Rend Collective Releases Good News: Deluxe Edition Featuring Six New LIVE Tracks Available Now
Aug 30, 2018 Artist Updates, New Release
“Counting Every Blessing” Continues to Make Impact at Radio Rend Collective Gears Up for “Good News Tour Part 3 – Europe/USA” with Dates Already Sold Out |
| Nashville, Tenn. (Aug. 24, 2018) – Adding live sessions and recorded tracks from a sold-out hometown performance in Belfast to their latest chart topping album, Rend Collective is releasing Good News: Deluxe Edition digitallytoday. The album features 15 original tracks from the group’s critically acclaimed Good News, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Christian Albums chart, in addition to six new live tracks. The six new recordings include live acoustic sessions of “Nailed To The Cross,” “Rescuer (Good News)” and current radio favorite “Counting Every Blessing,” as well as three live performances from the band’s sold out hometown show in Belfast, Ireland. |
| Rend
Collective’s “Counting Every Blessing” continues to make an impact at
radio, currently No. 7 on the National Christian Audience chart and
still climbing. The highest charting radio single ever for the band, the
infectious single has reached an audience of over 6.7 million this
week, with over 11 million global streams since its release. The “Good News Tour Part 3 – Europe/USA” will kick off this September. Hitting 25+ cities, the tour will travel throughout Europe and the U.S. to Munich, DE, Chicago, IL and Las Vegas, NV and more, with dates already sold-out in four markets. For the latest tour schedule, visit https://rendcollective.com/pages/tour. To hear Good News: Deluxe Edition, click here. Track Listing: 1. Life Is Beautiful 2. I Will Be Undignified 3. Rescuer (Good News) 4. Counting Every Blessing 5. Nailed To The Cross 6. Hymn Of The Ages 7. True North 8. Resurrection Day 9. No Outsiders 10. Weep With Me 11. Weep With Me (Reprise) 12. Marching On (feat. Hillsong Young & Free) 13. Yahweh 14. Counting Every Blessing (Ukulele Session) 15. Christ Lives In Me 16. I Will Be Undignified (Live In Belfast) 17. Nailed To The Cross (Live Acoustic Session) 18. Rescuer (Good News) (Live Acoustic Session) 19. Counting Every Blessing (Live Acoustic Session) 20. No Outsiders (Live In Belfast) 21. Marching On (Live in Belfast) |
PLUMB Releases Second Book: FIGHT FOR HER…Even if You Have to Fight Her
Aug 30, 2018 Artist Updates, Books, New Release, Tour
| Artist Announces Upcoming Tour to Support New Album that Features the Title Track to BEAUTIFULLY BROKEN Film. |
|
Nashville,
TN – Prolific multi-genre recording artist PLUMB continues to inspire
and empower with the release of her sophomore book FIGHT FOR HER…Even if You Have To Fight Her.
FIGHT FOR HER is a moving challenge to fight for each other – even if that means fighting with each
other. Our relationships can often be messy, but when we challenge and
support each other with love and grace, lives are transformed.
“Originally
I planned to write a book for mothers and daughters, but as I started
working on the book, it hit me that ALL women are daughters, whether
they ever become a mother or not,” Plumb explains. “We need to be
reminded that we areall sons and daughters of God and we have
been and will continue to be fought for…regardless of our earthly
experience with the parents we have or haven’t had.”
Drawn
from the generational lessons of both being and having a daughter,
PLUMB explores fundamental questions everyone, especially females, face
with depth and levity. Her sense of humor and down-to-earth style draw
us to hold on to Jesus and each other with full hearts, as we strive for
the best for each other. With thoughtful questions at the end of each
chapter, FIGHT FOR HER offers an empowering, encouraging and enriching read, both as a stand-alone book or small group discussion.
She
continues, “I wrote the book from my perspective as a woman to
challenge the way we, as women, communicate with each other; however,
the sentiment resonates with men equally. Often ‘fighting for’ can look
like ‘fighting with’, and ‘standing up for’ can be interpreted as
‘standing up to’. I hope FIGHT FOR HER begins a revolution of
people committed to fighting for, supporting, and challenging each other
to be all we were created to be, by communicating the truth of what God
says about us, to us, in love. Sometimes, that is telling someone who
thinks or feels unworthy how beautiful and valuable they truly are. And
sometimes it means telling them no.”
