Jesusfreakhideout.com Music News: December 2018

December, 2018

*Sunday, December 30, 2018*

Hillsong Young and Free Tops Australian Year End Christian Airplay Chart; TobyMac Earns Artist of the Year

AUSTRALIAN contemporary worship ensemble, Hillsong Young & Free has nabbed top honors for Song Of Year from Australia's national Christian music airplay chart, TCM. And American singer tobyMac has landed the honor for Artist Of The Year... << Full Report >>

*Friday, December 28, 2018*

Mr. Del, Canton Jones, and Uncle Reece Team Up on New Single "On God"

Mr. Del closes out 2018 with a new single off his newly released Black album. "My 20 year old nephew always says "On God". He says it so much that I decided it needs to be a song," shares Mr. Del. He continues, "You need to understand the power of anything being "On God". We need to see His power in 2019, like never before. I felt it was my duty to give us a new Kingdom Anthem with my brothers... << Full Report >>

*Thursday, December 27, 2018*

New Day Christian Distributors Celebrates Successful Year

New Day Christian Distributors (New Day) is ending 2018 with many things to celebrate including multiple GRAMMY nominations and successful launches for its film partners, toy brands, book offerings, and gift lines. “I am extremely proud of our team here at New Day for another successful year, our 37^th.” says Dottie Leonard Miller, President and CEO of New Day Christian Distributors... << Full Report >>

*Friday, December 21, 2018*

Brinson Releases "Aquadrip" Themed Single in Synch with New DC Comics Film

In the comic books and brand new movie, Arthur Curry (aka Aquaman) finds himself caught between two worlds – one he was born in to and one his soul knows is really his home. He also has access to abilities that are beyond the realm of most humans, but finds he is often reluctant to tap into such awe-inspiring power. It's a story that speaks on several spiritual levels to an artist like Brinson, which is why he turned that inspiration into his latest rap single: "Aquadrip."... << Full Report >>

*Thursday, December 20, 2018*

A Letter from SWITCHFOOT'S Jon Foreman Regarding Jerome Fontamillas's Health

With less than a month to the release of the band's eleventh studio album, NATIVE TONGUE, Switchfoot announced some sad news regarding the health of longtime band member Jerome Fontamillas. In a special letter from frontman Jon Foreman, it was revealed today that Jerome was recently diagnosed with kidney cancer and will be undergoing surgery at the end of December to remove one of his kidneys, hopefully stopping any spread of the disease... << Full Report >>

*Wednesday, December 19, 2018*

Sidewalk Prophets Wraps Successful Inaugural "Great Big Family Christmas Tour"

Sidewalk Prophets just wrapped their inaugural "Great Big Family Christmas Tour," hitting nine markets throughout Ilinois, Ohio, Michigan, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Minnesota, while selling out four of the dates. With such a successful tour, the band is poised to continue this Christmas tour tradition for years to come... << Full Report >>

Chris Tomlin with Awakening Events Announce Worship Nights in Israel

Chris Tomlin alongside Awakening Events have unveiled Worship Nights in Israel. A journey through the Holy Land, the eight day sojourn will travel to Galilee, The Dead Sea, Nazareth, Capernum, Mount of Beatutudes, Garden Tomb and more, visiting numerous biblical and historical sites. The once in a lifetime trip will take place June 20-27, 2019, offering a chance to experience the places where Jesus walked along with times to gather and reflect... << Full Report >>

*Wednesday, December 18, 2018*

SWITCHFOOT Releases Instant Grat Track "All I Need" From New Album, "Native Tongue"

As anticipation rises for SWITCHFOOT's forthcoming album Native Tongue, the GRAMMY® award-winning rock band releases the third instant grat track, "All I Need," to fans who pre-order the album. Fans can also check out the music video for the inspiring anthem, which features footage from the band's hometown of San Diego and recent trip to India... << Full Report >>

