Passion Music’s Kristian Stanfill recently announced that he has been working on a solo project. Make It Out Alive will be available next month (Nov 11). Stanfill shares this collection is full of “songs about the power of vulnerability, our need for connection and the miracle of Grace.”
Stanfill adds, “‘Make It Out Alive’ isn’t just my story. It’s OUR story. These songs carry a message of freedom for us all.” You can learn more about the heart behind this new project with a handwritten letter from Kristian below. And be sure to stay tuned for more updates.
Last week, Grammy Award winning rock band Switchfoot shared the news that the group’s 2021 collaboration with NEEDTOBREATHE and JUDAH is now available to download and stream at all DSPs. It was released last year as an Amazon Original song.
Earlier this year (Sept 2022), Switchfoot announced their new LP, this is our Christmas album, is due out November 4th. Marking the band’s first-ever holiday record, this is our Christmas album finds Switchfoot infusing their signature West Coast sound to a number of holiday classics and five, new original Christmas songs. Cheery, nostalgic and brimming with sunshine, the 11 track collection was inspired by everyone from the Beach Boys to Black Flag, and promises to be the perfect soundtrack for the holiday season with a new California twist.
“Christmas is an emotional treasure chest for a songwriter to pull from,” lead Singer Jon Foreman says. “It’s a season stretched tight with contradictions: celebrating the free gifts of love and grace with an outburst of materialist capitalist consumption. An emotional roller coaster of family and friends, hopes and scars- bringing out the worst and the best in all of us.” A project that’s been years in the making, this is our Christmas album, wraps its arms wide around these contradictions.
Whether through patriotic themes, or tributes to her faith, Lady Redneck is establishing herself as a powerhouse in the Christian Country genre. With her latest single, You First Loved Me, she continues the trend of devotion to her faith. This down-tempo ballad utilizes a simple yet effective melody to underlie the soprano vocal performance Lady Redneck is attributing to her signature sound style.
What we have, in essence, is a lyrical presentation where the vocals have become their own solo instrument, not so much in the Acappella feel, but rather a continuation of the dynamic range of the piano accompaniment.
With Lady Redneck slipping in and out of key to the main melody, it creates a tension that draws the listener in and accentuates the reproachfulness, and remorse of the subject matter as the theme carries out a realization that her religion was there before she found it. As an accomplished singer by all rights, this modulation of key centers is a deliberate act that further demonstrates the control Stephanie “Lady Redneck” Lee is achieving with each release.
Apart from the instrumental bridge section, You First Loved Me is a soft ballad that carries a steady pace throughout. This pace, however, is cleverly resolved in the final stanza with dynamic strings and keys-only resolution. “You First Loved Me, but I’m glad you do, and Lord I love you too.” With the ever-growing catalog of singles that revolve around her faith, and tug at the heartstrings of patriotism, You First Loved Me seems to fit very well within.
The choice to utilize a percussion-free performance brings a high degree of contrast to the normally high-tempo dance-friendly rhythms we have come to expect from Lady Redneck. With that said, there is still a great deal of potential commercial success for You First Loved Me in any Gospel and Christian radio format. This song could also be incorporated into a choral performance at any church service as the overall channeling of emotion would fill a hall quite elegantly. It is the expressive nature in which Lady Redneck demonstrates her devout message that makes this track approachable, and even enjoyable.
As stated by Stepahine “Lady Redneck” Lee. “This song is special to me because it takes the pondering of my heart and expresses it by asking questions about his omniscience and power.” By utilizing her dynamic metaphors and colorful imagery audiences are quite prone to feel the same magnetic response as well.
Walker Hayes joins Country Faith Radio with Hillary Scott to share how he transformed tragedy in his life into triumph. Walker also explains that he developed a powerful friendship with spiritual mentor, Craig Cooper, with whom he recently wrote a book on finding peace after being down-and-out. Tune in and listen to the episode in-full this Sunday (October 9) at 8am PT / 10am CT / 11am ET or anytime on-demand at apple.co/_CountryFaith
Walker Hayes on Being an Atheist and Alcoholic Before Becoming a Believer You know, I’m ashamed to say this, but I would’ve called myself an atheist, a humanist, for most of my married adult life. Just like everybody, I come from a big family. We got some issues. There’s issues with addiction. There’s absence. There’s a lot of heartbreak in all families, and sadly, that turned me to just kind of a godless phase, I would’ve said. You know how Nashville can be, it’s a confusing town, and Nashville’s like the popular kid in high school, you hate it, but you want it to like you so much. So we had a lot of that, Laney and I walked through that together. I’m an alcoholic. I’m seven years sober now, but I wasn’t thinking about becoming sober for a very long time. That was a problem in our marriage.
