5X GRAMMY Award-winner Brandon Lake has announced plans for an exciting new album coming soon. Tear Off The Roof (Live From The Holy City) is slated to arrive on June 21. You can see the LP’s album artwork and track listing below. The record, which Lake calls his favorite project to date, features live versions of some of his most well-known songs and is set to arrive on Brandon’s birthday next week.
Tear Off The Roof (Live From The Holy City)
01. PRAISE YOU ANYWHERE (LIVE)
02. GRAVES INTO GARDENS (LIVE)
03. HONEY IN THE ROCK (LIVE)
04. REST ON US (LIVE)
05. ADOPTION SONG (LIVE)
06. COAT OF MANY COLORS (LIVE)
07. FEAR IS NOT MY FUTURE / RATTLE! (LIVE)
08. TEAR OFF THE ROOF (LIVE) feat. Jordan Colle
09. TALKING TO JESUS (LIVE)
10. AGNUS DEI (LIVE)
11. COME HOME (LIVE)
12. THIS IS A MOVE (LIVE FROM GREENSBORO) feat. Tasha Cobbs
13. TOO GOOD TO NOT BELIEVE (LIVE FROM PITTSBURGH) feat. Cody Carnes
Multi-platinum GRAMMY-nominated rock outfit NEEDTOBREATHE and multi-platinum award-winning singer-songwriter Jordan Davis are teaming up for a special two-song collaboration after meeting and filming a synergetic episode of CMT Crossroads together.
Titled “Among Friends,” the collaboration features two of the iconic mashups heard on “Crossroads”––“Banks ft. NEEDTOBREATHE” by Jordan Davis, and “Buy Dirt ft. Jordan Davis” by NEEDTOBREATHE. Fans can stream/download “Among Friends” Multi-platinum GRAMMY-nominated rock outfit NEEDTOBREATHE and multi-platinum award-winning singer-songwriter Jordan Davis are teaming up for a special two-song collaboration after meeting and filming a synergetic episode of CMT Crossroads together.
Titled “Among Friends,” the collaboration features two of the iconic mashups heard on “Crossroads”––“Banks ft. NEEDTOBREATHE” by Jordan Davis, and “Buy Dirt ft. Jordan Davis” by NEEDTOBREATHE. Fans can stream/download “Among Friends”
Theduo’s highly-anticipated installment of the beloved music franchise is also set to premiere this Thursday, June 13th at 8pm ET / 7pm CT, exclusively on CMT. On “CMT Crossroads: NEEDTOBREATHE & Jordan Davis,” viewers will witness the hitmakers swapping stories and songs, performing each other’s most celebrated tracks with can’t-miss collaborations. Expect electrifying renditions of NEEDTOBREATHE’s “The Outsiders” and “Banks,” along with Davis’ chart-toppers “Buy Dirt” and the new No.1 hit “Tucson Too Late.” The show will subsequently encore on CMT Music and MTV Live throughout June.
Central City Productions recently announced the nominees in 36 categories for the 39th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards taping on Saturday, July 20th, returning to Las Vegas at the Orleans Arena. Hosted by Emmy Award-winning TV personality and comedian Loni Love, alongside Marconi Award-winning radio/TV personality and comedian Rickey Smiley, the evening will bring together gospel music’s brightest stars for a celebration billed as “The Greatest Night in Gospel Music.”
The 39th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards will premiere on the Stellar Network on Saturday, August 3rd at 8PM and 10PM EST and in broadcast syndication from August 10, 2024 – September 8, 2024.
Don Jackson, Founder of the Stellar Awards and Chairman of Central City Productions, Inc. commented, “The Stellar Awards has always been a beacon of hope and inspiration, celebrating the very best in gospel music. We are thrilled to have Loni Love and Rickey Smiley as our hosts this year, and we know they will bring a special touch of joy and excitement to the evening.”
Celebrated artist Kim Burrell is set to receive the Aretha Franklin Icon Award; and GRAMMY Award and multiple Stellar Award winner Tye Tribbett is set to receive the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award.
Adding to the excitement, this year’s Stellar Awards is part of the STELLAR PLUS week, a fun-filled extravaganza centered around the flagship show. From fashion and Afrobeats day events to masterclasses and more, the Stellar Plus week offers a diverse array of activities for attendees. Whether you’re a music enthusiast, fashion lover, or someone seeking inspiration, there’s something for everyone.
For those planning to attend, a full list of events and ticket information is available at stellarplusexperience.com. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to be a part of gospel music history and celebrate the artists who inspire us all. Stellar Plus events are sponsored by: Amazon Music, Compassion, The Recording Academy and more. Stellar Plus Event tickets are available now at stellarplusexperience.com.
