Todd Tilghman, winner of season 18 of The Voice, is sharing his personal hope with the world through “Still to Come.”

“So many songs, across genres, have been written about mountains, and mountaintops, and climbing the mountains,” the soulful country singer explains. “In ‘Still to Come,’ I hope to convey that it’s always better on the other side. I wish I could show you. But we can’t see the other side of the mountain without the climb.”

That concept is captured throughout the deeply moving lyrics: It’s not that I’m afraid the storm will last / It’s the things that might be lost along its path.

Todd reflects on those lines, “No circumstance lasts forever. I understand that. My concern was what life would look like when the storm was over. What’s the cost? But ultimately, the glory far outweighs the initial price.”

The single continues The Voice winner’s trend of consistently releasing heartfelt songs about his personal journey, his family and his deeply-held faith. It follows “Blood, Sweat & Tears” and “Dig My Grave,” both of which released earlier this year. As all of his 2023 releases prove, he’s not one to shy away from personal disclosure for the sake of connecting with listeners.

“Still To Come” Illuminates The Hope Of ‘The Voice’ Winner Todd Tilghman

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“I originally wrote ‘Still to Come’ on the heels of one of the most devastating times in my life,” Todd Tilghman admits. “I wasn’t so concerned with whether or not I’d get through it— I just really wondered how. I hung on to the scriptures: our suffering is light and temporary, and it’s working for us an eternal weight of glory. The suffering we face now is nothing compared to the glory that is still to come.”

The 116 Summer Playlist is back again for its sixth year — but this time with an improved rollout and approach. The annual playlist, hosted by Reach Records and known best for showcasing fresh talent through various collaborations within the Christian Hip-Hop space will release over several weeks as opposed to having one flight date like in years past.

A new set of songs will release every Wednesday over the next three weeks. Fans and followers of the playlist can check Reach’s social platforms every Monday to learn which new single and artists will be dropping on the playlist that week.

The debut single of this years’ playlist features Toyalove, Reece Lache & Childlike CiCi teaming up for an uncompromising and fierce track that speaks of their bold faith in God. Featuring three strong women of faith and rising artists in Christian Hip Hop, “Stay Low” sets the tone for what you can expect from the rest of this years playlist: excellence, boldness and unity. Listen to “Stay Low”

“This song was thoughtfully curated, weaving a tapestry of faith, resilience, and Christian rap culture. With rich melodies and heartfelt lyrics we hope that this song will inspire spiritual growth and that people would understand the significance of maintaining humility and embracing God’s role in uplifting us. For all of us, it was important to also underscore this record with the value of unity and solidarity among believers, regardless of the challenges we face.” says Childlike CiCi.

The release of “Stay Low” is also accompanied by a music video. Directed by Nehemiah Wilson from sBN., the video follows Toya, Reece and CiCi on their way to the summer block party with special guest appearances along the way. Premiering on YouTube at 4pm ET, be sure you pull up and hang with CiCi, Toya and Reece for the first viewing of the music video

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After announcing the release of Stay Low with this post, Toya, Reece and CiCi made an appearance on The 116 Life hosted by DJ Mykael V to talk about the fullness of walking in God’s purpose, creating Christian music, being influential leaders in the space, and conversations surrounding women in hip-hop.

The Summer Twenty-Three playlist from Reach Records features over 10 tracks with the likes of Reach Records longtime artists Lecrae, Trip Lee, and Tedashii, as well as upcoming artists across the realm of the Christian and hip-hop spaces: 678Nath, Tommy Royale, DKG KIE, 350, Jaye Newton and Samuel Ash to name a few.

Past Summer playlists from Reach Records have included top performing tracks such as viral hit Coming in Hot by Lecrae & Andy Mineo (Instagram’s #1 song in 2021), “Don’t Worry Bout It” by Posha Love & Wande (featured on the Netflix show ‘Freeridge‘), Woo by Wande (selected by Apple as the song to launch the iPhone 12) and many more.

Vere Music and Brickhouse Entertainment have welcomed breakout pop singer/songwriter Mary-Clair to their roster. The 19-year-old Nashville native teamed up with multi-Grammy award-winning songwriter and producer Tedd T., who has penned hits for Celine Dion, Tauren Wells and more, for her debut single “Heaven in the Way.” The powerful ballad is available to stream now across all music platforms.

