Jesusfreakhideout.com Music News: May 2015

May, 2015

*Friday, May 29, 2015*

Sidewalk Prophets To Release "Something Different" August 28

The wait is finally over: Sidewalk Prophets will release its third Fervent Records studio album on Aug. 28, ending a three-year wait for fans of the Dove Award winning band. Fans can hear new music from Something Different now by downloading the first single "Prodigal" at http://smarturl.it/swpprodigal, by pre-buying the record in their webstore http://smarturl.it/SWDSDPresale or catching the group live this summer... << Full Report >>

Tween Gospel Alliance Partners with Creation Festivals for "Shock and Awe Show"

Tween Gospel Alliance (TGA), in conjunction with Creation Music Festivals, presents the "Shock and Awe Show" summer event series. The dynamic live program will feature original short-format movies, interactive video, expert speakers, live musical performances and illusions for an afternoon designed to inspire a new generation for Christ. Kicking off June 24 at Creation Northeast in Mt. Union, Pa., the "Shock and Awe Show" aims to inform and equip youth with scriptural truths that will help them navigate a post-Christian America... << Full Report >>

*Thursday, May 28, 2015*

Bethel Music To Release Second "Without Words" July 31

Bethel Music, the worship music and community of songwriters emerging from Bethel Church in Redding, CA, will release its second, all instrumental, full-length album, Without Words: Synesthesia, July 31, 2015 through Provident Music Distribution. Well-known Bethel Music songs, such as "It is Well," "You Make Me Brave," "Over My Head," "This is Amazing Grace" and more, have been reconstructed with lush instrumentation set against orchestral sonic landscapes. The recording continues what Bethel Music began in 2013 with the release of its first instrumental album, Without Words, which received... << Full Report >>

Jeremy Camp Makes Opry Debut Tuesday June 2

GRAMMY®-nominated Jeremy Camp will make his debut on the Grand Ole Opry stage this Tuesday, June 2. The Opry, celebrating 90 years of music this year, showcases a mix of country legends and contemporary chart-toppers at each performance. For Tuesday's show, Camp will join artists such as Rascal Flatts, Larry Gatlin, Gloriana and more. Camp's debut will follow his appearance at the KLOVE Fan Awards, which will be held on Sunday also at the Opry House... << Full Report >>

First Company Management Artists Set Record-Breaking Pace

Brentwood, Tennessee-based First Company Management (FCM), one of Christian music's leading full-service personal artist management firms, is celebrating multiple milestones this year. A Platinum® certification and top industry and radio airplay accolades headline a string of recent pacesetting achievements by FCM artists... << Full Report >>

*Wednesday, May 27, 2015*

Jon Foreman Releases "The Wonderlands: Sunlight" Digital EP

Jon Foreman's The Wonderlands: Sunlight, the first EP release from an ambitious four-EP solo series from the lead vocalist/guitarist of GRAMMY® and Dove-winning rock band Switchfoot, released digitally yesterday debuting No. 1 on iTunes Singer/Songwriter list and No. 12 overall. Ten years in the making, the complete series will feature contributions from 24 co-producers on 24 songs - one for each hour of the day. Subsequent EPs to be released digitally are: Shadows (July 17, 2015), Darkness (September 4, 2015), and Dawn (October 23, 2015)... << Full Report >>

Four Blood Moons Original Soundtrack Bows June 23

On the heels of the box office success of Four Blood Moons, a docudrama based on the New York Times best-selling book of the same name, Inpop Records and Difference Media are poised to release the official motion picture soundtrack June 23. In conjunction with the film's DVD debut the same day, the 10-song collection is highlighted by three original selections inspired by the docudrama: GRAMMY®-nominated worship leader and recording artist Ricardo Sanchez’s “Your Kingdom"; “Weep No More,” by Dove Award-winning quartet Canton Junction; and the project's debut single... << Full Report >>

