Chris Tomlin's Unity Event Draws Tens Of Thousands To Sold Out Venues, Bringing All Streams Of The Church Together To Pray For America

Believers fill more than 450 theaters and churches across the US for special one night event

Nashville, Tenn. (October 28, 2016) — Chris Tomlin's Worship Night In America was a powerful example of unity in our country, as the most diverse assembly of people — from every race, age, socio-economic status, background, and region — came together Tuesday night to pray for America. The one night event hit venues all across the US, from big cities to small towns, as people packed more than 450 theaters and churches to worship and pray alongside other believers.

Chris Tomlin attends Sold Out Worship Night In America Event in St. Louis

"Tuesday night was one of the most meaningful things I have ever been a part of," said Tomlin, who attended a sold-out event in St. Louis. "All streams of the Church, across this country, united on their knees calling out to God and praying for our nation."

In more than 450 venues - from mainline denominations, Catholic parishes, megachurches and country churches to packed cinemas - attendees danced, worshiped and dropped their knees to the floor during a moving prayer by Pastor Louie Giglio. The Church lifted up their voices in unison as Tomlin, Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Tasha Cobbs, Phil Wickham and Kim-Walker Smith, led attendees in worship, proclaiming the name of God, while Max Lucado delivered a powerful message of God's unconditional love for His children.

Attendees called the "unforgettable" event "absolutely incredible" with one event host saying it was "beautiful to see more than 200 people on their knees."

Photo by Rayneutron

Photo by Rayneutron

Worship Night In America: An Evening Of Unity And Prayer For Our Country follows Tomlin's recent release of his 11th studio album Never Lose Sight and his debut children's book Good Good Father. For additional information, visit ChrisTomlin.com.

About Chris Tomlin
With 11 albums, 15 No. 1 radio singles, a GRAMMY® Award and eight additional nominations, three Billboard Music Awards, 21 Dove Awards, two platinum and five gold albums to his credit, Chris Tomlin is among the most well-known and influential artists in contemporary Christian music. Referred to by TIME Magazine as likely the most often sung artist anywhere, Tomlin consistently has several songs in the top 20 of the Top 100 CCLI songs. BMI and GMA Dove Awards' 2014 Songwriter of the Year, Tomlin’s “How Great Is Our God” was his first No. 1 on the CCLI Top 25, becoming one of the fastest rising modern day hymns in CCLI chart history. In addition to having sold more than 7 million albums and over 8.9 million digital tracks, Tomlin made history as his No. 1 single “Jesus Messiah” (Hello Love) garnered 97 adds at radio, making it the biggest ever add date in Christian radio history. Tomlin recently broke the record for most top tens in the history of Billboard's Hot Christian Songs chart. Additionally, he was honored with the SoundExchange Digital Radio Award earlier this year, recognizing more than 1 billion digital radio plays. Burning Lights debuted at No. 1 atop the Billboard 200 in January 2013, making history as only the fourth Christian music album to do so. Tomlin's debut children's book Good Good Father and 11th studio album, Never Lose Sight, are available now.

Get Connected With Chris Tomlin
Website: christomlin.com
Facebook: facebook.com/christomlin
Twitter: twitter.com/christomlin
Instagram: instagram.com/christomlin
YouTube: youtube.com/christomlinvevo
 

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kirsten@themcollective.com
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MercyMe's Welcome To The New Receives RIAA Gold Certification

MercyMe pictured with the Brickhouse Entertainment and Fair Trade Services' teams.

The band garners four hits from highly praised record

New project set to release in 2017

Nashville, Tenn. (Oct. 28, 2016) - GRAMMY® Nominated MercyMe's Welcome To The New (2014) has been honored with RIAA Gold Certification, marking the sixth gold album for the band in addition to a double platinum album and a platinum video. Welcome To The New earned two GRAMMY® nods, multiple GMA Dove Award honors and an American Music Award nomination. In addition, the album boasts three No. 1 singles with "Greater," "Flawless" and "Dear Younger Me," and one Top 5 single with "Shake." MercyMe is planning to unveil a new record in 2017.

"In a day when receiving a gold record has become so rare, we are humbled and honored that our fans have supported this album in such a way," shares the band.

MercyMe is currently headlining dates nationwide, with holiday shows starting at the end of November. For the latest on MercyMe, visit www.mercyme.org.

About MercyMe
Since their debut in 2001, GRAMMY®-nominated, multiple American Music Award and Dove Award winners MercyMe have sold more than 9 million units in CD, single and DVD sales, garnered 27 No. 1 multi-format Christian radio singles and four consecutive mainstream radio hits with “I Can Only Imagine,” (No. 4 AC/Top 25 on Top 40/Hot AC), “Here With Me” (No. 4 AC), “Homesick” (Top 10 AC) and “So Long Self.” Their radio success has continued with recent singles “Flawless" (No. 1 for 15 weeks) and "Greater" (No. 1 for 16 weeks), landing them the Top Christian Airplay Artist spot on Billboard's 2015 Year End charts. MercyMe made history in 2014 as “I Can Only Imagine” surpassed 2 million digital downloads, making it the first song in Christian music to go platinum and double-platinum in the digital domain. In 2009, Billboard named MercyMe's "Word Of God Speak" the No. 1 Song of The Decade and the group the No. 1 Artist of the Decade in both the Christian Songs and Christian AC Songs categories, recognizing them as one of the industry's most notable talents. They have sold out venues throughout the US and Canada, including Radio City Music Hall, and have appeared on the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, The Today Show, CBS This Morning, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, FOX New Channel's FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News and in the pages of Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, USA Today and more. Their latest project MercyMe, It’s Christmas! (2015) debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Holiday Albums chart and became an instant Christmas classic. MercyMe’s eighth studio album, Welcome To The New, garnered two GRAMMY® nods and continues to be a top selling title.

Get Connected With MercyMe
www.mercyme.org
www.facebook.com/mercyme
www.twitter.com/mercyme
www.instagram.com/themercyme
www.youtube.com/user/mercymevideo
 

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Exclusive Music Makers Bootcamp From GRAMMY® Recognized Full Circle Music Returns

From Left to Right: Jerricho Scroggins, Seth Mosley, Michael "X" O'Connor. Photo Credit: Anna Webber, Getty Images

Seth Mosley & team garners recent multi-format radio hits and GMA Dove Award win

Nashville, Tenn. (Oct. 26, 2016) - Full Circle Music, the GRAMMY® award winning team of songwriters and producers, have announced the return of their popular Music Makers Bootcamp. The exclusive 40-spot offering geared towards producers, songwriters and artists includes live training on hot topics like selling music online, mixing, writing songs that last and more. The return of Music Makers Bootcamp will take place on Jan. 26-28 at the legendary Sound Kitchen Studios in Franklin, Tenn. With the last experience selling out in only a few days, the panel of educators include Seth Mosley (GRAMMY® Winning Music Producer/Songwriter), Benji Cowart (Chart-Topping Songwriter), Matt Hammitt (Hit Artist and Songwriter), Sean Moffitt (Multi-Platinum Mix Engineer), Mike X. O'Connor (GRAMMY® Winning Music Producer) and Ben Calhoun (Songwriter, Citizen Way Frontman). For more information, click here.

Full Circle Music's week at radio includes a multi-market line-up with a No. 3 Mainstream Rock Single, a No. 9 Canadian Country Single, a No. 26 USA Country Single, the No. 1 Song on Christian NCA Radio Charts, the No. 1 Christian Rock Song and the No. 1 Christian AC Song.

With a whopping six nominations at this year's GMA Dove Awards including nods in top categories like "Producer of the Year," Seth Mosley earned a Dove Award for his work with Jon Foreman's The Wonderlands: Sunlight & Shadows. The group's Full Circle Music Show that delves into the “why” of the music business appeared on the Red Carpet, hosting conversations with the night's honorees. Former guests include notables like Michael W. Smith, Matt Hammitt, Tom Douglas (Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert and Tim McGraw), Tim Lauer (The show Nashville, Taylor Swift, Blake Shelton and The Civil Wars), Neal Avron (Sara Bareilles and Fall Out Boy) and more. The Full Circle Music Show is available via iTunes and online. 

About Full Circle Music:
The GRAMMY® winning & Billboard Producer of the Year Seth Mosley stands as the mastermind behind some of the biggest hits in the CCM industry, helming No. 1 singles from for KING & COUNTRY (“Fix My Eyes”), Francesca Battistelli (“He Knows My Name”), Jeremy Camp (“He Knows”) and more in one year alone. Altogether, Mosley’s full-service production company, Full Circle Music, has contributed to over 20 No. 1 chart-topping songs and worked with artists, both signed and independent, including Skillet, Mat Kearney,  TobyMac, Jon Foreman (Switchfoot), Newsboys and country acts like High Valley, Ricky Skaggs and more. The team writes and produces an average of 150 songs each year in their Franklin, Tenn.-based studio. Mosley and group unveiled the music production school Full Circle Music Academy and Songs for FCM Publishing with Dove Award winning Matt Hammitt as their first songwriter. Focusing on crafting music for the future, Mosley is the curator of the Full Circle Music Podcast which sits down with industry icons. 
 