FIGHT FOR HER comes
on the heels of the BEAUTIFULLY BROKEN album, written simultaneously,
that released in June. The book and album speak to one another as PLUMB
continues her commitment to sharing transparent, personal stories that
remind us that we are all broken, we are not alone, and we are all loved
fiercely by God who can powerfully restore us in ways we could never
imagine.
Following
the themes of the book and album, PLUMB has just launched a playful
Alice in Wonderland inspired video for the album’s title track. It
serves as a reminder that, much like a teacup, we are all beautiful and
valuable, but easily broken. PLUMB shares, “No matter how broken we
are, it doesn’t change who we belong to, our beauty, our value, or how
He loves us. No matter what we have done or what has been done to us,
we are still His. He wants us to give Him that brokenness, the chips and
breaks, the pain and sadness, to advance His kingdom. He invites us to
celebrate how we are all His children. That ultimately is all that
matters. Being His. Being beautiful. Even in our brokenness.”
The “Beautifully Broken” video can be viewed here: http://plumbmusic.net/beautifully-broken-official-music-video/
The title track is also the theme song for the film Beautifully Broken, just released in theaters on August 24.
PLUMB tour dates:
8/25 – Waconia MN
9/2 – West Liberty, OH 9/15 –Shippensburg, PA – Uprise Festival 9/21 – Irvine, CA – Fish Family Night 9/22 – Palmdale, CA – Gracefest 9/23 – Sacramento, CA – Kingdom Come Sacramento We Are One Tour with Plumb and Unspoken with special guest Dan Bremnes – 9/18 – El Paso, TX 9/20 – Las Vegas, NV 9/25 – Crescent City, CA 9/26 – Chico, CA 9/27 – San Jose, CA 9/28 – Fresno, CA 9/29 – Santa Barbara, CA 9/30 – San Bernardino, CA 10/4 – Beatrice, NE 10/5 – Warrensburg, MO 10/6 – Sunnyvale, TX 10/7 – Muskogee, OK 10/11 – Florence, AL 10/12 – Montgomery, AL 10/13 – Dunwoody, GA 10/14 – Kosciusko, MS 10/17 – Searcy AR 10/18 – Greeneville, TN 10/19 – Colonial Beach, VA 10/20 – Norfolk, VA 10/21 – Charlotte, NC http://www.plumbmusic.net |
COMPASSION INTERNATIONAL PRESENTS NATALIE GRANT AND DANNY GOKEY’S CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS TOUR
Aug 30, 2018 Artist Updates, Tour
| Popular 12-City Christmas Tour Launches Nov. 29, Returning For Third Year In A Row Early Pre-Sale Tickets Available Today at CelebrateChristmasTour.com NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Aug. 29, 2018 – Award-winning artists Natalie Grant and Danny Gokey will ring in the holiday season together for the third year in a row as they co-bill their popular Celebrate Christmas Tour, presented by Compassion International. Following a successful run of Christmas dates in 2016 and 2017 where they performed for multiple sell-out crowds, Grant and Gokey will once again share the stage each night in a fully integrated set. Launching Nov. 29, the Celebrate Christmas Tour is scheduled to hit 12 cities across the U.S., including stops in Minnesota, Maryland, Ohio, Kentucky, Alabama, South Carolina, Georgia and more, wrapping up on Dec. 15. Early pre-sale tickets are available today in some markets at www.CelebrateChristmasTour.com. The Celebrate Christmas Tour public sale will begin in many markets on Friday, Aug. 31, at 10 a.m. local time. Both Grammy nominated and Dove Award winning artists, Natalie Grant and Danny Gokey are a quintessential vocal pairing, setting the stage for an unforgettable Christmas experience. Under the musical direction of Grammy-winning songwriter/producer Bernie Herms (Josh Groban, Barbra Streisand, Casting Crowns, Natalie Grant, Danny Gokey) the Celebrate Christmas Tour features Grant and Gokey in a collaborative setting as they perform a combination of Christmas classics along with original selections from Grant’s critically-acclaimed, soulful-tinged Christmas project Believe, and Gokey’s Dove Award-winning album Christmas Is Here. Selections will include favorites like “O Holy Night,” “Joy To The World,” “Mary, Did You Know?” and more. “I’m so excited to be doing this tour with Danny for our third year,” Grant says. “It’s my favorite time of the year with one of the best singers in the world, singing Christmas songs and singing them together?! Yes, please!” “This tour is starting to become a tradition for me and Natalie” Gokey adds. “It’s hard to believe we are going into our third year already! We are both big fans of Christmas, so it makes it fun to collaborate and share the stage together! Our goal each night is to create an atmophere of joy, nostalgia and celebration for those who attend to usher in the holidays with family and friends. Music is such a huge