*Tuesday, May 26, 2015*

Annie Moses Band to Launch 13th Season of The Fine Arts Summer Academy This July

While most artists find inspiration solely through recording and performance, the classically-trained members of the Annie Moses Band also consider sharing their talents through the education of young musicians to be a crucial element of their work. Now in its 13th year, the Juilliard-educated band's Fine Arts Summer Academy (FASA) will convene from July 11th through 23rd, offering students technical training and Broadway-level stagecraft, for a music education experience like no other. The Academy provides an immersive program for young artists for two weeks each summer in Nashville TN, culminating in a series of student perfomances at the city's most celebrated venues... << Full Report >>

*Monday, May 25, 2015*

Today's release of 'Empires' caps a huge month for Hillsong UNITED

Following arguably the biggest build up ever for a UNITED album release - which included the album cover being launched from space at 95,000 ft - Empires is now available for sale and download. The launch comes on the back of a busy and successful two months that saw the band perform... << Full Report >>

*Friday, May 22, 2015*

GMA

IMMERSE 2015 Nearly Sold Out, Boasts Incredible Line-up of Industry Leaders

The Gospel Music Association announces that its seventh annual conference for developing artists, songwriters and worship leaders, IMMERSE, is nearly sold out, with only thirty registrations remaining. Held at the LifeWay Christian Resources corporate headquarters in downtown Nashville, TN, IMMERSE is the only event of its kind where attendees receive hands-on training directed by music industry leaders, as well as intimate concert experiences with some of Christian music's leading artists and songwriters... << Full Report >>

The Ongoing Concept Release Unwanted Video

The Ongoing Concept (TOC) has released a video for “Unwanted” this morning. Appearing on the band’s pre-order page via Solid State Records, this is the first taste of their forthcoming album Handmade. In their own frenetic TOC fashion, the song/ video is ripping, disorienting and yet immediately memorable... << Full Report >>

*Thursday, May 21, 2015*

Phil Joel Announces New Band, Zealand

For the past few years, former Newsboys bassist/vocalist Phil Joel has been developing a new worship band named Zealand, and now the band is readying their debut release with Word Records. Phil made the official announcement this week and also plugged some debut songs from the upcoming release... "If you know me then you'll know that I'm basically a communication hippie, or as some might say, a member of the "Urban Amish". Haha! And, just like my food, I enjoy my communication to be as organic and real as possible. I say this to apologize to those 'movers and shakers' who have already deleted this email because it contains more than... << Full Report >>

Jon Foreman's "Caroline" Rises To No. 2 on Spotify's US and Global Viral 50 Charts

Jon Foreman's track "Caroline" is currently at No. 2 on Spotify's US and Global Viral 50 Charts, making it one of the most shared songs in the world. "Caroline" is the lead single off Foreman's forthcoming EP, The Wonderlands: Sunlight, out this Tuesday May 26 on lowercase people records. Listen to "Caroline" on Spotify HERE. The Wonderlands: Sunlight is the first release from an ambitious four-EP solo series from the lead vocalist/guitarist... << Full Report >>

*Wednesday, May 20, 2015*

Marvin Sapp To Release 10th Album, "You Shall Live"

On Tuesday, June 2, 2015, GRAMMY® nominated, 22-time Stellar Award-winning recording artist, author and pastor Marvin Sapp will release his highly anticipated new project, YOU SHALL LIVE on RCA Inspiration. YOU SHALL LIVE marks Sapp's 10th solo album and features 11 heartfelt and uplifting gospel tracks. The album's first single "Yes You Can" features production from Aaron Lindsey and is quickly making its way to the top of the gospel charts... << Full Report >>

*Tuesday, May 19, 2015*

Emery's "You Were Never Alone" via BC Music Out Today

Releasing one track each via a different major media outlet, Emery's You Were Never Alone is finally available in its entirety. BC Music was actually formed with the specific goal of releasing this record, but due to the high volume of other projects and circumstances beyond their control, YWNA was pushed back. Thankfully, today is the day! The released tracks thus far have been receiving glowing reviews and YWNA has been touted as Emery's best work to date... << Full Report >>

