Category: NEWS

Forrest Frank Is Creating A Huge Buzz

Forrest Frank is quickly creating a huge buzz in Christian music. After being named Billboard’s Top New Christian Artist of 2023followed by the success of his genre-debut GOD IS GOOD EP, which reached Top 5 on the Top Christian Albums chart, his first full-length project, CHILD OF GODreleased July 26 and quickly slid into the No.1 spot on the iTunes All Genres chart.

CHILD OF GOD has held the No.1 spot on the Billboard Christian Albums Chart for six weeks, making it the biggest Christian album debut of the year so far.

The 2024 GMA Dove Award New Artist of the Year nominee collaborated with Tori Kelly, CAIN, Jonathan Pokluda, Connor Price, Hulvey, JVKE, Sam Rivera and Caleb Gordon on various CHILD OF GOD tracks, with the first radio single, “Good Day” receiving a Dove Award nomination for Pop/Contemporary Song of the year. The track swiftly climbed the Christian radio charts, peaking at #3 on Mediabase Christian AC, Billboard Christian AC and #4 on Mediabase Christian Audience and Billboard Christian Airplay. 

His next single, “Never Get Used To This” featuring JVKE releases to radio this week, but can already be heard on     K-LOVE, The House FM network in Oklahoma City, OK; Power 88 in Mobile, AL; Boost Radio network; Pulse 101.7 in Des Moines, IA; WGRC in Williamsport, PA; and The Q 99.7 in Springfield, MA. Frank hit multiple U.S. cities throughout the fall, with an almost completely sold-out run including LA’s famed Shrine Auditorium and looking toward an even larger arena tour planned for 2025.

“My whole brand was built around God, and I’m not going to change that—ever,” Frank affirms. “I set out to make the greatest album I could make, and so many doors opened. I can’t believe it.”

In addition to album sales and radio hits, the momentum Frank has generated with his music is explained in the massive and continued growth on his socials, with a base that has boomed to over 4 million fans on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok alone, and over 6 million Spotify monthly listeners.  

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Maverick City Music & Soundhouse Collaborate On ‘MAVHOUSE’ EP

Maverick City Music, the groundbreaking collective known for its unique blend of inspiring music, announces a new collaboration with Songhouse, the innovative songwriting collective dedicated to creating authentic and impactful songs. This unique partnership marks a significant moment in the music industry, bringing together two powerhouses known for their diversity, creativity, passion, and commitment to inspiring audiences through music.

The first single, “Nobody But Jesus” from the Maverick City Music and Songhouse collaboration, MAVHOUSE, is set to be released on Friday, September 27th. The MAVHOUSE EP will be available Friday, October 11th.

The collaboration will feature a series of songs, co-written during a special writing camp, that merge the distinct sounds of Maverick City Music and Songhouse. Fans can expect a fusion of soulful worship, innovative arrangements, and heartfelt lyrics that reflect the core missions of both groups: to create music that transcends boundaries and brings people together. MAVHOUSE offers an inspiring musical journey that is both fresh and timeless, designed to uplift and renew listeners.

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TRIBL President, Jonathan Jay, Insignia Co-Founder and CEO, Norman Gyamfi, shared: “We are excited to partner with Songhouse. Their approach to songwriting and their dedication to creating music that speaks to the heart aligns perfectly with what Maverick City Music stands for. Together, we hope to create songs that resonate with people from all walks of life and provide a space for worship and reflection.”

Five-time GRAMMY Award-winning music collective Maverick City Music will embark on the ‘Good News’ tour, beginning October 3rd. The ‘Good News’ tour kicks off in Houston, TX with a total of 33 stops through November 26th with performances from Naomi Raine, Chandler Moore, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, JWLKRS, Nick Day, Todd Galberth, Mara Justine, Brunes Charles, and Genavieve.

Maverick City Music & Soundhouse Collaborate On ‘MAVHOUSE’ EP

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Special guest performers include Tim Godfrey, Stephen McWhirter, and Sam Rivera. Tickets are available now at: good-news-tour.com. Additionally, Maverick City Music and Maverick City Music Publishing recently earned seventeen 55th GMA Dove Awards.

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Classic Gospel Meets Modern Christian on Eddy Mann’s “Just Like Jesus”

Eddy Mann’s latest single, “Just Like Jesus,” from his album *Turn Up the Divine*, is a heartfelt and soul-stirring addition to his extensive body of work. The track marries contemporary Christian music with a Philly Soul/R&B vibe, creating a sound that is both deeply spiritual and musically rich. Mann’s smooth, gospel-infused delivery enhances the emotional depth of the song, resonating with listeners who seek both lyrical meaning and a soulful listening experience.

