The dynamic, multicultural youth ministry of Planetshakers Church, planetboom, releases You, Me, The Church, That’s Us -Deluxe, today (Dec. 16) to digital and streaming outlets globally from Venture3Media (V3M) via https://planetboom.streamlink.to/youmethechurchdeluxe. The 21-song project includes both You, Me, The Church, That’s Us – Side A and Side B tracks recorded live at this year’s planetboom conference and released earlier this year along with five never-before-released demo recordings.

In addition to the audio, there are 14 companion music videos on the deluxe version from Apple Music, including featured track, “That’s Us (Live).”

Produced by creative director Josh Ham, mixed by worship leader Joth Hunt and written or co-written by Ham, worship leader, vocalist / rapper Noah Walker and planetboom youth pastor, songwriter, author and drummer Andy Harrison, You, Me, The Church, That’s Us -Deluxe captures planetboom’s unique and eclectic sonic identity. The dynamic recordings range from big, broad statements about the church family to intimate, personal moments between individuals and God.

The full You, Me, The Church, That’s Us -Deluxe track listing follows:

Side A Songs:

The Core (Live)

Jesus Got A Hold Of Me (Live)

That’s Us (Live)

I Believe

Nothing On You

A Moment With You (Live)

Back To Life (Live)

– Selah Moment –

Side B Songs:

I Will Follow You (Live)

Word (Live)

I’m Free, I’m Fearless

Résumé Check

I Am Found (Live)

Let My Life Give You Glory (Live)

– Selah Moment 2 –

Move Of God (Live)

Demos:

I Will Follow You – Demo

It’s All About You – Demo

Living For You Now – Demo

Like Nothing Else – Demo

Nothing On You – Demo

The diverse youth culture at planetboom that represents at least 60 nationalities translates the mission of Planetshakers Church into music that creates a unique space for an international audience to find an intimate sense of belonging as part of the church family.

Along with the new music, planetboom is sharing additional resources to equip other youth groups around the world. Podcasts, blog posts, devotionals, song multitracks and more are available online now at www.planetshakers.com/church/planetboom-youth/planetboom-resource.

Recording artist Marvinetta Clay and her label, LeRae Records, are basking in the afterglow of a record release party that morphed into a worship service.

When the label recently honored Marvinetta with a single release party at Hamburger Mary’s in Las Vegas, Nevada, industry executives and fans joined together to celebrate her debut radio single, “God Is So Good.” Few in attendance were prepared to have church, but that’s exactly what happened.

Casting director and film producer Kim Flowers hosted the event, which featured music from Marvinetta, along with fellow LeRae Records recording artists Jack Yates and Fate Kent, who co-wrote her new single, a silky-smooth, jazz-inflected, Gospel-Urban Contemporary synthesis that effectively showcases Marvinetta’s rich, passionate vocals as they imbue the song with a soaring spiritual burst of energy.

“The evening was a dream that came true,” mused LeRae Records’ founder, president, and CEO, Rev. Wilfred Moore, more commonly known as Pastor Wil. Everyone in the room gathered with much conversation, food, and merriment as they waited for the show to begin. As the lights were lowered, a soft hush came over the room, as we all waited with expectancy to meet the star of the show… Marvinetta Clay! The atmosphere was delightful. People were mingling with one another and there was a strong spirit of love and unity in the air.”

“And then the atmosphere changed as Marvinetta ministered to us under the power of the Holy Spirit.” continued Pastor Wil. “People were standing up, rendering much applause and praise to God, shouting out ‘He’s good…. My God is so good!’ Even after the song was done, the audience kept singing a cappella. “Oh…so good!”

“The celebration was remarkable, exciting, and blessed,” said Marvinetta. “I am humbled by the experience of seeing those who came to enjoy the music leave with an experience of a lasting, impressive move of God in that place.”

Host Kim Flowers was effusive with her praise as the evening ended. “I’m so grateful to have been present at such an outstanding event!” she declared. “The artists on the LeRae label are truly anointed. Marvinetta is absolutely marvelous, Fate Kent has the voice of change, and it goes without saying that Jack’s gift from God is on another level.”

“Congratulations, Marvinetta!” said Jack Yates. “You have done what great artists do. You have taken this song to an incredibly high level. You’ve convinced us that God is so good!”

Fate Kent added, “What an emotional night full of gratitude and blessings. To God be all the glory!”

Multiple award-winning singer/songwriter, Jekalyn Carr, will spend this holiday season gracing the cover of Pandora’s Christmas Spirit mode for one week beginning December 16 and concluding on December 22, 2022. Carr will also be featured as host of the Christmas Spirit Mode on Pandora’s billboard in New York’s Times Square (Broadway between 45th and 46th Streets) for one week.   

