Canadian Roots Rocker Cory M. Coons Releases New Single and Video Ahead of Retrospective Compilation Album

Cory M. Coons is a highly decorated Canadian singer and songwriter, from Ottawa, Ontario. With an immense discography, including several international iTunes chart-toppers, Cory has collaborated with notable musicians and platinum-selling producers over the years.

Closing off 2022 with a prominent Christmas single, a song featuring a vocal from his daughter, Cory is Kicking off 2023 with a new single and lyric video, “Trail of the Chosen One.” The single comes one week ahead of Coons’ singles and album tracks retrospective, “Across The Great Divide,” releasing on February 10th

Trail of the Chosen One – Cory M Coons

ABOUT CORY M. COONS:

 Cory M. Coons is a professional independent performer, musician, and award-winning songwriter from Eastern Ontario, Canada, just south of Ottawa. With over 30 years of experience in music, traveling and performing in popular cover bands through the ’90s in both Ontario and the United States in high-energy acts such as “Heads Or Tales”, as well as the band “U.S”, (which toured the South Eastern US in 98′).

Then later formed his own Classic-Melodic Rock band “Tycoons”, releasing two independent recordings and performing throughout Eastern Ontario, Northern NY State, and Quebec in the 2000s.

Cory has amassed more than 300,000 plays on Spotify for his melodic brand of roots-flavored rock. His work with legendary record producer Ron Nevison has earned him industry recognition from the Los Angeles Music Awards, the Producer’s Choice Honors, The Josie Music Awards, International Singer-Songwriter Association, and the Radio Music Awards, among others.

With a catalog that boasts several critically-acclaimed full-length albums and EPs, as well as a handful of well-received singles since 2004′.

In recent years he released the album “The Long Road Home” in 2018, produced by Multi-Platinum Veteran Music Producer Ron Nevison, (Heart, Bad Company, Damn Yankees, Survivor, Styx, Night Ranger).

The album was nominated in 2019 for “Male Album Of The Year” at the “Josie Music Awards”, and he as well had 4 nominations at the 2020 JMA, 3 more in 2021, and was nominated at the 2022 JMA event again in two categories, “E.p of the Year”, & “Single of the Year” (Americana) for his song Freedom Road. Cory also earned a nomination at the 2021 “International Singer Songwriter Association” (ISSA) Awards 2021 for “International Male Vocalist of the Year”.

www.corymcoons.com

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Preeminent Christian music booking agency Faith Artist Agency launches speaker division, including members of Kutless

 Faith Artist Agency, an industry-leading Christian music booking agency, has announced the addition of a speaker division. The roster of speakers includes Jon Micah Sumrall (Kutless), James Mead (Kutless), Ryan Ries (The Whosoevers), Grace Graber and Trevor Tyson (Trevor Talks).

“I am excited for this new chapter for Faith Artist Agency!” agency founder Brandy Wahlman shares. “For years we have been able to partner with some of the most talented, ministry-focused artists in the music industry. Adding a speaker division is the next natural step in furthering our mission to meet people where they are with the hope and love of Christ.”

In alignment with that mission, several of the speakers offer evangelistic messages. Ryan Ries is one such speaker, bringing well over a decade of evangelism experience to the table through his role as cofounder of The Whosoevers movement. Jon Micah Sumrall and James Mead of Kutless also have extensive evangelism experience, both in the United States and abroad.

But the Faith Artist Agency speaker roster also offers diversity, with speakers like Grace Graber and Trevor Talks sharing messages about mental health and healing. 

“I am grateful to be partnering with speakers who are fearless in discussing difficult topics such as mental health, addiction, and navigating the challenges and triumphs of their Christian walks,” Wahlman says. “I hope that as we partner with churches, conferences, universities and ministries, our speakers can use their platforms to let people that they are not alone.”

The speaker lineup complements an outstanding roster of artists and bands. For 2023 appearances alone, Faith Artist Agency is currently booking Kutless, Jon Micah Sumrall solo dates, Disciple, Honor & Glory, The Protest, Ashes Remain, Trampolines and Grace Graber.

To see the full Faith Artist Agency lineup, visit faabooking.com. To book a speaker or band for your event, contact info[at]faabooking.com or call (833) 293 8814.

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Syntax Creative Reaches Platinum Status as Spotify Preferred Provider

It’s official. Syntax Creative has earned the highest honor Spotify awards for digital distributors — Platinum status for its preferred provider program.

“Preferred providers meet our highest standards for providing quality metadata and protecting against infringement,” says Jennifer Masset, Spotify Global Head of Indies.

