. It speaks of freedom and a determination to press on, a reminder that hope takes us through the broken moments of life onto a brighter day.”

“Not Giving Up” is also a reflection of The Kingdom Choir’s own journey. Karen Gibson had led the choir for over two decades before their breakthrough moment in the spotlight, during which time the group – spread across London and from various Christian traditions – became renowned for their shared talents, collective spirit, and instantly uplifting performances.

The Kingdom Choir’s performances have remained in global demand ever since their performance at the Royal Wedding, with highlights including the Invictus Games, ITV’s Concert for Ukraine, Prince Albert II of Monaco’s 2021 gala, Expo 2020 and a headline show at the Hollywood Bowl. They have been sought out as collaborators by artists such as Gladys Knight, Gregory Porter, Emelie Sandé, and Madness, as well as for brand collaborations which have included Cartier, Ralph Lauren, Coca-Cola, Burberry, British Airways, and Marks & Spencer. The Kingdom Choir ended 2022 by performing as special guests at Trevor Nelson’s Soul Christmas extravaganza at the Royal Albert Hall alongside the likes of Corinne Bailey-Rae and Andrew Roachford.

THE KINGDOM CHOIR NORTH AMERICAN TOUR:

• February 19 Montreal, Canada. Place des Arts – Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier
• February 21 Erie, PA Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center
• February 22 Athens, OH Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium
• February 24 Galveston, TX The Grand 1984
• February 25 Spring, TX The Centrum
• February 26 Irving, TX Irving Arts Center
• February 28 Cedar Falls, IA Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center
• March 2 Eau Claire, WI RCU Theatre
• March 3 Chicago, IL Harris Theater
• March 4 Chicago, IL Harris Theater
• March 5 Goshen, IN Sauder Concert Hall
• March 7 Madisonville, KY Glema Mahr Center for the Arts
• March 9 Kutztown, PA Schaeffer Auditorium
• March 10 Fairfield, CT Kelley Theatre
• March 11 Union, NJ Enlow Recital Hall
• March 12 Red Bank, NJ Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre at the Count Basie Center for the Arts
• March 14 Thomasville, GA Thomasville Center for the Arts
• March 16 Birmingham, AL The Library Theatre
• March 17 Birmingham, AL The Library Theatre
• March 18 Meridian, MS The Riley Center
• March 20 Gainesville, FL Phillips Center
• March 21 Belle Glade, FL Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center
• March 24 Palm Desert, CA McCallum Theatre
• March 25 San Diego, CA Balboa Theatre

MTS Management is known for fostering musical talent across various genres. With more than 27 total nominations at the 2022 Independent Music Network Awards, the MTS family has won 5 major categories.

PITTSBURGH, PA – January 28, 2023– A hallmark of musical excellence, MTS Management Group constantly brings talented artists to the forefront of national and international music.

The MTS family continues to grow and thrive from new and aspiring artists to established and globally renowned icons. With MTS and its artists scoring more than 27 nominations at the 2022 Independent Music Network (IMN) Awards, MTS is now proud to announce its wins across 5 major categories, along with several additional category awards.

With MTS Records (the label arm of MTS) winning the coveted Record Label Of The Year award, ‘Fluctuating’ by Hannyta won in the New Artist Breakout Single category. MTS winners in the Country genre include Pamela Hopkins as Favorite Female Artist, See Your Shadow as Favorite Duo or Band, and  ‘You Gotta Jump In’ by Gary Pratt as the Country Breakout Single.

The Independent Music Network is a unique platform created by a team of highly accomplished musicians and passionate music lovers. With an aim to celebrate independent music creators, the network has a prominent presence across the country. MTS Management Group is grateful for the recognition given to its team.

“As long-time fans and admirers of the IMN, we were excited to be nominated for the first time last year,” says Michael Stover, President of MTS. “To bring home FIVE awards this year is amazing.  We couldn’t feel more grateful or blessed.  Congrats to all the winners!”

Additional category winners include notable artists such as Allie Young, DK Davis, Matt Gonzo Roehr, Tommy Rice, Ed Silver, Eileen Carey, Christine Van Hoy, Jim Cartwright, Mark Milovats, and Terry Bell.

More details can be seen at http://www.independentmusicnetwork.com

MTS Management Group is more than just an artist management/publicity/promotions company…It is where INDIE artists get MAJOR exposure! Specializing in full-service artist management, publicity and promotions, and radio and social media campaigns for new and established independent artists and indie labels, MTS Management Group and MTS Records are on the cutting edge of today’s new music business. MTS was founded in 2010 by Award-winning songwriter, musician, and producer, Michael Stover. 

For more information, please visit http://www.mtsmanagementgroup.com.

The Pro Basketball Player-turned-R&B singer-songwriter has released the Official Music Video for “I’m Dreaming of You” and the brand-new single, “Trouble.”

Jen Ash is a prolific musical artist known for creating soulful music by combining R&B with pop and adding some of her own signature touches. Her celebrated catalog is fast approaching 200K Spotify streams.  