Get Connected With Full Circle Music
www.fullcirclemusic.org
www.thefullcircleacademy.com
Snapchat // fullcirclem
#MusicMakersBootcamp #FullCircleMusicShow // fullcirclemusic.org/podcast-media

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GRAMMY® Award Winner Chris Tomlin's Never Lose Sight Called "Moving," "One Of The Best Worship Albums" Of The Year

Tomlin performs on FOX & Friends and Billboard LIVE today

Worship Night In America: An Evening Of Prayer & Unity For Our Country hits theaters and churches across the country tomorrow

Nashville, Tenn. (October 24, 2016) — GRAMMY® Award winner Chris Tomlin's 11th studio album Never Lose Sight debuted Friday, October 21 to a warm reception from critics and fans alike.

The praised release is being called a "gospel-soaked gift of songs" (CCM Magazine), "a brand new set of songs that will impact congregations globally" (Worship Leader) and "one of the best worship albums you will hear this year" (Louder Than The Music). Billboard applauded the "moving," music, complimenting Tomlin's smooth vocals upon exclusively debuting "All Yours" last week.

Amid the nationwide release of Never Lose Sight, Tomlin was presented with the RIAA gold certification of beloved single "Good Good Father" at his album launch party on October 21 at Capitol Christian Music Group.

"Good Good Father" is RIAA Certified Gold

"Good Good Father" hit No. 1 on Billboard's Christian Digital Songs Chart, Billboard's Hot Christian Songs Chart, Billboard's Christian Airplay and the MediaBase Christian Audience Charts.

Earlier today, Tomlin performed the chart topping single from Never Lose Sight live on FOX & Friends. Watch his performance HERE.

Tomlin later visited Todd Starnes' FOX Nation, FOX News Radio's Tonya J. Powers, Billboard LIVE and Sirius XM to perform and talk about Never Lose Sight, along with his song-inspired children's book Good Good Father and upcoming TheatriCast event Worship Night In America: An Evening Of Unity And Prayer For Our Country.

Tomorrow on October 25, people all across the country will fill more than 450 theaters and churches for Worship Night In America: An Evening Of Unity And Prayer For Our Country. Audiences will hear impactful messages from best-selling author Max Lucado and internationally known speaker, pastor and author Louie Giglio, along with powerful declarations of worship through songs led by Tomlin, Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Phil Wickham, Kim Walker-Smith and Tasha Cobbs. Several venues have already sold out. To secure your Worship Night In America ticket now, visit christomlin.com.


About Chris Tomlin
With 11 albums, 15 No. 1 radio singles, a GRAMMY® Award and eight additional nominations, three Billboard Music Awards, 21 Dove Awards, two platinum and five gold albums to his credit, Chris Tomlin is among the most well-known and influential artists in contemporary Christian music. Referred to by TIME Magazine as likely the most often sung artist anywhere, Tomlin consistently has several songs in the top 20 of the Top 100 CCLI songs. BMI and GMA Dove Awards' 2014 Songwriter of the Year, Tomlin’s “How Great Is Our God” was his first No. 1 on the CCLI Top 25, becoming one of the fastest rising modern day hymns in CCLI chart history. In addition to having sold more than 7 million albums and over 8.9 million digital tracks, Tomlin made history as his No. 1 single “Jesus Messiah” (Hello Love) garnered 97 adds at radio, making it the biggest ever add date in Christian radio history. Tomlin recently broke the record for most top tens in the history of Billboard's Hot Christian Songs chart. Additionally, he was honored with the SoundExchange Digital Radio Award earlier this year, recognizing more than 1 billion digital radio plays. Burning Lights debuted at No. 1 atop the Billboard 200 in January 2013, making history as only the fourth Christian music album to do so. Tomlin's debut children's book Good Good Father and 11th studio album, Never Lose Sight, are available now.

Get Connected With Chris Tomlin
Website: christomlin.com
Facebook: facebook.com/christomlin
Twitter: twitter.com/christomlin
Instagram: instagram.com/christomlin
YouTube: youtube.com/christomlinvevo
 

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Media Contact
Kirsten Grenier & Velvet Kelm
the media collective
kirsten@themcollective.com
velvet@themcollective.com
615-591-7989
www.themcollective.com

Hillsong Worship’s let there be light. Available Now

in pursuit of the light. available on the Hillsong Channel

Nashville, Tenn. (Oct. 19, 2016) - Hillsong Worship's latest let there be light. CD/DVD is available now. Remarked as one of the best albums of the year (The Christian Beat), let there be light. is a bold prayer over this world today, that the light that has shone on us through the Gospel be the light we now bear and shine forth as the Church of Jesus Christ.

In support of the live project recorded from the annual Hillsong Conference in Sydney, the Hillsong Channel is presenting in pursuit of the light. 

Sharing an insight into the creative process and heart of Hillsong Worship’s latest album, the documentary contains exclusive interviews from the Hillsong Worship team including Reuben Morgan, Joel Houston and Brooke Ligertwood. To view the latest channel schedule, click here.

Including anthems such as "What a Beautiful Name," "Behold (Then Sings My Soul)," "Grace to Grace" and the title track "Let There Be Light," the hope is that individuals, worship teams and churches alike will be equipped, edified and mobilized by these declarations and prayer songs that speak to the days we are living in, proclaiming the immutable hope we have in Jesus Christ. To hear Ligertwood share about the heart behind and process of writing “What A Beautiful Name” from the LP, click below.

As the “umbrella” expression of worship from Hillsong Church under the leadership of Global Creative pastor Cass Langton, the Hillsong Worship team features a host of widely recognized names and faces - people like Reuben Morgan, Joel Houston, Brooke Ligertwood, Ben Fielding, Jad Gillies, Matt Crocker, Taya Smith, David Ware, Marty Sampson, Autumn Hardman and Nigel Hendroff. 

To purchase, let there be light. click here.

let there be light. track listing:
1.      Behold (Then Sings My Soul)
2.      Love So Great
3.      Look To The Son
4.      Crowns
5.      What A Beautiful Name
6.      Your Word
7.      Let There Be Light
8.      In Control
9.      Grace to Grace
10.    Elohim
11.    I Will Boast In Christ
12.   As It Is (In Heaven)


About Hillsong Worship: 
With a catalog sung by an estimated 50 million people worldwide each week, Hillsong Worship is passionate about equipping and mobilizing believers everywhere with Christ-centered songs of God-glorifying worship for the building of the Church. For almost three decades Hillsong Worship has served people across nations and generations, travelling the world leading diverse expressions of the Church in the worship of Jesus. By God’s grace it’s "local church" worship songs such as "Shout To The Lord," "Mighty To Save," "Hosanna," "Cornerstone," "Forever Reign," "Broken Vessels" and "This I Believe (The Creed)" have become the songs of local churches all over the globe, in addition to finding a place in the personal devotion of individual believers everywhere. Their latest, let there be light., is available now.

About Hillsong Church:
In August 1983, Brian and Bobbie Houston founded the Hills Christian Life Centre in the Hills District of Sydney, Australia. It has grown from a congregation of 45 to what is said to be the largest local church in Australian history. It has now expanded to be a global church with local expressions in significant cities; with churches in Australia, London, New York, Los Angeles, Paris, Cape Town, Stockholm, Germany, Kiev, Amsterdam, Copenhagen and Phoenix. Each week, tens of thousands of people across the globe call Hillsong Church ‘home’ and the reach, impact and influence of this local congregation is seen across many nations.

Get Connected with Hillsong Worship:
Hillsong.com/worship
Facebook.com/HillsongWorship
Instagram.com/HillsongWorship
Twitter.com/HillsongWorship
YouTube.com/HillsongWorship
 

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Media Contact
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(615) 591-7989
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Phil Wickham Unveils Children Of God: Acoustic Sessions Today

Headlining national fall tour with special guests Stars Go Dim and Micah Tyler

Nashville, Tenn. (Oct. 14, 2016) - With his spring release of Children Of God called "Phil Wickham at his best" (Worship Leader) and “a welcome truth for all of us” (CCM) by critics,Phil Wickham is releasing Children Of God: Acoustic Sessions today. In response to a high demand from fans, Wickham has created a stripped down version of Children Of God, including three additional bonus tracks "Foot Of The Cross," "Here With Me" and "Divine/Sailing/Time/Hymn" that showcase the power of his voice and the heart of the songs. 

Acoustic performances of "As It Is In Heaven," Doxology//Amen," "My All In All," "Children Of God," "Your Love Awakens Me" and "The Secret Place" from the album are available on Wickham's VEVO page.

