Doug Williams is synonymous with quality traditional gospel music boasting contemporary inflections that satisfies the heart and touches the soul. Today he announces his new label, DLW Music Group, and a new holiday single featuring Grammy Award winning saxophonist Gerald Albright.
“An Unusual Child” featuring Gerald Albright will be available on all music platforms in late November. Preview the track here: “An Unusual Child” Snippet
“I started to feel a tug in my spirit in 2020 during the pandemic that it was time to start my own label,” says Willams. “I had recently retired from Blackberry Records, so I was reluctant at first but the Holy Spirit kept prompting me to move and I was obedient.”
During this time, Williams’ creativity was also sparked: he began writing songs and eventually enlisted long-time co-producer Stan Jones to help bring them to life. Their unmistakable musical alchemy resulted in an album that will be released on DLW Music Group in 2023, as well as “An Unusual Child” – the new single available for the 2022 holiday season.
“An Unusual Child” is simultaneously reflective and mellow, uplifting and joyous as Williams, Albright and their ethereal background vocalists take listeners on a beautiful journey of adoration for Christ.
“I want people to be uplifted and encouraged during this Holiday season just knowing that we have a Savior who’s continuously working on our behalf,” says Williams. “I heard a preacher speaking about ‘an unusual child’ and that sparked the whole concept inside of me. He was an unusual child with an unusual assignment, and we are blessed that God gave us a Savior through His son Jesus Christ.”
“An Unusual Child” will be available everywhere that digital music is sold and streamed. More information about Doug Williams’ 2023 album “Colour Of Love” will be announced soon.
Syntax Creative is honored to announce its partnership with Nashville-based LoweKey Entertainment, home to famed gospel artist Debbie Winans, whose career highlights include opening for Whitney Houston’s Body Guard Tour and performing as a background vocalist for her brother and sister, Bebe & Cece Winans. Her new holiday single “Hustle & Bustle” will release Nov. 18, 2022 and can be pre-saved now by clicking here.
“I felt immediately at home when I met with Syntax on behalf of LoweKey,” Debbie Winans said. “Kindred at heart; small but powerful and purposeful; a company driven by the passion of their business, and focused on their purpose. To find a company led by the heart of an artist with the wisdom of the business is a true treasure.”
“This is full circle,” Syntax Creative CEO Timothy Trudeau said. “We’ve had the privilege to work multiple titles from Debbie and her family to the digital space, including her debut with her sister Angie. All these years later, she is still faithfully creating great art that the world needs to hear, and we love having the opportunity to serve as part of that process.”
The soon-to-drop “Hustle & Bustle” builds on Winans’ success last year with her holiday single “The Story” and will be the first of many more to be released from the 35-year music veteran.
“Today’s digital space is an amazing opportunity to reach people in a more optimal and effective way,” LoweKey co-founder James Lowe said. “I’m just grateful LoweKey has an opportunity to work with Syntax—a company we believe will help us navigate the digital world and help bring our mission to life.”
“Mixing the talent and experience of a veteran with all these new tools and fresh perspectives will be an explosive combination,” Syntax Creative marketing coordinator Erin Moorman said.
LoweKey Entertainment is headed by James Lowe, senior pastor of Bethel World Outreach Church, a multi-ethnic, multi-generational church located in Brentwood, TN, along with his wife Debbie Winans, member of the world-famous Winans music dynasty. Together they have built a company that values displaying God through creativity, music, and production for the purpose of spreading the gospel.
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, Central South Distribution, Cross Movement Records, Elevation Church, and Woodlands Church among others. To learn more, visit https://syntaxcreative.com
Acclaimed BEC Recordings artist Tasha Layton is teaming up with Raymond Arroyo on his new mega-selling children’s holiday title, “The Wise Men Who Found Christmas,” the #2 overall ranked book on Amazon in recent weeks.
Layton renewed the seasonal classic “We Three Kings” with fresh lyrics inspired by “The Wise Men Who Found Christmas” and created an original video featuring animated illustrations from the book.
The song, a blend of traditional and modern, just released on YouTube as a lyric video. The newly inspired “We Three Kings (We Magi of Orient Are)” was produced by GRAMMY and Dove Award-winner Keith Everette Smith.
