Jermaine Bollinger, the award-nominated and chart-topping recording artist from St. Louis, MO, and the primary songwriter and vocalist for CARTUNES is excited to announce the release of his newest single, “Life Is… (ft Jermaine Bollinger and Little Egypt Worship),” to Christian radio. This heartfelt and inspiring track is a standout from his latest LP, Lovely, and is poised to resonate deeply with listeners across the nation.

Jermaine Bollinger, known for his compelling pop melodies and original music that touches on themes of love, hope, family, and life, continues to make waves in the Christian music scene. His ability to craft songs that are both catchy and meaningful is evident in “Life Is…,” a song that blends nostalgia with a message of life’s intrinsic worth.

This release marks a significant milestone for Bollinger, who has recently transitioned from performing cover songs to exclusively showcasing his original material in live shows. This bold move has allowed him to further express his artistic vision and connect with audiences on a deeper level. The change in setlist has not only been well-received but has also opened new doors for his music career, including writing for the pop act CARTUNES.

Produced and written by Bollinger himself, “Life Is…” captures the essence of life’s journey through its evocative lyrics and uplifting melodies. The collaboration with Little Egypt Worship adds a unique and soulful dimension to the track, making it a memorable addition to the Christian AC and Inspirational formats.

Listeners who appreciate the musical styles of artists such as Gavin DeGraw, Ed Sheeran, Babyface, John Mayer, James Taylor, and Jason Mraz will find “Life Is…” refreshingly akin to these influences, yet distinctly original. Bollinger’s signature vocal stylings and lyrical prowess shine through, promising to leave a lasting impact on all who hear it.

As Bollinger continues to garner attention and acclaim, his commitment to creating music that inspires and uplifts remains unwavering. “Life Is…” is a testament to his talent and dedication, offering a timely reminder that despite life’s challenges, it is always worth living.

GRAMMY-nominated, multi-platinum rock band NEEDTOBREATHE have announced their acclaimed 2009 album The Outsiders will be reissued on CD and vinyl on September 6 through Omnivore Recordings.

Since 1999, NEEDTOBREATHE have quietly emerged as a dynamic force in music, playing arenas and earning nominations for multiple Grammys, and Billboard Music Awards. After releasing two successful independent albums Daylight and The Heat, the band signed with Atlantic Records and released their third album, The Outsiders, in 2009.

The record quickly put them on the map, peaking at #20 on the Billboard 200. AllMusic gave the album four stars, claiming it “offer[s] up another collection of sweeping, reverent rock songs [and] flirts with touches of roots rock and traditional gospel, from the title track’s powerful Southern stomp to the sheer power of Bear Rinehart’s voice.”

Two years later, the band would be on tour as the opening act for Taylor Swift’s Speak Now world tour, as well as performing alongside acts including Tim McGraw and Train. Since the release of this landmark album, NEEDTOBREATHE have reached arena-sized proportions, headlining iconic venues such as Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN, and four sold out shows at Red Rocks Amphitheaters in Morrison, CO. The band most recently performed at the 2024 CMA Awards in Austin, TX, with Jordan Davis, whom they also recorded an episode of CMT Crossroads with.

Now, over fifteen years since The Outsiders was released and brought the band to greater heights, NEEDTOBREATHE are re-pressing the long sold-out record for the first time ever on translucent red vinyl.

NEEDTOBREATHE also has upcoming tour dates in the US, Europe, and Canada through October. See tour dates HERE.

Pre-order The Outsiders: www.omnivorerecordings.com/shop/outsiders

The Outsiders tracklist:

1. The Outsiders

2. Valley of Tomorrow

3. Through Smoke

4. Lay ‘Em Down

5. What You’ve Done To Me

6. Hurricane

7. These Hard Times

8. Stones Under Rushing Water

9. Prisoner

10. Won’t Turn Back

11. Girl Named Tennessee

12. Something Beautiful

13. Garden

14. Let Us Love

“This album is the culmination of life lived and lessons learned. A look back at all the good times and bad, the mountaintops and valleys and all the dreams and aspirations that led me and my family to the days that we dreamed of” ……. Rhett Walker.

