The 12th day of the month of February has become a Mike Abdul tradition; Gratitude is a lifestyle of champions and this Champion is not keeping quiet.
Spaghetti Records CEO and dynamic Gospel music minister, Mike Abdul release what he calls, ‘new thanksgiving anthem’, titled “Iro Ayo“. The song also features the tranquilizing voice of Omotola Jayeola, an emerging Gospel music act popularly known as ‘Mr. Gbera‘.
Produced, mixed, and mastered by the prolific Tolu “Tyanx” Obanro, Iro ayo is a new sound that sets you in a mood that calms your nerves, making you lie down in green pastures of Grace.
DOVE Award winning husband and wife duo Jonathan and Melissa Helser have released the second part of their latest album The Land I’m Livin’ In – Days One & Two (Live).
The second installment of this work adds four new songs to the previously released album and highlights the second of three days spent recording on the Helser’s land in North Carolina. The Land I’m Livin’ In is an authentic expression of what God has been doing in a community in the over twenty years the Helser’s have spent cultivating their discipleship. Listen to The Land I’m Livin’ In – Days One & Two (Live) on iTunes and Apple Music.
“We have been so blown away at the response we have gotten from Day 1 of The Land I’m Livin’ In release,” shares Jonathan Helser. “We can’t wait for everyone to hear this next installment of songs that are coming in Day 2. The track we are the most excited about is “I Can’t Get Away.” We had our dear friend Naomi Raine join us on this track and this song is truly a joy bomb!”
4x GRAMMY®-nominated duo The Baylor Project is thrilled to announce that their debut album The Journey, originally released in 2017, will be available on all streaming platforms February 11, 2022. The re-releasing of the 5-year old album comes amid Black History Month and days before Valentine’s Day as a nod to the couple’s celebration of love, community, family and faith throughout their musical and romantic journeys.
After signing an exclusive digital distribution agreement between their own label, Be A Light, and the globally-acclaimed Motown Gospel at the end of 2021, the pair will introduce their debut record to all streaming services for the first time. The Journey amassed critical reviews at the time of its release, as well as two GRAMMY®-nominations for Best Jazz Vocal Album and Best Traditional R&B Performance.
No strangers to the power of streaming, the couple became a viral sensation amid the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown upon the release of their hit single “Sit On Down.” The tune, which was conceptualized and produced from the couple’s living room, led to another nomination in the Best Traditional R&B Performance category at the following, 63rd GRAMMY® Awards. The Baylors’ second album, Generations, is nominated for Best Jazz Vocal Album at the upcoming 64th Grammy Awards. For this year’s 53rd NAACP Image Awards, Generations is nominated in the Outstanding Jazz Vocal Album category.
“We are extremely excited and grateful to celebrate our 5th year anniversary of The Baylor Project’s debut album The Journey,” Jean and Marcus Baylor shared in a statement. “This milestone means so much to us because it has been just that – a journey. Five years, two albums and 4 GRAMMY® nominations later, we are thrilled to present The Journey along with our label Be A Light and our Motown Gospel/Capitol CMG/Universal Music family to the world on all streaming platforms.”
The Baylor Project features vocalist Jean Baylor and drummer Marcus Baylor, married musical partners with backgrounds deeply rooted in the church. Before forming The Baylor Project in 2013, Jean Baylor burst onto the scene in the mid-1990’s as part of the groundbreaking R&B duo Zhané. Marcus Baylor first rose to prominence in the early 2000’s as the drummer for the world-renowned, GRAMMY®-Award-winning fusion group Yellowjackets. Their debut album, The Journey, spawned two GRAMMY® nominations for Best Jazz Vocal Album and Best Traditional R&B Performance. Steeped in the heart and soul of jazz, The Journey showcases the grace and glory, versatility and virtuosity of a truly extraordinary musical union at the dawn of their impressive musical adventure.
Artist, producer and pastor Austin Ludwig today released an inspirational new single entitled “Unconditional” as a tribute to his personal spiritual journey.
