fbpx

Category: NEWS

Maverick City x Kirk Franklin Extend Record-Breaking Kingdom Tour

GRAMMY award-winning collective Maverick City Music and 16-time GRAMMY winner Kirk Franklin announce a 14-date extension to their massive coast-to-coast KINGDOM arena tour. Over the past few months, the two acts have been shattering records with more than 10,000 fans in attendance each night, selling out venues like Crypto.com Arena, and consistently landing in the Top 10 of all tours on Pollstar. Produced by Live Nation and Undivided Touring, the new dates include shows at Barclays Center (NYC), TD Garden (Boston), State Farm Arena (ATL), and more. For full tour routing, please see below.

Presales for tickets begin on September 6th starting at 10am ET with tickets available to the general public on September 9th starting at 10am local time on Ticketmaster.com.

unnamed 5

“Having 13,000 people in a room worshiping and encountering God together feels like the good old days” says co-founder & CEO of Maverick City Tony Brown. “It’s something unspeakable. These rooms are a representation of what church looks like, all nations and backgrounds coming together to love God and one another.”

2022 is the year of Maverick City Music. Following the group’s recent GRAMMY win and historic mainstage performance, the record-breaking collective has been on a magnificent rise. Since then, they’ve performed mainstage at the BET Awards, and also alongside Diddy and Faith Evans, joined NPR’s Tiny Desk, and The View. Last month, they appeared on the TODAY Show for a performance and interview.

‘KINGDOM TOUR’

  • Thurs., Nov. 3 | Barclays | New York City, NY
  • Fri., Nov. 4 | Bridgeport Arena | Bridgeport, CT
  • Sat., Nov. 5 | Wells Fargo Center | Philadelphia, PA
  • Sun., Nov. 6 | TD Garden | Boston, MA
  • Tues., Nov. 8 |Eaglebank Arena | Fairfax, VA
  • Thurs., Nov. 10 | Gainbridge Fieldhouse | Indianapolis, IN
  • Fri., Nov. 11 | KFC Yum! Center | Louisville, KY
  • Sun., Nov. 13 | Heritage Bank Center | Cincinnati, OH
  • Tues., Nov. 15 | State Farm Arena | Atlanta, GA
  • Wed., Nov. 16 | Bon Secours Wellness Arena | Greenville, SC
  • Thurs., Nov. 17 | Vyster Veterans Memorial Arena | Jacksonville, FL
  • Fri., Nov. 18 | FLA Live Arena | Sunrise, FL
  • Sun., Nov. 20 | UNO Lakefront Arena | New Orleans, LA
  • Tues., Nov. 22 | Moody Center | Austin, TX

Read More

TobyMac’s ‘Life After Death’ Album Debuts At No. 1

Seven-time GRAMMY winner TOBYMAC‘s seventh studio recording, LIFE AFTER DEATH has debuted as Billboard’s No. 1 Christian and Gospel record this week.  The project’s current single, “The Goodness,” is also topping Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs chart.

Following GOOD MORNING AMERICA’sTV exclusive and features in PEOPLE and BILLBOARD,which saw pick up from Yahoo!TODAY and more, TobyMac also appeared on FOX News at Night with Shannon Bream.

lifeafterdeath

Also last week, TOBYMAC hosteda free, one-night only, 360° immersive audio and visual experience of LIFE AFTER DEATH, sponsored by Amazon Music. Held at Nightscape in downtown Nashville, fans saw the colorful artwork from the record via 360° projection mapping and customizable pixel lighting as they listened to TobyMac share his story of writing the album. Special tracks and moments were highlighted along the way and exclusive merch along with customized, painted shirts by TobyMac’s nephew Chris Palau were offered to fans only available that night.

tobymac immersive
Photo: Philip Peters

LIFE AFTER DEATH features 15 tracks, including previously released songs “21 Years” and “Help Is On the Way (Maybe Midnight),” which went #1 on five charts including the Billboard Christian Audience chart, and held on to #1 at Hot AC for 13 consecutive weeks.  Also featured is “Promised Land,” the 3rd most added song at Christian radio in 2021, which peaked at #2 on the AC Indicator and AC Monitored Charts, and Top 5 on Christian Airplay.  Along with the newly released hit track “The Goodness,” additional digital singles include “Everything About You (feat. Marlee)” and “Show Up Choose Love (feat. Jon Reddick).” Also making guest appearances on the album are Sheryl Crow, Zach Williams, Wande, Terrian, Sarah Reeves, Tauren Wells, Michael Tait, Kevin Max, Cory Asbury, and Gabe Real.

