HIP-HOP ARTIST HULVEY MAKES WAVES WITH SECOND EP BRKNHRT
Feb 22, 2020 Artist Updates
| HIP-HOP ARTIST HULVEY MAKES WAVES WITH SECOND EP BRKNHRT., AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE |
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February 21, 2020 (ATLANTA, GA)– Breakout hip-hop artist Hulvey, the newest talent from Reach Records, has unleashed his second EP BRKNHRT., available now across all streaming/downloadable platforms in conjunction with a visual album, a video to accompany each song on the album, all found on Reach Records YouTube channel. BRKNHRT. Is the follow-up EP to his debut project Prelude, released last month. While Prelude was created for the underdogs, sharing his story of being a guy from Brunswick, Georgia who nobody expected to make it in music, BRKNHRT., tells Hulvey’s journey of surrender and hearing God’s call on his life, and following it. Hulvey found himself asking, “What if God had you scrubbing toilets? Would you be OK?” He realized that he was clinging to a notion of fame that could never satisfy. His heart was after the wrong things, broken by things that can’t last, in need of healing from the only One who was able to make things right. “I had to let go,” he said. Releasing his dreams to God gave Hulvey a better plan for his life and from there, new musical inspiration was born. The six-track project was recorded in his producer and collaborator, Zach Paradis’, bedroom and together, the duo created a masterpiece filled with unapologetic bars and raw honesty juxtaposed with pounding drums. Hulvey forms the sound one might hear in their mind’s ear when they are alone with your thoughts. Tracks ranging from introspection to pulsing anthems of faith and trust in God are among the slew of songs coming from the newest Reach Records artist. As fans listen to his journey is surrender, they can also get an inside look at his story and watch it unfold in his newly released mini-documentary available to stream on Reach Records YouTube channel. Viewers can see how the 22-year-old made the move from Brunswick, GA to Atlanta, who dropped out of college to pursue music and went from scrubbing toilets at Publix to becoming Reach Records newest signee. For more information on Hulvey, please visit www.reachrecords.com. BRKNHRT Track Listing: Damascus Motions Coldwater If I Gave It All Everything Anchor |
Cade Thompson Inspires With Hope-Filled Debut Single, “Provider”
Feb 22, 2020 Artist Updates
Red Street Records Releases Truth-Filled Anthem from Exciting New Artist
CLICK HERE FOR HIGH-RES
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (February 21, 2020) – “Provider,” the inspiring and encouraging debut single from Cade Thompson, is available now. The song, Thompson’s debut release on Red Street Records
– the label founded by Rascal Flatts member Jay DeMarcus – was produced
by Bryan Fowler (Chris Tomlin, TobyMac, Zach Williams, Mandisa) and
penned by Thompson and Carter, along with Ross King and Carter Frodge.
With a strong message of hope and provision, Cade points the listener
back to God as the source who is the provider for all we need. With a
unique and fresh delivery of this truth in song, Cade proclaims “’Cuz
what you give me, Lord, is more than I desire. You’re my provider. When I
lose my way, you lead me through the fire. You’re my provider. Even on
my darkest day, you show me where the light is. You’re my provider. And
when my strength is gone, I know where to find it. You’re my provider.”
Cade shares inspiration for the song, saying: “God is in the details and
I wanted this song to remind people of that. It’s real. He cares about
the details.”
Thompson has been busy leading up to the song’s release, visiting over
25 radio stations in less than 3 weeks, sharing the message behind the
song and his heart for ministry.
And, this is just the beginning. The talented 19-year-old shows no signs
of slowing down and this release – packed with truth for people of
every generation – is sure to establish him as one of Christian music’s
most promising new acts.
“Provider” is available now on all streaming services. Click here to listen to the song.
For additional information on Cade Thompson, please visit:
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
For more information on Red Street Records, please visit www.redstreetrecords.net.
CLICK HERE FOR HIGH-RES
Photo by Jeremy Cowart / Red Street Records
ABOUT CADE THOMPSON:
Red Street Records artist, Cade Thompson, is an energetic and soulful
Contemporary Christian music artist with a sound that appeals to
believers and mainstream pop audiences alike. Cade’s effortless style
promotes his personal musical influences, which draws heavily from the
church. Cade has an admirable ability to transform his thoughts and
faith into a powerful collection of melodies and lyrics that inspire
people of all ages to step into all that God has for them.
