Premier Productions and Compassion International announce the worship event of the spring as Casting Crowns, Hillsong Worship and We The Kingdom all share the stage for a powerful worship experience that will inspire and encourage all who attend. 

Casting Crowns will be fresh off their The Healer Tour, ready to perform some of their biggest hits, including new songs,“Scars in Heaven” and “The Power of the Cross.” Hillsong Worship joins the tour after the success of their latest album “These Same Skies” with hits like, “That’s the Power” and “Resurrender.” The tour also features the 2021 Dove Awards “Contemporary Christian Artist of the Year” We The Kingdom. 

“We are so excited to be heading out with Hillsong again,” said Casting Crowns’ lead vocalist Mark Hall. “Our prayer is that God would use this tour to unite us all and point us to the Healer!”

Premier Productions and Compassion International announce the worship event of the spring as Casting Crowns, Hillsong Worship and We The Kingdom all share the stage for a powerful worship experience that will inspire and encourage all who attend. 

Casting Crowns will be fresh off their The Healer Tour, ready to perform some of their biggest hits, including new songs,“Scars in Heaven” and “The Power of the Cross.” Hillsong Worship joins the tour after the success of their latest album “These Same Skies” with hits like, “That’s the Power” and “Resurrender.” The tour also features the 2021 Dove Awards “Contemporary Christian Artist of the Year” We The Kingdom. 

“We are so excited to be heading out with Hillsong again,” said Casting Crowns’ lead vocalist Mark Hall. “Our prayer is that God would use this tour to unite us all and point us to the Healer!”

Audiences can sign up for the exclusive pre-sale now at PremierProductions.com. Tickets go on sale to the public on Friday, February 18th at 10:00 a.m. local time. 

“For this tour we’re believing that God will be magnified, people will be set free, supernatural healing will be experienced, lives will be changed, what’s broken will be restored, God will be encountered and the name of Jesus will be lifted by thousands of people in one room,” said Hillsong Worship. “We’ve seen God do this before, and we can’t wait to see Him do it again.”

The 18-city arena tour will kick-off on April 22 in Tupelo, Miss., and will stop in Birmingham, Ala., Oklahoma City, Okla., Louisville, Ky., Albany, N.Y. and Raleigh, N.C. before the final show on May 18 in Greenville, S.C. For a full list of dates and cities, see below. 

“We could not be more thrilled and honored to join Hillsong Worship and Casting Crowns on tour,” said We The Kingdom. “We’ve always admired how both artists have served the Kingdom of God through their music, and we can’t wait to be on the road with them!”

Globally-acclaimed label Motown Gospel (a division of Capitol CMG/Capitol and Universal Music Group) is honored to announce the signing of legendary 4-time GRAMMY-winning singer, musician, songwriter, entrepreneur, and First Lady of COGIC (Church of God in Christ) Karen Clark Sheard, in partnership with Karew Records, with plans to release her first new album in over half a decade later this year. It will follow Clark Sheard’s 2015 live album Destined To Win, her highest-charting album in her solo career and her 2010 studio album All In One, which earned GRAMMY, Stellar, Dove and BET Award nominations and remains the largest selling release of her solo career to date.

“No other female vocalist in gospel music has had as broad an influence as the legendary Karen Clark Sheard,” say Monica Coates and EJ Gaines, Co-Executive Directors of Motown Gospel. “She uniquely brings generations of gospel and R&B music-lovers together with the power of her voice and the purity of her spirit. We are so honored to work with her and the Karew team.”

“I am honored and excited to partner with Motown Gospel,” shares Karen Clark Sheard. “I’m passionate about encouraging, inspiring and uplifting people through my music, and I can’t wait to share it with my long-time supporters and with the world.”

Karen Clark Sheard first rose to prominence as the youngest sibling in The Clark Sisters, the group credited with bringing gospel music to the mainstream. Formed by their mother, Dr. Mattie Moss Clark, when Clark Sheard was a teenager, the five sisters released their national crossover hit “You Brought The Sunshine” in 1981. The song reached churches and dancefloors alike, and climbed to the upper reaches of several Billboard charts in the process.

