Category: NEWS

Josiah Queen Enters Billboard Hot 100 With “Dusty Bibles”

Breakout artist Josiah Queen has just scored his first entry into the Billboard Hot 100 chart with his hit song, “Dusty Bibles”.

The Billboard Hot 100 tabulates the 100 best selling songs by week in the United States.  With the entry of “Dusty Bibles”, there have been now five different Christian songs to enter the chart in 2025—Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll’s “Hard Fought Hallelujah” (number 40 in May), Forrest Frank’s “Your Way’s Better” (number 61 in May) and “Lemonade” (number 77 in August), Phil Wickham’s “What an Awesome God” (number 96 in October), and now Queen’s “Dusty Bibles”.

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Seeing a Christian song entering the Hot 100 is a marked occasion, but seeing five appear in a single year is even more uncommon.  Not only is this the fifth song to enter the chart this year, it is also the fifth song to enter the chart this decade, as the last time a song has done so before this year was with Lauren Daigle’s multi-platinum “You Say” in 2019. Aside from songs this year, as well as excluding holiday singles, only nine other Christian songs have entered the Hot 100 chart.

In addition to entering the Billboard Hot 100, where the song is hitting number 92, “Dusty Bibles” is concurrently rising on Christian charts.  On the Hot Christian Songs, it restores its previous peak of number 3.  Meanwhile, the song increases in airplay audience, as it rises up to hit number 18 on the Christian Airplay chart.

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Kingdmusic Featured On Tikae Maestro’s New Song “Dwell”

Award-winning South African musician, producer, and songwriter TK Mabelane, known globally as Tikae Maestro, releases “Dwell” feat. Christian artist, Kingdmusic.

“Dwell” is the latest Amapiano/Afrobeat release from Tikae Maestro, inspired by Psalm 27:4. The song captures Tikae’s lifelong devotion to God’s presence, shaped by his upbringing as a pastor’s son who literally grew up in “the house of the Lord”.

Even after finding success in other arenas, including the corporate world, Tikae has never grown weary of returning to the dwelling place of God — both in the physical sanctuary and the deeper, spiritual posture of abiding in His presence. Dwell carries that hunger, combining rich spiritual depth with the rhythm and joy that define Tikae’s signature sound.

For Tikae Maestro, Dwell is more than a groove — it’s a mission. He believes that people don’t just need to read scripture, they need to sing scripture until it becomes a lived experience. By merging sacred truth with the pulse of Amapiano and Afrobeat, he’s reaching those who might never open a Bible but can still encounter God through music. In Dwell, Tikae invites listeners to dance their way into devotion & to discover that worship and rhythm can coexist beautifully, and that God’s presence can fill both the church pew and the dance floor.

For more than a decade, Mabelane has sustained national and international acclaim, shaping the sound of contemporary African worship through his work with the award-winning collective We Will Worship. As the group’s chief musical architect, he has been instrumental in crafting their genre defining sound contributing to multiple awards, starting with a Metro Fm Music Award in 2011 and culminating multiple South African Music Awards (SAMA) nominations and a SAMA win in 2019, South Africa’s most prestigious musical honour.

Dwell Album Art scaled

A visionary songwriter, arranger, and producer, Mabelane’s artistry bridges the sacred and the soulful. His solo debut, Tribe Rua Vol. 1 (2021), received global recognition, particularly for the track Desert Song, which was so well received that professors at Gordon College (Massachusetts) requested its sheet music to use as instructional material for music students. His songwriting credits include the hit “Sthandwa” for Idols South Africa finalist Thami Shobede, which peaked at #1 on iTunes South Africa, reached #8 on iTunes’ Top 100 World Songs, and remained on the charts for 28 weeks.

Now based in Boston, Mabelane serves as Worship Arts Director at Aletheia Church, where he pioneered Aletheia Music, grew the worship department, and launched the church’s first choir. He also served as Executive Producer for Son of Man (2025), Aletheia Music’s latest release, blending theological depth with world-class production. With collaborations spanning Loyiso Bala, Ntokozo Mbambo, Mmuso Worship, and Every Nation Music, Mabelane is increasingly recognized as a national treasure abroad, following in the footsteps of South African icons like Jonathan Butler — blending excellence, faith, and cross-cultural artistry.

