Singer, songwriter, and worship leader, Katy Weirich (pronounced y-rick), releases her debut project, Out of The Blue, today (June 17th). Weirich is joined by the multi-Grammy Award-winning Tedd T as producer for the EP, and the music is an inspiring celebration of God’s love that combines an autobiographical background of Weirch’s life stories. Out of The Blue showcases Weirich’s original six songs on the project, with the sixth song being a piano version of “More.”

“This project has been a labor of love and a long time coming, years to be exact,” said Weirich. “I consider the journey to be one of my life’s greatest blessings and the opportunity to release this music a dream fulfilled. My prayer for these songs is that they would minister to every heart who hears them, and that this record would serve as a testament to the greatness and faithfulness of God, especially in times of adversity.”

Even though Weirich has made great strides in her career, she has struggled with a devastating diagnosis of clinical anxiety and depression, starting at a young age. Eventually, Weirich overcame her health issues and began again focusing on her music career. However, after giving birth to her second child, she experienced a debilitating postpartum depression. It was a very tough period in Weirich’s life, but it led to an inspiration of writing the songs for Out of The Blue, which became a celebration of God’s continual faithfulness.

“Dealing with anxiety and depression has certainly resulted in some of the most dark and scary times of my life. I think back to some of those days of having panic attacks that literally had my body collapsing to the floor, and when getting through the next hour felt like climbing a mountain,” said Weirich. “However, in the darkness of these struggles I have witnessed the light and love of Jesus, which ‘put a new song in my mouth’ (Psalm 40:3). These songs have given me such purpose to all of the pain.”

Joel Caws, a worship leader and singer/songwriter from the UK has just released his fifth single, a brand new, upbeat worship song titled ‘Faithful God’.

Joel has been releasing music since early 2021 and this latest release is his most energetic and exciting song yet.

Of the inspiration behind the song, Joel says “My heart was to write a song of declaration that reflected my experience of God’s faithfulness throughout my life. As Christian’s we all experience times in our lives where we run away from God or we feel we have let Him down. My life’s experience is that God is always waiting to welcome us back with open arms. He is always faithful!”

About the new song release, Joel says “I’m so excited to finally be releasing this new worship song which God first placed on my heart in the autumn of 2021. It’s been a long process of working with the words and melody to a place I was happy with, but I’m so pleased with the final version.”

Of how he hopes others will engage with the song, Joel says “I pray that this song will be a blessing to individuals and church congregations alike. I deliberately tried to keep the melody catchy but simple, so that it will be a pleasure for anyone to pick up and sing.  It’s my heart’s desire that Jesus is glorified and I hope this song reflects the truth of His incredible faithfulness and that others can catch my vision in this.”

‘Faithful God’ is out now on all music streaming platforms.

Faith based music powerhouse YB drops new music with his project titled Wings Of An Angel. The ten track album features many freestyle tracks.

The official audio for “hand of God freestyle” can be heard below.

North Point Worship releases the radio version for “This Is My Song” featuring Mac Powell & Heath Balltzglier.

The official audio can be heard below. “This Is My Song” (Radio Version) is available now.

Apple Music today launched ‘Juneteenth 2022: Freedom Songs, a specially-curated collection of music to celebrate and honor Juneteenth. Available to stream exclusively on Apple Music, the second annual compilation features an eclectic mix of originals and covers to celebrate the holiday from the likes of Alex Isley, Brittney Spencer, 6LACK, Bun B, Cautious Clay, Damien Sneed, Denzel Curry, Eladio Carrión, Elena Pinderhughes, Jlin, Koryn Hawthorne, Kranium, Lupe Fiasco, Moliy, SEB, and WSTRN. ‘Juneteenth 2022: Freedom Songs’ is available now in Spatial Audio only on Apple Music HERE.

“As the awareness and mainstreaming of Juneteenth continues to rise, our team at Apple Music is committed to commemorating the holiday while ensuring that its historical significance is not lost,” said Ebro Darden, Apple Music’s Global Editorial Head of Hip-Hop and R&B. “We continue our annual efforts with a new collection of Black Music and stories from artists across an array of genres aimed to amplify the conversation, inspire reflection, and celebrate freedom.”