Walker Hayes on Losing a Child and Almost Giving Up His Sobriety 2 Years In I was two years sober when we lost Oakley and I drove to this bar to just self destruct. I had every intention of… I didn’t care if I killed someone, got killed, got arrested. I just needed to… And when I got to this bar, my wallet wasn’t in the door of my Honda. So I turned around and went home and when I walked in the home, I remember I still had dirt on my shoe from burying Oakley. And I saw Laney alone on the couch, the other kids were all playing together, and I was just broken. For once in my life I had no one to blame. And I just was so icky. I just felt so gross. I was like, “Man, I just left my best friend to go and focus on me. I just left my kids to focus on me. But at the same time, they lost a sibling. She lost a daughter.” And all I could see was my own pain. And that frustrated me, and Laney found me an AA meeting that night. I explained to her kind of what I was going through and she helped me find an AA meeting and it was amazing.
Walker Hayes on When He First Met His Friend and Spiritual Mentor Craig (Whom He Wrote “Craig” About) I met this guy named Craig [Cooper]. And he is such a huge part of my story because this guy Craig, I met him at a church I didn’t want to be at. I was hammered when I walked into Redeeming Grace. But this guy, I couldn’t make him go away. No matter how nasty, how different my beliefs were. No matter how crazy I even thought he was, this dude would not go away. And I wasn’t used to people … Even me, look, I’m as guilty as I would say anybody was ever guilty to me, is my entire life was performance based. But I got to this season where I lost a kid where I was like, “I can’t perform. I can’t even keep my kid alive.” But in the meantime, this guy Craig, he wasn’t loving me based on my performance for once.
Walker Hayes on Grappling with Being Grateful for God’s Blessings But Still Questioning Whether He Belongs in the Music Business My favorite part of all of this that God created is writing a song. And so, I miss that. And selfishly, sometimes… People would probably be alarmed to hear this, but sometimes I go… My wife and I’ll be like, “You think you should just write?” This business really exposes a very narcissistic version of me. And I don’t love it. I don’t like that guy, but he’s inside me. I’m capable of some really gross stuff. And this business, it has that weight on my heart. I find myself getting out there [on stage] not being grateful, going, “Why couldn’t I hear this cue?” And I find myself being like, “I need these particulars to happen because we’re at this phase now.” And that’s an icky, icky version of me. And sometimes I’m like, “Man, I wonder if I was just like a high school football coach. Would I be that gross?” And the truth is, I would.
Daywind Music Group, home to top Gospel labels Daywind Records and New Day Records and upstart mainstream bluegrass label Billy Blue Records, is relaunching Thoroughbred Records, a bluegrass Gospel label with historic ties to the genre. Thoroughbred’s first signing is Chosen Road which debuts with a brand-new upcoming album titled Appalachian Christmas featuring the veteran group along with several artist friends including Selah, Point of Grace, and more.
Thoroughbred Records emerged in 1995 as a premier outlet for bluegrass Gospel music. Thoroughbred was home to the incomparable Lewis Family, Hall of Famers in both the bluegrass and Gospel genres, from 1995 until shortly before their retirement in 2009. The Easter Brothers, a Mt. Airy, NC, mainstay in the genre featuring brothers Edd, Russell, and James Easter, followed and were later joined by Chigger Hill Boys and Terri, who joined the label in 2003. Along with these tremendous artists, the label directed attention to the Gospel side of bluegrass during the period of tremendous resurgence of the bluegrass genre following the release of the blockbuster movie, O Brother Where Art Thou through its two-volume collection of Bluegrass Gospel music, O Lord How Great Thou Art, which featured cuts from artists including Bill Monroe, Ralph Stanley, Bluegrass Cardinals, Alison Kraus, Ricky Skaggs, and many more. Thoroughbred culminated its successful initial run with an audio and video collaboration featuring Jeff and Sheri Easter, the Lewis Family, and the Easter Brothers aptly titled We are Family.