TOBYMAC will launch THE THEATER TOUR on September 22nd in Macon, GA, hitting twelve markets before wrapping in Richmond, VA on October on October 9th. For tickets and all tour info, visit https://tobymac.com/tour.

Read More

Matt Redman Announces Upcoming New Music

Matt Redman shares the exciting announcement that he will be releasing his new single titled “Son Of Suffering” later this month (Sept 23). This track will be a preview of his upcoming album.

Read More

Tasha Cobbs Leonard Previews ‘Hymns’ With “The Church I Grew Up In”

Grammy, Billboard Music, Stellar, and Dove Award-winning musician and songwriter Tasha Cobbs Leonard readies the release of her forthcoming album Hymns, out October 7 via Motown Gospel. Cobbs Leonard took to social media this week to tease fans with the awaited album cover and they swarmed the artist with excitement. Earlier this year in Chicago, Cobbs Leonard hosted a live album recording in the presence of friends, family, and fans.

The new LP is a close one to the musician’s heart, as it consists mostly of hymns and church standards she grew up listening to, but now reimagined for a new generation. Hymns features a number of guests that help elevate the album as one of the must-hear gospel projects of the year. “The Church I Grew Up In” is available now.

In celebration of the new album, Tasha Cobbs Leonard is taking to the road with performances of the new work. She will be performing at the legendary Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on September 26 and will be performing at Tabernacle in Atlanta on the eve of Hymns release. More dates to follow. Information on tickets here http://www.tashacobbsleonard.com/

hymns

Tasha Cobbs Leonard recently garnered two Dove Award nominations for Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year for her strength and perseverance anthem “Gotta Believe” and Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year for “Lift Every Voice.” She originally recorded “Gotta Believe” as part of NPR Morning Edition’s Song Project, a series launched during lockdown to provide an outlet for artists to write and perform an original song as a way to reflect the times. In an interview about the song’s origins, Tasha opened up about some of her personal struggles, including losing family and friends to the COVID pandemic.

Tasha Cobbs Leonard is a platinum-selling, GRAMMY-winning, “gospel sensation” (NPR Music) who has firmly established herself as one of gospel’s leading voices. In 2020, Billboard named Leonard the Top Gospel Artist of the Decade. In addition to that honored title, she has also received a plethora of awards and accolades, including 1 Grammy Award (plus 5 Grammy nominations), 3 Billboard Music Awards, >13 Stellar Awards (including Artist of the Year), >12 Dove Awards (including Gospel Artist of the Year), and Billboard’s Top Female Gospel Artist.

During her career, Tasha has accrued over 2 billion artist streams, 4 Billboard No 1 singles and 5 Billboard No 1 albums and has made national TV appearances and performances on Good Morning America, CNN’s Fourth of July, BET’s Black Girls Rock, CBC’s A Day Of Healing, and the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration.

Read More

Securus Technologies & Lecrae Release Song In First-Ever Hip-Hop Track Contest For Incarcerated Individuals

Securus Technologies, an Aventiv company driving efforts to better serve the incarcerated through rehabilitative justice, spearheaded the first-ever “Original Hip-Hop Track Contest” for individuals incarcerated in Department of Corrections facilities throughout the U.S. This contest, organized in partnership with Grammy Award-winning rapper Lecrae, gave the incarcerated the opportunity to showcase their musical talents and bring hope through the power of lyrics.

