Jesusfreakhideout.com Music News: February 2018

February, 2018

*Wednesday, February 28, 2018*

Michael W. Smith Leads "Just As I Am" During Rev. Billy Graham Capitol Service Today

Multi-Platinum, three-time Grammy® Award winning artist, best-selling author and acclaimed actor Michael W. Smith received the distinct honor to take part in the memorial service in the Capitol Rotunda honoring the late Rev. Billy Graham this morning... << Full Report >>

*Monday, February 26, 2018*

Pop Duo FF5 To Release "El Compadre" EP March 2

Curb Records’ twin brother pop duo FF5 announce the highly anticipated release of their new EP EL COMPADRE on March 2. Fueled by their new single “Fire on the Highway,” available now, the track gives fans a first taste of what to expect from EL COMPADRE. Revved up by... << Full Report >>

Kelontae Gavin Makes First Billboard Top 30 Entry

On the heels of delivering a solid and commanding performance at the Gospel Superfest TV taping in Dayton, OH earlier this month, 18 Year-Old Stellar Award nominee and multi-faceted millennial worship leader, Kelontae Gavin, celebrates his first Billboard Top 30 entry on the Gospel Airplay chart this week with his riveting single "No Ordinary... << Full Report >>

Christa Deana Releases New Single and Lyric Video for "If God Doesn't Want It."

As a young child, Philadelphia-based Christian R&B artist Christa Deana's lifelong journey in music started when she won first place in the Young Artist Competition for the city of Allentown, PA. Since then, Christa has toured the world with several choirs that took her to Romania, Turkey, France, Spain, England, and all over the US. She signed with MTS Management Group for publicity and... << Full Report >>

*Saturday, February 24, 2018*

Smalltown Poets Release New Single Featuring Mac Powell

Pop rock band Smalltown Poets debuted in the 90s on the now-defunct Forefront Records, but broke up around 2006, only to return in 2011 to keep making new music. Late last year, the band released a new single titled "Song of Hallelujah," and yesterday returned again with another new single, this time featuring Mac Powell of Third Day. The new track is titled "You're My Shepherd" and is available on iTunes now!... << Full Report >>

Passion Releases New Album "Whole Heart" Digitally

Passion unveiled their newest collection of intentionally crafted songs, Whole Heart, today to critical acclaim. The album is available today on all digital music platforms, with the CD release following on Mar. 23, and includes new live versions... << Full Report >>

Worship Leader Mack Brock Releases Debut Song "Greater Things" With Capitol CMG

Sparrow Records/Capitol Christian Music Group announces the release of "Greater Things," the debut song from newly-signed recording artist and worship leader Mack Brock. Co-written by Brock along with Jacob Sooter and Jonathan Smith, the song officially released yesterday to all digital outlets. Brock will hit the road this spring for 33... << Full Report >>

Crossroads Releases Mark Bishop's "A Different Light"

Crossroads is bringing Southern Gospel fans messages of faith and trust with two new releases available now. Mark Bishop's A Different Light aptly displays his God-given ability to show listeners a timeless message... << Full Report >>

Alisa Turner Debuts New Single "Safe," Available Now

Nashville, Tennessee-based singer, songwriter and worship leader Alisa Turner knows firsthand the comforting peace of Jesus in the midst of suffering. Her own battle with Lyme Disease and struggle with chronic pain have taught her the transformative power of praise and the beauty of God’s grace for each moment. Turner shares this truth and captures the sigh of a trusting heart in new single... << Full Report >>

*Friday, February 23, 2018*

TobyMac Drops “I just need U. [REMIX]” Today

7X GRAMMY® winner TobyMac surprised fans with the release of “I just need U. [REMIX]” today, a fresh version of his current hit remixed by Capital Kings. Dropping in January, "I just need U." is currently top 10 on the Christian Airplay and AC Indicator Charts, top 15 on the AC Monitored Chart and No. 2 on... << Full Report >>