Stellar Awards taping Tickets are available now at www.stellarawards.com or Ticketmaster.com. Additional announcements regarding ancillary events will follow. Some of the biggest names in Gospel will be appearing as participants in this year’s show – stay tuned for future announcements and follow @thestellars on Instagram and Twitter, or Stellar Gospel Music Awards on Facebook for the latest news and updates about the Greatest Night in Gospel Music.
This year’s Stellar Awards is Sponsored by Procter & Gamble with Presenting Sponsorship provided by AT&T, State Farm, McDonalds, Disney, Walmart, AFLAC and General Motors.
The 39th Stellar Gospel Music Awards show is Executive Produced by Don Jackson with Jennifer J. Jackson serving as Producer and Executive in Charge of Production; Michael A. Johnson as Producer and Director, Erin Johnson as Talent Producer and Daniel Moore as Music Director.
A full list of the 39th annual nominees can be found on the official Stellar Awards website.
Bethel Music Worship School, a unique 10-day event to be held July 10-19, in Redding, Calif., is open for registration for those aspiring to learn all aspects of worship ministry. The annual event invites worship leaders, songwriters, musicians, and creatives from all backgrounds across the globe to come together, learn, connect and unite in their passion for the local and global church community. Led by the Bethel Music collective, this year’s special guests include Jackie Hill Perry, Bill Johnson, Martin Smith, Natalie Grant, and Nathan Finochio.
Held at Bethel’s main campus, Bethel Music Worship School will offer more than 50+ classes and will feature a curriculum in worship, teaching and ministry. Guided by instructors who are experts in their spheres, the topics will include: worship leading, songwriting, music publishing, instrument and theory, voice, studio production, pastoral leadership, and prophetic worship.
“Worship School is genuinely something I look forward to every year,” says Jenn Johnson, co-founder and president of Bethel Music and Bethel Music Worship School. “My prayer is that above anything else, they would hear the voice of the Lord and steward that in musical form on their instrument or with their worship leading––that they would make Jesus known and live their life to encounter the presence of God and lead other people into the presence of God.”
For over two decades, the Bethel Music Worship School has been a pivotal experience for worship leaders, musicians, and creatives globally. The yearly event transcends the traditional church conference, with an average of almost 1,000 people gathering from the United States and abroad.
Hailing originally from Missouri, now Nashville-based artist, songwriter, and worship leader Micah Christopher has signed with booking agent Jeff Roberts Agency (JRA) as he prepares to release brand-new music. In addition to booking with JRA, he is also managed by BrickHouse Entertainment.
“From our first meeting with Micah, it was readily evident how talented and capable he was to become a special artist in the faith-based genre,” shares Matt Roberts, Jeff Roberts Agency’s General Manager. “He has roots that are tied into the local church and writes songs that come from those authentic experiences. We’re honored and excited to partner with both Brickhouse Entertainment and Micah Christopher.”
BrickHouse Entertainment’s Chase Swayze adds, “Alongside JRA, BrickHouse is excited to be working with Micah Christopher and looking forward to all his future endeavors. We are continually honored to partner with incredible artists like Micah to advance the Gospel through music.”
Micah Christopher served in the local church for more than a decade before following the call to move to Nashville and relocate his family to Music City. His songs have been featured on various radio stations and playlists, and he has performed at conferences, festivals, and churches across the country. His goal is to point people to Jesus through his music and life. Through his partnership with JRA, he will be on the road this summer as part of a special “Community Worship Nights” tour.
JRA services thousands of events annually through all channels, including arena tours, fairs, festivals, youth conventions, conferences, colleges, and club tours, to name a few, while also working diligently with Christian and general market promoters in the U.S. and worldwide.
Micah Christopher is a devoted husband and father of four, and he believes his family is his greatest inspiration and support system.
The multi-artist A New Heaven And A New Earth project is a full-length album slated to release Sept. 6 that celebrates the beauty of God’s Creation and calls believers to be faithful stewards of the earth. It brings recording artists and conservationists together on common ground, each seeing the beauty of the other. More than an album, it’s a conversation.
Prior to the album release, four of the project’s artists, iconic singer/songwriter Phil Joel (Newsboys), awards winning singer / songwriter Jason Gray, Dove Awards-winning, No.1 Billboard–charting, Stellar Award-nominated Aaron Cole, and husband and wife duo, Don and Lori Chaffer of Waterdeep, will perform during a July 23 pre-launch concert being held at St. George’s Church. Additional artists featured on the project will join via video, including GRAMMY-nominated, Dove Award-winning Building 429 lead vocalist Jason Roy, recording artist, actress and producer MŌRIAH, and chart-topping recording artist and songwriter Micah Tyler.
There has never been a project like this, where well-known Christian musicians from various genres each wrote and recorded a song on how taking care of Creation is to glorify God. The artists felt called to the project, and each has a unique story to tell about why they joined and wrote their song.