Inspired by Revelation 21:4, “Unconditional” is a song about worshiping with no strings attached. Ludwig sees the world’s common assertation of feelings as truth as the downfall of society.
“Our feelings do not determine or change the worth of Jesus and the worship He is worthy of,” Ludwig said.
The single urges listeners to offer up their worship, even in the presence of tears and pain, to depend on Jesus on this side of heaven and look forward to what is to come for all of eternity.The way that I feel doesn’t change who you areSo hallelujah unconditional
“Unconditional” is a byproduct of and a tribute to Ludwig’s personal journey. Ludwig survived child abuse, loss and disappointment. Instead of focusing on those aspects of his life, the artist discovered an invitation into worship. In Ludwig’s first foster home, all he had was his beat-up guitar. He learned to play that guitar and sing to God in the midst of his tears and never looked back.
Ludwig hopes this new single is not only an inspiration but a gateway for listeners to look to Jesus no matter what they are going through. He’s excited to finally release it for people to listen and worship whenever they desire.
Awards-winning, Netherlands-based band Trinity releases Desert Rain globally Feb. 25 from The Fuel Music. First released in the Netherlands in 2016, and having already received three Dutch, Silver Dove Awards, including “Album Of The Year,” the album is available to pre-save / pre-add now via https://slinky.to/DesertRain. The recording from these “craftsmen of heavenly parties” mixes music styles from all over the world to create a magnetic sound, blending genres into an eclectic music experience that is sweet to the ears and uplifting to the soul.
The world-music pop flair of Desert Rain was inspired by the band’s travels internationally, jamming with immigrant-musicians wherever they were in time and space. The resulting warm-blooded, passionate rhythms and melodies are steeped with lyrics birthed in real-life stories, all offering hope for a brighter future.
“When we recorded Desert Rain, we set out to create an album that captures our experiences and faith in songs; an album that shows both the darkness of the world we live in and the light piercing through it,” says Trinity’s ElbertSmelt (lead vocals, flutes, saxophone). “It shares the conviction that we as human beings are meant for more. When people make peace, join hands and stand against injustice, and feel hope rising up — when someone is healed and when you hear beautiful music: then the real world is visible.”
The lead single from the album, “Metropolitain,” written with Senegal-based artist Bernard Cissa and featuring lyrics in both English and French, is available now at digital retail and streaming outlets everywhere.
“I think I have a love-hate relationship with cities,” says Elbert, who crafted the song’s chorus while in Paris, France. “The city is this creativity-magnet just for the buzz. But it will drive you crazy just as easily. If you can’t keep up in the rat race you end up in the gutter. At the same time cities can be birthplaces of art, culture and new ideas that help humanity improve life.”
Je suis un metropolitain; Je prie, je mange, je me repose pas (“Metropolitain” chorus English translation: I am a city dweller, I pray, I eat, I never rest.)
The full Desert Rain track listing follows:
1. Desert Rain 2. Rise Again 3. Metropolitain 4. A Miracle 5. Satellite Television 6. The Way That I Do 7. El Sonido De Mi Tierra 8. It’s All Gonna Change 9. Shooting Stars 10. We Are Born 11. Gloria 12. I Carry Your Heart
The first album released internationally in over two years, Desert Rain precedes a series of new recordings and appearances from Trinity slated for this year and to be announced soon. It also follows 2019’s globally acclaimed album The In Between that was produced by Grammy-nominated, multiple Dove Award-winning Ian Eskelin and Barry Weeks.
Curb | Word Entertainment’s Stars Go Dim is set to release Grace In The Wilderness April 29, 2022. Beginning today (2/11), fans can pre-order/pre-save the upcoming album HERE. In addition, instant grat track “This Is Love” drops today, giving listeners another taste of what’s to come, following lead single, “Yes He Does.” Watch the poignant video for “This Is Love,” which includes an unexpected ending, HERE.