Wickham began his nationwide "Children Of God Tour," featuring special guests Stars Go Dim and Micah Tyler, earlier this month. For more information on Wickham's headlining "Children Of God Tour," visit www.philwickham.com/tour.

Phil Wickham's Children Of God: Acoustic Sessions is available at iTunes, Amazon, Spotify and  Google Play.

Children Of God: Acoustic Sessions Tracklisting
1. Doxology//Amen (Acoustic)
2. Better Than Life (Acoustic)
3. Your Love Awakens Me (Acoustic)
4. Secret Place (feat. Madison Cunningham) (Acoustic)
5. Wide Awake (Acoustic)
6. My All In All (Acoustic)
7. Starmaker (High Above The Earth) (Acoustic)
8. Children Of God (Acoustic)
9. Stand In Awe (Acoustic)
10. Body Mind And Soul (Acoustic)
11. As It In Heaven (Acoustic)
12. Spirit Of God (Acoustic)
Bonus Tracks
13. Foot Of The Cross (Acoustic)
14. Here With Me (Acoustic)
15. Medley (Acoustic)

"Children Of God Tour" Dates
*special guests Stars Go Dim and Micah Tyler
October 6 – Celebration Church – Blountville, TN
October 7 – Richland Creek Community Church – Wake Forest, NC
October 8 – Landmark Church – Cincinnati, OH
October 9 – Christ Community Church – State College, PA
October 12 – St. George's Episcopal Church New York – New York, NY
October 13 – NewPointe Community Church – Canton, OH
October 14 – Eagle Church – Whitestown, IN
October 15 – Grace Christian School – Columbus, OH
October 16 – The Bible Chapel – Canonsburg, PA
November 3 – Christ Community Church – Tucson, AZ
November 4 – Calvary Albuquerque – Albuquerque, NM
November 5 – Scottsdale Bible Church – Scottsdale, AZ
November 6 – Valley Bible Fellowship – Las Vegas, NV
November 10 – Northside Christian Church – Clovis, CA
November 11 – The Packinghouse – Redlands, CA
November 12 – Skyline Church – La Mesa, CA
November 13 – Calvary Community Church – Westlake Village, CA
November 17 – Arcade Church – Sacramento, CA
November 18 – First Baptist Church – Eugene, OR
November 19 – Calvary Chapel of Reno-Sparks – Reno, NV
November 20 – Calvary Chapel San Jose – San Jose, CA

About Phil Wickham
Phil Wickham is, at his core, a humble and sincere artist who writes songs and worships God using the medium of music. It is with that brush that he paints images of a loving and creative God across the canvases of listeners’ hearts and minds. The evidence of this gift has been apparent on all of his critically acclaimed efforts: Phil Wickham (2006), Cannons (2007), Heaven & Earth (2009), Response (2011) and The Ascension (2013), which debuted at No. 2 on the SoundScan Christian Albums Chart and in the Top 40 on the Billboard 200. His Gold-certified single “This Is Amazing Grace” gave Wickham his first career No. 1, holding the top spot on Billboard’s National Christian Audience Chart for 13 consecutive weeks. The honors continued as the single was named Billboard’s 2014 No. 1 Christian Airplay Song of the year and BMI's 2015 Christian Song of the Year. In addition to its success at radio, the song has become a beloved anthem in the modern church, increasing Wickham’s recognition as a gifted artist and songwriter with a true heart of worship. His newest, Children Of God, was unveiled on April 22 with an acoustic session streeting in fall 2016.

Get Connected With Phil Wickham
www.philwickham.com

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the media collective
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@themcollective

Hillsong UNITED Tops 2016 With American Music Award Nomination And GMA Dove Award Honors Alongside “Prince of Peace” Performance

Nashville, Tenn. (Oct. 13, 2016) - Hillsong UNITED has been honored with a third consecutive American Music Award (AMA) Nomination and two GMA Dove Awards this week. The fan-fueled AMA's will take place in Los Angeles on Sunday, Nov. 20 on ABC where the band is up for Favorite Artist – Contemporary Inspirational. At Tuesday’s 47th Annual GMA Dove Awards, UNITED’s EMPIRES album garnered Worship Album of the Year and Music Packaging of the Year amidst additional nominations in major categories like Artist of the Year and Song of the Year. The 47th annual ceremony will air Sunday (Oct. 16) on Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN).

With multiple nods for their hit “Touch The Sky,” UNITED decided to play a moving rendition of “Prince of Peace” during the 47th Annual GMA Dove Awards with Taya Smith sharing lead vocals, a change from the nominated album version where Joel Houston leads. 

“We wanted to do something out of the box and use footage from our experiences this year,” Houston says referring to content played during the performance of refugee camps from the bands visit to Lebanon earlier this year. “We really hope that people take away the message of this song that the Prince of Peace can meet us anywhere.” 

The version was the live stripped back version from UNITED’s latest release Of Dirt And Grace - Live From The Land, their visual project recorded live and on location in Israel. “On the same trip we were lucky enough to visit some of the places Jesus actually walked and recorded the songs from EMPIRES and a few favorites including ‘Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)’ on the Sea of Galilee.”

This week’s honors come on the heels of a full year for the 2016 Billboard Music Award winners. Alongside their summer release Of Dirt And Grace – Live From The Land, Hillsong – Let Hope Rise movie, chronicling the multi-platinum selling band's journey, debuted in theaters on September 16, along with an accompanying soundtrack streeting in early fall. In late summer, UNITED wrapped their acclaimed EMPIRES Tour in the U.S. with arena dates in Nashville, Denver, Kansas City, Chicago and more. Marking the year anniversary of EMPIRES, two-disc vinyl LP versions of the record were made available to listeners.

About Hillsong UNITED:
The heart of UNITED is to create music that reveals the truth of who Jesus is. In studio and out of the studio, on tour or at home, Hillsong UNITED is committed to writing songs that speak truth, create a unique sound, connects with churches, individuals and ultimately connects people everywhere with God. Fronted by worship leaders Taya Smith, Joel Houston, Jad Gillies, JD and Matt Crocker, the team is an evolving collaboration of pastors, worship leaders, musicians and songwriters -­- all intentional about giving voice to a generation passionate about God. Everything UNITED does, whether it be from recording or writing songs, to playing them in front of people and all that goes with that, it’s an expression of a really extraordinary God doing what only He can do through really ordinary people who love Him, want to serve Him and to build His Church. To simply serve God and allow Him to do what only He can do has always been the team’s desire.

About Hillsong Church:
In August 1983, Brian and Bobbie Houston founded the Hills Christian Life Centre in the Hills District of Sydney, Australia. It has grown from a congregation of 45 to what is said to be the largest local church in Australian history. It has now expanded to be a global church with local expressions in significant cities; with churches in Australia, London, New York, Los Angeles, Paris, Cape Town, Stockholm, Germany, Kiev, Amsterdam, Copenhagen and Phoenix. Each week, tens of thousands of people across the globe call Hillsong Church ‘home’ and the reach, impact and influence of this local congregation is seen across many nations.

Get Connected with Hillsong UNITED:
www.hillsong.com/united
Facebook.com/HillsongUNITED
Instagram.com/HillsongUNITED
Twitter.com/HillsongUNITED
YouTube.com/HillsongUNITEDtv
Snapchat - Hillsong.UNITED

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Media Contact
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courtney@themcollective.com
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www.themcollective.com

Outtakes Revealed From Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith and Jordan Smith's Christmas Tour 2016

Tour to kick off on November 11 in Los Angeles

Nashville, Tenn. (Oct. 13, 2016) - In anticipation of the 2016 Christmas Tour kickoff, a humorous outtake reel from promotional footage with multi-platinum GRAMMY® winners Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith, joined by Jordan Smith, winner of NBC's The Voice, has been unveiled. The three artists obviously enjoy being together and the video contains outtakes from their attempts to record market specific liners for their tour. The 2016 Christmas Tour will begin on November 11 in Los Angeles, traveling to nearly 20 different major markets across the U.S. In addition, a portion of proceeds from the tour will help benefit Operation Christmas Child, known for distributing 135 million shoeboxes of Christmas gifts to children in need in 150 countries.

For more information on the 2016 Christmas Tour, visit amygrant.com/tour, michaelwsmith.com/tour or jordansmithofficial.com/tour.

