GRAMMY, Billboard Music, Stellar, and Dove Award-winning musician and songwriter Tasha Cobbs Leonard appeared on Fox & Friends to perform songs from her recently released HYMNS album. Leonard ushered in the holiday season with a performance of “O Holy Night” on air as part of the All American Christmas concert series. She offered a bonus performance of “The Church I Grew Up In” for Fox News Digital.
Captured in front of a live audience of more than 3,000 at The Greenwood Oasis on the campus of New Life Southeast in Chicago, HYMNS is a larger-than-life reimagining of classic hymns of love and grace, one that speaks to our modern world even as it reaches far beyond it. The arrangements are sweeping and cinematic, drawing on worship and gospel and even hints of country, pop, and R&B, radiating an undeniable sense of joy and fellowship at every turn.
GRAMMY-winning artist Naomi Raine launches her Christmas Car Chats video series featuring a variety of special guests in the music and worship space. Naomi and her guests will deep-dive into topics such as family, music, faith and everything in between as they spend quality time in the car.
Christmas Car Chats is a holiday-themed extension of Naomi’s Car Chats, launched around the release of her ‘Journey’ album (7.8), which featured seven intimate “car chat” spoken word recordings along with 15 original songs. Naomi’s Car Chats have featured author Sarah Jakes Roberts, 6x GRAMMY-winner Israel Houghton and TV personality Adrienne Bailon-Houghton, author and motivational speaker Priscilla Shirer and many others.
The Christmas Car Chats series will go live weekly on Naomi’s YouTube channel and feature guests including 2x GRAMMY nominated artist DOE, Mariah Houghton, RIAA Gold-certified and GMA Dove Award-winning artist Phil Wickham, and a special episode featuring Naomi’s entire family.
This year, Naomi made her solo TV debut on Fox & Friends, made her Grand Ole Opry debut in Nashville, performed at the GMA Dove Awards and much more. She’s set to release her debut live worship record in 2023, following her ‘Journey’ and ‘Journey: Acoustic Sessions’ albums, and she recently wrapped her series ‘Journey: The Docuseries.’
“Alleluia, Christ is Born!” the debut Christmas single from husband and wife duo Brad and Joanie Perry, better known to fans as Alabaster Grace, is gaining traction at Christian radio with more than 43 stations already placing the song in rotation following its release from Westar Media Group.
“Alleluia, Christ is Born!” is the highly anticipated follow-up to the duo’s most recent single, “Wait Upon the Lord.” The new Christmas hymn, as well as its accompanying lyric video, reveals a deeply reverential, acoustic rendition of classic Christmas themes which encourages listeners to embrace the quiet mystery of the birth of Christ.
“Alabaster Grace’s new Christmas single is a great song to celebrate Jesus’ birth!” says Westar Media Group’s Kathryn Livingston. “This is a wonderful song for the holiday season.”
Alabaster Grace’s Brad Perry, a highly decorated former NASA rocket scientist, and his wife, Joanie Perry, a dedicated educator, worked together with Corey Pavlosky, founder of Pipe Dream Studios, who served as the producer and recording engineer for “Alleluia, Christ is Born!” to create the tender acoustic rendering for this special Christmas song.
“Working with Alabaster Grace was a pleasure from beginning to end, keeping the authentic and guitar-centered presence of the song while enhancing it with orchestral instruments. It was a blast working together as a team on this beautiful song!” says Pavlosky.
“On a cold morning, while reflecting upon the birth of Jesus, a moving melody emerged with the simple words, “Alleluia, Christ is born,” says Brad Perry. “These words became the chorus of a song that declares the birth, death, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
“I wanted this song to have a contemplative and calming feel reminiscent of “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” adds Joanie Perry. “I personally love that the bridge offers the hopeful plea, ‘Holy Child, shine on us.’”
The arrangement, which highlights Joanie’s voice and Brad’s classically influenced acoustic guitar, draws its inspiration from the bookend scriptures of Matthew 1:23 NIV — The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means “God with us”), and Romans 6:23 ESV — For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
“As people experience our first Christmas song, our hope is that they take time to reflect on the essential message: Alleluia, Christ is born, and He is Lord!”
