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Category: NEWS

Musician and Songwriter Billy Powell Releases New Ep the Invitation – A Three Part Music and Worship Experience

Hartford, CT —  Musician William A. Powell is a producer, songwriter, and highly sought-after drummer in Gospel and Jazz.  William, better known as Billy Powell, also carries a mantel from a family with legendary musical influence. His father is the late Pastor Hubert L. Powell (of Hubert Powell and The Gospel Truth), and his musical brothers are H. Doobie Powell and Kevin Powell.  While continuing to uphold the family legacy of phenomenal musicians, Billy has carved his own lane in music and has again released new music that is a sonic tapestry of innovative creativity.

Billy Powell & his 1 Church collective have a new EP called THE INVITATION.  This unique EP is one song experience in three parts or movements.  “The Invitation Part 1” features Indya Thompson and Joshua Freeman, whose soothing vocals float over Powell’s dreamy instrumentation.  

Billy adds Steph One to Thompson and Freeman’s vocal work in “The Invitation Part 2.”  He also unleashes his creativity in Part 2 with a sizzling electric guitar and a rap segment that vibes with a bit of club bounce.  Billy then flows right into “The Invitation Part 3,” a worshipful moment proceeded by an organ serenade offering the listener a moment to meditate and bask in the presence of the Lord.  

“The inspiration behind this song came from the many people who, during the height of the pandemic, had a tough time getting into the presence of the Lord while we were unable to frequent the physical church building,” Billy states.  “The lyrics were done in such a way to invoke His presence right where you are, giving Him the invitation to your heart, at home, on the job, or in the car.  Ultimately, I want people to know His presence will manifest wherever He is invited.”

THE INVITATION is available now on all digital music outlets and independently released on Billy’s Church 120 Music label.  With the release of THE INVITATION, Powell has embarked on a philanthropic campaign that is very personal and purposeful. Billy and his wife Joi Nicole were diagnosed with different forms of cancer at the same time in February 2021.  By December, his father, Pastor Hubert L. Powell, passed away, and after multiple treatments, Joi’s cancer returned. While in treatments and extended hospital stays, Billy and Joi begin to think about the many people who give up when dealing with life-altering medical issues without a proper support system around them. Together, they formed Allen Nicole Foundation in November of 2022 to offer hope and help to those in need. Sadly, Joi passed away this year in May. 

Billy is forging fearlessly and faithfully ahead with music and with the foundation, merging the two to create his Music and Health Concert Series.  With a successful concert series introduction and launch in September, Billy will announce more dates and information about his new partnership with Be The Match®, the global leader in bone marrow transplantation. Billy and Be The Match® will embark on a musical mission to help patients find their life-saving marrow donors and provide support throughout the transplant process.

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Drew & Ellie Holcomb Announce ‘Feels Like Home’ 2024 Tour

Drew & Ellie Holcomb have shared the news that they will head out in February 2024 on their Feels Like Home US tour. The upcoming run continues the couple’s tradition of joining forces for “An Evening with Drew & Ellie Holcomb” headline trek each year and follows their annual Neighborly Christmas shows in Nashville and Memphis in December.

The husband-and-wife duo are best known for their heartwarming Americana and folk tunes that weave stories of life, love, hope, and resilience. 2024’s Feels Like Home tour takes its name from one of the couple’s most beloved tunes and the February run will have Drew & Ellie sharing old and new songs.

Drew & Ellie Holcomb first met while Drew, a native Memphian, and Ellie, a native Nashvillian, were attending school together at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. When Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors originally formed in 2005, Ellie was a full-time member.

The couple married in 2006 and in 2012, Ellie left the group to pursue a solo career. She has since gone on to release three studio albums of her own including her critically acclaimed 2021 LP Canyon. Drew and the band released nine studio albums, including their more recent critically acclaimed Strangers No More LP in June 2023.

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While pursuing separate and equally successful career paths, the couple has continued to collaborate personally – adding three beautiful children to their family – and professionally – putting out singles, an EP, and 2022’s Coming Home: A Collection of Songs album, as well as touring together regularly and of course putting on their annual sold-out Christmas shows.

Catch Drew & Ellie Holcomb live on their Feels Like Home tour in February 2023. Confirmed dates are below and for the most up-to-date information, ticket buy links, and more visit www.drewholcomb.com/tour or www.ellieholcomb.com/tour.

