Renowned worship leader and songwriter Pat Barret twill release his third album, Shelter, on October 13th (Bowyer & Bow / Capitol CMG). Featuring 12 studio tracks, the album is now available for preorder along with the new song “Scatter.” Click below to watch the live video for “Scatter” premiering today on YouTube.

“‘Scatter’ is a declaration of who we are in Christ and what that means for our lives regardless of the circumstance, difficulty or the situation we find ourselves in,” shares Pat Barrett. “If we are in Christ we are a new creation and we belong to the light and it’s amazing how darkness flees when the light has come up.”

The Atlanta-based artist has found joy in creating these new songs, included the recently released “Better Hands,” that is like finding freedom in surrender. On Shelter, he mixes worshipful moments with simple, joyful songs highlighting the power of gratitude and the fleeting nature of time.

“These songs have helped me, and I always hope my songs can be a help to others,” Barrett remarks of Shelter’s songs. “I hope people have a sense of connection with something way bigger than themselves; and in all the day-to-day rustlings, recognize there’s a bigger story happening. Honestly, I hope this album puts the attention in the right place.”

Scatter – Pat Barrett

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Barrett is a key songwriter and artist in the broader worship music community and has penned popular songs such as No. 1 Billboard Christian Airplay and Billboard Christian AC radio single, “Build My Life,” which was recently awarded RIAA Gold Certification. He has also written on the 2023 GMA “Song of the Year” nominee and No. 1 song, “Same God,” and co-written 23 songs on the current CCLI Top 2000 chart.

Following his own “Acoustic Nights” tour this spring, Barrett will join Chris Tomlin on his fall “An Evening of Worship with Chris Tomlin” tour.

From record-breaking hits to 19 GRAMMY Awards, Kirk Franklin has created an esteemed career that spans over 30 years as an artist, songwriter, musician, producer, and a slate of other projects in television, film, radio, and more.

Franklin has achieved so much, in spite of having a very difficult start in life, including being adopted and being homeless. But, this past year has brought revelations that have shaken up his world and upended everything he thought he knew.

Now, Franklin is sharing these discoveries and this latest chapter in his life with the documentary, “Father’s Day: A Kirk Franklin Story,” which premiered on the Kirk Franklin YouTube channel today.

He says, “Nothing could prepare me for what God had in store for me in 2023,” in an early teaser from the film that he shared on social media. A deeper look into his personal story, the raw and powerful short film shows Franklin leaning on his faith, work, and loved ones as he grapples with the painful life-changing revelations. All of this was happening as he was preparing his 13th studio album, Father’s Day (October 6, 2023). The 10-track album includes his newly-released song “Needs,” “Try Love,” and “All Things.”  

Kirk Franklin is continuing to process the things that are revealed in Father’s Day, finding solace and strength through God, his family and his life’s work. And he hopes that the album and the film can help others who may be experiencing similar challenges or who just need to be encouraged as they navigate the experiences and obstacles that life brings.

Curb | Word Entertainment recording artist Steven Malcolm hits the ground running on his fresh track, “Cardio,” available today (9/15). An official music video in support of the song is slated to premiere next Friday, Sept. 22. The high-energy pre-game pep talk leads Malcolm’s forthcoming studio LP.

Pounding the pavement with every 808, the hip-hop heavyweight offers an aggressive dose of motivation for life’s biggest challenges on “Cardio,” cleverly name-checking a broad spectrum of celebrities, brands, and innovators across the track’s spitfire lyrics. “‘Cardio’ is the catchy summertime inspiration single. I wanted to make the anthem I would have listened to in the high school locker room before a big game,” shares Malcolm.

Steven Malcolm Serves Up Pre-Game Pep Talk For Life’s Biggest Challenges With “Cardio”

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“This song is all about owning the greatness that results from the hard work and grind put in the journey. We all have a race to run. To be great and keep keeping on takes two things: a little inspiration and cardio!”

Poised for release in early 2024, the Michigan native’s next studio set is the highly anticipated follow-up to his familial 16-track collection, Tree, which recently received a 2023 GMA Dove Award nomination in the category of Rap/Hip-Hop Album of the Year. The nod marks Malcolm’s seventh career Dove Award nomination. Winners for the 54th Annual GMA Dove Awards will be announced publicly Oct. 20, 2023, during an exclusive broadcast on Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN).

Centricity Music’s RIAA Certified Gold®-selling, Recording Academy-featured Chartbreaker Katy Nichole announces that the first single from the deluxe edition of her GMA Dove Award-nominated debut album Jesus Changed My Life, “Jesus, Thank You (feat. CAIN & David Leonard),” releases today (Sept. 15).

The single is the first of six songs, including four never-before-released originals, set to release on the deluxe version coming winter 2023/2024.