Hillsong UNITED Named Top Christian Artist at Billboard Music Awards

Hillsong UNITED was named Top Christian Artist at Sunday night's Billboard Music Awards. The group was also nominated for "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)" as Top Christian Song. The Billboard Music Awards were held live in Las Vegas from the MGM Grand Garden Arena and aired live on ABC... << Full Report >>

The Katinas Release New Single, "Alive"

Popular CCM band The Katinas releases "Alive," the second single from the group's current CD, Sunday Set, to AC and CHR-formatted Christian radio stations today. The Dove-award winning five-man band adds its unique vocals to the new arrangement of this popular worship song, written by Aodhan King and Alexander Pappas... << Full Report >>

*Monday, May 18, 2015*

Rock Band johnny Q. public To Perform Reunion Show May 22 in Springfield, MO

Former Gotee Records rock band johnny Q. public will be performing a reunion show at Cartoons in Springfield, MO this Friday, May 22. The band was active in the mid 90s before breaking up and reforming to release their September, 2000 sophomore release Welcome To Earth, only to break up again soon after. The band had become known for their quirky live show and personalities and garage rock style music... << Full Report >>

Subseven Reunites For Performance On July 24 in Oklahoma City, OK

In other reunion show news, former Flicker Records act subseven is reuniting for a show on July 24 in Oklahoma City, OK! The band released their debut project with Audio Adrenaline's own label, Flicker Records in 2004, subseven: the EP, and then released their one and only full-length album a year later, Free To Conquer, before breaking up... << Full Report >>

eOne's Michelle Williams, Erica Campbell, Deitrick Haddon Garner 3 Best Gospel Artist Noms for BET Awards

Entertainment One Music (eOne Music) continues to be a beacon in award-winning entertainment, with hit artists Michelle Williams, Erica Campbell and Deitrick Haddon racking up 3 nominations in the category of Best Gospel Artist for the upcoming 2015 BET Awards. After delivering powerhouse performances and garnering awards at the Stellar Awards earlier this year, and providing inspiration to countless fans through music and television, the three chart-toppers remain a creative force with their latest releases, pushing the envelope in developing new sounds in celebrating gospel... << Full Report >>

*Friday, May 15, 2015*

Francesca Battistelli Celebrates No. 1 Song "He Knows My Name"

From award show nominations to career milestones and hit songs, Spring 2015 is truly a time of celebration for Fervent Records recording artist Francesca Battistelli. Battistelli's "He Knows My Name" is up for Top Christian Song at Sunday's Billboard Music Awards, the latest benchmark for a song that's been life-changing in many ways. Battistelli celebrated its success last week when she visited the Nashville Mercy Ministries home. She came to the home to sing for and visit with the girls and was surprised with a... << Full Report >>

Jimmy Needham Releases Lyric Video for Spoken Word Fan-Favorite “The Story”

Jimmy Needham fans are finding plenty to be thankful for this month, starting with the May 4th release of his seventh studio album, Vice & Virtue (Platinum Pop Records). The cinematic music video for the title track was released during street week, followed by the just-released lyric video for spoken word fan-favorite, “The Story... << Full Report >>

The Millennial Tour 2015 Summer Tour Dates Begin May 15

When God's Not Dead became the most successful Christian film of all time in 2014, the movie's producer, Troy Duhon, set out to launch the same concept theme with The Millennial Tour 2015. The national tour is currently scheduled to visit 14 cities across the country during the summer, with the first date taking place May 15th at New Orleans' Saenger Theatre where three of the tour's ten artists will open for for KING & COUNTRY. The summer tour dates include several major festival performances, including all five Creation Festivals, Lifest and AliveFest, among many others. The Fall segment... << Full Report >>

