Category: NEWS

FOX & Friends Weekend Announces 2025 “Faith And Friends” Concert Series Lineup

FOX News Channel’s (FNC) signature weekend morning show FOX & Friends Weekend (Saturdays and Sundays, 6-10 AM/ET) will kick off its 2025 Faith & Friends Concert Series on Sunday, March 9th with Christian singer Megan Woods. The series will feature live performances from various Christian musical artists at FNC’s headquarters in New York City, including Rhett Walker, Crowder, Anne Wilson and others through Easter Sunday on April 20th.

**See below for the full 2025 lineup**

2025 Faith & Friends Concert Series Lineup

MARCH 9: MEGAN WOODS

MARCH 16: TASHA LAYTON

MARCH 23: COCHREN & CO

MARCH 30: ANNE WILSON

APRIL 6: CROWDER

APRIL 13: WE THE KINGDOM

APRIL 19 (Saturday): RHETT WALKER

APRIL 20 (Easter Sunday): JOSIAH QUEEN

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Tamela Mann Earns Two NAACP Image Awards & Debuts Documentary

Tamela Mann and TillyMann Music win two NAACP Image Awards including Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album for Live Breathe Fightand Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song for her chart-topping hit “Working For Me.” The category sweep was announced during the Image Awards virtual ceremony.

“I’m truly humbled and honored to be recognized by the NAACP for Live Breathe Fight and ‘Working For Me,’” said Tamela. “I’m grateful to God for allowing me to have this opportunity, and I’m thankful to the Image Awards for giving this music a platform to reach people.”

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Produced by Tamela, David Mann, Phillip Bryant, and Jevon Hill, Live Breathe Fight is a collection of many of the most compelling and deeply vulnerable songs of her decorated career. Penned by Tamela, Bryant and Tameka Mintze aka “Tia Sharee,” the debut single “Working for Me” dominated gospel radio as her fastest climbing single to date and earned Tamela a place in Billboard history with her 11th No. 1 hit, more than any other gospel artist.

“Deserve To Win” is the current chart-climbing single from Live Breathe Fight. The “Deserve To Win” music video is directed by David, and a new documentary, Winning Is Personal: The Story of “Deserve To Win”, is set for release on MannTV premiering Friday, February 21 at 6:oo pm CST.

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Brandon Lake Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut

GRAMMY-Award winning singer/songwriter Brandon Lake made his Grand Ole Opry debut on Wednesday, February 19, 2025.  Lake stepped into the iconic circle for the first time and also performed his hit song “Hard Fought Hallelujah” alongside country music superstar/rapper Jelly Roll. Photo credit: © Grand Ole Opry, photos by Chris Hollo.

Brandon Lake w Jelly Roll by Chris Hollo 2.19.25 3435 scaled
Brandon Lake DEBUT by Chris Hollo 2.19.25 3088 scaled
Brandon Lake DEBUT by Chris Hollo 2.19.25 3144 scaled

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Nate Parrish Announces “Small” Releasing March 15

Underground punk rock mastermind Nate Parrish will be releasing a new ballad, “Small,” streaming everywhere and going for radio adds March 15.

“I often find myself overwhelmed, being bombarded with headlines and soundbites and a steady diet of bad news,” the songwriter and multi-instrumentalist says, unpacking the song’s meaning. “As my head fills with information, I start to feel the weight of all the things that I can’t change.

Hopelessness creeps in. I wrote this song as a prayer, a plea to God to help me calm my mind and re-focus on what matters most in my life. To let me see a mountain, to make me feel small again.”

This prayer came from a genuine and raw place in the musician’s spirit, serving as one of those creative moments only explained through divine inspiration.

He adds, “I honestly don’t know where this song came from. I remember sitting in my room looking out the window at my son playing in the dirt, and the song just came to me. I wrote and recorded it that same afternoon.”

small scaled

The message is accompanied by stirring instrumentation that reigns in some of the usual in-your-face punchiness of Parrish’s punk sound, offering an arrangement that immediately pulls on the heartstrings. “Small” further proves Nate Parrish’s versatility as a musician, showcasing the ways his music will continue evolving throughout 2025.