Drew & Ellie Holcomb’s Neighborly Christmas Shows
Dec. 20 in Memphis, TN at Orpheum Theatre
Dec. 21 in Nashville, TN at Schermerhorn Symphony Center

Drew & Ellie Holcomb’s Feels Like Home 2024 Tour
Feb. 14 in Greenville, SC at Peace Center Concert Hall
Feb. 15 in Durham, NC at Carolina Theatre
Feb. 16 in Durham, NC at Carolina Theatre
Feb. 17 in Charleston, SC at Charleston Music Hall
Feb. 19 in Greeneville, TN at Niswonger Performing Arts Center
Feb. 20 in York, PA at Appell Center for the Performing Arts
Feb. 21 in Morgantown, WV at The Metropolitan Theatre
Feb. 22 in Rocky Mount, VA at Harvester Performance Center
Feb. 24 in Lakeland, FL at Polk Theatre
Feb. 25 in Jacksonville, FL at Florida Theatre
Feb. 27 in Auburn, AL at the Jay and Suzie Gogue Performing Arts Center
Feb. 28 in Huntsville, AL at Von Braun Center – Mars Music Hall
Feb. 29 in Winfield, AL at The Pastime Theatre

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The Afters’ Impactful Song “God Is With Us” Continues To Be Heard Around The World

The latest song from the award-winning band The Afters“God Is With Us,” continues to impact listeners everywhere. Released in August, “God Is With Us”  answers the hard questions that people often ask at some point in their lives.

Written by The Afters’ members Josh Havens and Matt Fuqua, penned the song as a guide to help put words to the moments when you can’t see, feel, or fully understand God.

Inspired not only by the band’s personal stories but by the hope that can only be found in God’s promise – that He will never leave us – it is their desire to spark conversations, offer hope during hardships, and encourage faith that life does come with pain yet God is present through it all. 

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“Through all the years that we’ve toured as a band, we’ve heard people share their stories of brokenness and loss, and one question that we’ve heard again and again is ‘Where is God in this story?’” Josh shares. “I believe that God isn’t afraid of our questions.

Our loss, our hurt, the hard things we go through…those things are precious to God, and He has promised to be with us in every single moment of our lives.

He’s not going to leave us, he will never forsake us, and that’s where we can find the hope we need during our hardest times.”

The song’s message has not only been impactful for thousands of listeners but also hits both Josh and Matt directly. Matt’s wife is currently suffering from a progressive form of lung disease after doctors found a malignant tumor in her lung.

While for Josh, his sister, an archaeologist, lives in Israel and is directly experiencing how the Israel-Hamas war is impacting the country. The Afters have also been able to share the song around the world, most recently while in Rome at the Roman prison, where the Apostle Paul was held captive before his death.

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Here are a few comments from listeners on how the song has directly impacted them:

“My uncle had an accident yesterday. My mom and I were questioning why God would allow this to happen and randomly I found this song….God is good all the time. Even when we don’t feel it or see it, all things work together for good!” 

“That’s right! GOD is where He has always been! He never changes! Trustworthy! Always good! Always keeps His word! 

“Even when you’re mad at God, don’t stop talking to Him. God would rather listen to your complaints than not hear from you at all. Remember it’s a relationship – a relationship involves communication. Express how you feel to Him in a humble way.”

“I was about to die from an overdose in my apartment all alone after so many different drugs. I went to grab my phone and I couldn’t even see what I pressed and out of nowhere YouTube started and this song played. My heart was beating out of my chest and then the room turned white and I felt peace. My heart slowed down and I survived. Jesus is real. He saved my life.

“My country is suffering from such a cruel war right now. [There is] so much grief. Thank you for this song. God is with us!”

“I’ve been diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer and this song came right on time. The comfort of knowing that God is with me through this journey …thank you God for this song!”

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Tommee Profitt Announces ‘The Birth Of A King’ Live Album & Concert Film Release Date

 esteemed producer, composer, songwriter, and recording artist Tommee Profitt shares that he will be releasing The Birth Of A King live album and concert film next week (Nov 10). This performance filmed last year at the Fisher Center featured 19 incredible artists, a 50-piece orchestra, a 100-person choir, and a full band.

Artists include Jordan Smith, Evvie McKinney, Clark Beckham, Rachael Lampa, Sarah Reeves, Crowder, Colton Dixon, Hollyn, SVRCINA, Fleurie, and more.

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Profitt initially released his high-concept holiday album, The Birth of a King, in October 2020 via Capitol CMG. The self-produced record, which had been 15 years in the making, features collaborations with an eclectic lineup of guests including internationally acclaimed singer/songwriter Avril Lavigne, celebrated pop-rock musician Tauren Wells, R&B artist Stanaj, and singer/songwriter Chris Tomlin, to name a few.

The LP is a collection of thrillingly grandiose tracks that spotlight Profitt’s unbridled musicality, cinematic production sensibilities, and signature genre-warping sound. In true Profitt fashion, The Birth of a King is elaborately detailed and brings an undeniably epic quality to the realm of traditional holiday music.

Profitt shared earlier this year that he will again be coordinating a live performance at the Grand Ole Opry this year (Dec 4).

