Jesusfreakhideout.com Music News: October 2015

October, 2015

*Friday, October 30, 2015*

Surprise! Crowder Drops "Neon Porch Extravaganza" Live EP

GRAMMY acclaimed artist Crowder has unveiled Crowder's Neon Porch Extravaganza today, surprising listeners with a live album recorded in his new hometown of Atlanta. Complete with his famed touring sidekick, Kenny Rodgers The Arctic Fox, as the cover art, Neon Porch Extravaganza features six newly recorded live songs and a video element from his latest album, Neon Steeple, which boldly debuted at No. 8 on the Billboard Top 200... << Full Report >>

Dan Bremnes Debuts New Music Video For "In His Hands"

Award-winning singer/songwriter Dan Bremnes has debuted his latest music video for "In His Hands," his new single with Capitol Christian Music Group. Hailing from Salmon Arm, British Columbia, Bremnes filmed the video in his Canadian hometown at many of his favorite childhood locations. "I was thrilled to get the chance to film my latest video in Salmon Arm," Bremnes shares. "I hope this video can help share the captivating beauty of this secret gem of a town where I grew up... << Full Report >>

Thousand Foot Krutch's Prayerful "In My Room" Hits Radio

With 16 No. 1 songs at Christian radio, four since going independent in 2012, Thousand Foot Krutch dares to lower the volume on its new single, allowing the melodies and words to soar. The highly personal prayer and confession powerfully delivered by TFK frontman Trevor McNevan, "In My Room," from the band's second consecutive No. 1 selling Billboard Hard Rock album, OXYGEN:INHALE, goes to Christian AC/CHR/Rock radio this week... << Full Report >>

*Thursday, October 29, 2015*

Building 429's "Where I Belong" Receives RIAA Gold Certification

GRAMMY®-nominated and multi-award winning band Building 429 has received their first RIAA®-Gold certification for their single "Where I Belong." Since its release, this BMI Song of the Year has garnered other top honors, such as Billboard's Christian Song of the Year and Christian AC radio's Song of the Year, while also awarding Building 429 their first Billboard Music Awards nomination for Top Christian Song... << Full Report >>

*Wednesday, October 28, 2015*

Kutless' New Studio Album "Surrender" Available For Pre-Order Now

Kutless recently announced that their new studio album Surrender will be releasing November 13 with BEC Recordings. The band's forthcoming album is now available for pre-order, which includes the debut single "Bring It On" as an instant download. Click here to pre-order Surrender now and receive one instant download each week leading up to the release... << Full Report >>

Don Moen Honored With Lifetime Global Achievement Award

Don Moen, an iconic voice in Christian music and pioneer in the modern praise & worship movement, has been honored with a very special award highlighting his international influence. During the 50th Anniversary Gala last week, Oral Roberts University honored Moen with the Lifetime Global Achievement Award, celebrating Don's outstanding excellence and vast impact. The award was presented to Moen by ORU President, William M. Wilson... << Full Report >>

*Tuesday, October 27, 2015*

Multi-Platinum Rock Band Stryper Tops Charts with New Studio Album FALLEN

With the October 16th release of their ninth studio album, Fallen, Stryper continues to dominate the hard rock/heavy metal scene. The Frontiers Music SRL release sold over 10,000 copies during the first week of release landing at #2 on the Top Hard Music Albums chart, #2 on the Top Contemporary Christian Albums chart, #2 on Billboard’s Top Christian/Gospel Albums, #5 on the Top Current Rock Albums chart, #20 on the Top Current Physical Albums chart, #26 on the Top Current Albums chart, #29 on the Top Current Digital Albums chart and #44 on the Billboard Top 200... << Full Report >>

Manafest Raises Awareness, Support for Epilepsy Foundation

Singer/rapper/songwriter/author/skater Manafest is using his platform as an international recording artist to bring awareness to, and support for, the Epilepsy Foundation. In addition to creating and posting informational YouTube videos about epilepsy, Manafest also has donated to the cause five percent of the monies he raised during his PledgeMusic, crowdfund campaign for his new album, Reborn, which released Oct. 2 amidst acclaim through The Fuel Music... << Full Report >>