Karen Clark Sheard has proven to be a prolific solo force as well, releasing five studio albums, and two live albums, garnering multiple Grammy, Dove, NAACP Image, Soul Train and Stellar Awards and nominations along the way. Clark Sheard is renowned for her signature, multi-octave vocal range and has been cited as an influence by a variety of artists, including Beyonce, Mariah Carey, Kanye West, and many more.

In 2020, Lifetime released a biopic on the lives and musical journey of The Clark Sisters entitled The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel. Produced by Queen Latifah, Missy Elliott, and Mary J. Blige, the film was the network’s highest-rated original movie in years. Also in 2020, the Clark Sisters appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, performing an unprecedented 17-minute mini-concert medley of their songs – including “You Brought The Sunshine” – for the program.

Currently, Clark Sheard serves as First Lady of the Church of God in Christ, not only a global Christian denomination consisting of over 8.8-million members, but also ​​the largest Black organization in the world. She is married to Bishop J. Drew Sheard – who was elected Presiding Bishop of the Church of God in Christ denomination last year – and together, they have two children, Kierra Sheard and John Drew “J. Drew” Sheard II, both of whom have followed in their mother’s musical footsteps and collaborated with her on previous recordings.

Motown Gospel is a leader in the Christian and Gospel music industry, representing over twenty years of iconic and genre-defining sounds. A division of Capitol CMG/Universal Music Group, the world’s leading Christian music company and market leader in recorded music, distribution, and music publishing, the Motown Gospel has included  Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Smokie Norful, Tye Tribbett, Brian Courtney Wilson, Kierra Sheard, The Clark Sisters and more.

Stay tuned for new music and more from Karen Clark Sheard later this year.

4x GRAMMY®-nominated duo The Baylor Project is thrilled to announce that their debut album The Journey, originally released in 2017, will be available on all streaming platforms February 11, 2022. The re-releasing of the 5-year old album comes amid Black History Month and days before Valentine’s Day as a nod to the couple’s celebration of love, community, family and faith throughout their musical and romantic journeys.

After signing an exclusive digital distribution agreement between their own label, Be A Light, and the globally-acclaimed Motown Gospel at the end of 2021, the pair will introduce their debut record to all streaming services for the first time. The Journey amassed critical reviews at the time of its release, as well as two GRAMMY®-nominations for Best Jazz Vocal Album and Best Traditional R&B Performance.

No strangers to the power of streaming, the couple became a viral sensation amid the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown upon the release of their hit single “Sit On Down.” The tune, which was conceptualized and produced from the couple’s living room, led to another nomination in the Best Traditional R&B Performance category at the following, 63rd GRAMMY® Awards. The Baylors’ second album, Generations, is nominated for Best Jazz Vocal Album at the upcoming 64th Grammy Awards. For this year’s 53rd NAACP Image Awards, Generations is nominated in the Outstanding Jazz Vocal Album category.

“We are extremely excited and grateful to celebrate our 5th year anniversary of The Baylor Project’s debut album The Journey,” Jean and Marcus Baylor shared in a statement. “This milestone means so much to us because it has been just that – a journey. Five years, two albums and 4 GRAMMY® nominations later, we are thrilled to present The Journey along with our label Be A Light and our Motown Gospel/Capitol CMG/Universal Music family to the world on all streaming platforms.”