part of creating the spirit of the holidays, so we want to share in that in our own unique way.” CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS TOUR 2018 – NATALIE GRANT & DANNY GOKEY * Dates and venues subject to change without notice. Additional cities to be announced soon. Nov. 29 TBA Nov. 30 TBA Dec. 1 TBA Dec. 2 Rochester, MN Autumn Ridge Church (On sale 9/24) Dec. 6 Williamsport, MD Gateway Church Dec. 7 Youngstown, OH Victory Christian Center (On sale 9/14) Dec. 8 Ashland, KY Paramount Arts Center Dec. 9 TBA Dec. 12 Dothan, AL Dothan Civic Center (On sale 9/4) Dec. 13 Aiken, SC Millbrook Baptist Church Dec. 14 TBA Dec. 15 Savannah, GA Calvary Baptist Temple For ticket information and the most up-to-date list of concerts, please visit www.CelebrateChristmasTour.com. ABOUT NATALIE GRANT Seven-time Grammy nominated Natalie Grant is known for her powerful and soaring vocals, heart-gripping lyrics and passionate performances, and has remained one of the top-selling Christian & Gospel artists since her 2005 breakout RIAA Gold certified album, Awaken. She has since gone on to have nearly 4 million in career sales. The Gospel Music Association has named her Female Vocalist of the Year five times and she has had multiple #1s on the Billboard chart. Beyond her music career, Natalie has been an outspoken advocate for victims of human trafficking since 2005. She co-founded Hope for Justice International, which identifies and rescues victims of trafficking and then provides them with complete restorative care. The organization now has 20 offices spanning 10 countries and four continents. Though she is a Seattle native, Natalie makes her home in Nashville with her husband, producer/songwriter Bernie Herms, and their three children: twins Grace and Bella, and their youngest, Sadie.Connect With Natalie Grant: Website: www.nataliegrant.com ABOUT DANNY GOKEY Grammy nominated, Capitol recording artist Danny Gokey became a favorite of millions of fans as a Top 3 finalist on Season 8 of “American Idol.” Following Idol, Gokey released his debut album, My Best Days, which debuted at #4 on the Billboard Top 200 album chart. Since that time, Gokey has celebrated a series of #1s including his follow-up album release Hope In Front of Me, his latest full album release Rise, and his first Award-winning holiday album, Christmas Is Here. Spawning singles like “Hope In Front of Me,” “Rise,” “Masterpiece”, “The Comeback,” and his RIAA Gold certified single “Tell Your Heart to Beat Again,” Danny has cemented his place on the radio charts with multi-week, multi-chart #1 runs both in the United States and in Canada. Danny is the founder of a newly formed non-profit organization, Better Than I Found It, that has a heart to partner with organizations already making a difference in their communities to help them grow into their next level of service to effect even greater change in their areas. Gokey is a native of Milwaukee and currently lives in Nashville with his wife, Leyicet and their three children. Connect With Danny Gokey: Website: www.dannygokey.com ABOUT COMPASSION INTERNATIONAL Founded in 1952, Compassion International is a Christian child development organization that works to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name. Compassion revolutionized the fight against global poverty by working exclusively with the Church to lift children out of spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty. Compassion partners with more than 6,700 churches in 25 countries to deliver its holistic child development program to over 1.8 million babies, children and young adults. Compassion’s child sponsorship program has been validated through independent, empirical research. Connect With Compassion International: Website: www.Compassion.com – ### – For tour interviews and press materials, please contact: Debra Akins | Southside Entertainment Debra@Debraakins.com | 321.747.0077 |
“Forevermore” From Australia & Atlanta Based Worship Movement, Influencers, Hits Today
Aug 30, 2018 Artist Updates, New Release
Freeing Tracks Follows Release Of “I’m Yours” |
| Nashville, Tenn. (Aug. 24, 2018) – Adding to a string of summer singles, Influencers are unveiling “Forevermore” today
through Syntax Creative to all digital outlets. The compelling ballad
builds to the anchoring chorus of “I am Yours forevermore” harkening
back to Ephesians 1:18. The lyrics paired with the soaring instrumental
