GRAMMY winning multi-platinum group Casting Crowns re-imagines “Desert Road” with award-winning sibling trio CAIN. “Desert Road” was originally released on Casting Crowns’ 2022 Healer album.
The new version of “Desert Road” is available now to stream/download and the official lyric video can be seen below.
Forrest Frank releases “No Longer Bound” feat. Hulvey.
The official audio can be heard below. “No Longer Bound” is available now.
Five-time GRAMMY-nominated, eight-time Dove Award-winning Brandon Heath releases “That’s Enough” to radio following his sixth No. 1 hit “See Me Through It.” Both songs are featured on his first full-length, Centricity Music album, Enough Already, which likely would not have been written and recorded if it wasn’t for “That’s Enough” becoming the catalyst for new music.
In 2019, Heath was ready to be done with his career as an artist. One of the last remaining engagements on his calendar was an event with KLJY Joy 99.1 FM that the station broadcasted live. On a whim during the event, Heath played “That’s Enough,” a song that he had just written and planned to pitch to another artist to record.
The next morning, the station replayed the song from the previous night and listeners began calling the station. When the song’s impact continued, KLJY’s Sandi Brown contacted Heath, telling him that he needed to be the one to record the song. This experience lit a creative fire in Heath that ultimately led to him signing a new record deal with Centricity Music and writing a set of songs that became Enough Already.
Leaning into the album’s central theme, the award-winning artist breaks down the core elements of belief in “That’s Enough,” reminding listeners: You are here. You are loved. God is good, and that’s enough. “When it gets down to it, the Gospel’s really simple,” Heath offers. “So when God asks us to have a childlike faith, I think He really means it.”
“By now most of us have probably seen the meme conveying that ‘Adulthood is saying, ‘After this week, things will slow down a bit’ over and over until you die’,’” muses Kris Love, Centricity Music’s Sr. Director of National Promotion. “Every day, there’s a car breaking down, a kid with a project due, bills to pay, a house thing to fix, a doctor’s appointment to schedule, meals to make, laundry to fold. It just feels like so much weight to carry. ‘That’s Enough’ is a song that gives the listener a moment to catch their breath; to rest in the fact that they are loved by God.”
Releasing a concept video for the song and singing it last fall on the Grand Ole Opry stage and on Huckabee, Heath recorded “That’s Enough” with GRAMMY-nominated producer Jeff Pardo. He also recorded select Enough Already songs with GRAMMY-nominated producer Jordan Sapp plus Kyle Williams (We Are Messengers), Apollo LTD and Christian Hale while Doug Weier, Nick Rad and five-time GRAMMY-winner Dave Clauss mixed select tracks. He further co-wrote songs with Paul Duncan, Ross King, Jonathan Smith, Mallary Hope, Molly Reed Grayson, Heather Morgan and GRAMMY Award-winning Ran Jackson.
JJ Heller releases new music with “You’re The One I Want.” The track was written by Heller, David Heller, and Cason Cooley.
The official audio can be heard below. “You’re The One I Want” is available now.
Gotee Records’ Cochren & Co. released their debut album, Don’t Lose Hope, two years ago to much acclaim and radio airplay. Helmed by singer/songwriter and worship leader Michael Cochren joined by his wife Leah, Cochren & Co. is back with a strong sophomore offering, Running Home, which will release on February 3rd. The 10-song project features hope-filled lyrics and timeless melodies as Cochren & Co. blurs the line between American pop/rock and soul/blues to create a classic sound all their own. Today fans can hear the title track “Running Home” as well as pre-order the new album here and watch the lyric video below.
“This album is all about running into the arms of God,” shares Michael Cochren, frontman for Cochren & Co. “It’s my story, but I also believe it’s the story of anyone who has found themselves far from home spiritually. We’ve all heard the saying there’s no place like home. When I think of what ‘home’ means, I think of comfort, rest, safety, and love. When we go off looking for these things in the broken world, we will never find them. Ultimately, we only find what we need when we return to our loving God.”