The winning song, submitted by Carmela Mose, has been exclusively released today for free to incarcerated individuals who have access to the Securus and JPay media stores on their tablets. The song is also available to the general public through streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music. All proceeds from the song made through streaming services benefit the Prison Fellowship, a nonprofit organization working to bring hope and restoration to the incarcerated, their families, and communities impacted by crime and incarceration.

Through this inaugural contest, thousands of incarcerated individuals had the opportunity to submit original lyrics to one of three beats produced by hip-hop record producer Zaytoven. Students enrolled at Morris Brown College’s Department of Music, a historically Black college located in Atlanta, reviewed the entries and selected the top 25 finalists. Lecrae chose the winning lyrics that were submitted by Carmela Mose, a 37-year-old woman of Mexican and Samoan descent, who is currently incarcerated at the Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF).

Carmela grew up in a broken home plagued by violence and abuse in Long Beach, California. She was conditioned to be violent after following the footsteps of those who were supposed to show her love and support. Leaving that abusive environment at a young age, Carmela left home with no ID, no place to live, poor social skills, mental health issues, and an addiction to methamphetamines, all of which made it virtually impossible for her to secure employment and create a successful life for herself. While her hardships led her into a life of crime at an early age, Carmela is now focused on and committed to her rehabilitation at the corrections facility, where she works in the Prison Industry Authority’s Career Technical Education (PIA CTE) Carpentry/Laborers Pre-Apprenticeship Program and is one class away from earning her associates degree from Feather River Community College.

In late July, Lecrae visited CCWF and recorded Carmela’s original song “I Think” onsite in a room dedicated to educational learning. The song, recorded under Carmela’s artist name Good, was then mastered by Lecrae’s label Reach Records, creating a once-in-a-lifetime experience and opportunity for both Lecrae and Carmela.

“Being given the opportunity to be supported, and listened to, by so many talented visionaries has been a truly humbling experience,” said contest winner Carmela Mose, AKA Good. “As I sat there recording my track, I felt a stark contrast between the me who was rapping into that mic, and the old me that was sitting on a bus on the way to prison. I’m grateful for that confirmation. Thank you so very much to all the folks at Securus, Reach Records, and Lecrae for lifting me up and getting me started on my amends.”

“Recording this track with Carmela onsite at a maximum-security prison facility, which houses many other inspiring women, was an absolutely life-changing experience for me. I’m proud to be part of a campaign that invests in those who often feel forgotten, and hopefully this contest will open doors for other creative campaigns to reach the incredible talent behind bars,” said Lecrae, who is also known for his social justice and faith-based activism. “Music is part of my soul, and I am humbled to share my gift and create songs that help uplift others. Carmela now has that same feeling as her work ethic, talent, and beautifully written lyrics will inspire the lives of so many.”

The campaign is an example of Securus Technologies’ further investment in the incarcerated community, encouraging individuals to explore and celebrate their musical and artistic talents.

“We knew this campaign would change the life of one lucky winner, but we didn’t anticipate the impact Carmela’s experience would have on all of us as after we read her lyrics, watched her passion during the recording, and learned of her personal story and battle to become who she is today,” said Dave Abel, President and CEO of Aventiv Technologies, the parent company of Securus Technologies. “The objective of this campaign was to ignite creativity and encourage participants to translate their passion through lyrics. We are honored to have the opportunity to work with Carmela and all the contest participants and look forward to continuing to host more creative campaigns to bring hope to the incarcerated community.”

Carmela Mose’s winning song “I Think” is accessible for FREE to the incarcerated and it is available for purchase through streaming services, such as Spotify. The song lyrics and photos can be found here. Footage of the campaign is available here. Additional information about the contest can be found here.

Read More

Kathie Lee Gifford & Gaither Music Group Collaborate On ‘The Way – A Powerful Biblical Journey Through The Old And New Testaments’

Gaither Music Group is thrilled to announce its partnership with four-time Emmy Award-winning TV personality, singer-songwriter and bestselling author Kathie Lee Gifford for the release of The Way – a DVD, TV special and audio collection in conjunction with the epic film that brings to life classic Biblical themes and legendary characters.