“The instrumentation on this song and all the new songs you will hear is really just about not trying to stay contained in any punk parameters. If I want to write a ballad, I’ll write a ballad,” the rocker freely explains.

The release of “Small” will be followed by a music video with wistful imagery fleshing out the emotions the song evokes. Parrish promises that this is the first of several songs to come in 2025. You can keep up with him at https://linktr.ee/NateParrish.

As an experienced guitarist with a history of playing for rock worship bands Worth Dying For and Kutless, Nate has continually offered a unique blend of musical exploration and thoughtful, spiritually sensitive lyrics that prod at our culture in the interest of drawing us a little closer to Christ. 

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Alex Krawczyk’s “A Song for You”: A Folk Hymn of Love and Healing

Every so often, a song comes along that doesn’t just play in your ears—it settles into your bones, like a memory you never knew you had. Alex Krawczyk’s latest single, A Song for You, is one of those rare tunes. It arrives not with a bang, but with a gentle embrace, a warm cup of tea on a cold morning, an echo of classic folk storytellers—Joni, Judy, even a whisper of Leonard Cohen’s poetic touch.

Krawczyk, a rising voice in the folk-pop world, has made a name for herself with soul-stirring melodies and lyrics that heal as much as they haunt. Her 2022 debut Le Olam turned heads, but A Song for You feels more personal, more intimate.

Produced by Robbie Roth, the track is a love letter—literally. The song’s central premise is a playful contradiction: writing a song for someone who asked not to be celebrated, yet doing so anyway because love, real love, demands to be sung.

Alex Krawczyk’s “A Song for You”: A Folk Hymn of Love and Healing

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The production is as unassuming as it is effective—fingerpicked guitar, hushed percussion, and Krawczyk’s voice, a soothing balm that carries just enough ache to make you lean in closer. Lyrically, she weaves a dreamscape, conjuring images of home, the Pacific Ocean, and the healing power of music itself. Lines like “Thank you for bringing back the music, you’re proof that love can prevail” aren’t just lyrics; they’re affirmations, quiet revelations wrapped in melody.

What sets Krawczyk apart in an era of overproduced, algorithm-chasing folk-pop is her sincerity. She’s not here for viral hooks or flash-in-the-pan success—she’s here to connect. And with A Song for You, she does just that. It’s a song for a friend, a lover, a memory, or perhaps even for the listener themselves.

In the great tradition of folk music, Alex Krawczyk reminds us that songs don’t need to shout to be heard. Sometimes, a whisper carries the deepest truth.

–Tom Lange 

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Review: Zach McKenzie’s “Don’t Dish It Out if You Can’t Take It”

Riding high on the momentum of his previous UK hit, “The Day That I Found You,” Zach McKenzie returns with “Don’t Dish It Out if You Can’t Take It,” a fiery breakup anthem that melds raw country storytelling with a soul-stirring, resilient spirit. Clocking in as a defiant declaration of emotional independence, the single stands out as a refreshing twist on the traditional heartache narrative.

From the very first verse, McKenzie commands attention with sharp, vivid imagery—“I saw red when I heard the news”—setting the stage for a tale of sudden betrayal and swift self-empowerment.

The track’s narrative pivots quickly from devastation to determination, as he chooses to “pack up and leave,” refusing to linger in sorrow. This decisive move is mirrored in the upbeat, infectious melody that drives the song, encapsulating both pain and liberation.

The chorus is a high point, with McKenzie deftly blending catchy hooks and clever wordplay. Lines like “Cupid doesn’t work on a time frame” highlight his knack for turning personal heartbreak into anthemic defiance. The rallying cry, “if you’re mad because, without you, I’m gonna make it,” not only underscores the resilience at the heart of the track but also resonates as a universal call to those who’ve ever reclaimed their strength after a breakup.

