The Multi-GRAMMY nominated, multi-GMA Dove Award winning, and Billboard No. 1 charting group Elevation Worship announces the release of their upcoming album, LION. Available worldwide on March 4th, the group dropped the first single,  “Same God” today. Co-written by Steven Furtick, Chris Brown, Brandon Lake, and Pat Barrett and featuring Elevation Worship’s Jonsal Barrientes, this soaring and powerful ballad speaks to the faithfulness of God.

“He is unchanged in His wisdom, His power, His goodness, and His generosity toward us,” explains Elevation Worship’s Chris Brown. “I hope the song portrays His character and nature in a way that takes people on a journey and reminds people that we’re a part of a great cloud of witnesses that have seen this same faithful God make good on His promises to the generations before us, and those to come after.”

In the last two years alone, Elevation Worship has broken barriers for the worship genre, celebrating multiple No. 1 songs at radio, three nominations for the 2022 GRAMMY Awards, two 2021 Billboard Music Awards (Top Christian Artist and Top Christian Song), and four 2021 GMA Dove Awards. The new album follows the highly-acclaimed Graves Into Gardens (2020) and special collaboration project Old Church Basement (2021) with Maverick City Music. It was the groundbreaking songs on these albums that paved the way for the musical diversity that is represented on LION, their 14th album, a musical blend that creates intimate moments of worship to high-powered anthems.

Brown adds, “This project was written and recorded at different times over the last year and really covers a broad spectrum of moments captured in our church worship. Some of these songs really surprised us in the writing rooms, which led us to some very special moments in recording them – both in the studio and live in church. The process of making this album has been unlike any other we’ve had. And I hope every new song touches hearts in a powerful way.”

The track is from their upcoming project titled Lion.

Watch Video Below

LION track listing: 

1.   Bye Bye Babylon (feat. Valley Boys)
2.   What I See (feat. Chris Brown)
3.   Same God (feat. Jonsal Barrientes)
4.   LION (feat. Chris Brown & Brandon Lake)
5.   This Is The Kingdom (feat. Pat Barrett)
6.   This Is The Kingdom (Flow) [feat. Pat Barrett]
7.   Dancing (feat. Joe L Barnes & Tiffany Hudson)
8.   Water Is Wild (feat. Chris Brown & Brandon Lake)
9.   Welcome Resurrection (feat. Chris Brown)
10. Forever YHWH (feat. Tiffany Hudson)
11. No One (feat. Chandler Moore)
12. You Really Are (feat. Chandler Moore & Tiffany Hudson)
13. Why (feat. Valley Boys)
14. The One You Love (feat. Chandler Moore)
15. Might Get Loud (feat. Chris Brown, Brandon Lake, & Tiffany Hudson)

GRAMMY Award-winning rock band Switchfoot debuts the official visual for “Beloved,” which is available now to download or stream. This track is from their interrobang album, which dropped last year.

“Why release it now, you ask? … Ours is a fractured world where community is hard to find. When we can’t find community, we settle for tribalism instead. This song is a response to that division and feels just as appropriate in 2022 as it did in 2020 and 2021,” the band shares on social media. “‘ beloved’ is a song that attempts to see ‘you’ as you are, rather than as an ‘it’ that can be commoditized or used. Love is only possible in this exchange. In this surrender, this humility, this intentionality.”

Watch Video Below

Worship leader and songwriter Shaylee Simeone releases her new single titled “Hear Me Out.”

Nashville-based singer/songwriter and worship leader Shaylee Simeone is on a journey to say “yes” to God’s calling on her life. With pop-inspired music that is inherently congregational, she took her first step with a single debut of “Dearly Loved” in July 2019, and it now has over 2 million streams on Apple Music. For years now, Shaylee has enjoyed being a part of several music projects focused on sync/licensing while consistently leading worship at her local church; it’s no wonder that writing worship music that feels universally accessible has been such a natural transition. Shaylee longs for her music to be relatable and emotive while remaining rooted in solid Biblical theology.