Growing up in Music City, Mary-Clair developed a strong love for music and live shows at a young age. She has been writing since she was 10 years old drawing stylistic inspiration by icons like Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, post Malone and Jon Bellion. Her new single, “Heaven In The Way”, shows her authentic nature and desire for her music to connect with people who have gone through similar experiences.

Vere Music & Brickhouse Entertainment Welcome Mary-Clair To Roster & Releases Debut Single

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“I am so excited and honored to be a part of the Vere and Brickhouse family,” shares Mary-Clair. “All I want to do is sing songs that impact and inspire people. I believe with this team and the grace of God we can do just that. I am so proud of this song. It’s been two years in the making and I can’t wait for people to hear it.”
“Heaven in the Way” is the first of many to be released, with Vere on board to distribute while Brickhouse will serve as management.

“As a new artist Mary-Clair has already built an impressive team including Tedd T. and Brickhouse Entertainment,” says Rusty Harmon, President of Vere Music. “Mary-Clair’s vocals and songwriting are undeniable. Vere is excited to join this team and partner with this obvious up and coming talent.”

The Dayton, Ohio-based Americana band releases their latest single on July 14, 2023. The song portrays a conversation between Archangels Michael and Gabriel.

I thought it would be interesting if Michael and another archangel were together trying to solve the great issues of the day, just as we all do with our friends over dinner or cocktails.”

— Ray Monell, co-writer

One of the region’s most acclaimed Americana bands, Ludlow Creek, have just announced the July 14th, 2023 release date for their new single, “Last Call”. The track is off of the band’s critically praised album, “Which Way is Forward.”

“Last Call” is a melodic blend of classic rock, roots and country, with powerful lyrics that explore the themes of faith, love, and human relationships. Co-written with longtime collaborator, Ray Monell, “Last Call” is already nominated for Song of the Year at the Josie Music Awards.

When asked about the track, Ray said, “It was really inspired by a conversation I had with a cousin at a family reunion who had a deep belief in angels. I thought it would be interesting if Michael and another archangel were together trying to solve the great issues of the day, just as we all do with our friends over dinner or cocktails.

After putting the idea on the shelf for a few months, I was inspired by the name of a friend’s grandson; “Gabriel’ became the song’s second Archangel. Then a few weeks later, as I was walking through New York City, I saw an old bar down a typical NYC road… the Saint Francis Tavern. From that point on, “Last Call” sort of wrote itself.”

Ludlow Creek is no stranger to success and is on the rise. Their earlier single, also co-written with Monell, “Stoney Lonesome Road”, reached #51 on the UK iTunes Rock Songs chart. Their Christmas single, “This Baby Boy”, reached #1 on the UK iTunes charts. To date, the band has amassed over 250K Spotify streams. These achievements propelled the group to a 2022 International Singer Songwriter Association Award win.

Fair Trade Services announces Jordan Janzen as the newest member to join their family of artists. Additionally, his first single debuts today, “You Can Let Go.” 

While “You Can Let Go” is his solo debut with the label, music has always been a part of Janzen’s life. The Canadian singer-songwriter learned to play music as naturally as it was to walk and talk. It is thanks to his parents, who were part of the Christian rock band Sojourner and instilled in him a love of music.

By the time he was seven, he was playing drums with their worship team. Gifted with an ear for music, he soon started leading worship for his youth group. “For me,” Janzen says, “music and worship are intertwined. It’s a connection to our relationship with God.”

This innate understanding of music, combined with a lifelong love for God, shows up in “You Can Let Go,” a heart-driven pop ballad that gives the listener permission to let go of past regrets, secrets, and all the things that can be so difficult to release. “People need Jesus more than ever,” he says. “The God of love and comfort is the God that’s going to draw us in. He loves us just as we are. We don’t have to do it on our own. We can let go.”

“You Can Let Go” may be his first solo song, but Janzen is no stranger to touring and music. After he entered a local singing competition at 17, he and a group of bandmates went on a six-week tour across Canada with Amanda Cook, igniting a fire to do music ministry full-time. He then became part of the band The Color, spending the next decade building the skills and fanbase that equipped him to be where he is today.

