Multi-award winning independent gospel ensemble Lawerence Flowers & Intercession latest project MERGE (Anderson Music Group) makes an impressive debut on multiple Billboard charts. Released on February 11th, the project debuted at #2 on Billboard’s Top Christian/Gospel Album chart, #3 on Top Gospel Album Consumption chart, and #28 on Current Album Sales chart (all-genres). Additionally the project landed at #1 on iTunes Top 200 Christian/Gospel Digital Albums chart.

Buy or Stream MERGE here: https://cinqreleas.es/merge

“This body of work is all encompassing of vintage sounds fused with contemporary melodies. It caters to a wide spectrum of listeners influenced by their generational sound. It’s timeless!! Its powerful lyrics and colorful stories are sure to up lift, encourage, restore hope and merge agendas to a singular belief and or idea all clothed in love! Merging lives everywhere to a common connection called family & Faith.” says Lawrence.

The 14-track album is written by Lawrence Flowers and produced by Larry Wilson, Flowers, Jonathan Anderson, Terrill Jackson, and Justin Ford. “Way” serves as the album’s current lead single.

A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Lawrence Flowers is an American Gospel music singer, actor, songwriter, producer, educator, speaker, founder of LFi Music Group LLC. MERGE is the group’s latest album and the follow-up to Champion, which was released in 2017. Best known for their highly acclaimed praise & worship hit single “More” (garnered 1 million+ views on Youtube and 5 million+ audio streams).

ABOUT ANDERSON MUSIC GROUP:
In 2021, Award-winning music executive Jonathan Anderson launched a new boutique label for artists, songwriters and producers. “The process is multifaceted and deserves our full attention if you want to be successful. Here at AMG we are dedicated to the process.” Anderson Music Group is home to Lawrence Flowers & Intercession, M.K. Ngenge, and Bart Orr.

Connect with Lawrence Flowers & Intercession:

Facebook: /teamLFI | Instagram: @lfintercession | Website: www.lfimusic.com

Worship leaders Bryan & Katie Torwalt and Benjamin Hastings have joined together to announce the upcoming “A Night of Worship” Tour presented by Transparent Productions. Tickets are currently available for this intimate and powerful night of worship. Click here to purchase tickets.

“We can’t wait for these worship nights with one of our favorite artists Benjamin Hastings,” shares Bryan & Katie Torwalt about the upcoming tour. “We’ve spent the last couple years listening for what we felt God speaking in this season, and we are so excited to share these new songs! We’ve felt like these songs are meant to bring encouragement, hope, and strength to the body of Christ, and feel like these nights are going to be really special, and filled with the Presence of God.”

“Can’t tell you how excited I am about this tour,” shares Benjamin Hastings. “Come spring I’ll be on the road with my good friends the Torwalt’s and it’s gonna be a blast. Really hope you can make it!”
The tour will hit 12 cities up the West Coast as well as dates in Colorado, Arizona, and Texas. The complete list of dates and markets is listed below.

May 12, 2022 – 7:00 pm | Spokane, WA
May 13, 2022 – 7:00 pm | Everett, WA
May 14, 2022 – 7:00 pm | Vancouver, WA
May 15, 2022 – 7:00 pm | Sacramento (Roseville), CA
May 17, 2022 – 7:00 pm | Denver, CO
May 19, 2022 – 7:00 pm | Long Beach, CA
May 20, 2022 – 7:00 pm | Costa Mesa, CA
May 21, 2022 – 7:00 pm | San Diego, CA
May 22, 2022 – 7:00 pm | Phoenix (Mesa), AZ
May 24, 2022 – 7:00 pm | Dallas (Fort Worth), TX
May 25, 2022 – 7:00 pm | Houston (Richmond), TX
May 26, 2022 – 7:00 pm | San Antonio, TX

ABOUT BRYAN & KATIE TORWALT:

Bryan and Katie Torwalt are artists on the Jesus Culture Music label and have been part of the Jesus Culture team since 2010. They reside in Sacramento, California with their beautiful daughter Indigo and are part of the Jesus Culture Sacramento. In addition to their latest EP, Anticipation, the Torwalt’s have released four albums; including their debut album, Here On Earth, which features the Grammy-winning original song “Holy Spirit.” Bryan and Katie have also been part of five Jesus Culture Live albums; including the latest release, Church Volume 1 & 2. Bryan and Katie are passionate about writing songs for the church. Together, they live to see the earth transformed to Heaven’s likeness and for this generation to encounter the real Jesus.

