Capitol Christian Music Group (Capitol CMG) earned 98 nominations for the 54TH Annual GMA Dove Awards, representing honorees in 32 different categories. Top nominees include Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Blessing Offor, Pastor Mike Jr., TobyMac, Kirk Franklin, Jeff Pardo, Ben Glover and Jeff Sojka. Nominees represent all of Capitol CMG’s entities including Capitol CMG Label Group, Motown Gospel, Commercial Partnerships, & Capitol CMG Publishing.

“It’s truly an honor to partner with our talented artists and writers, and we are proud to see them recognized by the Gospel Music Association and their industry peers. Congratulations to each of them on their nominations,” said Capitol Christian Music Group Co-President Brad O’Donnell.

“We’re thrilled to see our artists’ and writers’ creative efforts celebrated with these Dove nominations. We’re proud of their accomplishments, and join the rest of the industry in congratulating them,” echoed O’Donnell’s Co-President, Hudson Plachy.

The GMA Dove Awards Nashville event will be held October 17th, 2023, and will air exclusively on TBN and the TBN app, Friday, October 20th, 2023 8:00p.m. ET and 10:00p.m. ET.

Capitol Christian Music Group GMA Dove Award nominations:

Song of the Year

Fear Is Not My Future (writer: Kirk Franklin) – Publishing
Build A Boat  – Publishing
God Really Loves Us (writers: Crowder, Ben Glover, Jeff Sojka) – Label Group & Publishing
Goodness Of God (writers: Ben Fielding, Ed Cash) – Publishing
Gratitude (writer: Ben Hastings) – Publishing
In Jesus Name (God Of Possible) (writers: Jeff Pardo, Katy Nichole) – Publishing
Same God (writer: Pat Barrett) – Publishing

Songwriter of the Year (Artist)

Kirk Franklin – Publishing

Songwriter of the Year (Non-Artist)

Ben Glover – Publishing
Jeff Pardo – Publishing

New Artist of the Year
Katy Nichole – Publishing
Artist of the Year

Lauren Daigle – Publishing
Producer of the Year

Jeff Pardo – Publishing
Kenneth Leonard – Publishing
Team: Ben Glover and Jeff Sojka – Publishing
Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year

“Brother Jack,” Gable Price and Friends – Label Group & Publishing
Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year

“Brighter Days,” Blessing Offor (writer: Blessing Offor) – Label Group & Publishing
“Thank God I Do,” Lauren Daigle – Publishing
“God Is In This Story,” Katy Nichole, ft. Big Daddy Weave (producer: Jeff Pardo) – Publishing

Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year

“Miracles,” Kierra Sheard, ft. Pastor Mike Jr. – Label Group
“Get Up,” Tye Tribbett – Label Group
“Bless Me,” Kirk Franklin – Publishing

Gospel Worship Recorded Song Of The Year 

“Impossible,” Pastor Mike Jr., ft. James Fortune – Label Group
“The Moment (Live),” Tasha Cobbs Leonard – Label Group & Publishing

Traditional Gospel Recorded Song Of The Year

“It Is Well,” Tasha Cobbs Leonard – Label Group & Publishing
Children’s Recorded Song of the Year

“Sounding Joy,” Ellie Holcomb – Label Group & Publishing
“The Fruit of the Spirit,” Worship Together Kids, Terryl Padilla, John Roberts – Label Group & Publishing

Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year

“Jesus What A Lovely Name,” Gaither Vocal Band – Publishing & Commercial Partnerships
“Christ Our Hope in Life and Death,” Keith & Kristyn Getty, Michael W. Smith – Commercial Partnerships

Southern Gospel Recorded Song of the Year

“There Is a Mountain,” Gaither Vocal Band – Publishing & Commercial Partnerships
“One Name,” Jeff & Sheri Easter, ft. The Sound – Commercial Partnerships

