Tune In Alert: GRAMMY® Winner Mandisa On ABC's Good Morning America Tomorrow; Exclusive First Television Interview And Performance Of "Unfinished"

Out Of The Dark available May 19

Nashville, Tenn. (April 25, 2017) - ABC's Good Morning America will broadcast the exclusive first television interview with Mandisa alongside a performance of her new single "Unfinished" tomorrow, April 26. After spending much of the past few years struggling with depression, Mandisa, who has proven to be one of American Idol's most successful alums as a Top 5 Idol with the most No. 1s, is ready to talk about her journey with transparency and vulnerability ahead of the release of her newest album, Out Of The Dark, out May 19.

"Unfinished," the first single from the new record, is continuing to resonate at radio already landing in the Top 15 at AC Monitored, AC Indicator and National Christian Airplay and No. 21 at Hot AC.

Inspired by the recently released track "Prove Me Wrong," Mandisa is inviting fans to upload a photo and story of a loved one who is face to face with Jesus. The collection of images will build a memory board. To join the conversation, click here. The song is now available as an instant grat with a pre-order of Out Of The Dark. 

The preorder of Out Of The Dark is available at iTunes, alongside exclusive presale bundles. 

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About Mandisa
With more than 1 million records sold, GRAMMY® winner and and American Idol Season 5 finalist Mandisa is a voice of encouragement and truth to people facing life’s challenges all around the world. In less than a year, Mandisa performed her three hit singles "Overcomer," "Good Morning," and "Stronger" on the highest rated morning show, ABC’s Good Morning America (GMA.) Her performance of “Stronger” welcomed the emotional return of beloved morning host Robin Roberts. The NFL also welcomed Mandisa to perform the national anthem during a Sunday night NFL Network game to kick off Breast Cancer Awareness month where she was joined by members of the 49ers family who are survivors. Her album, Overcomer, released August 27, 2013 and debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Christian Albums Chart, with the album’s title track proving to be a smash at radio Mandisa was awarded a GRAMMY® for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album for her best-selling and critically acclaimed project Overcomer. Additionally, “Overcomer’s” songwriters (David Garcia, Ben Glover & Christopher Stevens) won the GRAMMY® for Best Contemporary Christian Music Song. Mandisa will unveil her fifth album Out Of The Dark on May 19, 2017.

Get Connected with Mandisa:
Website // www.mandisaofficial.com
Twitter // www.twitter.com/mandisaofficial
Instagram // www.instagram.com/mandisaofficial
Facebook // www.facebook.com/mandisaofficial

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

Rocketown Announces New Executive Director Kenny Alonzo As Organization Continues To Grow

Nashville, Tenn. (April 24, 2017) - Rocketown, a faith-based youth outreach facility located in the heart of downtown Nashville, has announced Kenny Alonzo as their new Executive Director. With two decades of experience in serving the Nashville community through non-profit organizations, Alonzo will join the tenured programs and services Rocketown continues to provide to the youth of Nashville.

"We are so very grateful and excited that Kenny Alonzo is joining the Rocketown team as our new Executive Director," shares Rocketown Founder and GRAMMY® winner Michael W. Smith. "Kenny’s love and passion for youth, in particular disadvantaged youth, and ministry is contagious. I fully believe that Rocketown’s best days are ahead and Kenny is the perfect leader to guide our staff and young people in the right direction”.  

Alonzo has served for the last twelve years with the YMCA of Middle Tennessee Association in various positions with the most recent being the Executive Director of their downtown location. He has over 20 years experience in the nonprofit industry holding positions in education, youth ministry, inner-city outreach, high school and college athletics, foundation work and the YMCA.

"Our Board set a high bar, seeking a proven CEO who is a minister at heart," adds Kent Wood, Rocketown Board Chair. "We found that person in Kenny Alonzo, and I couldn't be more excited to have him at the helm of Rocketown."

Rocketown is well-known for their youth ministry but also arts enrichment programs, sports leagues, Nashville’s only all ages music venue, and expansive skatepark. The youth-only recording studio, improv acting classes, and music and vocal lessons are free and open to students in 5-12 grade - year round.