Demonstrating his musical breadth and love for rhythm, TK is now venturing into Amapiano, South Africa’s most globally influential sound. His upcoming single, “Dwell,” features the illustrious Kingdmusic, one of South Africa’s fast-rising stars known for his soulful vocals and chart-topping collaborations within the global Christian music scene. Together, the two create a seamless fusion of groove, spirituality, and sonic mastery — expanding the boundaries of worship-infused music for a new generation.

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Amazon Music Releases Exclusive Brandon Lake “Songline”

Amazon Music shares their most recent “Songline” release featuring five-time, Grammy winning singer-songwriter, Brandon Lake. The audio release features nine reimagined versions of his hit songs, including “When A Cowboy Prays,” which is out now. Fans will be able to watch the full video of Lake’s “Songline” performance on November 21.

A series dedicated to the craft of songwriting, “Songline” invites some of today’s most intriguing artists to reimagine their music in a stripped-down intimate setting. Each performance is intercut with in-depth interviews with the artist, giving songwriters the opportunity to demystify the songwriting process and share their origins and cultural journeys with their fans.

Brandon Lake

“I hope fans can see a bit of my songwriting process that happens before a song ever reaches a stage or a stream,” said Lake. “It felt really special to be able to pull back the curtain with Songline and show not only how songs are made, but their impact on fans and the artists and songwriters that wrote them.”

Brandon Lake “Songline” Tracklist:

1.)   “Honey In The Rock”

2.)   “King of Hearts”

3.)   “That’s Who I Praise”

4.)   “When A Cowboy Prays”

5.)   “Gratitude”

6.)   “Hard Fought Hallelujah”

7.)   “Too Good Not To Believe”

8.)   “Daddy’s DNA”

9.)   “I Know A Name”

The Charleston-based breakout artist- who has earned more than 270 million career streams to date has become one of contemporary Christian music’s most adventurous voices, with his recent album King of Hearts debuting #1 across the Billboard Top Rock, Top Rock & Alternative and Top Christian Charts.

His Platinum-selling, Dove and KLOVE award-winning single “Hard Fought Hallelujah” debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 and garnered Lake’s first CMA nomination for his collaboration with Jelly Roll after a 20+ week run on top of the Billboard Christian chart. Currently climbing the Country radio charts, the CMA nominated collaboration “Hard Fought Hallelujah” has resonated with audiences from the first ever concert held at the Vatican to the American Idol finale stage.

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Nashville-Based Modern Music Company, By Design, Partners With BMG Following Company Launch

By Design, a Nashville-based modern music company, announces its global partnership with BMG, the fourth largest music company in the world, following the company’s recent launch under the leadership of industry experts Josh Bailey, Jeremy Holley, Rod Riley and Josh Thompson. The partnership will include worldwide distribution, label services, joint label signings and a co-investment strategy across catalog acquisitions via Archetype Music.

“Faith-driven music has long been of particular interest to many members of the BMG team,” shares Jon Loba, President of Frontline Recordings, BMG Americas. “Even though we have not specifically engaged in that line of business, there has always been the desire and intention to do so. The opportunity to partner with By Design offered the perfect, complimentary alliance with exceptional, proven industry executives, who have the same heart and artist-first approach to music as BMG. We are so incredibly excited to join forces with Rod, Jeremy, both Josh’s and the entire By Design team, to enter a global genre that is one of the most powerful cultural forces rising today.”

“We partnered with BMG to scale purpose-driven music without compromising values,” shares By Design co-founder Josh Thompson. “Their global reach empowers us to honor each artist’s original design – and share it on a global stage.”

“We believe the next global movement in music will be rooted in faith and community, not algorithms and trends,” says Josh Bailey, By Design co-founder. “With BMG’s international infrastructure and our shared commitment to empowering artists, we’re building a new kind of platform, one that’s both spiritually grounded and globally scaled.”