Worship Recorded Song of the Year

“Honey In The Rock (Live),” Brooke Ligertwood, Brandon Lake – Label Group & Publishing
“Holy Forever,” Chris Tomlin – Label Group & Publishing
“Fear Is Not My Future (Radio Version),”  Maverick City Music ft. Brandon Lake and Chandler Moore – Publishing
“Gratitude,” Brandon Lake – Publishing
“This Is Our God,” Phil Wickham – Publishing

Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year

“Everyone Loves A Comeback Story,” Social Club Misfits – Label Group & Publishing

Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year

“The Consequence of Being Alive,” Gable Price and Friends – Label Group & Publishing
“Dominion: Day of Destiny,” Skillet – Publishing

Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year

“My Tribe,” Blessing Offor – Label Group & Publishing
“Jesus Changed My Life,” Katy Nichole – Publishing
“Life After Death,”  TobyMac – Label Group & Publishing
“Always Only Jesus,”  MercyMe – Publishing
“A Hundred Highways,”  Zach Williams – Publishing

Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year 

“Impossible,” Pastor Mike Jr. – Label Group
“All Things New,” Tye Tribbett – Label Group
“Kingdom Book One (Deluxe),” Maverick City Music, Kirk Franklin – Publishing
Inspirational Album of the Year

“Christ Our Hope in Life and Death,”  Keith & Kristyn Getty – Commercial Partnerships

Southern Gospel Album of the Year

“Believe,” The Hoppers – Commercial Partnerships

Bluegrass/Country/Roots Album of the Year

“Treasure,” Jeff & Sheri Easter – Commercial Partnerships

Traditional Gospel Album of the Year

“Transitions (Live),” Brian Courtney Wilson – Label Group & Publishing
“I Go To The Rock,” Whitney Houston – Commercial Partnerships

Worship Album of the Year

“God Is Good! (Live),” Cody Carnes – Label Group & Publishing
“Lion: Live From The Loft,” Elevation Worship – Publishing
“Lamb Of God,” Matt Redman – Publishing

Gospel Worship Album of the Year

“Closer Than You Think,” Jonathan Traylor – Label Group & Publishing
“Hymns (Live),” Tasha Cobbs Leonard – Label Group & Publishing

Children’s Album of the Year

“I Am Not My Own,” The Getty Girls – Commercial Partnerships

Christmas/Special Event Album of the Year

“The Manger,” Anne Wilson – Label Group & Publishing
“Milk & Cookies: A Merry Crowder Christmas,” Crowder – Label Group & Publishing
“Sing: Christmas Songs,” Ellie Holcomb – Label Group & Publishing

Recorded Music Packaging of the Year

“TAYA,” TAYA – Label Group & Publishing

Short Form Video (Performance)

“The Goodness,” TobyMac, Blessing Offor – Label Group & Publishing
“Holy Forever,” Jenn Johnson – Publishing

Short Form Video of the Year (Concept)

“Cornerstone,” TobyMac, ft. Zach Williams – Label Group & Publishing
“Thank God I Do,” Lauren Daigle – Publishing

Long form Video of the Year

“God Is Good! (Live),” Cody Carnes – Label Group & Publishing
“I’ve Witnessed It (Live),” Passion – Label Group & Publishing
“The Way,” Kathie Lee Gifford – Commercial Partnerships
“Come Up Here,”  Bethel Music – Publishing

Feature Film of the Year

Jesus Revolution – Commercial Partnerships

“Chase down the silver lining, we’re gonna find a way,” lead singer Bear Rinehart of multi-platinum rock band NEEDTOBREATHE recites on their newest single, “Hideaway,” released.

Co-written by Rinehart and notable Nashville songwriters Trent Dabbs and John-Luke Carter, “Hideaway” is a catchy, uplifting track that will resonate with listeners that have ever felt tired, beaten down or alone.

Described as “hopeful and joyful” (Rolling Stone) and as “delivering a passion through their music that leaves their fans feeling like they’ve just climbed down from a mountain” (Forbes) the comforting message of “Hideaway” encourages resiliency through the hard times.