To date, eight songs and two music videos, Joel’s “Arms Around the World” and MŌRIAH’s “You Mean the World,” have been released from the project representing a diverse set of rock, pop, hip hop, R&B, indie, folk/ Americana and more musical genres. Along with a sizzle reel and two short documentaries from Oslo, Norway and Rome, Italy, the project has also been featured by WSMV TV 4 (NBC Nashville), K-LOVE On Demand, Rapzilla, CCM, Catholic Faith Network, Shout! Outdoor Lifestyle Magazine and many other outlets internationally.
A New Heaven And A New Earth tracks already released include: Roy’s “It’s All Yours;” Joel’s “Arms Around The World;” MŌRIAH’s “You Mean The World;” Cole’s “Together;” Tyler’s “So Will I;” Waterdeep’s “Into the Unseen;” Gray’s “Awestruck (On My Way Home);” and Don Chaffer, Joel, Gray and Roy’s “Our Common Home.”
Church leaders from around the world welcomed “Our Common Home” with joy last fall, declaring, “These artists felt called to express how care for Creation glorifies God.” The note was signed by:
His Eminence Cardinal Peter K.A. Turkson, The Pontifical Academy of Sciences, The Vatican
His Eminence Elder Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon, Ecumenical Patriarchate
The Most Reverend Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury
The Most Reverend Michael Curry, Presiding Bishop & Primate, The Episcopal Church
The Most Reverend Dr. Olav Fykse Tveit, Presiding Bishop, Church of Norway, former General Secretary of the World Council of Churches
The recording also has an intergenerational aspect as several of the artists’ children are integrally involved.
Premier Productions, a leading independent promoter of quality live entertainment around the world, has announced that social media star, Forrest Frank, will be hitting the road with his first headlining tour, the CHILD OF GOD TOUR. The 17-city North American tour will kick off in Charlotte, NC on July 31, 2024 at The Fillmore Charlotte, with stops in major markets including Los Angeles, New York City, Boston, Nashville and Austin. Tour support includes Josiah Queen, nobigdyl., and Antoine Bradford.
“I like to do things when they feel right, and for years touring didn’t seem like where I was supposed to be…until now,” said Forrest Frank. “This one feels right. I can’t wait to take these songs on the road and experience them fully. With a full band, production, & a lot of prayer we’re hoping to bring y’all THE moment of the summer. Trust me, don’t miss the Child of God Tour!”
“It is an honor to announce and be a part of Forrest Frank’s first headlining tour,” said Jacob Reiser, President of Touring Premier Productions / Rush Concerts of LiveCo. “Forrest has already broken the mold of Christian music and to see him share his talent with fans across the country is going to be something to see.”
Forrest Frank tickets go on sale to the public Friday, June 14 at 10am local time. Visit forrestfrank.com for more information.
Independent artist George Case is excited to announce the release of his latest single, “What More Could I Want?,” to Christian radio. This uplifting track, produced and performed by George himself, is a testament to the simple yet profound blessings in everyday life.
“What More Could I Want?” is an acoustically driven song that reflects on the myriad of simple things in life that we often take for granted. With heartfelt lyrics inspired by 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, George sings of the importance of giving thanks in all circumstances, rejoicing always, and praying continually. The song’s catchy, sing-along nature makes it a perfect fit for both Christian AC and Christian Country formats.
In this new release, George’s bluegrass roots shine through. Growing up in the scenic foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, he incorporates the warm, resonant sounds of the Dobro, showcasing his deep connection to the region’s musical heritage. The song is a vibrant celebration of life’s simple pleasures, captured through George’s soulful vocals and masterful instrumentation.
George Case’s journey is as diverse as it is inspiring. From his early years in a small Southern Baptist church near Pickens, SC, to his global military service, George has always maintained a deep faith and passion for music. His previous release, “There is a Place,” resonated with listeners worldwide, garnering over 500K YouTube views and reaching audiences in 111 countries.
After concluding his decade-long service with the SC Army National Guard in 2022, George returned to his musical calling, continuing to lead praise and worship, participate in missionary efforts, and create new music. His life’s experiences, both at home and abroad, enrich his songwriting, offering a unique perspective on faith and gratitude.
With “What More Could I Want?,” George Case invites listeners to roll their windows down, sing along, and reflect on the simple yet profound blessings in their own lives. The song is available on all streaming platforms.
Anxiety. Depression. Suicidal thoughts. Some days can get so dark it feels like there’s no light in sight. But a band in Southern California believes the very darkness they face can give birth to light. It’s their name and the essence of who they are: they’re “Hopeful.”