The dynamic duo is hitting the streets this fall with various national tours. Arroyo is in the middle of his national book tour and Layton will be joining the K-LOVE Christmas Tour slated to stop in 11 cities across the country beginning December 1st.
Dallas, TX – Multi-gifted musician and songwriter Ethan Kent has given us inspirational music that is soulful and totally groovy. He crafts his worship music with moments of traditional churchy Gospel and pop-infused Contemporary Christian elements, all masterfully produced and ingeniously arranged over God-inspired lyrics. With his Top 30 Billboard Radio hit songs “My Hope Is In Glory,” “Bring Us To Our Knees,” and “The Name Of The Lord,” Ethan Kent is the fresh-found treasure of Gospel music.
Ethan’s newest sonic treasure is “Church Be The Church”. His latest single is inspirational and progressive, with a minimalistic yet big, bright, and even cinematic sound. “Church Be The Church” is soulful and Gospel-centered.
“I conceptualized the song coming out of one the most challenging times of the pandemic,” Ethan says. “Churches completely shut down in-person worship experiences to slow down the curve and help the medical community get a grip on effectively treating Covid-19. It was one of many songs I wrote with friends via zoom due to our inability to travel and meet in person.”
“Church Be The Church” is the precursor to Ethan’s long-awaited sophomore album coming in 2023. His debut album WORK IN PROGRESS was released in 2014 and gave Gospel music a massive dose of his artistically fresh and musically diverse creativity. He has since released successful singles “Get The Glory” (2016), “Second To None” (2018), and “God Is Good” (2020) but Gospel music fans and media crave more from the musical genius.
“In a way, this song is a return for me. I am super excited about this single release as it will kickstart more single releases leading to my sophomore album releasing next year,” Ethan explains. “I had Gospel radio programmers personally reach out to check on me. I felt they all talked to each other before calling because they all said, Where have you been? We want to hear more music from you. Don’t stop!”
“Church Be The Church” is a song about the church and it feels like church! The single features Aaron Gordon, Jr. and Calvary Worship and is written by Kent, Alyssa Hutchinson, Madai Bernal, and Areli Alvarez. “Church Be The Church” is available for pre-order now and will be released via Ethan’s independent label Tonic Blueprint on Friday, November 18.
Ethan serves as the Worship Pastor and Production Lead at Calvary Church of Irving under the leadership of Pastors Ben and Kim Dailey. With his Calvary Worship team, Ethan has also written and produced three original live Calvary Worship albums SOUND OF GRACE (2017), DECLARATIONS Part 1. (2019), and DECLARATIONS: THE LIVE EXPERIENCE(2022).
Recorded live at their downtown New Orleans campus, worship collective Bethany Music has released a new single titled “OMG,” encouraging listeners to celebrate everything God has done for them this holiday season.
Inspired by the Christian experience of finding freedom in Christ, “OMG” gives a new meaning to the saying, “Oh My God.”
“We visualized a man sitting in darkness, in prison chains, and a bright light appearing to set the captive free,” Bethany Music member BJ Putnam said. “That is the Christian story and experience. Christ truly has set us free. He has set us free from our bondage to sin, the curse of the law, the chains of addiction, the downward spiral of a purposeless life, and every other thing that tries to bind or limit us.”
The single was released on Oct. 28, shortly followed by the live worship video, released on Nov. 3. The timing makes, “OMG” an incredible resource for Christian churches to utilize throughout the Thanksgiving season. The song’s lyrics proudly emphasize the gratitude of whoever sings it to God.
About Bethany Music We are a community of singers, musicians, and songwriters who are passionate about serving God’s people through songwriting and leading them into His presence. Our mission to provide space for people to encounter God is more important than the music itself. ?Bethany Music champions the cause and is a part of Bethany Church, a local church with multiple locations in Louisiana committed to bringing all people into the life, family, and purpose of God.
LeRae Records is thrilled to announce the signing of recording artist Marvinetta Clay, and is celebrating her debut radio single, “God Is So Good,” which releases today, Friday, November 11, 2022 via Exploration Distribution.