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About Rocketown
Founded in 1994 by Contemporary Christian Music Artist Michael W. Smith, Rocketown is a faith-based youth outreach facility in the heart of Downtown Nashville, Tennessee. Their programs and services nurture the mind, body and spirit of each young person who comes through the doors. They engage youth through attraction-based facilities and programs, like the skatepark, live music and concert venues, Coffee & Snack Bar, and afterschool academic enrichment and creative arts programs. Once youth are engaged and have become part of the Rocketown community, staff introduce them to more Ministry-centered programs like the weekly Skate Church and Family Dinner gatherings.

Get Connected with Rocketown
Website // www.rocketown.com

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

Bethel Music's Starlight Garners Critic Support As Record Tops Billboard's Christian Albums Chart

Second Leg Of U.S. Headlining Dates Added

Nashville, Tenn. (April 21, 2017) – Called a "must have" by critics, Dove Award winning Bethel Music recently released album Starlight, the band's first full-length album recorded live on tour, has earned the No. 1 spot on Billboard's Top Christian Albums Chart. The acclaimed collective will begin the first trek of their "Worship Nights USA" Tour on April 18, with a second set of U.S. dates recently unveiled for the summer amidst worship nights throughout Europe. For the latest tour information, click here.

Featuring performances from the "Worship Nights Tour," the album spotlights an all-female worship team including Bethel Music collective artists Jenn Johnson, Steffany Gretzinger, Amanda Cook, Kristene DiMarco, Kalley Heiligenthal, Melissa Helser and Hannah McClure along with GRAMMY® award winning guest worship leader and songwriter Francesca Battistelli. Starlight follows in the footsteps of Bethel Music's acclaimed live record You Make Me Brave (2014), topping Billboard's Christian Albums and Digital Albums charts while hitting No. 10 on the Billboard 200.

Read what critics have to say about Starlight:

"... this is an important album and is full of tracks that you and your congregation will fall in love with." - Worship Musician

"Starlight is best described as a stellar worship offering with an empowering theme of the Lord's Kingship reigning in our hearts in song after song. The standout songs each feature an engaging and emotive musical style while phrasing biblical truth in a creative, corporate and also personal way, making it my top worship album of the year." - NewReleaseToday

"Starlight boasts contemplative melodies and anthemic lyrics, producing a worship experience that brings peace to the soul while fueling the dissatisfaction that points the soul to the eternal, Almighty God, who created, sustains, and passionately pursues us." - ChurchMag

"The latest collaborative release from Bethel Music shines brightly for several reasons, not the least of which is that it features an all-female line-up of worship leaders on a live recording filled with vertical songs that point to God’s presence, love and faithfulness." - CCM Magazine

"Musically, the use of strings and synthesizer-flourishes really stand out, and created a paradox of intimacy and vastness in the majority of the songs. Lyrically, there is a deep focus on the name and worthiness of Jesus, which is right where the focus should be. All told, we have a more-than-worthy addition to the Bethel Music canon and a few new songs with which to praise our very Holy God." - Jesus Freak Hideout

"Starlight has a strong message and I think it stays true to it. I loved each song individually. I put this album on repeat while I worked and found myself pausing to worship through the day to different songs. As a whole this album has a great flow. It is a must have album for contemporary worship lovers." - Hollywood Jesus

"Starlight’s thoughtful lyrics will inspire gratitude long after the music ends. Bethel Music’s stirring melodies draw listeners into the marvelous strength of God and invite them to consider Him as both powerful and personal, loyal and loving." - Today's Christian Entertainment

In addition, this Sept. 21-23 Bethel Music will host the annual Heaven Come Conference located in Los Angeles, CA. For more information on Bethel Music events and touring, visitbethelmusic.com/events.

Starlight Tracklisting
1. Starlight
2. There's No Other Name
3. Extravagant
4. Breathe
5. Take Courage
6. King of My Heart
7. God I Look to You
8. The War Is Over
9. I See the Light
10. Catch the Wind
11. Old for New
12. For the One
13. You Came
14. Extravagant (Acoustic Bonus Track)

