Bonnie Milne, the acclaimed composer and pianist, has once again enchanted the classical music realm with her latest single, “Eloquence,” released on August 14, 2024, via MTS Records. Following her chart-topping 2024 single, “Stolen Night Sky,” “Eloquence” beautifully narrates the transition of fleeting moments of happiness and joy through its intricate musical structure.

Recorded on a stunning Bosendorfer piano at the esteemed St. Pauls’ Centre in Orillia, Ontario, and produced by Nixon Boyd, “Eloquence” is a vivid testament to Milne’s innovative approach to classical music. The piece kicks off with a delicate piano melody that establishes a graceful momentum, effortlessly transitioning through varying phases of eighth notes, triplets, and swing phrases. These transitions create a push-pull rhythm that captivates the listener, embodying Milne’s characteristic emotional depth.

The composition is further enriched by the soulful cello played by Alyssa Wright and the airy brightness of Dawn Ellis’s flute. Their counter melodies add layers of complexity, evoking emotional resonance that pairs exquisitely with the piano. The percussion, masterfully handled by Dave Hewitt, brings in dynamic rhythms that ensure the piece remains both steady and invigorating.

Hewitt’s cymbal washes are particularly noteworthy, swelling and retreating to enhance the crescendos, adding depth and elevating the overall soundscape.

Milne’s ability to blend classical roots with contemporary flair shines through in “Eloquence.” The single is not just a musical piece but an auditory journey filled with intricate emotions. With over 200K Spotify streams and multiple accolades to her name, Milne continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. “Eloquence” stands as a brilliant example of her artistic evolution and dedication to creating music that entertains and moves the soul.

For fans and new listeners alike, “Eloquence” promises an enriching auditory experience that epitomizes eloquence in every note. 

For more information on Bonnie Milne, please visit her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/BonnieMilneMusic

–James Harris

Christian artist and newcomer Josiah Queen joins The Kelleigh Bannen Show to talk about his debut album, ‘The Prodigal,’ and creating music with a purpose.

Josiah Queen Tells Apple Music About What Inspired Him to Write “The Prodigal”

It’s funny because it’s the song that I wrote about not wanting fame or money, [and it] has brought more of that. And I think that’s… my heart message. And I think I’ll always write about that. I think we’ve all tried in our life [and], at one point have thought, and maybe it was people or money or something, we thought that thing would bring [us] satisfaction, but then there’s always just this uncomfortable feeling of like, “Well, it just never did.”… In my life, I’ve always felt that way about certain things and about money and fame and growing up, I just noticed it never actually fully satisfied me.

Josiah Queen Tells Apple Music About Living His Life with Purpose

I want my every day to be lived with purpose. And I can only do that by serving God and serving other people. And if I spend my day serving myself and buying myself all this stuff and trying to make work and trying to make myself as famous as I can be, I just see it as just wasting another day. I just don’t want to waste my life.

Josiah Queen Recalls to Apple Music Releasing His Debut Album

Having a first album is a dream come true, and I was super proud of it. I knew every song I put on there I truly loved, just in a way that I really meant it and I really worked at it hard… Just being able to look back and go to these shows and just seeing all these people that it’s affected in their lives and people loving these songs, it’s like I’ve realized that that hard work is never to cheapen that and only strive for songs that really mean something because those are the songs that really will last.

Josiah Queen Tells Apple Music He Wants to Leave a Legacy with His Music

I want to make songs that last longer than I do, like when I die that people will be able to pass these songs on. That’s every songwriter’s dream. And you can only do that by taking that time. It takes me months to write songs sometimes, so it’s like, especially what you’re saying, people are like, “Well, you just ran an album. Now, next year you got to make another one.” You’re like, “Well, I just never want to rush to process.”

Key Quotes Credit: Kelleigh Bannen / Apple Music Country

A groundbreaking new collection showcasing more than 100 word-for-word Bible passages set to original music, the highly anticipated Scripture Hymnal bows October 21 from Rabbit Room Press and is now available for preorder. Bringing to fruition the long-held vision of Dove Award-nominated Slugs & Bugs creator Randall Goodgame, the 320-page hardcover Scripture Hymnal is a thoughtful treasury of newly minted songs designed to help make the Bible more accessible for all ages.   
 