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Steve Camp Reemerges For Release Of First Original Christmas Song “Immanuel”

Steve Camp makes a grand reentrance in the music industry by releasing his first original Christmas song, “Immanuel,” on November 17. A song of joy and celebration, “Immanuel” is timeless and classic, lauding the birth of Jesus Christ.

“The greatest miracle in the history of mankind is the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ, Who is, Immanuel, God with us,”  Steve Camp states on his first-ever Christmas original.

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Responsible for 15 No. 1 songs and 40+ Top 10s>, Steve Camp is a household name in Christian circles. His dedication to the Gospel and human rights causes has afforded him many awards, including the President’s Merit Award by NARAS and GRAMMY nominations. 

After 34 years as a recording and performing artist worldwide, Camp’s passion for ministry became a reality when he was ordained as Senior Pastor of The Cross Church in Palm City, FL in 2009. With the unique calling of being both Pastor and Recording Artist, Steve Camp is gearing up to release his first album in 20+ years in 2024, titled C A M P.

“Immanuel” will be available on all streaming platforms on November 17“Steve is a legend in the Contemporary Christian world, and we are thrilled to be part of the team,” states Burning Ground Entertainment owner, Dawn DeJongh.

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Pete Miller ‘Picks and Grins’ Through a Biblical Journey with Alt-Country Retelling of Joseph’s Story

The Pennsylvania-based singer-songwriter Pete Miller has gained recognition for his poignant lyricism and profound storytelling. His career has been punctuated with moments of intense creativity and soulful performances, leading to a growing following of loyal fans.


Miller’s latest release, “Oh Lord”, has marked yet another significant milestone in his musical journey. This Gospel country and folk-infused single, part of his acclaimed “Live On Record” debut album, draws from the profound narratives of the Christian faith and the everlasting human struggle, echoing in its composition the soulful twang of Johnny Cash.

Pete Miller ‘Picks and Grins’ Through a Biblical Journey with Alt-Country Retelling of Joseph’s Story

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The inspiration behind “Oh Lord” is as rich and layered as the song itself. The song defines its unique character by spinning the tale of Joseph and his brothers, a story deeply embedded in Christian lore. Its themes of jealousy, deceit, slavery, God, riches, rubies, pridefulness, and forgiveness are carefully woven into the lyrics.

The powerful imagery evoked by these themes leaves a lingering impression on the listener, completely absorbing them in Miller’s world. Notably, Miller’s blue-collar background shines through his music, providing an authenticity that profoundly resonates with his audience.

Pete Miller’s music is shaped by multiple influences, with Johnny Cash’s distinctive style being a prominent one. It’s in the plaintive drawl, the soulful strums of the guitar, the profound lyrics, that you can hear echoes of Cash. But Miller is not just a clone of the legendary artist;
he has a voice and style uniquely his own.

Other influences on Miller’s sound range from classic folk to blues, all contributing to the unique flavor of “Oh Lord”. These influences not only have shaped the sound of “Oh Lord”, but they have also paved the way for a deeper understanding of the song’s message.

The musical elements of “Oh Lord” are a testament to Miller’s talent and creativity. The instrumentation is simplistic yet impactful, with the guitar leading the melodies. The vocals, with their raw and soulful timbre, enhance the emotional resonance of the song.

The production, while polished, retains an earthy, rough-around-the-edges feel that suits the song’s folk and alt-country roots.

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Jim Huddleston – Gospel Outlaw

Jim Huddleston, a Christian country singer-songwriter and disabled veteran, has announced the release of his new single “I’ll Be Gone” and the pre-sale for his debut EP, “Gospel Outlaw.”

“I’ll Be Gone” is a powerful and heartfelt Christian country/gospel track that showcases Jim’s soulful vocals and faith-driven lyrics. The song, written by Huddleston, is a reflection of his faith and experiences. It is a reminder of the enduring power of an American spirit and the importance of faith in difficult times.

The single is the first release from Jim’s highly anticipated debut EP, “Gospel Outlaw,” which is set to be released on December 8th on MTS Records. The EP will feature a collection of original songs written by Jim and produced along with Michael Stover of MTS. It is a blend of country and gospel, showcasing Jim’s country-bluegrass style and gospel message.

Fans can now pre-order “Gospel Outlaw” on all major music platforms.

Jim Huddleston’s journey to music has been an inspiring one. Growing up in a small mobile home park in Irving, Texas, Jim was exposed to a wide variety of music through his father’s involvement in local country music bands. After serving in the military and marrying his wife, Jim returned to music in 2020, determined to share his faith and experiences through his music.

Jim Huddleston’s music is a reminder of the power of faith and perseverance. With his debut EP, “Gospel Outlaw,” Jim hopes to spread his message of hope and inspiration to a wider audience.