Releasing on September 2, The Way merges the ancient with the modern, featuring compelling Biblical stories with contemporary orchestral arrangements, powerful narration and touching visuals. Over the course of four movements spanning 75 minutes, the soundtrack features Gifford with guest vocalists Nicole C. Mullen, Danny Gokey, Larry Gatlin, Jimmie Allen, Bebe Winans, Kathy Troccoli, Katie Ohh and Louis York, all accompanied by 65 members of the Nashville Symphony Orchestra. The album will be available to stream, download and purchase across all digital platforms.

Beginning the weekend of September 2, The Way TV special will air on TBN, RFD-TV, Circle, TCT, Heartland and CTN; it will also be airing in Canada on Vision TV, CTS, The Miracle Channel and Hope TV.

Kathie Lee Gifford

The first video single, “The God of the How and When (Mary) – feat. Katie Ohh,” will be available September 2, on the Gaither Music TV YouTube channel (over 2.6M subscribers) as well as on the Gaither Facebook page.

The Way CD and DVD will be available for purchase at online accounts, retail stores and at Gaither.com; and individual music videos from the release will be available at all digital streaming accounts and on the Gaither Music TV YouTube Channel.

Kathie Lee Gifford Presents: The Way, will be showing in theaters nationwide Thursday, September 1, as a Fathom movie event. Purchase advance tickets here, or go to: www.fathomevents.com for more info.

The Way – Official Track Listing:

  1. The Overture
  2. The God of the How and When
  3. The God of the How and When (Abraham and Sarah)
  4. The God of the How and When (Moses)
  5. The God of the How and When (Joshua) – feat. Larry Gatlin
  6. The God of the How and When (Mary) – feat. Kaitie Ohh
  7. The God of the How and When (Choir: As It Was in the Beginning)
  8. The God of His Word: Jehovah Elohim (Creation)
  9. The God of His Word: Your Word (The Disciples)
  10. The God of His Word: Everything (Women)
  11. The God of His Word: Your Word reprise
  12. The God of His Word: Oh, the Power (Jesus’ Miracles)
  13. The God of His Word: Jehovah Elohim reprise
  14. The God Who Sees
  15. The God of the Other Side: The Other Side
  16. The God of the Other Side: He Looked at Me (Demoniac)
  17. The God of the Other Side: Living Water (Samaritan Woman)
  18. The God of the Other Side: Finally (Prodigal Son)
  19. The God of the Other Side: What Grace (Cornelius)
  20. The God of the Other Side: Meet Me on the Other Side (Mark 4:35)
  21. The Finale-Shalom

Read More

SONS THE BAND New Album ‘Live From 1971’ Available September 9

TRIBL Records, the number one independent inspirational recording home, introduces the new duo, SONS THE BAND. SONS THE BAND is the confluence of Denver transplant Jordan Colle and Detroit native Steve Davis. SONS THE BAND debut album, Live from 1971, will be available everywhere music is sold and streamed on Tuesday, September 9th.

Live from 1971 was recorded at 1971 Sounds in Atlanta, which has a history with SONS THE BAND. SONS THE BAND are paying homage to the studio by releasing this collaborative project. The studio captures the heart of both, which will always be creating songs for the Church.

SONS THE BAND’s Jordan and Steve met in March 2020 at a songwriting camp hosted by Maverick City Music in Atlanta, GA. SONS THE BAND was born in Jordan’s studio a few months later, and dreams became a reality. In keeping with today’s contemporary Christian style, their sound centers around heavy guitars, gospel piano, and dynamic vocals. Although the elements may be like other groups, they hope the sound they create resonates through the Church and helps add a new expression to the worship of the King.

Upbeat and impactful, “Only Ever Good” expresses God’s unwavering goodness. The moment the track begins, the energy is evident. The joy and love of God come through in the vocals and the instrumental parts. Everyone who listens to this song will enter a space representing God’s all-embracing goodness. “His nature is goodness, and his goodness infinitely extends to his sons and daughters. It’s a declaration that in good times and bad, his nature doesn’t change.”