Intended for corporate worship on Sunday morning as well as singing around the piano at home, the Scripture Hymnal was conceived and written by Goodgame along with contributions from a diversity of award-winning songwriters, including Ellie Holcomb, Ginny Owens, Andrew Osenga, Taylor Leonhardt, Dwan Hill and Ben Shive, among others.

Offering unique musical settings of numerous verses throughout the Bible, the Scripture Hymnal features such selections as “In The Beginning” (Genesis 1:1); “Those Who Look To Him Are Radiant” (Psalm 34:4-6); “Create In Me A Clean Heart” (Psalm 51:1-2, 10); and “Those Who Trust In The Lord” (Psalm 125:1-2). 
 
“The Slugs & Bugs Sing the Bible series began with songs for my kids to help them remember their weekly Bible verse, but from the beginning it was clear that singing Scripture also helped me in my walk with Jesus,” Goodgame explains. “I’ve longed for Scripture singing to be more accessible to the Church at large, so a few years ago I began writing new songs with congregations in mind.”

“Our hope is that this collection of over 100 word-for-word Scripture songs will be endlessly useful in congregational worship, at home, in youth group, in devotional time, in children’s Sunday school, and in many other ways I can’t even fathom yet,” he adds.
 
The hardbound volume—featuring hand-drawn cover art and interior illustrations from Stephen Crotts—contains piano accompaniment for more than 100 songs as well as a QR code offering access to downloadable instrumental tracks, sheet music and chord charts; quotes from modern and ancient Church leaders; and resources for worship planning. 

Singer/songwriter Seph Schlueter stormed onto the scene just one year ago releasing his international breakout song of the year “Counting My Blessings.”Making a name for himself with this catchy, joy-filled letter of thanks to a God who never fails, this song has exploded in the U.S. and Brazil. Co-written with Schlueter, Jonathan Gamble, and Jordan Sapp the song has moved on to become a No. 1 radio single on all four Christian formats.

“This song is about gratitude and that’s so universal,” shares Seph Schlueter. “Everyone can relate to gratitude. In a world where there’s so much negativity and complaining and fear, to see a song blowing up about gratitude is so important.”

Schlueter’s original version has surpassed 5B short-form video views, 81M global streams, 2.6M TikTok creations and 1M reels creations. Additionally, the official music videos for the song account for more than 25.6M views (YouTube).

The Portuguese version of the song was recorded by Sony Brazil artist Isadora Pompeo catapulting it to an international success amassing 121M global streams, 4.6M reels creations, and 6.3B TikTok views. Last week, Pompeo released a live version of the song featuring Schlueter. The live recording was captured in Brazil in February where they performed in front of 10,000 people.

The song has also been recognized with multiple awards as it was the “Breakout Single of the Year” at this year’s KLOVE Fan Awards where he also performed at the Emerging Artist Showcase. In June he was named Christian Music Broadcaster’s Breakout Artist, and last week he was nominated for his first GMA Dove Awards in the coveted New Artist of the Year category as well as Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year (“Counting My Blessings”).

B&H Publishing announces the release of songwriter and storyteller Caroline Cobb’s first book, Advent for Exiles, releasing September 24th. This special advent devotional will feature 25 devotions to awaken Christmas hope in a longing heart. Preorder this Scripture-rich companion for the Advent season now.

In 2020, Cobb released A Seed, A Sunrise, an album that explored the ache of Advent, the joy of Christmas, and the expectant yearning for Christ’s return. That album inspires this Advent devotional as she dives deeper into the poetic imagery of Isaiah and the biblical theme of exile.

“After releasing my Christmas album, I began work on this ’side project,’” shares Caroline Cobb. “But in the writing, I discovered the album had barely scratched the surface for me. I wanted to dive deeper into the poetic imagery of Isaiah, draw more connections between our current experience and the biblical theme of exile, and help readers imaginatively engage in the ache of Advent as a way of expanding their joy at Christ’s coming. Advent for Exiles is the fruit of more than two years of writing and wrestling this deep dive into words.”