With her last single, “No Lover Lover” reaching the UK iTunes Top 5, Ms. Ash is now releasing a brand-new track, “Trouble,” as well as the Official Music Video for her song, “I’m Dreaming of You.”

Hitting retail on February 2^nd, “Trouble” is a tribute to the late Amy Winehouse. Ms. Ash said, “I wanted to give a little Amy Winehouse vibe on this one. I’m a big fan of her music.

She created an entire universe for herself. She is definitely gone too soon.  The song is so jazzy and bluesy. it takes me back in time. The saxophone adds another dimension to the song, where I feel like I’m immersed in a 50/60’s black and white movie.” 

“Trouble” – Jen Ash

I wrote “I’m Dreaming Of You” in October 2020, in the middle of the pandemic, when solitude hits and all you have is time to think,” Jen said. “After a lot of failures in the ‘love department,’ I often wonder if I will find someone who will love me. I get very emotional every time I talk about it. I imagine The love of my life, my soulmate, my one and only. They say love is fated, and I believe it. I believe someone is right for me, and I can’t wait for my wish to be granted!”

“I’m Dreaming Of You” was produced by Eddie Reid Films. 

Jen Ash is a soulful pop/r&b artist, born in Lebanon and raised in France. After ending her professional basketball career, she decided to follow her true path, moving to Los Angeles to pursue her music career. She has been performing since 2018 in the City of Angels.

Her influences come from the 90’s, with her goal being to create music that connects with and inspires listeners. She has learned to explore music on her own… what an amazing and tumultuous road it has been. Her songwriting channels into past and present experiences and future desires, with a splash of imagination. With the ability to create in French and English her sultry vocals will take you on a memorable journey.

Link to website: https://www.jenashmusic.com.

 Faith Artist Agency, an industry-leading Christian music booking agency, has announced the addition of a speaker division. The roster of speakers includes Jon Micah Sumrall (Kutless), James Mead (Kutless), Ryan Ries (The Whosoevers), Grace Graber and Trevor Tyson (Trevor Talks).

“I am excited for this new chapter for Faith Artist Agency!” agency founder Brandy Wahlman shares. “For years we have been able to partner with some of the most talented, ministry-focused artists in the music industry. Adding a speaker division is the next natural step in furthering our mission to meet people where they are with the hope and love of Christ.”

In alignment with that mission, several of the speakers offer evangelistic messages. Ryan Ries is one such speaker, bringing well over a decade of evangelism experience to the table through his role as cofounder of The Whosoevers movement. Jon Micah Sumrall and James Mead of Kutless also have extensive evangelism experience, both in the United States and abroad.

But the Faith Artist Agency speaker roster also offers diversity, with speakers like Grace Graber and Trevor Talks sharing messages about mental health and healing. 

“I am grateful to be partnering with speakers who are fearless in discussing difficult topics such as mental health, addiction, and navigating the challenges and triumphs of their Christian walks,” Wahlman says. “I hope that as we partner with churches, conferences, universities and ministries, our speakers can use their platforms to let people that they are not alone.”

The speaker lineup complements an outstanding roster of artists and bands. For 2023 appearances alone, Faith Artist Agency is currently booking Kutless, Jon Micah Sumrall solo dates, Disciple, Honor & Glory, The Protest, Ashes Remain, Trampolines and Grace Graber.

To see the full Faith Artist Agency lineup, visit faabooking.com. To book a speaker or band for your event, contact info[at]faabooking.com or call (833) 293 8814.

It’s official. Syntax Creative has earned the highest honor Spotify awards for digital distributors — Platinum status for its preferred provider program.

“Preferred providers meet our highest standards for providing quality metadata and protecting against infringement,” says Jennifer Masset, Spotify Global Head of Indies.

“We couldn’t have done this without Brandon Musser, our VP of Operations,” Syntax Creative CEO Timothy Trudeau says. “He’s been a part of Syntax since the beginning when we had to manually encode everything and deliver it with an FTP client. He was creating standards before any existed.”

Syntax’s journey with Spotify began in 2011, the same year Spotify launched in the U.S.

Syntax was one of, if not the first North American content provider to do a direct deal with the up-and-coming streaming giant.

“Twenty-five years later, we’re still independent,” Trudeau says. “We’ve long embraced mixing our old school sensibilities with new technology. For our clients, being direct with Spotify means better access and less hands in the pot—and while everyone else is focused on scaling, we’re still hand-picking the clients we work with.”

“I’m honored to play a part in this meaningful milestone,” Musser says. “Spotify is one of the top digital service providers that we send our clients’ music to, so it means a lot for Spotify to affirm that we’re doing something right.”

Syntax Creative is one of the top independent digital distributors, design firms, and marketing agencies, representing more than 150 record labels. Their impressive list of clientele includes Crossroads Label Group, Cross Movement Records, CLG Music & Media, Elevation Church, Pinecastle Recording Company, Illect Recordings, Central South Distribution, Mountain Fever Music Group, Woodlands Church, and Rapzilla among others. To learn more, visit https://syntaxcreative.com.

