Henrisoul has been on a path of re-evaluation, using sound to correct the miseducation of what Christianity is – breaking norms and fostering intimacy, relationship, fellowship, sonship, servanthood and freedom which the new creation reality affords us.

The new album titled “THE MANDATE” is a milestone on this path. Each track on the album is deliberately tailored to provide credence and answer critical questions, breaking the stronghold of religion and dogmas that can aid the Christian in his journey of discovery so that he can take his place in the transformative measures towards godly society.

Henrisoul posited:

“The era of religion is over, this is the season of relationship. Our assignment is to reveal Jesus to the world by being a reflection of him. In Government, education, family, business, religion, art & entertainment, media. Go ye into the systems of the world and lead men to Christ. This is the mandate.

“The church is for the equipping of the saints as they interact with the world.”

The 18-track album features already released singles but more saturated with never heard before singles. It features artists such as Greatman Takit, Kelar Thrillz, Protek Illesheva, Isaac Geralds, amongst others.

Dropping alongside the album release is the visualizer for the lead track titled “RUNNING OVER.”

“THE MANDATE” album is a combination of Afrobeat/Afrolife music. Listen and get inspired!

Stream & Enjoy

Kelsea Ballerini will return for the fourth consecutive year to host the CMT Music Awards this year. The 2024 CMT Music Awards will be held at Moody Center in Austin, Texas and will air April 7 (8:00-11:00 PM, live ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network and be available to stream live and on-demand on Paramount+.

NEEDTOBREATHE recently announced that they will perform with Jordan Davis during this year’s awards show. More information on nominations, performers and presenters for the 2024 CMT Music Awards will be announced in the coming weeks.

Fan voting is open now through April 1 in nine categories. Voting for Video of the Year will remain open through portions of the CMT Music Awards.

Often progress takes time, but mere weeks since its January 10 introduction, the bipartisan “Ensuring Likeness Voice and Image Security (ELVIS) Act was signed into law earlier today by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee at legendary lower Broadway honky-tonk Robert’s Western World in Nashville. The ELVIS Act establishes strong protections for every person’s unique voice and likeness against unauthorized artificial intelligence (AI) deepfakes and voice clones.

“Fittingly named after one of the world’s most iconic voices, the ELVIS Act marks a history-defining moment – protecting us all from irresponsible and unethical AI. The Human Artistry Campaign applauds this strong, bipartisan effort to stop unauthorized AI-generated deepfakes and voice clones that steal essential parts of our individuality,” said Dr. Moiya McTier, Human Artistry Campaign Senior Advisor. “The life’s work and irreplaceable contributions of the creative community to our culture deserve safeguards that allow AI technology to be used responsibly without violating anyone’s rights or appropriating their art.”

Five-time Entertainer of the Year and American Idol judge Luke Bryan addressed the crowd saying, “what an amazing precedent to set for the state of Tennessee. The leaders of this are showing artists who are moving here following their dreams that our state protects what we work so hard for, and I personally want to thank all of our legislators and people who made this bill happen. It’s hard to wrap your head around what is going on with AI, but I know the ELVIS Act will help protect our voices.” 

Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment/Harpeth 60 Records’ chart-topping singer/songwriter Chris Janson expressed his appreciation noting, “It’s a pleasure to be here today. If it weren’t for moving to this town and busking up and down the street begging for a gig, I would not be where I am today. It takes real leadership, and it takes a real team coming together to protect us. I came here wanting a voice, wanting to be heard and to sing in a Lower Broadway honkytonk.

Do you know what that means to a kid from the Midwest or South Florida or all of these other cities around the world? It means they made it, and now we need to protect our voices from AI-generated deepfakes using our voices, our dreams. I love what I do, I’m so grateful for my job, and I’m grateful for leadership who cares. Thank you for passing the ELVIS Act today!”