*Monday, October 26, 2015*

for King and Country and Matthew West To Headline Winter Jam 2016

Continuing an unprecedented reign as one of the world’s largest tours and Christian music’s biggest annual tour, the Winter Jam Tour Spectacular announced its highly-anticipated 2016 line-up earlier this evening at Nashville’s Sudekum Planetarium. The announcement, which included performances from several 2016 artists, was also live-streamed to viewers around the world via Blue Scout Media’s StageHop.com... << Full Report >>

Bethel Music Receives 5th No. 1 Sales Debut With Amanda Cook's New Album

Bethel Music, the worship music and community of songwriters emerging from Bethel Church in Redding, CA, released the debut solo album from artist Amanda Cook, Brave New World, Sept. 25. The album quickly soared to the top of Billboard's Top Christian Albums chart (dated Oct. 17) amidst critical acclaim, while landing at No. 20 on the overall Billboard Top 200 with more than 19,000 albums sold. Brave New World also hit No. 1 on the UK Official Charts Christian & Gospel Albums chart... << Full Report >>

*Friday, October 23, 2015*

Rend Collective Launches Rend Family Records In Partnership With Capitol CMG

Northern Irish folk worship band Rend Collective has announced the launch of Rend Family Records, a partnership with Capitol Christian Music Group and an endeavor stemming from the group's heart for worship and community. "Rend Collective has always been about finding wild and colourful ways to worship God... << Full Report >>

*Thursday, October 22, 2015*

The City Harmonic Drops Ticketed Format For Unity Events

Christian worship band The City Harmonic, birthed out of a church unity movement in Hamilton, Canada, recently announced a radical change in response to developments following their "We Are" events, unique two-part gatherings that combine community-wide worship concerts with daytime roundtable conversations for pastors. As ministry opportunities grow, the band felt compelled to make their remaining fall events available to anyone on a "pay what you can" basis, versus traditional ticketed concerts... << Full Report >>

*Wednesday, October 21, 2015*

Louie Giglio to Appear on FOX and Friends October 22 in Support of "The Comeback"

Louie Giglio, founder of the global Passion Conferences and Atlanta-based Passion City Church, will be live on FOX & Friends Thursday, October 22 to share about his newest book The Comeback: It's Not Too Late and You're Never Too Far (W Publishing Group, ISBN 9780718042189, $19.99, October 2015). The top-rated cable morning news show airs from 6-9 a.m. EST on FOX News Channel. National media outlets including Relevant Magazine, USA Radio, FOX Nation, Patheos, Moody Broadcasting... << Full Report >>

*Tuesday, October 20, 2015*

Sara Groves To Unveil Deeply Personal Album, "Floodplain," on November 6

Floodplain, the newest album from thought-provoking singer/songwriter Sara Groves, will release on November 6 with FairTrade Services. Groves produced the anticipated new effort in collaboration with Steve Brewster, Matt Pierson, Scott Dente, Daniel Phelps and Brown Bannister. This new album finds Groves leaning in as a songwriter, contemplating want and provision, personal struggles and empathy... << Full Report >>

Johnny Cash Museum Cafe To Host Cindy Morgan and Friends Oct. 22

GRAMMY® Award-nominated and Dove Award-winning Cindy Morgan will be bringing together some of music’s most acclaimed writers for a historic evening at the Johnny Cash Museum Café in downtown Nashville Thursday, October 22 at 7:30 pm. “Cindy Morgan & Friends” will feature Nashville Songwriter Hall of Fame inductee Tom Douglas; GRAMMY® and Dove Award-winner Wayne Kirkpatrick; lauded singer/songwriter/author Andrew Peterson; and critically-acclaimed artist Jonathan Kingham, keyboardist for Toad the Wet Sprocket. The Johnny Cash Museum Café’s bi-monthly Songwriter Nights are hosted by Leilah Hayman, daughter of Woodstock and pop/folk legend Melanie Safka... << Full Report >>

