Jesusfreakhideout.com Music News: May 2017

May, 2017

*Wednesday, May 31, 2017*

Creative Soul Records Artist Leslie McKee Releases New Single

Creative Soul Records artist Leslie McKee is set to release a new single today when “What You’re Made Of” goes for adds at Christian INSPO and Christian AC radio. The song, produced by internationally-acclaimed producer Eric Copeland, was written by hit songwriters Molly Reed, Jeff Pardo, Justin Ebach, and Robbie Earle. The single is off McKee’s new album, which is garnering rave reviews, titled “Another Mile.”... << Full Report >>

Indie-Emo Artist VAGABONDS Announces Debut Album

VAGABONDS—the musical project of DIY artist Luke Dean—has announced the release of its debut album, I Don't Know What To Do Now, which is due out June 30 via Blood & Ink Records. Pre-orders are on sale now. Dean has released the LP's lead single, "Paralysis," along with an accompanying music video. He has issued a statement on the song's meaning, which reads as follows... << Full Report >>

*Tuesday, May 30, 2017*

Ricardo Sanchez Celebrates Musical Roots On Live Worship Set

Difference Media recording artist and acclaimed worship leader Ricardo Sanchez is set to return August 18 with Taste + See, the GRAMMY®-nominated, Dove Award-winning singer/songwriter’s first project in nearly two years. Recorded live at San Antonio’s Cornerstone Church earlier this month, Sanchez wrote or co-penned all of the album’s 10 tracks... << Full Report >>

*Friday, May 26, 2017*

THE ROCKET SUMMER to Release Double White LP of Do You Feel this Friday!

"Do You Feel is a special album within the Rocket Summer community," says THE ROCKET SUMMER's own BRYCE AVARY, "Fans have been asking since the album's original release 10 years ago if it would ever finally come out on vinyl. I think I've been longing for it maybe just as much.”

On June 2nd, Avary will be answering the call with a vinyl release of... << Full Report >>

Chris Tomlin Makes History and Sells Out Major Markets on 2017 Worship Night In America Tour

GRAMMY® winner Chris Tomlin brought the church together in unity and prayer throughout this spring with his Worship Night In America tour. Featuring Chris Tomlin, Big Daddy Weave, Phil Wickham and Zach Williams, the tour made 23 stops across the US, selling out arenas in major markets including Phoenix, Portland, Kansas City, and Seattle, while making history in Nashville as the largest ticketed Christian... << Full Report >>

*Thursday, May 25, 2017*

Stephen Christian Releasing "Wildfires" on July 28th on BEC Recordings

Anberlin's frontman, Stephen Christian announces the release of his new solo album, Wildfires, set to release on July 28th with BEC Recordings. With the disband of Anberlin in 2014 and working four part-time jobs, Christian began searching what was the next step for his future. During that challenging time, he was able to create this worship project that has special meaning to him. The debut single, "Gloria," from the upcoming solo album is already gaining traction at radio as it is the No. 2... << Full Report >>

*Wednesday, May 24, 2017*

Aha Gazelle Reveals "Momma House" Video; Readies for "Trilliam 2"

After surprising fans with news of his recent signing to Reach Records, by way of an exclusive interview with Bay Bay The Ambassador, Aha Gazelle readies for the release of his forthcoming project, Trilliam 2, the second of a three-part mixtape series. Self-written and self-produced entirely by the burgeoning rapper, producer and singer-songwriter, the 8-track release will arrive at all DSPs on June 9... << Full Report >>

Michael Edmonds Releases New Single, "Heal The Land"

– “Heal the Land”, written and produced by Michael Edmonds, goes for adds today to Christian INSPO/Soft AC and AC Christian radio. Jason Hutchins of Element Room Productions engineered the project. An afternoon spent watching his young daughter play amid a group of culturally-diverse children resulted in Edmond’s new single which asks God to heal the racial tension that plagues... << Full Report >>

Natasha Owens Rises Above Personal Tragedy to Bring Hope to Others with Upcoming Album

Natasha Owens is set to return July 7th with her upcoming album, We Will Rise - featuring the brand new single, “I Am Loved.” Quietly released in April, the “I Am Loved” lyric video has exploded with nearly 200,000 views to date, thanks to an increasingly growing fanbase that has been anxiously awaiting new music since the 2016 release of her No One But You EP... << Full Report >>