James Rueger, A&R for Fair Trade Services, shares, “We are so excited to partner with Jordan. I have loved seeing his commitment and passion for what the Lord is doing in his life. ‘You Can Let Go’ feels like a perfect song to begin a new chapter for Jordan and I can’t wait to see how God is going to use the song!”

Going solo after being part of a band for so many years has unlocked a new level of vulnerability within Janzen. For the first time, he began allowing pieces of his own experience, his own struggles and questions, and doubts, into the songs he was writing. “There’s a new, deeper honesty to my songs that make them a place of safety,” he says. “That’s what I want when people hear my music, to know they can connect with a God of safety and comfort.”

His goal for the future is to write more songs from the deep well of his heart, songs designed to usher people in to the assurance of God’s wide-open love. “It’s so amazing to use my creative gifting to leave a mark. As long as that’s happening, I’ll keep doing it.”

Fair Trade Services Announces Signing Of Jordan Janzen & Releases Debut Single

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Trailblazing faith-based artist Christian Paul is putting a new spin on his brand new single “Yes I Am” with the release of the Hallelujah Remix, today, Friday, July 14. Originally released in March, the single and its remix continue to build on the strong foundation Christian has established within the genre and beyond.

“I feel incredibly honored when fans share their stories about how ‘Yes I Am’ has bolstered their confidence in Christ’s redemptive and transformative power,” Christian shared. “The overwhelming support for the song has truly amazed me, and I wanted to express my gratitude by offering listeners something unique to commemorate its success. I hope this remix provides a fresh and enjoyable perspective on the song.”

The remix is yet another way Christian is proving to be an artist who thinks outside the box. With massive success on TikTok, Christian has proven his old soul can connect with the mainstream masses. Featured in one of his most viewed videos with over 4.4 million views and currently sitting in the top 30 on both Mediabase Christian Audience and Billboard Christian Airplay Charts, reaching over 2 million listeners each week,“Yes I Am” is the latest in a series of singles from the Alabama native.

The song has received high praise from numerous radio stations including The Joy FM, whose PD/MD Dave Cruse shared, “Christian Paul has found a way to wrap his testimony, a gospel appeal, and declaration of faith in 2 minutes and 48 seconds of infectious, energetic, danceable, legit pop with a singable hook that gets stuck in your head.”

Debuting with “Won’t Rain Anymore,” which was produced by Frequency (Eminem, Rihanna) and premiered on Zane Lowe’s Radio Show, Christian set the tone and direction for what was to come with his smooth vocals, catchy melodies and positive message. He’s also set to hit the road with Crowder this summer on select dates.

At only 23, Christian Paul is blazing a trail few have traveled. An old soul with wisdom beyond his years, his inspiration ranges from the poetry of old hymns to elements of rhythm and blues. After leaving his first solo record deal at 19 for a musical hiatus and a season of soul-searching, Christian is opening a fresh chapter of his story in partnership with his label home Capitol Christian Music Group.

Making music that blends the R&B he was raised on, the pop excellence he once aspired to, and the faith he’s deciphering, Christian Paul is hitting his stride while remaining his authentic self. In turn, he’s creating a merger of bold pop strokes and thoughtful lyricism that include thinly veiled references to the hope he’s found in giving his life over to something bigger than himself.

Christian Paul Revives Hit Single “Yes I Am” With Hallelujah Remix Available Now

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Soul-inspired pop singer/songwriter, pianist, worship leader and producer Natalie Layne releases her first radio single, “Amen.” the song will be featured on Layne’s six-song, Centricity Music debut EP, Amen, set to release July 28.

Desiring to radiate joy through her original music, Layne co-wrote “Amen” with hit-making songwriters Benji Cowart and David Spencer. It was a song title that was inspired by the simple kindness of a neighbour.

“It’s such a small thing that can inspire a song sometimes,” says Layne. “There’s a lot of hard things happening in the world, and I just felt so heavy one particular week. I was driving out of my neighborhood, and one of my neighbors was out on their morning walk. They waved and smiled as I drove by, and it restored my faith in humanity for a second.”