ABOUT BENJAMIN HASTINGS:

Benjamin Hastings is a Northern Irish singer, songwriter. Raised on the streets of Belfast but spending the better part of his twenties in Sydney, Australia; Hastings fell in love with A beautiful girl who too shared a love for words, and six months later they decided to share a name. Around the same time Hastings fell in with a church crowd and that motley crew was Hillsong United. Since featuring on “So Will I (100 Billion X) he has written a whole lot of songs which, if you add them all together have been streamed over 500 Million times (not quite 100 billion but we’re on the way!!). His latest solo offering explores the ongoing wrestle of excising faith and to be honest is maybe a little more honest than you’re used to hearing. But his hope is that somewhere in its humanity, you find something divine. After all; sometimes you gotta lie in the dirt just to stare at the stars.

ABOUT TRANSPARENT PRODUCTIONS:

For over two decades, Transparent Productions has been one of the largest producers of Christian concerts, tours, and festivals across the U.S. in churches, theaters, arenas, and amphitheaters. In 2022 the company will produce nearly 400 dates nationwide. Visit them at www.transparentproductions.com

Rising Gospel artiste and Songwriter, Olusegun Emmanuel a.k.a Ajasegun has announced the release of yet another inspirational single titled “Aanu” from his upcoming album “Undefeated by Grace”.

“Aanu” which will be the single to usher in his upcoming project, is a song to inspire and encourage Christians out there going through any sort of tribulations and turbulent times.

“Aanu” is a Cry for Mercy through bringing your supplications, afflictions, tribulations and even thanksgiving to the creator. To call on him and be saved. “So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy” Romans 9:16.

“Aanu” will be available on all digital stores on the 11th March 2022.

Fresh off New York Fashion Week, where Five-time Grammy nominated artist, Dante Bowe, mingled with the likes of Ivy Getty, Lilly Buffet, and Ezra J Williams, at Oscar de la Renta and Vogue100’s Fashion Week Fête; to closing out New York Fashion Week, Bowe made his very first runway debut at the Blue Jacket Fashion Show. The award winning artist was handpicked by Tommy Hilfiger himself to wear his timeless brand during the show, which paid homage to fashion icon and its former host, the late great André Leon Talley, while raising awareness to prostate cancer.

It’s safe to say that Dante Bowe is living his dream. 

And now, “Joyful,” the lead hit single from multi-platinum recording artist Dante Bowe’s sophomore album, circles, reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Gospel Chart, and No. 3 on Hot Gospel Songs. The introspective album which reflects on the death of his grandfather and the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020, debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart, making it the highest solo charting position of Bowe’s career. In addition, Bowe closed out the season with top ten placements on three different Billboard Year End Charts, hailed as the Top New Gospel Artist of 2021–No. 9 overall for Top Gospel Artist, No. 4 for Top Male Gospel Artist, and No. 4 on Top New Christian Artists.

With music’s biggest night on the horizon, Dante Bowe is also making history as the first artist to have the greatest number of simultaneous Grammy nominations in both Gospel & Christian genres with 3 solo and 2 group Grammy award nominations for the upcoming 64th Grammy Awards including Best Gospel Performance/Song twice for “Voice of God” and “joyful,” Best Gospel Performance/Song for “Wait on You” with Elevation Worship & Maverick City Music; Best 5 Gospel Album with Maverick City Music for Jubilee: Juneteenth Edition, and Best Contemporary Christian Music Album with Elevation Worship & Maverick City Music.

Known for his distinctive raspy vocals, Bowe won his first Dove Award at the 52^nd GMA Dove Awards for Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year for “joyful.” The award-winning songwriter made history with “joyful” again and became the first artist to have his song chart on both the Billboard’s Gospel Airplay and Christian Song charts, bridging the gap between Gospel and CCM formats.

Recently seen on The Tamron Hall Show, Bowe shared his humble beginnings and historic Grammy nominations, along with an exclusive performance of his fresh, feel-good anthem,“joyful.” The chart-topping artist was also recently featured at the 49th American Music Awards red carpet, and has been featured in Variety, Billboard, Entertainment Tonight, Vogue.com, and BET.

Contemporary Christian artist Damara Melissa has successfully crowdfunded her new EP, “Beginnings,” to be released Feb. 25, 2022. Inspired by Isaiah 43:19, “Beginnings” is a culmination of four inspirational songs: “Brave,” “Invisible,” “Where I Wanna Be” and “Rise Above.”

The artist wrote the EP when God revealed her idolatry of people to her through the racial upheaval events of 2020. “Seeing differing views on the events broke me in pieces,” Damara said. “It was like there were gaping holes in me, but by God’s immeasurable grace, He rushed in to fill them. As He put me back together again, He kind of moved me through stages. In every area that I needed Him to speak into, He did. And each of them birthed a different song.”