Crowder, Danny Gokey, for KING & COUNTRY, Jesus Culture, Mandisa, MercyMe And More Slated For 2017 K-LOVE Fan Awards Performances

7eventh Time Down, Big Daddy Weave, Britt Nicole, Colton Dixon, Crowder, Danny Gokey, for KING & COUNTRY, Hawk Nelson, Jeremy Camp, Jesus Culture, Kari Jobe, Love & The Outcome, Mandisa, Matthew West, MercyMe, Natalie Grant, One Sonic Society, Ryan Stevenson, Tauren Wells, Tenth Ave North, We Are Messengers and Zach Williams will perform at the 2017 K-LOVE Fan Awards taking place this Sunday at Nashville... << Full Report >>

*Monday, May 22, 2017*

Cool Hand Luke Returns To Fan-Fund New Album, "Cora"

It's been six years since founding member of Cool Hand Luke released his last project under the band's moniker. Of Man was set to close the book on indie rock band Cool Hand Luke's story, but recently, Mark Nicks -- lead vocalist and drummer for CHL -- announced a new album, titled Cora. The album is currently fundraising on Kickstarter with less than 5 days left... << Full Report >>

Lauren Daigle Wins Two Billboard Music Awards - Named Top Christian Artist & Top Christian Album

Centricity Music's Lauren Daigle took home two Billboard Music Awards last night. Named Billboard's Top Christian Artist (she was nominated last year in the same category) Daigle also won Top Christian Album for the second year in a row with How Can It Be. Daigle was also nominated for Top Christian Song ("Trust In You"). The Billboard Music Awards were held live in Las Vegas from the T-Mobile Arena and aired on ABC... << Full Report >>

Newsboys Reunite with Peter Furler for "The Cross Has The Final Word"

—“The Cross Has The Final Word,” the powerful new single from GRAMMY®-nominated, Platinum®-selling FairTrade Services recording artist Newsboys, has launched on Apple Music and Spotify, among leading streaming formats, and has been serviced to Christian radio... << Full Report >>

Shawn Christopher's Six19 Music Inks Distribution Deal with DREAM Label Group and Capitol Christian

Music executive Shawn Christopher, President and Founder of Six19 Music and CEA (Christopher Entertainment Agency) has announced today, a distribution deal with Dream Label Group/Dream Records LLC who is distributed by Capitol Christian Distribution... << Full Report >>

Joel Vaughn Releases 'If I Trust In You' Music Video

Joel Vaughn is proud to announce the release of the official music video for “If I Trust In You” off his current EP, Surrender. Often referred to as the critical favorite on the album with... << Full Report >>

*Sunday, May 21, 2017*

JFH News Shorts For May 21, 2017

Kevin Max will be releasing his new Serve Somebody EP in a new partnership with Gotee Records. The title-track is a Bob Dylan cover, but it is not clear what other songs will be on the record. KMax is in the studio this coming week with overdubs and finishes and will then transition to a final mix... << Full Report >>

*Friday, May 19, 2017*

Hillsong UNITED Announce Surprise Album "Wonder" for Release June 9

Today, the multi-platinum-selling Christian music powerhouse and chart leading Hillsong UNITED announced their sixth full-length studio album titled “Wonder,” set to be unveiled in all music stores on June 9^th. Undisputedly one of the genre’s most influential artists in the history of contemporary Christian music (over 2 million albums sold and 700 million career streams to date... << Full Report >>

Canon Features Aaron Cole on New Single, "We Been Here"

Canon brings the heat for summer hip hop playlists on his new song, “We Been Here,” featuring Aaron Cole blazing the chorus and second verse. The track drops Friday on Reflection Music Group and is available at online retailers... << Full Report >>

*Thursday, May 18, 2017*

The City Harmonic To Release First Live Album, "Benediction Live," June 23

Award-winning worship band The City Harmonic comes full circle with its first live album, Benediction Live: Worship from Churches Working Together in Canada, releasing independently June 23 with management, marketing and distribution through The Fuel Music and with support from FACTOR. The 14-track album was recorded April 29, 2017 in the town where it all started for the band, Hamilton, Ontario, and celebrates the songs and unifying worship movement that became a soundtrack for worshippers around the globe... << Full Report >>