Other prominent members of the music community – many who have lent support from the beginning – were on hand to celebrate the ELVIS Act, including Natalie Grant; Bernie Herms; Matt Maher; Maggie Rose; Wendy Moten; Drew Baldridge; Harper Grace; Tennessee Entertainment Commission chair Gebre Waddell; Stax Music Academy/Stax Museum’s Pat Mitchell Worley and Isaac Daniel; Sam Phillips Recording’s Jerry Phillips; Tora Tora’s Anthony Corder and Recording Academy Memphis Chapter Trustee Ken Shepherd.

“From Beale Street to Broadway, to Bristol and beyond, Tennessee is known for our rich artistic heritage that tells the story of our great state. As the technology landscape evolves with artificial intelligence, I thank the General Assembly for its partnership in creating legal protection for our best-in-class artists and songwriters,” said Governor Bill Lee.

State Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-27) and House Majority Leader William Lamberth (R-44) shepherded the ELVIS Act to unanimous General Assembly passage (93-0 vote in the House of Representatives and 30-0 in the Senate).

Throughout the process, Country guitar-slinger Lindsay Ell, five-time Dove Awards Female Vocalist of the Year Natalie Grant, BMI Awards-winning songwriter/producer/Evanescence co-founder David Hodges, nine-time GRAMMY Awards-nominated Contemporary Christian artist Matt Maher, singer/actor/author Chrissy Metz, hit songwriter/NSAI Board Member Jamie Moore, RIAA SVP of Public Policy Jessie Richard and legendary Christian artist Michael W. Smith spoke to the potential harms of unchecked AI deepfakes and voice clones.

In addition to CARRIE’S COUNTRY (Ch. 60) and CARR-DIO by CARRIE’S COUNTRY, Carrie Underwood expands her SiriusXM musical universe with a third channel joining our lineup: SAVIOR SUNDAY DAILY by CARRIE’S COUNTRY.

Inspired by the fan-favorite show on Carrie’s hugely popular CARRIE’S COUNTRY, SAVIOR SUNDAY DAILY by CARRIE’S COUNTRY becomes a full-time channel on the SiriusXM app beginning March 21, playing a daily blend of uplifting faith-based country and gospel music handpicked by Carrie.

How to listen

SAVIOR SUNDAY DAILY by CARRIE’S COUNTRYis available to stream anytime on the SiriusXM app.

The Savior Sunday show on CARRIE’S COUNTRY will continue to air every Sunday on channel 60.

What you’ll hear

Enjoy Carrie’s versions of gospel standards from her GRAMMY-award winning album My Savior, which covers of some of her favorite traditional gospel hymns in a unique pastiche of musical styles from classic country to folk, bluegrass, and gospel.  SAVIOR SUNDAY DAILY by CARRIE’S COUNTRY also features timeless spiritual country and new classics from artists like Dolly Parton, Alan Jackson, as well as Nashville’s rising stars and many more.

“We had a couple of little churches we went to. I remember my first being very tiny with wooden pews. That was probably one of my earliest music memories, singing these hymns in the congregation, and being on stage and singing in front of people for the first time,” Carrie said while recording My Savior, which won the GRAMMY Award for Best Roots Gospel Album in 2022.  “It was always just familiar. These hymns are like a warm hug, just sweet, familiar songs I’ve been singing and listening to my whole life.”

More artists you’ll hear on SAVIOR SUNDAY DAILY by CARRIE’S COUNTRY include Gabby Barrett, NEEDTOBREATHE, Randy Travis, Thomas Rhett, Reba McEntire, and Zach Williams.

“This music shaped who I am as a person and is the foundation of my career as a recording artist,” Carrie says.  “I feel so blessed to get be able to create a destination to share these songs with generations of people who love them as I do, as well as others who might be experiencing them for the first time.” 

CeCe Winans takes the wheel

In celebration of the new channel, GRAMMY Award-winning gospel legend and Carrie collaborator CeCe Winans recorded a special edition of the CARRIE’S COUNTRY Guest DJ series Take The Wheel.

