Music legend, Candi Staton (Young Hearts Run Free, You Got the Love), has scored a gold record certification for her dance anthem, “Hallelujah Anyway” (Defected Records).

London-based Defected Records recently mailed Staton a  plaque celebrating the gold status of “Hallelujah Anyway” in Belgium. “I’m so tickled,” Staton says. “I knew the song was popular because European promoters always ask me to put the song in my concert repertoire when I play Europe.

However, I had no idea that it had gone gold in Belgium. I’m so thrilled that these remixes are introducing my voice and the gospel message to a new generation of clubgoers.”

Staton first recorded the infectious groove for her Proverbs 31 Woman (Beracah) album in 2002 when the song received heavy airplay rotation on Radio One’s gospel format.

A decade later, DJ Simon Dunmore (founder of the world’s largest dance music recording label, Defected Records), commissioned German DJ, Larse, and the legendary Chicago House DJ, Frankie Knuckles ,to create their mixes that have racked up over 10 million streams on Spotify alone.

It was an instant smash in clubs across the globe. It has since been remixed by other influential DJs such as Eric Kupper, Moplen, David Penn, and Dr Packer.  The song has also been covered by London’s House Gospel Choir on their 2020 Island Records release, RE//CHOIRED.

Food for the Hungry (FH) and Maverick City Music last week announced a partnership to address poverty both locally in the United States and globally. During Maverick City Music’s highly anticipated US summer tour, FH and Maverick City Music are offering a unique opportunity for sponsors who sign on at the concert events to have a portion of their monthly gift go towards Maverick City Music Initiative (MCMI), which will focus on creating programs for youth impacted by incarceration across the US and those currently in prison. By donating through this partnership, the sponsor is helping in-need people worldwide, and across the US.

MCMI is a non-profit started by Maverick City Music that initiates change by providing safe, creative outlets through strategic partnerships in overlooked and marginalized communities disproportionately affected by mass incarceration. FH has a mission to end all kinds of poverty. By providing life-changing resources, such as clean water, medical aid, and equal educational opportunities to girls and boys, the non-profit organization aims to work side-by-side with the communities where they are based. The partnership with the Maverick City Music initiative (MCMI) is deeply aligned with FH’s mission and values, and the first US based partnership of its kind for the international development agency.

“We are thrilled to partner with Food for the Hungry and use our tour to bring awareness and vital fundraising to support communities affected by mass incarceration in the United States. We believe in the power of music to change lives, and Food for the Hungry is helping us take this to new levels. Music brings people together, and we want to support our local communities who have been overlooked or marginalized and are disproportionately affected by the prison system,” says Maverick City Music.

“MCMI is impacting children affected by the consequences of mass incarceration and bringing hope and healing to inmates. MCMI sponsors a group home for at-risk teens, mentorship programs for teens in marginalized communities that meet on a weekly basis as well as conducting music writing camps for inmates in prison. Through this partnership, our sponsors are transforming the lives of children, families and communities across the world and here in the United States,” shared Breeon Phillips, senior director, artist program, Food for the Hungry.

The sponsor’s $45 monthly contribution will support the work of MCMI in the United States and Food for the Hungry’s child sponsorship. The international nonprofit is partnering with Maverick City Music’s summer tour that will take place across the US, starting on June 1st until July 31st.

Premier Productions announces the Elevation Worship Summer Tour. The new tour, which features Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes, is set to visit numerous cities this August. This passionate group of musicians from Elevation Church will lead attendees in a powerful night of worship and celebration.

“We’re so excited to be back out on the road worshiping and rattling in so many cities this summer,” said Chris Brown of Elevation Worship. “And having Kari and Cody with us is going to make for some very special nights.”

After the release of their new album “LION” and the electric Elevation Nights 2022 Arena Tour featuring Pastor Steven Furtick, the Elevation Worship team is energized and excited to continue sharing their message of hope and love with audiences around the country. Joined by award-winning artists Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes, this tour will feature some of the most well-known songs on CCM radio right now, including “Graves Into Gardens,” “RATTLE!,” “Do It Again,” “The Blessing” and others.