*Wednesday, May 17, 2017*

Bleach Performs Reunion Show, Joined By MercyMe, In Support of Adoption

Milam Byers, guitarist of rock band Bleach, and his family have been trying to raise an overwhelming $40,000 in order to adopt a child into their family. With the Byers family being halfway to their goal, their friends in the music world are rallying together to help them out. On Tuesday, May 23rd, Bleach will reunite once again, joined by MercyMe, Plumb and Rhett Walker, to help raise money for the Byers family adoption... << Full Report >>

Unsecret Music Announces Signing of Artist / Songwriter FJØRA

Unsecret Music announces the signing of artist and songwriter Alexandra Petkovski to their roster. Working under the artist name FJØRA, Petkovski's official debut pop single titled “Wild Animals” will release early this summer... << Full Report >>

Christian Winners Announced in 2016 International Songwriting Competition (ISC)

The International Songwriting Competition (ISC) is pleased to announce its 2016 Christian winners. Now in its 16th year, ISC is the world’s largest international songwriting competition, receiving more than 16,000 entries from 137 countries throughout the world. More than $150,000 in cash and merchandise is awarded to 71 winners in 23 categories, covering all genres of contemporary music, including Christian, EDM, Jazz, Latin, Rock, Pop, R&B/Hip-Hop, and much more... << Full Report >>

Gerry Skrillz Releases New Single, "Trouble"

Gerry Skrillz is releasing his first new single since the release of his EP In Good Time. The song is titled "Trouble" and features production by Soundnami.

"Trouble" reflects on the distress shared by those living in poverty, fighting to survive an increasing economic decline. Those dealing with these difficulties are often seen by society as a problem and bother. But many who are seen as an inconvenience and blemish will one day be exalted in glory... << Full Report >>

*Tuesday, May 16, 2017*

Citizen Way's Newest Single "Bulletproof" Soars, Charting At Radio Before Add Date

Landing early spots on Billboard's AC Monitored, AC Indicator and National Christian Audience Charts, Citizen Way's just released single "Bulletproof" is skyrocketing at radio. The single had 56 out of the box adds combined... << Full Report >>

*Monday, May 15, 2017*

Natalie Grant and Jason Crabb To Headline American Gospel Celebration

Two of Christian music’s biggest voices—multi-GRAMMY®-nominated singer/songwriter Natalie Grant and GRAMMY®-winning singer/songwriter Jason Crabb—are set to headline the second annual American Gospel Celebration June 8 and 9 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Celebrating faith and freedom, the event will be highlighted by messages from best-selling author and renowned pastor John Hagee and author and pastor Matt Hagee... << Full Report >>

*Friday, May 12, 2017*

Brandon Heath Releases New Single "Whole Heart"

Grammy-Nominated singer/songwriter Brandon Heath releases a brand new song, “Whole Heart,” to radio, going for adds today. The single is also available at all digital and streaming outlets. Heath has been on the road this week introducing the song to radio partners including Sirius/XM, WRBS/Baltimore, FISH/Atlanta, His Radio Network, KLTY/Dallas and KSBJ/Houston... << Full Report >>

Change's "Feels Like Nothing" Touches on Faith in God & Dealing with Depression

"Feels Like Nothing" is the culmination of many years away from the industry as an artist for Change. The song deals with Change's reconciling of his faith in God, and dealing with depression. It's something Change has dealt with his whole life, even as a child... << Full Report >>

Matthew West Releases New Single Today; New Studio Album Coming Fall 2017

Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Matthew West releases his new single, "Broken Things" from his upcoming new album due later this fall. The single is available everywhere now by clicking here. The single will also be going for adds at radio next Friday, May 19th as a follow-up to his numerous No. 1 radio singles... << Full Report >>

*Thursday, May 11, 2017*

GMA Honors Celebration and Hall of Fame Induction Celebrates Gospel and Christian Music