Writing that seemingly insignificant gesture into the bridge of what became “Amen,” Layne shares, “I started thinking, ‘What if there was a song where we could say ‘amen’ to all the good things happening in the world and not discount the hard things?’ We need to acknowledge the broken things, but there’s actually a higher reality at work in the world. There’s still joy even when hard things are happening. Grief and gratitude can exist at the same time.”

Cultivating an impressive social following simply by inviting listeners into her songwriting process online, Layne also studied under GRAMMY® Award-winning songwriter and producer Bernie Herms (Natalie Grant, Josh Groban, Barbra Streisand) through a Belmont University apprenticeship that allowed her to shadow him for a semester.

She’s sung background vocals for Natalie Grant on the Dove Awards stage and also lent BGVs to labelmate Jason Gray’s upcoming album. Additionally, she’s opened concerts for Jeremy Camp, Chris Tomlin and We The Kingdom, among others; and she’s headlined full band sets at Bonnaroo — twice. Amen builds on her growing momentum, serving up six original songs — all co-penned by Layne.

“I’ve just always wanted to make music that brings people joy. I think we need joyful songs to get us through the day sometimes, and God’s given me a lot of permission to go for the happy songs,” Layne says. “If these songs could bring people joy, even in little ways, that would be a win.”

With a master’s degree in commercial piano, Layne won Belmont’s Christian Showcase at her alma mater in 2019, and has been leading worship since she was 12 under the mentorship of respected worship pastors such as Cory Asbury, Jon Egan and Jared Anderson.

The Colorado Springs native now resides in Nashville and will travel extensively this summer, taking her new music to fairs and festivals across the U.S. before joining GRAMMY-nominated, Dove Award-winning American Idol alum Danny Gokey for a national tour this fall.

Natalie Layne Offers Joyful “Amen” To Radio

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Today, Futures announces their upcoming new album Together, With Heaven coming out August 25th on DREAM Worship.  The group will be releasing new songs every week leading up to the release and today they release their first track “What A Life.”  The song was produced by Mark Griffith and written by Aaron Deanshaw, Michael Kopeikin, Danae Leslie and Kym Miaco.

“‘What A Life’ is a celebration of the abundant life that we have because of Jesus! Writing this song gave us a chance to reflect on what it means to have joy and security that isn’t based on the highs and lows of life, but instead in the One who walks those highs and lows with us, and even gives us a song to sing in the meantime. 

I hope when you hear this song it reminds you of how far He’s brought you, and that it becomes an anthem through every storm to come.” – Futures

What makes this album so unique is that the songs from the album were produced live simultaneously at their church in Australia and in Atlanta, GA at the same time.

Futures Releases New Song “What A Life”

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Blanca radiates confidence on her fresh song, “New Day (Wake Up Remix) [feat. Jekalyn Carr], ” releasing 6/16. Unbreakable, the songstress shakes off the critics and steps into new mercies as she charts a course all her own with a good deal of grit and determination.

A blend of pulsating hip-hop beats and a soulful groove, the pulls-no-punches selection welcomes five-time GRAMMY nominee Jekalyn Carr on the second verse. Together, the two powerhouse vocalists make a bold statement: They’re not settling, and good things are coming their way.

“New Day (Wake Up Remix) [feat. Jekalyn Carr]” was written by Blanca Reyes, Anton Göransson, Isabella Sjöstrand, Taylor Hill, and Jekalyn Carr; and produced by Anton Göransson and Taylor Hill.

Blanca Shares Remix Track

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“All Hail,” REVERE’s latest single, comes from the community’s deepest expression for God as Most High, this time, presented in a groovy, funky, gospel-fused track. Written by Phil Thompson, Aaron Lindsey, Kennedy Lindsey, Mark Alan Schoolmesters, and Dwan Hill, the new song seeks to recall the privilege it is to be in the Lord’s presence.

Simultaneously, “All Hail” proclaims the importance of the person of Jesus Christ as King and Lord of our lives. This upbeat anthem of praise, led by Phil Thompson and Carrington Gaines, is not only a Sunday morning jam, but a declaration of REVERE’s core message to reorient the Church back to Christ by creating a Him- focused experience.

REVERE Drops “All Hail”

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