Throughout the 25-day devotional, Cobb weaves Scripture readings, song lyrics, poetic prose, biblical imagery, and responsive exercises to help readers joyfully celebrate Christ’s first arrival while deeply longing for His second.

She adds, “This devotional is written for those who have felt—or at least feel ready to acknowledge—the long groan of exile. We need Advent companions willing to recognize the darkness around and within. Only then will we be able to fully rejoice in the arrival of Jesus, the Light of the world. I pray Advent for Exiles will do just that.”

What others are saying about Advent for Exiles: 

“Advent for Exiles weaves a glorious tapestry of good news that will help you experience Advent in a meaningful new way.”  —Ruth Chou Simons, Wall Street Journal bestselling author, artist, and founder of gracelaced.com

“I love a good Advent devotional, and this is a great one. Infused with a beautifully coherent, biblically rich exilic theme throughout, Caroline Cobb’s Advent for Exiles takes the reader deeper into a full-Bible understanding of Advent. Including Scripture passages, poetic song lyrics, and responses in prayer and practice, Advent for Exiles is an engaging resource to enhance you and your family’s Advent season.”  —Brett McCracken, senior editor, The Gospel Coalition, author of The Wisdom Pyramid: Feeding Your Soul in a Post-Truth World

“Advent for Exiles stands out from any devotional I’ve come across. This book not only compels readers to love the story of Scripture more but also encourages weary exiles to find hope in Christ – engaging our senses and imagination with biblical truth. It is a deeply encouraging read that will move you to rejoice in Christ’s first coming and yearn for his return—a perfect choice for the Advent season.” —Hunter Beless, Founder of Journeywomen Ministries and author of Read it, See it, Say it, Sing it!

Chart-topping independent musician Josiah Queen announces new fall 2024 tour dates! The tour dates will feature Strings & Heart.

Earlier this year, newcomer Josiah Queen made history with his debut album, The Prodigal, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart. Not only did it top the charts, but it was also the biggest album streaming debut by a new artist in CCM history with an incredible 6.6 million global streams.

As an independent musician, Josiah Queen is a testament to the power of dedication and the resonance of a harmonious melody with a global audience reaching 125M total streams. The title track “The Prodigal” has amassed more than 46M global streams with over 50M views on social content utilizing the track. This song is climbing the radio chart and was Apple Music’s Top 100 Songs in 2023.

Queen was also named one of Amazon’s Breakthrough Artists to Watch in 2024. His music reaches more than 2.2M monthly Spotify listeners as his songs are included on multiple genre playlists across the platform.

“It’s been surreal to see the response to The Prodigal,” Josiah Queen tells Billboard. “It’s wild to me that these songs which I wrote in my living room and bedroom have made their way to people all over the world. My hope is that the album leads people closer to God.”

Excitement is building for Scotty Inman’s 3rd Annual Hometown Show, being held in the heart of the Smoky Mountains in Sevierville, TN on August 17th, 2024.  The highly anticipated event will not only feature brand new music from the award-winning singer/songwriter, but also include very special guest Dan Dean, of the legendary group Phillips, Craig & Dean.

An added bonus for Hometown Show attendees, the event is being held in the very building Scotty grew up going to church: The Chapel at FBC Sevierville. 

“This is always an exciting event for me,” shares Inman. “For the last three years, I’ve been able to invite friends from all over the country to Sevierville, TN, where I grew up, and come together for a night of worship and fun. This year is different in that I’m having it in the sanctuary where I spent many Sundays in my early, formative years.  Since then, the church has grown and moved to a newer space, but I wanted to bring everyone back to my roots.”

The night of music will include selections from Scotty Inman’s sophomore album, My God, including the new radio single, “Man On The Middle Cross.”  Additionally, fans will be delighted to hear brand new music from Dan Dean. “I probably listened to Phillips, Craig & Dean more than any other artist in my teenage years, and Dan Dean was a voice I always thought was super special,” comments Inman on his special guest. “Years went by, and now I can call him a dear friend! I am excited about him joining us for this Hometown Show and singing not only some of his amazing hit songs, but some brand new music as well.  I know that folks are going to love him as much as I do!”