Listen Below

Futures, the Georgia-based via Australia group, aka the Aus-American blend ensemble, is set to release the video for “Hills + Horizons,” today, Friday, January 21, 2022. The title-track is the lead single from the January 7^th release on DREAM Records. 

Like many acts today, Futures spent much of their “down” time over the past few years writing and recording the 11-cut blend of pop-rock infused tunes.  When the doors opened, the group went out and performed these songs at small art/coffee house spots across their home state to feel a connection with others.  As the group’s leader Mark Evans states below, we have experienced an unprecedented time in our lifetime and the songs that grew out of this have a mix of emotions, themes, sounds and hope.  The goal is to connect with people and hopefully provide an outlet of peace.

“Hills & Horizons speaks to the ups & downs, the lonely road & the in-betweens of life where we don’t get to see the whole picture. It connects on a personal level & at the same time, has been our shared human experience over the last 2 years. We believe the spirit of these songs breaks through depression, disappointment, discouragement & disillusion; literally changing not only how a person feels about their situation but how they see everything.”  – Mark Evans, Futures.

The Hills & Horizons album has seen early playlist adds on Spotify’s New Music Friday Christian and Sing A New Song, Apple Music’s Risers, YouTube’s Christian Goes Pop, Pandora’s New Christian Music Now and more since its release on January 7, 2022. The title track “Hills & Horizons” has garnered over 100,000 streams across all platforms in its first week. The single has also seen early buzz at radio with its debut on PLAY MPE as the most streamed/downloaded song of the week.

The band members – Chloe Evans, Mark Evans, Danae Leslie and Ryan Rolls had a hand in the treatment for the video that captures the muse of music and how it played a central role in every great awakening throughout history. The band recently sat down with JesusFreakHideout and talked about how the “Hills & Horizons” music video follows the whisperings of a new awakening from a dream all the way to the hilltop, with signal fires being lit across the world. This is our journey; this is the kindred call inside all of us.

“We’re honored to be partnering with the team,” says Lance Brown, co-owner of DREAM Label Group & Publishing.  “We are excited to see what God will do with this incredible album.”

10-time GRAMMY Award nominee, Tauren Wells, received his first-ever NAACP Award nomination in the “Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song” category for “Hold Us Together (Hope Mix),” his 2021 duet with H.E.R. The single also earned a GRAMMY Award nomination for “Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song”. The hit track highlights a timely and empowering message, encouraging listeners to hold on to hope in the midst of darkness. Wells shares the nomination honor with the genre’s heaviest hitters, including Kirk Franklin and Cece Winans.

Recognized as the nation’s preeminent multicultural awards show from an African-American perspective, the 53^rdNAACP Image Awards celebrates the outstanding achievements and performances of people of color across more than 80 competitive categories spanning film, television + streaming, music, literature, and podcasts. The NAACP Image Awards are set to take place on Saturday, February 26th.

Faith Artist Agency has added Rockfest Records’ The Protest and BEC Recordings’ Lion & Bear to their roster of premier Christian artists.

These talented acts are joining a lineup that already includes Christian music mainstays like Kutless, Disciple and Remedy Drive. For Faith Artist Agency owner Brandy Wahlman, the additions fit perfectly in line with the agency’s mission.

“Lion & Bear bring a beautifully creative sound that’s different from any other on the roster. The Protest are road warriors who have established themselves as one of the strongest artists on the Christian rock scene with their high-energy shows and a message of hope,” Brandy shares about the recently signed additions. “We are grateful to be able to partner with some of the best artists in Christian music, and we are looking forward to serving these two new artists!”

The booking agency will also begin representing The Whosoevers founder Ryan Ries and media personality Trevor Talks, both solely for festival appearances.

Although each with their personal passions and visions, each of the artists on FAA’s roster embody the goal of seeing hope, healing and change brought into individual communities through the hope of Jesus Christ. That’s the vision that the agency was founded on, one that continues to allow them to offer the most impactful events possible.