About Bethel Music
Bethel Music is a worship ministry that formed as an organic extension of Bethel Church in Redding, CA. Over the last seven years, Bethel Music has grown from being a local church music ministry to becoming a global outreach featuring a cadre of songwriters and worship leaders, with both online and on-campus worship schools. The Bethel Music Artist Collective includes Brian and Jenn Johnson, Jeremy Riddle, Steffany Gretzinger, Amanda Cook, Jonathan David and Melissa Helser, Leeland, Matt Stinton, Hunter Thompson, Paul and Hannah McClure, Kalley Heiligenthal, Josh Baldwin, Cory Asbury and Kristene DiMarco. Together these artists have six acclaimed albums that all went to the top of Billboard’s Top Christian Albums chart, in addition to four GMA Dove Awards and a GMA Covenant Award. Bethel Music’s multi-artist double-disc live recording Have It All (2016) hit No. 1 on the overall iTunes Albums chart and No. 6 on Billboard's Top Albums chart, becoming Bethel Music’s highest retail debut on the charts ever. Starlight, Bethel Music's first full-length album recorded live on tour, is available now.

The heart of Bethel Music is to be a steward of the worship being created and released at Bethel Church, making it a resource available to the world. In addition to thousands of people that attend Bethel’s weekly worship services, another 350,000 plus people subscribe to the online stream of the services at www.ibethel.tv. WorshipU, Bethel Church's online school of worship, features ongoing training programs underneath seasoned instructors, with tracks including worship leader, songwriter, sound engineer, team essentials, producing a song and worship fundamentals, available at www.worshipu.com. More about Bethel Music can be found at www.bethelmusic.com.

Get Connected With Bethel Music
Website // www.bethelmusic.com
Facebook // www.facebook.com/bethelmusic
Twitter // www.twitter.com/bethelmusic
Instagram // www.instagram.com/bethelmusic
YouTube // www.youtube.com/ibethelmusic  

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

Chris Tomlin's First Annual Good Friday Nashville Makes History as Largest Ticketed Christian Concert in Bridgestone Arena History

Nearly 15,000 Unite to Celebrate Good Friday as Net Proceeds Benefit Tennessee Kids Belong

Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam and Lady Antebellum's Hillary Scott make Surprise Guest Appearances

Nashville, Tenn. (April 18, 2017) — GRAMMY® winner Chris Tomlin's first annual Good Friday Nashville event made history this past weekend with nearly 15,000 in attendance making it the largest ticketed Christian concert in Bridgestone Arena history. Held Friday, April 14, joining Tomlin were Big Daddy Weave, Zach Williams, best-selling author Max Lucado and surprise special guests Hillary Scott from Lady Antebellum singing her No. 1 hit "Thy Will," as well as Matt Maher and Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam. Good Friday Nashville is set to return with Bridgestone already on hold for the next seven years. 

Tomlin donated the net proceeds from Good Friday Nashville to Tennessee Kids Belong (TKB), the state chapter of national non-profit, America’s Kids Belong. Committed to uniting government, faith, business, non-profit and creative communities around the foster care system, TKB gives children in foster care a face and a voice through high quality videography and helps recruit and build support for foster families across the state.

TKB is a key partner in the TNFosters Campaign, which Governor Bill Haslam, First Lady Crissy Haslam, and the Department of Children’s Services launched on December 5, 2016. TNFosters is a statewide campaign that draws upon the AKB model of linking government, faith, non-profit, business and creative communities around a state’s foster care system. TNFosters campaign’s goals are to increase recruitment of foster and foster-to-adopt families, as well as involvement of churches statewide in this issue.

Photo left to right: Governor Bill Haslam, First Lady Crissy Haslam, Chris Tomlin, Kristin Allender (State Director for Tennessee Kids Belong), Laura Doherty (Director of Communications for America's Kids Belong)

"Good Friday Nashville was a night I will never forget," said Tomlin. "It's so powerful to see the church together in unity and know that the cross of Jesus is our common ground.  What an honor to shine a light on Tennessee Kids Belong and make a lasting, real impact in the lives of children in need of forever families in Tennessee.... it just doesn't get better than that!"

Good Friday Nashville fell in the midst of Tomlin's Worship Night In America Tour, featuring Big Daddy Weave, Phil Wickham, Zach Williams, Mosaic MSC and Jason Barton. With 23 stops this spring, the tour has already sold out in numerous markets including San Antonio, Tulsa, Omaha, Kansas City, Milwaukee and more. 

Good Friday Nashville was exclusively produced by Awakening Events, presented by K-LOVE, WAY-FM, The Fish and Air1. The Worship Night In America tour is exclusively produced by Awakening Events, presented by K-LOVE and Air1 and sponsored by Food for the Hungry.