His latest album by Rhett Walker, a celebrated Christian rock and country singer, offers a mix of heartfelt lyrics, soulful melodies, and powerful messages of faith and perseverance. Walker’s distinct voice and engaging storytelling shine through tracks that explore themes of hope, love, and life’s journey. With its blend of upbeat anthems and reflective ballads, DAYS THAT WE DREAMED OF continues to showcase Walker’s talent for creating music that resonates deeply with his audience.

The South Georgia native leans into his country/Americana cadence on Days That We Dreamed Of.  His vocal tilt brings his love of America’s favorite genre with lyrics that express his love of Jesus in a bold-faced lyric. Country + CCM is building as evidenced by his peers Zach Williams and Anne Wilson.  Please listen with this in mind.  The outdoorsman who frequents the Duck Dynasty podcasts and is comfortable in a tree stand as well as the pulpit is excited about this release.

As you may or may not know, Rhett has GRAMMY nods, GMA DOVE Award wins and is a father of four and married to his wife that he married as a teen.  Fast forward a few decades and they are living the dream that no one predicted would happen. It resonates through the release.

Track-by-track breakdown of all songs by Rhett Walker:

Somebody Say Amen- “‘Somebody Say Amen’ is about pointing to the goodness of who God is, no matter what you’re facing. Mountain top or valley low, there’s always a reason to say Amen. Our joy is not determined by our circumstances because our joy comes from the Lord. So, to my circumstances, good or bad, I say Amen.”

Young Love- “‘Young Love’ is an anthem for all those who are crazy in love living life to the fullest with their ride or die. For the ones who know when time does what time does and life slows down, you’ll still be falling head over heels for each other.”

‘87 Chevy – “The road of life ain’t always smooth and easy but you learn a lot about who you are looking through that windshield. You also can’t forget to stop and look at that rear view and remember all the life you’ve lived, the places you’ve been and the love that was shared.”

Where I Could’ve Been- “This is my story in song form. The selfish life I lived that broke me. But the peace of knowing the good Lord could’ve left me in the trenches but He pulled me up, dusted me off and gave me a new life.”

Man On the Middle Cross – “This song is such a reminder that grace and mercy have nothing to do with us. There’s nothing we could do to earn it and nothing we could do to deserve it. It is only and has always only been about Jesus, who He is, what He did and the grace that He continues to pour out. Which is why I thank God for the man on the middle cross.”

Days That We Dreamed Of – “I remember 17 years old, baby on the way, scared half to death at what life was gonna throw my wife (April) and I’s way.  Knowing God had it under control, but unsure at what that looked like. We would sit on that back porch and just dream of one day.  20 years later, my family has realized it’s not about the “things” it’s about time spent together.  Moments that turn into memories.  It’s not a future moment, every day can be the days that you dreamed of.”

Look What God Can Do –  “Another reflective song. I was looking back over the years since I first got signed. Singing songs like When Mercy Found Me and what I had seen in life up to that point. Sitting in that writer’s room talking about all the things God was still doing. How He still uses the prodigal.”

Lost and Found- “This song is something that just poured out. I was just sitting in my room and playing guitar and as I started singing, the words just came out. I think people sometimes have a hard time dealing with their faith when things get dark. Sometimes we feel broken and lost, even as believers and that’s ok. Jesus is ok with the questioning of life. This song is a reminder to me that we can bring anything to Him.”

Live It- “I have 4 kiddos. Age 19 down to 6. This is a song that I dedicate to them. All the little things I have learned along the way that I thought I could pass onto them.”

Gave It All- “This is a worship song to me. Just a song of thankfulness for what the good Lord has done.”

Follow along at rhettwalker.com to stay updated on the latest news, tour dates, and exclusive content from Rhett Walker and follow him on socials.