Announcing Tenth Avenue North's Over And Underneath The Tenth Anniversary Tour

With 1.5 million album sales, multiple No. 1 radio hits and more than 20 national and international tours over the last ten years, Tenth Avenue North is celebrating the release of their label debut album Over and Underneath. The Over and Underneath The Tenth Anniversary Tour with special guests We Are Messengers will feature the band... << Full Report >>

*Thursday, February 22, 2018*

Newsboys United Launch History-Making Tour With String of Sellouts

Kicking-off last week in California, the landmark “Newsboys United Tour” saw sellout crowds throughout the opening weekend. Boasting "all the hits... under one roof... for one tour," the history-making Newsboys United lineup played to capacity audiences at City National Civic in San Jose, Redding Civic Auditorium and the Visalia Convention Center, as well as to a near-sellout... << Full Report >>

Michael W. Smith Releases "Surrounded" This Friday, Feb. 23

Multi-Platinum, three-time Grammy® Award winning artist, best-selling author and acclaimed actor Michael W. Smith releases his highly anticipated live worship album, Surrounded, Feb. 23 from Rocketown Records and The Fuel Music. The acclaimed recording, featuring the declarative... << Full Report >>

The All Sons and Daughters Collection Available March 16

After seven years of recording together as the critically-acclaimed worship duo All Sons & Daughters, David Leonard and Leslie Jordan end their season as a band. To celebrate the impact of their songs, including “Great Are You Lord” and “All The Poor and Powerless,” Integrity Music... << Full Report >>

*Wednesday, February 21, 2018*

Artists Respond To The Passing of Rev. Billy Graham

This morning, celebrated preacher Billy Graham at the age of 99. News of his passing has impacted much of the Christian community, including many of the artists who knew and were inspired by the beloved leader. Here are a few of the few reflections from Michael W. Smith, Jason Crabb and Don Moen: "I knew it was coming….we all knew it was coming. Billy was 99 and his health had been declining for years. And I knew from my visits with him that he longed to be... << Full Report >>

Tedashii Launches the #SmileTrainChallenge to Help Children

Reach Records rapper Tedashii and the world’s largest cleft charity, Smile Train, are joining forces to launch the social media #SmileTrainChallenge. The campaign will bring awareness of the... << Full Report >>

River Valley Worship Releases New Song "Calvary's Shadow"

BEC WORSHIP's River Valley Worship releases a new song "Calvary's Shadow," off their upcoming album Million Lifetimes today. Fans can purchase the song digitally here. As the perfect song to worship in churches for Easter, "Calvary's Shadow" helps us remember the reason for celebrating the holiday... << Full Report >>

*Tuesday, February 20, 2018*

Armond WakeUp to Release "Even If I Lose" February 27th

Armond WakeUp is set to release Even If I Lose, the follow up to 40 Days, on Tuesday February 27th via Illect Recordings. The project features several guests including: Sean C. Johnson, Jonathan Baker, DJ Because, and Brieah Taiye. Production credits include: Tee-Wyla, Ess Be, Doc, J. Rhodan, and Jonathan Baker... << Full Report >>

*Friday, February 16, 2018*

GMA Foundation Announces Hall of Fame Inductees and Honors Recipients for GMA Honors Celebration

The GMA (Gospel Music Association) Foundation announced its inductees and honorees for the 5th Annual GMA Honors and Hall of Fame Ceremony set for Tuesday, May 8, 2018 at Lipscomb University's Allen Arena. This year's GMA Hall of Fame inductees include CCM artist Carman, award-winning Southern Gospel artist... << Full Report >>

Danny Gokey Signs To Capitol Christian Music Group

Award-winning singer-songwriter Danny Gokey has signed with Capitol Christian Music Group. The announcement comes on the heels of Gokey’s first GRAMMY® nomination for his hit album Rise. Rise debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top Christian/Gospel albums chart and captured the attention of Billboard... << Full Report >>