About Chris Tomlin
Likely "the most often sung artist anywhere" according to TIME Magazine, Chris Tomlin is among the most influential artists in Christian music. Selling over 7.5 million albums and 10.7 million digital tracks, Tomlin has 15 No. 1 radio singles, a GRAMMY® Award, three Billboard Music Awards, two platinum and five gold albums to his name. Tomlin’s latest album Never Lose Sight and debut children’s book Good Good Father are available now.

Connect 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
Velvet Kelm
the media collective
velvet@themcollective.com
615-591-7989
www.themcollective.com

The Media Collective Welcomes Return Of Emily Kozacek To Team

Nashville, Tenn. (April 18, 2017) - The Media Collective has announced the hiring of Emily Kozacek in the role of publicist. With experience in the industry ranging from music publishing to artist management, Kozacek has been a part of assisting the careers of artists and writers Trent Dabbs and Sugar & The Hi-Lows, alongside her work with the artist collective Ten Out Of Tenn, consisting of 27 artists including Paper Route, Joy Williams, Matthew Perryman Jones and more. Kozacek served on The Media Collective team in 2015, assisting on projects such as The K-LOVE Fan Awards, Rend Collective and Full Circle Music.

“We loved having Emily here a couple of years ago, and are happy to welcome her back," shares Velvet Kelm, President and Founder of The Media Collective. "She has an infectious personality and work ethic that is inspiring and strengthens our team.” 

Kozacek began her new role at The Media Collective at the beginning of April, and can be reached at Emily@themcollective.com. 

 About The Media Collective: 

Helmed by 23-year public relations veteran Velvet Kelm, The Media Collective includes PR veterans and rising talent offering full service public relations services. Their clients diversely range from GRAMMY® acclaimed talent such as Amy Grant, Chris Tomlin, MercyMe, Skillet, TobyMac and Mandisa to authors like Rebekah Lyons and endeavors from celebrity photographer Jeremy Cowart, including The Purpose Hotel. Their work has been covered by The New York Times, USA Today, Good Morning America, FOX News, Christianity Today, NPR Weekend Edition, Focus on the Family, Billboard, Keep the Faith, Moody Broadcasting and more. For more information, visit www.themcollective.com.

GRAMMY® Nominee Britt Nicole's "Be The Change" Music Video Premieres on Huffington Post, Promoting Positive Message To Fans

Nashville, Tenn. (April 14, 2017) - GRAMMY® nominee Britt Nicole's latest music video, "Be The Change" premiered on Huffington Post yesterday. Having just wrapped up her time touring on Winter Jam 2017, with over 46 dates across the U.S. with shows averaging 8k-10k people a night, Nicole continues to connect with fans with the release of her new music video, "Be The Change."

Premiering on Huffington Post, the music video encourages fans in a positive way to make a difference within their own communities. Nicole has even encouraged fans to share their experiences on social media using the hashtags #BeTheChange and #MyBeTheChangeStory, staying true to the message of the song. 

"There are people all around us who need hope and love," says Nicole. "It's up to us to make the choice every day to wake up and see those people, and be the change in their life. I pray this song becomes an anthem for the world." 

With her last single, "Through Your Eyes," hitting No. 1 at Hot AC's radio for three weeks straight, Nicole's radio version of "Be The Change" is set to release to stations nationwide on April, 21.

About Britt Nicole
Identified as the “pop artist with a message,” Britt Nicole first debuted in 2007 with her inaugural studio album Say It, which quickly gained her fans in the faith-based space for her upbeat, positive music. The title track off her sophomore album The Lost Get Found spent eight weeks at No. 1 on the Christian Hot AC chart, soon followed in 2012 by her third studio album, Gold, which quickly crossed over into the Top 40 pop radio chart and scored Britt her first GRAMMY® nomination for Best Contemporary Christian Album. The album’s appeal made Britt the most-played female artist on Christian radio in 2012. The Nashville-based singer-songwriter also serves as the Creative Director for her exclusive merchandise line, many featuring fan favorite lyrics from her hit records. The GRAMMY® nominee's latest album, Britt Nicole, is available now.