To stream Alabaster Grace’s new single, “Alleluia, Christ is Born!” click here.
Centricity Publishing, an independent publishing company based in Franklin, TN, announces the re-signing of hit-making songwriter and producer Kyle Williams to a long-term agreement. First signed to Centricity Publishing in 2018, Williams has gone on to write songs that have been recorded by artists in genres ranging from pop to Christian to alternative, and has songs featured in network television shows, national ad campaigns and multiple feature films.
Originally from Oklahoma and now residing in Nashville, Williams is a multi-genre songwriter and producer, a multi-instrumentalist, and lead guitarist for the band We Are Messengers. He also releases his own solo artistry under the monikers Willyecho and Kyle and the clouds. His six No. 1 radio singles include writing and production credits on this year’s hits “See Me Through It” by Brandon Heath and “The Goodness” by TobyMac (feat. Blessing Offor).
Williams’ additional No. 1 songs include “Light It Up” by Terrian, “Enough” by Social Club Misfits, “You Are Loved” by Stars Go Dim and “This World Is Not My Home” by Branan Murphy. He has also co-written and produced three Top 5 singles for We Are Messengers, “This Is Jesus,” “Love” and “Power,” and has production and songwriting credits with Cochren & Co., Tasha Layton, Jonny Diaz and Jason Gray. The 2021 EP Genesis of Terrian by Gotee Records’ artist, Terrian, was fully produced and co-written by Williams.
“I’ve always felt like the folks at Centricity were family from the beginning,” says Williams. “I’m truly excited to further this relationship and my career.”
“We absolutely love working with Kyle,” says Chad Segura, Centricity Publishing’s Vice President. “Whether he’s wearing the hat of songwriter, producer or artist, or some combo of the three, he always delivers at a ridiculously high level. We’re so honored to partner with him and can’t wait to see what this next chapter holds in store for us all.”
Along with his success in the Christian genre, Kyle has collaborated with Rob Thomas (of Matchbox Twenty), Marc Broussard, Cassadee Pope, Heather Morgan, Sam Tinnesz, Erika Ender, Fraser Churchill, and many others.
In 2019, Kyle was on NBC’s Songlandand won the episode with Aloe Blacc as the guest judge. Not only did Blacc record and release the song Kyle co-wrote and performed on the show, “Getting Started,” it also ended up in the end credits in the blockbuster movie, Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw. Kyle’s had many other synch placements with various songs, including ABC’s How To Get Away with Murder, NBC’s Chicago Fire, and UFC and Fox Sports promos.
Black Sheep recording artist Janelle Arthur, called upon multi-Grammy-nominated, Dove award-winning artists and Grand Ole Opry members, The Isaacs to feature their renowned harmonies on her powerful new Christmas ballad“One Night On Earth,” which was recorded in July. The ensemble put their heads together in the studio to create the perfect blends to back up the beautiful melody and cameras were on hand to capture some of that studio magic in a new behind-the-scenes video, shot by Jamie Litt and produced by Janelle herself.
“I really wanted to capture the moment when this came to life in the studio and I think we accomplished that with this video. I’m so thankful to The Isaacs for helping create this very special song,” says Arthur.
The modern-day Christmas ballad perfectly captures the power and beauty of the holiday season and Arthur’s sweetly reverent vocals are striking backed by the shimmering harmonies of The Isaacs. The rapport they shared in the studio is showcased in the new video that offers a glimpse of the creation of the track.
Arthur will also be a featured artist ringing in the holiday season at Gatlinburg, TN’s “47th Annual Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade” along with ACM Award-winning artist and Grand Ole Opry member, Mark Wills, and Santa Claus. She will be showcased on a float where “One Night on Earth (ft. The Isaacs) will be playing for the audience to hear. The parade will be held on Friday, December 2nd, 2022, kicking off at 7:30 p.m. EST. Find more information HERE.