Nashville-based Big Future Music Group’s President Ryan Wesley Smith announces the label has entered into a joint venture with Truss Records, led by Tyrus Morgan effectively immediately.  I AM THEY will be the debut act and first release for the venture.  The group just kicked off their 2022 tour as part of the popular WINTER JAM TOUR SPECTACULAR across the US.

Big Future Music Group President Ryan Wesley Smith says, “We are honored and thrilled to bring the talents of I AM THEY into our universe, along with the launch of Truss Records with our dear friend Tyrus Morgan. To have I AM THEY as our debut signing is exciting. Their hearts, professionalism and unbelievable presence is paramount in developing key components of a burgeoning entertainment company. Couple that with a unique and viable message of hope in their well-written songs–this is exactly our mission for Big Future.”

In a few short years, I AM THEY has racked up unprecedented numbers on Spotify, Amazon, iTunes and YouTube. Today, I AM THEY is considered one of the hottest acts on the scene.  With numerous award nominations, including the GMA Dove Award for “Best New Artist”, and several coveted major tour billings, the band is poised for a strong and steady climb.

Truss’ Tyrus Morgan states, “What an honor to be able to support I AM THEY through our new label imprint with Big Future Music Group. This band has always been able to write songs that speak straight to the heart, and we are excited to dream with them and bring even more of their signature sound and heart for God to the world.”

Matt Hein of I AM THEY adds, “We are thrilled to announce our new partnership with Big Future Music Group and Truss Records! Through the years, our band has been fortunate to be paired with, and championed by, some of the truest, most supportive and talented creators on the planet. The team at Big Future passionately holds this bar high and, as we step into this next season together, it is our prayer that God would take I AM THEY further and deeper into ministry.”

I AM THEY is managed by Co-Lab Management, booked by Jeff Roberts & Associates and is on Big Future Entertainment Group/Truss Records. The group plans to release a new single this quarter along with a brand new worship project.

TOUR DATES:
01/07 – Charleston, WV (Winter Jam Spectacular)
01/08 – Columbus, OH (Winter Jam Spectacular)
01/13 – Augusta, GA (Winter Jam Spectacular)
01/14 – Tampa, FL (Winter Jam Spectacular)
01/15 – Jacksonville, FL (Winter Jam Spectacular)
01/16 – Atlanta, GA (Winter Jam Spectacular)
01/20 – Evansville, IN (Winter Jam Spectacular)
01/21 – Hoffman Estates, IL (Winter Jam Spectacular)
01/22 – Des Moines, IA (Winter Jam Spectacular)
01/23 – Little Rock, AR (Winter Jam Spectacular)
01/27 – Peoria, IL (Winter Jam Spectacular)
01/28 – Indianapolis, IN (Winter Jam Spectacular)
01/29 – Lexington, KY (Winter Jam Spectacular)
01/30 – Ypsilanti, MI (Winter Jam Spectacular)
02/04 – Mobile, AL (Winter Jam Spectacular)
02/05 – Knoxville, TN (Winter Jam Spectacular)
02/06 – Charlotte, NC (Winter Jam Spectacular)
02/10 – Wichita, KS (Winter Jam Spectacular)
02/11 – Kansas City, MO (Winter Jam Spectacular)
02/12 – Tulsa, OK (Winter Jam Spectacular)
02/17 – Fort Wayne, IN (Winter Jam Spectacular)
02/18 – Grand Rapids, MI (Winter Jam Spectacular)
02/19 – Nashville, TN (Winter Jam Spectacular)
02/20 – Tupelo, MS (Winter Jam Spectacular)
02/25 – Columbia, SC (Winter Jam Spectacular)
02/26 – Greensboro, NC (Winter Jam Spectacular)
02/27 – Roanoke, VA (Winter Jam Spectacular)
03/04 – State College, PA (Winter Jam Spectacular)
03/05 – Cincinnati, OH (Winter Jam Spectacular)
03/06 – Southaven, MS (Winter Jam Spectacular)
03/11 – Greenville, SC (Winter Jam Spectacular)
03/12 – Birmingham, AL (Winter Jam Spectacular)
03/13 – Saint Charles, MO (Winter Jam Spectacular)
03/17 – Reading, PA (Winter Jam Spectacular)
03/18 – Norfolk, VA (Winter Jam Spectacular)
03/19 – Raleigh, NC (Winter Jam Spectacular)
03/20 – Louisville, KY (Winter Jam Spectacular)
03/24 – Springfield, MO (Winter Jam Spectacular)
03/25 – Bossier City, LA (Winter Jam Spectacular)
03/26 – Oklahoma City, OK (Winter Jam Spectacular)
03/27 – Allen, TX (Winter Jam Spectacular)