were written by Sawyer Stromwall, Mark Evans and Chloe Evans. “’Forevermore’ embodies a story of surrender, redemption and hope,” shares Influencers Worship Executive Producer Mark Evans. “The best part about this song is it didn’t come out of a session with seasoned writers, but rather from the raw and personal moments of a 20 year-old girl crying out to God.” Influencers’ debut EP garnered over a million streams around its debut last year, led by the No. 1 single “Imagination.” The worship movement was born out Influencers Church which is a part of the Hillsong family. With roots in Australia, Influencers Church now has 10 Church campuses worldwide led by Global Senior Pastors Ashley and Jane Evans. To listen to “Forevermore,” click here. To hear Influencers go to www.influencers.life. To learn more about Influencers Church, visit www.influencers.church. |
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About Influencers: Influencers debut single titled “Imaginations” released in early September 2017 and was followed by unprecedented success on the Christian charts worldwide. “Imaginations” held the No. 1 spot on the iTunes Australian Inspirational Charts for 5 consecutive days, broke the top 10 of the U.S/ Charts and topped the Nielsen Christian Singles Chart on opening week in early September. In just six weeks, “Imaginations” had been streamed over 200,000 times and received placements on some of the biggest Spotify worship playlists in the world with over 1.2 million subscribers. “Forevermore” is their latest. Stay In Touch With Influencers: instagram.com/influencersworship facebook.com/influencerswrshp twitter.com/influencersmsc youtube.com/channel/UC5sUvCwFfk4bft3nOjBI2Nw About Syntax Creative: Syntax Creative is one of the top independent digital distributors, design firms and marketing agencies, representing more than 130 record labels. Their impressive list of clientele includes Elevation Church, Saddleback Church, Crossroads Label Group, Central South, Daywind Records and Jamie Grace Music among others. To learn more, visit www.syntaxcreative.com.Stay In Touch With Syntax Creative: facebook.com/syntaxcreative instagram.com/syntaxcreative twitter.com/syntaxcreative youtube.com/syntaxcreative |
ANNIE MOSES BAND ANNOUNCES 2019 ANNIE MOSES SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL
Aug 30, 2018 Artist Updates
| 2018’s Success Sets Stage for Next Year’s Festival in Support of Annie Moses Foundation, Conservatory NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nashville-based award-winning, Juilliard-educated Annie Moses Band, known for its impeccable artistry and genre-defying music, announces today the 2019 dates for the Annie Moses Summer Music Festival. This highly-anticipated annual event, which has become the centerpiece for the band’s vision for the arts and the mission of the Annie Moses Band’s music education 501C3 non-profit – the Annie Moses Foundation, will be held July 14 – 21 at The Factory at Franklin, conveniently located just south of Music City. Offering exceptional instruction, as well as live performance opportunities at premier Nashville-area venues, the Annie Moses Summer Music Festival is a performing arts intensive for young musicians designed to give students life-changing experiences of real-world excellence, while building life-long friendships and taking their art form to the next level. Having celebrated its 15th year in July and drawing participants from all over the country and worldwide, the Annie Moses Summer Music Festival began alongside the Annie Moses Band and was founded by its members who write, direct and arrange the performances for the 200+ young performers who will gather to put on five shows over a single week. Open to the public as ticketed events, the shows are genre-specific and include Jazz, Americana, Singer/Songwriter and Classical. “The Annie Moses Band is leading an artistic renaissance through strength of family and a message of faith, inspiring all generations to join in the beauty and excitement of highly skilled musicianship,” shares Annie Dupre. “Our vision is to populate the stages of the world with highly skilled musicians who have a heart for the Kingdom of God. The Annie Moses Foundation programs are an opportunity for us to fulfill our purpose – together.” Through events at the Annie Moses Summer Music Festival and the Conservatory of Annie Moses program , Annie Moses Band is able to deeply invest in the lives of their students, giving them unique opportunities to experience what it’s like to perform at a high level with extraordinary musicians, all while sharing their artistic passion and profound purpose to raise up a brand-new generation of young artists committed to godly excellence in the world of the arts. This year, Annie Moses Band was honored to have several special guests join them as part of the week’s festivities, lending their