“We are ecstatic to partner with Elevation Worship, Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes for these nights of worship,” said Jonathan Roberts, VP of Global Touring for Premier Productions. “To have all three on the road together is a joy, and we’re excited to see the lasting impact these nights will have at each stop.”

Tickets go on sale to the public on Friday, June 3rd at 10:00 a.m. local time.

Audiences will not want to miss this opportunity to encounter God’s presence and receive encouragement through this talented group of artists.

The 13-city summer tour kicks off in Grand Prairie, TX on August 5 and will travel all over the country before its final stop at the legendary Radio City Music Hall in New York, NY on August 21. For a full list of dates and cities, see below.

Fri, August 5, 2022 Grand Prairie, TX
Sat, August 6, 2022 San Antonio, TX*
Mon, August 8, 2022 Omaha, NE
Tue, August 9, 2022 Sioux Falls, SD
Thu, August 11, 2022 Toledo, OH
Fri, August 12, 2022 Dayton, OH
Sat, August 13, 2022 Knoxville, TN
Mon, August 15, 2022 Huntsville, AL
Tue, August 16, 2022 Louisville, KY
Wed, August 17, 2022 Cleveland, OH
Fri, August 19, 2022 Pittsburgh, PA
Sat, August 20, 2022 Philadelphia, PA
Sun, August 21, 2022 New York, NY

*Kari Jobe & Cody Carnes will not appear.

TobyMac has announced the greatly-anticipated, August 19 release of LIFE AFTER DEATH, the seven-time GRAMMY – winner’s first full-length project since 2018’s THE ELEMENTS. “The Goodness (feat. Blessing Offor),” is available through all DSP’s today with an album pre-order and will impact Christian radio June 10th.

“As most of you know, it’s been a hard, hard road for me the last couple of years,” TobyMac recalls. “I began writing this record right after losing my first born son — the first few songs I wrote, “21 Years,” “Promised Land,” and a song called “Everything About You,” were just really sad songs, lamenting songs, which you kind of would expect.  At that point, I was just like, ‘Am I just going to live here? Is this my journey for the rest of my life?,’ and maybe it is sort of, but God began giving me glimpses, starting with “Help Is On the Way,” I started to really stand on that promise, and really believe that help is on the way. Where that journey sort of took me, and what I kind of landed on, was this thought: I wrote on a napkin one day, ‘you’re still the goodness in my life,’ and I started to believe that, and to see how God is good to me. That’s when I wrote “The Goodness,” and it felt like a celebration, because I began to think about how gracious God is, and how He gives us little glimpses of His goodness, even in the valley.  Then I read a quote, and it led to a lot of the lyrics in this song, it said, ‘a saint is not someone who is good, but someone who experiences the goodness of God.’  I have experienced the goodness of God my whole life.There is LIFE AFTER DEATH.  This record chronicles the journey I have been on over the last 2 years, and somehow through it all, I have experienced the goodness of God.”

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. Upcoming digital singles will showcase “Everything About You (feat. Marlee McKeehan)” (July 8) and “Show Up Choose Love (feat. Jon Reddick)” (August 5).

…what limits? Exuding the brave confidence it takes to defy all impossibility, Christian-Rock Artist Jodi Essex’s upcoming six-track EP, “Fearless,” is a call to build the Kingdom with the strength of a warrior. Having survived cancer at 25, Essex’s courageous perspective on life is powered by an innate sense of mission and belief all people have immeasurable worth. In the face of turbulence and adversity, especially when it comes to sharing the Gospel, “Fearless” is about learning to fear less, conquering fear with unshakable faith; “Fearless” lyrics implore listeners to be “steadfast in [their] fight” in the title track and music video out June 24, 2022, and the “Fearless” EP out July 8, 2022. 