On December 10th 2022, Carr performed in New York City at the famed Carnegie Hall, in a sold-out event titled “Night Of Inspiration,” which was produced by Ray and Vivian Chew of Chew Entertainment. Carr performed “Mary Don’t You Weep,” with the legendary gospel singer, Shirley Caesar, and took part in a tribute to Richmond Smallwood singing, “Total Praise,” but the highlight of the night, was Carr performing an original piece of her own music, “It’s Yours,” with the Carnegie orchestra.

On Friday, November 4, 2022,  Carr released her new holiday single titled, “Great Christmas,” which has reached # on the Billboard Gospel Airplay Artist Chart, #2 on Billboard’s Gospel Airplay Song Chart, and #7 on the Mediabase Gospel Airplay Chart. 

2022 was quite a year for artist and songwriter Ben Fuller. He released his first album, his debut single hit No. 1 for multiple weeks, he toured all around the U.S., and Pandora named him one of the Christian/Gospel Artists To Watch in 2023, all adding up to be much more than this Southern Vermont-raised dairy farmer ever expected in his lifetime, let alone in one year. 

Fuller’s eight-track debut Who I Am (Provident Label Group/Sony Music, listen HERE) dropped in September, and the album’s No. 1 title track has more than 20M streams LTD (don’t miss the powerful music video). Yet, most of all for Ben Fuller it’s his ministry that keeps him fueled.

Motivated to change from a life that was spiraling into drugs and alcohol, he moved to Nashville in 2018 to pursue a career in country music. Soon after, when a family he was close with invited him to church one Sunday, he walked into an auditorium filled with 3,000 people and knew that he would write and sing music for Jesus for the rest of his life. He quickly fell into his newfound faith, songwriting with a burning desire to share what God did to turn his life around. Click HERE to view his testimony, which has received more than 3M views since it was posted in October.

It was recently announced that Fuller was named one of Pandora’s Artists To Watch in 2023. Joining an exclusive list that includes Blessing Offor, Anne Wilson, and Naomi Raine, Pandora touted ten artists In Christian and Gospel music poised for even more greatness in 2023. 

He spent the year touring with Unspoken, Zach Williams, as well as numerous music festivals, and he will continue to embark on the road well into next year when he joins Casting Crowns’ The Healer Tour in the spring. He’s currently sharing his songs and stories live opening for Williams’ holiday run of the “I Don’t Want Christmas To End Tour.” Be sure to visit the most updated schedule HERE. 

Fuller’s unflinching honesty about his past invites people to share their stories and personal pain with him, and his music continues to make an impact wherever he goes. He has previously shared, “My past and present are recorded in lyrics and melodies – all wrapped up in God’s grace and redemption and how turning my life over to Him has changed my whole world. I pray for all who take the time to listen to Who I Am, that God draws them nearer than ever before.”

 GRAMMY nominee Britt Nicole releases new music with “Keep Looking Up” featuring Joe L Barnes.

The song, which was penned in 2015, is now available to download/stream.

Keep Looking Up – Britt Nicole Ft. Joe L Barnes

Northern Ireland worship band Rend Collective is planning to hit the road in the new year. The band has officially announced a spring leg of their “The Whosoever Tour.” The early 2023 dates will feature Sean Curran. A pre-sale is underway now. For more information, visit https://rendcollective.com/.

In August, Rend Collective released their newest album, Whosoever, available now. The album features 10 tracks including the recently released radio single “Plans,” and the vibrant anthemic song, “Let It Roll.” The record is about God’s vast, generous embrace – wide enough, for the prodigal sons, cynical older brother and any other label we might apply to ourselves or others. As the title of the album clearly states – the gospel is for everyone.

Three-time GRAMMY nominee Danny Gokey has announced a spring leg of the Jesus People Tour. The 2023 dates will feature the return of special guest Jordan Feliz and the addition of Blanca. Tickets go on sale Friday, December 16th at 10am local time. For more information, visit https://www.dannygokey.com/tour/.

Gokey’s live shows are full of non-stop energy and music that crosses both genres and cultures. Jesus People, his last studio album, debuted at No. 1 with messages of love, gratitude, and truth that are reflected in the tour’s title and mission.

Cedarmont Kids, the leading children’s brand in Christian Music was recently surprised with a reception at the Provident Entertainment offices with the announcement that the video “If You’re Happy” had surpassed one billion views on YouTube – a rare accomplishment shared by few videos worldwide.

In addition to being added to The One Billion Views Club,Cedarmont Kids owners Mike and Sue Gay were also presented with plaques recognizing One Million YouTube Channel subscribers and a RIAA Platinum Single certification for “The Wheels On The Bus.”

“What incredible milestones reached by Cedarmont Kids,’” shares Provident Entertainment President Holly Zabka. “The number of young lives the music and ministry have impacted is immeasurable, and Provident is honored by our 29 years of partnership with Cedarmont Kids and Mike and Sue Gay.”