artistic talents and skills as instructors and mentors. In addition to multi-Platinum selling, Grammy-nominated recording artist and actress Jaci Velasquez and Dove Award-winning songwriter Krissy Nordhoff (“Your Great Name,” “Mercy Tree”), eminent Shakespearean and acting legend John Rhys-Davies, best known to moviegoers as Gimli in The Lord of the Rings, or as Indiana Jones’ (Harrison Ford’s) comic sidekick, Sallah, in two of Paramount’s INDIANA JONES adventure films, starred as the narrator in the world-premiere of the brand-new musical Merry Christmas Uncle Scrooge!. Written by Robin Donica Wolaver and Bill Wolaver, this Broadway-style musical isbased on the Charles Dickens classic story A Christmas Carol. Rhys-Davies, a notable alumnus of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), also taught a masterclass for young actors at the event and then hosted the final gala featuring all of the festival performers alongside Annie Moses Band. Furthermore, in support of the Annie Moses Summer Music Festival, Annie Moses Band had the opportunity to share their music and message promoting excellence in the arts as a guest on various national and local radio and TV shows including nationally-syndicated FOX News Radio’s The Todd Starnes Show and Salem Radio Network’s The Eric Metaxas Show. Additionally, founder, lead vocalist and violinist Annie Dupre was joined by Rhys-Davies for an interview with hosts Kelly Sutton and Carole Sullivan on WSMV News 4’s TODAY in Nashville, followed by a live band performance as part of the studio appearance. |
| Annie Moses Band members join FOX News Radio Host Todd Starnes in New York City for an in-studio performance and interview on The Todd Starnes Show. Acting legend John Rhys-Davies and Annie Dupre of Annie Moses Band (center) are pictured with WSMV TODAY in Nashville hosts Kelly Sutton (left), Carole Sullivan (right). |
| For more information or to register for the Annie Moses Summer Music Festival, visit https://anniemosessummermusicfestival.com/. All the latest information on Annie Moses Band, including music, touring, Annie Moses Foundation, etc., can be found at www.anniemosesband.com, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. Watch for more details on the band’s new album, Under the Tree of Life, to release this fall. About Annie Moses Band Genre-defying and unforgettable, the Annie Moses Band has been thrilling audiences for over a decade with a sweeping virtuosity and musical spirit that remains bright and poignant. Named for their great-grandmother, the all-sibling, Juilliard-educated ensemble enchants with electrifying instrumental flair, rich arrangements and shimmering layered vocals. Having graced the stages of Carnegie Hall and the Grand Ole Opry House, the band’s Warner Bros. album “American Rhapsody” topped the charts while their popular PBS specials, “Christmas with the Annie Moses Band” and “The Art of the Love Song” have broken records and been nominated for an Emmy. These are true musicians of the highest caliber drawn together by the bonds of family, faith and love for their audience. About the Annie Moses Foundation The Annie Moses Foundation has impacted the lives of hundreds of students each year since the Annie Moses Summer Music Festival began in 2003. Students have come from over 30 states, as well as foreign countries to participate in the Annie Moses Summer Music Festival. The Annie Moses Foundation has awarded nearly $300,000 through the Annie Moses Summer Music Festival Scholarship Fund since 2010 and the Conservatory of Annie Moses is pioneering a brand-new paradigm of music education, setting the standard for other programs around the US. About the Conservatory of Annie Moses The Conservatory of Annie Moses, a mentor program for aspiring pre-college artists, specializes in solo instruction, commercial music theory, group performance and artist development. Led by the musicians of the Annie Moses Band, the Conservatory nurtures the unique identity of each artist and prepares them for professional level involvement in the world of the arts. |
LAUREN DAIGLE PREMIERES NEW MUSIC ON ZANE LOWE’S WORLD RECORD ON APPLE MUSIC’S BEATS 1
Aug 28, 2018 Artist Updates
Two-time GRAMMY Award nominee and platinum recording artist Lauren Daigle has teamed up with Zane Lowe’s World Record on Apple Music’s Beats 1, for the release of the title track from her forthcoming album, Look Up Child. A first listen of the track is available through Apple Music’s “World Record” Playlist, as well as on the homepage of iTunes. Look Up Child, will be released on September 7th and is available for pre-order at https://laurendaigle.com/music/.