*Thursday, May 14, 2015*

John Waller Releases New Album "Crazy Faith" August 21

From his early days leading the critically acclaimed band, According to John, to his impactful ministry as a solo artist, John Waller has continually used his gifts as a singer and songwriter to inspire, educate and encourage the body of Christ. With such powerful songs as "The Blessing," "While I'm Waiting" (featured in the No.1 independent film of 2008, Fireproof) and "As For Me and My House" that have been cumulatively streamed nearly 10 million times on YouTube, Waller continues to articulate what it means to live a God-centered life in a turbulent world with "Crazy Faith... << Full Report >>

Maxx Recordings Launches New Band 3for3

Maxx Recordings, a full service label founded and led by Maximum Artist Group's Mitchell Solarek, introduced it's first signing, buzz band 3for3, at a star-studded launch party in Nashville tonight. The group is set to launch a single next month, as well as a tour this fall. Additionally, Solarek announced that the full-service entertainment group is partnering with Sony RED and New Day Christian for distribution of the multi-genre enterprise and has also signed Kolby Koloff and Riley Clemmons. Maximum Artist Group is home to award-winning artists such as Natalie Grant, Donald Lawrence, Danny Gokey and award-winning producer Bernie Herms... << Full Report >>

Integrity Music Announces Distribution Changes

Integrity Music, the music publishing and recording arm of non-profit global resource provider David C Cook, recently announced changes to its U.S. distribution operations. Effective June 1, Integrity will distribute its own products through David C Cook's current distribution platform, utilizing the 140-year old organization's Elgin, Illinois-based warehouse and the Integrity sales team reporting to Vice President of Sales, Steve Nicolle... << Full Report >>

Todd Dulaney Releases "The Anthem" Single May 18

On Monday May 18th, Entertainment One Music artist and songwriter Todd Dulaney will be releasing his latest track, "The Anthem" to radio, as well as launching an accompanying music video and iTunes pre-order for the song. Covering the Planetshakers' song, Dulaney's rendition of "The Anthem" will be his first single in anticipation of his upcoming second album, marking his debut release since signing with eOne Music and their eOne Worship division. After having worked with award-winning Gospel artists like Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Fred Hammond, Donnie McClurkin, Michelle Williams and many others... << Full Report >>

Danen Kane Continues to Build Momentum with New Project "Flesh And Soul"

Danen Kane's new album, Flesh And Soul, continues to receive strong support from Christian media, since the project's release in March. Kane has received high-profile reviews and been busy doing several interviews and television appearances that include, Campus Crusade for Christ, CCM Magazine, LeSea Broadcasting "Harvest Show" and "Studio B," Life With Purpose Radio, Solutions Magazine, JesusFreakHideout.com, Alabama Baptist, KBPK Radio/Fullerton College, among others... << Full Report >>

*Wednesday, May 13, 2015*

Role Model Records Celebrates 5 Years

To help celebrate Role Model Records' 5 year anniversary, they've compiled a free compilation. The project has been curated by RMR's DJ Lagit. "Over the past five years of music and ministry, we have been able to put out some really amazing music that has reached many different people across the globe. These past five years belong to our day one fans (better known as family) and to those who are just getting to know our music... << Full Report >>

Christian Rapper Milliyon Drops New Single, Hands High

MILLIYON, the Atlanta-born and Sacramento-based rapper, songwriter and producer is using his fourth full-length album, Burn as a platform for an important message of hope and resilience. With his new single, "HANDS HIGH" he says, "I'm not afraid to unashamedly tell you I am a Christian hip-hop artist. I represent Christ within in my music. This is the easel or landscape that I'm... << Full Report >>

Worship Artist and Mixed Martial Arts Trainer Mike Lee Releases New EP

Just a year after releasing his critically heralded national debut Awakening Hearts, worship artist Mike Lee returns June 16th with his brand new studio release, All I Need. Produced by Cody Norris, Scott Cash and Ed Cash (whose Dove Award-winning collaborations include Chris Tomlin, David Crowder and Kari Jobe), the new EP is a more stripped-down collection than his band-driven debut, providing a glimpse into his artistic, personal and spiritual growth... << Full Report >>