Mosaic MSC Embarks on "See The Light" Tour with Travis Greene

MOSAIC MSC, a collective of some of Los Angeles’ most talented and culturally diverse singers and musicians, will join multiple GRAMMY® nominated artist Travis Greene on the 23-city domestic ‘See The Light’ tour. Prior to the full U.S. circuit that kicks off on Feb. 14, the group will also appear at the national Passion Conferences for special arena performances in Dallas, TX and Atlanta, GA on January 2-3, 2019... << Full Report >>

Catch The Fire Music To Release "Presence (Live From Toronto)" Jan. 25

Catch The Fire Music, a ministry of Catch The Fire World, releases its debut collective album, Presence (Live From Toronto), Jan. 25 with global distribution for the first time through The Fuel Music. Recorded live at Catch The Fire Toronto and featuring worship leaders from around the world, this full-length album highlights 10-songs that capture the raw, spontaneous, unfiltered worship of the Catch The Fire movement.

Produced by Matt Fish and mastered by Drew Lavyne (Michael W. Smith, Jesus Culture), Presence (Live From Toronto) includes songs written and led by Chris and Summer Shealy, Jonathan and Alice Clarke, GRAMMY Award-winning songwriter... << Full Report >>

*Monday, December 17, 2018*

John Waller To Release New Album, "Explosions Of Light," From Radiate Music Jan. 25

Recording artist and songwriter John Waller, known for such inspiring hit singles as “Crazy Faith” (featured in the hit box office film, War Room), “While I'm Waiting” (featured in 2008’s No.1 independent film, Fireproof), “As For Me and My House,” “The Blessing” and many more, releases his first new album in three years, Explosions of Light, on Radiate Music Jan. 25... << Full Report >>

Hannah Kerr Set To Appear On The 700 Club Dec. 18 and Dec. 25!

Black River Christian artist and songwriter Hannah Kerr, who just released her new Christmas LP, Christmas Eve In Bethlehem on October 19, will be sharing holiday stories and music from the new project live on The 700 Club tomorrow. She is also set to appear on the show the following week with a performance airing on Christmas Day. You don't want to miss her appearance on CBN... << Full Report >>

NPR's Tiny Desk Concert With Amy Grant Unveiled

6X GRAMMY® winner Amy Grant recently stopped by the famed concert series NPR's Tiny Desk to share a collection of holiday music including "To Be Together," "Tennessee Christmas" and "Jingle Bells." Of her "fabulous four-decade career," NPR Music notes "you not only hear an artist progress — from '80s synth-pop to lush string arrangements to a contemporary Nashville... << Full Report >>

Centricity Music Announces Signing of Chris Renzema

Wrapping up a record-breaking year, Centricity Music has added to its acclaimed roster, signing singer-songwriter Chris Renzema to recording and publishing deals. Hailing from Grand Rapids, Michigan, before moving to Nashville in 2015, Renzema showcases dynamic folk-rock musicianship, paired with storytelling, lyrical heart. His self-produced indie albums have brought worship songs to churches across the country and made a strong impact on digital listeners. Renzema, 23, is now working on new music to be released next year... << Full Report >>

*Saturday, December 15, 2018*

Disciple Announces Signing to Tooth & Nail Records

Longtime heavy rock band Disciple announced yesterday that they've joined the Tooth & Nail Records label family. Disciple was known for their independent status for years before joining SRE / INO Records (now known as Fair Trade Services) in 2005 for their self-titled label debut. After several releases, however, the band returned to the indie circle with their 2012 album, Attack, and self-released their 2016 album Long Live The Rebels with the aid of BEC/Tooth & Nail. But as of yesterday, the band is officially part of the the label's roster... << Full Report >>

DREAM Worship Releases New Album From 3C Live

DREAM Worship has just released a new live album from 3C Live, titled Good To Me. 3C Live is the music industry of Full Gospel Church of God in South Africa. It's a dynamic worship team from the multi-site, vibrant and fast-growing church with over 21,000 members in South Africa and a global reach with online viewers of 47 Million homes a week. Good To Me is the group's fourth release on DREAM Worship... << Full Report >>