Musically, the single is a rich tapestry of country twang, soulful grit, and gospel-inflected harmonies. McKenzie’s signature vocal style shines through—imbued with honest vulnerability yet buoyed by a determined energy that invites listeners to celebrate their own newfound freedom. The production is clean and vibrant, ensuring that every strum of the guitar and every beat of the drum propels the message forward with anthemic charm.

Lyrically, McKenzie continues to solidify his reputation as a storyteller who isn’t afraid to bare his soul. In the playful second verse, the twist of stumbling into new love only two weeks after heartbreak adds a touch of serendipity and humor, proving that sometimes the best way out of the darkness is to dive headfirst into the light.

Overall, “Don’t Dish It Out if You Can’t Take It” is more than just a breakup song—it’s a celebration of reclaiming one’s power and the promise of new beginnings. With its compelling narrative, infectious energy, and genre-blending production, McKenzie not only reaffirms his rising star status but also delivers a track that will undoubtedly resonate with anyone who’s ever had to turn heartbreak into a stepping stone towards something better.

For fans of smart, soulful country music with an edge, Zach McKenzie’s latest single is a must-listen—one that boldly reminds us to stand our ground and love life, even when it leaves us picking up the pieces.

Pete Dupree`

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Gary Pratt’s “Before Someone Gets Hurt:” A radio-ready ballad that hits where it hurts

Gary Pratt delivers an emotional gut punch with Before Someone Gets Hurt, a song that lands somewhere between hard-earned wisdom and aching regret. From the opening lines, the Pittsburgh native wears his heart on his sleeve, navigating the all-too-familiar moment when love turns into a losing battle.

The production leans into modern country sensibilities—clean, radio-ready, and tinged with just enough steel to keep things rooted in tradition. Pratt’s vocal is earnest and unflinching, carrying the weight of the song’s dilemma: “Believe me, I’d change if I could… But I gotta stop this before someone gets hurt.” His delivery is raw, yet controlled, underscoring the painful realization that sometimes love isn’t enough.

The melody has a contemporary, mid-tempo flow that recalls the best of Nashville’s heartbreak anthems, while the lyrics bring depth beyond the typical breakup song. There’s a refreshing self-awareness in the writing—this isn’t about blame, but rather the painful responsibility of knowing when to walk away.

Pratt’s continued success—half a million Spotify streams and counting—proves that his brand of emotional storytelling resonates with listeners. Before Someone Gets Hurt is another solid entry in his growing catalog, reinforcing why he remains an independent artist worth watching.

–Bob Allmann

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Earnest Pugh Enters Top 10 With “Don’t Give Up”

Earnest Pugh is a singer, songwriter,  best selling-author, and Emmy Award Winning actor who over the last 2 decades delivered 13 CDs projects that included 4 chart-topping radio hits such as: “Rain On Us” “I Need Your Glory” “God Wants To Heal You” and “Thank You So Much.” His latest single, “Don’t Give Up” was the featured single on two projects in 2024: The chart-topping R& B “Love Mountain” movie soundtrack as well as Pugh’s 12th CD Project, “Worthy Is The Lamb.”

According to Pugh, “I was inspired to write the song after I reviewed the “Love Mountain” movie script and became acquainted with my role (Elliot) as the father of 4 children who were navigating challenging relationships. As a family, our main kitchen-table discussion centered around navigating life’s ups and downs with an understanding that giving up is not an option.”

Earnest Pugh Enters Top 10 With “Don’t Give Up”

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Kerry Douglas, Executive Producer and CEO of Blacksmoke Music Worldwide who has been responsible for Pugh’s career for nearly 20 years stated, “I initially enlisted Earnest as an actor in the “Love Mountain” film,  but when I saw his character unfold and evolve, I challenged him to sing a song commensurate to his role in the movie and he nailed it! The upbeat foot-stomping song was produced by Aaron Carter and is available on all digital platforms.Catch Earnest in a city near you during his Spring promotional events.