“We are encouragers called to serve,” Essex declares, “regardless of what that looks like in our respective lives. We must be bold and fearless in our leadership, proclaiming the unrelenting and powerful sway of our Almighty.” She goes on to ask, “When did Jesus shy away from doing what must be done?!?!”

Through an inspired collaboration with Artist/Producer Josiah Prince of Disciple, Jodi Essex’s EP was co-written at Prince’s renowned studio, “The Ranch,” in Nashville, TN. With a process Essex describes as having “an easy ebb and flow,” Prince has raised the bar with respect to her rock-infused sound; the EP also features creative collaborations with Mix Engineer Matthew Arcaini, Sam Moses of Moses Mastering, PR with The Marketing Mixtape and Endeavor for Content Creation. As Essex went into the studio for this music project, there was a desire for transparency to answer age-old questions about how to stave off fear. Woven throughout all six songs are themes of fearlessness from previously-released singles “Offend,” about speaking one’s beliefs boldly, to “Unravel,” peeling back layers of vulnerability in God’s presence. In addition to the title track, “Fearless” includes “Lean,” encouraging listeners to boundlessly lean into God during struggles while also resisting the chaotic flow of culture, “Bandaid” about embracing instantaneous tenacity and “Shine,” a reggae-rock track about exuding the inextinguishable light from within.

Jodi Essex’s music has caught the attention of industry gatekeepers and listening audiences alike. In “Fearless,” the relentless six-track series continues Essex’s unapologetic proclamation of the Gospel. Her debut album released Summer 2020, “Irreverent,” instantly resonated with listeners as featured tracks rose into top-20 ranking. Essex’s music has been celebrated by outlets including NewReleaseToday, CCM Magazine, JesusFreakHideout and Worship Leader Magazine who gave it rave reviews. In addition, Essex’s debut album quickly racked up over 70k streams on Spotify, where its songs landed on several prominent playlists, including “New Music Friday Christian.” With the album release for “Irreverent,” Essex took to the [cyber] stage with a livestream performance, proving her ability to bring ground-breaking messages to life in person. 

No matter what walls may exist in her listeners’ lives, “Fearless” was created to help them tear it down with the profound might of a living, breathing relationship with Jesus Christ. “In turn,” Essex offers, “the same can afford us the opportunity to build ourselves back up stronger and more fearless than we could ever imagine.” 

Don’t miss the single and video release for “Fearless” on June 24th, 2022 and full EP July 8th, 2022 as you await what’s up next for Jodi Essex, including a CCM Magazine Cafe performance early July. From there, the future is both fearless and bright as she is building her repertoire with another EP, hoping to produce a multi-artist concert to benefit Ukraine Refugees and moving forward with plans for an exclusive tour experience led by female artists.

Vineyard Worship’s latest release “Awaken Us” is the first single from their forthcoming EP, Room At The Table (set to release August 2022).

“Awaken Us” has a communal feel about it and was written during a collaborative songwriting retreat in Brighton, UK by Vineyard Worship’s Harmony Smith and Jonny Riggs alongside Integrity Music’s Nathan Jess.

“Awaken Us” is an anthem for Church services and campfires alike, a rousing call for the Spirit of God to reinvigorate hearts and souls. The message of the new Vineyard Worship song will strike a chord with many after the collective struggle of the last two years; asking God to revive us through this sung prayer is a humble and powerful statement!

With lyrical simplicity and a soundscape that grows from folky vibes to expansive worshipful pop, “Awaken Us” makes space for a reciprocal experience – where one can take hold of the limitless life of Christ and rest in faith of His unfailing nature.

The essence of Vineyard Worship’s new single is captured in the last line of the compelling bridge:

“From the soil of our suffering
We’re awakened by Your love”

“Awaken Us” features Bernie Ditima’s (Trent Vineyard) warm and dynamic vocals and was produced by Rich Dicas. “Awaken Us” releases worldwide on all streaming platforms on June 10th, 2022. “Awaken Us” is available now to pre-save/pre-add.