“Look Up Child” encourages youthful whimsy with a soulful plea. Drawing on the innocence and purity of childhood. “When friends get stuck in a rut where there’s no more passion and life is just work and pain, I show them my Mr. Potato Head,” explains Lauren. “It’s a reminder to look up, have that childhood faith, and not lose the passion.”
Lauren will embark on her first headlining theatre tour in support of Look Up Child on September 27th. Presented by Food for the Hungry, the tour will kick off in Cincinnati and makes 18 stops before wrapping in Jackson, MS on October 28th. Every ticket purchase will come with a copy of Look Up Child. A list of tour dates and tickets are available here: https://laurendaigle.com/tour/
Lauren Daigle is a two-time Billboard Music Award winner, a two-time Grammy nominee and an American Music Award winner. With a voice that is both smoky and sweet, Daigle has forged a unique sound that is reminiscent of the soulful, heart-in-throat vulnerability of Adele mixed with the raw power of Amy Winehouse. Her ability to connect with her audience has captured critical acclaim and recognition as the fastest-selling new artist for her genre of the last decade. Her debut album, How Can It Be, has been certified platinum by the RIAA and has produced three certified Gold singles.
Beats 1 is a nonstop livestream of music programming — broadcasting worldwide, 24/7, for free — available only on Apple Music. It is the first and only streaming service creating a live global listening experience. Zane Lowe’s flagship show can be heard Monday through Thursday at 9am LA/12pm NY/5pm LDN. Listen live at apple.co/zane or On Demand with an Apple Music subscription.
Connect with Lauren:
Website // Facebook // Instagram // Twitter // Youtube
ROBYN CHRISTIAN RELEASES NEW SINGLE ‘Dance It Out’
Aug 28, 2018 Artist Updates, New Release
| NEW ARTIST ROBYN CHRISTIAN RELEASES NEW SINGLE ‘Dance It Out’ Going for Adds Today at Christian AC and Christian CHR/Hot AC Radio |
| August
28, 2018 (Springdale, Arkansas) – Robyn Christian, wife, mother and
recording artist, is set to release her debut single today, “Dance It
Out.” The upbeat tune, with a strong guitar rhythm, is going for adds to
Christian AC and Christian CHR/Hot AC-formatted radio outlets. “Dance
It Out” is from the singer/songwriter’s upcoming EP titled “Smile,” due
to release September 21 and available for pre-sale now. “My
prayer is that my music and I are a light to everyone I come in contact
with,” Christian said. “Ecclesiastes 3:11 says that He has made all
things beautiful in His time! That truth gives me confidence that I am a
child of God and I don’t have to worry about anything! That’s the
message I want listeners to hear through my songs.” Christian
worked with veteran producer Sean Hill for her new project at Atlanta’s
Uphill Studios. Christian, Hill and Crystal Hill wrote “Dance It Out.” Influenced by artists such as Selena, Mariah Carey, Brittany Spears and LeAnn Rimes, Christian took the first step of her musical journey when she was a young girl. Her parents enrolled her in a fine arts elementary school with a focus on performing. Christian’s resume already is filled with impressive accomplishments, including singing the National Anthem at the 2004 Democratic National Convention in Boston. Her song “Out of This World” was named Best Song in the New Mexico Music Awards and the song “Spirit Moves” was nominated for Best Music Video. “God put a song in my heart a long time ago and now I get to watch my career blossom as I do it for Him,” Christian said. For more information about Christian, visit her website, like her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter and Instagram. |
Powerhouse Pop Vocalist Blanca Announces Sophomore Album Shattered
Aug 28, 2018 New Release
| Powerhouse Pop Vocalist Blanca Announces Sophomore Album Shattered, to Release on September 14, 2018Latin Songstress’ Latest Single “What If” Impacting Hot AC/CHR Radio Now & Pre-Order Available Worldwide |