GMA Foundation’s annual GMA Honors celebration was held on Tuesday, May 9 at Lipscomb University. Steve Green, Yolanda Adams, Gold City Quartet and Michael Blanton and Dan Harrell were inducted into the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame. The event also honored individuals and organizations that are impacting our culture both past and present. This year's honorees were Amy Grant... << Full Report >>

Former For Today Lead Singer Launches Evangelism Training Program

Awakening Evangelism has launched BASE (Biblical Application, Supernatural Evangelism), an interactive 16-week course created to help encourage and empower Christians from around the globe to share their faith in their own areas of influence. The mission statement of the ministry states their heart to equip believers to touch and transform their world with the power of radical love, relentless courage, and timeless truth... << Full Report >>

*Wednesday, May 10, 2017*

Red Rocks Worship Announces First Full-Length Album To Be Recorded This Thursday

In partnership with Sony Music/Essential Worship, Red Rocks Worship will record their label debut full-length album live tomorrow, Thursday, May 11 to a sold-out audience at Denver's iconic Paramount Theatre. A live stream of the recording will be available on Essential Worship's Facebook page beginning at 9:30pm ET / 8:30pm CT... << Full Report >>

Summer OUTCRY Tour Feat. Jesus Culture & Lauren Daigle On Sale 5/15!

The local church is showing up at the OUTCRY Tour in a big, big way. With a great response to the Spring 2017 Tour, which spanned 18 cities and attracted nearly 90,000 people, Premier Productions is announcing its next venture - OUTCRY Tour Summer 2017... << Full Report >>

Casting Crowns Tour Most Attended Since 2008, Fall 2017 Announced

Grammy-winning and multi-Platinum selling Casting Crowns has just completed their Fall 2016 / Spring 2017 "The Very Next Thing" tour with 80 major market dates. The tour featured some of the most successful shows of the band’s career, with multiple sold-out performances and an overall attendance topping 375,000, making this the most attended Crowns' tour since 2008. In addition to career attendance, the tour united more than 11,000 children with life-giving sponsorships through... << Full Report >>

*Tuesday, May 9, 2017*

Bethel Music Announces "The War Is Over" From Songwriter/Worship Leader, Josh Baldwin, For May 26 Release

Bethel Music announces The War Is Over, Josh Baldwin's first solo project with Bethel Music, set to release May 26. Inspired by Baldwin's cross country move with his family from North Carolina to California, The War Is Over reflects synonymous themes of taking an appointed journey... << Full Report >>

*Monday, May 8, 2017*

Matt & Toby Launch New Album Pre-Order

You can now pre-order the second record from Seattle duo Matt & Toby. Most fans know the duo from the heavyweight band Emery and their controversial yet deliciously addicting podcast Bad Christian but the mellowed side-project of multi-instrumentalists Matt Carter and Toby Morrell is something special all its own. Giving fans a preview with the single... << Full Report >>

Lifeway Christian Stores To Feature David Baloche’s "Labyrinth" In Its Fall Retail Program

Recording artist, composer David Baloche released his contemplative, scripture-based debut album, Labyrinth, worldwide amidst acclaim March 24. Hitting top 10 on the iTunes Christian & Gospel chart during its first week at digital retail, the momentum continues as the nation’s largest Christian retail outlet... << Full Report >>

"Build Your Kingdom Here: A Rend Collective Mixtape" Available Globally May 19

Integrity Music announces the May 19 global release of the 14-track Build Your Kingdom Here: A Rend Collective Mixtape. The album features songs from the beloved Irish band’s groundbreaking folk-rock albums Organic Family Hymnal, Homemade Worship By Handmade People and The Art of Celebration, making it an excellent collection for fans and an ideal introduction for newcomers... << Full Report >>

*Sunday, May 7, 2017*

Peter Furler Appears On New Newsboys Single

On Friday, a brand new song from the Michael Tait-fronted Newsboys hit iTunes -- with an unexpected added bonus. New song "The Cross Has The Final Word" features none other than original Newsboys member and longtime lead vocalist Peter Furler back on vocals, singing with Tait and the rest of the band. You can check out the song now on Spotify as well... << Full Report >>

*Saturday, May 6, 2017*

Steven Curtis Chapman Performed At National Day of Prayer Ceremony

On Thursday, five-time GRAMMY® winning artist and songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman had the honor to perform at the 66th Annual National Day Of Prayer ceremony in Washington, D.C. Appearing before many faith leaders from around the U.S., Chapman performed two songs, "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" and "The Lord's Prayer." The ceremony was held in the Rose Garden at the White House... << Full Report >>

*Thursday, May 4, 2017*

Earth Groans Sign With Solid State Records

Solid State Records has announced the signing of South Dakota quartet Earth Groans. Over the past two years, the band has enthralled audiences across the continental U.S. with their music and message.