Brad and Rebekah's "Sound Of Heaven" Out Now

Brad + Rebekah’s Sound Of Heaven streets today, marking the continuation of a four-year long, album making process where the couple asked 50 pastors nationwide what is needed in the worship songs of the church... << Full Report >>

*Thursday, February 15, 2018*

Worship Leader Greg Sykes Releases New Single “No Greater Love” Feb. 16

Fresh from winning three GMA Canada Covenant Awards last month, Integrity Music worship leader/songwriter Greg Sykes announces the February 16 release of a new single, “No Greater Love (How Marvelous),” and the forthcoming June release of his first full-length album... << Full Report >>

*Wednesday, February 14, 2018*

BadChristian Plan to Create Documentary on Christian Music Industry (Official Press Release)

BadChristian, a media co-op producing alternative Christian podcasts, music, books and more, announced and launched today a Kickstarter campaign to crowdfund their first feature-length documentary project centered around the Christian music industry. Learn more at wwjs.film... << Full Report >>

Michael W. Smith Releases "A Million Lights" This Friday, Feb.1

Multi-Platinum, three-time Grammy® Award winning artist, best-selling author and acclaimed actor Michael W. Smith releases his studio album, A Million Lights, Feb. 16 from Rocketown Records and The Fuel Music... << Full Report >>

Online Dating Decoded - "Beyond The Swipe" Tackles Timely Topic, Out April 24

It is estimated that nearly half of the 110.6 million (2017 U.S. Census Bureau) single Americans date online, but how can Christians surf the digital dating waters in an honorable way? Stemming from a conversation with over 100 people from a diverse range of ages, relationship statuses and more... << Full Report >>

*Tuesday, February 13, 2018*

Bethel Music's "Heaven Come Conference" Planned For Dallas' Verizon Theatre In May

Following a stop at Los Angeles’ Microsoft Theatre uniting 5,000+, Bethel Music’s "Heaven Come Conference" will take place at Dallas’ Verizon Theatre May 31 through June 2, 2018. The third "Heaven Come Conference" will be centered on the nearness of God... << Full Report >>

Jesse Pruett Preps 'The Journey' to Release March 9

It's rare to meet a worship leader who has shared the stage with such varied artists and actors as Robert De Niro, Bruce Willis, Liam Hemsworth, Sylvester Stallone, Switchfoot, Smash Mouth, and P.O.D., but multi-focused worship leader, recording artist, composer and actor Jesse Pruett, who is prepping the release of his latest worship... << Full Report >>

Whosoever South's Rowdy Eunice Steps to Center Stage with Valentine's Day Single "How You Shine"

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Rowdy Eunice of the country-infused hip-hop trio Whosever South, emerges with his debut solo single, “How You Shine” (Pit Bull Productions). "How You Shine” will be available at all digital outlets on February 14th, with pre-orders now available at iTunes... << Full Report >>

*Monday, February 12, 2018*

BadChristian Music Launch Kickstarter for Christian Music Documentary

Anyone who's ever been involved with the Christian music market for some time knows that not everyone working behind the scenes has pure intentions. BadChristian, a company started by members of the band Emery, have launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund a documentary film, called What Would Jesus Sell?, that will expose the darker side of the Christian music industry... << Full Report >>

Matthew West Pens Song for His Wife

Included on four-time GRAMMY® Nominee Matthew West's latest chart-topping album, All In, the love song "Jesus & You," is dedicated to West's wife, Emily. Inspired by the couple's real-life Music City love story, the two had an unlikely meeting when West walked into a label expecting to sign a record deal, not knowing that his future wife was also in the audience that day... << Full Report >>

*Friday, February 9, 2018*

All Sons and Daughters Announce Break-Up

After taking a year off as a music-making duo, David Leonard and Leslie Jordan - who comprise All Sons & Daughters - announced today that they will no longer be making music together. In a letter to the fans, the worship band wrote: "Dear friends & family,

As you know, we took last year off the road to rest, pray and dream about what was next for All Sons & Daughters. We spent the first half of the year wrestling through the... << Full Report >>