Alongside fellow songwriters Ruthie Larbi and Sheree Wright and producers Steve Lensink at Noisy Neighbours Recording Studio & Dana Miller at Hillside Recording Studio (Damara’s label) Damara created the EP in hopes of strengthening listeners’ faith in God. The chorus of “Where I Wanna Be” describes this perfectly:

You bring me to the edge of me
Test everything that I believe, oh you
Are showing who you are, and who you’re making me
Without you I am not enough
But I’m complete within your love, Oh God
Right where you want me, is where I wanna be

Damara is thankful for the support of her friends, family and community that made crowdfunding the EP possible and will ultimately bring the songs to listeners who need them most.

“Godly healing doesn’t come from having everything worked out, or every circumstance fixed – but from knowing and trusting God is working through the pain for our spiritual good.” Damara said. “Just as God helped me heal and step out in faith in 2020 – I pray these songs will help others do the same!”

Two-time Emmy-nominated actor, producer, comedian, pastor, author, and artist Kel Mitchell will release his new single “Blessed Mode” ft. nobigdyl and Scootie Wop on all music service streaming platforms on March 11, 2022. “Blessed Mode” is an uplifting Hip-Hop track and workout anthem that is sure to inspire, uplift, motivate and make you feel victorious. The track arrives on the heels of his debut book Blessed Mode: 90 Days to Level Up Your Faith, a 90-day devotional from which the inspiration for the song is derived.

Following his extensive career in entertainment, starring in beloved fan favorites including Nickelodeon’s Kenan & Kel, All That, and cultural epic feature film Good Burger, among many others, Kel combines his love for music and his spirituality on the single “Blessed Mode.” Kel knows what it’s like to struggle through depression and addiction, but he also knows the power of God’s presence to help you find freedom and the blessings in your life. As a youth pastor at Spirit Food Christian Center, Kel is passionate about sharing this testimony of hope with the next generation, and he wants to share it with his audience, too, across mediums and his platforms.

“Blessed Mode” ft. nobigdyl and Scootie Wop is the ultimate anthem to make you feel good, whether you’re in the gym, working out at home or just looking for that pep talk to lift you up and hype you up,” said Kel Mitchell. “This is a return to music for me, but the song specifically was inspired by the Hip Hop tracks I love to play as motivation for my students through my ministry, where we often listen to music to get ready to pray together. In the same way that I hope the book can inspire others to embrace their blessings and find strength spiritually, mentally and physically, I hope this song serves as the soundtrack to activate others’ BLESSED MODE!”In Blessed Mode: 90 Days to Level Up Your Faith, Kel Mitchell offers 90 powerful devotions to help you including:

• Find freedom in God’s life-changing presence.
• Experience God’s power through prayer.
• Recognize God’s many gifts in your life.
• Share the blessings you’ve received with others.

Hip Hop-influenced Christian artist Lawrence Jamal drops his latest single, “Gospel,” to Christian CHR, Rhythmic, and Christian Rap/Hip Hop-formatted radio outlets today.

“Gospel” follows the success of Jamal’s single, “Pick Me Up,” which hit No. 1 on the CRC Weekly chart, No. 2 on CRC Monthly, No. 3 on CRC Quarterly and No. 8 on the CRC Yearly 2021 chart. The single also enjoyed a No. 1 run for several weeks at NGEN Radio in Houston.

Jamal, a hip hop/rap artist from South Arkansas, has been producing music that delivers a message of “Everything Freedom” since 2015. He has been writing music and poetry since he was a teenager and became acquainted with the music industry and recording studio scene while living in Los Angeles after high school.

“My main mission,” Jamal says, “is to make music that is relatable to both non-Christians and Christians, in and outside of today’s church.”

The song, written by Lawrence Jamal and produced by Jamal and Conleyfor3, has been released to digital outlets on the Everything Freedom label.

Lawrence Jamal released his first project, “The Lawrence Jamal EP,” in 2017. A 9-track project titled “Everything Freedom” followed in 2019. In September 2020, he released “Don’t Play This At Church.”

“God has only used the difficulties of my past, even of the recent past, to continue to shine His light through my music,” says Jamal.

Matt Sassano has landed in the top 10 on CMW’s Christian Rock chart for the first time with “Not My Name,” which was produced by Josiah Prince of Disciple. The song is also clocking in at #30 on the CHR chart.

The breakout success is significant for Matt, an independent solo artist who has spent the past 6 months on this first major touring circuit with Seventh Day Slumber. Beyond the prominence of such a high charting position, Matt is more moved by the impact the song has made in terms of lives impacted and changed.

