NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 25, 2025) – Singer/songwriter/survivor Benny DiChiara and his chart-topping indie Christian Rock band, Empowered, have released their new EP, SALT, today, Friday, July 25, 2025, from Slingshot Records.
As seen on CBN's The 700 Club, DiChiara, the band's lead singer, has shared his dramatic testimony of healing from a catastrophic brain injury with millions around the world via various media outlets.
On the heels of their 2023 release, Yahweh Nissi, DiChiara and Empowered have teamed up again with Dove Award-nominated and Billboard chart-topping singer/songwriter/producer, 7eventh Time Down lead singer Mikey Howard, to produce SALT.
With their uncompromised dedication to ministry, their signature crunchy guitars, driving percussion, and DiChiara’s distinct and arresting vocals, the band shows no sign of losing the momentum from their previous two chart-topping projects, Three Days and Yahweh Nissi, which have garnered multiple No. 1 songs and music videos on the indie charts, as well as critical acclaim.
Consisting of five cuts: “Go Forth,” “1995 (Reprise),” “The One,” “Throat Punch the Devil,” and “People of God,” SALT Is a pertect album for these turbulent times.
The project is based on Matthew 5:13, in which Jesus says to His disciples, “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.”
Last Fall, while the band was ministering in Kentucky in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, SALT was brought into fruition via a prayer over the band by Pastor Travis Spann of Wilmore Christian Church.
"His prayer over the band went from provision to prophesy right in the middle of it, where he described God seeing us as SALT," DiChiara remembers. "He then broke it down for us in the middle of the prayer. After the service, I thanked him for the vision to name our next project SALT. Not one song on this record is named "Salt," but every offering of a song is in fact that—SALT."
"The big thing that God has been speaking to me since the recording of this album is the word ENGAGE," DiChiara continues. "Engage with others, even when you don't know them. Share the gospel with them. Bring them hope and let God give them a future. Know that THIS thing—
engaging—is what we were created for!"
"My prayer is that all who hear this record feel the weight of His love, His justice, and His mercy, and to know that we should reflect that as being a part of the light of the world," says DiChiara. "Go forth, and share His Holy Word!"
Listen to Benny DiChiara and Empowered's music on Spotify, Apple Music, or Amazon Music. To watch Benny DiChiara's interview feature on The 700 Club, click here.
For more information on Benny DiChiara and Empowered, visit Rockin4Jesus.com or follow on Facebook (facebook.com/empoweredrocks).
Benny DiChiara Talks About the Songs on SALT:
“1995 (Reprise)” (written by Benny DiChiara and Mikey Howard): This song was initially released in 2012 on Empowered's Soul Cry record. This new version is a reprise of that song, which is basic-and-down-to-it, my testimony set to music. The prayer here is that those who hear it are pointed to the Savior as well.
“Go Forth” (written by Benny DiChiara, Mic Capdevielle, James Sanders, and Ross Daigle): While the basis of the SALT project is Matthew 5:13-20 (the Sermon on the Mount), God spoke to us about "going forth" and spreading the gospel that is Jesus. This song is a mix of that energy and faith-driven purpose to motivate those who are believers to go forth and do so.
The One” (written by Benny DiChiara, Mic Capdevielle, James Sanders, and Ross Daigle): "The One” is the lead single. It is based on Luke 15:3-7, where Jesus tells the parable about leaving the 99 to find the lost ONE. No matter the circumstances in our lives right now, God is seeking US right now. This song was offered up not as God leaving the 99 to FIND the one, but us BEING the one. It is a direct correlation to searching out Jesus and realizing that He was there waiting for us to search for Him all along. Press into Him and find His love, mercy, and grace for your life. Just like me, you are the one!
“People of God” (written by Benny DiChiara and Mikey Howard): This song represents that we ARE in fact the people of God. In today's world especially, Christians need to realize that what the world says is not our reality—it is theirs. We ARE the people of God!
“Throat Punch the Devil” (written by Benny DiChiara, Mic Capdevielle, James Sanders, and Ross Daigle): Have you ever felt like you've been under attack from the devil? Ever felt like the devil is coming at you from every front? Well then, this song is for you! Christians should not be afraid to fight back against the attacks of the enemy. We should seek to fight Satan with everything we've got. If God is for us, who can be against us?
About Benny DiChiara and Empowered:
Singer/songwriter/survivor Benny DiChiara is the founder and frontman of the indie Christian rock band Empowered.
A New Orleans native, DiChiara is also a businessman, motivational speaker, father, and husband. Having come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ later in life, the U.S. Navy vet first fronted a secular rock band before surrendering his music to ministry.
DiChiara's band, Empowered, which he founded after giving his life to Christ, has become a staple of the live music scene in their home state of Louisiana, sharing the stage with such powerhouse artists as Switchfoot, MercyMe, Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes, 7eventh Time Down, Jaci Velasquez, Riley Clemmons, Phil Joel, and Ryan Stevenson.
Empowered is comprised of Benny DiChiara (Founder/Lead Vocals/Songwriter), James Sanders (Guitars/BGVs), Mic Capdevielle (Drums/Percussion/BGVs), and Ross Daigle (Guitars/BGVs).
The band has been gaining traction in the indie music world as their two previous chart-topping projects, Three Days and Yahweh Nissi, have garnered multiple No. 1 songs and music videos on the indie charts, as well as critical acclaim.
DiChiara has a powerful testimony of God's mercy and healing that he loves to share. And he has been sharing it all over the world—most recently on national and international media outlets including CBN’s flagship show, The 700 Club; Cornerstone Television Network’s flagship show, Hope Today; NRBTV & WATC-TV 57 in Atlanta’s award-winning TV show Babbie’s House; Inspiration.org; nationally syndicated radio show Bill Martinez Live! (airing in 250+ U.S. markets); popular Baton Rouge, Louisiana, lifestyle publication, 225 Magazine; LIFE Today Live with Randy Robison; World Christian Broadcasting; MRG Media; The Meeting House on Faith Radio, and many more.
In October 2015, DiChiara fell and suffered a concussion and a closed fracture of the skull base with subarachnoid, subdural, and extradural hemorrhage. This traumatic brain injury nearly took his life and his capacity to create music, but he astonished doctors with a nearly full recovery. It was his faith that helped DiChiara navigate the long, often winding road to to get back to where he is today.
The healing process turned into a creative season, during which the band's breakout EP, Three Days, was written. Three Days was the band's first release since DiChiara's accident and healing journey, followed by their powerful EP, Yahweh Nissi, which has made the band's recent accomplishments all the more significant.
And now, with Empowered's new EP, SALT, DiChiara continues to proclaim his journey from lost to found, aimless to empowered, unapologetically bold in his faith and the message of Jesus's saving grace.
DiChiara and Empowered are proud to contribute to the work of the non-profit organization, Children's Cup (childrenscup.org).
DiChiara lives in Baton Rougue, Louisiana, with his wife Donna.
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