The album’s energetic title track is also currently being played on Sirius XM and is the only song from a Christian & Gospel artist this week to be featured in the global New Music Friday playlist from Spotify, a playlist featuring songs from all genres with more than four million listeners. “Running Home” was co-written by Matthew West and Jeff Pardo, as well as also produced by Pardo (2022 Dove Awards Producer of the Year). Additional producers for the project include Chris Stevens (Gloria Gaynor), Kyle Williams (We Are Messengers) and David Leonard (All Sons & Daughters).
He continues, “The title track is an anthem declaring, I’m done running away, I’m running home! And for my story, in my wandering years when it became more and more clear that the things I was using to fill my emptiness were really making me more empty, like the prodigal son, I began feeling a draw on my heart to return to my spiritual home. Yet I had this fear in my mind that God was just waiting for me in anger, to punish me. But that’s not how the parable ends… the father runs to greet the son, throws a robe around his back, a ring on his finger, a kiss on his cheek, and then they throw a party for him! I received this welcome from God, and that’s the welcome that’s waiting for anyone who says: I’m done running away, I’m running home!”
Cochren & Co.’s sophomore project features the 2022 Top 15 Billboard Christian Airplay & AC radio single, “Thank God For Sunday Morning,” which has amassed over 10 million streams in less than a year. This song was highlighted on K-LOVE’s end-of-the-year charts including “22 Songs that Defined 2022” and “Top 30 Songs of 2022.” The album includes already released songs “The Lows” and “Good Memories,” which have each received multiple playlisting features. Running Home also features guest vocalist Josh Baldwin on the song “The Final Say.”
Cochren & Co. will be back again this year on the upcoming 2023 TobyMac Hits Deep Tour that will also feature CROWDER, Tasha Layton, Jon Reddick and Terrian. The tour kicks off on January 26th. Click here for tour dates and tickets.
Community-driven collective Housefires, the group behind worship staples like “Build My Life” and “Good Good Father,” shares “If I Could Have Anything (feat. Blake Wiggins & Ahjah Walls)” via Capitol CMG / TRIBL Records. This is the third single from the group’s forthcoming album ‘How To Start A Housefire,’ due January 27.
“If I Could Have Anything” opens with 3x GRAMMY nominated singer Ahjah Walls’ introspective prayer, sharing her desire to be known and loved by the Creator over an elegant piano progression. The minimalist instrumentation erupts into a full-fledged worship session led by core member Blake Wiggins, with convicting vocals, booming harmonies and inspiring passion. The song immerses the listener into the community that Housefires has become known for through the years, showcasing the raw, unfiltered approach that the group takes from writing to recording.
Listen to “If I Could Have Anything (feat. Blake Wiggins & Ahjah Walls)” here: housefires.lnk.to/HowToPR
Housefires consists of core members including GRAMMY-nominee Nate Moore, chart-topping songwriter Ryan Ellis (Chris Tomlin, Natalie Grant, Matt Redman), Kirby Kaple (Chris Tomlin, Passion Music) and others. On ‘How To Start A Housefire,’ the group grows its community with features from 2x GRAMMY-nominee DOE (Forever Jones), GRAMMY-winner KJ Scriven, GRAMMY-winner Chandler Moore (Maverick City Music) and more.
“If I Could Have Anything” follows the album’s first two singles “Lean on the Lord (feat. Ryan Ellis & Cecily)” (11.18) and “Only Jesus (feat. Kirby Kaple, Chandler Moore & DOE)” (10.28). On ‘How To Start A Housefire,’ the group creates music that is not your typical addition to a church playlist. It’s a thought-provoking source of faith.
With more music and tour dates for 2023 to be announced, fans can keep up to date with all things Housefires at housefires.org and can pre-order ‘How To Start A Housefire’ here.