FF5 Announce EP "El Compadre" for Release March 2

FF5 (AKA Family Force 5) has been trying to get their latest album, Audiotorium, released for over a year now, and the former quintet (now a twosome) is finally making headway in getting new music out to the public. In the fall, the band quietly released a physical EP via their online store, simply titled FF5 EP, and then just recently released a brand new... << Full Report >>

Sidewalk Prophets' Bus Catches Fire; Band Launches Recovery Campaign

Word Records pop band Sidewalk Prophets's bus went up in flames Friday morning while on the road in Texas on their Something Different Tour. The band got out safely, but thousands of dollars of equipment and personal belongings were lost. The band is currently raising funds on GoFundMe with a goal of $95,000... << Full Report >>

Stryper Announces Controversial New Album, Due Out April 20

Iconic rock band STRYPER will celebrate their 35^th anniversary with the upcoming release of their 10^th studio album, God Damn Evil, due April 20, 2018 from Frontiers Music SRL. Produced by frontman Michael Sweet, the band returns with their most powerful album to date, doubling down on the hard rock/heavy metal sound that earned them a worldwide fan base... << Full Report >>

Tedashii Releases New Single "Smile" Today

Rapper Tedashii releases a new single "Smile" today (February 9), available now for purchase and streaming across all DSPs via Reach Records. Reflecting on the meaning of the song, Tedashii explains, "After going through some of the worst times of my life, I happened to read in the Bible where it says... << Full Report >>

*Thursday, February 8, 2018*

Hawk Nelson Believes in MIRACLES, New Album Out 4.6.18

Hawk Nelson is gearing up for spring with a brand new album releasing on April 6th and tour beginning later this month on February 22nd. The new album, Miracles (Fair Trade Services), will be the band's eighth studio project and features their current single "He Still Does (Miracles)... << Full Report >>

Matthew West Performs at National Prayer Breakfast

4X GRAMMY® Nominee Matthew West performed at the National Prayer Breakfast this morning in Washington D.C. West was invited by IL congressman, Randy Hultgren, to attend the breakfast after meeting with representatives to advocate for songwriters' rights this past November after performing at the opening of D.C.'s Museum of... << Full Report >>

*Wednesday, February 7, 2018*

Andrew Peterson Releases "Resurrection Letters," One Album, Three Parts, Ten Years In The Making

Dove Award-nominated recording artist, songwriter and award-winning author Andrew Peterson announces the long-awaited album Resurrection Letters, Vol. I, which will release March 30 and will be preceded by this week’s (Feb. 9) launch of Resurrection Letters: Prologue. Both recordings will release globally from Centricity... << Full Report >>

First Time Grammy Award Winners Dwan Hill and Alvin Love III Take Home Two Awards

“I can’t think of a better thing to write music about than the Gospel that we preach and sing about.” said Dwan Hill after winning his first ever Grammy award on Sunday, January 28th. Written by the two first-time Grammy award winners: Dwan Hill (left) and Alvin Love III (right), multi Grammy Award winner, Cece Winans... << Full Report >>

Grammy Winner Zach Williams Announces Chain Breaker Spring Revival Tour

Fresh on the heels of his 2018 GRAMMY® Award win (Best Contemporary Christian Album, Chain Breaker) Zach Williams announces the Chain Breaker Spring Revival Tour, a 20-city headlining run that will also feature special guests Carrollton and... << Full Report >>

Hitmaker Kathy Troccoli Brings "Comfort By Candlelight" with Hope-Inspired Gift Items and Concert Events

Three decades after first stepping into the spotlight, Kathy Troccoli continues to be a powerful force in popular music. The multifaceted vocalist is currently touring the country with her “Comfort by Candlelight” concert events. She has also released “KT’s Comfort Box”— filled with... << Full Report >>

*Tuesday, February 6, 2018*

Jon Foreman Releases Film '25 IN 24' On March 6

With reports of strong ticket sales on Jon Foreman’s upcoming solo tour, Aspiration Entertainment announced today the digital release of Jon’s new film 25 IN 24, as well as exclusive one-night world premiere viewing parties. 25 IN 24, which follows the SWITCHFOOT... << Full Report >>