Two-time Grammy-, Soul Train Music-, Stellar-, and Dove Award-winning Tye Tribbett is readying the release of his new album All Things New, out July 8 via Motown Gospel.

The musical powerhouse is one of the most relevant voices of our generation. “This new album is my celebration of God doing New Things!” says Tribbett. All Things New is a must-hear musical evolution of one of music’s most iconic artists. Pre-Order All Things New HERE.

To accompany the album’s pre-order, Tribbett shares “New” – a single off the forthcoming effort. “New” is a testament to Tribbett’s ability to stretch the bounds of his musical identity beyond the genres and styles that so closely define his roots as a creator.

This track instantly grabs with the entrance of monastic, chanting vocals, giving off that feeling of communal acceptance you experience when standing at the center of an overwhelmingly excited crowd. As Tribbett emerges from the crowd, he commands attention, “new, new, new, everything new,” with unmasked confidence and power emanating from every syllable. “New” exists within an ideal intersection of modern hip-hop sensibilities (drawing from the likes of Kendrick Lamar and Chance the Rapper) and referential ties to his gospel and blues background. Tribbett’s latest single explores some uncharted sonic territory, all while maintaining the qualities that make him so singular.

Tye Tribbett has had a tremendous career and is globally-known for his charismatic, energetic, dynamic personality, and range – from delivering high-energy praise songs to intimate worship moments and even African rhythms to trap beats. His music cannot be classified as just one genre, but his unique, abstract way encompasses all, which has helped him garner many awards and accolades, including: two Grammy wins & seven Grammy nominations, five #1 albums, four #1 digital tracks, three #1 radio singles, and ten Billboard Top 10 songs.

All Things New tracklist
1. All Things New
2. Get Up
3. Be Alright
4. Immanuel
5. Walk By Faith feat. PJ Morton
6. We Need You Intro
7. We Need You feat. Kierra Sheard and Mali Music
8. Anyhow Intro
9. Anyhow (Hallelujah)
10. Holy God Interlude
11. Saviour feat. Tim Bush
12. Great Is Our God feat. Tim Bowman, Jr.
13. IDK
14. So Good
15. New
16. Revive Us feat. Jalisa Faye
17. Anyhow Reprise feat. Kim Burrell, Jekayln Carr, Isaac Carree, Zacardi Cortez, Tasha Page & Isaiah Templeton

Gospel Recording Artist Otis Kemp’s newest single “The Reason” has soared to #38 on the Billboard Charts.
“The Reason” is Kemp’s breakout single and positioning him to be one of the top indie artist of the year to look out for. Recently Otis presented at “Jay Williams” Gospel Hip Hop Awards Hosted by Canton Jones & R&B artist Tweet. As the weather heats up this uptempo & encouraging song is the new summer jam taking airwaves by storm.

Coming from Hip Hop industry Otis Kemp’s giant leap to the Gospel music scene introduces his fresh new style while not straying away from the message of the Gospel.

WHO IS OTIS KEMP

Hailing from Carol City Florida, by way of the Bahamas. The cutting edge recording artist, songwriter and composer Otis Kemp is taking the gospel music industry by storm. Otis style is revolutionary, bridging gospel and Miami Hip Hop culture. From Rick Ross and Flo Rida to legends like Betty White, The Commodores, and Timbaland, to name a few, Otis has earned a well-respected name for himself in the music industry. His style incorporates the perfect mixture of soulful church sounds with the hard-core street music sound of Miami. There’s simply no one like Otis Kemp in gospel music today.

Standing at 6 feet and 6 inches, many thought Otis would have pursued professional athletics, as an NFL or NBA player. But Otis always knew his heart and his true calling was carved out in music history from the day he was born.

Outside of music, Otis is also an entrepreneur. Like many youth growing up, Otis faced his share of challenges. Otis, who was kicked out of many schools in South Florida, now owns Appleseeds Performing Arts Academy in Pompano Beach, FL, about one hour from Miami. He has taken the challenges he faced as a youth and turned that into a passion for helping all kids succeed, especially those who are considered at-risk and underserved.