In 2021, lead vocalist Randy James experienced extreme health complications. After battling an autoimmune disease for nearly a decade, things became even more intense. He was constantly sick, which led to anxiety, depression, and panic attacks. Suicidal thoughts tormented his mind, and he was ready to give up on the music he loved to create. Until God gave him a lyric—and that lyric changed everything for him.
Formed in Oceanside, California, Randy and guitarist Hunter Jackson started recording music together shortly after God gave Randy the lyric that inspired hope. Joining forces with their friends Eddie Bulena, James Barragan, and producer Gable Price (founder of Gable Price and Friends), Hopeful. was born.
The punctuation in their name isn’t an accident. It’s essential to their story. Hopeful. strives to be a rebellion against hopelessness, and the period symbolizes that hope is the end of all discussions. God has changed each of the band members’ lives, giving them strength in their darkest seasons. And now they’re ready to make music that “kicks hopelessness in the teeth.”
“We’re making music because we want our songs to reach people at their darkest moments,” said Randy. “My goal for Hopeful. is that we can reach someone who’s at their breaking point and bring them back on a path of hope.”
Comprised of Randy on lead vocals, Hunter on lead guitar, Eddie on rhythm guitar, and James on drums, Hopeful. is producing “alternative ‘slap depression upside the head’ rock,” according to the band. Their sound is reminiscent of other bands like Switchfoot, Colony House, and The Killers, beginning with the release of their debut EP, When The Turbulence Hits.
Each of the five tracks on the EP was written for one purpose: to provide hope. When The Turbulence Hits begins with “Oxygen Mask,” an alternative rock-driven track encouraging listeners to care for themselves before helping someone else with their metaphorical “oxygen mask.” The second track, “Shipwrecked,” turns inward to when God rescued Randy from another bleak season of his life.
“I wrote some of the lyrics of ‘Shipwrecked’ six or seven years ago,” said Randy. “It was written during a dark time—even darker than that time in 2021. I was backsliding. But I heard God speaking to me, ‘Randy, you don’t close your eyes so you can see or hold your breath so you can breathe.’”
After working with Gable Price on “Shipwrecked,” those lyrics found their way into the catchy pop/rock track featuring Randy’s soaring vocals and the band’s booming electric guitars.
“We’re going to write music about hope, but we’re going to do it in a fun, unique, fresh-sounding way,” said Randy. “Gable has been a huge asset to that.”
Halfway through the EP, “Steady… Steadily” encourages listeners that “everything you’re going through is gonna make you strong.” With an arrangement reminiscent of a Coldplay song, the song has an emotional build-up and a drum and guitar-heavy finish featuring both Randy and Hunter on vocals.
As the record continues, “Pressure” is an upbeat song written by Randy, Hunter, and Bryce Suyenaga (drummer of Jettee). The song was inspired by their individual struggles with anxiety, juxtaposed with the hope of Jesus.
“The bridge is essentially Psalm 23,” said Randy. “We wanted to transition the song to how Jesus met us in our darkest moments and carried us through. Because of that, we’re feeling ‘so much better now.’”
The EP finishes with “Wasting Away,” a stripped-down, acoustic-driven song that wrestles with the frustration and negativity the music industry can bring. It was also inspired by Randy’s struggle with depression, and is a prayer encapsulated with the lyrics, “Please save me, Father, from wasting away.”
For Hopeful., When The Turbulence Hits is only the beginning. They’re currently working on a full-length album, with a new single that will be released by the end of summer. In the meantime, Hopeful. will make their debut at Alive Music Festival in Mineral City, Ohio, on July 19.
GRAMMY Award-nominees Tauren Wells and Danny Gokey announce their fall tour “The Takeback Tour” with special guest Ryan Ellis. Presented by Transparent Productions, tickets are now available for the 12-city tour.
“I’m excited for Danny and I along with Ryan to bring our passion for music and inspiration to every city we visit,” shares Tauren Wells. “Get ready for a tour that will touch your heart, lift your spirits, and leave you feeling empowered!”
“The Takeback Tour” will be a night filled with contagious energy and heartfelt worship, designed to uplift the church and the community beyond. Concertgoers will be moved and inspired by their chart-topping hits including “Take It All Back,” “Known,” “Hills and Valleys,” “Haven’t Seen It Yet,” and “Tell Your Heart to Beat Again,” in addition to brand new songs.
“Ever since Tauren and I toured together back in 2018, I’ve wanted the chance to do it again, not only because we have such a blast but, more importantly, because of our shared heart for impacting people with the love and hope of Jesus through music that is both entertaining and worshipful,” states Danny Gokey. “I’m also a big fan of Ryan Ellis and his music, so I’m excited to have him be with us.”
Ryan Ellis adds, “I’m truly grateful and excited for the opportunity to join such an epic tour with Tauren and Danny this fall! I hope this tour is impactful to everyone who joins us.”