Premier Productions, a leading independent producer of quality live entertainment around the world, has announced the west coast edition of The Blessing Tour featuring Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes, and Martin Smith. GRAMMY nominated Jobe has been a worship leader for nearly two decades and will hit the road with her husband, Carnes. Cody Carnes, 3x GRAMMY nominated artist, released his first-ever live recorded album, God is Good! in September 2022 and recently made his Grand Ole Opry debut, along with Jobe, in October 2022. UK worship artist, Martin Smith, whose album, Dancing in the Fire is out now, rounds out The Blessing Tour kicking off on March 9, 2023 in Las Vegas, NV.
“Fans can’t wait for Kari, Cody, and Martin to hit the road this spring, especially on the West Coast,” said Mallory Willingham, Premier Productions. “They are all staples of the Christian Music world, and it’s an honor to be a part of their growing impact. You won’t want to miss these powerful nights of worship!”
“We are so excited to go back out to the West Coast for the Blessing Tour with our good friend, Martin Smith, this spring,” said Kari Jobe & Cody Carnes. “We cannot wait to worship with you in these beautiful cities and sing some of our favorite songs- old and new. We don’t want you to miss it; come and join us!”
Tickets go on sale to the general public today, Wednesday, January 11th at 10AM local time on PremierProductions.com.
DATE
CITY
VENUE
Thu, March 9, 2023
Las Vegas, NV
Church LV
Fri, March 10, 2023
San Diego, CA
Faith Chapel
Sat, March 11, 2023
Phoenix, AZ
Dream City Church
Sun, March 12, 2023
Los Angeles, CA
Calvary Community Church Westlake
Tue, March 14, 2023
Castro Valley, CA
Redwood Chapel Community Church
Wed, Mar 15, 2023
Reno, NV
Summit Christian Church
Fri, Mar 17, 2023
Nampa, ID
Nampa First
Sat, Mar 18, 2023
Seattle, WA
Overlake Christian Church Redmond
Sun, Mar 19, 2023
Eugene, OR
FBC Eugene
GRAMMY, Billboard Music, Stellar, and Dove Award-winning musician and songwriter Tasha Cobbs Leonard will be making a network TV appearance this coming week. Leonard has been booked to perform on ‘Good Morning America’ and ‘GMA3’ on Monday, January 9, 2023. Check local listings for air date information.
Tasha Cobbs Leonard unveiled HYMNS in October 2022 via Motown Gospel. Captured in front of a live audience of more than 3,000 at The Greenwood Oasis on the campus of New Life Southeast in Chicago, the record is a larger-than-life reimagining of classic hymns of love and grace, one that speaks to our modern world even as it reaches far beyond it. The arrangements are sweeping and cinematic, drawing on worship and gospel and even hints of country, pop, and R&B, radiating an undeniable sense of joy and fellowship at every turn. HYMNStouches all corners of gospel greatness, featuring extraordinary guests: Jennifer Hudson, Kierra Sheard, The Walls Group, Ricky Dillard, and even Mary Mary, who haven’t released music in over 5-years!
It is with deep sadness that we join the family of Kevin Lemons in announcing his transition early this morning. Kevin Lemons was not only an extraordinary, highly respected songwriter, artist and choir director, he was a devoted and loving husband, a trusted leader of his music ministry and a pillar of gospel music’s vital choir scene.
Details about memorial services will be announced soon.
Bishop Hezekiah Walker is heartbroken, saying “Kevin Lemons was one of the kindest, most humble artists that I know, even though his gift and talents were enormous. His love for God seasoned everything that he did, and his palpable love for people was an extension of that. Kevin Lemons was just a beautiful human being and he will be sorely missed,” Walker said.
Lemons’ HezHouse Entertainment labelmates are also devastated by his sudden passing:
Vincent Bohanan says: “I am in total disbelief concerning the untimely transition of my labelmate Kevin Lemons. Kevin has been a light in the gospel community for many years. His stance, leadership and command over the choir was like none other. There are many things in life we may not understand, but we trust the sovereignty of God. My prayers are with the family and Higher Calling. The gospel choir community will forever remember the life and legacy of Kevin Lemons.”