“LeRae Records is honored to be the record label home of the incredibly talented Marvinetta Clay,” says LeRae Records Founder and CEO, Rev. Wilfred Moore.
“God Is So Good” is a silky-smooth, jazz-inflected, Gospel-Urban Contemporary synthesis that effectively showcases Marvinetta’s rich, passionate vocals as they imbue the song with a soaring spiritual burst of energy. To listen to the “God is So Good” single, click here.
The label will honor Marvinetta with a single release party tonight at Hamburger Mary’s Restaurant, located at 1700 East Flamingo Rd., Las Vegas, Nevada. Festivities will start at 6 p.m. PT and will feature music from Marvinetta, along with fellow LeRae Records recording artists Jack Yates and Fate Kent. Talent manager Kim Flowers of SMG | Styles Management and World Talent Management Group, LLC, will be on hand as the event’s celebrity host. Admission is free.
A preacher, teacher, singer, musician, writer, radio personality, and educator, Marvinetta is the newest signing at the Inspirational Gospel music label. Her radio single, “God is So Good,” is the debut release from her upcoming 2023 EP, Just Marvinetta, slated for release in First Quarter 2023.
As a featured soloist with vocal groups including The Las Vegas Mass Choir, Michael Stokes & Company, The Voices of Judah, God’s P.L.A.N., and David Blakely, Marvinetta has performed throughout the United States and as far away as Australia at venues including The Melbourne International Jazz Festival, The House of Blues, and the Super Bowl.
“I’m so excited at what God is doing with my music ministry,” says Marvinetta. “I can’t wait to see what doors He will open next!”
In addition to her music ministry, Marvinetta, who holds a Doctor of Theology degree, serves as President of the Bread of Life Christian University Theology Seminary in Las Vegas, where she is an instructor in the Master’s Degree program. She is the Associate Pastor at God’s House International Ministries, where she is also the worship leader of the Praise and Worship ministry. In addition, she is a radio personality at Anointed Radio and hosts the Music of the Heart segment on KCEP 88.1 every 1st Sunday. Marvinetta is also the CEO of Clay Enterprises, LLC. She is reaching beyond the stars and will continue her preaching, teaching, and musical journey because she knows that God is the master planner of her life and she is very grateful for all opportunities and experiences encountered.
Marvinetta’s debut single, “God Is So Good,” was co-written by Jack Yates and Fate Kent, who are also signed with LeRae Records.
Jack Yates, who released his first project with the label in 2010, rose to prominence as one of the lead vocalists in the Stellar Award-nominated James Grear & Company, and has worked with renowned production duo Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, performing on the Prince of Egypt and Emperor’s New Groove soundtracks. Yates is currently the Minister of Music for the 10,000 member Victory Baptist Church in Las Vegas, Nevada, the largest African American Church in Southern Nevada.
Fate Kent, whose voice has been compared to such Motown greats as Jackie Wilson, Sam Cooke, and Smokey Robinson, but with a sound that is uniquely his own, has a solo project slated for release on LeRea Records in First Quarter 2023. Kent currently serves as one of the Associate Pastors of the Abundant Peace United Church of Christ, Las Vegas and is esteemed as a speaker and life-coach.
“LeRae Records is blessed to work alongside of these amazing singer/songwriters,” says Rev. Moore. “We believe they are each uniquely qualified to reach the world with the message of God’s love.”
Georgia-born singer/songwriter Kristian Stanfill shared a deeply personal milestone on social media today. The Passion City Church worship pastor posted today marks two years of alcohol sobriety. Stanfill talked openly about his decision to go public with his journey and how he hopes to encourage others who may be struggling with addiction. You can read his post in its entirety below.
On November 11, Stanff will release a new solo album, Make It Out Alive, via sixtstepsrecords/Capitol CMG. The eleven songs on Make It Out Alive are his most personal offering to date. Written at a time of reckoning in his life, these songs were born out of Stanfill’s own need for survival. Along the way, it became clear that these songs could help someone else find hope at their lowest moment and to let them know that they are not alone.