Grammy winner and one of the most influential Christian artists in today’s era Chris Tomlin will host the new season of Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith debuting in early 2023. Season three of Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith will premiere on UP Faith & Family, the leading streaming service in uplifting entertainment, on March 2 and on the cable network UPtv on April 2.
The inspirational series, based off the bestselling devotional book Jesus Calling ® (Thomas Nelson), will share stories of success, loss, heartbreak, and redemption told by people of faith from all walks of life that will inspire and encourage. Host Chris Tomlin kicks the series’ new season off with guests Amy Grant and Carlos and Alexa PenaVega.
“Personally, I have always felt the heartbeat of Jesus Calling is so in line with my calling… to help people have an encounter with God,” said Chris Tomlin. “So, to be able to share story after story of God’s faithfulness in so many lives as this year’s host is something I am honored to do.”
“We are delighted to have Chris Tomlin as host of the next season of Jesus Calling,” said Michael Aulisio, Vice President and Publisher of the Jesus Calling brand at Thomas Nelson. “Chris’ faith and energy are magnetic. We know viewers will be uplifted and inspired by the stories they see each week.”
“We are thrilled to partner with Harper Collins to bring Jesus Calling to UP Faith & Family and UPtv as our uplifting brand promise uniquely aligns with this inspiring series. It’s a perfect addition to our programming offering,” said Hector Campos, vice president, content strategy and acquisition, UP Entertainment.
Season three guests include Tabitha Brown, Sonya Curry, Linda Davis & Lang Scott, Trent Dilfer, Andrew East & Shawn Johnson East, Danny Gokey, Amy Grant, Walker Hayes & Craig Allen Cooper, Ben Higgins, Chris & Kelly Janson, Todd Hoffman, Jimmy Houston, Gary LeVox, David & Tamela Mann, Jordan Matthews, Eddie Montgomery, Rope & Candice Myers, Jordan Matthews, Granger & Amber Smith, Rev. Run & Justine Simmons, Alexa Welteroth & Johnathan Singletary, Tim Tebow, Travis Tritt, Steve Wariner, Brett & Brad Warren, Bubba Watson, Paige VanZant, and Brett Young. Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith is produced by Four Eyes Media.
UP Faith & Family will air season one of Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith, hosted by Lauren Alaina, beginning January 1, 2023.
Multi-Grammy Award winning duo for KING & COUNTRY made a milestone announcement today (November 30). The Curb | Word Entertainment recording artists officially announced their second feature-length film is coming soon. ‘Unsung Hero’ is tagged as The Dramatic True Story of an Immigrant Mum and Her Family. More information is expected soon and fans can sign up for updates at unsungheromovie.com.
“Many of you have heard our family’s story over the years, but never quite like this- after a devastating financial loss in Australia during the 90s, our Mum and Dad made an incredibly courageous leap to pack up their six kids (with one on the way) and 16 suitcases to move halfway across the world in hopes of a new beginning in the United States,” the duo shared in the announcement. “This is a film about our Mum and motherhood, family and miracles, sacrifice and faith… A film for YOU…It’s been a pretty outrageous undertaking these last few months, but it’s a story we’re incredibly proud of, and we can’t wait to share it with you.”
For KING & COUNTRY’s first feature film titled Priceless opened in theaters in October 2016, received positive reviews and feedback from audiences, and was the #1 independent film during its launch weekend.
The singer-songwriter, actress and performer will release the electro-pop single “Are You Clapping?” just in time for New Year’s playlists.
With an affinity for music from a very young age, Taydem Shoesmith has been exploring songwriting for quite some time. Having multiple IMDB acting and composing credits to her name, Taydem is now diving into the pop music market with her debut single, “Are You Clapping?” The electro-pop/dance anthem, written by Shoesmith, comes from a very personal place; one she hopes will connect with listeners:
‘I think this is my first song that was written out of anger,” Taydem recalls. “I remember writing in my lyric book about how frustrated I was with the people around me and society in general. We think we have to act like the perfect person when we talk to people or go on dates. We’re kind of setting ourselves up for failure because we’re acting like someone we think they want to be with. I mean, it makes sense because in the past, relationships weren’t about love or connections. They were basically just business deals. I guess I just got to the point of wondering why I was doing this. Why were people telling me to talk more, smile more, flirt better, don’t be boring, etc, so often, when it came to relationships. Because not only was it exhausting to keep that facade up, I was also disappointed in myself for basically faking who I was, just to catch some guy’s attention. So through this song, I’m saying that I’m done putting up a show. Having confidence in the choices we make is very important, no matter if it’s in relationships, jobs, or life in general. And that is the message I hope people will take away from this song.”