Cade has had an affinity with music since his toddler days when even a preschool teacher noticed him frequently harmonizing early on, and eventually progressed through piano, guitar and drum lessons. After joining the youth worship team in 6th grade, a music mentor came into his life who emphasized the importance of seeking God through the Bible outside of a worship setting. This understanding placed Cade on a deeper course of encountering the love of the Father and seeking His presence more intently. In these early teen years, Cade knew God was calling him into music ministry and giving him opportunities to grow in that calling.
God has continued to reveal himself to Cade’s heart and the outpouring has resulted in a strong connection to his generation sonically and lyrically. While continuing to be involved in his high school, he maintained a busy schedule including festivals, tours, and recording.
Now, fresh out of high school, Cade is ready for the next chapter in his life.
Cade
has shared concert and festival lineups most recently with Jordan
Feliz, Hollyn, Sanctus Real, Crowder, For King and Country, We Are
Messengers, Colton Dixon, Jaci Velasquez, FF5 and other notable CCM
artists. Cade is currently in the studio preparing for his debut release
on Red Street Records, a new Christian music label began by Rascal
Flatts member, Jay DeMarcus.
ABOUT RED STREET RECORDS:
Jay DeMarcus – member of Rascal Flatts, GRAMMY® award-winning producer
and bassist – launched Red Street Records on October 24, 2019 during a
press conference held at the Hutton Hotel’s Analog. Along with DeMarcus,
veteran industry executive Mark Lusk (President/General Manager) and
award-winning songwriter/producer, Don Koch, lead the Red Street Records
team with a vision for the future. The desire of Red Street Records is
to touch lives and spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ through music. To
that end, we seek to partner with musicians who share this aim and who
strive to achieve it through their innovative and visionary craft.
# # #
Justin Rizzo Releases Worship And Adore EP
Feb 22, 2020 Artist Updates
JUSTIN RIZZO RELEASES WORSHIP AND ADORE EP VIA
SPOTLIGHT MEDIA GROUP TODAY
Announces Launch Of The Rizzcast Podcast
Acclaimed worship leader Justin Rizzo releases his second EP from Spotlight Music Group, Worship And Adore, today (Feb. 21). The four-track EP is available now at iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, Pandora, Deezer, Google Play and additional digital and streaming outlets globally.
Widely known for leading worship at the International House of Prayer of Kansas City, MO for 15 years, and penning such notable worship favorites as “Tree,” “Found Faithful,” “Above Every Other Name,” “There is One Found Worthy” and “Glory Will Cover the Earth,” Rizzo offers Worship And Adore as the second of three new recordings. The Paid It All EP released last month and Rizzo’s first full-length album in seven years, Love So Fierce, is set to release March 20.
“I wrote this song with two of my good friends, Jonas Park and Laura Hackett Park,” says Rizzo of the new EP’s title track, “Worship And Adore.” “We simply wanted to write a song that would make the heart stand in wonder at the beauty of Jesus.”
We worship and adore You, creation bows before You
You are our Savior, You are our friend
Lord we stand in wonder, in awe of Your compassion
For no other love could save
(From the Worship And Adore” chorus.)
The new EP also features the song “Fingerprints,” which addresses a Christian’s identity in Christ, and the upcoming, full-length album’s title track, “Love So Fierce.”
In addition to the new music, Rizzo has launched The Rizzcast Podcast (https://justinrizzo.buzzsprout.com/).
“For as long as I can remember, I had this desire to impact people through creativity, but as I started stepping out, I began running into roadblocks,” shares Rizzo. “Some of the roadblocks were external, but a lot of them were inside my own soul – fear, insecurity, comparison, envy. I’m excited on this podcast to not only talk about my own journey, but to bring on a lot of my friends as guests.
“I’m also a worship coach,” continues Rizzo, “so some of the episodes will be focused on how to help worship leaders and teams thrive and succeed both on and off the platform.”
More on Rizzo’s work as a worship coach can be found though his flagship Worship Leader Academy program that offers not only unique online training resources, but also unlimited one-on-one access to Rizzo.
Along with a new book on worship leading, Rizzo further produces musicals and films through his Firelight Creative production company. He has written and produced three full-length musicals to date, including From Patmos, which is based on the life of John while enslaved on the Island of Patmos. One of two new musicals in the writing phase now is a comedy based on the Garden of Eden.
For all the latest Justin Rizzo music, films, musicals, touring, podcast, book and more news, visit http://justinrizzo.com/, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Spotify and Apple Music.
About Justin Rizzo:
Born and raised in Buffalo, NY, Justin Rizzo began playing a variety of instruments at an early age and leading worship at 12-years-old. Releasing five solo albums and featured on multiple compilation projects along with writing and producing three full-length musicals, Rizzo also travels extensively to lead worship and speak at conferences and events around the world. Justin is currently based in Kansas City, MO where he serves as a worship leader, songwriter, blogger and composer. Justin is married to his wife, Naomi, who also sings and leads worship. They have two children.