It’s also what initiated the recording process for the band’s new album CAVES. “We traveled to Utah to do pre-production on some new songs and ‘Hideaway’ came together in a really magical way,” NEEDTOBREATHE explains, “It’s one of our favorite moments on the record.”

Due out September 15, CAVES is a collection of awe-inspiring melodies, breathtaking instrumentation and epic-scale energy, giving the band’s soul-probing approach a bigger, more expansive new scope––one that American Songwriter writes is “brimming with anthemic, arena-worthy sounds” and has “larger-than-life productions.”

NEEDTOBREATHE Debuts “Hideaway”

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https://youtube.com/watch?v=r9Q20pEbbwc%3Ffeature%3Doembed

The album features a diverse lineup of special guests, including country hitmakers Carly Pearce and Old Dominion, Northern Irish singer-songwriter Foy Vance and alternative rock band Judah & The Lion, who will be touring with NEEDTOBREATHE this fall.

CAVES was written in two post-pandemic phases – first during their aforementioned getaway in Utah, where the group was finally able to get together again, and then again after they returned to the road, re-acclimating to massive crowds alongside OneRepublic. The making of the album was captured in a two-part documentary “A World Without A Mirror: The Making of CAVES”.

CAVES Tracklist
1. The Cave
2. Everknown
3. How Wonderful We Are
4. Dreams (ft. Judah & The Lion)
5. When You Forgive Someone
6. Wasting Time (ft. Old Dominion)
7. Fall On Me (ft. Carly Pearce)
8. Hideaway
9. By and By
10. Reaching Out To Find You
11. Temporary Tears (ft. Foy Vance)

Jeremy Parsons’ latest single, “Life Worth Dyin’ For,” is a beautiful and heartfelt fusion of country and electronic music, creating an uplifting and invigorating sonic experience. The song features Parsons’ signature gravelly country-style vocals, accompanied by a unique blend of acoustic and electronic elements that help to add texture and depth to the track.

Parsons’ vocal delivery is simply breathtaking, capturing an emotional vulnerability that resonates with listeners. The song’s production also deserves recognition as it seamlessly combines elements of both country and electronic music to create an immersive sonic journey.

At its core, “Life Worth Dyin’ For” carries a universal message of living life to its fullest without the fear of death. Lyrically and musically, the song is moving and inspiring. It serves as a gentle reminder to embrace the small moments and cherish the journey of life.

In conclusion, Jeremy Parsons’ “Life Worth Dyin’ For” is a captivating and uplifting single. It is a great example of how country and electronic music can be blended together to create unique musical
experiences. Anyone looking for an inspiring anthem to help them embrace life should give this single a listen. www.jeremyparsonsmusic.com

See Your Shadow are back with a new single that hit the top of the National Radio Hits airplay chart.  “Whatever on the Rocks” is a powerful Country and Americana track that has already shot up the
charts. The song showcases the band’s signature sound as well as some wonderful songwriting.

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The instrumentals of “Whatever on the Rocks” provide a great platform for the song’s lyrics. The guitar and drums create a mellow yet driven atmosphere that perfectly complements the topic at hand. The whole track has a delightful Country twang that makes it even more enjoyable to listen to.

The lyrics of the song are what makes it so potent. The song tells the story of someone struggling to cope with life’s difficulties and turning to alcohol as a means of escape. Although it’s not a pleasant situation, it’s one that many people can relate to.

The lyrics are incredibly deep yet are still presented in a simple and effective manner. They capture the feeling of being trapped with nowhere to go and evoke a powerful emotion in the listener.

“Whatever on the Rocks” is a great representation of See Your Shadow’s songwriting and sound. The track is both catchy and meaningful, making it a perfect single to showcase the band’s talents. It’s sure to be a hit with Country fans and an essential addition to any music lover’s playlist.