I am 2 years sober today. I’ve been pretty quiet about this part of my life on social media but I wanted to share today for a couple of reasons.
first, somebody needs to know that you’re not alone. I read somewhere that “when we struggle in silence we suffer alone.” Owning our brokenness and being honest about our humanity helps us heal and helps others heal too. SOBRIETY IS A WE. I have taken every step of this journey WITH people. my wife, close friends, pastors, counselors…it takes a village! community and connection is where we experience the power of Grace and begin to heal. if you’re addicted and hurting the first step toward change is reaching out to someone and asking for help. we can’t do this alone.
second, somebody needs to hear that sobriety isn’t just possible but it’s also worth it. my life is not perfect and the last 730 days has not been easy but I am happier and healthier than I ever was with a drink in my hand. my head is clear and my relationships are real. my heart is ON and I’m dreaming again. I’m checked in to reality and I’m fighting to be present to every moment. this is the good life. beauty from ashes. something worth fighting for.
I hope this is encouraging for someone. I don’t have it all figured out and I have not arrived. this is a process and I’m committed to it. one step at a time, one day at a time until I see Jesus face to face and the struggle ends.
Gospel legendary singer, VaShawn Mitchell hosted an incredible live recording at the Sound Board in Detroit Motor City Casino. Fans were lined up hours in advance full of anticipation of what was to come. The show was hosted by Detroit native actor, songwriter and social media influencer Jor’el Quinn with special performing guests including Donnie McClurkin, Jekalyn Carr, Lisa Page Brooks and Shana Wilson. Ron Poindexter directed the heavenly chorus of twelve singers and continued to raise the bar on his own solo feature. Other special guests in attendance include Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Bebe Winans, actor Darius McCrary, BET ‘Sunday Best’ alum Clifton Ross III, and Grammy-nominated producer J. Drew Sheard II.
Throughout the concert, audience members were enthralled in a trance of praise and worship, ballads, as well as praise breaks that had everyone on their feet. When speaking to concertgoers, people referred to the experience as “the best record so far” and “the best time I’ve had in a long time”. One person even claimed, “This record is going to take over the industry next year!” All in all, no one left disappointed. The concert also concluded with a call for salvation where individuals were lead to Christ.
When asked about the concert, Mitchell says, “Wow what an incredible night! I pray that lives were changed and the people were blessed by the ministry that took place today.” He continues, “as long as God gets the glory, I’m blessed to be the instrument he chose to use to touch someone’s heart in a way they’ve never felt God before.”
Mitchell’s new album, ‘Chapter X’ is set to release in early 2023 on all digital streaming platforms.
The Star Prairie Project’s new album Fight or Flight trumpets the fact that the world order as we know it is teetering and crumbling before our eyes. While too many remain oblivious to this fact, there’s no denying that the human civilization is facing its gravest challenges since World War II.
To make matters worse, these challenges are hitting us from all possible directions. As if we weren’t busy enough dealing with the accelerating climate change, environmental degradation, flora and fauna extinction, we’re also batting political and social discord unforeseen in many western nations … until recently. As the prices of consumer goods and gas are soaring due to the war in Ukraine, the poor become poorer and the rich become richer. It’s unintentional but we’re creating a fertile recruiting ground for street gangs and organized crime – the riot squads have never been busier.
Nolen R. Chew Jr., whose brainchild The Star Prairie Project is, describes the new twelve-song concept album like this:
The idea behind the ‘Fight or Flight’ album was to capture the chaos, confusion and anxiety of the current times. We attempted to make it powerful and intense from the first note to the last and invite the listener to strap in for a wild, bumpy and tumultuous ride. Regardless of the name of the album, the message really is: fight. The earth, or our existence, is not like a sinking ship. We can’t abandon it. If it goes down, we’ll go down with it. The orbit has no lifeboats. Our survival depends now on our response and the response has to be imminent.
The group-leader and songwriter Nolen collaborates with musicians and producers from LA to London to bring his songs to life. In addition to his contributions, Fight or Flight features the dynamic vocals of Marcello Vieira and Sandrine Orsini and the incredible guitar work of Ricardo Dikk.
A & R Factory called the group’s previous release a “triumph”. I am confident that you feel the same way about this new album. But don’t be swept away by the beauty of the music alone, take heed of what the album is declaring: looking the other way is no longer an option.