Otis Kemp’s new hit single is being serviced nationwide and available on all digital outlets. He is currently available for speaking, performance, interviews & collaboration opportunities.

Connect with Artist

Facebook: @OtisKemp | Instagram: @OtisKemp
www.officialotiskemp.com

Alternative, independent DIY artist Alex Henry Foster officially released his “The Power of the Heart” concept music video preceded by Visions Magazine (DE), PROG Magazine (UK) and Mowno premieres. Filmed and produced by Jessie Nottola, the dream-like video already has over 192,000 views via YouTube alone since it released May 22. 

Featuring the video during his Live From Echo Mountain Studio event, Foster and his band, The Long Shadows, also performed a live rendition of his Lou Reed “The Power of the Heart” cover lauded by Rolling Stone (FR), Louder, Visions (DE), BrooklynVegan, Soundvapors and more. This livestream event held in Foster’s home studio in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia was crossposted by over 20 Facebook pages (Prog, Visions, Mowno, Rock on Purpose, etc.) as well as by most of the venues and festivals where Foster will play in Europe this summer. Included with the livestream are two additional unreleased compositions and an exclusive interview with Foster, all of which can be seen on Foster’s Facebook page with more information at https://alexhenryfoster.com/the-power-of-the-heart-landing-page/.

“Noises became sounds, and musical arrangements evolved into some sort of spiritual uplift for me, turning it all into a celebration of what can’t be owned, measured or defined, a boundless and infinite transformative ascension that can only be experienced once shared and given away,” says Foster. “That is for me the true everlasting nature that is the power of the heart. Liberating in its contemplation. Compassionate in its acceptance. Transformative in its incarnation.”

Available now at digital and streaming outlets everywhere from Hopeful Tragedy Records, there is also a four-minute radio-ready mix and an eight-minute-27-second version of “The Power of the Heart” included with the single. There is further a lathe-cut vinyl, silkscreen-printed version that will release in September and is available to preorder now along with a collection of specially designed “The Power of the Heart” t-shirts, hoodie’s, silkscreen posters, totes and other items.

Playing “The Power of the Heart,” songs from his Billboard No. 1 selling album Windows in the Sky, and more new music and fan favorites while on tour, Foster and The Long Shadows return to Europe for a 27-city, 10-country Not All Wonders Have Been Lost tour, including select encore appearances in markets played in 2021. Prior to the events in each market, Foster and band will exclusively meet with Secret Family Cult Club members as well as provide them access to their sounchecks.

New York Times best-selling author and podcaster Annie F. Downs has helped readers understand why fun matters (That Sounds Fun), helped children and parents see that fun is everywhere, (What Sounds Fun to You?), and this August 2nd will help them Chase The Fun: 100 Days to Discover Fun Right Where You Are.

“As adults, it often seems like fun is something we had when we were kids, and we just don’t have time for it now – am I right?,” she asks. “Most of us barely have time for all the stuff we have to do, let alone the stuff we want to do. We can go days without actually having any fun at all, and that’s no way to live!”

In this beautifully designed full-color book, Downs invites everyone to experience 100 delightful days of discovering fun right where they are. With her insightful writing and provocative questions, she helps readers identify what they find fun and then go after it like it matters, because it does.

Starting today, when fans preorder Chase the Fun here, they’ll receive these FUN bonuses:

• Early access to the audiobook (June 14, seven weeks before release!)
• The exclusive opportunity to submit a question for the That Sounds Fun podcast’s Fun Coaching Q&A Episode that releases on August 4.
• Immediate access to the first seven days of Chase the Fun.

Downs also recently received her third K-LOVE Fan Award nomination for her podcast That Sounds Fun, following 2021’s nomination for her book (also called) That Sounds Fun and 2016’s nomination for Looking for Lovely.  Fan voting is live through today via klovefanawards.com, and the show will air with back to back episodes at both 8pm and 10pm ET on June 3, 2022 on TBN.