Multi-Platinum, GRAMMY-Award winning group Elevation Worship’s latest release, When Wind Meets Fire, tops Billboard’s Top Christian Albums Chart. This is the group’s eighth No. 1 chart debut, the most Top Christian Album No. 1s of any artist.

Speaking with Billboard, Elevation Worship’s Chris Brown said, “We’re so grateful and honored to have this new album hit No. 1. Our hope is that these songs will continue helping people encounter God’s presence just like they have for our church over the past year.”

In addition to the No. 1 album debut, Elevation Worship’s hit song “Praise” continues to resonate with listeners as it entered the 20th week at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Songs Christian Chart. This is only the ninth song in the genre to reach this milestone in the chart’s history. The song was also nominated for two GMA Dove Awards last week as “Song of the Year” and “Worship Recorded Song of the Year.”

Four dates remain for Elevation Worship’s Praise Party Summer Tour, including seven outdoor major-market shows and three special club-style shows. The tour will conclude with a sold-out show at the historic Ryman Auditorium next week. Praise Party Summer Tour will be followed by Elevation Nights this fall featuring Elevation Worship, Pastor Steven Furtick, and ELEVATION RHYTHM.

The sold-out spring run of Elevation Nights became one of the largest Christian tours in history, averaging more than 11,600 tickets sold each night. Tickets for Elevation Nights are on sale now by visiting ElevationNights.com.

Central City Productions’ highly anticipated annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, the “Greatest Night in Gospel Music,” will premiere on the Stellar Network and BET this weekend. Co-hosted by Emmy Award-winning TV personality and comedian Loni Love, alongside Marconi Award-winning radio/TV personality and comedian Rickey Smiley, the 39th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards awarded various categories in a taped telecast on Saturday, July 20.

Other categories were awarded in a Pre-Show nominee gala. The 39th annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards will premiere on the Stellar Network on Saturday, August 3 at 8PM and 11PM EST and in broadcast syndication from August 10, 2024 – September 8, 2024. BET will air the 39th Stellar Gospel Music Awards on Sunday, August 4 at 8 PM ET/PT.

Tye Tribbett and Jekalyn Carr led in “Stellar Awards” 2024 wins. Tye Tribbett received the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award and Kim Burrell received the Aretha Franklin Icon Award.

The ceremony included performances by: Chandler Moore, Karen Clark Sheard, Kierra Sheard, Anthony Brown and group therAPy, Da’ T.R.U.T.H, Deitrick Haddon, Israel Houghton, Kelontae Gavin, Koryn Hawthorne, Lisa Knowles-Smith, Mali Music, Melvin Crispell III, Rich Tolbert Jr., and Ricky Dillard. Joining the Emerging Artist Stage was Arthur and Friends Community Choir, Jovonta Patton and Wendi Wyatt. Kirk Franklin, Erica Campbell, VaShawn Mitchell, Pastor Mike Todd, JJ Hairston, Maurette Brown Clark, Carvin Winans and Angel Taylor will present on the broadcast.

The 39th Stellar Gospel Music Awards is Sponsored by Procter & Gamble with Presenting Sponsorship provided by AT&T, State Farm, McDonalds, Disney, Walmart, AFLAC and General Motors. The 39th Stellar Gospel Music Awards show is Executive Produced by Don Jackson with Jennifer J. Jackson serving as Producer and Executive in Charge of Production; Michael A. Johnson as Producer and Director, Erin Johnson as Talent Producer and Daniel Moore as Music Director.

Acclaimed singer/songwriter and GRAMMY Award-winning TRIBL Music Group artist Chandler Moore drops his highly anticipated sophomore solo album, CHANDLER MOORE: LIVE IN LOS ANGELES. Now available worldwide, the album can be purchased and streamed here.

Harkening on the motifs Moore has become known for with Maverick City Music, Moore’s latest solo offering, CHANDLER MOORE: LIVE IN LOS ANGELES, represents a new chapter in his career and personal life. The eight-track project captures an electrifying live performance that showcases Moore’s unique blend of soul, R&B, and inspirational music and features powerful collaborations with celebrated artists such as Israel Houghton, Tasha Cobbs Leonard and Naomi Raine.