In contrast to “Only Ever Good,” “Cross and Empty Grave” is an introspective worship experience. The listener begins the journey with impactful, reflective lyrics and minimal instrumentals. Instead of presenting a standard praise and workshop song, Cross and Empty Grave tells the story of Christ’s journey to resurrection and the impact that journey has on all of us. “The lyrics remind listeners that even in his greatness and majesty, God still desires to have intimate relationships with his children. Through his resurrection, God reminds us that He is everything.”

Read More

Sound Of The House To Release Sophomore Live Album Debut Single Inspired By Seven-Year Infertility Journey

Florida-based house worship ministry, Sound of the House, is set to release, “Every Single Time,” the debut single off the band’s sophomore live album (coming October 28th) that reverberates the stubborn faith of Sound of House leaders, Austin and Lindsey Adamec, through their seven-year infertility journey.

Inspired by 2 Timothy 2:13, “Every Single Time” dares listeners to believe that God remains faithful even when we are faithless. Even when we’ve lost all hope, He cannot deny Himself. In the Adamecs’ case, the song was written from the perspective of maintaining strong faith in the trenches of their journey through infertility. Despite their heartache, the couple maintained their focus on Jesus and found hope – being blessed with a baby boy over seven years later. The lyrics boldly proclaim just that:

From the gravity of Calvary
To the details of today
The same hands that hold the world
Are holding me the same

Co-written by Austin & Lindsey Adamec and Maverick City’s “Man of Your Word” co-writer, Nathan Jess, and produced by Taylor Moenning, the new single is set to be released Sept. 2 followed by the full album on October 28th. From the energetic centerpiece of voices to the organic blending together of punchy drums and slide guitar, “Every Single Time” brings joy and light to each room where it is played.

every single time

“Faith has bloomed! Hope has been restored,” said leader Austin Adamec when asked how listeners have responded to the single thus far. “The song is pretty hype throughout so there’s a lot of movement, jumping and dancing.”

To be encouraged and get involved with the excitement surrounding this new release yourself, head to https://slinky.to/EverySingleTime and pre-save “Every Single Time” today!

Read More

Chris Tomlin & Hillsong UNITED Extend Highly Successful Tour This Fall

On the heels of their highly successful  22-city “Tomlin UNITED Tour” out earlier this year, the multi-platinum selling and multi-award-winning artists Chris Tomlin and UNITED are announcing the addition of a third leg coming this fall. The tour, named by Pollstar as a ‘Top 10 Worldwide Tour,’ will continue to welcome thousands of worshippers each night as one of the biggest Christian concert events continues with dates beginning November 3. Tickets for the “Tomlin UNITED Tour” will go on sale Thursday, September 1 at TomlinUNITED.com. Patrons can sign up now for the pre-sale at TomlinUNITED.com.

“Something powerful happens when we come together, all the streams of the church, to worship in Unity and One voice… it’s more than a concert, it’s an opportunity for us to join in the eternal praise,” shared Chris. “My prayer and belief for these nights with United is that everyone in the building, myself, the attendees, the musicians, the crew, each person working at the venue – everyone – is met by God right where they are in life and has an encounter that reminds us of the hope we all have in Him.”

“In light of what our world has collectively been through in the last couple of years and the journey we have personally been through, being able to gather and worship together has been something that has brought much joy and encouragement,” shared Jonathon Douglass of UNITED. “That’s why we are so looking forward to continuing the journey of this tour to share and experience who God is and how he is present with each and every one of us right now! We look forward with great expectation to these nights with a great faith that God is going to move in our lives and bring joy and encouragement personally to everyone who joins with us!”

The fall leg will visit a dozen major cities across the U.S. including St. Louis, Seattle, Salt Lake City, Indianapolis, Charlotte and more. Music critics claimed the “Tomlin UNITED Tour” was ‘more than a concert- it was a worship experience for the performers and audience’ and ‘many were so overcome by the music they were brought to tears. The outpouring of emotion was awesome to witness.’