| August 20, 2018 (Los Angeles, Calif.) –– Curb | Word Entertainment’s powerhouse vocalist Blanca will unveil her highly anticipated sophomore album Shattered on September 14, 2018. Fans can pre-order the project now via all digital platforms here. Following the release of the album, Blanca will be touring the country with friend and fellow artist Mandisa on Mandisa’s Girls Night Live Tour, which also features Jasmine Murray and Candace Payne (viral sensation “Chewbacca Mom”). The extraordinary night is aimed at strengthening female community. Visit www.officialblanca.com for a full list of tour dates. Shattered is produced by Jason Ingram and Paul Mabury (Lauren Daigle), Tedd T (for KING & COUNTRY), COBRA (Lecrae, KB, Hollyn), Bernie Herms (Natalie Grant, Danny Gokey), Jordan Sapp (Tauren Wells, Jordan Feliz, Aaron Cole), Jeff Sojka, Josh Zegan (Stars Go Dim, Mat Kearney), Tommee Profitt (NF, Fleurie) and features artists Redimi2 and Tye Tribbett. The upcoming album has 14 tracks including the Latin songstress’ current single “What If”. The pop track is impacting Hot AC/CHR radio. A second generation Puerto Rican, the native New Yorker’s next album focuses on moving forward and healing one’s heart after losing her mother last year to breast cancer. “My main focus with this new album was honesty,” shares Blanca. “I want people to be drawn in through the emotion and sincerity of the lyrics, and feel as if they are right there with me. Though we are all on different journeys in life, the music is what connects us. Their healing is my healing and my pain is their pain.” Shattered is the follow-up to the former Group 1 Crew member’s explosive self-titled debut in 2015, which garnered two #1 radio singles, “Who I Am” and “Not Backing Down (feat. Tedashii),” the latter of which was featured on ESPN. Blanca’s EP Real Love added a third #1 single to her name to go along with her 25.7 million streams and more than 16.2 million views on YouTube. Most recently, the critically-acclaimed singer performed at the Expolit conference in Florida, a faith-based event where people from all over the world come together in order to unify efforts, learn, teach and create effective alliances for the sole purpose of “Expanding the Kingdom”. Blanca connected with her fellow Puerto Rican comrades and other Latin communities, sharing her music, her faith and spiritual journey. See full track listing below. For more information on Blanca, Shattered and to see a full listing of tour dates, please visit www.officialblanca.com. |
MARK SCHULTZ RELEASES “FOLLOW”
Aug 19, 2018 Artist Updates, New Release
MARK SCHULTZ RELEASES FOLLOW,
AVAILABLE TODAY
AVAILABLE TODAY
NASHVILLE, Tenn (August 17, 2018) – Follow, the latest release from beloved singer/songwriter Mark Schultz is available today. This is the first full project from the beloved artist in six years and it’s evident that music fans have been waiting for this music. The release rapidly climbed the iTunes Christian & Gospel albums chart, spending the day in the Top 10 of releases.
Early praise of the project has begun, with Hallels.com saying “Mark Schultz is to contemporary Christian music (CCM) what Elton John and Billy Joel are to pop music. Schultz has an effortless way of incorporating the piano into his pop-centric songs that the piano becomes a dueting “voice.” As a result, you can always count on Schultz’s brilliant arpeggios to bring out emotions and nuances often not communicated by the human voice. Over time, Schultz’s songs have enjoyed an added layer of emotional richness not often present among his peers. In this regard, Schultz’s music is indispensable within CCM.”
The album features Schultz’s brand new songs “Hope is Rising,” “Time Goes So Fast,” “Psalm 91” and others, as well as his timeless fan-favorites such as the worship anthems “God of Glory” and “I Am.”
The powerful title track – “Follow” – parallels how Schultz navigates his life, not by his own will, but God’s. Originally inspired by a story Schultz heard about a girl with a rough upbringing and no father-figure, Schultz discovered “Follow” was farther reaching than he knew: “As I lived with the song, I thought, ‘This isn’t just for her; this is for me. What do I follow?’”
Follow is available at www.markschultzmusic.com, iTunes, Amazon Music, Spotify and everywhere music is sold.
Breathing Praise: The Journey of Inspiration Worship
Aug 14, 2018 Artist Updates, New Release
Breathing Praise: The Journey of Inspiration Worship
by Marcus Hathcock
“Don’t waste a breath. That’s how I want to live the rest of my life.”
As she battled Stage IV non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Linda Doane couldn’t take a normal breath for six long weeks. In that time—as well as the two subsequent battles with cancer—she realized the simple, profound gift of breathing.