The Baylor Project features vocalist Jean Baylor and drummer Marcus Baylor, married musical partners with backgrounds deeply rooted in the church. Before forming The Baylor Project in 2013, Jean Baylor burst onto the scene in the mid-1990’s as part of the groundbreaking R&B duo Zhané. Marcus Baylor first rose to prominence in the early 2000’s as the drummer for the world-renowned, GRAMMY®-Award-winning fusion group Yellowjackets. Their debut album, The Journey, spawned two GRAMMY® nominations for Best Jazz Vocal Album and Best Traditional R&B Performance. Steeped in the heart and soul of jazz, The Journey showcases the grace and glory, versatility and virtuosity of a truly extraordinary musical union at the dawn of their impressive musical adventure.

https://open.spotify.com/album/5dQ0QW4VDauiVLmFPwCJUk?si=XvsbxPPcRH-kKZAnAF2osQ

Awards-winning, Netherlands-based band Trinity releases Desert Rain globally Feb. 25 from The Fuel Music. First released in the Netherlands in 2016, and having already received three Dutch, Silver Dove Awards, including “Album Of The Year,” the album is available to pre-save / pre-add now via https://slinky.to/DesertRain. The recording from these “craftsmen of heavenly parties” mixes music styles from all over the world to create a magnetic sound, blending genres into an eclectic music experience that is sweet to the ears and uplifting to the soul.

The world-music pop flair of Desert Rain was inspired by the band’s travels internationally, jamming with immigrant-musicians wherever they were in time and space. The resulting warm-blooded, passionate rhythms and melodies are steeped with lyrics birthed in real-life stories, all offering hope for a brighter future.

“When we recorded Desert Rain, we set out to create an album that captures our experiences and faith in songs; an album that shows both the darkness of the world we live in and the light piercing through it,” says Trinity’s Elbert Smelt (lead vocals, flutes, saxophone). “It shares the conviction that we as human beings are meant for more. When people make peace, join hands and stand against injustice, and feel hope rising up — when someone is healed and when you hear beautiful music: then the real world is visible.”

The lead single from the album, “Metropolitain,” written with Senegal-based artist Bernard Cissa and featuring lyrics in both English and French, is available now at digital retail and streaming outlets everywhere.

“I think I have a love-hate relationship with cities,” says Elbert, who crafted the song’s chorus while in Paris, France. “The city is this creativity-magnet just for the buzz. But it will drive you crazy just as easily. If you can’t keep up in the rat race you end up in the gutter. At the same time cities can be birthplaces of art, culture and new ideas that help humanity improve life.”

Je suis un metropolitain; Je prie, je mange, je me repose pas
(“Metropolitain” chorus English translation:
I am a city dweller, I pray, I eat, I never rest.)

The full Desert Rain track listing follows:

1. Desert Rain
2. Rise Again
3. Metropolitain
4. A Miracle
5. Satellite Television
6. The Way That I Do
7. El Sonido De Mi Tierra
8. It’s All Gonna Change
9. Shooting Stars
10. We Are Born
11. Gloria
12. I Carry Your Heart

The first album released internationally in over two years, Desert Rain precedes a series of new recordings and appearances from Trinity slated for this year and to be announced soon. It also follows 2019’s globally acclaimed album The In Between that was produced by Grammy-nominated, multiple Dove Award-winning Ian Eskelin and Barry Weeks.

Curb | Word Entertainment’s Stars Go Dim is set to release Grace In The Wilderness April 29, 2022. Beginning today (2/11), fans can pre-order/pre-save the upcoming album HERE. In addition, instant grat track “This Is Love” drops today, giving listeners another taste of what’s to come, following lead single, “Yes He Does.” Watch the poignant video for “This Is Love,” which includes an unexpected ending, HERE.

Stars Go Dim’s third studio project, Grace In The Wilderness, leads listeners on a pilgrimage toward hope that expands on the infectious pop sound that’s defined Chris Cleveland’s catalog since the impassioned singer debuted his first self-titled album under the Stars Go Dim moniker. Coupling meaningful lyrics with a voice that knows no bounds, Cleveland pulls out all the stops on the intrepid collection as his immaculate voice effortlessly glides across 13 tracks — all co-written by the ace songwriter. Produced by Jeff Sojka, Jeff Pardo and Anton Göransson, the new LP features the explosive “This Is Love,” the worshipful “Prepare The Way” and the affirming “Yes He Does.”