About Amy Grant:
Amy Grant's career spans more than 30 years and stretches from her roots in gospel into becoming an iconic pop star, songwriter, television personality and philanthropist. With three multi-platinum albums, six platinum albums and four gold albums, her total career album sales have exceeded 30 million. Grant’s chart success has been consistent throughout her career with six No. 1 hits, 10 Top 40 pop singles, 17 Top 40 Adult Contemporary tracks and multiple Contemporary Christian chart-toppers. In addition to her six GRAMMY® Awards, Grant has earned 26 Dove Awards (including four Artist of the Year Awards) and has been awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Conventional wisdom has it that Grant put Contemporary Christian Music on the map becoming the first Contemporary Christian artist to have a platinum record, the first to hit No. 1 on the Pop charts and the first to perform at the GRAMMY® Awards. With that, her legacy as one of the most influential artists of the past four decades is assured. In April, Grant celebrated the 25th anniversary of her iconic hit “Baby Baby” with a worldwide release of the song featuring pop sensation Tori Kelly. Tennessee Christmas (Oct. 21, 2016) will mark Grant’s first all-new holiday album in nearly 20 years.

Get Connected with Amy Grant:
www.amygrant.com

About Michael W. Smith:
Michael W. Smith is an acclaimed singer, songwriter and musician who has sold more than 15 million albums, achieved 32 No. 1 songs, received 2x RIAA Multi Platinum, 6 Platinum and 16 Gold certified albums, earned three GRAMMY® Awards, one American Music Award and 45 Dove Awards. Amassing an in-depth catalog of achievements, Smith was honored at ASCAP’s 100th Anniversary for his groundbreaking career and significant influence in music. He performed at Former First Lady Barbara Bush’s 90th birthday celebration and also had the privilege to join Former President Clinton, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and others in remembering victims in the 20th Anniversary of the Oklahoma City attacks. Smith was appointed by the White House as Vice Chair for the President’s Council on service and civic participation and, most recently, was the featured performer at the 2015 USO Gala and recognized as a USO veteran. In addition to the international impact he has had through multiple global tours, he has written and composed various scored film projects, has authored 12 books, has acted in assorted motion pictures and has been featured by numerous national media outlets. He founded, and actively supports, the teen club Rocketown – a nonprofit outreach for teens, providing opportunities in arts, music, sports and mentoring programs. This year also marks the 25th anniversary in partnership with Compassion International, seeing more than seventy thousand families’ and children’s lives changed, around the world.

Get Connected with Michael W. Smith: 
www.michaelwsmith.com

About Jordan Smith:
Jordan Smith’s much anticipated debut album, Something Beautiful [LightWorkers Media/Republic Records], is available now everywhere. Throughout the album, his undeniable delivery and instantly recognizable range drives both original songs and cover tracks produced by legends such as GRAMMY Award winning producer David Foster [Céline Dion, Michael Bublé, Josh Groban] and modern hit maker Stephan Moccio [The Weeknd, Ellie Goulding, Miley Cyrus]. The 22-year-old from Harlan, Ky., Jordan Smith stands out as the highest-selling artist to ever emerge from NBC’s EMMY AWARD®-winning “The Voice.” In less than six months, he sold over 1 million singles and made Voice history by landing eight songs in the iTunes Top 10—the first artist from any season to hit the iTunes Top 10 every single week of the Live Rounds. Of the eight songs that went Top 10 on iTunes, six hit Top 3, and three captured #1 on iTunes, all of which knocked Adele off the top spot!

Get Connected with Jordan Smith:
www.jordansmithofficial.com 

About Operation Christmas Child:
Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected more than 135 million gift-filled shoeboxes for children in more than 150 countries and territories. In 2016, Operation Christmas Child hopes to reach another 12 million children. To learn about year-round volunteer opportunities or to serve with Operation Christmas Child, visit samaritanspurse.org/occ.  
 

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Media Contact
Velvet Kelm & Courtney Hyder
the media collective
velvet@themcollective.com
courtney@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com

Tour Publicity Contact
Debra Akins
Southside Entertainment
debra@debraakins.com
(321) 747-0077

GRAMMY® Winner Chris Tomlin Honored With SoundExchange Digital Radio Award Recognizing One Billion Digital Plays

Tomlin joins Garth Brooks, Justin Timberlake and Pitbull as fourth artist overall to have received prestigious award

Nashville, Tenn. (October 12, 2016) — SoundExchange yesterday awarded GRAMMY® winner Chris Tomlin its prestigious Digital Radio Award in recognition of his incredible popularity on digital radio.

Tomlin has amassed more than one billion performances on the more than 2,800 digital radio services from which SoundExchange collects digital performance royalties. SoundExchange President and CEO Michael Huppe presented Tomlin with the award on October 11 during the 47th Annual Gospel Music Association (GMA) Dove Awards, which honor performers in Christian and gospel music.

“Chris is a fantastic artist with a massive following, and we couldn’t be more proud to honor him with our SoundExchange Digital Radio Award,” Huppe said. “We were also honored to bestow this award upon Chris during the GMA's Dove Awards, which are so important to the Christian and gospel artists and fans globally.”

“I’m incredibly grateful and humbled to receive SoundExchange’s Digital Radio Award,” Tomlin said. “I’m blown away by how many people are listening to Christian music, and this award is an affirmation of the power and impact of the genre.”

Only recording artists who are registered members of SoundExchange and have at least one billion streams are eligible to receive the SoundExchange Digital Radio Award. Justin Timberlake, Garth Brooks and Pitbull are the only others to have received the award.

The Dove Awards took place on Tuesday, October 11 at Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena in Nashville at 6:30 p.m. (CST). Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) will exclusively broadcast the awards show on Sunday, October 16, at 7 p.m. (PST).

Tomlin recently released his debut children's book Good Good Father, which hit top 16 overall books on Amazon and top 20 of all books at Barnes & Noble. His 11th studio album Never Lose Sight features the popular single "Jesus" and No. 1 hit "Good Good Father" and will be available October 21. Shortly after on October 25, Tomlin's one night only unity event Worship Night In America: An Evening Of Unity & Prayer For Our Country will hit theaters and churches across the US. Visit www.christomlin.com for additional information. 


About Chris Tomlin
With ten albums, 15 No. 1 radio singles, a GRAMMY® Award and eight additional nominations, three Billboard Music Awards, 21 Dove Awards, two platinum and five gold albums to his credit, Chris Tomlin is among the most well-known and influential artists in contemporary Christian music. Referred to by TIME Magazine as likely the most often sung artist anywhere, Tomlin consistently has several songs in the top 20 of the Top 100 CCLI songs. BMI and GMA Dove Awards' 2014 Songwriter of the Year, Tomlin’s “How Great Is Our God” was his first No. 1 on the CCLI Top 25, becoming one of the fastest rising modern day hymns in CCLI chart history. In addition to having sold more than 7 million albums and over 8.9 million digital tracks, Tomlin made history as his No. 1 single “Jesus Messiah” (Hello Love) garnered 97 adds at radio, making it the biggest ever add date in Christian radio history. Tomlin recently broke the record for most top tens in the history of Billboard's Hot Christian Songs chart. In the midst of his record-breaking success, Tomlin continues touring and leading at Passion Conference gatherings across the US and worldwide, including Worship Night in America events. Burning Lights debuted at No. 1 atop the Billboard 200 in January 2013, making history as only the fourth Christian music album to do so. Tomlin's 11th studio album, Never Lose Sight, is set to release October 21.

Get Connected With Chris Tomlin
Website: christomlin.com
Facebook: facebook.com/christomlin
Twitter: twitter.com/christomlin
Instagram: instagram.com/christomlin
YouTube: youtube.com/christomlinvevo

About SoundExchange
SoundExchange is the nonprofit organization at the center of digital music, developing solutions to benefit the entire music industry. The organization collects and distributes digital performance royalties on behalf of more than 130,000 recording artists and master rights owners accounts. To date, SoundExchange has paid out more than $4 billion in royalties. For more information, visit www.SoundExchange.com or www.facebook.com/soundexchange.

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Media Contact
Kirsten Grenier & Velvet Kelm
the media collective
kirsten@themcollective.com
velvet@themcollective.com
615-591-7989
www.themcollective.com

GRAMMY® Award Winner Chris Tomlin Releases First Children's Book Good Good Father

Tomlin's debut hits top 16 of all books on Amazon and top 20 books overall at Barnes & Noble

Nashville, Tenn. (October 7, 2016) — GRAMMY® Award winning artist Chris Tomlin has made his debut as an author with the release of children's book Good Good Father, available now. Fans welcomed Tomlin's new project with enthusiasm, and the title quickly soared to the top 16 books overall at Amazon and the top 20 of all books at Barnes & Noble.

Here's what critics are saying about the Good Good Father:

"This book does the most excellent job in helping kids to understand that God isn’t an untouchable, angry, or unapproachable God." - CCM Magazine

"...a fine resource for adults looking to explain a multifaceted deity." - Publishers Weekly

"Its comforting plot imparts precious truths that often escape us grown-ups as well. The pictures are charming; the characters are lovable; the plot is tender without being cheesy." - Today's Christian Entertainment

"Not only is it a precious story of a little bear’s determination to help his friends and seek out the King, but it holds a special metaphorical meaning for little ones. They will be reassured that God is so many things. A protector, a teacher, a healer, and most importantly a Good Good Father who loves them dearly." - Our Everyday Harvest

Earlier this week, at a Good Good Father launch event in Barnes & Noble, Tomlin and coauthor Pat Barrett read the book aloud to families.