*Friday, December 14, 2018*

Skillet's Latest Album, "Unleashed," Certified RIAA Gold

2019 will find Skillet once again touring with Breaking Benjamin and Fight The Fury for dates in March and April. Known for their vast tour schedule, the dates will be followed by a trek through the Russian Federation. Tickets for the two month trek are on sale now... << Full Report >>

Mae Celebrates "Multisensory Aesthetic Experience" Charting Success, #35 Independent Album

American rock band, Mae, is celebrating a very successful initial few weeks following the release of Multisensory Aesthetic Experience, and has secured the #35 spot on the Independent Albums chart. The band's first full-length album in ten years has been heralded by outlets such as Billboard, Consequence of Sound, Substream Magazine, and more... << Full Report >>

The Singing Contractors Announce Debut Album, "Working On A Building," Feb. 01

Viral sensations The Singing Contractors have announced plans for their highly anticipated national debut project, Working On A Building, Hymns and Gospel Classics with Gaither Music Group, set to release Feb. 01, 2019. The collection will include unique renditions of beloved hymns and gospel classics. The foundation of the unlikely pair stems from a viral video of their poignant rendition of "How Great Thou Art," performed in an unfinished corner of a home... << Full Report >>

Powerhouses Natalie Grant and Danny Gokey Reprise "The Prayer"

GRAMMY® nominated power-vocalists Natalie Grant and Danny Gokey released their version of the contemporary classic, “The Prayer,” to radio and digital platforms nationally as they launched their 3rd annual Celebrate Christmas tour in November. The song has been a highlight moment each night in their show since they began their branded tour in 2016... << Full Report >>

Multi-Faceted New Voices Join First Company Management's Elite Roster

One of Christian music’s leading full-service entertainment management firms, First Company Management is set to wrap 2018 with four new signees to its acclaimed roster. In addition, the agency is celebrating a string of major accomplishments from its top artists, including Newsboys, Ryan Stevenson and Austin French... << Full Report >>

Annie Moses Band Releases First Single, "Jesus Christ the Apple Tree"

PBS sensation and Emmy-nominated, award-winning folk group, Annie Moses Band, known for its fiery string playing and soulful renditions of beloved American songs, releases today its first single, “Jesus Christ the Apple Tree,” from the group’s upcoming (March 2019) studio album Under the Tree of Life. Releasing from ManAlive Records with global distribution from The Fuel Music... << Full Report >>

*Thursday, December 13, 2018*

Integrity Music Welcomes Furnace Music Artists

Integrity Music, a division of the nonprofit global church resource provider David C Cook, welcomes Furnace Music, a label and ministry serving a variety of independent artists, with all Furnace albums and songs available through Integrity effective immediately... << Full Report >>

Matthew West Surprised with RIAA Platinum Certification of "The Motions"

Yesterday, Capitol Christian Music Group surprised Matthew West with an RIAA certified platinum (1 million single sales) plaque commemorating his landmark song, "The Motions." No. 1 at Christian airplay for eight weeks with over 170 million global streams, the hit single marks West's first... << Full Report >>

"The Ultimate Whiteheart Cover Band" To Lead "Freedom" 30th Anniversary Event

It's time to celebrate 30 years of Freedom. Join Rick Florian, Mark Gersmehl, and Gordon Kennedy of "The Ultimate Whiteheart Cover Band" in Nashville, Tennessee on June 29, 2019 for an exclusive one-time event in honor of the 30th anniversary of Whiteheart's Freedom album... << Full Report >>

Reach Records Joins "A Greater Story" To Discuss "The Gift" Christmas Project

In this Holiday filled episode of 'A Greater Story,' Sam Collier interviews Reach Records' recording artists Tedashii, 1K Phew, & WHATUPRG and executives Marcus Hollinger & Ace Harris. Collier leads a faith-filled discussion to talk about the making of Reach's first-ever Christmas album... << Full Report >>