Pop punk songstress Grace Graber is inviting fans to be the first to experience her upcoming album The Breakthrough during an intimate streaming event.

“I hope people see how much work doing an album takes,” the singer and songwriter offers, reflecting on the behind-the-scenes look that the livestream will provide. “I want people to see how much I wanted my dreams to come true not just for me, but for my younger self as well. I hope that people can sit in the excitement and the accomplishment that we all did together.”

The Breakthrough album is the culmination of a year of power-packed singles from Graber, firmly establishing her as a rising punk voice that demands to be heard. Following in the mental health-focused footsteps of her Conversations EP, Grace is continuing to talk about hard things — and continuing to connect the heaviness to hope.

Grace shares, “The Breakthrough summarizes my last two EPs, Conversations and In My Head. I was so in my head about introducing myself and finally getting a shot at my dream and doing it all right. Then Conversations was me realizing, no one told me what my dreams being made real would cost. I think The Breakthrough is realizing I can take those two things now, and they’re just pieces of my life. God’s going to bring all of these projects, all of these songs, together to shine His light— just like a disco ball. They’ll shine His light and reflect it in a very special way.”

So far, fans have been treated to album singles like “Grace of God,” “No Regrets,” “Solo” and “Breakthrough,” all of which herald the punk-infused authenticity to come from the full album.

Ben Roberts of Common Noble collaborated with Grace Graber to produce the live experience. To create full band presentation of the songs, Graber called on the talents of Ross Black, Hayden Kane and David Roberts. Forever focused on creating in community, the songwriter enlisted another artist friend, Ben Roberts, to film the experience while Andrew COJO mixed the live audio. Grace built the set herself.

“I made the whole backdrop out of PVC pipe and some sparkly decorations I found on Amazon,” the artist recalls.

The dazzling result will be the best way for fans to celebrate the arrival of this life-changing collection of songs.

Two-time GRAMMY nominee and three-time DOVE Award winner Joseph Habedank releases his new album, I’m Free: Songs That Wrote My Story, today with Gaither Music Group. This new 12-track album features songs that resonate with Habedank’s personal journey from addiction to redemption, offering messages of hope and inspiration.

The DVD companion, which features concert performances of the recorded songs and an inspiring interview with host and Gospel Music Hall of Famer Bill Gaither, also releases today along with Habedank’s video performance of the gospel classic “Why Me.” With I’m Free: Songs That Wrote My Story, Joseph proclaims the hope that is greater than addiction, the relationship that far exceeds religion, and the redemption that comes through Jesus.

“The songs you hear as you grow up often become the soundtrack that influences the rest of your life, both musically and spiritually,” stated Habedank. “I’m so glad that these are some of the songs I heard. In these songs are the messages of hope that can sustain and deliver, and revisiting these makes me realize again how thankful I am for this foundation. Because of these songs that helped write my story, I can now proclaim that I am indeed free in a way that I would’ve never expected when I heard these songs as a kid. I am so grateful to Bill & Gloria Gaither for this opportunity to share my story with the world.”

“Joseph has had the honor of sharing his powerful message through music across the country,” stated Gaither. “We were thrilled to bring him to the Gaither Studios in my hometown of Alexandria, IN, where he and I talked about his inspiring journey from addiction to redemption, highlighted by these special songs from his new album, I’m Free.”

The recording features standout singles like “I’m Free” and “I’m Lovin’ Life,” which have already garnered attention on playlists including Gaither Classics, Songs of Hope, Good Things, Newborn Feeling, and the Gaither Radio on Pandora channel. The album’s tracks also feature prominently on Spotify’s New Christian & Gospel playlist and Apple’s Best New Songs list, and videos from the new release are currently featured on VEVO’s Incoming Inspiration and New Music Christian & Gospel playlists.