About Spotlight Music Group:
Spotlight Music Group is a music label and song publisher with sales, marketing, promotional, radio, television and film expertise. Spotlight provides distribution platforms across all digital channels, including but not limited to Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, YouTube, Amazon, Deezer, Tencent, Google Music, Facebook, Pandora, Tidal, Sirius and Rhapsody. Physical distribution includes online retailers such as Amazon, national retail chains, sub-distributors and internationally through well-established licensee’s and distributors.
Lauded Vocal Group, Avalon, Releases Called
Feb 14, 2020 Artist Updates
Soaring Vocals, Intricate Harmonies, and Deep Lyrics Highlight First Album in 10 Years
** HIGH-RES PHOTOS/COVER ART – CLICK HERE | COURTESY RED STREET RECORDS **
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (February 14, 2020) –It’s here! The wait is over as one of Christian music’s most successful and celebrated groups, Avalon, release Called, their first album in ten years, today, Friday, February 14, 2020.
The project – the inaugural full release on Red Street Records – is produced by Don Koch and Jay DeMarcus. DeMarcus, a member of country super-group Rascal Flatts, founded the label with Koch in October 2018.
The exquisite harmonies of Avalon – Greg & Janna Long, Jody McBrayer, and Dani Rocca – soar over lyrics full of faith and encouragement, complemented by exemplary musicianship and skilled production.
Longtime Avalon aficionados and new fans alike are sure to enjoy and be
empowered by the songs featured in this collection including the title
track, “Called,” the upbeat first single, “Keeper of my Heart,” “If Not
For Jesus,” “Sacred Ground,” “Closer,” and “Glitter and Glory,” just to
name a few.
“What an honor to make a record with such an
amazing group of singers,” says Jay Demarcus. “There is no way you can
listen to them, and not hear the anointing. I am so very proud of them
and this record! Called is an amazing body of work that we are
so incredibly excited to share with the world. This music will inspire,
encourage and challenge you.”
“I’ve worked with many vocal
groups before, but working with Avalon has been a bucket list item for
me,” states Don Koch, Executive VP/A&R/Creative. “They are not only
some of the greatest vocalists in Christian music but they also have an
amazing desire to point people to the hope of a loving savior. I am
humbled that they would allow me to be a part of their amazing next
step. Great music from a great artist…what else could you want!?”
Mark Lusk, President/General manager comments: “Avalon’s contribution
to Christian music and the church is well-known and that legacy
continues with this incredible body of music. Anthems of faith, songs of
worship and joy fill this project and I know this music will fill the
hearts of those who listen. Everyone at Red Street Records is thrilled
to be a part of this release!”
The three-time GRAMMY®
nominated, American Music Award and Dove Award Winning vocal group are
excited about this new chapter and moment in their career. Greg Long
states: “To be the first artist and record released on Red Street
Records means so much to us. Knowing that Jay DeMarcus, Don Koch, Mark
Lusk, and the entire team believes in us is truly humbling. The passion
Jay and Don have for this project is heard song after song in the
attention to production and detail for getting it exactly right. We are
forever grateful!”
The group announced their ‘next chapter’ in
October 2018, adding that founding member Jody McBrayer would return to
the group with the addition of Dani Rocca. Greg states: “Having original
member Jody McBrayer come back to the group has been a true blessing.
It is felt in not only adding his amazing voice but his sense of humor
and passion for sharing the love of Christ. And, Dani, oh my goodness,
our fans have welcomed her with open arms. She has added a new level of
excitement to the group and we love having her!”
In support of
the new record, Avalon will set forth on THE CALLED TOUR beginning
February 27, 2020, continuing through April 2020. The group is excited
to see long-time friends and new faces. Janna Long states: “We are so
incredibly grateful to those who have stuck with us for so long, It
truly amazes us as we see and hear from them on social media and in our
live concerts. We cannot thank you enough for listening and showing us
your support as we worship our Lord as his family. We truly are brothers
and sisters in Christ.”
Called, is available via all streaming outlets, and at www.avalonthegroup.com.