Opening the record, the multi-layered, sonically complex “This Is Love” captures Cleveland in a transformative moment in time as he receives divine CPR from a Love that gives him no choice but to surrender. Unraveling his insecurities and doubts, Cleveland wrote the dark, theatrical cut with Issa Sjöstrand and Anton Göransson. Set against a visceral wall of tightly-produced pop, Cleveland showcases the versatility of his wide-ranging vocals and his ability to thrive in any musical sphere.

This month, the award-winning artist is headlining select dates on “The Yes He Does Tour” with special guest Renee. Later this year, he’ll bring an intimate, stripped-down version of his engaging live show to fans in private backyards across the country.

Pre-Order/Pre-Save Grace In The Wilderness HERE. For tour dates and more information, visit www.StarsGoDim.com.

Grace In The Wilderness Official Tracklisting:

1. “This Is Love”
2. “Already Loved”
3. “What Your Love Can Do”
4. “Live Like That”
5. “Give Yourself Away”
6. “Satisfied”
7. “Thank God”
8. “Wasted”
9. “When We All Get To Heaven”
10. “Prepare The Way”
11. “Authority”
12. “Yes He Does”
13. “Grace In The Wilderness”

Five-time Grammy-nominated, seven-time GMA Dove Award-winning group Karen Peck & New River is set to release its highly-anticipated full-length studio album 2:22 on February 22, 2022.

The album, written out of hope, sorrow, grief, joy, and faith that the “Answer is Jesus,” was produced by the incomparable Wayne Haun and is being released on Daywind Records.

Born out of a time riddled with sickness, divisiveness, and uncertainty, KPNR points to Jesus in 2:22 after they and loved ones walked through some of life’s toughest physical and spiritual challenges including cancer, covid, miscarriage, and addiction.

Featuring eleven awe-inspiring tracks, including a beautiful recitation of “The Lord’s Prayer,” 2:22 sends a message of redemption, peace, and harmony desperately needed in the world today. Impacting Gospel music through ministry for over 30 years, Karen Peck & New River once again spreads the word that JESUS IS THE ANSWER through powerful music and praise.

Announced in late 2021, multi-platinum selling, multi-award-winning artists Chris Tomlin and UNITED are set to co-headline their long-awaited “Tomlin UNITED” Tour in 2022. Anticipated to be the biggest Christian music concert of the year and featuring special guest Pat Barrett, the Tomlin UNITED Tour will welcome thousands of fans each night to worship together and experience songs that have shaped modern faith today. UNITED recently shared on social media that the launch of the tour, originally set for February 9th, has been pushed back to March 29th (tentatively). Many of the originally scheduled February and March tour dates have been rescheduled while others have been canceled.

“We wanted to take a moment to say thank you for your encouragement and patience this last week, as we made some difficult decisions due to the ever-changing world we all live in right now,” UNITED shared in a post. “To everyone affected, we share in your disappointment. We did our best to reschedule as many dates as possible. Thank you for your willingness to adjust your schedules amidst many circumstances out of our control. We are so grateful…We trust and believe that God will move in a powerful way when we come together to worship in unity.”

For the latest on the “Tomlin UNITED” Tour and to purchase tickets visit https://www.tomlinunited.com.

Updated “Tomlin UNITED” Tour Schedule
SAN DIEGO, CA – MARCH 29, 2022 – PECHANGA ARENA
PHOENIX, AZ – MARCH 30, 2022 – FOOTPRINT CENTER
LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 31, 2022 – T-MOBILE ARENA
LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 2, 2022 – BANC OF CALIFORNIA STADIUM
SAN ANTONIO, TX – APRIL 5, 2022 – AT&T CENTER
DALLAS, TX – APRIL 6, 2022 – AMERICAN AIRLINES CENTER
HOUSTON, TX – APRIL 7, 2022 – TOYOTA CENTER
ORLANDO, FL – APRIL 9, 2022 – AMWAY CENTER
MIAMI, FL – APRIL 11, 2022 – FTX ARENA
TAMPA, FL – APRIL 12, 2022 – AMALIE ARENA
DULUTH, GA – APRIL 13, 2022 – GAS SOUTH ARENA
NEWARK, NJ – JUNE 1, 2022 – PRUDENTIAL CENTER *No Pat Barrett
HERSHEY, PA – JUNE 3, 2022 – GIANT CENTER *No Pat Barrett
BOSTON, MA – JUNE 4, 2022 – TD GARDEN *No Pat Barrett
WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 6, 2022 – CAPITAL ONE ARENA
GREENSBORO, NC – JUNE 8, 2022 – GREENSBORO COLISEUM
COLUMBUS, OH – JUNE 9, 2022 – NATIONWIDE ARENA
PITTSBURGH, PA – JUNE 10, 2022 – PPG PAINTS ARENA
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JUNE 13, 2022 – TARGET CENTER
KANSAS CITY, MO – JUNE 14, 2022 – T-MOBILE CENTER
CHICAGO, IL – JUNE 16, 2022 – UNITED CENTER
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – JUNE 17, 2022 – VAN ANDEL ARENA