The song’s core message focuses on the compassion, mercy, and love that Jesus exemplified, echoing the beatitudes. Mann reflects on how Jesus recognized and uplifted the poor, the mourning, and the persecuted, offering a message of hope and divine love in today’s world. His lyrics emphasize faith, healing, and the power of prayer, with a narrative that illustrates Jesus’ miraculous power through a healing story set in a “humble cottage by the sea.”

Classic Gospel Meets Modern Christian on Eddy Mann’s “Just Like Jesus”

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Musically, “Just Like Jesus” carries a timeless feel, with influences from both classic gospel and modern Christian music, all framed within a lush R&B arrangement. Mann’s vocal delivery is soothing yet impactful, balancing introspection and a sense of uplifting energy.

This single continues Mann’s tradition of creating music that touches the soul and encourages spiritual reflection. Fans of contemporary Christian music, as well as those who appreciate meaningful, uplifting lyrics, will find this track both comforting and inspiring. Given Mann’s previous successes, including multiple chart-topping singles, “Just Like Jesus” is poised to resonate widely across Christian radio and streaming platforms.

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Dwayna Litz Releases Tribute Dedicated To Victims Of Shootings And Their Loved Ones

In response to yesterday’s tragic events in Winder, Georgia, singer/songwriter Dwayna Litz stated, “Yesterday’s shooting was another senseless crime against humanity that did not have to be. May we all walk in the light to love each other more in America and stop destroying ourselves from within.

Here is a song against these tragic shootings, dedicated to the victims of these hate crimes, written to unite us more in the USA.” May this song offer you solace.

Dwayna Litz Releases Tribute Dedicated To Victims Of Shootings And Their Loved Ones

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https://youtube.com/watch?v=izm5-mRJT-c%3Ffeature%3Doembed

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Integrity Music Names New Vice President Of Marketing

Integrity Music announced today the appointment of Cole Flynn as vice president of marketing. Flynn is returning to Integrity Music after five years at Elevation Worship Records, where he recently served as label and marketing director.

Flynn brings more than a decade of marketing experience in the Christian music industry, where he has led marketing, creative, advertising, social media, operations, publishing and radio promotions, achieving five No. 1 singles within four years. He has helped grow online audiences by millions and has a proven track record of positioning streaming initiatives for longevity.

“I know firsthand the value Cole can and will add to our team,” said Blaine Barcus, president of Integrity Music. “I had the privilege of working alongside Cole during his time at Provident/Sony, and he is a strong leader who is passionate about supporting artists.  He has a genuine heart for worship and ministry.”

“Cole’s experience and achievements in the Christian music industry are unmatched,” said Brian Mitchell, chief marketing officer of Integrity Music’s parent organization, David C Cook. “His vast knowledge of digital marketing and strategies will help position our artists and worship leaders for success.”

Prior to Flynn’s time with Elevation Worship Records, he was senior manager of marketing and promotion for Integrity Music from 2015 through 2019. Before that, he served as digital marketing manager at Sony Music Entertainment, worked in business development at Broadcast Music, Inc., and radio promotions at TKO Marketing. A graduate of Full Sail University, Flynn earned a bachelor’s degree in music business and an associate’s degree in recording arts.

“It’s an honor to rejoin the team at Integrity Music,” said Flynn. “I’m excited for the opportunity to support the label’s artists and worship leaders, and to contribute to music that will impact so many lives.”

Flynn will start at Integrity Music on Oct. 7, 2024, after relocating back to the Nashville area.

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Dates Announced For TobyMac’s Hits Deep 2025 Tour

Awakening Foundation announces TobyMac’s Hits Deep 2025 Tour with tickets on sale on September 19th. The outstanding line-up will be announced soon! Kicking off on January 23rd for a 30+ date tour, the Hits Deep 2025 tour will be a party in each city.

“The Hits Deep tour is back for another year, and this one will be crazy special,” shares TobyMac. “We have invited some of our favorite artists to bring their Hits to the stage – can’t wait to share who they will be very soon. Every one of these artists has written songs that echo through the halls of my home. And yes, I may even have some new songs to share that will be released over the next few months. Let’s gooooo!”

Supported by World Vision, Altrua HealthShare, K-LOVE and Air1 Radio, tickets will go on sale at Noon Eastern on Thursday, September 19th.