In 2018, Daywind Music Group formed Billy Blue Records, a boutique mainstream bluegrass label under the direction of veteran industry creative Jerry Salley. The highly successful label includes Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver (recently retired), Joe Mullins and the Radio Ramblers, Donna Ulisse, Jason Barie, Appalachian Road Show, Authentic Unlimited, and more, and is home to multi-artists projects like IBMA Award winner Country Faith Bluegrass and Grammy nominee Gonna Sing Gonna Shout. The relaunching of Thoroughbred Records fits nicely with Daywind Music Group’s move into the bluegrass genre and will give Chosen Road and other strictly bluegrass Gospel artists their own label home.
A&R and Creative Director of Thoroughbred Records/Billy Blue Records, Jerry Salley, commented, “Christian Hearts with a Musicians’ Mind – that’s what I’m reminded of when I think of The Chosen Road. Over the years of getting to know this band and it’s founder, Jonathan Buckner, I have been impressed not only with their musical ability, but also their hearts for the God they serve and sing about. I am very excited to launch Thoroughbred Records, our new, all-Bluegrass-Gospel label with such a sincere and exciting group”.
Jonathan Buckner of Chosen Road adds, “As a band, we couldn’t be more excited about the re-launch of Thoroughbred Records, and the opportunity to be a part of the Daywind family. Thoroughbred Records has a rich history in bluegrass and roots gospel music. We grew up listening to the legendary artists that once called Thoroughbred home. We’re honored to become a part of that legacy. Daywind has made such a positive impact on the world through Gospel music, and that is why Chosen Road exists. We look forward to bringing hope through some exciting new music to audiences and listeners very soon.”
Thoroughbred Records will be distributed to Christian retail through New Day Christian Distributors.
Two-time GRAMMY Award winner, multi-GMA Dove Award winner, and multi-platinum selling singer/songwriter Zach Williams shares the official music video for “Jesus’ Fault” featuring Walker Hayes. The track is off his recently released and anticipated 15-track project, which is available courtesy of Sony Music/ Provident Entertainment. Listen HERE.
Williams will see his collaboration with fellow platinum-selling country star Walker Hayes hit national country television today. The highly-anticipated official music video for Williams’ “Jesus’ Fault feat. Walker Hayes” makes its TV debut on CMT and CMT Music. The country twinged single comes from Williams’ first album in three years, A Hundred Highways, which was released to critical praise just this past week.
The video for “Jesus’ Fault (feat. Walker Hayes)” airs October 4th on CMT at 6:42am, 7:42am, and 8:39am (EST). CMT Music will be airing the video 8 times throughout the day starting at 6:32am (EST). In addition to the premiere, CMT has given Williams their coveted Times Square billboard, where “Jesus’ Fault (feat. Walker Hayes)” will be played to the “crossroads of the world” at 12 pm and 5 pm (EST).
Jesus’ Fault – Zach Williams Feat. Walker Hayes
A Hundred Highways is Williams’ faith on full display from beginning to end, with each song built on his unchanging love for Jesus. “This record feels more like me than anything else I’ve done,” Williams shares. “It’s the most ‘Zach’ record I’ve made. I wasn’t concerned about if it fits in any certain pocket, I just wrote about my life experiences and the things I’m feeling and living.”
Along with “There Was Jesus,” Williams is also sharing many of his new songs on his current headlining tour. Running through November 20, the Zach Williams Fall ’22 Tour is visiting 36 major markets such as New York City, Colorado Springs, Baton Rouge, Phoenix, and Austin. Additionally, for VIP ticket holders and in partnership with the Salvation Army, for every VIP ticket sold a food box will be given to a family in need in the community, providing enough meals to feed a family of four for an entire week. The Salvation Army partnership will continue through the holidays when he embarks on his I Don’t Want Christmas To End Tour, which runs through December.
Click HERE to find out more and for tickets to both tours, which are on sale now.
Seven-time Stellar Award winner and 2x Grammy-nominated recording artist, VaShawn Mitchell, will be conducting a live recording for his newest album, “Chapter X” at Sound Board at Motor City Casino Hotel on Monday, October 31 at 7pm. This album embarks on the journey of “newness” with a new sound and energy that his fans are going to love!