Called Track Listing:
- Called (Holly Miller, Tony Wood, Barry Weeks)
- Keeper Of My Heart (Matt Armstrong, Bryan Fowler, Jordan Feliz)
- Closer (Chris Cleveland, Byan Fowler, Tony Wood)
- Only One (Chris Cleveland, Jeff Pardo)
- If Not For Jesus (Charles Butler, Blanca Callahan, Tony Wood)
- Great Is The Lord Our God (Jeff Pardo, Steve Fee)
- Sacred Ground (Bernie Herms, Michael Neale)
- Lanterns (Ian Patrick Berney, Ian Lewis Kenny, Glenn Michael Sarangapany, Adam John Spark, Adam Peter Weston)
- Glitter and Glory (Ian Eskelin, Tony Wood, Francesca Battistelli)
- I Just Can’t Stop My Hallelujahs (Don Koch, Krissy Nordhoff, Stephen Smith)
For additional information on Avalon, including upcoming tour dates, please visit:
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
For more information on Red Street Records, please visit www.redstreetrecords.net.
ABOUT AVALON:
Red Street Records artist, Avalon, has been inspiring lives around the
globe for years. When you hear the name Avalon, you may think of one or
more of their number one hits like: “Adonai,” “Can’t Live a Day” or
“Testify to Love” – just to name a few. However, there is much more to
this dynamic vocal foursome than meets the eye.
The collective
desire of every member is to deliver a message of hope and ultimate
love, freely offered from Jesus Christ, and to blatantly declare their
devotion to Him through the words of every song they sing.
This
three time Grammy Nominated, American Music Award and Dove Award
winning Christian artist is composed of Greg and Janna Long, Jody
McBrayer, and Dani Rocca.
ABOUT RED STREET RECORDS:
Jay DeMarcus – member of Rascal Flatts, GRAMMY® award-winning producer
and bassist – launched Red Street Records on October 24, 2019 during a
press conference held at the Hutton Hotel’s Analog. Along with DeMarcus,
veteran industry executive Mark Lusk (President/General Manager) and
award-winning songwriter/producer, Don Koch, lead the Red Street Records
team with a vision for the future. The desire of Red Street Records is
to touch lives and spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ through music. To
that end, we seek to partner with musicians who share this aim and who
strive to achieve it through their innovative and visionary craft.
GATEWAY MUSIC WORSHIP LEADER PHIL KING RELEASES “SONG OF REDEMPTION”
Feb 14, 2020 Artist Updates
First Single From Full-Length Label Debut, All Glory (Releasing March 6),
Co-Written By UPPERROOM’s Hanna Sheets
“Song Of Redemption” Video Premieres
Worship artist Phil King releases today (Feb. 14) his first single, “Song Of Redemption,” from his full-length label debut album, All Glory, set to release March 6 and available to preorder now from Gateway Music, home for the music artistry of Gateway Church. The single is at digital and streaming outlets globally, including Apple Music, iTunes, Spotify, YouTube Music, Google Music, Pandora, Deezer and more.
“Song Of Redemption” was recorded live Nov. 8 at Christ for the Nations Institute in Dallas, produced by UPPERROOM’s director Matt Fish (Jeremy Riddle, Jason Upton, Leeland) and co-written by UPPERSOOM’s Hanna Sheets.
“This song carries an incredible message of how when people’s eyes are first opened to their sin, there is initially remorse and sadness,” says King, “but then God hears, just around the corner, an incredible sound of worship and thanksgiving rising from them because He is going to redeem them through the answer of His Son Jesus‘ death, burial and resurrection.”
When I was an outcast You said I belong
You wrote a melody with all of my wrongs
When my eyes were opened to all I had done
I saw my sin, but You heard a song
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Glorify His name forever
It is Jesus, it is Jesus
You have turned it all around
(“Song Of Redemption, first verse and chorus)
Along with the single and companion “Song Of Redemption” video that premiered on NewReleaseToday.com and is available to stream now on YouTube, King’s upcoming All Glory includes Revelation 4 and 5 inspired songs like the title track, “Greater Realms of Glory” (co-written with Michael Farren), “Deliverance” (co-written with Ethan Hulse and David Moore and featuring guest vocals by Gateway’s Lauren Mwonga), “Banner” (co-written with Oscar Gamboa and Cody Ray Lee and featuring guest vocals by UPPERROOM’s Joel Figueroa), “So Worthy,” “Our Great God” and more. Every song on All Glory is uniquely singable with messages that are meant to resonate and be remembered by congregations around the world.
“God is looking for true worshippers; people who worship in the Spirit and in truth,” King says, quoting John 4:23. “My hope is that these simple songs help in that process. I feel this burden to always keep pointing people to Jesus.”
Playing the new music from All Glory at colleges, high schools and churches around the country leading up to and following the release of the album, all the latest Phil King tour dates, music news and more can be found at https://philkingmusic.com/, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Spotify.