Artists featured on ‘Juneteenth 2022: Freedom Songs’ were commissioned by Apple Music’s expert music curators to reflect the spirit of Juneteenth through the majesty of music. Including over 16 artists across an array of genres, including Hip-Hop, Gospel, Latin, Jazz, R&B, Country and more, the collection aims to uncover the complexity of the Black experience against the backdrop of the historical touchpoint of Juneteenth — from joy to pain and hope to rumination.

To complement ‘Juneteenth 2022: Freedom Songs’, Apple Music partnered with multiple Black visual artists who created original artwork for the project, including: Kendall Henderson and Sophie Douala. Additional elements include bespoke animations from artist Robbie Shilstone and a companion visual of 6LACK’s rendition of “UMI Says” directed by Adele “Supreme” Williams and Erin G. Wesley.

Additionally, Apple Music celebrates Black music all month long with ‘Black Music Month: The Future,’ a global campaign spotlighting the future of Black music through a curated list of rising stars from around the world across a multitude of genres who are creating and influencing new sounds. Check out ‘Black Music Month: The Future’ on Apple Music HERE.

“Beyond,” a new single from Jermaine Bollinger, is set to go for adds to Christian AC-formatted radio outlets today. Bollinger wrote and produced the song, which is from his album titled “Vintage.” Both projects are released on Bollinger’s Salvation Studios label.

“My desire,” Bollinger says, “is for my music to reflect my mission statement, which is to strive to be the catalyst that revolutionizes the Christian music industry forever.”

Bollinger is a Christian music industry veteran whose career has produced chart-topping music, including two No. 1 singles, “Revival, released by Bollinger’s ministry, Little Egypt Worship; and “Set Us Free,” which Bollinger released in 2021.

Named for Jermaine Jackson from the iconic Jackson 5, Bollinger has developed into an excellent representation of his namesake. Not only is Bollinger a talented singer/songwriter, but the musician plays a variety of instruments, including drums, keyboards, guitar and bass.

Throughout his career, Bollinger has studied with some of the top musicians in their respective fields, including Todd Herreman, recording engineer who worked closely with Prince and Michael Jackson; Terence Ma (vocalist, pianist and founder of The Spaa); Steve Shirk (father to Big Daddy Weave’s Joseph Shirk); Darryl Phinnessee (background vocalist with Michael Jackson and Sheryl Crow); Alan Iarussi (guitarist); and Tommy Taylor (accomplished choral director and minister of music).

When he isn’t involved with music, Bollinger spends time with his kids, playing and watching basketball and watching movies. He also spends his free time in graphic design and recording engineering.

Using unique modern sounds to spark listener interest, grassroots producer and inspirational artist Will Hickl is set to release “You Shine,” a faith-driven single that reflects on God’s sovereignty throughout the COVID-19 pandemic on June 17, 2022.

Inspired by Psalm 67:1 and Psalm 80:3, “You Shine” is a prayer of surrender and trust. The bridge is an expression of hope in God’s promises, declaring that the artist and listeners alike can in fact see His breakthrough and His unstoppable love and that He can do the impossible.

“I am currently enamored with modern pop production practices and intentionally created my own rhythms for this single from scratch,” said Hickl. “I hope listeners encounter Christ through the truths ‘You Shine’ proclaims using the sounds and instruments I am passionate about.”

Coupled with distinctive sonic characteristics like unique synth patches and a custom 808-style drum kit, the single’s lyrics cause listeners to pause and think:

You are the light in the darkness

You are the God of Your promise

Oh You shine

You shine

You make a way through the trials

You give us hope for tomorrow

Oh You shine

You shine

Because of its fresh take on worship music, the song continually strikes a chord with youth and young adults during live performances.