From singer-songwriter to pop and alternative, Taydem’s music is a unique amalgamation of different genres and influences. Her musical inspirations include Michael Jackson, Rascal Flatts, Billie Holiday, Sabrina Carpenter, Camila Cabello and more. Her acting debut was in 2020, when she was cast for a role in the short film “In the Dark.” She has been cast as the lead in multiple films, and has created music for films as well; one of those being a theme song for a short series, “Blood Sisters.”
As I have had time to really absorb the latest single from Bonnie Milne; Perception since its November 11 release my initial response seems quite lacking in its appreciation. As a staple to my classical playlists, yes I have multiple, the elegant melodies seem to leave me haunted after each listen. As a piano solo piece that features a violin and cello in the crescendo, Bonnie Milne takes a repeated melody and explores many unique concepts on top of it.
As the left hand continues to revolve the same bright, methodical yet menacing euphony the right hand becomes free to add in the colorfulness of the piece with contrast and disparity. Whether it is a complimentary run of notes or an accentuation of the downbeat the upper register provides a chilling yet comforting tone that carries this song through to its conclusion. As the theme reaches into the encapsulation phase, however, the real power and majesty begins to shine.
The treble notes become faster and blended as the notes almost take on a lyrical aspect, capturing the listener deep into the embrace of that revolving bass pattern. As the tension builds, and the listener becomes almost hypnotically engulfed by the rhythm, Bonnie Milne frees us from her grasp and enter Kevin Fox playing the cello and Shane Guse playing the violin.
This culmination of stringed instruments fills the sonic space with fervor and totality making Perception a track that instantly becomes the most played song on my classical playlist for the last three weeks. I briefed this review by alluding to the haunted feeling Perception left me with, this can not go unanswered. Although Bonnie Milne seems to be quite the master at capturing melody and articulating a theme with many articulations and expression, it really comes down to the original infusion of notes and the set up for the whole piece that becomes the basis of every note thereafter. It is the left-hand bass notes that, although meant to elicit a cheerful and jubilant response, sit deep into the foundation of the track, and hold that tension throughout.
Maybe after many listens have I uncovered the clever meaning of the track’s competent title. It is my Perception that plays havoc with my appreciation, making it all that more rewarding.
As a music educator from Canada, Bonnie Milne has arguably taught many students all about tension and release. About melody versus harmony, and about articulations and expressions. With this stand-alone single, not on an album release, Perception becomes an etude to all the elements I have mentioned. Students will be well advised to study this piece as an example of how to deliver all the performance requirements, the technical aspects, and the use of key changes, but to also make music fun, entertaining, and thought-provoking. To make music leave a mark on the listener as it did to me. As I continue to be absorbed in the works of Bonnie Milne and continue to check my own Perception, I will eagerly await the response work to this majestic piece.
GRAMMY-nominated band MercyMe recently announced plans for a spring tour. The Always Only Jesus Tour, featuring TAYA and Micah Tyler, is set to kick off on March 2 in Utica, NY and run through April 23 with a stop in Poplar Bluff, MO. Presale begins on Monday, November 28 at 10AM local time in select markets. For more information, visit mercyme.org.
MercyMe released their 11th studio project, ALWAYS ONLY JESUS, last month. The 10-song collection is filled with the musically inventive, lyrically substantive songs that have always been the bedrock of MercyMe’s decades long career, including the project’s first single, “Then Christ Came.” The song follows an impressive streak of 48 No. 1 radio singles that have not only fueled MercyMe’s 28-year career, but also helped define the landscape of contemporary Christian music.