Sharing her music live for tens of thousands while on tour, Nichole’s “Jesus, Thank You (feat. CAIN & David Leonard)” fittingly launches five days ahead of her 33-city fall tour with the aforementioned artists that begins Sept. 20 in Baton Rouge, LA, and travels coast to coast. This leg of the tour follows in the wake of multiple sellouts and packed venues on these artists’ winter/spring run earlier this year.

“I have countless reasons to be thankful over the past few years,” shares Nichole. “One of the biggest of these is having the honor of meeting like-minded artists and then getting the opportunity to cultivate friendships, collaborate musically, and tour the country together. This new version of ‘Jesus, Thank You’ is very special and personal to me because I get to share this song with two of my favorite touring buddies, CAIN and David Leonard.”

“It has been so much fun to be out on tour with these guys this year,” echoes Leonard, who also produced the track, “and I’m super thankful we got to create a version of this song together!”

Continuing to release songs filled with the unabashed honesty and impeccable artistry that have made the 23-year-old one of Christian music’s fastest-rising talents, Nichole’s first three radio singles have all hit the top of the charts. The latest No. 1, “Hold On,” highlights Nichole’s personal story of holding on in her darkest moment. The song points to a bigger picture beyond what you can see in the moment; beyond the pain, beyond the struggle.

Along with the radio success, accolades continue to pour in for Nichole, including her becoming the most nominated female artist for the 54th Annual GMA Dove Awards.

Her four nods comprise New Artist of the Year, Song of the Year (“In Jesus Name (God of Possible)”), Pop / Contemporary Album of the Year (Jesus Changed My Life) and Pop / Contemporary Recorded Song (“God Is In This Story,” a duet with Big Daddy Weave). The GMA Dove Awards presentation will take place Oct. 17 in Nashville and broadcast on TBN Oct. 20.

Today (Sept 15), Hillsong UNITED shared that they will be releasing Zion (x). The 10th-anniversary album is due out next month (Oct 6).

In 2013, we released the song “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)” on our album ‘Zion’. At the time we had no idea what we were stepping into and it marked a huge new season for UNITED.

We’ve actually pulled together some of our favorite unseen moments from the ‘Zion’ archives, paired them with a few new versions, and will be releasing an anniversary album ‘Zion (x)’ on October 6th. This album was created to celebrate what the songs have meant to us, and all that God has done and is continuing to do in and through them.

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GRAMMY-nominated and Stellar Award-winning Jekalyn Carr announces her new self-titled album, JEKALYN, due via WayNorth Music.  JEKALYN is preceded by the Billboard Gospel National Airplay #1 single, “I Believe God,” and is due in stores and online Friday, October 20, 2023.

JEKALYN, is full of inspiration, faith-filled messages, encouragement, and empowerment, with each lyric bringing excitement, freedom, and restoration into the listener’s atmosphere. Jekalyn Carr delivers a timeless album that shows maturity and defines the elevation of Jekalyn’s faith has inspired people for years and, it will continue for years to come. The self-titled, JEKALYN, marks Carr’s first full release in four years.

Currently, Carr is currently nominated for a 54th GMA Dove Award for Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year with her collaboration “New Day” (Word Entertainment) with Blanca.

Carr starred in the Universal Pictures’ Will Packer-produced film, PRAISE THIS, as “KiKi.” Carr received rave reviews for providing comic relief as her portrayal as the ghetto-fabulous choir member. Jekalyn Carr continues to expand her brand with offerings under her-all new, JEKALYN BEAUTY, collection. Jekalyn Carr can also be heard during the midday on Radio One’s Atlanta affiliate Praise 102.5 as the host of her radio show “Jekalyn Carr Family Affair Show” which airs Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. EST.

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The 54th annual GMA Dove Awards, which take place on October 15th-19th, has empowered their Christian Hip Hop committee—led by Syntax Creative, Reflection Music Group and Rocketown—to create Future Legacy. This is a two day event which will take place at Rocketown in downtown Nashville

“Christian Hip Hop is a vital part of the Gospel music ecosystem,” said Gospel Music Association President Jackie Patillo. “It will be well-represented at this year’s GMA Dove Awards Week. The event starts with a showcase full of talented artists and followed by a brunch and panel discussion.”

The showcase, curated by Doc Watson features a diverse array of talent found within Christian Hip Hop. There will be performances by Derek Minor, Social Club Misfits, Jon Keith, Adriel Cruz and Wande, among others. Doors open at 7:00 pm on Monday, October 16th.

“I’m excited to be a part of this moment,” said Reflection Music Group CEO Doc Watson. “Future Legacy is a rare opportunity to get in front of both the industry and the fans of the music.”