Compassion International Announces 8th Annual Rock and Worship Roadshow

The 8th annual Rock & Worship Roadshow, presented by Compassion International, announces a new roster of artists for the 2016 tour. Christian music favorites Newsboys, Jeremy Camp and Mandisa will be performing, along with Phil Wickham, Family Force 5 and Audio Adrenaline. A pre-show party will take place before each show with artists Danny Gokey (host) and Citizen Way, and Shaun Groves returns to the Rock & Worship Roadshow as the event's guest speaker... << Full Report >>

DJ Maj Launches Project Via Kickstarter

DJ Maj, the DJ for TobyMac's Diverse City Band, is celebrating the beauty of the power of community with his upcoming project via a new Kickstarter campaign. Launched this week, the Kickstarter campaign will fund a brand new project from DJ Maj set to release in 2016. This project is coming to fruition after a long journey for this world-renowned DJ, who can be seen currently on the TobyMac "This Is Not A Test" tour... << Full Report >>

*Monday, October 19, 2015*

Tenth Avenue North, Natalie Grant, Sidewalk Prophets Join K-LOVE Christmas Tour

The fourth annual K-LOVE Christmas Tour, presented by 25 Entertainment, is back with an all-star lineup including Tenth Avenue North, Natalie Grant, Sidewalk Prophets and special guest Danny Gokey kicking off the 16-show run Dec. 3 at Old National Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. The tour provides a unique opportunity for radio listeners and fans to experience an inviting evening of Christmas music and fan favorites for the entire family during the holiday season... << Full Report >>

*Friday, October 16, 2015*

MercyMe Earns Fifth American Music Award Nomination

Announced on ABC's Good Morning America earlier this week, MercyMe earned their fifth American Music Award Nomination for Contemporary Inspirational Favorite Artist. Honored with two American Music Awards in the past, MercyMe led the category, winning in both 2004 and 2010... << Full Report >>

*Thursday, October 15, 2015*

"Best Of Sanctus Real" Debuts To Critics' Acclaim

A Quintessential Contemporary Christian band of the past two decades, Sanctus Real released their final album Best Of Sanctus Real (Oct. 9) with lead singer Matt Hammitt at the helm. The new single featured on the album, "Longer Than A Lifetime," has already moved into the Top 20 Christian Hot AC/CHR Chart. In support of the newest song, the band released a stirring lyric video, unveiling a collection of footage from the band's 20-year career... << Full Report >>

Playdough & Sean Patrick Return With "We Buy Gold" on October 16th

Playdough & Sean Patrick announce the October 16th release date for their album, We Buy Gold. The first single, "Humble Pie", showcases the duo's diversity and is matched with a video that captures the party time persona their fan base has come to love. "I wanted to challenge our process with these songs. We were in L.A. working in the same building as Skrillex and running... << Full Report >>

Gateway Worship's "Walls" Debuts At No. 1

Walls, the sixth live recording from internationally acclaimed Gateway Worship, debuted at #1 on Billboard's Christian Albums Chart and at #33 on The Billboard 200, following its October 2 release. The FairTrade Services project is the highest debuting Gateway Worship release to date... << Full Report >>

Gotee Records Announces HOLLYN To Their Artist Roster

Gotee Records announces Hollyn, the newest addition to their roster family and her self-titled debut EP, which releases tomorrow, October 16 at all digital outlets including iTunes here. Physical copies can be purchased online at www.gotee.com/store or at shows. The 6-song EP features her debut single "Alone (feat. TRU)" that has been playing on the Air1 radio network for the past two weeks. The song was written by Hollyn, Toby McKeehan, producer Bryan Fowler and TRU... << Full Report >>

FairTrade Introduces John Tibbs With "Dead Man Walking" EP

Acclaimed singer/songwriter John Tibbs makes his FairTrade Services debut with October 30th's Dead Man Walking EP. The five-song project, produced by Ben Shive (Rend Collective, Colony House, Ellie Holcomb), previews Tibbs' full-length label debut slated for release next year... << Full Report >>

Jenny and Tyler Release "Of This I'm Sure" Tomorrow, Oct. 16

Indie folk-pop husband and wife duo Jenny & Tyler will release Of This I'm Sure tomorrow, October 16, 2015 through upstart record label Residence Music. The twelve-song set was produced by Gabe Scott (with the exception of one track), who has played on various albums by such artists as The Civil Wars, Ingrid Michaelson and Matt Kearney. Vast, lush and soaring at times, their easy voices blend in harmonies that suggest a deep hope and a deep ache intertwined... << Full Report >>