“We couldn’t have done this without Brandon Musser, our VP of Operations,” Syntax Creative CEO Timothy Trudeau says. “He’s been a part of Syntax since the beginning when we had to manually encode everything and deliver it with an FTP client. He was creating standards before any existed.”

Syntax’s journey with Spotify began in 2011, the same year Spotify launched in the U.S.

Syntax was one of, if not the first North American content provider to do a direct deal with the up-and-coming streaming giant.

“Twenty-five years later, we’re still independent,” Trudeau says. “We’ve long embraced mixing our old school sensibilities with new technology. For our clients, being direct with Spotify means better access and less hands in the pot—and while everyone else is focused on scaling, we’re still hand-picking the clients we work with.”

“I’m honored to play a part in this meaningful milestone,” Musser says. “Spotify is one of the top digital service providers that we send our clients’ music to, so it means a lot for Spotify to affirm that we’re doing something right.”

Syntax Creative is one of the top independent digital distributors, design firms, and marketing agencies, representing more than 150 record labels. Their impressive list of clientele includes Crossroads Label Group, Cross Movement Records, CLG Music & Media, Elevation Church, Pinecastle Recording Company, Illect Recordings, Central South Distribution, Mountain Fever Music Group, Woodlands Church, and Rapzilla among others. To learn more, visit https://syntaxcreative.com.

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World Renowned Music Duo Keith & Kristyn Getty Nominated for 2023 Grammy® Award for Confessio – Irish American Roots

Keith & Kristyn Getty Earn First GRAMMY® Nomination for Confessio – Irish American Roots, Best Roots Gospel Album.

Confessio – Irish American Roots traces the Gettys’ journey back to their native homeland to explore the connection between Ireland’s enduring faith music heritage and its legacy in America.

The album was recorded on the North Coast of Ireland during the lockdowns and showcases 15 modern and timeless hymns, highlighting traditional Irish melodies and instrumentation, while also featuring performances by a musically diverse array of stellar guests including multiple GRAMMY-winning artists such as Alison Krauss, Kirk Whalum and bluegrass icon Ricky Skaggs.

The Getty’s songs are sung by an estimated 100 million+ people each year. As ambassadors of hymn writing, the Gettys have performed for presidents and prime ministers, and their annual national hymn tour and Christmas tour regularly sell out venues such as The Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall.

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In 2017, Keith was honored as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

“We made this album when we were home with our daughters in Northern Ireland during Covid,” said Keith and Kristyn Getty. “It was our love letter to the land of our birth: the place that gave the origins and the meaning to why we write hymns, from its first hymn writer St. Patrick and his ‘Confession,’ to many beloved modern hymns. We are honored by this GRAMMY® nomination and we hope the project shines a greater light on the Christian heritage of the West, the importance of hymn singing, and the irresistible beauty of the Lord Jesus.”

The 65th GRAMMY® Awards, will air live on Sunday, Feb. 5, from Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena, and it will broadcast live on the CBS Television Network and stream live and on-demand on Paramount+ at 8-11:30 p.m. ET / 5-8:30 p.m. PT+. The Best Roots Gospel Album category is for albums containing greater than 50% playing time of newly recorded, vocal, traditional/roots gospel music, including country, Southern gospel, bluegrass, and Americana recordings.

For more information on Keith & Kristyn Getty please visit: www.gettymusic.com

About Keith & Kristyn Getty

Keith and Kristyn Getty have been called the “preeminent” hymn writers of this generation who have “changed the way evangelicals worship.” Their hymn “In Christ Alone,” written with Stuart Townend, is one of the most-sung hymns in the world, estimated to be sung by over 100 million people each year.

As ambassadors of hymn writing, the Gettys have performed for presidents and prime ministers, and their annual national hymn tour and Christmas tour regularly sell out venues such as The Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall. In 2017, Keith was honored as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, marking the first time the award has been given to an individual in the world of contemporary church music.

Since its founding, Getty Music, has expanded to include a publishing company of modern hymn writers, a record label, touring company, online learning company, charitable foundation and an annual “Sing” Conference & Festival which welcomes over 15,000 people to Nashville. Keith & Kristyn live between Nashville and Northern Ireland with their four daughters.

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A Shimmering Glimmer of Hope and Peace amid Turmoil – Priests of Melchizedek Inspire with New Christian Single

An empowering Christian single, the Priests of Melchizedek’s newest drop, “Upon All People” is one which takes audiences through a whirlwind of emotions. The emotion-fueled, layered single enunciates a string of heartening messages, based on the scripture.