CHANDLER MOORE: LIVE IN LOS ANGELES is inspired by Psalm 23:2, “He leads me beside still waters.” The deeply personal worship project stemmed from a season of stillness in Moore’s life and the lessons that have come through it. “God has stilled the waters, He’s calmed the noise, He’s shut everything down so that I can see what I need to see and let Him grow me up in ways He needs to grow me up… It’s about being still in your spirit and mind to allow God to speak to you,” says Moore.

Recorded live in May 2024, CHANDLER MOORE: LIVE IN LOS ANGELES is a masterful collection of songs that blend Moore’s signature style with a fresh perspective, offering music that resonates deeply with his audience and solidifying his place as a powerful and inspiring force in the music industry.

Moore has collaborated with renowned artists such as Justin Bieber, Tori Kelly, Elevation and Kirk Franklin. His rapid rise in the music world has earned him 5 Grammy Awards, 1 Billboard Music Award, 4 GMA Dove Awards, and 1 Soul Train Music Award, through his dynamic contributions and well-known collaboration with Maverick City Music.

Stream & Enjoy

In support of his new music, Moore performed the album’s premiere track “Lead Me On” on Fox & Friends this morning (Aug. 2) and closed the 39th Annual Stellar Awards, performing “Omemma,” which airs on BET on Aug. 3 (check local listings). “Lead Me On” is currently impacting at CCM Radio and will debut at Gospel Radio exclusively with Urban 1 on Aug. 2.

Fans can catch Moore later this summer and fall as a featured artist on the Kingdom World Tour from Aug. 8 – 26 throughout Africa/Europe, and the Good News Tour that runs stateside Oct. 3 – Nov. 26.

For more information, please visit https://chandlerdmoore.com/.

CHANDLER MOORE: LIVE IN LOS ANGELES Tracklist:

1. I Have A Father

2. Joy

3. What I Needed

4. All

5. Great I Am

6. Omemma

7. Lead Me On

Awakening Events has announced the ‘United We Worship’ Tour coming this November, featuring Danny Gokey and Mac Powell alongside special guests Tasha Layton & Seph Schlueter. Tickets for this mega night of worship are set to go on sale July 31st at 12pm ET. For more information, visit awakeningevents.com/unitedweworship.

https://www.instagram.com/awakeningevents/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=a175a7a2-7e1c-4549-af67-86f1ee3c9046

11/7 – Evansville, IN

11/8 – Erie, PA

11/9 – Troy, OH

11/10 – Milwaukee, WI

11/14 – Niceville, FL

11/15 – Port St. Lucie, FL

11/16 – Fort Myers, FL

11/17 – Brooksville, FL

11/21 – Atlanta, GA

11/22 – Richmond, KY

11/23 – Charlotte, NC

11/24 – Lynchburg, VA

Contemporary Christian singer Blanca will give a special performance for Food For The Poor’s fifth annual National Celebration – We Are One, a virtual event with a goal to deliver 10 million meals to hungry children and families in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The event will be livestreamed from FFTP’s Coconut Creek headquarters at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15.

Every dollar you give until midnight ET, August 31, will be matched with one dollar’s worth of food, up to $500,000, making donors’ gifts go further.

In a recent interview with FFTP, Blanca said music has the power to bring people together and that she hopes her performance will inspire others to join FFTP in the fight to alleviate poverty and hunger and to support families in need.

“In putting this event together, I think of my own life. I grew up in a broken home with my dad addicted to drugs, and my mom basically raising us as a single mother,” Blanca said.

“It wasn’t easy, but the grace of God and the tiny miracles, like church communities bringing groceries to our doorstep or friends inviting me to Bible study, shaped who I am today,” she continued. “These acts of generosity are the foundation of my faith and connect me deeply to the mission of Food For The Poor.”

For FFTP’s We Are One, Blanca will perform three songs, including “Goodness of God,” in Spanish, “Something Better,” and “New Day.”