About Phil King:
For much of the last decade, King honed his craft, working with Jennie Lee Riddle (“Revelation Song”), Leeland, Lauren Daigle and many other influential singers and songwriters. He also sang on two Michael W. Smith albums when he was younger and traveled with him as a vocalist. King further released his pro-life anthem “Not Forgotten,” which was written last year in response to a New York law that permitted late-term abortions. The song caught the attention of FOX News, CBN, EWTN and Focus on the Family, which tapped King to lead the song as the closing anthem for 20,000 people in Times Square at its “Alive from New York,” the largest pro-life event ever held in New York City.
Hailing from Turlock, CA and now based in Dallas, King has led worship at conferences around the world, written a book on worship and released an independent album, Giants & Oceans, in 2014. After leading the worship department at Christ for the Nations Institute in Dallas, he is now a fulltime worship pastor at Gateway Church. His aim is to carry the Presence of God everywhere he goes and the message of loving God with all that we are.
About Gateway Music:
Gateway Music is home for the music artistry of Dallas-Fort Worth based Gateway Church, one of the largest and most influential churches in North America, ministering to over 40,000 attendees across multiple campuses and thousands more online each week. Known for introducing artists like Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes as well as projects by Gateway Worship, Gateway Kids Worship, Rita Springer, Anna Byrd and more, Gateway Music is a dynamic collective of worshippers and artists passionate about capturing the sound and songs of the local church and proclaiming the goodness of God. Committed to leading the Church into a place of intimate worship in His presence and an understanding of the power of His word expressed in music, Gateway’s gift of worship to God is being echoed in churches across the world. For more information, go to https://gatewayworship.com/.
RED RELEASES “ALL FOR YOU” AMIDST ARENA TOUR,
Feb 14, 2020 Artist Updates
RECEIVES MILLIONS OF ENTRIES FOR FLYAWAY TRIP GIVEAWAY
GRAMMY® nominated, RIAA Certified Gold-selling rock band RED unveil today (Feb. 14) “All For You,” the menacing opening track from its seventh studio album, Declaration, releasing April 10 and available for pre-add / pre-save now at https://ffm.to/2y3kok.
Written by RED guitarist Anthony Armstrong and longtime RED producer Rob Graves,“All For You” features Michael Barnes’ snarling, thundering lead vocal delivery revered by music fans worldwide. The new song joins Loudwire-premiered lead single “The Evening Hate,” follow-up “From The Ashes” and “Sever” as advance tracks from the album that have been featured on outlets like SiriusXM Octane, hardDrive XL, Music Choice and many more internationally.
Touring in support of Declaration, RED is currently on the 42-date Winter Jam arena tour across the USA that runs through March followed by a 20+city, 10-country tour of Europe plus four major markets in Russia (www.thebandred.com/tour-dates).
Offering prizes in four of these countries (USA, UK, France, Germany), the band is teaming with Tunespeak to give fans the chance to win multiple prizes, including a grand prize flyaway trip for two from the USA to see the band in concert. There are also multiple winners who will receive prizes like autographed guitars, tour tickets and handwritten and signed lyric sheets from the band. With over five million entries already, fans can register for the prizes at Tunespeak through March 13.
RED is pictured during Winter Jam’s Nashville Bridgestone Arena event Jan. 31. (Photo credit: Courtney Dellafiora)
All of the latest RED tour dates, news and more can be found at www.thebandred.com, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Spotify and Facebook where they have nearly one million likes.
About RED:
Rock band RED, comprised of Michael Barnes (vocals), identical twin brothers Anthony (guitars) and Randy Armstrong (Bass), and Dan Johnson (drums), launched its RIAA Certified Gold album End of Silence in 2006 followed by five acclaimed albums that together amassed two million albums sold, hundreds of millions of streams, two Top 10 Active Rock singles, three Top 10 Mainstream Rock singles, 24 consecutive No. 1 hits at CRR radio and two Gold-selling singles (“Breathe Into Me,” “Already Over”). The band has also received two GRAMMY nominations, six Dove Awards and multiple film, TV and gaming placements while being featured by Conan, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, USA Today, Rolling Stone, Guitar World and many more. The band’s touring has taken them to more than 25 countries across 2,500+ concerts while their musical instrument endorsements include: Westone, PRS Guitars, Peavey.com, Mesa Boogie Amps, Line 6 and more. Forming RED ENTERTAINMENT last year, the band will release its first full-length studio album, Declaration, April 10, 2020.