Get Connected with Britt Nicole
http://www.brittnicole.com
https://www.facebook.com/brittnicole/
https://twitter.com/itsbrittnicole
https://www.instagram.com/itsbrittnicole/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/brittnicole
Hashtags - #BeTheChange, #MyBeTheChangeStory

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Media Contact
Emily Kozacek & Velvet Kelm
the media collective
emily@themcollective.com
velvet@themcollective.com
615.591.7989
www.themcollective.com

Full Circle Music Announces Signing of Swedish Based Connect Worship

Connect Worship Releases Lyric Video of "My King" in Response to Holy Week

Nashville, Tenn. (April 13, 2017) - Under the leadership of GRAMMY® winning producer, Seth Mosley, Full Circle Music announces its signing of Swedish based musical collective, Connect Worship. Boasting over 20 No. 1 singles, with credits including Bethel Music, Newsboys, Matt Hammitt, and Jeremy Camp, Full Circle Music is excited to join forces with the Connect Worship.

Coming from one of the world's most secular countries, Connect Worship was birthed out of pastors Anders and Camilla Olsson's vision for Connect Church, to bring the message of hope and salvation through song. In 2007, Connect Worship released its first album, Du Är Mitt Enda Hopp (You Are My Only Hope). In the years to follow, the group released two more albums, and they began to gain international attention. By the group's fourth release in 2015,You Lead Us Home, the album was charting on iTunes in Sweden.  

With a hope to reach the masses, Connect Worship continues to create music that transcends the borders of Sweden, including their latest single, released in both Swedish and English, "My King."

"We believe that what we sing and declare will happen," says Worship Pastor Daniela Imsen, "that songs from heaven reach beyond our words, deep into the hearts of people, into the depths where only God  himself can reach.”

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, FCM Records and Songs for FCM Publishing with Dove Award winning Matt Hammitt as their first songwriter, followed by the signing of Riley Friesen. Focusing on crafting music for the future, Mosley is the curator of the Full Circle Music Podcast which sits down with industry icons.
 

About Connect Worship
Founded by pastors Anders and Camilla Olsson, Connect Worship was birthed out of a vision for Sweden's Connect Church to build a strong, vibrant, worshipping church that could reach the city. The group released their first album, Du Är Mitt Enda Hopp (You Are My Only Hope), in 2007. After the release of two more projects, Connect Worship quickly began to gain international attention. By the group's fourth release in 2015, You Lead Us Home, the album was charting on iTunes in Sweden. With a hope to reach the masses, Connect Worship continues to create music that transcends the borders of Sweden, including their latest single, "My King," which was released in both Swedish and English. 
 

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

Get Connected With Connect Worship
http://www.connectworship.com
http://bit.ly/ConnectWorshipFB
https://www.instagram.com/connectworship/
https://twitter.com/ConnectWorship
http://bit.ly/ConnectWorshipYT

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Media Contact
the media collective
Velvet Kelm, Courtney Hyder & Emily Kozacek
velvet@themcollective.com
courtney@themcollective.com
emily@themcollective.com
615-591-7989
www.themcollective.com

MercyMe's LIFER Hits No. 10 on Billboard Top 200 and Tops Billboard Christian Chart

 "Even If" garners No. 1 at radio

Nashville, Tenn. (April 11, 2017) - MercyMe's LIFER earned debut placements across multiple charts, including No. 10 on the Billboard Top 200 and No. 1 on Billboard Christian Album Charts. Throughout the street week of the album, LIFER sat atop the iTunes Christian Chart, while hitting No. 2 on the overall iTunes and Amazon Music Charts. LIFER also pulled in No. 1s internationally, garnering the highest chart placement on the iTunes Christian & Gospel Albums Chart in India, Singapore, Switzerland, United Kingdom and Italy. The GRAMMY® nominees latest chart topper follows a string of top releases for the band, including 2014’s RIAA Gold Certified Welcome To The New.

Simultaneous to the success of the record, "Even If" has topped both the Billboard Christian AC Indicator and Soft AC Charts while landing in the top 5 at Billboard Christian AC Monitored and Christian Airplay Charts. The first single from the awaited project has kept the No. 1  spot on iTunes and the Nielsen Christian tracks chart since its release on Feb. 17. MercyMe appeared on FOX & Friends to perform their hit single the day after the album drop. 

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® is offering a new deluxe version of LIFER at all its 600+ stores nationwide and online at shop.crackerbarrel.com. Only sold at Cracker Barrel, this deluxe album – with three bonus tracks – includes: “A Little Hope,” “Sing” and “His Eye Is On The Sparrow.”