Thu, Jan 23 – Pensacola, FL – Pensacola Bay Center
Fri, Jan 24 – Huntsville, AL – Propst Arena at Von Braun Center
Sat, Jan 25 – Greensboro, NC – Greensboro Coliseum
Sun, Jan 26 – Greenville, SC – Bon Secours Wellness Arena
Thu, Jan 30 – Orlando, FL – Kia Center
Fri, Jan 31 – Sunrise, FL (Fort Lauderdale) – Amerant Bank Arena
Sat, Feb 1 – Estero, FL (Fort Myers) – Hertz Arena
Sun, Feb 2 – Tampa, FL – Amalie Arena
Thu, Feb 6 – North Little Rock, AR – Simmons Bank Arena
Fri, Feb 7 – Grand Prairie, TX (Dallas) – Texas Trust CU Theatre at Grand Prairie
Sat, Feb 8 – Grand Prairie, TX (Dallas) – Texas Trust CU Theatre at Grand Prairie
Fri, Feb 14 – Jacksonville, FL – VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena
Sat, Feb 15 – Duluth, GA (Atlanta) – Gas South Arena
Sun, Feb 16 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
Thu, Feb 20 – Lexington, KY – Rupp Arena
Fri, Feb 21 – Fairfax, VA (Washington DC) – EagleBank Arena
Sat, Feb 22 – Fairfax, VA (Washington DC) – EagleBank Arena
Sun, Feb 23 – Norfolk, VA – Chartway Arena
Thu, Feb 27 – Toledo, OH – Huntington Center
Fri, Feb 28 – Indianapolis, IN – Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Sat, Mar 1 – Hoffman Estates, IL (Chicago) – NOW Arena
Sun, Mar 2 – Grand Rapids, MI – Van Andel Arena
Thu, Mar 6 – Baton Rouge, LA – Raising Cane’s River Center
Fri, Mar 7 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center
Sat, Mar 8 – Cedar Park, TX (Austin) – H-E-B Center at Cedar Park
Sat, Mar 15 – DATE COMING SOON
Sun, Mar 16 – Columbus, OH – Nationwide Arena
Sat, Mar 22 – Lubbock, TX – United Supermarkets Arena
Sun, Mar 23 – San Antonio, TX – Frost Bank Center
Tue, Mar 25 – Las Cruces, NM – Pan American Center
Wed, Feb 26 – Tucson, AZ – Tucson Arena
Fri, Mar 28 – Tulsa, OK – BOK Center

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Benjamin William Hastings Set To Release New Album October 4

Songwriter, artist, and worship leader Benjamin William Hastings will release his sophomore album, Sold out, sincerely, on October 4th. The album is available for preorder along with the new song, “If It Wasn’t For Jesus,” from the forthcoming project.

“‘If it wasn’t for Jesus’ is all about reflecting on where I’d be if it wasn’t for these amazing divine encounters with God, and then arriving at gratitude because of the intervention of God,” explains Benjamin William Hastings.

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The new album follows the praised self-titled 25-song project from 2022. As a songwriter, Hastings has impacted the worship genre with widely acclaimed songs such as Hillsong UNITED’s RIAA Certified Platinum Single, “So Will I (100 Billion X)” and Brandon Lake’s No. 1 single and RIAA Platinum single, “Gratitude,” among many others.

He has written songs for Brandon Lake, Cory Asbury, Hillsong Worship, Hillson UNITED, Hillsong Y&F, Rend Collective, Mack Brock, and more. To date, his songs have been streamed globally more than 1.2B times. And he has more than 95M solo career streams. The new album will feature 12 new songs along with guest artists Brandon Lake, Aodhan King, and Matt Crocker.

Hastings has toured with Phil Wickham this year and will be on tour this fall with Brandon Lake and headlining three shows in New York City, Nashville, and Los Angeles.

Benjamin William Hastings Set To Release New Album October 4

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Sarantos Hits the Mark with New Teen Anthem “14”

In an era where authenticity in pop music often takes a backseat to commercial appeal, Sarantos breathes fresh air into the genre with his latest single, “14.” This track not only captures the quintessential teenage strife but also wraps it in a melody that’s both invigorating and contagiously upbeat, making it a standout hit this summer.

Sarantos Hits the Mark with New Teen Anthem “14”

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“14” is a masterful blend of catchy pop rhythms and heartfelt lyrics that strike a chord with anyone who’s ever navigated the turbulent waters of adolescence. Sarantos has a knack for tapping into universal emotions, and this song is no exception. He crafts a narrative that is uniquely relatable to the teenage experience, with lines like “You don’t live your dreams cause you’re too busy livin in your fears” resonating deeply with young listeners grappling with their own insecurities and aspirations.

The musical arrangement in “14” is vibrant and full of life, echoing the style of teen pop icons like One Direction, yet it carries a signature that is unmistakably Sarantos. The upbeat tempo and dynamic beats encourage listeners to dance away their worries, while the lyrics offer a comforting shoulder and a reminder that these turbulent years are fleeting and precious.