12x-platinum and GRAMMY-nominated rock band SKILLET’s DOMINION (Atlantic) is making an impact following its top spot debut on iTunes three weeks ago.  Their 11th studio project, it has already  amassed over 33 million global album streams to date, and a top 20 Active Rock radio track with “Surviving The Game,” (which has garnered over 16 million global streams, and whose music video has over 4 million views).

Today, “Refuge,” the band’s first Christian AC radio release from the album, accumulated over 20 radio adds, the most ever for Skillet in a debut week at the format.  Stations supporting the single include include WPOZ/Orlando, WFHM/Cleveland, WBVM/Tampa, and KZTH/Oklahoma City.  Hear lead singer John Cooper discuss the track here.

Upon release, critics lauded the DOMINION for its “‘dynamic,’ ‘incredibly triumphant,’  and ‘relentlessly, powerfully uplifting’ songs.”

Today, American Songwriter published their recent chat with Cooper about the recording and songwriting process against the extenuating circumstances and implications of the COVID-19 pandemic and how “the album layers expressive textures atop a scorching soundscape to bolster the storytelling.” “Lyrically,” they continued, “this album is a rallying cry to those seeking hope amidst the haze of these uncertain times. Both poetic and unapologetically candid, the songwriting anchors the album. Slow-burning at times, and raucous when necessary, the lyrical messaging presents a steady presence of strength for those who need it most.”

Cooper joined FOX & Friends this past Saturday to discuss the themes surrounding DOMINION, the celebration of freedom and liberation from fear, and tomorrow will launch a 5-Day Bible Study on the Dominion of Christ with YouVersion, accessible here.  Cooper will also join a panel discussion during this year’s annual National Religious Broadcaster’s (NRB) Convention, discussing “Engaging A Hostile Culture” on March 10.Skillet is currently on the road headlining Winter Jam 2022.

Capitol Christian Music Group (CCMG) has promoted EJ Gaines to SVP Marketing/Co-Executive Director of Motown Gospel.  Gaines has served as Co-Executive Director of Motown Gospel and Vice President of Marketing at CCMG since 2018, prior to his position as Motown Gospel’s Vice President of Marketing. Gaines reports to Capitol Christian Music Group Co-President Hudson Plachy.

“I’m thrilled for EJ and this well-deserved promotion,” commented Plachy. “EJ is an important part of the senior leadership team at CCMG and he has taken on increased responsibility to serve our artists across the company.  He brings unique experience and the energy to the artists and partners we serve at CCMG.”“EJ is an excellent executive who embodies our company’s mission,” echoes Co-President Brad O’Donnell. “We’re very thankful to have him on our team and believe he will do great things in his new role.”

In Gaines’ new, expanded role, his responsibilities will include overseeing the marketing and brand development for  many Capitol CMG artists, while also maintaining his role and responsibilities as co-executive director at Motown Gospel. Most recently, Gaines oversaw the marketing campaigns for Harry Connick Jr.’s award-winning project Alone With My Faith, and Tori Kelly’s GRAMMY winning Gospel album, Hiding Place, and Tasha Cobbs Leonard’s acclaimed Royalty: Live at The Ryman.“I’m thrilled to serve our artists, writers, and label team in this greater leadership capacity,” Gaines remarked. “It’s an exciting time of forging new paths for our company, and I’m so fortunate to work with the best in the business as we continue to impact the world with our music.”