About The Fuel Music:
Established in 2008, The Fuel Music & Management, LLC, is a leading artist management and artist solutions company that independently distributes music internationally. Based in Nashville, TN, the Fuel team brings nearly 70 years of combined music industry experience in record label operations, major label distribution and marketing, and artist management for artists ranging from upstart bands to GRAMMY Award-winning, multi-Platinum artists. More information on the company can be found at www.thefuelmusic.com.
REACH RECORDS NEWEST ARTIST HULVEY DROPS SURPRISE DOCUMENTARY “BRKNHRT” IN ANTICIPATION OF SECOND EP SET RELEASE ON FEBRUARY 21
Feb 14, 2020 Artist Updates
| Documentary Details Journey From Scrubbing Toilets To Becoming Reach Records Newest Signee & Talks Through The Freedom He’s Found In Surrendering to Christ |
|
February 12, 2020 (ATLANTA, GA)– Coming off the heels of releasing his debut EP Prelude last month, Reach Records’ newest artist Hulvey surprised the world with “BRKNHRT: The Documentary” that debuted today on Reach Records YouTube channel. This short film is in anticipation of BRKNHRT, his second EP slated to drop on February 21, 2020. The film imitates the forthcoming album and documents the details of the recent transplant to Atlanta from Brunswick, GA, journey from a small town, who dropped out of college to pursue music, to scrubbing toilets at Publix and then becoming Reach Records newest signee. “It came to a point where I had to ask myself, what if God had you scrubbing toilets? Would you be OK?” shares Hulvey. The breakout artist realized that he was clinging to a notion of fame that could never satisfy and he needed to surrender all he had to God and through that, he found freedom and musical inspiration was born. Produced by longtime friend and colleague Zach Paradis, BRKNHRT wields unapologetic bars and raw honesty juxtaposed with pounding drums. Hulvey forms the sound you might hear in your mind’s ear when you’re alone with your thoughts. Tracks ranging from introspection to pulsing anthems of faith and trust in God are among the slew of songs coming from the newest Reach Records artist. For more information on Hulvey, please visit www.reachrecords.com. |
Author offers new insights into the Book of Revelation
Feb 14, 2020 Artist Updates
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For Immediate Release (Ashville, NC) — Marketdata calculates that Americans spend $9.9 billion in the self-growth market and that by 2022, that number will increase to $13.2 billion. Author and speaker Leigh Young believes people can save a lot of money on self-improvement by simply reading seven letters that are included in the Bible. In her new book, “Lessons from the Letters: Living the Abundant Life,” Young explains why letters written specifically to churches found in the Book of Revelation are still relevant to believers today.
“Jesus analyzed seven groups of believers and wrote to them to exhort and encourage them,” says Young. “Those new Christians were pioneers of our faith. They were people who were making a great effort to follow the Lord in a difficult environment. With His omniscient vision, Christ pointed out their strengths and their weaknesses. Now, the torch is passed to us. It is our turn. We are now the Christians trying to live like Christ in an often ungodly environment. Christ is showing us the way to the abundant life through these letters.”
Young says understanding the context of the letters is important, and her research of each of the cities and their corresponding cultures at the time the letters were written helps the reader gain valuable insights into the meaning of the scriptures.
“During the time when the letters were written, the Laodicean Research
University invented and marketed a wonder drug—eye salve,” says Young.
“They sent this miracle eye medication throughout the Roman Empire.
Yet, Jesus called them blind. Another celebrated commodity of Laodicea
was black wool. Because dyed cloth was expensive, black clothing was
highly coveted. The Laodicean black sheep supplied black wool allowing
the merchants to sell the raw wool, black cloth, and garments made from
this prized cloth. Jesus refers to the citizens of Laodicea as naked,
not well-dressed, as they saw themselves. We would miss this head
knowledge if we did not delve into the culture of this city. But more
importantly than impacting our head, this can impact our heart. What
areas of our life are we self-sufficient and do not need God?”
Young says these letters, written over 2000 years ago, should be seen as
a source of encouragement to Christians in today’s culture.
“These seven churches were located in cities ruled by Rome. The empire did not separate church and state. The residents of these cities were supposed to worship the multitude of mythological gods and the emperor. The Christians who refused to bow down to these gods were considered atheists and traitors. Today, we often feel overcome by the amount of pornography, violence, discord in government, and hatred. The original seven churches in Asia Minor faced these same issues. In some aspects, the environment was worse than ours today. However, they overcame. They lived for Christ in a world that often hated His way. This realization gives me great hope.”