Author and Former Record Company Executive Darlene Brock Launches The Grit & Grace Project Today

Today, marks the launch of The Grit & Grace Project, an online movement devoted to "building a community of women who believe that life's challenges neither defeat nor define them," helmed by author and entrepreneur Darlene Brock. Created for women of all ages and walks of life, the online destination will feature regularly updated content as contributors share tips, stories, how-tos, encouragement and much more... << Full Report >>

*Wednesday, October 15, 2015*

Casting Crowns Nominated for 2015 American Music Award

Yesterday Casting Crowns was nominated for the second straight year for an American Music Award in the "Favorite Artist - Contemporary Inspirational" category. This is the group's seventh nomination, and last year they won the award for the second time. The 2015 American Music Awards will be broadcast live from Los Angeles' Nokia Theater L.A. on Sunday, November 22nd on ABC... << Full Report >>

*Tuesday, October 13, 2015*

46th Annual GMA Dove Awards Honored Top Christian and Gospel Artists

Tonight, the 46th Annual GMA Dove Awards were handed out in 41 categories, as well as 4 special awards. Co-hosted by Erica Campbell and Sadie Robertson, the night drew a record attendance at the Allen Arena on the campus of Lipscomb University. The entire show will broadcast exclusively on Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) on Sunday, October 18th at 9:00PM CST. For a full list of winners... << Full Report >>

Joseph W. Walker III Reveals The Eight Keys To Reclaim Your Relationship With God

In his inspiring and instructive new book, Reset Your Life: Make A New Start, (Thomas Nelson, on sale now), senior pastor, prolific author, community leader, and philanthropist, Joseph W. Walker III, addresses Christians who are at a crossroads and looking to rejuvenate and renew their relationship with God. Joseph explains how to reclaim a relationship with God using the eight "R's" (Reset, Recognize, Reassess and Recalibrate, Reclaim and Rededicate, Reinvent and Resurrect.)... << Full Report >>

*Monday, October 12, 2015*

Jonas Myrin Signs Global Publishing Agreement With Universal Music and Capitol CMG Publishing

Grammy-winner Jonas Myrin, one of the most prolific and successful songwriters and musicians in Christian music, has signed a new global deal with Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) and its Christian music publishing division, Capitol CMG Publishing. The joint announcement was made today by Evan Lamberg, President of North America, UMPG, and Bill Hearn, CEO of Capitol Christian Music Group (CCMG)... << Full Report >>

Chris Tomlin Launches Fall Leg of Love Ran Red Tour

Chris Tomlin has set out on the second leg of what's already been the biggest tour of his career, the "Love Ran Red Tour." Featuring special guests Rend Collective, the 22-city tour kicked off in Nashville last week. Tomlin will continue to share uplifting music from his hit album Love Ran Red, including title track "At The Cross (Love Ran Red)," which recently hit the No. 1 spot on the National Christian Audience chart... << Full Report >>

Michael English Releases New Worship Project

For the first time in his legendary career, Michael English announces the release of a brand new Praise & Worship project. The album, appropriately entitled Worship features the worship anthems nearest and dearest to his heart, sang with the rich and soulful vocals that are unmistakably Michael English... << Full Report >>

*Friday, October 9, 2015*

About A Mile Signs With Radiate Music

New Artist of the Year Dove Award nominee, About A Mile, consisting of brothers Adam, Luke and Levi Klutinoty, released their self-titled album amidst widespread acclaim, summer 2014. The recording quickly launched onto the retail charts to become 2014's biggest selling Christian album debut from a new artist. The band returns today with the rock anthem, "Taking Back," the first new music since signing with producer Ian Eskelin's Radiate Music... << Full Report >>

Seventh Day Slumber Releases New EP, "Redline," Today

Throughout its eighteen-year history, VSR Recording Artist Seventh Day Slumber has always been willing to confront the tough issues of life. SDS fans expect and respect the band's commitment to writing tell-it-like-it-is lyrics and recording with musical excellence. Now on the new EP REDLINE, SDS provides a sonic rock assault that tackles issues pulled straight from the news headlines. Redline is available in stores and online today, October 9. VSR is distributed by Capitol Christian Distribution... << Full Report >>