At press time, the number of Cedarmont Kids’ YouTube subscribers is now 2.64 million, and the video for “If You’re Happy” has reached 1,004,153,791 views. Cedarmont Kids is happy to announce that new videos and audio content will be released throughout 2023, which also happens to be Cedarmont’s 30 anniversary year.

GRAMMY Award-winning and Country Music Hall of Fame members, The Oak Ridge Boys are celebrating the 40th anniversary of their hit song “Thank God For Kids,” which was released in November 1982. Written by Eddy Raven and produced by Ron Chancey, The Oak Ridge Boys included the song on their 1982 album, Christmas. The single went on to reach number three on the Hot Country Songs for Billboard and has continued to be a fan favorite throughout the years, being played at nearly every Oak Ridge Boys show since being recorded.

“There are a number of songs in The Oak Ridge Boys’ repertoire that fans insist on hearing,” shares Joe Bonsall. ”One of those is obviously “Elvira,” and another one is “Thank God For Kids.” It is hard to imagine a set list without It. Eddy Raven wrote it and William Lee Golden’s heartfelt rendition always makes for a special moment!”

The Oak Ridge Boys continue their Christmas concerts this year at Gaylord Opryland Resort to celebrate the holiday season at home with their 32-show residency as part of the resort’s 39th annual ‘A Country Christmas’ event. The Oaks’ ‘Christmas in Tennessee’ Dinner Show runs through December 25, 2022, and features a delicious holiday meal prepared by the resort’s culinary team followed by the Oaks and their band performing Christmas classics, new favorites, and many of the timeless hits that have shaped their legendary career. This year’s residency is sponsored by AARP Tennessee. For more information on ‘Christmas in Tennessee’, visit www.ChristmasAtGaylordOpryland.com.

“It is such an honor to have our Christmas show back at Gaylord Opryland in 2022 for the THIRD year in a row,” Bonsall continued. “Nobody does Christmas like Gaylord Opryland, and our dinner shows have become a part of their tradition over the last few years! Our show is much different than last year, but Santa promised to be there every night and he never disappoints. We hope you will plan to join The Oak Ridge Boys over the holidays this year for a gourmet dinner and a show that has been honed over decades of Christmas tours.”

The group— Duane Allen, Joe Bonsall, William Lee Golden, and Richard Sterban—are best known for their iconic and multi-platinum hit “Elvira,” along with “Thank God For Kids” and other chart-toppers like “Bobbie Sue,” “Y’All Come Back Saloon,” and “American Made.” The Oak Ridge Boys have achieved a decorated career, winning five GRAMMY Awards, and multiple CMA, ACM, and Dove Awards for their crossover brand of pop, country, and gospel music that spans multiple generations. The Oak Ridge Boys became members of the Grand Ole Opry in 2011 and achieved arguably country music’s highest honor in October 2015 when they were inducted into the Country Music Hall Of Fame.

In a major step to multiply its ministry impact across all areas of outreach, David C Cook has promoted award-winning creative director Jason B. Jones into the newly created role of Vice President, Creative. In this new position, Jones will lead a cross-functional team of creatives and marketers to expand David C Cook’s global influence through Integrity Music and David C Cook’s publishing and curriculum arm.

“Jason has a unique ability to create at the highest level and translate that creativity into wide-reaching, meaningful impact,” said Jonathan Brown, president of Integrity Music. “Over the past six years, I’ve personally seen Jason’s care and intentionality in the way he leads others. I have no doubt that in this next season of his career he will continue to foster a culture of imagination and elevate the overall ministry of David C Cook and Integrity Music.”

In his role at Integrity Music, Jones has become one of the leading music resources for the global church and has served on the David C Cook senior leadership team by providing insight and guidance in aligning vision and direction for visual communications and creative services. Jones joined Integrity Music in 2015 as Senior Director of Visual Communications, quickly building an innovative team largely responsible for growing and supporting an international roster of worship and gospel artists. During that time, Jones was credited with a variety of important accomplishments, including a GMA Dove Award®and multiple nominations. A proven team leader and inspirational creative executive, Jones brings 17 years of industry experience working with other labels and artists in similar capacities, including TobyMac, Amy Grant, Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, Michael W. Smith, and Kari Jobe.

Before immersing himself in Christian music, Jones worked as Creative Director for Tyemill, a Seattle-based tech company, where he focused on user interface design and execution for e-commerce game-changers such as Bonobos, Warby Parker, Baublebar, Rent the Runway, among others. In 2005, he co-founded Otterball, an internationally award-winning design agency focused on branding and web marketing for recording artists.

“I am humbled and excited to work alongside this expanded team, and thankful for the opportunity to help innovate and grow our ministries,” shares Jones. “I’m eager to dive into this new role and ready to further cultivate a culture of market-leading creative development.”