What sets Sarantos apart is his ability to wear his heart on his sleeve while still creating tracks that are suitable for a party playlist. “14” makes you want to move, but it also makes you think, offering a balance that is rare in today’s pop music scene. The chorus, “You’re only 14, Enjoy being a teen, Soon you’ll be 18, So today just enjoy 14,” serves as a catchy, uplifting mantra that will surely echo through many teenage bedrooms and high school hallways.

The accompanying music video further enhances the track by visually portraying the highs and lows of being a freshman in a new school. It’s a well-produced depiction that complements the song’s message, enhancing the overall impact on its audience.

In conclusion, Sarantos hits all the right notes with “14,” crafting a song that is not only a likely chart-topper but also a meaningful piece of art. It’s a musical reminder for teens to savor the moment amid the chaos of growing up. Sarantos continues to showcase his versatility and depth as an artist, and “14” is a testament to his unwavering commitment to striking a chord with his listeners. This song is a must-listen for anyone who remembers the sweetness and sting of being 14.Sarantos Hits the Mark with New Teen Anthem “14”

–Bob Miller

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Natalie Grant & Danny Gokey Announce 9th Annual Celebrate Christmas Tour

Award-winning vocalists Natalie Grant and Danny Gokey announce the return of their annual holiday tour! The 9th Annual Celebrate Christmas Tour will kick off on December 5th and run through December 15th.

Immerse yourself in the timeless classics that bring people together during this special season. Gather your loved ones, invite your friends, and make this a Christmas tradition to remember.

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Tickets will go on sale this Friday, September 6th at www.celebratechristmastour.com.

DEC 5 | Virginia Beach, VA
DEC 6 | Greenville, SC
DEC 7 | Nashville, TN
DEC 8 | Fayetteville, NC
DEC 12 | Waukegan, IL (Chicago Area)
DEC 13 | Champaign, IL
DEC 14 | To Be Announced !!!
DEC 15 | Wabash, IN

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LiveCo Launches Full-Service Global Faith-Based Promotion Company

LiveCo — the leading specialty live entertainment company, which has delivered 3,000 shows worldwide since its founding only two years ago — announced plans to dramatically increase its presence in the faith space both in the U.S. and internationally with the creation of TPR – a combination of three powerhouse promoters from that segment.

The rapidly expanding Christian Gospel audience according to Luminate Data service, enjoys the fourth-fastest U.S. growth rate of any musical genre. Fueling the growth are artists associated with TPR including Brandon Lake, Elevation Worship, Hillsong Worship, and Phil Wickham all of whom placed in the top five of airplay on Spotify in the first half of 2024.

TPR’s roster also includes Anne Wilson, Cece Winans, Chris Tomlin, Dude Perfect,  Forrest Frank, Gaither Vocal Band, Jeremy Camp, Josiah Queen, KB, Lysa TerKeurst, MercyMe, Tauren Wells, We the Kingdom, and many more.

LiveCo President and CEO Chuck Steedman, in making the announcement said, “We are already the leaders in faith, and this move positions our company to better capitalize on this category’s accelerating live-entertainment potential.

“The unveiling of TPR allows us to seamlessly streamline the experience for artists, agents, managers, and venues, delivering the artists that fans most want to see.”

Jared Gibo, who will serve as CEO of the new TPR endeavor, said, “Our joint volume from the combination of Transparent, Premier and Rush will not only keep us No. 1 in faith but also a top 10 overall worldwide promoter.  Our ability to give our clients the best live event experience will be substantially boosted by our combined resources.

“The management team members of TPR are the demonstrated best in the industry in their respective areas and are focused on providing the highest level of service to our clients.”

Gibo has spent his entire career in live events. He joined Transparent Productions immediately out of college and helped transform the company from a small Southern California regional promoter into a national force.

His new undertaking, TPR will promote over 1,000 events globally in 2025. Its executive management team includes President of Global Touring, Jacob Reiser; Executive Vice President, Global Touring, Kyle Burnside; Senior Vice President, Global Marketing, Todd Stepp; Senior Vice President, Events, Mike Deckard; and Senior Vice President, Operations, Bobby Talley.

With the creation of TPR, Transparent Productions founder and CEO Tim Taber has been promoted to the LiveCo management team as chief strategy officer. Premier Productions CEO Michael Pugh was also promoted to LiveCo as chief operating officer.

In his new role, Taber, a 35-year live entertainment veteran, will focus on revenue generation and growth-oriented initiatives. Pugh, a 20-year live entertainment veteran, will focus on LiveCo’s day-to-day operations while also interacting with the operating companies to drive cross-company advances in sponsorship, technology, marketing and artist/agent relationships.

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