About the author:
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Leigh Young has written and taught Bible curriculum for two-year-olds, third grade Bible classes, Confirmation classes, and adult Bible series. She began her career as one of the top national sales leaders in the healthcare technology with NCR Corporation. She currently owns and manages investments in real estate and in the stock market. She began her public service in the advocacy arena, focusing her efforts on women’s and children’s issues. Her statewide experience includes serving as a Director on the Boards of UNC-TV, the North Carolina Business Committee for Education, and the Board of Visitors for the North Carolina Children’s Hospital. She helped to draft and advocate for legislation for children’s issues as the Treasurer of the North Carolina Child Advocacy Institute and as the chair of the State Public Affairs Committee for the Junior Leagues of North Carolina. She most recently served on the Statewide Leadership Council for Youth Villages. For more information, visit www.lessonsfromtheletters.com.
G.L.O RELEASES ‘NO WEAPON FORMED’ VIDEO
Feb 5, 2020 Artist Updates
| Christian Rapper’s Latest Project Out on Social Media |
| January 24, 2020 (Nashville, Tennessee) – A music video for the single “No Weapon Formed” debuts today on YouTube and Facebook. The song is from “Reborn,” the current album release from G.L.O, which stands for God’s Love Only. G.L.O
is building a reputation for releasing powerful, edgy videos and the
video for “No Weapon Formed” continues that trend. In the video for “No
Weapon Formed,” the Christian rapper fiercely marches onward even as
temptations threaten to overtake her. The lyrics are based on Isaiah
54:17, which says, “No weapon formed against me shall prosper.” “No
Weapon Formed,” written by Kim Denise Ruiz, who goes by the stage name
of G.L.O, and produced by Alex “Ace One” Espinoza, is part of an 11-song
collection available on iTunes, Google Play, Amazon, Apple Music,
Spotify and all other digital stores and music streaming services. “No Weapon Formed” is set for a February radio release. “Reborn,” the title track and first single from the album, debuted at No. 1 on CRC Weekly and No. 2 on CRC Monthly. The song ranked No. 7 on the CRC Quarterly chart for the third quarter of 2019. “’Reborn’
is an album of uncompromised, Scriptural-based lyrics alongside
R&B, rock and hip hop melodies,” G.L.O says. “My mission with this
project is to reach the lost, encourage the saints and to prepare others
for battle, which is why I grace the cover of my album wearing warrior
attire.” Music
has been important to G.L.O since she was young. When she received
Jesus Christ as her Savior in 1998, she asked God to reveal her purpose.
As she began writing songs, the songwriter noticed that none of her
songs glorified God. “That
all changed one fateful day,” G.L.O says, “when God had a Word for me
in Bible Study: ‘You can’t have one foot in the world and one foot out.’
After receiving that message, it was the breakthrough I needed. I
haven’t looked back.” With
a ministry that knows no boundaries and one that reaches the young and
the old, G.L.O’s prayer is that her music can break down the
misconception that rap is only of the world. G.L.O
has appeared on local TBN networks as well as UK London International
TBN. She has performed onstage at the Gospel Superfest where she shared
the platform with artists such as Deitrick Haddon, Lecrae, Dorinda
Clark-Cole, and others. She has enjoyed radio airplay from U.S. and
international radio outlets. In June 2019, G.L.O signed with McLaughlin Music Group for management. For more information about G.L.O, check out GloGodsLoveOnly.com and follow her on Facebook and Twitter. |
Singer / Songwriter Chris Renzema Set To Release Debut Centricity Music Album, Let The Ground Rest, April 24
Feb 5, 2020 Artist Updates
First Single, “Springtime,” Gives Insight To Understanding God’s Love
Renzema Launches 27-City “The Boxer And The Bear 2.0”
Winter/Spring Events Following Sold-Out Headline Fall Tour
Recording artist and songwriter Chris Renzema announces the April 24 release of his sophomore, full-length album and Centricity Music debut, Let The Ground Rest. Available to pre-order / add / save now from https://chrisrenzema.lnk.to/letthegroundrest, the album’s first single and opening track, “Springtime,” is at digital retail and streaming outlets globally now.
With more than 35 million audio streams of his first album, I’ll Be The Branches, over one million Spotify track saves over the last 12 months and Pandora naming him a 2020 “Artist to Watch,” Renzema’s acoustic, soul-stirring songs shift seamlessly from indie rock to folk worship to Americana; gritty but accessible, profound but listenable. His voice and lyrics cut to the bone as he sings about a hope that slices through life’s inevitability, echoing the universality of both pain and praise.