By Design was formed to champion artists who lead with purpose, creators shaped by faith, driven by originality, and committed to cultural impact. The label recently announced, as part of a larger ecosystem comprised of three core entities: By Design, a modern music company where creators unlock their original designs; Archetype Music, a music rights holding company that acquires Christian music catalogs; and Blueprint, a nonprofit on mission to disciple, equip and empower Gospel centered creators. By Design unveils with a genre-spanning roster that includes chart-topping country artist Frankie Ballard, pop-folk storyteller Zoe Levert and rising singer/songwriter Alex Jude, with additional artist signings to be announced.

The company operates on six key values – a kingdom vision, focused team, trusted relationships, cultivating audiences, strategic disruption and data-driven results – with a mission to reshape the future of music through purpose-driven creativity, industry expertise and a commitment to faith-driven innovation.

Christian music is one of the fastest-growing genres, capturing young audiences across social media and global DSPs. Faith-fueled music is resonating beyond religious spaces with an increase in demand for faith-based content surging.

“By Design exists to champion the creators behind this movement, artists who carry purpose in their message and originality into a culture hungry for meaning,” shares Jeremy Holley, By Design co-founder.

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Zackwa Did it Again Unveils Bold New Album “The Scarlet Room” — A Soul-Stirring Fusion of Hip-Hop, Funk, and Rock

Multi-talented artist Zackwa Did it Again is set to release his highly anticipated album The Scarlet Room on November 17, 2025 — a genre-blending journey that channels the energy of Jimi Hendrix, the soul of Prince, and the lyrical wisdom of J. Cole.

With its infectious grooves, raw emotion, and inspirational messages, The Scarlet Room delivers a powerful experience rooted in love, self-awareness, and divine connection. The album invites listeners to explore the deeper meanings of truth and compassion through music that’s both timeless and forward-thinking.

Lead singles “Heart on Alahayim” and “Keep the Commandments” showcase Zackwa’s signature sound — a blend of fiery guitar riffs, soulful melodies, and insightful lyrics that uplift the spirit while moving the body.

“Love is the greatest commandment,” says Zackwa Did it Again. “This album is my reminder to the world that truth, love, and unity are still the keys to freedom.”

Produced and performed entirely by Zackwa Did it Again, The Scarlet Room stands as a testament to the artist’s creative independence and visionary artistry.

Fans can pre-download or pre-save the album now at www.Zackwadiditagain.com. The Scarlet Room will be available on Spotify, Apple Music, and Bandcamp worldwide on November 17, 2025.

Zackwa Did it Again Unveils Bold New Album “The Scarlet Room” — A Soul-Stirring Fusion of Hip-Hop, Funk, and Rock

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Grace in the Shadows: Baldy Crawlers’ ‘Bring Me a Flower’ Shines the Light of Hope

There are songs that entertain, and there are songs that awaken something sacred within us. “Bring Me a Flower” by Baldy Crawlers belongs firmly in the latter category—a haunting, heartfelt meditation on faith, endurance, and the quiet persistence of grace. Written and produced by Martin Maudal, and released through MTS Records, the song transforms a centuries-old legend into a living parable about hope in the face of suffering.

At first listen, the track sounds like a folk ballad whispered by mountain wind—gentle, patient, reverent. But listen closer, and you’ll hear the sound of the human spirit refusing to be crushed. Maudal, a Berklee-trained musician and master luthier, draws from the legend of the vigilantes oscuros, or “dark watchers”—shadowy figures said to guard the ridges of California’s Santa Lucia Mountains. In his interpretation, they become something almost angelic: unseen witnesses to the trials of those who journey across deserts and borders, carrying their faith and fear in equal measure.

It’s an inspired metaphor, and one that resonates deeply in a Christian context. The song’s protagonist cries out to be seen, to be met in the darkness by a presence that does not condemn but comforts. “Bring me a flower, thou dark mountain watcher / I’ll bring you myself and I’ll grant you a boon.” These words evoke the language of surrender—the same humility and trust that runs through the Psalms. There is pain here, but there is also peace, and the reminder that even in desolation, God is watching, guiding, and redeeming.