Stars Go Dim’s third studio project, Grace In The Wilderness, leads listeners on a pilgrimage toward hope that expands on the infectious pop sound that’s defined Chris Cleveland’s catalog since the impassioned singer debuted his first self-titled album under the Stars Go Dim moniker. Coupling meaningful lyrics with a voice that knows no bounds, Cleveland pulls out all the stops on the intrepid collection as his immaculate voice effortlessly glides across 13 tracks — all co-written by the ace songwriter. Produced by Jeff Sojka, Jeff Pardo and Anton Göransson, the new LP features the explosive “This Is Love,” the worshipful “Prepare The Way” and the affirming “Yes He Does.”
Opening the record, the multi-layered, sonically complex “This Is Love” captures Cleveland in a transformative moment in time as he receives divine CPR from a Love that gives him no choice but to surrender. Unraveling his insecurities and doubts, Cleveland wrote the dark, theatrical cut with Issa Sjöstrand and Anton Göransson. Set against a visceral wall of tightly-produced pop, Cleveland showcases the versatility of his wide-ranging vocals and his ability to thrive in any musical sphere.
This month, the award-winning artist is headlining select dates on “The Yes He Does Tour” with special guest Renee. Later this year, he’ll bring an intimate, stripped-down version of his engaging live show to fans in private backyards across the country.
Pre-Order/Pre-Save Grace In The Wilderness HERE. For tour dates and more information, visit www.StarsGoDim.com.
DOVE Award-winning Gospel singer/songwriter Lynda Randle releases her new recording Pilgrim Journey – a gripping, gospel album that showcases emotion-filled vocals and rich, honest lyrics. Released by Gaither Music Group, the album features guest vocals by Kimberly Schlapman, of Little Big Town, and Tommy Sims with stirring production by two-time GRAMMY nominated and 13-time DOVE Award-winning singer-songwriter Cindy Morgan.
Pilgrim Journey is an uplifting, spiritual voyage that invites listeners to navigate their inherent yearning for hope and inspires perseverance as they anticipate the eternal promise of freedom. The recording highlights Randle’s signature Gospel stylings while capturing an epic, soulful side of her that is reminiscent of artists who have inspired her, including Mavis Staples, Nina Simone, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, The Blind Boys of Alabama and more.
“Pilgrim Journey is such a special project to me because it is a bridge between my roots and my present–a musical coming home of sorts,” stated Randle. “It is an album of lament, healing, forgiveness, love…a journey to unity; and bringing people together is my passion. Getting to work and produce with my musical ‘she-ro’ Cindy Morgan and the amazing musicians and talent she brought to the project were more than a dream come true!”
On February 12, 2022, Pilgrim Journey will be aired as part of a special television offer surrounding Randle’s project Homecoming Favorites and Songs of Inspiration on PBS, Circle TV, TBN, RFD-TV, GaitherTV, TCT, Heartland and CTN. The special will also be aired in Canada on Vision TV, CTS, The Miracle Channel and Hope TV.
The Belonging Co, a quickly-growing church based in Nashville, TN, has announced their fourth live album, HERE, set to release March 25, 2022. New tracks will become available in the coming weeks leading up to the highly-anticipated release, but in celebration of the album announcement and pre-save/ pre-add launch today, The Belonging Co premiered the live video of the debut track from Here, “Because of Christ” (feat. Henry Seeley). Viewers were able to watch the world premiere on YouTube on Friday, February 11, 2022 while interacting with Henry Seeley in the live chat. Check out the live video below.
HERE is a reflection of live worship moments that were captured within the church with the hope of bringing listeners into a personal encounter with God. Each song on the nine-track album does the same: invites every listener into a moment of encounter with God.
“Because of Christ” (feat. Henry Seeley) is an invitation for listeners to reflect on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and celebrate with a triumphant declaration of the sacrifice of Christ by releasing an anthemic praise for the completed work of the cross.