Javen Joins Erica and Warryn Campbell, David and Tamela Mann for TBN TV Special

Singer-actor, Javen, is in the Christmas mood. The veteran singer-actor joins Grammy® winner, Erica Campbell, her hitmaking producer of a husband, Warryn Campbell; and TV stars, David & Tamela Mann, for a special hour-long television special, “Christmas with the Manns.” It airs Thursday, December 13 @ 8 PM ET/ 7 PM CT on the TBN cable network... << Full Report >>

*Wednesday, December 12, 2018*

Michael W. Smith Announces Special 35th Anniversary "Friends" Concert, Feat. 35 Artists

With over 45 Dove awards, three Grammy awards, and an American Music award, Michael W. Smith has forever enshrined his mark in the music history books. Smith garnered yet another Grammy nod last Friday with a nomination for ‘Best Contemporary Christian Music Album’ for his latest worship effort, ‘Surrounded... << Full Report >>

Francesca Battistelli Performs With Andrea Bocelli For Worldwide TV Christmas Special Airing Dec. 20

GRAMMY® Award winning artist Francesca Battistelli will appear on the holiday special, "Andrea Bocelli: The Heart of Christmas," which is set to air on TBN December 20 at 8/7pm CT. The holiday program will feature Battistelli singing a duet with the world-renowned classical music icon, along with a duet between Bocelli and his son, Matteo, select Christmas songs and more. "Andrea Bocelli: The Heart of Christmas" was filmed in Bocelli’s hometown, Lajatico, in the Italian region Tuscany... << Full Report >>

Compassion LIVE's "Real Magic Tour" with Harris III To Take Flight This March And April

With over 20 years of experience through thousands of performances as a storyteller and illusionist, Harris III will unite with Compassion LIVE for the “Real Magic Tour.” The trek will run through March and April including stops in Marietta, Fort Smith, Indianapolis and more. Harris III is known for pushing the audience past the barriers that are holding so many back from child-like faith - a life where anything is possible... << Full Report >>

*Tuesday, December 11, 2018*

Zach Williams Receives Third GRAMMY Nomination For "Survivor: Live From Harding Prison EP"

It was announced on Friday that Zach Williams, Provident Music Group/Sony Music artist and current GRAMMY winner, received a GRAMMY nomination for the upcoming 61st Annual GRAMMY Awards®. Recognized for Best Contemporary Christian Album, Survivor: Live From Harding Prison, Williams won the category this past February for his Deluxe LP Chain Breaker. This is Williams’ third GRAMMY nomination in three years. He received his first nomination at the 59th Annual GRAMMY Awards for his... << Full Report >>

*Monday, December 10, 2018*

Newsboys United and Michael W. Smith Join Forces for Spring Tour

Christian music supergroup Newsboys United and multi-Platinum®, multi-GRAMMY®-winning singer/songwriter Michael W. Smith are set to make history this spring, joining forces for the first time ever for “Surrounded & United: The Tour.” The 10-city outing will be a night of worship, featuring hits spanning both artists’ unparalleled careers... << Full Report >>

MercyMe Earns Sixth Career GRAMMY Nomination

Multi-platinum selling MercyMe has earned their sixth GRAMMY® nod for the chart-topper “Grace Got You,” as heard on their GRAMMY® nominated album LIFER. The single, nominated for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song, topped multiple radio charts including the Billboard Christian Airplay (BDS), AC Monitored and AC Indicator charts as well as the Mediabase Christian Audience chart. Adding to the resonance, the winsome track garnered placement in... << Full Report >>

Bethel Music's Brian Johnson's Authentic Account Of Anxiety Battle "When God Becomes Real" Out Feb. 5

Brian Johnson’s new book When God Becomes Real (Feb. 5) journeys readers through the darkest times of his life as he battled a long jaunt with depression and anxiety head-on. Opening with a panic-filled breakdown that struck while catching lizards with his son, the tell-all draws back to the origins of his relationship with God and the fear that riddled him throughout parts of his youth. The husband and father of four shares about the vitalness praise and worship... << Full Report >>

*Friday, December 7, 2018*

for KING & COUNTRY Receives GRAMMY Nomination for No.1 Single, "joy."