The networking brunch will take place the next day, Tuesday, October 17th at 11:00 am, and will be followed by two panel discussions curated by Timothy Trudeau. The first panel focuses on streaming strategies. The featured panelists are executives from Amazon, Pandora, and YouTube, among others.

“We’ve secured representation from four of the top DSPs,” said Syntax Creative CEO Timothy Trudeau. “It will be well worth the investment to attend.”

The second panel focuses on media strategies. Panelists will include executives from BET, Rapzilla, Darkchild Gospel and Holy Culture Radio.

“Future Legacy heralds a transformative chapter for the Gospel Music Association,” said GMA Dove Awards Industry Relations Coordinator Adrienne Lindsey-Carr. “Forging a path for some welcomed inclusivity. After all these years, Christian Hip Hop continues to resonate and has boundless potential.”

With both Hip Hop and GMA now in their fifties, there is a lot to celebrate. And that is exactly what Future Legacy will do.

“It all began with a brunch last year,” said Rocketown Director of Venue Verbs Boyer, who initially thought of the idea for this event. “Now we’re adding performances and panels. This is also a significant year for Christian Hip Hop. Future Legacy will be one for the books.”Official Schedule10/16/2023 – Performance Showcase
Doors Open @ 7:00 pm

• Adriel Cruz (Syntax Creative)
• Derek Minor (Reflection Music Group)
• DJ Mal-ski (RMG Amplify)
• Grits (Gotee Records)
• Jon Keith (Indie Tribe)
• Social Club Misfits (Capitol Christian)
• Wande (Reach Records)

10/17/2023 – Networking Brunch & Panel Discussions
Doors Open @ 11:00 am

Panel 1: Streaming Strategies:

• AJ Ramos, Head of Artist Partnerships at YouTube
• Lauren Tidwel, Christian & Gospel Programmer at Amazon Music
• Melissa Chalos, Associate Director of Programming at Pandora

Panel 2: Media Strategies:

• Camryn Trayvick, Music Programming Manager at BET
• Fred Jerkins, CEO of We Break Records
• James Rosseau, CEO of Holy Culture Radio
• Justin Sarachik, Editor-in-Chief of Rapzilla.com

Awakening Foundation announces the dates of TobyMac’s Hits Deep 2024 Tour. Supported by K-LOVE, Air1, Altrua Healthshare, and Food for the Hungry, the 30-city run kicks off on January 26 and will run through March 23.

Now in its 9th year, you do not want to miss this unforgettable night of pure energy when TobyMac will be joined by many of today’s top artists, including Cory Asbury, Mac Powell, Tasha Layton, Jon Reddick, and Terrian. Every act on this legendary tour will have you on your feet singing your heart out and experiencing the power of music.

“Hits Deep Tour is my favorite time of the year,” TobyMac shares. “Not only do I get to see the people in over 30 states but I get to hang out backstage with some of my favorite artists. It’s a diverse night of music that hits deep featuring six different artists and their music. The songs people know and sing along with because they were played on radio, hit songs all night long.”

Tickets for Hits Deep 2024 go on sale Friday, September 22 at 12pm ET.

HITS DEEP 2024 TOUR SCHEDULE:

Fri. Jan. 26 – Jonesboro, AR – First National Bank Arena

Sat. Jan. 27 – Beaumont, TX – Ford Park Arena

Sun. Jan. 28 – Bossier City, LA – Brookshire Grocery Arena

Thurs. Feb. 1 – Oklahoma City, OK – Paycom Center (formerly Chesapeake Energy Arena)

Fri. Feb. 2 – Rio Rancho, NM – Rio Rancho Events Center (formerly Santa Ana Star Center)

Sat. Feb. 3 – Glendale, AZ – Desert Diamond Arena (formerly Gila River Arena)

Wed. Feb. 7 – Fresno, CA – Save Mart Center at Fresno State

Thurs. Feb. 8 – Sacramento, CA – Golden 1 Center

Fri. Feb. 9 – San Diego, CA – Pechanga Arena

Sat. Feb 10 – Ontario, CA – Toyota Arena

Tues. Feb. 13 – Reno, NV – Reno Events Center

Thurs. Feb. 15 – Kennewick, WA – Toyota Center

Fri. Feb. 16 – Abbotsford, BC – Abbotsford Centre

Sat. Feb. 17 – Kent, WA – accesso ShoWare Center

Sun. Feb. 18 – Portland, OR – Moda Center

Thurs. Feb. 22 – Spokane, WA – Spokane Arena

Fri. Feb 23 – Boise, ID – ExtraMile Arena (formerly Taco Bell Arena)