With a combined hope that this tour will help reunite the church, Tomlin and UNITED remained focused on launching the tour throughout an 18-month delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Premier Productions is the national tour promoter and World Vision will serve as the tour sponsor.

On September 9, Chris will release his next full-length project, Always. The title track was released to Christian radio this spring and made its live debut on the “Tomlin UNITED Tour” earlier this year. The official live video for “Always” was filmed live from Chris’ annual “Good Friday Nashville” concert event and premiered exclusively with Facebook.

UNITED released their new full-length studio album earlier this spring, Are We There Yet?

“Tomlin UNITED Tour”

11-3     Knoxville, TN            Thompson-Boling Arena

11-4     Lexington, KY           Rupp Arena

11-5     St. Louis, MO            Chaifetz Arena

11-9     Seattle, WA                Angel of the Winds Arena

11-10   Boise, ID                     ExtraMile Arena

11-11   Salt Lake City, UT    Maverick Center

11-12   Loveland, CO            Budweiser Events Center

11-14   Tulsa, OK                  BOK Center

11-15   Wichita, KS               INTRUST Bank Arena

11-16   Des Moines, IA          Wells Fargo Arena

11-18   Indianapolis, IN        Gainbridge Fieldhouse

11-20   Charlotte, NC            Spectrum Center

Read More

Israel & New Breed Announce ‘Worship Anywhere’ Out October 7

3x GRAMMY Award-winning group, Israel & New Breed, announces the release of their forthcoming live album, ‘Worship Anywhere,’ which was recorded at Camp NewBreed in Nassau, NY and is available October 7. The 14-track project features spirited collaborations with Adrienne Bailon-Houghton, DOE, Nate Diaz and more, and it’s all led by 6x GRAMMY-winning artist, songwriter and producer Israel Houghton.

worshipanywhere

In anticipation, the group is offering fans two instant-grat tracks, “New Breed Anthem” and “Miracles, Signs and Wonders,” both available today. The songs offer both a joyful, stomp-clap singalong that sets the tone for the album, as well as a dynamic, feel-good groove. With songs such as “Wrong About You” and the album’s title track, which feature driving acoustic guitars, heart-thumping rhythm sections and a breathtaking choir, or “Campfire Coritos,” which is sung entirely in Spanish, ‘Worship Anywhere’ is an uplifting experience with something for everybody that is sure to have people joyfully jumping out of their seats.

Israel Houghton is a six-time GRAMMY-winning gospel singer-songwriter, band leader, and innovator whose 20-year career with the musical collective New Breed has taken him around the world, growing and adapting in surprising ways over a very transformative stretch of music and cultural history. Since the release of his first studio album in 1997, Houghton has looked to the live performance format as a means to blur the lines between band, family and audience, including 2004’s ‘Live From Another Level’ and 2005’s ‘Alive in South Africa,’ the latter of which won the GRAMMY Award for Best Traditional Gospel Album. Houghton would later take home three awards for Best Pop / Contemporary Gospel Album and eventually a Best Gospel Album award for 2015’s ‘Covered: Alive In Asia.’ Israel recently welcomed his first child with wife Adrienne Bailon-Houghton, baby Ever James.

‘Worship Anywhere’ Tracklist
1. New Breed Anthem
2. Miracle, Signs and Wonders
3. Fun (Feat. DOE)
4. Wrong About You (Feat. Joe L Barnes)
5. Yes, Jesus Loves Me (Wrong About You)
6. Witness (Feat. Cristabel Clack)
7. Blessing and Honor (Feat. Anna Sailors)
8. Worthy (Blessing & Honor)
9. Flow Like a River
10. Certainly
11. Need to Know
12. Worship Anywhere (Feat. Linny Smith, Chenee Campbell)
13. Campfire Coritos (Feat. Claudette Bailon, Adriene Bailon-Houghton, Nate Diaz)
14. Spirit Medley (Feat. Lucia Parker, Onaje Jefferson)

Read More