In April, the band will headline a national tour with fellow Fair Trade Artists, Hawk Nelson and Micah Tyler. “Summer Lights” will find MercyMe headlining a string of outdoor dates alongside Jeremy Camp and Natalie Grant. For the latest on all MercyMe tour dates, click here. 

LIFER is available at iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, Google Play, Cracker Barrel, LifeWay and more.

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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 more than 28 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, four radio hits and continues to be a top selling title. LIFER, their latest chart-topping album, is available now.

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

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

Skillet Earns Three Billboard Music Award Nominations

Nashville, Tenn. (April 10, 2017) - Multi-platinum selling band Skillet has garnered three nominations for the "2017 Billboard Music Awards," including nods for Top Christian Artist, Top Christian Album (Unleashed) and Top Christian Song ("Feel Invincible"). The honors add to their 2011 win and previous five nominations. The “2017 Billboard Music Awards” will broadcast LIVE from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, May 21 at 8:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. PT on ABC.

Skillet's Unleashed debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart, and was the third consecutive Skillet release to top the Christian Albums Chart. With over 18 million streams, the nominated song ("Feel Invincible") marked the first time the band has topped Billboard’s Top Christian Songs Chart. The song was also a hit in the sports world, having been used by the NFL's Monday Night Football, Major League Baseball (MLB), National Hockey League (NHL), WWE during their Battleground Pay-Per-View, TBS’ E-League, Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Sports Awards.

"We are so excited and amazed by the Skillet nominations for the Billboard Music Awards! WOW!" shares band frontman, John Cooper. "Such incredible talent is represented in the nominees and we are honored to be amongst great company. As always, we are so thankful to the fans for all the love and support."

The GRAMMY® nominated band recently wrapped three legs of their headlining "Unleashed Tour" with sold-out dates across the U.S. and Europe. Skillet will be joining KORN for the second half of their “The Serenity of Summer” tour this coming July and August. For the latest tour information, visit www.Skillet.com.

About Skillet:
Skillet has cemented its place as one of the 21st century’s most successful rock bands. Selling more than 11 million units worldwide, the Wisconsin quartet have received two GRAMMY® Award nominations and won a Billboard Music Award for the platinum-certified Awake. Their double-platinum single “Monster” is “the eighth most-streamed rock song of 2015” with a total of 86 million plays (and counting) on Spotify and would earn the distinction of becoming “the best-selling digital single in the history of Christian Music.” 2013’s Rise bowed at #4 on the Billboard Top 200 upon release and received resounding and eclectic acclaim from the likes of USA Today, New York Times, Revolver Loudwire, and more.

Website: www.skillet.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skillet/
Twitter & Instagram: @skilletmusic

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

Mandisa's Long-awaited Fifth Studio Album, Out Of The Dark, Now Available For Presale

"Unfinished" Already Soaring At Radio As Most Added Song At Christian Radio For Three Weeks

Nashville, Tenn. (April 10, 2017) − GRAMMY® award winning artist Mandisa's Out Of The Dark is now available for preorder with an instant download of the singles "I'm Still Here" and "Unfinished." The preorder of Out Of The Dark is available at iTunes, alongside the newly released exclusive presale bundles. Already soaring at radio, "Unfinished" is Christian radio's most added song for the past three weeks, and has hit Top 20 at AC Indicator and Top 15 at AC Monitored and National Christian Audience Charts.

After spending much of the past few years struggling with depression, Mandisa, who has proven to be one of American Idol's most successful alums as a Top 5 Idol with the most No. 1s, is ready to talk about her journey with transparency and vulnerability. ABC's Good Morning America will broadcast the exclusive first television interview and performance with Mandisa on April 26, her first in over three years.  

“My hope is that people will be on this journey with me,” explains Mandisa. “When I began, I was in a really dark place, but where I am today is so much better and so much lighter!”

Wrapping up her time as a part of fellow GRAMMY® winner TobyMac's "HITS DEEP Tour," Mandisa, alongside Matt Maher, Mac Powell from Third Day, Capital Kings, Ryan Stevenson, and Hollyn, finished the 30 arena tour across the nation on April 9 at Indianapolis' Bankers Life Fieldhouse. 