Planetshakers Releases "Outback Worship Sessions" This Week

The worship team from Planetshakers Church, one of Australia's fastest growing churches in history, released Outback Worship Sessions globally yesterday through Integrity Music and amidst acclaim. What started as a project to re-craft Planetshakers' most-loved worship anthems into a form accessible to worship teams representing the wider church body grew into an 11-track studio recording that also features three brand new songs... << Full Report >>

*Tuesday, May 12, 2015*

Switchfoot's Jon Foreman Traces The Course of a Day With 4 New EPs

On May 26, lowercase people records will release Jon Foreman's The Wonderlands: Sunlight, the first in a four-EP series, digitally. See below for track listing. The ambitious solo project from the lead vocalist/guitarist of GRAMMY®-winning rock band Switchfoot has been 10 years in the making and will feature 24 songs in total - one for each hour of the day. In total, 24 co-producers contributed to The Wonderlands series, including Paramore's Taylor York... << Full Report >>

Everfound Releases New Single

Word Records recording artist, Everfound, is releasing the radio version of their song "What Love Means (Radio Version)" today, Tuesday, May 12, on iTunes and all digital music outlets. The song is also the band's current radio single and is a new version of the stirring song that concluded Everfound's 2013 self-titled Dove Award-nominated major label debut... << Full Report >>

*Monday, May 11, 2015*

Newsboys' Cover of Daniel Bashta's "God's Not Dead" Goes Platinum!

Newsboys' iconic anthem, "God's Not Dead (Like A Lion)," the title-cut from the group's 2011 best-selling Inpop recording, has been certified Platinum® by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), it was recently announced. Signifying single sales in excess of 1 million units, the award marks a career milestone for the GRAMMY®-nominated mega group and is one of the first Platinum® single certifications in Christian music this year... << Full Report >>

*Friday, May 8, 2015*

Thousand Foot Krutch Takes "Untraveled Road" To Chart-Topping Success

Thousand Foot Krutch frontman Trevor McNevan recently revealed on social media the humble beginnings that led to the foundation of TFK. At age 16, he took money he earned at his part time job at McDonald's and invested it in 27 songs he recorded for the now out-of-print album, Shutterbug, by his band Oddball. McDonald's found McNevan's post and tweeted, "@TFKTrevor …we're Lovin' this #TBT. Inspiration for us all." No longer an 'oddball,' McNevan now fronts one of today's best-loved, adrenaline-fused rock bands. TFK continues its rise into mainstream arenas with sales as an independent artist that the major... << Full Report >>

*Thursday, May 7, 2015*

Izzi Ray Releases "Make Much of You" To Christian Radio

Izzi Ray, daughter of Christian music veteran Crystal Lewis, is releasing a new single, "Make Much Of You," to Christian radio today. The song, the title track and the second single from her sophomore album that was released last October, will be serviced to Christian CHR and AC-formatted stations by A-Sides Radio Promotion. Ray also released a live video of her performing the single. The video can be viewed at... << Full Report >>

Former Press Play Lead Vocalist SADA K. Returns with Solo Album

Four years after a devastating knee injury nearly ended her career, former Press Play vocalist Sada K. has re-emerged with her debut solo album, Long Story Short. The album is available now at iTunes, Amazon and wherever digital music is sold. After touring all over the country with the hit-making Christian pop band, Sada K. was devastated by a serious, career-threatening knee injury in June 2011... << Full Report >>

*Wednesday, May 6, 2015*

GMA

2nd Annual GMA Honors Celebrates Honorees and Hall of Fame Inductees

The GMA (Gospel Music Association) held their 2nd Annual GMA Honors celebration at Lipscomb University's Allen Arena on Tuesday evening with special tributes, reunions and praise to the honorees and inductees. The event was in celebration of the individuals and organizations that impact the culture through gospel music both past and present and is set to air on JUCE TV on Friday, June 5th at 7pm PST / 10pm EST and Saturday, June 6th at 12pm PST / 3pm EST. The third-annual GMA Honors ceremony date has also been announced for May 10, 2016... << Full Report >>