Gary Pratt’s new single ‘Til Your Boots Are Dirty’ is an inspiring ode to the simple country lifestyle that definitely packs a punch! With heavy guitar riffs and his signature deep, gravelly voice, Gary’s lyrics run
the gamut from smokin’ tires and makin’ mud pies to embodying Southern hospitality and lookin’ out for your neighbors.

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The song is high-energy from the beginning, and even when the chorus repeats, it doesn’t lose its intensity. Not to mention, the bridge takes a bit of a breather before diving right back into the chorus, which adds an extra layer of interest and texture to the song.

Overall, ‘Til Your Boots are Dirty’ is a great single that’s sure to be a hit with all the country rockers out there! It’s got all the classic elements of country music (guitars, twangy vocals, and a solid rhythm)
but with a modern spin. This one is sure to be a staple for years to come!

Multi-award-winning Canadian artist and songwriter Jordan St. Cyr releases the official music video for “Rescue” (BEC Recordings).

St. Cyr, who penned the song with Jonathan Gamble and Justin Amundrud, shares, “‘Rescue’ was inspired by a two-week season where it felt like my family and I were being attacked on all sides.

It started with the news of our youngest daughter potentially having eye surgery, our oldest daughter breaking her leg, myself losing a record deal, our youngest daughter battling seizures, our car breaking down twice, and all six of us getting food poisoning.

Life felt impossible but the promise of Jesus held true. When things got chaotic our rescue was His peace. He is the calm in the storm and his faithfulness never left us. Not even once.”

Jordan St. Cyr “Rescue” Music Video

Stream & Enjoy

https://youtube.com/watch?v=CAxSyMnGiDs%3Ffeature%3Doembed

“Elohim,” the latest offering from dynamic gospel music minister, Fabian Nwafor is out now! This vibrant praise song is available now on all major music streaming platforms, delivering a powerful and heartfelt expression of praise that exalts the greatness of God.

In “Elohim,” Fabian Nwafor showcases his extraordinary musical prowess and anointed vocals, inviting listeners on a soul-stirring journey of adoration and reverence for our matchless Elohim. Through melodious verses and an infectious chorus, the song magnifies the power and majesty of God, evoking a sense of awe and wonder in the hearts of all who hear it.

Fabian Nwafor’s passion for crafting authentic and spirit-filled music is evident in “Elohim,” as he skillfully weaves together heartfelt lyrics with uplifting melodies. This praise anthem not only inspires listeners to lift their voices in worship but also encourages them to draw closer to the one true God.

“‘Elohim’ is a song of utmost praise and devotion to our God,” says Fabian Nwafor. “My desire is for this song to ignite a fire of worship in the hearts of everyone who listens, bringing them into a deeper encounter with the matchless greatness of our Elohim.”

“Elohim” is available now on all music streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.

Let this vibrant praise song uplift your spirit and lead you to a place of heartfelt praise and adoration.

“Elohim” was produced by Lowkeyz.

Elohim – Fabian Nwafor

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One Hallelujah Records releases the theme song for the 71st Annual Convention of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) tagged “Beyond Expectations,” while featuring Oba, Enkay Ogboruche, Moses Onofeghara, and Beejay Sax.

This is a song of faith-affirming and encouraging our trust in God and His word to do above and beyond anything we can ask or think.

The song is the theme song for the 71st Annual Convention of The Redeemed Christian Church of God starting from the 8th to the 14th of August, 2023, at the Redemption City in Ogun State.

The song was written by Moses Onofeghara and produced by Spicy Chordz.

Beyond Expectations – One Hallelujah Feat. Oba, Enkay Ogboruche, Moses Onofeghara & Beejay Sax

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Ghanaian contemporary gospel music artist Queendalyn Yurglee shows up with her latest project for the year 2023, this brand new Ep by the worship leader is titled The Birth EP.