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About Mandisa
With more than 1 million records sold, GRAMMY® winner and American Idol Season 5 finalist Mandisa is a voice of encouragement and truth to people facing life's challenges all around the world. In less than a year, Mandisa performed her three hit singles "Overcomer," "Good Morning," and "Stronger" on the highest rated morning show, ABC's Good Morning America (GMA.) Her performance of "Stronger" welcomed the emotional return of beloved morning host Robin Roberts. The NFL also welcomed Mandisa to perform the national anthem during a Sunday night NFL Network game to kick off Breast Cancer Awareness month where she was joined by members of the 49ers family who are survivors. Her album, Overcomer, released August 27, 2013 and debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Christian Albums Chart, with the album's title track proving to be a smash at radio Mandisa was awarded a GRAMMY® for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album for her best-selling and critically acclaimed project Overcomer. Additionally, "Overcomer's" songwriters (David Garcia, Ben Glover & Christopher Stevens) won the GRAMMY® for Best Contemporary Christian Music Song. Mandisa will unveil her fifth album Out Of The Dark on May 19, 2017.

Get Connected with Mandisa:
Website // www.mandisaofficial.com
Twitter//www.twitter.com/mandisaofficial
Instagram//www.instagram.com/mandisaofficial
Facebook//www.facebook.com/mandisaofficial

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

Chris Tomlin’s Good Friday Event To Partner With And Donate Net Proceeds To Tennessee Kids Belong And Highlight Governor Haslam’s TNFosters Campaign

 

April 14 Event at Bridgestone Arena to unite families and churches across Tennessee to worship with Tomlin, Big Daddy Weave, Zach Williams and more with special message from best-selling author Max Lucado

Nashville, Tenn. (April 6, 2017) — GRAMMY® winner Chris Tomlin recently announced Good Friday Nashville, to be held at Bridgestone Arena Friday, April 14, which will unite families and churches all across Tennessee as Tomlin, Big Daddy Weave, Zach Williams and more lead in a time of worship while best-selling author Max Lucadoshares a special message. This event is produced by Awakening Events, presented by K-LOVE, Air1, WAY-FM and The Fish.

Now Tomlin has committed to partner with and donate the net proceeds from Good Friday Nashville to Tennessee Kids Belong (TKB), the state chapter of national non-profit, America’s Kids Belong. Committed to uniting government, faith, business, non-profit and creative communities around the foster care system, TKB gives children in foster care a face and a voice through high quality videography and helps recruit and build support for foster families across the state.

TKB is a key partner in the TNFosters Campaign, which Governor Bill Haslam, First Lady Crissy Haslam, and the Department of Children’s Services launched on December 5, 2016. TNFosters is a statewide campaign that draws upon the AKB model of linking government, faith, non-profit, business and creative communities around a state’s foster care system. TNFosters campaign’s goals are to increase recruitment of foster and foster-to-adopt families, as well as involvement of churches statewide in this issue.

“Worship is a great unifying source in the church body,” said Tomlin. “When I heard about TKB, I knew that Good Friday Nashville was the perfect opportunity for the community to support their mission and stand in the gap for our children in the foster care system. The event will be an amazing time for the church to worship together, to unify and make a lasting and positive impact in the lives of our children in need in Tennessee.”

“The faith-based community is perfectly positioned to make a difference in the lives of children in foster care, and TNFosters is bringing this community to the table to help recruit more foster parents and help provide a safe, supportive environment for these children,” Haslam said.

Good Friday Nashville falls in the midst of Tomlin's Worship Night In America tour, featuring Big Daddy Weave, Phil Wickham, Zach Williams, Mosaic MSC and Jason Barton, making 23 stops in arenas across the country this spring.

Good Friday Nashville is exclusively produced by Awakening Events, presented by K-LOVE, Air1, WAY-FM and The Fish.

Tickets for Good Friday Nashville are available now. For additional information visit http://www.GoodFridayNashville.com.
 

About Chris Tomlin
Likely "the most often sung artist anywhere" according to TIME Magazine, Chris Tomlin is among the most influential artists in Christian music. Selling 7.5 million albums and over 10.7 million digital tracks, Tomlin has 15 No. 1 radio singles, a GRAMMY® Award, three Billboard Music Awards, two platinum and five gold albums to his name. Tomlin’s latest album Never Lose Sight and debut children’s book Good Good Father are available now.