As a Pollstar ‘Top 10 Worldwide Tour’ headliner Chris Tomlin, who launched the final leg of the highly successful “Tomlin UNITED Tour” last night, will embark on a 2023 headline tour. Chris will create an intimate concert setting as he travels across the U.S. on the “Stories Of Worship Tour.”
In the unique concert experience Chris will lead the attendees in an impactful evening of worship while sharing stories about some of the most influential songs around the world. Tickets for the tour will go on sale Friday, November 11 at 10am local time. Sign up now for the pre-sale at christomlin.com.
“As a young man I can remember the moment I felt God place a calling on my life… to help give people a voice to worship Him… it was like lightning ran through my body and that is when everything changed for me,” said Chris. “The songs that came after that moment have traveled to so many places, touched so many people and are a part of so many stories that only God can get credit. I have dreamt about a tour focused on the stories surrounding those songs where I could share these God moments, share some funny human moments, and worship together… and I am so excited for the opportunity to do exactly that! I hope you will join me this Spring for a night unlike any other.”
Premier Productions is the national tour promoter and For Others will serve as the tour sponsor.
2023 “Stories Of Worship Tour”
Thu, Feb 23, 2023
San Antonio, TX
Fri, Feb 24, 2023
College Station, TX
Sat, Feb 25, 2023
Monroe, LA
Sun, Feb 26, 2023
Hattiesburg, MS
Thu, Mar 2, 2023
Detroit, MI
Fri, Mar 3, 2023
South Barrington, IL
Sat, Mar 4, 2023
Michigan City, IN
Sun, Mar 5, 2023
Fort Wayne, IN
Wed, Mar 8, 2023
Valdosta, GA
Thu, Mar 9, 2023
Pensacola, FL
Fri, Mar 10, 2023
Alexandria, LA
Thu, Mar 23, 2023
Ft. Myers, FL
Fri, Mar 24, 2023
Melbourne, FL
Sat, Mar 25, 2023
Montgomery, AL
Sun, Mar 26, 2023
Ocala, FL
Thu, Mar 30, 2023
Texarkana, TX
Fri, Mar 31, 2023
Austin, TX
Sat, Apr 1, 2023
Amarillo, TX
Sun, Apr 2, 2023
Colorado Springs, CO
Thu, Apr 13, 2023
Hixson, TN (Chattanooga)
Fri, Apr 14, 2023
Lexington, SC
Sat, Apr 15, 2023
Greenville, SC
Sun, Apr 16, 2023
Grove City, OH (Columbus)
Thu, Apr 20, 2023
Mason, OH (Cincinnati)*
Fri, Apr 21, 2023
Mason, OH (Cincinnati)*
Sat, Apr 22, 2023
Anderson, IN
Sun, Apr 23, 2023
Grand Rapids, MI
*tickets on sale Nov. 18
Chris, a 28-Time Dove Award winner and the 2022 show co-host, will tour through November on the “Tomlin UNITED Tour” and in December he co-headlines with MercyMe the “Chris Tomlin X MercyMe: A Winter Tour.”
Chris’ recognition at the Dove Awards continues the tremendous success since last fall including a CMT ‘Crossroads Christmas’ performance with Brett Young, Tomlin’s annual ‘Good Friday Nashville’ expanding globally with an exclusive live premiere on Facebook, setting a career attendance record with an unprecedented concert at Los Angeles’ Banc of California Stadium, becoming the first Christian artist to play three sets of back-to-back concerts at Red Rocks Amphitheater, being selected as a one of four CMA ‘Artists of the Day’ during 2022 CMA Fest, performing a song from his new album ALWAYS on the Kelly Clarkson Show last month and currently sitting in the Top 10 on the Christian chart with radio single “Always.”
In September Chris released, ALWAYS, a new full-length worship album with 13-tracks, 12 co-written by him. The Tennessean claimed, “For three decades, Christian musical artist Chris Tomlin’s been as much a faith leader as a songwriter, able to parlay his faith in spirituality into influential and popular music. Via ALWAYS, his seventeenth album, he surges forward from ‘leader to legend’ in the worlds of gospel and contemporary Christian music…The 17-time Christian radio chart-topper releases new music that cements his legendary status in the genre.”