Prior to accepting his Motown Gospel role, Gaines was an entertainment attorney and artist manager, helping to guide the careers of numerous GRAMMY Award-winning and chart-topping artists, including Mary Mary, Natalie Grant, Donald Lawrence, William McDowell, and Jonathan McReynolds. He began his career at Jive Records and Verity Records, before becoming an executive assistant to platinum-selling Gospel artist Donnie McClurkin. Gaines graduated from St. John’s University School of Law and served as an associate at Carter, Ledyard & Milburn LLP, later launching the entertainment division at Waterford Law Group, PLLC in 2013.

“Memphissippi,” based IVAV (a hip-hop division of Curb Records) Rapper Ty Brasel recently released his mixtape Destiny: Vol. 1 at the end of 2021. Produced by Dirty Rice, Joseph Prielozny, and Juice Bangers, Destiny: Vol. 1 also features cameos from a long list of hip-hop collaborators, including Jay-Way, J. Monty, Plan G, 1k Phew, Jenna Wright, and Parris Chariz. The success of Destiny: Vol 1 resulted in Ty being featured in Wonderland Magazine, CelebMix, Essentially Pop, PopWrapped, Yahoo Style and more! The breakout single “On Me” featuring Jenna Wright is currently climbing TheHotChart.com at #7. The release of Destiny: Vol. 1 follows Ty’s 2020’s The Divine Storm and 2018’s Destined For Greatness albums which resulted in more than 53 Million+ streams off the back of hit single “Praying Hands,” “Night Dreaming,” and “Highlight.” The release of Destiny: Vol. 1 was a culmination of years of hard work for Ty as he channeled his years of struggling and perseverance to create a mixtape that motivates others to push through the dark times in life.

When asked about the message he wants fans to take away from not only Destiny: Vol. 1, Ty said, “Doubt, trauma, and fear can threaten to get in the way of people accomplishing their goals, sometimes, they can hinder you from even trying. I’m trying to show people, using my own life and my own music as an example, that you can always keep going.” No better is this message of perseverance heard than on Ty’s single  “4 The Stars” featuring J. Monty, which he describes as, “one of those motivational anthems with hard hitting drums and a catchy chorus. It speaks on the complexities of battling grief & fear while still pursuing your dreams and the plans of the Divine.”

Ty Brasel was born in Memphis, TN, where he grew up at the intersection of East Memphis & Olive Branch, MS. This area, referred to by locals as “Memphissippi,” is where Ty first recognized his passion for music. His style was first showcased on 2017’s “Young T,” 2018’s “Destined For Greatness,” and 2020’s “The Divine Storm” draws inspiration from the southern style of rap he was raised with, as well as influences like Kendrick Lamar, Curren$y, and Post Malone. As a teenager Ty chose a path that led him down a road of substance abuse and crime. After an encounter with God following his senior year of high school, Ty decided to change his ways and began a new spiritual journey. He enrolled into college at Ole Miss and started a hip-hop group with a friend. However, once in college some of those same demons began to present them self again, and Ty was arrested four times during his freshman year. At this point Ty had a choice to make in his life and chose to drop out of school during his third semester to focus his energy on music. With no money and no real plan Ty went home and used his struggles as motivation when creating his music. Ty’s songs are often aimed at people in the down cycles of life, and in his lyrics, the theme of overcoming life struggles and personal demons is ever present. The notion that while there may be storms within, peace and hope are attainable. No better is this hope for a brighter future heard than on Ty’s 2021 mixtape Destiny: Vol. 1 where Ty reflects upon his life to this point. Stay tuned to Ty’s socials below on updates on the release of the music video for “4 The Stars” as well as future releases from Ty Brasel.