Manchild of Mars Ill and Deepspace 5 Launches Kickstarter Campaign

Manchild, one-half of Mars Ill and founding member of collective Deepspace 5, has launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund a new solo album titled Red Bird Day. Visit the video above to hear Manchild talk about the project and what's been going on in his life in recent years... << Full Report >>

Passion's "Whole Heart" To Release Digitally Feb. 23

Recorded live with the sold-out backdrop of Atlanta’s Philips Arena, Infinite Energy Center and Washington D.C.’s The Anthem, Whole Heart, the newest collection of songs from Passion, will street digitally on Feb. 23 followed by a... << Full Report >>

Winter Jam Adds Hollyn To Select March Dates

Christian music’s largest annual tour and one of the biggest first quarter tours in the world, the Winter Jam Tour Spectacular, has announced the addition of Dove Award-nominated Gotee recording artist Hollyn for a 12-date stint in March... << Full Report >>

"WOW Gospel 2018" Makes No. 1 Debut

The beloved annual series, WOW GOSPEL, is back again, continuing a long-running tradition of topping the charts. The newly-released compilation, WOW GOSPEL 2018, debuts at #1 this week on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums Chart. The release serves as the 20^th anniversary... << Full Report >>

Capitol CMG Announces New Co-Executive Directors of Motown Gospel Promotions

Capitol Christian Music Group (CCMG), the market leader in Christian recorded music and music publishing, has promoted Monica Coates and EJ Gaines each to the position of Co-Executive Director of Motown Gospel, it was announced today by CCMG Chairman & CEO Peter York. Coates is also promoted to... << Full Report >>

*Friday, February 2, 2018*

"I Can Only Imagine - The Very Best of MercyMe" To Bow Next Month Alongside Motion Picture, Book And Headlining Tour

In celebration of the upcoming global movie release, MercyMe is unveiling I Can Only Imagine – The Very Best of MercyMe, a 13 piece collection of the band’s most beloved songs alongside a special version of the monumental hit “I Can Only Imagine” made just for the movie called “I Can Only Imagine (The Movie Session).”

"We’re so excited to get to share this new version of 'I Can Only Imagine' with everyone. The song has meant a lot to me over... << Full Report >>

Jordan Feliz's Forthcoming Album FUTURE, Available for Pre-Order

Centricity Music’s Jordan Feliz has officially launched the pre-order for his highly anticipated sophomore album Future, set to release worldwide on March 23. Three gratis tracks: “Witness”, “Faith” and “Changed” are available with each purchase and can be made on Spotify, Amazon, iTunes and... << Full Report >>

My Epic Announces Two New EP Releases

My Epic’s latest project is actually two projects, a diptych of EPs conceptualized to address a common theme from two different points of view. Dealing with things which are beyond what we can see and know, and things that we do see but can’t fit into our paradigm... << Full Report >>

*Thursday, February 1, 2018*

Chasing Victory Return With New EP Next Week

2000s post-hardcore band CHASING VICTORY have released the second single from their comeback EP, Friends. Titled "Kenosis," the track is exclusively premiering on r/posthardcore, which is home to a vibrant... << Full Report >>

Vineyard Churches UK and Ireland Announce Rebrand of Worship Label

Vineyard Churches UK & Ireland today announced the rebrand of their music label. Twenty years ago, Vineyard in the UK and Ireland released their first record, Come Now Is The Time. The album had a significant impact throughout the UK church and while worship has always been at the centre of the Vineyard movement... << Full Report >>

Journey-Based "Reckless Love" From Cory Asbury On Bethel Music Available Now

Cory Asbury’s Reckless Love is available everywhere marking his first with Bethel Music. The 10 track LP draws from the lessons learned in the sojourn from boyhood to manhood, and the organic, soulful discovery whole-hearted telling... << Full Report >>