When asked about this new chapter, Mitchell says, “I’m excited to be in the creative space again to write, sing and produce music that will live in the hearts of listeners around the world. These songs will encourage, empower and uplift both now and for generations to come.”
“Newness”, as he defines, is “an overall recharge from the inside out”. He’s embarked on a new health and wellness plan, he’s exploring new fashion as well as a new sound in his music. “I want my fans to get ready for something completely different and unexpected from me.” After the death of his grandmother, Mitchell admits to falling into a deep depression. “She was my rock…my everything” he says. Now having grieved the loss of one of his greatest heroes, he knows his fans have missed him, and he is excited to launch this new chapter in the great City of Detroit!
Special guests include:
Donnie McClurkin – 3x Grammy Award winner, 2 BET Award Winner and Soul Train Award Winner
GRAMMY, Billboard Music, Stellar, and Dove Award-winning musician and songwriter Tasha Cobbs Leonard made her debut at the legendary Grand Ole Opry last night for an emotionally reverent three-song performance. The soul-stirring setlist included her 2017 hit “You Know My Name,” 2013 global sensation “Break Every Chain,” and “The Church I Grew Up In,” an offering from her forthcoming album HYMNS (out October 7 via Motown Gospel).
“Playing at the Opry is one of those ‘bucket list’ items that you dream of, but don’t know if you’ll ever get to do,” shares Tasha Cobbs Leonard. “To have the opportunity to not only share my music, but to share Jesus, on such an historic stage is a moment I’ll never forget.”
Ahead of HYMNS release, Tasha Cobbs Leonard also appeared on the Tamron Hall Show to showcase and discuss her new LP, giving a breathtaking performance of “The Church I Grew Up In” that made Tamron erupt in tears and praise. Cobbs Leonard was also joined by her husband, Kenneth, who sat down with Hall for a candid conversation about finding purpose and keeping faith. They also dive into a conversation about how they expanded their family via adoption after struggles with infertility, and balancing their work and home life.
There’s something utterly timeless about Leonard’s extraordinary new album, HYMNS, something at once both warmly familiar and breathtakingly fresh. 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, the record 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. HYMNS includes a number of guests, including Jennifer Hudson, Kierra Sheard, Mary Mary, The Walls Group, and more.
10-time GRAMMY nominee Tauren Wells announced tonight on social media that his Joy In The Morning fall tour is being postponed due to the impact of Hurricane Ian. Those who have already purchased tickets should be contacted by the ticketing platform for any rescheduled show. See Tauren’s full announcement below and stay tuned for updates.
This week’s devastating impact of Hurricane Ian in Florida necessitates moving dates for my 2022 Joy in the Morning Tour, which was set to launch next week. With the emotional toll from the tragic loss of life, the level of infrastructure damage, and the need for community clean-up over the next few weeks, we and the promoters have mutually determined it is necessary to move these events which, consequently, also means rerouting the entire tour. Some tour dates will remain in fall 2022, but others will necessarily have to move into 2023. We will post frequent updates on the progress of rescheduling the tour. If you already have tickets, the ticketing platform from which you purchased will email you information regarding any potentially rescheduled show.
In the interim, please remember to pray for all of those affected by this heartbreaking disaster. And please help where you can by donating to one of these organizations who are currently on the ground in Florida:
This week, I AM THEY took to social media to announce that after 14 years of ministry, the band will be parting ways. The announcement followed news earlier in the month that Abbie Parker was leaving the band. I AM THEY is set to head out on their final tour this weekend. The In Between Tour runs through November 12 with a final stop in Michigan. See the full announcement below.
So much to say…but for starters – our hearts are full. Full of love for all of you. Full of thanks for all God has done and continues to do. It has been an incredible journey together. One that has marked our lives forever. We never ever could have seen it coming or known that God would take a single night of worship back in 2008 and call us forward into this full-time ministry. But God’s dreams for us are always greater than our own and we trust that now more than ever. Our story has never been conventional, but our prayer is that it will continue to be devotional. That the banner over our lives and the identity that we each carry forward – whether on or off a stage – would be “They.” That our pursuit would continue to be Him and Him alone.
While we certainly wish we could have made it to see each of y’all out in your own neck of the woods, we really hope to see as many of you as possible out on the stops of this final tour!!
We love you dearly and again are so incredibly thankful for your prayers, kindness, support, love, and grace as we step into what God has next!
– IAT