The mellow and poignant single, “Upon All People” remains part of the Priests of Melchizedek’s record and features songwriting which is unmatched. Rooted within Christian messages, the new single is an upbeat and uplifting single which truly expresses the artist’s love and devotion towards the Lord.

His passionate and inspirational record is dedicated to Ziggy Sigmund- the late member of the band who quit Econoline Crush and joined Edwin’s band- the Priests of Melchizedek. However, the talented icon passed away before he could play on the album. The new composition’s release date coincides with the day the coroner proclaimed the death of Ziggy Sigmund.

“Upon All People” departs from the soul-stirring writing of the scripture from the prophecy in Joel 2 and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the latter-day rain.

“People love my music because it brings them peace in the midst of the storm. Obviously, I am a Christian and my relationship with Jesus defines who I am. as it does with each member of the band,” says the artist regarding his musical craft.

The Priests of Melchizedek are hopeful that their collective efforts will prove to be transformative in the lives of their many fans. The artists are hoping that their work will be turned into a ministry and their efforts will resonate among all who are engrossed by his craft.

Stream The Priests of Melchizedek’s new single, “Upon All People” on the artists’ official music streaming platforms. Follow the band on social media and contact him through email for interviews, reviews, and/or collaborations.

ABOUT

A driving force behind The Priests of Melchizedek, Edwin is a singer-songwriter who is missing half of the first 3 fingers of his left hand but despite all hardships has continued to persevere. The artist has written over 250 songs that can be heard by all kinds of audiences. Returning to music from a 25-year hiatus, The Priests of Melchizedek frontrunner has written over 250 powerful songs in 10-12 years. His band continues to support him on each project and each of them brings to the table a distinctive and skillful set of sounds. Together, Edwin and his fellow artists have sculpted a unique name and an interesting Christian Progressive Rock sound for the band.

Edwin’s disability does not hamper him from creating good music and considering the brilliant trajectory he has been on, audiences can expect nothing short of greatness.

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Gaither Vocal Band Delivers ‘Love Songs’ For Valentine’s Day

The Gaither Vocal Band brings their time-tested, GRAMMY-winning talents to Love Songs — a new EP out today via Gaither Music Group.

Delivered just in time for Valentine’s Day, the five-member group has recorded beautiful renditions of some of their favorite, classic love songs as an expression of adoration for their wives, who have supported and encouraged them through everyday life and amidst busy touring schedules.

On Love Songs, Bill Gaither, Wes Hampton, Adam Crabb, Todd Suttles and Reggie Smith — who’ve earned a 2023 GRAMMY nomination for Best Roots Gospel Album for 2022’s Let’s Just Praise The Lord — combine their unmistakable harmonies for sweet interpretations of these treasured standards, celebrating and honoring the women who stand beside them daily.

Bill Gaither and Gordon Mote produced Love Songs. Videos accompanying the EP’s six tracks will be released throughout the month of February on the Gaither Music TV YouTube channel, the Gaither Music Facebook page, Apple Music and other video streaming platforms.

Purchase/stream/download Love Songs here: https://gaithermusic.lnk.to/LoveSongs

Love Songs – Gaither Vocal Band

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[Download] Victorious – Promise Keeper

Gospel artist Promise Keeper, known for his powerful music and inspiring messages, has just released his latest track “Victorious.” This new addition to Promise Keeper’s discography is a praise-filled and upbeat declaration of faith, reminding believers of the victory they have in God.

Born and raised in Abia and Adamawa, later residing in Onitsha in Anambra before moving to Abuja, Promise Keeper is a graduate of Political Science from Abia State University. With his music, he seeks to inspire and uplift listeners, reminding them of their strength through their faith.

“Victorious” is now available on all major digital stores and is sure to become a staple in Christian worship and praise music. With its spirit-filled sound, “Victorious” is a powerful reminder of the victory we have in God and the strength we receive through our faith.

Victorious – Promise Keeper

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[Music Video] Jesus Changed My Life – Katy Nichole

Centricity Music’s Billboard Chartbreaker Katy Nichole shares the official music video for “Jesus Changed My Life,” which can be viewed below.

Last month, Nichole announced her full-length album debut, Jesus Changed My Life, will release globally on Feb. 24 and is available now for pre-add / pre-save / pre-order at digital and streaming outlets globally through https://fanlink.to/JCMLKN.