“One of the things that I’ve always loved about music is its ability to make people feel understood and connected,” he shares earnestly. “It’s a personal song to me as someone who grew up with two disabilities: cerebral palsy and dyscalculia. For a long time, I was faced with so many labels, and I really sought to feel understood. I think this song is not only an amazing anthem that pumps you up, but it’s also a chance to reach into a community that is often overlooked: people with disabilities, people who feel like the black sheep, anyone who doesn’t feel comfortable in their own skin. This song is meant to say no matter what people label you, no matter what people say about you, there’s a God that loves you. Underneath all the labels is a person with potential.”

The song, which was recorded with Josiah Prince in Nashville and mixed by Kellen McGregor (Memphis May Fire), has also been resonating with fans on the road. Matt shares, “As I’ve been out on the road with Seventh Day Slumber, I’ve had so many people approach me and say man, what you said up there really impacted me. I’m so glad that you guys are really resonating with the song!”

Matt is currently on the road with Seventh Day Slumber on The Recovery Tour, with dates listed at https://seventhdayslumber.com/#tour. You can watch the official lyric video for “Not My Name” above, and find it on major streaming platforms at https://bit.ly/MattSassanoNotMyName. Learn more about Matt Sassano by following him on Facebook and Instagram.

GRAMMY Award-winning rock band Switchfoot announced the departure of long-time guitarist Drew Shirley. The band’s full announcement is below…

“Friends, there’s no easy way to say this. After years of sharing the road, Drew and the band have decided to take different paths, and will be parting ways. He joined us shortly after the release of our 4th album and we’ve shared an incredible journey, full of countless highs and lows together. We love Drew dearly, and we are so thankful for the time and the memories we have had. This has certainly been a difficult season for us, encountering challenges that have ultimately taken us in different directions. We have always said that our friendships are more important than the band. And it’s still true: our love for each other is so much bigger than rock and roll. We are excited to see what the next chapter holds for Drew, and also for Switchfoot. We are beyond thankful for the support that all of you have shown us during this challenging time and we remain committed to this community, each other, and to the journey we share together. More now than ever before, hope deserves an anthem.

Drew: we are fans, friends and brothers for life.
Much love to you all,
Switchfoot
-jon, tim, chad, jerome”

Celebrating the release of her bestselling new recording, Pilgrim Journey, and the premiere of her first-ever television special, Dove Award-winning singer/songwriter Lynda Randle recently embraced yet another career milestone as she stepped into the iconic “circle” on the stage of Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry.

Backed by the venerable institution’s house band, Randle made her Grand Ole Opry debut with a stirring rendition of her recent single, “Plenty Good Room,” as well as her signature song, “God On The Mountain.” The Tuesday evening lineup also included performances from Grand Ole Opry member and top ACM Award nominee Chris Young; Opry members John Conlee and Dailey & Vincent; award-winning band Sawyer Brown; popular comedian Leanne Morgan; and breakout country newcomer Frank Ray.

Randle also recently celebrated the premiere of her first-ever television special, Lynda Randle and Friends: A Pilgrim’s Journey. Debuting February 17 on the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) and now available on-demand, the Black History Month presentation features appearances from GRAMMY Award-winning multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and producer Tommy Sims; Kimberly Schlapman of country supergroup Little Big Town; and Randle’s brother, GRAMMY-winning dc Talk founding member and Newsboys frontman Michael Tait.

In addition, Randle was featured on Black News Channel (BNC) last week, the nation’s fastest growing news network and the only provider of 24/7 multiplatform programming dedicated to covering the unique perspectives, challenges and successes of Black and Brown communities. Speaking with Kelly Wright, co-host of “The World Tonight with Kelly Wright and Nayyera Haq,” Randle discussed the inspiration behind her new album before sharing a special acoustic performance from the project.

Randle’s acclaimed Pilgrim Journey released February 11 from Gaither Music Group (Capitol Christian Music Group/Universal Music), debuting in the Top 10 on Apple Music’s Top Christian Albums chart. Selections from the project have landed on Spotify’s New Music Friday Christian, Apple Music’s Country Faith, and Amazon Music’s Fresh Christian playlists, among others.

Marrying Gospel, soul, blues and Americana soundscapes with Randle’s warm, rich vocals, Pilgrim Journey showcases new arrangements of popular Inspirational classics, spirituals and original selections. Produced by GRAMMY-nominated, multi-Dove Award-winning singer/songwriter Cindy Morgan, the album includes such standout tracks as “Give Me Jesus” (feat. Kimberly Schlapman); “I Want Jesus To Walk With Me” (feat. Tommy Sims); and the stirring “Motherless Child Medley,” a fan-favorite from Randle’s repertoire.