Less than a year ago, Linda had been given 2-12 months to live, but now, after participating in a clinical trial, she has been declared in full remission for the first time. Free from the cancer battle, she is using her breath to praise God with Inspiration Worship. The release of her first album, Powerful, is the fulfillment of promises, callings and giftings in her life.
Singing and writing songs has been a part of Linda’s life since she was a child, but it wasn’t until she wrote a card for her daughter’s first birthday that she realized she needed to pay more attention to this creative outlet.
“I’d written, ‘Always chase your dreams,’” she said. “And I thought, ‘Wow… I’m not chasing my dream at all.’” Linda began writing songs regularly with a coworker at Chrysler, but her songwriting took a major turn after she’d read through the Bible.
“I believed in God, but I would say I was all religion and no relationship at that point,” Linda said. “Reading the Bible for myself really transformed everything. I couldn’t write about anything but Him after that.”
Linda’s songwriting grew and developed further when she married Tom, and her musical calling intensified in the midst of her health struggles.
“After the second time I’d been diagnosed with cancer and treated, we just kinda said, ‘What are we waiting for?’ And we just started going for it.”
From the get-go, Linda felt strongly that this new venture would be called “Inspiration,” and lyrically, it was clear the music would be vertical worship. Zoning in on the name “Inspiration Worship,” Linda was stunned when she did a dictionary search.
Inspiration Worship’s first release, a single titled “Whose,” was a song questioning the things we worship and the firstfruits of a locally produced EP that released in 2015.
“It was definitely a very long path to getting to chase the dream, but I firmly believe God’s timing is perfect,” Linda said.
Bolstered by her long-awaited initial effort, Linda reached out to one of Christian music’s top producers, Ian Eskelin, via Facebook, to share her story and their music. That interaction led to a phone call that changed everything.
“I think initially he called to give us just a pep talk,” Linda said. “It was the grace of God, though, and he agreed to meet with us.”
In that meeting, Eskelin and the Doanes established an “immediate bond” as they connected over their shared family experiences with cancer.
That friendship turned into a partnership for new music, with Eskelin and his Radiate Music team producing Inspiration Worship’s first full-length record.
Although Linda wanted to release Powerful last year, she felt like it wasn’t finished, and then her “terminal” diagnosis came. The final pieces came in the midst of her last cancer treatments– the club-friendly song of dedication, “Take Me,” and the chill-pop warning against sin, “Roar.” Once she was discharged from the hospital, she was ready to get right to work.
“The first thing we did was to drive straight to Franklin [TN], where Ian is, and recorded both of those songs the next day, bald head and all… nothing’s gonna stop me,” she said.
Carrying Linda’s mission to share the gospel message and God’s power in her life, the 12 tracks of Powerful show a confident, unabashed Inspiration Worship operating with courageous creativity. Linda’s airy, cutting-edge vocals and Eskelin and musician Clément Ducasse’s ethereal combination of electronic chillstep/trip-hop beats and synths with piano and rock elements come across as unexpected and fresh.
The heart of Powerful expresses God’s sovereignty (“One God”), Jesus’ sacrifice (“The Blood”), His return (“A Scepter and Crown”), His grace (“Never Let Me Go”) and His strength (“You Never Change”). There are also sermon-like songs, such as the treatise on the devil’s tactics on “Powerful Lie” and the aforementioned “Roar.”
Linda sings about devotion to God on the corporate friendly “All I Am,” the authority of believers on “Heaven Reigns,” and the need for the church to “Rise Up.” Standing alone thematically is the song Linda and Tom wrote for their daughter during her battle with anorexia, titled “I Can’t Fix You.”
Although described as worship music, and functionally operating as such, Powerful is anything but another run at creating the next standard congregational worship record.
“I don’t think worshipping God should be confined to a sound,” Linda said. “It’s not about the sound; it’s about the heart of the song—what that song is inspiring someone to do. I don’t think a lot of Christians walk around feeling powerful, and that’s the overall message I want them to come away with from this record.”
As for Linda, she is feeling pretty powerful in Christ these days, resting in God’s provision for her life and the promises that lie ahead.
“My life has pretty much been in crisis mode for the last six years,” Linda said. “But God has been saying all along, ‘Hey, hang on you’re going through a rough season, but there is so much good that’s to come.’ I’m ready.”
In the meantime, she’s not wasting a breath.
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