It was announced today that Australian duo for KING & COUNTRY received some good tidings this holiday season - a GRAMMY nomination for the massive No. 1 single “joy.” in the Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance / Song category. This marks four career GRAMMY nominations as the group hopes to add to its two previous GRAMMY Award wins... << Full Report >>

Meredith Andrews Debuts New Song From Live EP, "A Millon Saints"

Today, worship leader, songwriter, and captivating vocalist Meredith Andrews has released her first song, "A Million Saints," from her upcoming live EP Faith And Wonder (Live), which releases on March 8, 2019. Get the song and pre-order the EP here, and click below to watch the live music video of this song. On her first live EP, Andrews invites the world to experience a very special night of congregational worship... << Full Report >>

Cory Asbury Honored With First-Ever GRAMMY® Nod For Monumental Hit "Reckless Love"

Cory Asbury’s resonating hit “Reckless Love” has garnered the Michigan-based singer, songwriter and worship leader his first GRAMMY® nomination. The honor marks the first nomination for a Bethel Music Artist. The single topped charts across the board including Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs Chart, Mediabase Christian Audience Chart and the Christian Airplay Chart. The 61st Annual GRAMMY® Awards are slated for Feb. 10, and will air on CBS... << Full Report >>

Hip Hop Artist Ty Brasel Drops New Album, "Destined for Greatness," Available Now

Rising Hip Hop artist Ty Brasel has made his IVAV album debut with, Destined For Greatness, available worldwide across all digital platforms. This is Ty's first release with 4 Against 5 (IVAV), a division of Curb | Word Entertainment... << Full Report >>

Crowder Releases Acoustic Video for Song "Ghost"

3X GRAMMY® Nominated artist Crowder is releasing a new acoustic video for his powerful and emotive song “Ghost” today. Directed by Nate Corrona (DustBrand Films), the video is filmed in black-and-white and offers a stripped down rendition of the track, featuring Crowder and band members, performing the song on stringed instruments. “Ghost” is the closing song on his recently released album I Know A Ghost. View the video... << Full Report >>

Hillsong UNITED Releases New Music, Announces 2019 US Arena Tour

Multi-platinum selling Hillsong UNITED announces the release of their brand new single “Good Grace.” Out today, the debut track includes an accompanying video that showcases the group’s powerful live energy and dynamic production, and features lead vocals from Joel Houston with additional vocals from renowned Hillsong talent such as Taya and JD, among others. Purchase it here and watch it... << Full Report >>

Radiate Worship Announces New Album on DREAM. Coming February 8th, 2019

Radiate Worship is excited to announce that their new album titled Come Alive will be releasing on DREAM Worship on February 8th, 2019. Come Alive was recorded in Bergen, Norway - Pinsekirken Tabernaklet Bergen (Tabernacle Pentacostal Church of Bergen) with producer David O. Ramirez (whom also recorded their last two singles: "Victorious" and "Lionhearted"... << Full Report >>

*Thursday, December 6, 2018*

BEC Worship Artist London Gatch Releasing Debut Album in 2019

BEC Recordings / BEC Worship's London Gatch is thrilled to announce the full-length solo debut release, New Stories, on February 22, 2019. Listeners have been able to get to know London over the last year as she has released tracks from the upcoming album since May with the song, "Jesus Only You," which has had a wonderful response. Other songs she has released include: "You Never Walk Away," "Oh What Perfect Love," and the title track... << Full Report >>

Grammy Winner Jason Crabb Lights Up Broadway at the Nashville Christmas Parade

Jason Crabb – GRAMMY® winner, 22 time GMA Dove Award winner, vocalist, musician, actor, author and songwriter – ignited the crowd at the 2018 Nashville Christmas Parade, benefiting Monroe Carrell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, opening the parade with a brand new song, "Music City Christmas," written specifically for the... << Full Report >>