A five-track project birthed from a place of intimacy with the word of God. The songs on the Birth Ep include:

● WOTIM HO DAA (You remain the same)

● HONHOM KRONKRON (Holy Ghost) Ft Diana Hopeson, Abaawa Connie

● HOLD MY HANDS (Extended Version)

● IZURU (You deserve the praise) FT Mike Aremu

● COME AND SEE FT Akesse Brempong

To ensure top-notch production quality, Queendalyn enlisted the expertise of renowned music-inclined individuals. Track 1- 4 recorded by Mordecai. Mixed and mastered by popular music producer Francis Osei, Track 5 was produced by the famous LaxioBeats.  

The Birth EP also features some top music leaders like Akesse Brempong, Mike Aremu, Abaawa Connie, and Diana Hopeson. Queendalyn is excited to share the heart and sound of The Birth Ep with listeners worldwide.

The EP kicks off with an amazing song of reverence and love for God in “You Remain the Same” WOTIM HO DAA

WOTIM HO DAA: Translated as “You Remain The Same”, eulogizes the greatness of God in one major phrase, His ability to remain the same hence His never changing nature from generation to generation, A beautiful contemporary worship piece. 

This song is an experience that will leave you saturated in the awareness of the Unshakable, Immovable, and Unchangeable Mightiness of God. My prayer is that this song will bring you a Godly encounter and an inner chamber worship experience. Queendalyn added 

It moves on next to “HONHOM KRONKRON (Holy Ghost) Featuring Diana Hopeson, Abaawa Connie

HONHOM KRONKRON (Holy Ghost): “Holy Spirit ” emphasizes the greatness of God and the gift of the holy spirit as our helper. 

I have been a rounded beneficiary of the great assistance and empowerment the Holy Spirit gives to us, this song depicts the need to depend on the Holy Spirit in all spheres. Diana Hopeson and Abaawa Connie, who have walked longer in this call, were the perfect people to bring their experience lyrically and depth to interpreting this song into reality. There are three generations of Musi,c and I am super privileged to have done this with them, She shares.

Depicting a journey with God is track three, titled “Hold My Hands”.

“Hold My Hands”: In this song, Queendalyn shares her testimony! Through it all God has never left my side, He has held my hands through the storm, the fires, and the turbulence. Hold my hands was inspired by Deuteronomy 31:8. A song many can relate to. 

Hold my hands brings back the lovable Queendalyn’s sound and vocals, and so does the fourth track, “IZURU (You deserve the praise) FT Mike Aremu”.

IZURU (You deserve the praise): Featuring world-renowned Gospel Saxophone Minister Mike Aremu. Izuru Is a Soul ballad that means “you are worthy. The inspiration is born from spotlighting the majestic nature of God and Declaring him worthy of every praise.

The Birth Ep rounds up with “Come and See”, a praise upbeat anthem.

Come and See: Tapping into the Amapiano wave creating a fine blend with Afro Gospel and Praise-worship music while inspiring and entertaining believers, Come and See is an Amapiano song of testimony and praise featuring Akesse Brempong.

The song draws its inspiration from the powerful Bible verse Psalm 66: 4-5, which reminds listeners of God’s good deeds to mankind. “All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing the praises of your name.” Come and see what God has done, his awesome deeds for mankind!”

A great vibe on this track is Akesse Brempong, who is known for his unique blend of traditional and contemporary styles of music. I felt he would be the right person to compliment my vocal tone and deliver. Queendalyn added.

Overall, the BIRTH EP is an intentional music offering with a unified theme that seeks to uplift and stirs you to praise and worship.

The Birth – Queendalyn Yurglee

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A Nigerian gospel saxophonist Adebola Shammah just released a melodious Anthem of praise titled “Praise Montage”.

This medley is in reference to God Almighty, with praise, worship, and honor to the one and only true God for all the big, great, and mighty things he has done.

Praise elevates God from his throne and blesses people quickly and without delay. The key to the heart of God is praise.

This inspirational medley is now available on all social media Platforms.

Praise Montage – Adebola Shammah

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