"What defines you the most is that you’re a son of God and you’re a daughter of God, and you’re loved by a perfect father," Tomlin shared with attendees. "That's what Pat and I want for our own kids to know and for your kids as well."

The duo also performed the single that inspired the book, "Good Good Father." The beloved song hit the No. 1 spot on Billboard's Christian Digital Songs, Hot Christian Songs and Christian Airplay charts, also topping the MediaBase Christian Audience chart.

More than 250,000 people watched the event on Facebook Live on Tomlin's page. Read more about the book launch in The Tennessean. 

Later this month on October 21, Tomlin will release his eleventh studio album Never Lose Sight. For additional information, visit christomlin.com.

Good Good Father is available for purchase at Barnes & Noble, Amazon and more.

About Chris Tomlin
With ten albums, 15 No. 1 radio singles, a GRAMMY® Award and eight additional nominations, three Billboard Music Awards, 21 Dove Awards, two platinum and five gold albums to his credit, Chris Tomlin is among the most well-known and influential artists in contemporary Christian music. Referred to by TIME Magazine as likely the most often sung artist anywhere, Tomlin consistently has several songs in the top 20 of the Top 100 CCLI songs. BMI and GMA Dove Awards' 2014 Songwriter of the Year, Tomlin’s “How Great Is Our God” was his first No. 1 on the CCLI Top 25, becoming one of the fastest rising modern day hymns in CCLI chart history. In addition to having sold more than 7 million albums and over 8.9 million digital tracks, Tomlin made history as his No. 1 single “Jesus Messiah” (Hello Love) garnered 97 adds at radio, making it the biggest ever add date in Christian radio history. Tomlin recently broke the record for most top tens in the history of Billboard's Hot Christian Songs chart. In the midst of his record-breaking success, Tomlin continues touring and leading at Passion Conference gatherings across the US and worldwide, including Worship Night in America events. Burning Lights debuted at No. 1 atop the Billboard 200 in January 2013, making history as only the fourth Christian music album to do so. Tomlin's 11th studio album, Never Lose Sight, is set to release October 21.

Get Connected With Chris Tomlin
Website: christomlin.com
Facebook: facebook.com/christomlin
Twitter: twitter.com/christomlin
Instagram: instagram.com/christomlin
YouTube: youtube.com/christomlinvevo

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Media Contact
Kirsten Grenier & Velvet Kelm
the media collective
kirsten@themcollective.com
velvet@themcollective.com
615-591-7989
www.themcollective.com

Rend Collective Debuts Campfire II: Simplicity

Band to set out on As Family We Go Tour: Part II kicking off October 12 in Roswell, NM

Nashville, Tenn. (October 7, 2016) — Rend Collective has released Campfire II: Simplicity, available now on iTunes, Amazon and more. Following in the footsteps of their original beloved Campfire album, the new release delivers a collection of stripped down, acoustic melodies featuring two new tracks as well as favorites from The Art Of Celebration and chart-topping As Family We Go.

The collection also features a "re-imagined" version of Hillsong UNITED's "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)", which RELEVANT Magazine exclusively premiered yesterday in anticipation of the new album.

Critics have enthusiastically welcomed Campfire II: Simplicity, saying the album delivers "quality track after quality track," (Louder Than The Music) noting that Rend Collective manages to "sound as good stripped down as they do amped up." (CCM Magazine) 

The band's newest single "Every Giant Will Fall" is currently being added at Christian radio. Fans can hear the song and other favorites live on the As Family We Go Tour: Part II. Kicking off next week in Roswell, NM, Rend Collective will make stops in more than 20 cities across the US.

As Family We Go: Part II Trailer

For tickets and additional information, visit www.rendcollective.com/tour.

Campfire II: Simplicity Tracklisting 1. This Little Light Of Mine 2. Free As A Bird 3. Live Alive 4. Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) 5. Every Giant Will Fall 6. My Lighthouse 7. Whatever Comes 8. Joy Of The Lord 9. Your Royal Blood 10. Simplicity 11. More Than Conquerors 12. You Will Never Run About Rend Collective Hailing from a small town off the coast of Northern Ireland, Rend Collective (Gareth Gilkeson, Chris Llewellyn, Ali Gilkeson, Patrick Thompson and Stephen Mitchell) wants to be known as a celebration band, worshiping for God’s Glory and fame. Since the release of their first album, Organic Family Hymnal, the group’s authentic and energetic style of worship has attracted an international audience. The group saw early success as their first ever single “Build Your Kingdom Here,” reached the No. 12 spot on the National Christian Audience Chart. Their 2014 release The Art of Celebration, charted at No. 1 on the Billboard Christian Albums Chart within the first week of its release. Known for their electric lively worship, the band has been a part of several major tours with top artists such as Chris Tomlin, MercyMe, Kari Jobe, Lecrae and more. Their latest album, As Family We Go, landed the No. 1 spot on every iTunes Christian Albums Chart. Campfire II: Simplicity is available now. Get Connected With Rend Collective Website: http://rendcollective.com Facebook: http://facebook.com/rendcollective Twitter: https://twitter.com/rendcollective Instagram: https://instagram.com/rendcollective/ Spotify: http://tinyurl.com/rendcollectivespotify Apple Music: http://smarturl.it/AsFamilyWeGoAPL Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/music/artist/Rend_Collective?id=Awch4mrsu4hi5utotmvhpytjiqq Media Contact Kirsten Grenier & Velvet Kelm The media collective kirsten@themcollective.com velvet@themcollective.com 615.591.7989 www.themcollective.com

Lacey Sturm’s "The Mystery: Finding True Love In A World Of Broken Lovers," Available Today

Nashville, Tenn. (Oct. 4, 2016) – GRAMMY® Nominated artist and author Lacey Sturm has released her second book “The Mystery: Finding True Love In A World Of Broken Lovers,” available today. Two years after Sturm's book debut, “The Mystery” includes Sturm’s personal account of her own journey and struggles, giving fans a look inside her life from heartbreak to wholeness. Sturm helps readers understand that any loving relationship begins with knowing your own identity in Christ.

'There are beautiful parts of "The Mystery," and there are sad parts...things that I regret and wish I could do better,' shares Sturm. "At the same time, I know that because I went through those things I can overcome. My hope is that it will help other people overcome too."

Critics have raved about "The Mystery," writing:

"Lacey uses her life experiences, both successes and failings, to show that the one True Love we all should be seeking in this world is from God. It's a real, refreshing, and relatable reminder that in our darkest moments, we only need to look up to our Father for the grace and comfort we all deserve." - Rock Revolt Magazine

'It is clear that Lacey has a heart for Christ and a desire to share His love with those who are battling depression, addiction, abuse, and suicide. Lacey Sturm's writing style is richly intense, yet free-flowing and uniquely approachable. I highly recommend "The Mystery" and believe it will touch many, many lives.' - Tattoo.com

'In her latest book, “The Mystery: Finding True Love in a World of Broken Lovers,” Lacey Sturm takes us on a unique and deeply personal soul-searching endeavor that leaves reader with new, eye-opening perspectives on love, life and interpersonal connections." - Icon vs. Icon

Excerpts written to readers throughout the book include Skillet's Korey Cooper and Jen Ledger, husband Joshua Sturm, founder of Pulse Ministries Nick Hall, sister-in-law Joelene Sturm and many more, along with an afterward written by Harvest Christian Fellowship pastor Greg Laurie.

“The Mystery” is available for purchase at Baker Book House and other major retailers nationwide.

About Lacey Sturm
In 2002, Lacey Sturm co-founded Flyleaf and led the rock band to international success as its frontwoman. The band's single "All Around Me" went platinum, soaring to the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning recognition as an award-winning song at the 2009 BMI Pop Awards. "All Around Me" was one of many successful Flyleaf songs as numerous other singles landed on Billboard's Alternative, Rock and Christian charts. Sturm left Flyleaf in 2012 to focus on a solo career and has had success outside of the rock band, including performing on Third Day's single, "Born Again," which received GRAMMY® nominations for Best Gospel Song and Best Gospel Performance, and which Billboard acclaimed Sturm's vocal performance to be "gorgeous." Sturm's song "Heavy Prey" featuring Geno Lenardo appeared on the soundtrack for the 2012 major motion picture "Underworld: Awakening." In early 2016, Sturm released her stunning solo debut Life Screams. The self-produced collection debuted exclusively on SiriusXM’s Octane and helped launch the album to No. 1 on Billboard's Hard Rock Albums chart, marking the first time a solo woman topped the illusive chart. Sturm now uses her influence to speak out to others about her life-changing faith, involved in both The Whosoevers and RESET movements. Following her debut as an author with "The Reason," Sturm released her second book "The Mystery," available now.