Sat. Feb. 24 – West Valley City (Salt Lake City), UT – Maverik Center

Sun. Feb. 25 – Colorado Springs, CO – The Broadmoor World Arena

Wed. Feb. 28 – Grand Forks, ND – Alerus Center

Thurs. Feb. 29 – Minneapolis, MN – Target Center

Sat. Mar. 2 – Green Bay, WI – Resch Center

Sun. Mar. 3 – Milwaukee, WI – Fiserv Forum

Thurs. Mar. 7 – Omaha, NE – Baxter Arena at the University of Nebraska

Fri. Mar. 8 – Independence, MO – Cable Dahmer Arena

Sat. Mar. 9 – Independence, MO – Cable Dahmer Arena

Tues. Mar. 19 – Pittsburgh, PA – Petersen Events Center

Wed. Mar. 20 – Hartford, CT – XL Center

Thurs. Mar. 21 – Philadelphia, PA – Liacouras Center

Sat. Mar. 23 – Charleston, WV – Charleston Coliseum

ASCAP, the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers, the only US PRO that operates on a not-for-profit basis, will honor songwriter and artist Matthew West with the ASCAP Golden Note Award.

A five-time Grammy nominee, West has had cuts by Rascal Flatts, Scotty McCreery, Casting Crowns (including back-to-back #1 singles), Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant, among others, and has notched 30 #1 songs as an artist and songwriter combined. He has released 11 albums with songs including the RIAA platinum-certified single, “The Motions,” and the RIAA gold-certified single, “Hello, My Name Is.”

West’s work has earned him a Billboard Music Award, an American Music Award, multiple Dove Awards, and a Primetime Emmy Award nomination. Additionally, West has authored six books and along with his father created popwe, a nonprofit ministry.

“Matthew’s remarkable gift for lifting others up with his music transcends genre or format,” said ASCAP Chairman of the Board and President Paul Williams. “He is one of our most-lauded Christian songwriters and artists and from the start of his nearly two-decade career, stars from Christian, country, and pop music have brought his passionate and profound songs of hope and healing to audiences around the world. We congratulate him on this well-deserved award.”

The award will be presented at ASCAP’s Christian Music Awards Celebration, Monday, October 2, in Nashville, an invitation-only party that honors the songwriters and publishers of ASCAP’s most performed songs in Christian music of the past year.

The ASCAP Golden Note Award is presented to songwriters, composers, and artists who have achieved extraordinary career milestones. Previous recipients include Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Michael W. Smith, Mark Lowry, Mary Mary and more.

GRAMMY award-winning singer/songwriter John Berry has announced the first dates of his ‘Christmas With John Berry’ 27th Annual Christmas Tour. With a total of fifteen Christmas shows announced so far, this tour will kick off on November 24 in Sugar Hill, Georgia, and continue through the holiday season.

With a different show each year, John Berry takes pride in bringing a fresh new tour each year to his fans, but always enjoys performing popular classics like “Little Drummer Boy,” “O Come All Ye Faithful,” “Let It Snow,” “Mary Did You Know,” and his timeless hit, “O Holy Night.” On-sale dates and up-to-date information for the 27th Annual ‘Christmas With John Berry’ can be found at johnberry.com/tour.

“Twenty-seven years have passed, and I could never have foreseen the incredible blessing of sharing my music and commemorating the birth of Christ throughout this journey,” shares Berry. “It’s deeply meaningful to see so many of you returning, year after year, alongside your loved ones and friends, all coming together to embrace the joy of the season. I look forward to sharing this time of giving with each and every one of you and I’m forever grateful for your continued support.”

John Berry is known for his special holiday shows. In these performances, he sings fan-favorite Christmas classics, many of his hits, and his treasured holiday memories, making this tour even more special for everyone who attends.

The 27th Annual ‘Christmas With John Berry’ 2023 Tour Schedule:
NOV 24 – The Eagle at Sugar Hill / Sugar Hill, Ga.
NOV 25 – High Point Theatre / High Point, N.C.
NOV 26 – Newberry Opera House / Newberry, S.C.
NOV 28 – The Park Theatre / McMinnville, Tenn.
NOV 30 – Williams Auditorium / Henderson, Tenn.
DEC 01 – Imperial Theatre / Augusta, Ga.
DEC 02 – Kentucky Downs / Franklin, Ky.
DEC 05 – Ironton High School / Ironton, Ohio
DEC 07 – Jefferson Plaza Hall / Jefferson, Ind.
DEC 08 – Hasting Performing Arts Center / Hastings, Mich.
DEC 09 – Dogwood Center for the Performing Arts / Fremont, Mich.
DEC 13 – Majestic Theatre / Chillicothe, Ohio
DEC 15 – Cedartown Performing Arts Center / Cedartown, Ga.
DEC 16 – The Grand Opera House / Macon, Ga.
DEC 17 – The Classic Center / Athens, Ga.