Keith & Kristyn Getty Earn First GRAMMY® Nomination for Confessio – Irish American Roots, Best Roots Gospel Album.

Confessio – Irish American Roots traces the Gettys’ journey back to their native homeland to explore the connection between Ireland’s enduring faith music heritage and its legacy in America.

The album was recorded on the North Coast of Ireland during the lockdowns and showcases 15 modern and timeless hymns, highlighting traditional Irish melodies and instrumentation, while also featuring performances by a musically diverse array of stellar guests including multiple GRAMMY-winning artists such as Alison Krauss, Kirk Whalum and bluegrass icon Ricky Skaggs.

The Getty’s songs are sung by an estimated 100 million+ people each year. As ambassadors of hymn writing, the Gettys have performed for presidents and prime ministers, and their annual national hymn tour and Christmas tour regularly sell out venues such as The Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall.

In 2017, Keith was honored as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

“We made this album when we were home with our daughters in Northern Ireland during Covid,” said Keith and Kristyn Getty. “It was our love letter to the land of our birth: the place that gave the origins and the meaning to why we write hymns, from its first hymn writer St. Patrick and his ‘Confession,’ to many beloved modern hymns. We are honored by this GRAMMY® nomination and we hope the project shines a greater light on the Christian heritage of the West, the importance of hymn singing, and the irresistible beauty of the Lord Jesus.”

The 65th GRAMMY® Awards, will air live on Sunday, Feb. 5, from Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena, and it will broadcast live on the CBS Television Network and stream live and on-demand on Paramount+ at 8-11:30 p.m. ET / 5-8:30 p.m. PT+. The Best Roots Gospel Album category is for albums containing greater than 50% playing time of newly recorded, vocal, traditional/roots gospel music, including country, Southern gospel, bluegrass, and Americana recordings.

For more information on Keith & Kristyn Getty please visit: www.gettymusic.com

About Keith & Kristyn Getty

Keith and Kristyn Getty have been called the “preeminent” hymn writers of this generation who have “changed the way evangelicals worship.” Their hymn “In Christ Alone,” written with Stuart Townend, is one of the most-sung hymns in the world, estimated to be sung by over 100 million people each year.

As ambassadors of hymn writing, the Gettys have performed for presidents and prime ministers, and their annual national hymn tour and Christmas tour regularly sell out venues such as The Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall. In 2017, Keith was honored as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, marking the first time the award has been given to an individual in the world of contemporary church music.

Since its founding, Getty Music, has expanded to include a publishing company of modern hymn writers, a record label, touring company, online learning company, charitable foundation and an annual “Sing” Conference & Festival which welcomes over 15,000 people to Nashville. Keith & Kristyn live between Nashville and Northern Ireland with their four daughters.

It was announced that Steven Curtis Chapman, the most-awarded artist in Christian music history, has signed with one:eight entertainment for management representation. The news was exclusively shared courtesy of Billboard.

“I’m very blessed to have been surrounded and supported by great people throughout my career, and I couldn’t have hoped for a better team around me for this new season,” says Steven Curtis Chapman, a five-time GRAMMY Award winner and recipient of the BMI Icon Award.

one:eight entertainment is helmed by industry veteran Greg Ham. In his outstanding career, Ham has served as former President/CEO of ForeFront Records and most recently as a partner in the MWS Group, representing Michael W. Smith, CeCe Winans, and Olympian Scott Hamilton, among others. Ham and his team at one:eight entertainment will continue to represent these clients along withaward-winning producer/director Robert Deaton and artist/worship leader Charity Gayle.

Chapman adds, “Greg, who has been a long-time valued friend, brings years of seasoned wisdom and unrivaled knowledge and experience, and Alex, who has been a part of my management team for the last several years, brings great passion and energy. The whole team is world-class and I’m honored and excited to work with them!” Chapman was formerly managed by The Stable Collective following his 28 year-partnership with Creative Trust.

“We are thrilled that Steven has entrusted this season to one:eight for his management,” Greg Ham shares. “It’s been a privilege to call him a friend for many years and we are excited to see what this collaboration will produce.”

The news comes on the heels of Chapman’s latest project, Still, out now courtesy of Provident Entertainment/Sony Music. With his new songs, Chapman openly shares a willingness to shine a light on his pain and struggles, as well as his faith, joy, redemption, and hope. He says, “After a lot of wrestling, I finally had to just block out the questions about what felt or sounded relevant, or how is new music from me going to fit in the current landscape of Christian music. I had to silence those voices in my head, sit down with my guitar, and sort of give myself permission to just write whatever was stirring in me, let it come out however it came out.”

The album’s first radio single, “Don’t Lose Heart,” was inspired by Chapman’s own journey through the shadowed valley of grief and loss that he and his family have traveled. Its hopeful yet unmasked honesty and truth have quickly connected with listeners and have taken the song up the radio charts, which is currently at No. 9 on Billboard‘s Christian Airplay chart.

Eager to share the new songs live, Chapman is hitting the road this spring on his 24-city “Still Tour.” Kicking off March 2 in Springfield, Missouri, be sure to check out the most updated tour schedule  HERE.