 
Get Connected With Lacey Sturm
www.laceysturm.com

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Media Contact
Kirsten Grenier & Brooke Huppenthal
the media collective
kirsten@themcollective.com
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(615) 591-7989
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2X GRAMMY® Nominee Crowder’s American Prodigal Debuts Top 5 On Top Albums Billboard Chart And More

Newest release earns No. 1 on Christian & Gospel Albums Chart, No. 3 on Digital Albums Chart, No. 5 on Top Albums Billboard Chart, No. 12 on Top 200 Billboard Chart and more

Nashville, Tenn. (Oct. 3, 2016) - American Prodigal, the latest project from Crowder, has garnered a strong street week, landing at No. 1 on the Christian & Gospel Albums Chart, No. 3 on the Digital Albums Chart, No. 5 on the Top Albums Billboard Chart and No. 12 on the Top 200 Billboard Chart. "It is so great seeing and hearing how people are attaching to these songs," shares the Texas Native and Atlanta Resident. "For me, they are obviously deeply meaningful, but they have swagger and are just stupid fun. I'm so happy folks have responded so exuberantly.”

The 2x GRAMMY® nominee kicked off the album release via a Twitter Music Q&A, Exclusive Snapchat content with Spotify, along with a performance on FOX and Friends and appearance on the Relevant Podcast. Critics are echoing their support of American Prodigal, including the 17 tracks found on the deluxe edition. 

“Without a grand ovation or pointed intention, Crowder has done on American Prodigal what few artists can ever achieve—he has evolved without losing himself. In taking on the influences and colors of each other, he has discovered his most vibrant self yet.” - CCM (cover story)

"American Prodigal could be Crowder's best work yet. The rock and soul get you out of your seat, and the gospel is pure. It's everything you'd hope for in a worship album but never quite expect." - HM Magazine

"Crowder Music's voice and the heart evident in his songs are the common threads for longtime listeners, even as he continues to expand into new musical territory with each new release. With so many influences, American Prodigal has an orchestral, epic feel to it, not unlike a movie soundtrack” - Patheos

NBC's Sunday Night Football already picked up on American Prodigal's "Run Devil Run," using the track in the Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers televised NFL match-up. The first single off of the new album, “My Victory,” is currently No. 13 on the Christian Airplay Chart.

Corresponding with the street of American Prodigal, Crowder’s nationwide “American Prodigal Tour,” featuring Tedashii and The New Respects kicked off, hitting over 20 markets from west coast to east coast through November. For the latest tour information, click here.

About Crowder:
Crowder has been embraced for his lyrically powerful and musically elaborate and unpredictable songs that have found themselves being sung everywhere from churches to clubs all across the country. Crowder’s first solo album, Neon Steeple, debuted at No. 8 on the Billboard 200, was named iTunes 2014 Christian Album of the Year, garnered multiple radio hits, two GRAMMY® nominations, a Grand Ole Opry debut, a Dove Award and multiple nods and numerous K-LOVE Fan Award Nominations. American Prodigal, the awaited follow-up album, became available on Sept. 23 landing at No. 1 on the Christian & Gospel Album Chart, No. 3 on the Digital Albums Chart, No. 5 on the Top Albums Billboard Chart and No. 12 on the Top 200 Billboard Chart. As an active member of the Passion movement founded by Louie Giglio, Crowder participates in the impactful university student gatherings in the U.S. and around the world. A published author, Crowder has also penned two books including his acclaimed release, "Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven, but Nobody Wants to Die."

About sixstepsrecords:
Founded in 2000 by Louie Giglio, sixstepsrecords is a worship label and a division of Passion Conferences. sixstepsrecords’ artists include Chris Tomlin (Never Lose Sight), Crowder (American Prodigal), Matt Redman (These Christmas Lights), Kristian Stanfill (Mountains Move) and Passion (Passion: Salvation’s Tide Is Rising). The label partners with Sparrow Records/Capitol Christian Music Group for A&R, marketing, sales and distribution operations. For more information on sixstepsrecords, visit: www.sixstepsrecords.com.

Get Connected with Crowder
Website // www.crowdermusic.com
Hashtag // #AmericanProdigal 

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Media Contact
Courtney Hyder
the media collective
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(615) 591-7989
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@themcollective

2X GRAMMY® Winner Matt Redman To Debut First-Ever Holiday Album These Christmas Lights On October 21

Featuring guest artists Natasha Bedingfield, Chris Tomlin and Tasha Cobbs

Nashville, Tenn. (Sept. 30, 2016) - Debuting the first Christmas album of his career, 2X GRAMMY® winner Matt Redman will unveil These Christmas Lights on October 21. Filled with powerful and diverse collaborations, featured artists on the album include longtime friends Natasha Bedingfield, Chris Tomlin and Tasha Cobbs. These Christmas Lights finds Redman sharing his interpretation on quintessential holiday songs, along with creating new, originals including “His Name Shall Be,” “Help from Heaven,” the title track and more.

"I don’t want to just tell a story, I want to make sure that we put ourselves in the story too. To help with the songwriting on this record, I actually went on a retreat to Israel. We reenacted, walking through the old roads that Jesus would have walked, going to some of the key places where key events of the gospel happened when Jesus walked this Earth. Thinking a lot about Him coming as a little newborn baby," shares Redman. "We worked very hard on this record. I'm so grateful and aware of the collaboration, the team effort. Lots of people just digging deep, bringing their creativity, time and gifting their experience on this record. There’s definitely a sense of family, collaboration and friendship."

These Christmas Lights will serve as the follow up to Redman’s 2015 chart-topper Unbroken Praise. Redman will be touring throughout the U.S. and British Columbia for the remainder of 2016. To view his tour schedule, click here.


These Christmas Lights Tracklisting
1. These Christmas Lights
2. His Name Shall Be
3. O Little Town (The Glory of Christmas)
4. Angels (Singing Gloria) feat. Chris Tomlin
5. Help from Heaven feat. Natasha Bedingfield
6. Hearts Waiting (Joy to the World)
7. Glory To You In The Highest (O Come Let Us Adore) feat. Tasha Cobbs
8. How Far
9. Glory Hallelujah
10. The Name of Emmanuel
11. Holy Night


About Matt Redman:
A key songwriter for today’s church and an active worship leader for the Passion conferences around the world, Matt Redman’s songs have been recorded by Chris Tomlin, Michael W. Smith, Israel Houghton, Jeremy Camp, Jesus Culture, Passion, and many more. Winning two GRAMMY® awards in 2015 from the powerful hit “10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord),” the single later was certified RIAA gold, named ASCAP’s Christian Music Song of the Year and Billboard’s Top Christian Song. Additionally, Redman has 26 songs in the CCLI Top 500, with six populating the Top 50. Hit his album Your Grace Finds Me (2013) debuted at No. 1 on the Soundscan Christian Albums chart and in the Top 30 on the Billboard 200. Unbroken Praise (2015), recorded live at the iconic Abbey Road Studios, hit the Top 20 on the Billboard Top Album Sales chart and No. 1 on iTunes and Billboard’s Top Christian Albums charts. His first ever holiday record, These Christmas Lights, will debut this fall.

About sixstepsrecords:
Founded in 2000 by Louie Giglio, sixstepsrecords is a worship label and a division of Passion Conferences. sixstepsrecords’ artists include Chris Tomlin (Never Lose Sight), Crowder (American Prodigal), Matt Redman (These Christmas Lights), Kristian Stanfill (Mountains Move) and Passion (Passion: Salvation’s Tide Is Rising). The label partners with Sparrow Records/Capitol Christian Music Group for A&R, marketing, sales and distribution operations. For more information on sixstepsrecords, visit: www.sixstepsrecords.com

Get Connected With Matt Redman
www.mattredman.com

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Media Contact
Courtney Hyder & Brooke Huppenthal
the media collective
courtney@themcollective.com
brooke@themcollective.com
615-591-7989
www.themcollective.com

GRAMMY® Winner Laura Story’s “Open Hands” Featuring Mac Powell Hits Radio And Online Retailers In Advance Of New Album

Fifth LP, Open Hands, slated for spring release

Nashville, Tenn. (Sept. 30, 2016) - With notable hits like “Mighty To Save” and “Blessings,” GRAMMY® winning songstress Laura Story is releasing “Open Hands” featuring fellow GRAMMY® winner Mac Powell of Third Day to radio along with iTunes, Amazon Music and Spotify. The song will be found on her fifth album of the same name releasing in Spring 2017. The worship leader and author penned the latest worship-focused song with her notable reflection, vulnerability and personal honesty.