About the song Seeley says, “We first started leading ‘Because of Christ’ on Easter Sunday this past year and it immediately became an anthem for our church. Sometimes we can focus on Easter as being this deep, solemn moment; but actually, what Jesus did didn’t end in the grave — it overcame the grave! It doesn’t mean we ignore the pain and the sacrifice of Easter, but that only serves to show how great was the victory of the resurrection of Jesus – because of this victorious moment, we can declare ‘Hallelujah! We serve a God who has overcome the grave – a Savior who is risen!’ As we have been leading this song in our church community, I have loved seeing that revelation come alive in people; seeing it come alive in the room; seeing people connect to the understanding that we’ve got something to celebrate!”
HERE TRACK LISTING:
1. Passion (Live) | Feat. Andrew Holt
2. Come Alive (Resurrection Power) (Live) | Feat. Hope Darst
3. Everything Is Changing (Live) | Feat. Shantrice Laura
4. Nothing Like Your Presence (Spontaneous) (Live) | Feat. Henry Seeley
5. Firm Foundation (He Won’t) (Live) | Feat. Cody Carnes
6. Supply (Live) | Feat. Ben Cantelon
7. No Turning Back (Live) | Feat. Hope Darst
8. Always There (Live) | Feat. Natalie Grant
9. Because of Christ (Live) | Feat. Henry Seeley
The Belonging Co church was founded in 2014 by Henry and Alex Seeley in the basement of their home, with only four people attending the very first meeting. Now, The Belonging Co sees thousands of people gather each weekend in Nashville, TN., Columbia, TN., and online locations. A diverse group of worship leaders have made The Belonging Co their home church and are among those who make up The Belonging Co worship team.Pre-save or pre-add Here today across all platforms.
Singer/songwriter Jordan St. Cyr continues his 2022 as one of his busiest yet. With the debut of his self-titled first full-length album set to release March 4 (BEC Recordings), St. Cyr is also celebrating his current single “Weary Traveler” hitting No. 1 on radio’s AC Indicator Chart for the second week in a row.
With the upcoming release of his album, St. Cyr shares, “My prayer for this album is that these songs would bring comfort and joy to those who hear them. It is also my prayer that listeners would be more hopeful and open to the depths of God’s love for them knowing that their circumstances are not a reflection of how God feels about them, rather that their circumstances would reveal the closeness and nearness of the Holy Spirit.”
Jordan St. Cyr began the year being named the No. 2 Top New Christian Artist of 2021, according to Billboard, which also listed his song “Fires” in four of the top year-end Christian songs charts. “Fires” spent an astounding 45 weeks at radio and became a top 5 hit, while top charter “Weary Traveler” continues to be added on stations across the U.S. such as Fish Atlanta, WCIE (Tampa), and KWND (Springfield, MO). The song is also top ten on the Christian Airplay and AC Monitored charts.
Additionally, “Grateful,” the latest song to release leading up to the album, is out today. “Gratitude has always been something I’ve struggled with,” he admits. “This song is my attempt every morning to lead my heart with the lyric ‘Before my feet hit the floor, let my knees hit the ground.’ May it be my song of surrender and a reminder that it’s not my will but God’s.”
St. Cyr recently wrapped his tour with Anne Wilson and is now readying for Jeremy Camp’s “I Still Believe Tour,” which kicks off next month. Concertgoers will get to hear “Fires,” “Weary Traveler,” “Grateful,” and more songs and stories live. Visit his tour page for more information.
Gateway Worship is the primary worship expression for Dallas-Fort Worth based Gateway Church, one of the largest and most influential churches in North America, ministering to over 40,000 attendees across multiple campuses and tens of thousands more online each week.
Known for songs like “Oh The Blood,” “The More I Seek You,” “Revelation Song,” “Defender,” “Stand in Your Love,” “Greater Than,” “Deliverance” and many more, the Gateway Worship collective returns today with its newest project, “I Need You” featuring Jessie Harris.