Blanca Elaine Callahan, known professionally as Blanca, began her career as a member of the Christian hip-hop group Group 1 Crew, where she gained recognition for her powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence.

In 2013, Blanca embarked on a solo career, releasing her debut self-titled album in 2015. Her music blends contemporary Christian, pop, and Latin influences, often addressing themes of faith, hope, and personal growth.

“In this season, I’ve been challenging myself to look beyond my own anxieties and to focus on how I can help those in need,” Blanca said. “If we all adopted this mentality, the work we could do for the kingdom of God would be tremendous. This is why partnering with Food For The Poor is so important to me – it’s about expanding our hearts for things that matter to God.”

Latin America and the Caribbean face ongoing challenges with food insecurity, exacerbated by economic instability, natural disasters, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the World Food Programme, millions of people in the region suffer from hunger, with children being particularly vulnerable to malnutrition and its devastating effects on their health and development.

“Food insecurity remains a significant challenge in Latin America and the Caribbean, where millions of families struggle to access sufficient nutritious food,” FFTP President/CEO Ed Raine said.

“We are incredibly grateful to Blanca for lending her voice and talent to this event,” Raine added. “Her dedication to spreading hope and faith aligns perfectly with our mission, and her performance will undoubtedly be a highlight of the evening.”

Register for the event at foodforthepoor.org/one.

To donate, text WEARE1 to 51555.

Food For The Poor, one of the largest international relief and development organizations in the nation, does much more than feed millions of hungry children and families living in poverty primarily in 15 countries of Latin America and the Caribbean. This interdenominational Christian ministry provides emergency relief assistance, water, medicine, educational materials, homes, support for vulnerable children, care for the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance. For more information, please visit foodforthepoor.org.

Bill Abernathy’s newest single, “Save Your Drama for Your Momma,” which has secured a spot at #34 on the UK iTunes Top Rock Songs chart, strikes a resonant chord with its audience through a blend of caustic social commentary and rock-infused melodies. The song is a potent mix of pointed political critique and compelling musicianship, making it a standout in the current rock scene.

From the get-go, Abernathy pulls no punches in his scathing critique of contemporary politics. The chorus, which acts as the song’s anchor, is both catchy and biting:

Save your drama for your momma

You all should be ashamed

Save your drama for your momma

Stop shrugging off the blame

This refrain not only sticks in the listener’s mind but also encapsulates the song’s overarching theme: a profound disillusionment with political games and empty rhetoric. Abernathy’s lyrics navigate the murky waters of political discontent, highlighting issues such as inflation, market instability, and environmentally destructive policies. 

In Verse 1, Abernathy paints a vivid picture of the disconnect between political leaders and the realities faced by the general populace. Lines like:

Inflations just another

Transitory phase

and

Drowning in their policies 

Cause they don’t “get” the math

resonate deeply in today’s socio-economic landscape, reflecting a widespread sentiment of frustration and skepticism towards those in power.

The Chorus repeats after each verse, reinforcing the critical tone and allowing the listener to reflect on the powerful statements made in the verses. 

Musically, “Save Your Drama for Your Momma” is a well-crafted rock anthem. The song features Abernathy on acoustic guitars and vocals, with Kevin Rogers on electric guitars, Craig Kew on bass and fretless bass, Alex Cordero on keyboards and strings, and Larry Gann on drums and percussion. The synergy among these musicians is palpable, creating a sound that is both cohesive and dynamic.

Bill Abernathy’s “Save Your Drama for Your Momma”

Stream & Enjoy

The song’s arrangement is meticulously crafted. The acoustic guitar provides a steady foundation, while the electric guitar adds layers of intensity and depth. The bass lines are robust, grounding the composition, while the keyboard and string sections bring a touch of sophistication. The drums and percussion drive the rhythm forward, ensuring that the song maintains a strong momentum throughout.