The 11-song recording features Nichole’s record-breaking No. 1 single, “In Jesus Name (God of Possible),” top-charting hit, “God Is In This Story,” never-before-released “Please,” which is available for immediate download, the album’s title track that encapsulates the heart of every song on the upcoming album, and more.

Jesus Changed My Life – Katy Nichole

One of the most successful breakout artists of 2022, Nichole’s music is connecting with a worldwide audience. Her prayer-song, “In Jesus Name (God of Possible),” became the biggest single this decade on the Billboard Hot Christian Songs chart, holding 20-weeks at No. 1 followed by three more weeks on top with her second single, “God Is In This Story.”

Along with being No. 1 on this chart for 44 percent of 2022, she also topped six Billboard Year in Music, the No. 1s issue radio and sales categories.

She further garnered nominations for an American Music Award and a Dove Award (co-hosting and performing on the GMA Dove Awards Pre-Telecast) plus received a K-LOVE Fan Award and made her Grand Ole Opry debut.

Launching into 2023 with this momentum, Nichole wrote the title track of Jesus Changed My Life with GRAMMY Award-winning Jonathan Smith and Dove Award-winning Benji Cowart.

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Steven Curtis Chapman Signs With One:eight entertainment; Readies For Spring Tour

It was announced that Steven Curtis Chapman, the most-awarded artist in Christian music history, has signed with one:eight entertainment for management representation. The news was exclusively shared courtesy of Billboard.

“I’m very blessed to have been surrounded and supported by great people throughout my career, and I couldn’t have hoped for a better team around me for this new season,” says Steven Curtis Chapman, a five-time GRAMMY Award winner and recipient of the BMI Icon Award.

one:eight entertainment is helmed by industry veteran Greg Ham. In his outstanding career, Ham has served as former President/CEO of ForeFront Records and most recently as a partner in the MWS Group, representing Michael W. Smith, CeCe Winans, and Olympian Scott Hamilton, among others. Ham and his team at one:eight entertainment will continue to represent these clients along withaward-winning producer/director Robert Deaton and artist/worship leader Charity Gayle.

Chapman adds, “Greg, who has been a long-time valued friend, brings years of seasoned wisdom and unrivaled knowledge and experience, and Alex, who has been a part of my management team for the last several years, brings great passion and energy. The whole team is world-class and I’m honored and excited to work with them!” Chapman was formerly managed by The Stable Collective following his 28 year-partnership with Creative Trust.

stevencurtisoneeight
one:eight entertainment is (L-R): Derek Spirk, Alex Whiten, Steven Curtis Chapman, Madeline Halm, Greg Ham
photo by Jacob Stillman;

“We are thrilled that Steven has entrusted this season to one:eight for his management,” Greg Ham shares. “It’s been a privilege to call him a friend for many years and we are excited to see what this collaboration will produce.”

The news comes on the heels of Chapman’s latest project, Still, out now courtesy of Provident Entertainment/Sony Music. With his new songs, Chapman openly shares a willingness to shine a light on his pain and struggles, as well as his faith, joy, redemption, and hope. He says, “After a lot of wrestling, I finally had to just block out the questions about what felt or sounded relevant, or how is new music from me going to fit in the current landscape of Christian music. I had to silence those voices in my head, sit down with my guitar, and sort of give myself permission to just write whatever was stirring in me, let it come out however it came out.”

The album’s first radio single, “Don’t Lose Heart,” was inspired by Chapman’s own journey through the shadowed valley of grief and loss that he and his family have traveled. Its hopeful yet unmasked honesty and truth have quickly connected with listeners and have taken the song up the radio charts, which is currently at No. 9 on Billboard‘s Christian Airplay chart.

Eager to share the new songs live, Chapman is hitting the road this spring on his 24-city “Still Tour.” Kicking off March 2 in Springfield, Missouri, be sure to check out the most updated tour schedule  HERE.

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Brothers Of The Heart To Perform On The Opry February 7

Congratulations to Brothers of the Heart (Jimmy Fortune, Bradley Walker, Mike Rogers, and Ben Isaacs)! Their sophomore album, Listen To The Music, is #1 on the Billboard Christian album chart following its January 20th release, #5 on the overall Christian chart (including digital streaming), and #32 on Billboard‘s overall album chart.

The album’s accompanying Listen To The Music live performance TV special, hosted by The Statler Brothers’ Don Reid and filmed at The Opry’s iconic Studio A, premiered street week on numerous networks including RFD-TV, TBN and UPtv.

The Brothers will celebrate their new record with a performance on the Grand Ole Opry on Tuesday, February 7 at 7 PM CT. Tickets are available for purchase here.

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