Mark Hubbard says: “My heart is broken! You were more than just my labelmate. You considered me to be your uncle, and one of the mentors that you grew up listening to in the industry. I (we) will miss you in the physical, but your impact, legacy, and spirit will live on forever in our hearts. My Prayers are with Lady T, the family, and Higher Calling. Rest Well Nephew.”
Patrick Riddick says: “My heart is heavy and full of sadness. From the moment the phone call came in, until now, I have been speechless. Maestro Kevin was our Thomas Whitfield and made up a third of OUR generation’s Brat Pack. Our friendship was so genuine, we would challenge one another musically and share our unfiltered thoughts/critiques of each other in a way that only we could. The brotherhood went beyond music; we held each other accountable and integral. I am going to miss my brother. I am praying for Lady T, Higher Calling and every friend, artist, and colleague who will feel the impact of this loss.”
Kevin Lemons was the founder and director of the extraordinary chorale Higher Calling, who will have been together 27 years this year. Their most recent recording, Third Round, garnered Dove and Stellar Gospel Music Award nominations as well as robust acclaim at radio and on social media. Their breakout single, “For Your Good,” accumulated over 100,000 streams and reached #3 on the Billboard Gospel Digital Sales Chart. Additionally, Lemons served as the vocal director for the celebrated Netflix film Come Sunday.
“Lemons’ passing is a huge loss for the gospel music industry,” says Bishop Hezekiah Walker. “We are keeping Kevin’s wife of 15 years, Tiunna Lemons, in our heartfelt prayers, along with his family, extended family, members of Higher Calling and all those who knew and loved Kevin Lemons.”
About Kevin Lemons
Kevin Lemons & Higher Calling was founded when Kevin and a group of young singers came together for a special music event created by Kevin’s father, Wilbert Lemons. Kevin’s father was the director of the historic Atlanta Masonic Choir, which was founded by Kevin’s grandmother Annie Ruth Lemons. The group enjoyed singing together so much that they decided to stay together. Kevin Lemons & Higher Calling became a 100-member ensemble with 50 Atlanta-based singers and 50 additional singers from California, Virginia, the DMV area, New York, New Orleans, Texas, North Carolina, Florida and Alabama.
Kevin Lemons & Higher Calling have taken their mesmerizing vocals and energetic performances to stages around the world. They have recorded three albums: Their first album, Destined for Greatness, was released to critical acclaim; its title track caught the attention of choir maestro Ricky Dillard, who later recorded it with his ensemble New Generation. Their second album, The Declaration, peaked at #10 on Billboard’s Gospel Albums Chart. Their third album, Third Round, was released in 2021 and featured the breakout single “For Your Good.” Kevin Lemons & Higher Calling is a staple in Gospel music, and have performed with Gospel greats including Kirk Franklin, Bebe Winans, Donald Lawrence and Hezekiah Walker.
Lemons was vocal director for the celebrated film Come Sunday, and has been the choir director for How Sweet the Sound and BET’s Sunday Best.
GodChaserz artist Brinson is excited to announce the release of his new music video for the hit single “Flowers From Da South” from Before He Cracks The Sky. The video showcases Brinsons’s signature southern style and lyrical prowess as he delivers infectious rhymes over a live, organic beat.
Featuring a cameo from another giant in the Christian hip-hop scene, Big Fil, the “Flowers From Da South” music video is sure to be a hit with fans and critics alike. The video is available on YouTube now, and fans can listen to the track on all streaming platforms.
Brinson expressed enthusiasm about sharing the new music video with his fans, saying that his team put a lot of effort and creativity into the production and believe it is reflected in the final product. He is eager for everyone to see and hear the new single.
Before He Cracks The Sky is available now.