The production quality of the track, managed by Larry Gann, who also served as one of the producers alongside Abernathy, is top-notch. Recorded at AweStruck Studios, the track boasts a polished yet authentic feel, striking a balance between raw rock energy and smooth production values. Larry Gann’s expertise in engineering and mastering shines through, as each instrument is clearly defined, and Abernathy’s vocals are front and center without overshadowing the intricate instrumental work.

One of the song’s standout elements is its Bridge:

Listen what they really say

Delusional and crazy

Claiming they can save the world

By spending all your money

This section encapsulates the essence of Abernathy’s message, delivering it with a punchy rhythm and an almost anthemic quality. The bridge also includes one of the most memorable lines:

That the next Pandemic in the USA is

Diarrhea of the mouth

This lyric perfectly captures the frustration many feel towards the incessant political rhetoric that seems to dominate the media landscape.

Bill Abernathy’s “Save Your Drama for Your Momma” is more than just a song; it’s a statement. Its place on the UK iTunes Top Rock Songs chart is well-deserved, as it combines thought-provoking lyrics with masterful musical execution. Abernathy’s ability to articulate a sense of widespread discontent while maintaining a catchy, rock-driven sound demonstrates his prowess as both a songwriter and a musician.

Whether you’re drawn to its political critique or its infectious rock rhythm, “Save Your Drama for Your Momma” is a track that demands attention and invites repeated listens. It’s a testament to the power of music as a medium for social commentary and a reminder of the enduring relevance of rock music in voicing the concerns of the times.

–Tom Johnson

Multi-Grammy and GMA Award winning Steven Curtis Chapman was invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry tonight by Opry member and longtime friend Ricky Skaggs. With 50 No. 1 hits, Chapman is the most awarded artist in Christian music history. The beloved singer made his Opry debut 42 years ago at age 19 when he was a performer at Opryland Theme Park singing the songs of Opry greats including George Jones, Ricky Skaggs and more.

After Chapman’s set, Skaggs approached his friend with a framed photo of a young Chapman from around the time of his Opry debut.

“[The archives] have found a picture of [you]. We need to have a picture of this. Where’s Chris [Hollo, Opry photographer]? Get a good picture because this is going to go great beside that picture right there that he’s taking because you are going to be the next member of the Grand Ole Opry, if you want to!? Only if you want to!?” Chapman dropped to his knees excited and in disbelief.  Skaggs said, “I think you want to.” Skaggs continued, “I’m so proud for you bud. You deserve to be here.

There’s been greats that have been on this stage and been members of the Opry and we are glad you’re joining the Grand Ole Opry and doing what you do best.”

“That is incredible, brother,” said Chapman. “I can not tell you all how surprised I am. This is a massive surprise. I had no idea, and I am so honored and just so grateful. What an amazing family to be a part of. I was thinking when I started singing tonight on this stage, I really did, this is my favorite place to sing these days. I feel at home, I feel like this is my family. Everyone here. I am so honored to be part of this family. Thank you guys. Thank you Jesus, and thank you all.”

Chapman’s induction date will be announced soon.

Chapman is also scheduled to perform on this season’s Opry Country Christmas. The Opry member-elect will be the Spotlight Artist on December 22. Presented by Humana, the series will also feature special performances by Spotlight Artists including Opry members Jon Pardi (Dec. 1), The Oak Ridge Boys (Dec. 4),  Scotty McCreery (Dec. 5), Chris Young (Dec. 8), Chris Janson (Dec. 11), Trace Adkins (Dec. 16), and more. Tickets are on sale now at opry.com.

Hosted by Grammy_®-winning Opry member Larry Gatlin, Opry Country Christmas will showcase songs of the holiday season beginning Dec. 1 and running through Dec. 23 for a total of ten shows. Each show features Opry members The Gatlin Brothers, Riders In The Sky, Mandy Barnett and Country Music Hall of Famer Charlie McCoy. Other Opry members, Spotlight Artists and special guests including Kathy Mattea (12/2), Priscilla Block (12/8), Chapel Hart(12/11), Mickey Guyton (12/16), John Berry (12/22) and more will round out the shows made up of artists’ original songs and timeless Christmas favorites.