Americana-Rock Duo Midwest Meets Manhattan Blends Rich Harmonies with Signature Sound

There’s a reason why Dave Romero and Chad Little of Midwest Meets Manhattan might look a little familiar. The Americana-Rock duo is a reboot of their former group, CO3, which found significant success in the Christian market a decade ago with their remarkably rich harmonies and signature pop-country sound... << Full Report >>

*Wednesday, December 5, 2018*

DREAM Records Signs The Ruins

DREAM Label Group is excited to announce the signing of The Ruins to its growing DREAM Records roster. The Atlanta-based group is comprised of Debra Black and Victor Gonzalez, The Ruins is a duo of dynamic passion, musical excellence and unparalleled creativity... << Full Report >>

*Tuesday, December 4, 2018*

Demon Hunter Announce Two New Albums, "War" and "Peace"

Christmas has arrived early for the Demon Hunter fan. The Solid State Records metal group has announced two brand new studio albums -- War and Peace -- both due out March 1st, 2019. The band is making them available separately on CD and in a special 2-CD box set, as well as both on vinyl as well. Preorders are open now... << Full Report >>

Dream Label Group Signs BET's Sunday Best Alum Tyler Little

BET's Sunday Best Season 6 Top 3 finalist Tyler Little has signed a multi-album deal with Dream Label Group in partnership with Atlanta-based Platform Agency. Released on November 30th, Tyler Little's, debut single "We Come To Praise Him" is available now for purchase and streaming (http://smarturl.it/TylerLittle) on all digital outlets... << Full Report >>

Syntax Creative Celebrates a Decade of Incredibly Successful Partnerships

10 years ago today, Syntax Creative signed Crossroads Label Group to a digital distribution and marketing deal. To date, it remains one of our most successful partnerships. Crossroads Label Group has long established itself as a Bluegrass, Americana, and Southern Gospel authority through its several uniquely branded record labels, distribution, music publishing, and radio promotion... << Full Report >>

Truetone Spotlights Chris Tomlin Guitarist Daniel Carson

Guitar pedal manufacturer Truetone recently interviewed worship guitarist Daniel Carson about the gear he uses and featured it on their YouTube channel. Daniel Carson is the long-standing studio and road guitarist with singer-songwriter, and Christian music artist, Chris Tomlin. In Our Truetone Lounge interview, Carson takes us from the Suburban to the tour... << Full Report >>

*Monday, December 3, 2018*

Hillsong UNITED Returns to the United States for Highly Anticipated USA Tour 2019

Presented by Premier Productions - the Australian-based, multi-platinum-selling group Hillsong UNITED has announced that after three years they are returning for their highly anticipated USA Tour in 2019. UNITED will be joined by special guests Amanda Lindsey Cook and Mack Brock (*lineup to vary by city). Tickets will go on sale Friday, Dec. 7, 2018... << Full Report >>

Michael W. Smith Gives Away His First-Ever Children's Books To Natal Intensive Care Units, Children's Nurseries

Multi-Platinum, three-time Grammy® Award winning artist and best-selling author Michael W. Smith launched Nurturing Steps™ earlier this year, an infant and toddler series with the simple mission to enliven a child's journey with hope and faith through music and storytelling. In the spirit of this holiday season, Smith will be giving away the first two books in the series from Zonderkidz™ to brand new parents while they are still at the hospital and in newborn nurseries surrounding his annual Christmas... << Full Report >>

Crowder Celebrates GOLD Status of Song "Come As You Are" with 2 Opry Shows!

3X GRAMMY® Nominated artist Crowder celebrated the vinyl release of his acclaimed album I Know A Ghost (sixstepsrecords/Capitol Christian Music Group) with two performances at Opry at the Ryman on Friday night (11/30). Prior to taking the stage, he received a special surprise, when he was presented with the RIAA GOLD-certified plaque celebrating the success of “Come As You Are,” his first-ever #1 radio hit and Gold single of his solo career. I Know A Ghost debuted in the Top... << Full Report >>