Big Future Music Group is home to Abby Robertson, Chris August, Stillman, Will Edwards, Bayside Worship and I AM THEY with Truss Records.

Selah releases the official music video for “One Name (Ek Naam),” which can be viewed below. Writing credits for the track include Emmanuel Joseph, Sheldon Bangera, Todd Smith, Allan Hall, Marcus Rixon and Chris Bevins.

“One Name (Ek Naam)” is available now to download or stream.

RCA Inspiration and Provident Entertainment celebrate three NAACP Image Awards nominations for album and song releases in the Gospel/Christian categories. Recognizing these inspirational collaborations released in 2021, chart-toppers Jonathan McReynolds and Mali Music (K Approved Enterprises/RCA Inspiration), H.E.R. and Tauren Wells (Provident Entertainment), and Kirk Franklin (Fo Yo Soul/RCA) each garnered nods for the upcoming 53rd NAACP Image Awards.

Nominated in the category of Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album is the duet project released by hit-makers Jonathan McReynolds and Mali Music, featuring their live performances on Jonny x Mali: Live in LA (Life Room Label/K Approved Enterprises/MNRK/RCA Inspiration). Nominated in the category of Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song, are: the co-artist collaboration by hit-makers H.E.R. and Tauren Wells, who recorded the uplifting single “Hold Us Together (Hope Mix)” (RCA/Provident Entertainment), and hit-maker Kirk Franklin, for his song “Overcome 2021” (Fo Yo Soul/RCA), released on Apple Music in June 2021 for its exclusive “Juneteenth 2021 Freedom Songs” Playlist.

The 53rd NAACP Image Awards will air live on Saturday, February 26th, 2022 at 8 PM/7C on BET.

There is a lot going on for BEC Recordings’ singer and songwriter Jordan St. Cyr in 2022. He began the new year being touted as 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. His most current single, “Weary Traveler,” is now impacting radio and its accompanying music video just made its exclusive debut on K-LOVE.com. Both songs will appear on St. Cyr’s debut self-titled album slated to release on March 4. More details will be announced in the coming weeks.

It was last fall when the “Weary Traveler” song and lyric video initially dropped, while today the song can be heard on stations all across the U.S. and is the third most added song at AC Monitored, is top 5 at AC Indicator, and continues to receive more weekly spins. Click here to view the story behind the song and below to watch the official music video.

“My song ‘Weary Traveler’ is one that sings the journey a lot of us are on right now,” St. Cyr shares. “You know God has given us this amazing and beautiful life, but we still get those days and seasons that can leave us run down and worn out. For me and my family, navigating the chronic illness of my youngest daughter has been impossible at times, but what has made it all worth it is knowing we were never meant to walk in our struggle alone. I believe that one day we will find complete rest and healing when Jesus calls us by name. And that one day soon we will make it home.”

Jordan St. Cyr is also set to appear at the March For Life 2022 in Washington, D.C. tomorrow where he will perform for tens of thousands of people. March For Life, an annual event, promotes the beauty and dignity of every human life. Click here to find more information.

Immediately following his appearance at March For Life 2022, he will join Anne Wilson (“My Jesus”) on her tour kicking off this weekend, while beginning March 10, St. Cyr will be part of the just-announced “I Still Believe Tour” with Jeremy Camp that will run through the spring. St. Cyr will get to share “Weary Traveler,” “Fires,” and more songs from his forthcoming album with the concertgoers, so be sure to click here for the latest tour dates to find a city near you.