Stream & Enjoy

Performance videos from the new DVD will also be featured on the Gaither Music TV YouTube channel (with over three million subscribers) and on the Gaither Facebook page (over two million subscribers). The full-length concert video will be available on demand on the GaitherTV+ platform, an ad-free subscription streaming service available on the UP Faith & Family network.

A YouTube premiere of I’m Free: Songs That Wrote My Story will air on the Gaither Music TV YouTube channel on August 23. The special features concert performances and highlights from Habedank’s interview with Gaither, giving fans an intimate look at his personal and musical journey to redemption. The special will air on various TV networks and will run throughout late summer and fall on RFD-TV, TBN, Heartland, CTN, TCT, The Walk TV, Vision Television & Hope TV (Canada), and The Miracle Channel (Canada).

Bill Gaither’s enLighten on SiriusXM (Channel 150) will host an I’m Free: Songs That Wrote My Story radio premiere on Friday August 9th at 7pm ET, Saturday August 10th at 2pm ET and Sunday August 11th and 3pm ET.

The I’m Free: Songs That Wrote My Story DVD is available at Amazon, Christianbook.com, Parable.com, and other retailers.

Track Listing:

1. I’m Forgiven
2. Do You Want to Be Well
3. He Came Through
4. I Lost It All to Find Everything
5. Sacrifice of Praise
6. Child, You’re Forgiven
7. Contented
8. I’m Lovin’ Life
9. Why Me Lord
10. I’m Free
11. Mercy
12. Jesus, I Come?

Paying tribute to an American original—the quartet—GRAMMY nominated, Dove Award-winning Gospel tastemakers Ernie Haase & Signature Sound return October 4 with Live In Memphis. The 14-song Club44 Records release, recorded at the famed Memphis Quartet Show earlier this year, boasts a distinctive selection of Broadway, Gospel, Great American Songbook, and Spiritual standards spanning more than a century.

Steeped in history while brimming with modern vitality, Live In Memphis was executive produced by Haase and produced by 40-time Dove Award-winner Wayne Haun (Celine Dion, Jason Crabb) and is hallmarked by noted guest appearances from Gospel trailblazers the Blackwood Brothers, as well as Duane Allen of the legendary Oak Ridge Boys, among others.

“We are returning to our roots with this album,” Haase shares. “In the mid-1950s, Beale Street Rhythm & Blues collided with southern Spirituals and hymns, helping bring to the forefront a genre of music that is still loved today—quartet singing. Our desire is to breathe new life into songs that not only shaped the musical identity of this country but continue to influence generations of fans around the world.”

Encapsulating the nostalgic joy imbued throughout Live In Memphis, debut single “Put On A Happy Face”—from the 1961 Tony Award-winning musical “Bye Bye Birdie”—is now available on streaming platforms. “We thrive on making people happy, even if it’s for just a few minutes out of their day,” Haase explains of the group’s musical mission.

“While we will always sing positive songs that bring hope, peace and joy, we also love the music of stage and screen and the Great American Songbook, and we enjoyed putting our own unique spin on this wonderful standard.”

Further highlights of Live In Memphis include album opener “Great Day,” an infectious jazz-infused Gospel tune from the 1929 Broadway production of the same name, and such timeless classics as “Old Man River,” “Swingin’ On The Golden Gate” and “Look For The Silver Lining.” In addition, The Oak Ridge Boys’ Duane Allen joins Ernie Haase & Signature Sound for a new rendition of The Oaks’ impassioned anthem “He Did It All For Me,” while Southern Gospel pioneers the Blackwood Brothers take a guest turn on the genre stalwart “Give The World A Smile.”

Blending seamlessly alongside the album’s century-spanning quartet classics, Live In Memphis also spotlights two contributions from Ernie Haase & Signature Sound’s own renowned repertoire. Haase co-penned “He Made A Change,” featuring Legacy Five’s Scott Fowler and former Signature Sound member Paul Harkey, as well as “You’ll Find Him There,” the latter of which was inspired by the 2005 motion picture The Nativity Story and is set to be the album’s debut single at Gospel radio formats.