Carrie’s duet with CeCe, the best-selling and most-awarded female gospel artist of all time, on the classic hymn, “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” is one of the many highlights of Carrie’s GRAMMY-award winning album My Savior.

Hear CeCe Take The Wheel on the CARRIE’S COUNTRY and SAVIOR SUNDAY DAILY by CARRIE’S COUNTRY channels beginning Easter weekend.

Two-time Dove Award-winning Christian hip-hop artist Aaron Cole just released his latest single, “Proof.” The new track marks his fourth single to be released from his upcoming album Sorry, I Changed. The album is now available for pre-order, which includes four instant grat tracks: “Proof,” “I Love It,” “Have Your Way,” and “Tables Turned.” Sorry, I Changed is out April 26^th and will be Cole’s first album released under RCA Inspiration.

Showcasing his gripping lyrical delivery and musical versatility as a rapper, singer, and songwriter, Sorry, I Changed is Aaron Cole’s third full-length album, featuring thirteen tracks including “Two Cents,” “SBTN (feat. Kirk Franklin),” “Infinity (feat. DOE),” “Safe Haven” and more. On “Proof,” Cole sings a soul-stirring anthem, with an unwavering reassurance on God’s steadfast presence and strength alongside us, through any of life’s challenges. With captivating verses and infectious hooks, Cole testifies that faith requires no further proof.

Proof – Aaron Cole

Stream & Enjoy

Aaron Cole started his musical journey at the young age of 3 and released his debut album, Jesus Is the Rock, as an independent artist at age 4. His remarkable talent caught the eye of Christian music luminary TobyMac, leading to a signing with his label, Gotee Records at just 15 years old. Under Gotee, Cole garnered acclaim with two albums, Not By Chance and Two Up Two Down.

Along with three #1 hit singles on the Billboard Christian charts, two Dove Awards and a Stellar Award nomination, Cole’s music has garnered sync placements on promos for ESPN and Fox Sports, and the Netflix original series, “On My Block.”

As Aaron Cole continues to captivate audiences with his unique blend of faith and hip-hop music, he stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment to spreading the message of hope and redemption. Listen to “Proof,” now available on all digital platforms, and pre-order Sorry I, Changed.

Today (Mar 22), PLATINUM-certified, GRAMMY-nominated artist and songwriter Anne Wilson unveils the latest track from her forthcoming album REBEL set to release on April 19. “Country Gold” featuring Jordan Davis is available now.

Joining forces with industry heavyweights, Wilson will deliver a groundbreaking album that pushes the boundaries of both the Christian and Country genres. A co-writer on each of the album’s 16 tracks, Wilson teamed up with some of Music Row’s most in-demand songwriters such as Nicolle Galyon, Emily Weisband, Matthew West and Trannie Anderson for a revolutionary project firmly rooted in both Country and Christian music, produced by Jeff Pardo and Jonathan Smith.

Stream & Enjoy

Recognized as a 2024 CMT Next Women of Country and a Spotify Hot Country Artist to Watch in 2024, Wilson shares her new music on the road as part of Scotty McCreery’s Cab In A Solo Tour this spring and at major Christian and Country music festivals this summer.

On Tuesday, March 12, members of the Southern Gospel Music Guild gathered at BMI in Nashville, TN, to honor industry leader, Greg Bentley, with the 2024 SGMG Lifetime Achievement Award.

Pictured with Greg are members of the SGMG Executive Board and the industry professionals who spoke at his Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony

A positive force in gospel music, Greg began his full-time career in the industry in 1984 as tenor for the legendary family group, The Hoppers. He went on to travel with the Down East Boys, then toured for a decade with beloved industry icon, Squire Parsons, as a member of Squire’s trio. Greg is a multiple Singing News Fan Award nominee for both Favorite Tenor and Favorite Young Artist.