*Tuesday, May 5, 2015*

Audrey Assad Heads To PledgeMusic To Fund New Hymns Album

Former Sparrow Records artist Audrey Assad, who has since returned to the indie circuit and released a new album Fortunate Fall (among other side projects), has taken to PledgeMusic to fund a brand new hymns project. Although she launched the campaign less than a week ago, it's already almost completely funded, but fans can still preorder the project--and then vote for what songs will be covered on it--at pledgemusic.com/audreyassad... << Full Report >>

Save The City Records Signs Rock Band The Exchange

Save The City Records is proud to announce the signing of the rock band The Exchange. This young rock band consisting of brothers Britt (vocals) and Jack Espinosa (drums) and Tyler Mays (bass) have been touring together for over four years. With three singles having been spun on Air-1, K-Life, and Effect radio in the past two years, The Exchange has captured the hearts of their audience with their genuine passion, authentic attitude, captivating performances, and quality lyrics... << Full Report >>

*Monday, May 4, 2015*

JesusfreakHideout Launches 11th Music Awards, The JFH Awards

Christian music online pioneers JesusFreakHideout.com have announced their latest annual music awards event, the JFH Awards, with voting now open at www.JFHAwards.com. In 2004, JesusFreakHideout.com launched their first-ever "Reader's Choice Awards," an awards event that allowed JFH readers across the globe to cast their vote for their favorite artists and album releases from the previous year... << Full Report >>

Strengthen What Remains' "Justice Creeps Slow" Due Out June 9

BLOOD & INK RECORDS is proud to announce the release of STRENGTHEN WHAT REMAINS' newest effort, Justice Creeps Slow, available everywhere June 9th. Pre-orders and more details coming soon. Throughout their nonstop tour schedule over the past year (including two European runs), STRENGTHEN WHAT REMAINS crafted six new songs of potent, metallic-hardcore that once and for all prove their genuine steadfastness. Drawing influence from the likes of 100... << Full Report >>

Andy Needham Band To Release "Love Is The Song" May 12

Love is the Song, by acclaimed New England-based worship ensemble the Andy Needham Band, will release May 12 via iTunes and other digital outlets. Produced by Dove Award-winning Brent Milligan (Steven Curtis Chapman) and GRAMMY® Award-winning Mitch Dane (Jars of Clay), Love is the Song features six new selections co-penned by Andy Needham Band members Andy Needham, Joel Rousseau, Andrew Picha and Jonathan Mason, along with award-winning collaborators Benji Cowart, Carl Cartee, James Tealy and Ike Ndolo... << Full Report >>

*Friday, May 1, 2015*

Leigh Nash Launches PledgeMusic Campaign To Fund New Solo Album

Lead singer of Sixpence None The Richer and accomplished solo artist Leigh Nash is back at it, recording a new studio solo album. This time around, Leigh has turned to fan-funding site PledgeMusic for the very first time to allow fans to preorder the album and help finish it. The following is her letter to listeners... "Hello everyone! Leigh Nash here. This is my very first ever PledgeMusic campaign! So welcome to you and welcome to me! I’ve hinted subtly and lately, not so subtly, that I’ve started a brand new record. Sixpence fans, this will be all me, but I hope you’ll love it anyway... << Full Report >>

Influence Music Debuts Powerful Worship Anthem from The Church at Chapelhill

"Faithful God," the first of four singles from the upcoming worship album, SOAR, from Influence Music, is now available. A mid-tempo declaration of God's steadfastness in the storms of life, "Faithful God" was written by worship leaders Brandon and Jerah Divine in the fall of 2013. Brandon serves as director of worship experience at The Church at Chapelhill, a culturally diverse ministry founded in 2001, now serving 3,000 members on three campuses west of Atlanta, Georgia... << Full Report >>