"The more I grow as a worship leader, the more I am learning that worship isn't just the words I sing, but the very posture of my heart," shares Story. "True worship is more than adoration; it's coming before a faithful, trustworthy Father with open hands. It's saying, ‘God, I want to surrender my life to You. I want You to take it all. Whatever comes, let me not respond with clenched fists as if I know best. With open hands, my life is Yours. The joy. The sorrow. The most broken things. I surrender to You. This is my act of worship.'"

"Laura Story is one of my favorite people in all of Christian music - so it is such an honor to be able to sing on 'Open Hands' with her," shares Powell. "An amazing song with an amazing message!"

Story will continue to tour across the country through the rest of the year. For the latest tour information, click here. "Open Hands" is available for purchase on iTunes, Amazon Music and Spotify.

About Laura Story
GRAMMY® award winning artist, speaker, songwriter, author and worship leader Laura Story has a gift for penning songs that connect with people all around the world. Among her successes as a solo artist with her smash hits “Mighty To Save” and “Blessings,” Laura has also penned hit songs for other renowned artists including Chris Tomlin’s “Indescribable.” Her solo artist music debut in 2008 with Great God Who Saves led to four Dove nominations and the award for “Inspirational Album of the Year.” In 2011, Laura released her sophomore project Blessings. The album and the emotionally powerful title was inspired by her real life trials and adversities, primarily her husband Martin's diagnosis of a brain tumor. The album resonated with a huge audience and led to whirlwind career highlights for Laura, peaking at the No. 1 album spot for three consecutive weeks on Billboard’s Contemporary Christian Overall chart, topping the iTunes® Christian/Gospel Top Songs chart and holding the No. 1 spot for an impressive 28 consecutive weeks on the Christian charts. The success of the single “Blessings,” which was certified RIAA Gold, includes the GRAMMY® Award for Best Contemporary Christian Song, the Billboard Music Award for Top Christian Song and the Dove Awards for Song of the Year, Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year, Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year and Songwriter of the Year. The song inspired Laura's first book, “What If Your Blessings Come Through Raindrops?” in 2012. A follow-up book, "When God Doesn't Fix It, Lessons You Never Wanted to Learn; Truths You Can't Live Without" and companion bible study DVD and study guide, released last year. God Of Every Story released in 2013 to much acclaim, and her first ever Christmas project God With Us, debuted in October 2015. Open Hands will debut in Spring 2017. Laura is a worship leader at Perimeter Church outside of Atlanta, GA and lives with her husband Martin and three children.


Get Connected with Laura Story
Website // www.laurastorymusic.com

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Media Contact
Courtney Hyder
the media collective
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Christy Nockels To Debut First Ever Christmas Record The Thrill Of Hope November 4

Self-funded project supported by hundreds

Nashville, Tenn. (Sept. 27, 2016) - Inspired to share her first Christmas album with the world, Christy Nockels will unveil The Thrill Of Hope on November 4. The Thrill Of Hope introduces Nockels' take on holiday classics mixed with original songs, including “Song In The Air,” “Wrap This One Up,” Amaryllis” and “Our Christmas Song,” penned originally.The album is steeped in scriptural references from Isaiah, Genesis, Micah and more, along with family memories as Nockels invited other family members to take part in the project as well. Nockels worked with husband Nathan Nockels (Passion, Matt Redman, Laura Story) to create the LP. 

“’The thrill of hope’ I thought to myself…this story is worth telling, yet again,” shares Nockels. "My hope is also that someone will be sitting in traffic on a cold, winter night on the way home from work and literally be moved by the Holy Spirit that our King has come, that He’s with us now and He’s making all things new again. After all, that’s the thrill of hope!”

The three time GMA Dove Award winner self-funded the holiday project through the support of over eight hundred fans on her website. Offering items and perks availble for purchase such as handcrafted silver spoons, signed copies of the record and more, Nockels went above and beyond expectations, raising over 100% of the funding goal.

“It’s hard to put into words what it’s like to put your heart out there for everyone to see and say 'Can you guys help make this dream a reality?'" says Nockels. "My secret hope all along is that people will hear it and feel like they got to invest in unfolding, in a new way, the greatest rescue story of all time… Almost like commissioning a painting, I pray that people feel a sense of ‘I get to be apart of that!’"

For more information on The Thrill Of Hope, visit www.christynockels.com/christmas.

The Thrill Of Hope Tracklisting
1. The King Is Coming Prelude
2. Advent Hymn
3. O Come O Come Emmanuel
4. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing O Come Let Us Adore Him
5. Angels' Lullaby (Mary's Song)
6. Song in the Air (Featuring Chris McClarney) 
7. Dance At Migdal Eder
8. Wrap This One Up
9. O Holy Night
10. Amaryllis
11. Silent Night (Holding Us Now)
12. Our Christmas Song Make Good Your Christmas Day
13. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
14. Joy To The World The King Is Coming


About Christy Nockels: 
Christy Nockels is a worship leader/singer-songwriter who lives Nashville, Tenn. with her producer husband Nathan Nockels (Passion, Matt Redman, Laura Story), and their three children. Christy and Nathan toured nationwide for several years as the duo Watermark, recording four acclaimed albums together. In 2009, Christy released her first ever solo album, Life Light Up followed by a 2012 sophomore release Into The Glorious and a critically acclaimed live worship album Let It Be Jesus in 2015. With GMA Dove Awards to her name, Nockels will unveil the first Christmas project, The Thrill Of Hope, of her career in the fall of 2016.

Get Connected With Christy Nockels
www.christynockels.com

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Media Contact
Velvet Kelm, Courtney Hyder & Brooke Huppenthal
the media collective
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MercyMe Launches Exclusive Free Download Campaign Of Hit Single "Greater"

Limited time special offer on No. 1 album Welcome To The New

Nashville, Tenn. (September 26, 2016) - Continuing to celebrate the success of Welcome To The New (2014), GRAMMY® nominated band MercyMe announces an exclusive two week free download of their smash hit "Greater," available today. Powered by FreeCCM.com, the free song is available for download until October 9. The second single from the band's latest release, "Greater" has lived up to its name, spending 16 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard National Christian Audience chart. 

Welcome To The New's fourth single "Dear Younger Me" is proving to be another hit for the band, currently sitting at No. 2 on the Billboard AC Monitored Chart. For a limited time, MercyMe is offering a special sale on Welcome To The New. The album is available for purchase at $5.99 on iTunes and Amazon Music.

Purchase Welcome To The New at $5.99 for a limited time:
iTunes: http://smarturl.it/MMNewiTunes
Amazon Music: http://amzn.to/2bD8xHe

About MercyMe
Since their debut in 2001, GRAMMY®-nominated, multiple American Music Award and Dove Award winners MercyMe have sold more than 9 million units in CD, single and DVD sales, garnered 27 No. 1 multi-format Christian radio singles and four consecutive mainstream radio hits with “I Can Only Imagine,” (No. 4 AC/Top 25 on Top 40/Hot AC), “Here With Me” (No. 4 AC), “Homesick” (Top 10 AC) and “So Long Self.” Their radio success has continued with recent singles “Flawless" (No. 1 for 15 weeks) and "Greater" (No. 1 for 16 weeks), landing them the Top Christian Airplay Artist spot on Billboard's 2015 Year End charts. MercyMe made history in 2014 as “I Can Only Imagine” surpassed 2 million digital downloads, making it the first song in Christian music to go platinum and double-platinum in the digital domain. In 2009, Billboard named MercyMe's "Word Of God Speak" the No. 1 Song of The Decade and the group the No. 1 Artist of the Decade in both the Christian Songs and Christian AC Songs categories, recognizing them as one of the industry's most notable talents. They have sold out venues throughout the US and Canada, including Radio City Music Hall, and have appeared on the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, The Today Show, CBS This Morning, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, FOX New Channel's FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News and in the pages of Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, USA Today and more. Their latest project MercyMe, It’s Christmas! (2015) debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Holiday Albums chart and became an instant Christmas classic. MercyMe’s eighth studio album, Welcome To The New, garnered two GRAMMY® nods and continues to be a top selling title more than 105 weeks after its release.

Get Connected With MercyMe
www.mercyme.org

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Media Contact:
Velvet Kelm & Courtney Hyder
the media collective
velvet@themcollective.com
courtney@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com

ICYMI: 2X GRAMMY® Nominee Crowder Performs On FOX & Friends From New Album American Prodigal

New Album, American Prodigal, Out Today

Watch Crowder's "Run Devil Run" Performance HERE!

Watch Crowder's "Back To The Garden" Performance HERE!