Musically, the song mirrors that spiritual journey. Norrell Thompson’s lead vocal is tender yet full of quiet conviction—a voice that trembles but never falters. Elizabeth Hangan’s harmonies float behind her like a halo of light, while Ross Schodek’s bass and Carl Byron’s accordion ground the piece in an earthy, human warmth. And then there is Maudal’s guitar—handcrafted, resonant, alive. Every pluck and vibration feels intentional, as if each note were a prayer offered up to heaven.

Grace in the Shadows: Baldy Crawlers’ ‘Bring Me a Flower’ Shines the Light of Hope

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The arrangement is simple but not sparse. It invites contemplation, like standing in a small mountain chapel as the sun filters through stained glass. The song doesn’t rush to its resolution—it walks there, step by step, echoing the way faith itself often unfolds: slowly, quietly, one act of trust at a time.

What’s most striking about “Bring Me a Flower” is how it transforms the idea of protest into something spiritual. It doesn’t rage against injustice; it redeems it. It’s a reminder that our response to cruelty and fear doesn’t have to be vengeance—it can be love, endurance, and prayer. “The song turned out to be about more than anger,” Maudal says. “It turned out to be about endurance and hope.”

In that way, “Bring Me a Flower” stands as a testament to what Christ taught: that light is not the absence of darkness but the strength to shine within it. Baldy Crawlers offer a song for believers and seekers alike—a call to remember that no matter how shadowed the mountain, there is still a flower waiting to bloom.

–Christian Beck

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Teaser Trailer Unveiled For Upcoming Musical ‘DAVID’

Angel (NYSE: ANGX), a media and technology company driven by 1.5 million grassroots Angel Guild members championing values-based stories, has released the first teaser trailer and teaser artwork for their upcoming animated musical epic DAVID. Directed by Phil Cunningham and Brent Dawes of Sunrise Animation Studios, the film will be released exclusively in theaters on December 19, 2025, distributed by Angel.

“DAVID is the movie for families this Christmas — a film that reminds us why we go to the theater together,” said Brandon Purdie, EVP & Head of Theatrical and Brand Development at Angel Studios. “As seen in the teaser trailer, this story captures the heart of the boy who faced a giant — a celebration of courage, faith, and the power of believing in something bigger than yourself. We’re seeing incredible excitement from theater owners and families alike. DAVID is more than a movie — it’s a cinematic event that will bring generations together this Christmas.”

david key art scaled

DAVID is the highest Guild-rated film in Angel’s history, scoring a 98 out of 100. The cast is led by multi-platinum selling artist Phil Wickham as the adult David and actor, dancer, and singer Brandon Engman who voices David as a youth.

“What an incredible moment to finally reveal the story that the most wonderful team has been working on for over a decade. A story that has been woven into the tapestry of the human experience for over 3000 years. We are so delighted to be able to share it with the world and hopefully inspire a whole new generation to stand in the face of fear and conquer the giants they face,” says director Brent Dawes of Sunrise Animation Studios.

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For over three decades, creator Phil Cunningham has dreamed and fought to bring this story to big screens.  “I couldn’t be more thrilled that this film is releasing during the holiday season, where families can put down their phones and come together in the theater to be inspired by David’s hope, courage, and faith. Our greatest wish is that audiences of all ages will be inspired by David’s story and reminded of the power of trusting God through every challenge.”

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Chris Tomlin Wraps “Worship Under The Stars” At A Sold Out Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Chris Tomlin, one of the most successful Christian touring artists, wrapped his first-of-its-kind concert series “Worship Under The Stars” with a sold-out concert last night at the iconic Red Rock Amphitheatre in Colorado. 

Last night’s “Worship Under The Stars” marked the Grammy winner’s fourth time selling out the famed Red Rocks and became his highest attendance to date for the bucket-list venue.

Photo credit: Scott Parker
Photo credit: Scott Parker

During each of the “Worship Under The Stars” concerts, attendees experienced a unique worship experience amidst the beauty of the mountains, the serenity of the sea, and the striking nature of the city, as their backdrop. The Grammy Award winner welcomed people from around the world to iconic locations such as Central Park in New York City, the picturesque Pier Six in Baltimore, and last night at the prestigious Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado for a breathtaking celebration of faith and worship amidst the vast beauty of creation.