“The heartbeat of whole album is the idea that growth comes from periods of rest, of barrenness. It’s a process to see winter move to spring,” conveys Renzema, reflecting on the theme behind Let The Ground Rest and first song he ever co-wrote, “Springtime,” written with Hank Bentley. “It’s a process to exist, to learn and understand God’s love. While His love is not seasonal, we go through seasons as we understand and experience it. Spring is not spring without winter, and that process is a good thing.”
With a groundswell of support from listeners flocking to his authenticity and messages of real-life hope, Renzema’s momentum continues to build with over 700,000 listeners streaming his music monthly and thousands more experiencing his music live.
Following his first headline club tour that sold out venues coast-to-coast, Renzema embarks on his “The Boxer and The Bear 2.0 Tour” beginning in Memphis, Feb. 20, and hitting 27-cities in 18 states before wrapping up April 5 in Nashville. Remarkably, 40 percent of all available tickets to this upcoming tour are already sold with events in Denver, CO, Ames, IA and Grand Rapids, MI completely sold out.
See the full list of tour dates below:
2.20 MEMPHIS, TN The Hi-Tone Café TICKETS
2.21 TULSA, OK Vanguard TICKETS
2.23 LITTLE ROCK, AR Stickyz Rock-n-Roll Chicken Shack TICKETS
2.25 FAYETTEVILLE, AR George’s Majestic Lounge TICKETS
2.26 AUSTIN, TX Parish TICKETS
2.28 BRYAN, TX Ice House on Main TICKETS
3.1 ROSWELL, NM The Liberty TICKETS
3.3 ALBUQUERQUE, NM The Jam Spot TICKETS
3.4 PHOENIX, AZ Valley Bar TICKETS
3.5 LOS ANGELES, CA Bootleg Theater TICKETS
3.7 SAN DIEGO, CA House of Blues San Diego (Presented by Cricket Wireless) TICKETS
3.9 SACRAMENTO, CA Harlows Upstairs TICKETS
3.11 SEATTLE, WA Tractor Tavern TICKETS
3.12 PORTLAND, OR Bunk Bar TICKETS
3.14 SPOKANE, WA The Pin TICKETS
3.17 SALT LAKE CITY, UT Kilby Court TICKETS
3.18 DENVER, CO Lost Lake Lounge TICKETS SOLD OUT
3.24 EVANSTON, IL Space TICKETS
3.25 MILWAUKEE, WI The Back Room @ Colectivo TICKETS
3.26 MINNEAPOLIS, MN 7th St Entry TICKETS
3.28 AMES, IA The Maintenance Shop TICKETS SOLD OUT
3.30 GRAND RAPIDS, MI The Listening Room TICKETS SOLD OUT
3.31 PITTSBURGH, PA Club Café TICKETS
4.2 CINCINNATI, OH The Ludlow Garage TICKETS
4.3 CLEVELAND, OH Grog Shop TICKETS
4.4 KNOXVILLE, TN Open Chord Music TICKETS
4.5 NASHVILLE, TN The Basement East TICKETS
For all the latest Chris Renzema tour, music and more news, visit http://chrisrenzema.com/, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Spotify and Apple Music.
About Chris Renzema:
Hailing from Grand Rapids, MI, where he taught himself to play guitar and write songs while in high school, and now based in Nashville, Renzema’s first indie album, I’ll Be the Branches, includes the songs “How to Be Yours” and “You’re the Only One” that have collectively racked up well over five million streams. The latter song was featured by Worship Leader magazine, and, like all of his early successes, this happened for Renzema organically through word of mouth and without any radio play or major marketing campaigns.
With his upcoming Let The Ground Rest, Renzema is resolute to stay focused on who he is as an artist. “The music we’re making isn’t being engineered to hit any playlists or radio or anything like that. The strategy is to let it hit the people that want it already and let that inform where it’s going. We’re taking the toolbox we have and refining it, not adjusting or changing or moving it.”
About Centricity Music:
Centricity is an independent Christian music company based in Franklin, Tenn. Founded in 2005 with a commitment to artist development and stylistic diversity, its artist roster includes Andrew Peterson, Apollo LTD, Caitie Hurst, Chris Renzema, Coby James, Jason Gray, Jonny Diaz, Jordan Feliz, Lauren Daigle, Neon Feather, North Point Worship, PEABOD and Unspoken. Providing label and publishing services, Centricity is a family-owned organization, and they like it that way. The committed work of its staff and artists has yielded successes such as Grammy Awards, Billboard Awards, Dove Awards, K-Love Fan Awards, and multiple Gold and Platinum Albums and Singles. For more information on Centricity Music, visit www.centricitymusic.com.
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