About Crowder:
Crowder has been embraced for his lyrically powerful and musically elaborate and unpredictable songs that have found themselves being sung everywhere from churches to clubs all across the country. Crowder’s first solo album, Neon Steeple, debuted at No. 8 on the Billboard 200, was named iTunes 2014 Christian Album of the Year, garnered multiple radio hits, two GRAMMY® nominations, a Grand Ole Opry debut, a Dove Award and multiple nods and numerous K-LOVE Fan Award Nominations. American Prodigal, the awaited follow-up album, will be available on Sept. 23. As an active member of the Passion movement founded by Louie Giglio, Crowder participates in the impactful university student gatherings in the U.S. and around the world. A published author, Crowder has also penned two books including his acclaimed release, "Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven, but Nobody Wants to Die."

About sixstepsrecords:
Founded in 2000 by Louie Giglio, sixstepsrecords is a worship label and a division of Passion Conferences. sixstepsrecords’ artists include Chris Tomlin (Never Lose Sight), Crowder (American Prodigal), Matt Redman (Unbroken Praise), Christy Nockels (Let It Be Jesus), Kristian Stanfill (Mountains Move) and Passion (Passion: Salvation’s Tide Is Rising). The label partners with Sparrow Records/Capitol Christian Music Group for A&R, marketing, sales and distribution operations. For more information on sixstepsrecords, visit:www.sixstepsrecords.com.

Get Connected with Crowder
Website // www.crowdermusic.com
Hashtag // #AmericanProdigal

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Media Contact
Courtney Hyder
the media collective
courtney@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com
@themcollective

The Afters Kick Off Tour In Support Of New Album Live On Forever

Band joins Newsboys and Ryan Stevenson On Love Riot Tour

Group partners with NoiseTrade to release The First Decade compilation, benefitting Children's Relief International

Nashville, Tenn. (September 23, 2016) — Following the recent debut of their acclaimed studio album Live On Forever, The Afters are taking their new music to fans across the country as they head out on the Love Riot Tour alongside Newsboys and Ryan Stevenson. The tour will hit venues all across the US, making stops in cities such as New York City, Chicago, Houston and more.

The Afters will perform new music from Live On Forever, hailed by critics as "fresh" and "timeless," including their latest single "Battles," which has hit the top 20 at Christian radio and continues to climb the charts. 
 

In celebration of the new album, the band is doing a special download campaign on NoiseTrade starting today. The free album includes 17 songs spanning their career, including tracks from each of their five albums, plus a song from their brand new release Live On Forever. Any proceeds from the campaign are going to Children’s Relief International. To download The First Decade, click here.

For tickets and additional tour information, visit theafters.com.

Love Riot Tour
September 23 - Lancaster Convention Center - Lancaster, PA
September 24 - Playstation Theater - New York, NY
September 25 - Bob Carpenter Center - Newark, DE
September 29 - The Chapel - Getzville, NY
September 30 - Sun National Bank Center - Trenton, NJ
October 1 - Petersen Event Center - Pittsburgh, PA
October 2 - Lowell Memorial Auditorium - Lowell, MA
October 6 - Northridge Church - Plymouth, MI
October 7 - Life Changers International Church - Chicago, IL
October 13 - The Albany James H. Gray Sr. Civic Center - Albany, GA
October 14 - Williams B Bell Auditorium - Augusta, GA
October 15 - Savannah Civic Center Arena - Savannah, GA
October 16 - Macon City Coliseum - Macon, GA
October 20 - Morris Performing Arts Center - South Bend, IN
October 21 - Big Sandy Arena - Huntington, WV
October 22 - Greensboro Coliseum Complex - Greensboro, NC
October 23 - BJCC Concert Hall - Birmingham, AL
October 27 - Braden Auditorium - Normal, IL
October 28 - Curb Center at Belmont University - Nashville, TN
October 29 - Rupp Arena - Lexington, KY
October 30 - Indiana Farmer's Coliseum - Indianapolis, IN
November 3 - Baxter Arena - Omaha, NE
November 4 - Target Center - Minneapolis, MN
November 5 - Sanford Center - Bemidji, MN
November 6 - Scheels Arena - Fargo, ND
November 10 - George H Henderson Expo Center - Lufkin, TX
November 11 - Lloyd Noble Center - Norman, OK
November 12 - Spiritfest - Whataburger Field - Corpus Christi, TX
November 13 - SpiritFest - Dell Diamond - Round Rock, TX
November 17 - Foster Communications Coliseum - San Angelo, TX
November 18 - NRG Arena - Houston, TX
November 19 - Berry Center - Cypress, TX
November 20 - Verizon Theater - Grand Prairie, TX


The First Decade Tracklisting
1. Time of My Life
2. Life Is Beautiful
3. Broken Hallelujah
4. Lift Me Up
5. Life Is Sweeter
6. The Secret Parade
7. Forty Two
8. Beautiful Love
9. Until The World
10. Someday
11. Love Lead Me On
12. All That I Am
13. The Way You Are
14. You
15. Love Will Make You Beautiful
16. Wait
17. Thank God I'm Not The One

About The Afters
Texas-based, four-piece band The Afters were propelled into the national spotlight with their INO/Sony Music Label Group debut I Wish We All Could Win. The project spawned the swirling, melodic hit “Beautiful Love,” earning the band an enthusiastic following when the song was selected as the theme track for MTV’s “8th and Ocean.” “Beautiful Love” was also the most downloaded track of 2006 on the iTunes ® Inspirational charts and garnered the band an mtvU award. The Afters’ sophomore release Never Going Back To OK (INO/Columbia Records) debuted in the Top 50 on the Billboard Top 200, and proved to be a sensation on the silver screen with “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC), “Dr. Phil,” “Army Wives” (Lifetime) and “Rachael Ray.” The band’s third record Light Up the Sky bolstered two No. 1 radio hits, as well as placements on “The Biggest Loser” (NBC) and “You Deserve It” (ABC). A slew of media including Rolling Stone, Seventeen.com, E! News Live, TV Guide, Premiere Radio and more also picked up on covering The Afters. The band released its fourth studio album, Life Is Beautiful in April 2013 via Fair Trade and their fifth studio album, Live On Forever, is available now.

Get Connected With The Afters
Website: www.theafters.com
iTunes: http://www.smarturl.it/LOFAlbum-iTunes
Amazon Music: http://amzn.to/2cscq06

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Media Contact:
Kirsten Grenier
the media collective
kirsten@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com

Crowder To Appear On FOX & Friends Tomorrow As American Prodigal Drops Nationwide

2X GRAMMY® nominee's national headlining tour to kick-off this weekend

Nashville, Tenn. (September 22, 2016) - Coinciding with the release of American Prodigal, 2X GRAMMY® nominee Crowder will perform on FOX & Friends tomorrow, Sept. 23. Immediately following the release of the album and national performance, Crowder’s nationwide “American Prodigal Tour,” featuring Tedashii and The New Respects, will kick-off to over 20 markets from west coast to east coast September through November.

"I know what it means to have the divide spanned on my behalf. Grace works on us all just the same. Love works on us all just the same. Freedom works on us all just the same. There’s only one definitive line and that’s the one between death and life” shares Crowder. “These songs are about that divide spanned on our behalf and I pray they are subversive and healing in their insistence of that reality."

Called "a perfect collision of folk and progressive sounds" (ChurchMag) and "a new level that is unique to only Crowder" (NewReleaseToday), American Prodigal will serve as the awaited 14 track LP follow-up to Crowder's acclaimed Neon Steeple. The first single off of the newest project, “My Victory,” is currently Top 20 at AC Indicator, CHR and National Christian Audience Chart.

About Crowder:
Crowder has been embraced for his lyrically powerful and musically elaborate and unpredictable songs that have found themselves being sung everywhere from churches to clubs all across the country. Crowder’s first solo album, Neon Steeple, debuted at No. 8 on the Billboard 200, was named iTunes 2014 Christian Album of the Year, garnered multiple radio hits, two GRAMMY® nominations, a Grand Ole Opry debut, a Dove Award and multiple nods and numerous K-LOVE Fan Award Nominations. American Prodigal, the awaited follow-up album, will be available on Sept. 23. As an active member of the Passion movement founded by Louie Giglio, Crowder participates in the impactful university student gatherings in the U.S. and around the world. A published author, Crowder has also penned two books including his acclaimed release, "Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven, but Nobody Wants to Die."

About sixstepsrecords:
Founded in 2000 by Louie Giglio, sixstepsrecords is a worship label and a division of Passion Conferences. sixstepsrecords’ artists include Chris Tomlin (Never Lose Sight), Crowder (American Prodigal), Matt Redman (Unbroken Praise), Christy Nockels (Let It Be Jesus), Kristian Stanfill (Mountains Move) and Passion (Passion: Salvation’s Tide Is Rising). The label partners with Sparrow Records/Capitol Christian Music Group for A&R, marketing, sales and distribution operations. For more information on sixstepsrecords, visit: www.sixstepsrecords.com.

Get Connected with Crowder
Website // www.crowdermusic.com
Hashtag // #AmericanProdigal

# # #

Media Contact
Courtney Hyder
the media collective
courtney@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com
@themcollective