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Gotee Records Announces Jess Loper As New GM

Gotee Records announces Jess Loper as the new General Manager for the independent label. She will report to Joey Elwood, now the CEO of Bell Partners Christian Music, of which Gotee Records is the primary imprint in the new agreement announced earlier this month with Bell Partners.

Previously, Loper has held the position of VP of Brand Management (Gotee Records) and Publishing (Emack Music) as well as handled A&R for artists Jon Reddick, Hollyn, Aaron Cole, Joseph O’Brien, Charly Beathard, and RENEE, cultivated writer relationships for Emack writers Tyrus Morgan, Hunter Leath, Ben Shive, and Lindsey Sweat, assisted with film and TV placements (ESPN, Fox Sports, ABC, NBC & VH1) and handled administration for Man Cub Music (Bryan Fowler & Micah Kuiper).

“As a company, we’ve changed so much over the last 10 years, and our staff, I think, is pound for pound the best in the business because our job titles do not speak to the breadth of what each person does,” shares Joey Elwood. “Jess is an example of this incredible versatility as she has touched every facet of our business (Brand Management, Publishing, Label Services, and Operations) in her eight years at Gotee.

So, it’s with tremendous excitement that we want to announce her appointment to GM, and we see this transition for her as an inevitable step in her progress as a leader in our industry and at Gotee.”

Jess Loper began her career as an Editor with Business Wire in the newsroom, which services the Associated Press with press releases for publicly held companies. From there she took her love of words into the music industry in the A&R department at Capitol CMG/Universal Music. In this position, she was an integral part of the production process for CMG’s roster of artists (Amy Grant, Chris Tomlin, Kari Jobe, TobyMac, Passion/sixstepsrecords) while also working with business affairs, union negotiations, and film & TV licensing for the label.

In 2017, she joined the team at Gotee Records as VP of Brand Management (Gotee Records) and Publishing (Emack Music). Most recently, she launched Without Labels Collective, a company that focuses on music supervision and licensing for film & television (The Jesus Music Documentary, Trinity Broadcasting Networks, The Huckabee Show, Compassion International, and Thrive just to name a few).

This new venture is also focused on educating and supporting songwriters & artists on the business side of the creative process. She serves on the Board of the CMPA and works closely with the GMA Dove Awards. Her greatest role in life has been getting to be a mom to Brody (16) & Kellen (13). In the Spring of 2022, she married her favorite songwriter, Brent Loper, on the front porch of their little farmhouse in Culleoka, TN.

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Atlanta Braves To Host Free Chris Tomlin Postgame Concert July 5

The Atlanta Braves will host a free Chris Tomlin postgame concert presented by Atlanta-area Chick-fil-A® restaurants on Saturday, July 5, at Truist Park following their game against the Baltimore Orioles.

Access to the postgame concert is free and included for fans with a game ticket. Special field pass ticket packages are now available at Braves.com/ChrisTomlin and include a game ticket and access to watch the postgame show from the Truist Park field.

Chris Tomlin is a GRAMMY® award-winning and eleven-time GRAMMY® nominee who has sold over 12 million albums worldwide with over 6.8 billion career global streams, received over 28 Dove Awards, and is a two-time BMI Songwriter of the Year honoree and ASCAP Songwriter of the Year.

Tomlin has landed 21 number-one singles, 30 Top Ten hits, and spent a combined 157 weeks at number one across his career. Additionally, Tomlin was named one of only four artists ever to receive the Sound Exchange Digital Radio Award for over 1 billion digital radio streams in 2016 and is the first Christian artist to reach Pandora’s billion streams threshold, ultimately earing him Pandora’s renowned BILLIONAIRE award.

Widely considered one of the most influential and successful Christian artists in history, Tomlin has sold out notable venues across major cities, including Madison Square Garden in New York City, Banc of California Stadium and Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Red Rocks in Denver, among others.

Tomlin partnered with Atlanta Pastor Louie Giglio in 1997 to create Passion Conferences. Atlanta held Passion Conferences’ largest conference to date, hosting over 55,000 young adults at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. For more information about Chris Tomlin, visit ChrisTomlin.com.

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