With hopes to inspire a new movement of how worship is written, performed, and produced – or at the very least, show artists it’s okay to make music that stands out, Hickl wrote “You Shine” to point to the ever-ancient and ever-new expansiveness of the Church and invite listeners to explore the ever-new side.

“I genuinely just want people to experience the Lord’s provision,” Hickl said. “I desire that these words can become a prayer of surrender and trust, and serve as a soundtrack for any listener’s discovery of God’s faithfulness.”

This week Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) presented its 2022 BMI Christian Awards, honoring the prolific musical career of BMI Icon Award recipient Steven Curtis Chapman and the Christian Songwriters, Song, and Publisher of the Year.

During this annual event, Essential Music Publishing (EMP) was named Publisher of the Year along with Ethan Hulse being named Songwriter of the Year for the fourth consecutive year in a row, and “There Was Jesus” was named 2022 BMI Christian Song of the Year.

“What an incredible honor for EMP to be recognized as BMI Publisher of the Year,” shares Holly Zabka, Sr. Vice President for Essential Music Publishing and Head of Creative for Provident Label Group.

“It’s a testament to the amazing roster of writers we get to champion, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to see their hard work recognized. I am grateful to our entire publishing team that continually serves our writers with great care and dedication.”

EMP received 11 of the 25 most-performed songs of the year (listed below). The Song of the Year, “There Was Jesus,” was written by Casey Beathard, Jonathan Smith, and Zach Williams. This popular track was recorded by Dolly Parton and Zach Williams and was the most performed Christian song of the year, and it also won the 2021 GRAMMY Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song. Songwriter of the Year, Hulse wrote Andrew Ripp’s “Jericho,” Jeremy Camp’s “Out of My Hands,” and CAIN’s “Rise Up (Lazarus).” Hulse first signed his publishing deal with EMP in 2016 and has since then become one of the genre’s most sought-after writers.

In addition to the Song Awards and honors, Provident artist Ben Fuller performed his song,” Who I Am,” and CAIN performed a musical tribute to Steven Curtis Chapman during his BMI Icon presentation as they sang “Great Adventure” and “I Will Be Here.”

Essential Music Publishing – BMI Song Awards (*EMP Writers)

• “Alive & Breathing”
  Ellie Limebear*, Matt Maher*
• “Amen”
  Jake Henry*, Jeff Pardo, Micah Tyler*
• “Battle Belongs”
  Phil Wickham*
• “Famous For (I Believe)”
  Chuck Butler*, Krissy Nordhoff, Jordan Sapp, Taren Wells*
• “Graves into Gardens”
  Chris Brown*, Steven Furtick*, Tiffany Hudson*
• “Jericho”
  Ethan Hulse*, Andrew Ripp*
• “Less Like Me”
  Mia Fieldes*, Zach Williams*
• “Out of My Hands”
  Jeremy Camp, Ethan Hulse*, Jeff Sojka
• “Peace Be Still”
  Hope Darst, Mia Fieldes*, Andrew Holt
• “Rise Up (Lazarus)”
  Ethan Hulse*, Nick Schwarz*
• “There Was Jesus”
  Casey Beathard, Jonathan Smith*, Zach Williams*

Last night, multi-GRAMMY Award-winning artist/songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman was honored for his prolific musical career as a BMI Icon Award recipient at the 2022 BMI Christian Awards. This is the first Christian BMI Icon Award honoree as Chapman joins the elite list of songwriters including Barry Manilow, Brian Wilson, Carole King, Dolly Parton, Kris Kristofferson, Merle Haggard, Sting, and others who have left an influence on generations of music makers and the music industry.

During the evening, country star and member of Lady A Hillary Scott and Christian country trio and labelmates CAIN paid musical tribute to Chapman. Scott brought her signature voice to “Who You Say We Are” and “Speechless” while Cain serenaded the crowd with “Great Adventure” and “I Will Be Here.” In true songwriter fashion, Chapman wrote an original song for his acceptance speech to conclude the special evening.