*Thursday, October 8, 2015*

Six-Time GRAMMY® Winner Amy Grant To Appear On "Oprah: Where Are They Now?" Oct. 10

Multi-platinum selling singer, songwriter and six-time GRAMMY® winner Amy Grant is set to be featured on the top-rated "Oprah: Where Are They Now?" airing this Saturday, October 10 at 10 p.m. EST/9 p.m. CST on the OWN Network. The crew caught up with Grant on her farm this summer to talk about her influential career, new album Be Still and Know… Hymns & Faith, family life and unique partnership with Barefoot Republic Camps - a camp for children from kindergarten through sixth grade where they are given... << Full Report >>

*Wednesday, October 7, 2015*

Billboard Exclusively Premieres Crowder's "Lift Your Head Weary Sinner (Chains)" Music Video

Billboard is exclusively unveiling "Lift Your Head Weary Sinner (Chains)," the latest music video from GRAMMY® Nominee Crowder. With camera shots captured by drones, the music video features a festival atmosphere, complete with lasers, neon and banjos. Crowder also invited special guest Tedashii to take part in the filming. After the recording, guests were invited to partake in bull riding, a petting zoo and delight in food trucks... << Full Report >>

Armond WakeUp Releases New Single, "Jacqueline vs Angela"

Armond WakeUp's new single "Jacqueline vs Angela" leads into his forthcoming The Epiphany of Marcus Graham release. Marcus Graham Wednesdays begins with "Jacqueline vs Angela," a take on an early 90s R&B classic. This is written from the perspective of "choices" resulting from conflict & "over-commitment". Sometimes conflict without immediate resolve gives us reason to make wrong choices. Sometimes we can be so invested in a relationship, we neglect our other responsibilities... << Full Report >>

*Tuesday, October 6, 2015*

Christian Festival Association Membership Grows To All-Time High

The Christian Festival Association (CFA), a group of the nation's largest Christian music festivals, announced today that its number of participating member festivals had grown to a record number of 37 events going into the 2016 festival season. Collectively, these events reached 1.2 million attendees in the summer of 2015... << Full Report >>

*Monday, October 5, 2015*

Grand Canyon University, MercyMe's Bart Millard Unveil Recording Studio

Grammy-nominated artist Bart Millard and Grand Canyon University unveiled a new state-of-the-art recording studio on the GCU campus that will serve as a vital tool in helping emerging Christian music talent hone their skills as artists... << Full Report >>

Alache Returns November 6th with "The Chronicles of The Mrs."

MADE, INC recording artist Alaché returns November 6th with her new 7-track EP, The Chronicles of The Mrs. The lead single, “Heaven’s Angel,” featuring Ron Kenoly, Jr., is available now at digital outlets including iTunes... << Full Report >>

*Friday, October 2, 2015*

Emerging Artist Meredith Kinleigh Releases New EP

INOV8 Music Group artist Meredith Kinleigh releases her debut EP, “Beautiful Mess,” today, a collection of five songs written by the singer/songwriter. The EP release coincides with Kinleigh’s fall tour which includes performances on October 8 in Lynchburg, Virginia... << Full Report >>

*Thursday, October 1, 2015*

TobyMac Named One of Nashville's 25 Most Beautiful People by Nashville Lifestyles Magazine

TobyMac Named One of Nashville's 25 Most Beautiful People by Nashville Lifestyles Magazine! (See article above) The 6-time GRAMMY Award winner kicks off headlining THIS IS NOT A TEST Tour today, October 1st... << Full Report >>

Natalie Grant's Vision and Voice Soar on Nov. 13th 'Be One'

Natalie Grant is every woman. She juggles the responsibilities as a mother of three with the demands of a full-time career, while managing to find time for the pursuits that are important to her. Her daily life informs her music, which radiates encouragement, centered on a simple message: sometimes, all it takes to change the world is a shift in personal perspective... << Full Report >>