To stay updated on Jim Huddleston and his music, follow him on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090804486137.

For more information about Jim Huddleston and “Gospel Outlaw,” please visit https://hypeddit.com/jimhuddleston/gospeloutlaw.

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Lauren Daigle Extends ‘The Kaleidoscope Tour’ With Additional 2024 Dates

2x GRAMMY Award winner and multi-platinum selling artist Lauren Daigle announced additional 2024 dates extending her The Kaleidoscope Tour. Blessing Offor, Victory Boyd and Ellie Holcomb will appear on select dates.

Earlier this year (Sept 8), Daigle released the remainder of her self-titled album via Atlantic Records, in partnership with Centricity Music. Led by GRAMMY-winning producer Mike Elizondo (Twenty One Pilots, Mary J. Blige, Fiona Apple, Carrie Underwood), Lauren Daigle features co-writes with award-winning songwriters, including Natalie Hemby, Amy Wadge, Shane McAnally, Jason Ingram, Lori McKenna, and Jon Greene. The album marks a new creative chapter for the Louisiana-born artist.

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Since the release of her GRAMMY Award-winning, platinum-certified 2018 album Look Up Child – which includes the breakthrough, newly-6x platinum-certified hit single “You Say” – Daigle has been a mainstay on the Billboard charts. When Look Up Child debuted at No. 3 on the Top 200 Albums chart, Daigle became the first female artist in history to simultaneously hit the Top 10 on both Billboard’s Pop and Christian Album charts. She went on to break another record when the LP reached 100 weeks at No. 1 on the Top Christian Albums chart, which is the greatest number of weeks that any artist has spent at the top of any individual album chart. Similarly, “You Say” is the longest-running No. 1 to appear on any weekly Billboard chart. Born in Lake Charles, Louisiana, Daigle is a two-time Grammy, seven-time Billboard Music Award, four-time American Music Award, and ten-time GMA Dove Music Award winner.

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Brandon Lake Hits Number One On The Christian & Gospel Albums Chart With ‘Coat Of Many Colors’

5X GRAMMY® Award-winner Brandon Lake continues his hot streak around the release of his latest album, COAT OF MANY COLORS. The new project catapulted to the top of the Christian & Gospel Albums Chart in the number one spot, while Lake also notched a multi-week number one song on Mediabase’s Christian Audience Chart with “PRAISE YOU ANYWHERE.” Lake graced the famed New Music Friday Spotify billboard in Times Square, the YouTube slot on the prominent Nashville Sign, and was highlighted by Amazon Music on Nashville’s Fifth and Broadway sign. Adding to the excitement, it was just announced that Lake is a finalist for 4 Billboard Music Awards: Top Christian Artist, Top Christian Album, Top Christian Song, and Top Gospel Song.

He capped off the massive release week with a blitz of wins at the Dove Awards including: Worship Recorded Song, Rap/Hip Hop Recorded Song, Songwriter-Artist of the Year, and the coveted Artist of the Year honor. The “big winner” (SiriusXM) also took to the stage for “rousing performances with Phil Wickham of ‘This Is Our God’ and ‘Gratitude’” (The Tennessean).

Audiences can watch an exclusive “encouraging performance” of COAT OF MANY COLORS’ title track on Grammy.com for their video series Positive Vibes Only.  People.com also gave Lake’s new album some love, noting the project “gave him the freedom to explore a wide range of genres” while calling “Praise You Anywhere” a “massive success” and dubbing “Country Psalm” a “powerful song.” Additionally, Lake released his new music video for “Miracle Child”

Earlier this month, Lake was honored at ASCAP’s Christian Music Awards as Songwriter of the Year. He recently captivated audiences on Lauren Daigle’s The Kaleidoscope Tour, and is currently headlining his nearly sold out Coat Of Many Colors Tour that just launched on October 26 in Tyler, TX.

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Winter Jam 2024 Lineup Announced

Winter Jam, Christian music’s biggest tour, is back for 2024! Announced this evening on social media, Winter Jam ’24 will feature Crowder, Lecrae, CAIN, Katy Nichole, Seventh Day Slumber, and hosts NewSong. Pre-Jam artists include SEU Worship, John Wesley, and Lin D. Zane Black is included as a speaker and Joseph O’Brien will be a special guest.

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The tour kicks off January 12, 2024 in Mobile, AL and runs through end of March 2024 with stops throughout the country. No tickets are needed and admission is $15 at the door.

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Created and hosted by one of Christian music’s most beloved bands, NewSong, Winter Jam exploded from a single show in 1995 to become Christian music’s benchmark tour. Throughout two decades, Winter Jam has helped provide a powerful platform for the Gospel in major arenas nationwide, consistently showcasing the genre’s top artists.

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