Tomlin also just had a  record-breaking week with the release of his 18th album The King Is Still The King and the largest global streaming week of his 25+ year career (9/26/26-10/2/26). The King Is Still The King was Billboard’s No. 1 Top Christian/Gospel Album for week of release 9/26/26-10/2/26.

Photo credit: Scott Parker
Photo credit: Scott Parker

“Worship Under The Stars” is presented by TPR and made possible by our partners, Food for the Hungry.

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‘I Can Only Imagine 2’ Trailer Debuts

The trailer for the MercyMe-inspired film ‘I Can Only Imagine 2’ officially debuted today. This project marks the highly anticipated sequel to ‘I Can Only Imagine,’ which was the highest-grossing independent film of 2018. ‘I Can Only Imagine 2’ is slated to arrive in theaters on February 20, 2026.

icanonlyimagine2trainer scaled

After the breakout success of the song “I Can Only Imagine,” MercyMe’s Bart Millard (John Michael Finley) is living the dream—sold-out arenas, a devoted fan base, and a thriving career. But behind the spotlight, Bart’s past threatens the family he’s built, especially the fragile bond with his son, Sam (Sammy Dell).

When hopeful newcomer Tim Timmons (Milo Ventimiglia, “This Is Us”) joins the band for their biggest tour yet, he unknowingly brings a renewed gratitude to Bart’s life through their unlikely friendship.

Bart soon discovers that Tim carries hardships—and secrets—of his own, forcing him to face his past and repair his relationships with Sam and his wife, Shannon (Sophie Skelton), before fame costs him what matters most. Based on the heartfelt true story behind the hit single “Even If,” ‘I Can Only Imagine 2’ is the inspiring next chapter of faith, family, and finding God in the fire.

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Starring: John Michael Finley, Milo Ventimiglia, Sophie Skelton, Arielle Kebbel, Sammy Dell, with Trace Adkins, and Dennis Quaid

Directed by: Andrew Erwin and Brent McCorkle

 Written by: Brent McCorkle

Produced by: Kevin Downes, Andrew Erwin, Cindy Bond, Bart Millard, Daryl Lefever, Joshua Walsh

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John Bergeron Releases “I’m With You Sweet Jesus”

Inspirational artist and Louisiana native John Bergeronhas released his new single, “I’m With You Sweet Jesus,” to Christian radio. Following the chart success of his previous singles “The Morning of the Resurrection” and “Jesus My Lord,” Bergeron returns with a moving expression of gratitude and daily surrender, blending his signature piano-driven warmth with an intimate worship experience.

From the first notes of the song, “I’m With You Sweet Jesus” feels deeply personal. It is an unguarded moment of communion between the songwriter and his Savior. Bergeron recalls how the idea came naturally during a quiet session at the piano. “I love to just play with no thought in mind,” he shares. “When I found the piano theme of the song, I started feeling a seed develop. Then the opening line, ‘I’m with You Sweet Jesus,’ left my lips, and I knew I had something alive, a seedling in progress.”

The song beautifully captures the feeling of walking closely with Christ through life’s simple, sacred rhythms. Each verse unfolds like a prayer: “As I greet each morning, I make my peace with You / As I face each calling, You show me what is true.”

It is both humble and profound, an acknowledgment of dependence and trust in God’s daily guidance.

John Bergeron Releases “I’m With You Sweet Jesus”

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The chorus lifts the listener into a space of unity and worship: “We got the Love come between us now, we got the Light in Your Heart / There’s a river between us now, You come on ‘round and show us where to start, To sail on Home to You.”

Produced and engineered by Merel Bregante, and mastered by Jerry Tubb, the single pairs gentle piano with melodic strength, embodying Bergeron’s distinctive blend of artistry and faith. His storytelling voice, honed over decades of songwriting and performance, gives the song a timeless authenticity that resonates across generations.

Bergeron’s previous singles made a strong impression at Christian radio. “The Morning of the Resurrection” debuted at #4 on the CRC Weekly Chart, and “Jesus My Lord” entered at #1, later reaching #6 on the CRC Monthly Chart. With “I’m With You Sweet Jesus,” Bergeron continues to build a growing catalog of songs that bring listeners back to the heart of worship and the power of daily connection with Christ.

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