Greg has been an integral part of the team at Crossroads Label Group since 1993 and has made an indelible mark on the careers of numerous artists, including The Talleys, The Kingdom Heirs, Ivan Parker, The Kingsmen, The McKameys, 11th Hour, Endless Highway, Mark Bishop and many more. He currently serves as head of publishing and artist relations for the stalwart label group.

“Greg Bentley has a heart for God and a passion for gospel music,” shared SGMG Vice President and Director of Membership, Beckie Simmons. “He approaches everything he does with professionalism and kindness and works tirelessly to serve this great industry. We are thrilled to present Greg with the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award! So deserving!”

Gospel music luminary and co-founder of Crossroads Label Group, Chris White, lauded Greg for his dedication, “I’ve known and worked with Greg for over 35 years. I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again. Greg is as solid as a rock. Yes, I’ve seen that rock crack a few times over the years, but I’ve never seen it break! His character, integrity and his devotion to everything he believes in is as good as it gets!”

Longtime member of the gospel music community and SGMG President, Elliott McCoy, stated, “As president of the Southern Gospel Music Guild, I want to express my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Greg Bentley. His contributions to the gospel music community as both an artist and record label executive have been profoundly impactful. It is a well-deserved honor.”

Greg conveyed his gratefulness for the award. “From the time I was 12 years old and saw the Gospel Singing Jubilee on TV, I was hooked. I loved the harmonies of it and the passion in it, and I still love gospel music as much today as I did back then. I am honored and humbled to receive this award, and I appreciate the Guild, the record labels, the promoters and the artists for what they do for the Kingdom. That is the main thing; that we do it for the Kingdom.”

Christian publisher David C Cook welcomes veteran marketing leader Brian Mitchell to the organization as Chief Marketing Officer. Mitchell has a background in both the publishing and music industries, bringing unique expertise and capability to lead marketing efforts for both Cook and its Nashville-based music label, Integrity Music.

“I’m honored to join the leadership team at David C Cook,” said Mitchell. “I’m driven by the joy of delivering the hope of Christ to people across the globe through music, print, and digital media.”

Mitchell began his media career in 1986 in radio broadcast roles, followed by nearly two decades of record executive leadership positions at Provident/Sony and Capitol/Universal, including General Manager of Essential Records, developing artists such as Jars of Clay and Third Day.

Most recently, prior to joining David C Cook, Mitchell served as President of WTA Media leading its literary agency and publishing efforts with K-LOVE Books after its acquisition by Educational Media Foundation (EMF). He also contributed his marketing expertise to digital distribution campaigns for top- grossing films such as War Room and I Can Only Imagine.

Mitchell also served as Vice President of Marketing at Thomas Nelson Publishers/HarperCollins, helping lead several imprints to garner multiple New York Times bestsellers.

As Big Idea Entertainment/DreamWorks Animation’s Vice President of Marketing and Licensing for the VeggieTales® brand, he led marketing initiatives and contributed product development for live tours, television, films, records, and home entertainment episodic releases.

“Brian’s extensive experience in marketing combined with his servant heart and dynamic leadership style made him the obvious and immediate choice for CMO,” said David C Cook Chief Executive Officer, Bill Reeves. “I could not be more thrilled that Brian is on board and have no doubt he will lead our marketing teams to grow and expand our 149-year global ministry.”

The Chosen Season 4 is coming to theaters for Easter. Over three days, all eight episodes will be available on the following days:
Ep. 1-3 on Maundy Thursday, March 28
Ep. 4-6 on Good Friday, March 29
Ep. 7-8 on Holy Saturday, March 30

Check local listings or find showtimes at TheChosenRiseUp.com.

Worship leader Quintavious covered a CeCe Winans song for his American Idol audition, which aired recently. All three judges said “yes” after his rendition of “Alabaster Box.” American Idol airs on ABC Sundays at 8pm ET.