“As a guy who loves to use words to try to paint a picture of what’s deep in my heart, I’m at a loss for words deep and beautiful enough to express what I feel after being honored by friends, family, and the wonderful folks at BMI and receiving the BMI Icon award last night,” shares Steven Curtis Chapman. “I’m completely blown away by all of the kindness, love, and honor I was shown. What an epic evening to once again ‘taste and SEE how good the Lord is’ and to remember and celebrate all of the amazing people who have been part of my incredible, ongoing Great Adventure!”

Celebrating 35 years since his debut album this year, Chapman has had a storied career as the most awarded artist in Christian music history. He has been honored with 59 GMA Dove Awards, five GRAMMYs, and an American Music Award. Chapman also has 49 No. 1 radio singles, sold more than 11 million albums, and has ten RIAA-certified Gold or Platinum albums in his career.

He has collaborated with and had his songs recorded by other renowned artists in the Christian music world including BeBe Winans, CeCe Winans, Amy Grant, Casting Crowns, Mercy Me, Geoff Moore, and others. His songs of hope have also crossed genres, seeing collaborations with Billy Dean, Glenn Campbell, Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts, Ricky Skaggs, Brad Paisley, and Lauren Alaina. In 2017, Chapman also became a best-selling author with his memoir Between Heaven and the Real World: My Story.

Last month, it was announced that Chapman had penned a new deal with Provident Label Group as he released his new song, “Still,” which he debuted from the Opry stage that same night. He is currently working on music that will be released throughout this year including a new radio single next month.

“I never imagined in my wildest dreams that I’d have the opportunity 35 years later to once again pour out what’s in my heart onto ‘the page’ and into a recording like this newest project,” shares Steven Curtis Chapman. “These unprecedented times we have all been journeying through have stirred me deeply, and these songs and this record have come from that deep place…these songs are as honest as any I’ve ever written.”

Eclectic, award-winning world-pop group and the Netherlands-based band Trinity releases Trinity Street globally today (June 17) from The Fuel Music.

The all new Trinity Street EP is available now at digital and streaming outlets everywhere via https://slinky.to/TrinityStreet and features the party-ready title track, a Mumford & Sons cover of “Awake My Soul” and three more original songs inspired by the green pastures of Ireland.

Longing to write new material following the pandemic, Trinity brothers Johan (acoustic guitars), Elbert (lead vocals, flutes, saxophone), and Niek Smelt (Drums, percussion) together with their longtime friend Bert Bos (bass) ventured out to Ireland, the place where their love for folk music and Celtic spirituality started. Always showcasing an Irish twist in their sound and lyrics, the fun-loving, acoustic approach and party-making craftsmanship is something they’re known for around the world.

“As 16-year-olds we would go to Ireland every summer to work on a farm and do mission work along the coast,” reminisces Elbert. “Over the years we’ve become good friends with the Morrisons at Hartwell, which is the beautiful name of the farm near Dublin and the Wicklow Mountains. We decided to pay them a visit and write new songs that resulted in this folky new album.

“Trinity Street treasures the past while simultaneously propelling us forward to a future,” continues Elbert. “With a childlike trust and heartfelt wonder, we look for God in friend and stranger and in his first incarnation: creation. ‘Trinity Street’ is an invitation to join the crazy family. To dance the night away toward a bright new morning full of beauty and enough love for everybody.”

We are one and many
we all just really want the same
We are flesh and bones from a million homes
With many stories, many names
But we are a crazy family with everyone we meet
So come and join the party down on trinity street
(“Trinity Street” chorus)

The new EP follows the international release of Desert Rain earlier this year and 2019’s globally acclaimed The In Between that was produced by GRAMMY-nominated, multiple Dove Award-winning Ian Eskelin and Barry Weeks. The album features singles premiered by outlets like Parade, CCM Magazine, NewReleaseToday.com and more: “Living To Love,” “Are You,” “Anthem Of Love” and “Wherever We Go,” as well as the radio favorite, “Alive Again,” which has been heard on WAY FM, 94 FM The Fish, 95.1 SHINE FM and many more stations coast-to-coast across America.