'We want to be a ministry first, and a band second' says vocalist Jeremy Schaeffer... << Full Report >>

*Wednesday, May 3, 2017*

Switchfoot Celebrates 'May The 4th' with 'The Foot Awakens'

In honor of Star Wars Day Switchfoot recorded a rocking medley of the Imperial March and the Star Wars Theme Song while donning Star Wars costumes. This video features guitarrist Drew Shirley as a Han Solo, keyboardist Jerome Fontamillas as the Emporer, drummer Chad Butler as Obi-Wan, bassist Tim Foreman as Pricess Leia, and vocalist Jon Foreman as Luke Skywalker. It's over-the-top and completely hilarious. Check it out... << Full Report >>

Cameron James Visits Washington D.C. And Performs on Today In Nashville

Pop artist Cameron James visited the studios at WSMV-TV's "Today in Nashville" last Friday to perform her single “Beside You." After signing to DREAM Records, Cameron went into the studio with Joshua Silverberg (Jordan Feliz, Capitol Kings, Jesus Culture) to write her debut single, "Beside You." This brilliant song carries a powerful message of encouragement and heavenly backup. It's about a love that never leaves or forsakes you... << Full Report >>

Sackloth & Ashes Releases Follow-Up Music To Debut

Twelve months after duo Sackcloth & Ashes released its debut single, “Sons of God,” which hit No. 2 on the ChristianRadioChart.com and found its way to international radio stations, the Missouri act is set to release the title cut from its upcoming release. The new song, titled “Star,” goes for adds today at Christian CHR and Christian Rock radio stations... << Full Report >>

*Tuesday, May 2, 2017*

Zach Williams Releases New Music Video For New Single - "Old Church Choir"

GRAMMY®-nominated Essential Records' artist Zach Williams has just released a new music video for his song "Old Church Choir." Also slated as the next single to go to radio, it is the follow-up to his recording-breaking No. 1 debut hit, "Chain Breaker," which held the top spot at radio for 15 weeks. The video for "Old Church Choir," filmed just outside of Nashville and filled with extras who came from all across the country to be part, can be viewed... << Full Report >>

Chart-topping superstar Donnie McClurkin releases new live video for "I Need You"!

Check out the enthralling new video from multiple GRAMMY^®, Stellar, and Dove Award-winning Gospel superstar Donnie McClurkin, as the celebrated vocalist delivers a captivating worship experience in his live performance of “I Need You”, available on Vevo now... << Full Report >>

*Monday, May 1, 2017*

Tooth & Nail Records Set to Launch Podcast "Labeled"

Veteran independent rock label Tooth & Nail Records are set to launch their brand new podcast Labeled: "The Stories, Rumors & Legends of Tooth & Nail Records." Airing weekly, with episode one available to stream via iTunes this summer, Labeled takes listeners behind the scenes of one of this generation's defining indie record labels. For more information, please visit: flyt.it/LabeledPodcast... << Full Report >>

Entertainment Weekly Calls Beatitudes “Uplifting And Inspiring”

The 5-star-acclaimed, multi-artist Beatitudes album made its debut on Yahoo! Music and released to digital and physical retailers worldwide from Stugiology Music with management, marketing and distribution through The Fuel Music. The album, which showcases 18 new tracks (plus 2 bonus tracks) from multiple GRAMMY and Dove Award-winning artists, leaders in their respective genres of Christian/Worship music, is called “uplifting and inspiring” by Entertainment Weekly, is featured along with Sheryl Crow, Incubus, Lana Del Rey and others in Apple Music's April 21 newsletter, and is JesusFreakHideout's first 5-star review of 2017... << Full Report >>