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

Chris Tomlin Contact:
Velvet Kelm
the media collective
velvet@themcollective.com
615-591-7989
www.themcollective.com
 

About Tennessee Kids Belong:
Tennessee Kids Belong is the State Chapter of America’s Kids Belong, a 501(c)3 committed to uniting government, faith, business, non-profit and creative communities around the foster care system, and to give children in foster care a face and a voice. A few of their signature programs include The I Belong Project, Wrap Around, Dream Makers™, and helping coordinate and run statewide campaigns alongside the government. America’s Kids Belong was founded in 2015 and is currently operating in six states.

For more information about Tennessee Kids Belong, visit AmericasKidsBelong.org/Tennessee and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Contact for TKB:
Laura Doherty
Director of Communications
America’s Kids Belong
LDoherty@amkidsbelong.org
207.318.4981

For more information about TNFosters, and how you can get involved, visit TNFosters.gov.
 

About Awakening Events:
Awakening Events produces over 175 Contemporary Christian concerts and events nationwide in America and is consistently ranked in Pollstar's "Worldwide - Top 50 Promoter" list each year, reaching as high as 14th in North America, and top 20 in the world. For more info visit: www.AwakeningEvents.com    

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Colton Dixon's Third Studio Album Identity Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard Christian Albums Chart

"All That Matters" continues to climb at radio, hitting No. 4 on Hot AC

Dixon talks new music with AOL Build, FOX, Marvel, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Lifezette and more

Nashville, Tenn. (April 3, 2017) - Named “ambitious, vibrant and hopeful” by Christian Today, Colton Dixon’s third studio album Identity continues to resonate among listeners,topping the Billboard Christian Albums chart this week. Making an impact at radio,“ All That Matters,” Dixon’s lead single from Identity continues to climb the charts, reaching the No. 4 spot on the Hot AC chart while hitting the Top 15 on the National Audience chart.

Ongoing excitement surrounds the release, as Dixon recently spoke with PEOPLE Magazine,Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Digital Journal and Lifezette to discuss the album, along withAOL Build, The Huffington Post, FOX News, Marvel and more while visiting New York City. “Everyone should stop right now and listen to “American Idol” alum Colton Dixon’s new album Identity,” shares LifeZette.

AOL Build

Marvel Entertainment

FOX News

Wrapping up performances on the “Winter Jam Tour Spectacular” this week, Dixon toured alongside Crowder, Britt Nicole, Tenth Avenue North, Andy Mineo, New Song and more in 46 markets across the U.S. For more information on Colton Dixon's events and tour dates, visitwww.coltondixon.com/tour.

About Colton Dixon
Colton Dixon quickly became a household name in 2012 when he made it to the top seven on Season 11 of Fox's hit show AMERICAN IDOL, and his career has been on the fast track ever since. Dixon's 2013 debut, A Messenger, set the record for biggest first-week sales by a new solo Christian act, becoming the No. 1 selling album by a new Christian artist. In just a few short years, Dixon has already played live for more than 1 million fans, performing at festivals like Winter Jam and touring with acts such as Third Day, TobyMac and Britt Nicole. Dixon has also been named a Steinway & Sons artist, following in the footsteps of legendary artists such as Harry Connick, Jr. and Billy Joel. Dixon's sophomore effort ANCHOR includes the most played Hot AC single of 2014, “More Of You," which spent three weeks at No. 1, as well as "Through All of It," his fourth consecutive No. 1 at Hot AC Radio. In 2013, Dixon won a Dove Award for Best Rock/Contemporary Album Of The Year, along with two additional nominations. In 2015, ANCHOR was honored with the Dove Award for Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year. Dixon received back-to-back K-LOVE Fan Award nominations for Male Artist of the Year in 2014 and 2015. Dixon's third studio album Identity is available now.


Connect With Colton Dixon
www.coltondixon.com
twitter.com/coltondixon
facebook.com/coltondixonmusic
instagram.com/coltondixonmusic

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

MercyMe’s LIFER Available Today

Multi-Platinum selling band to perform LIVE on FOX & Friends tomorrow

Nashville, Tenn. (Mar. 31, 2017) - Multi-platinum selling MercyMe returns withLIFER, available worldwide today. MercyMe performed an album release show at New York City’s iconic The Town Hall last night where Fair Trade Services surprised the band with plaques honoring"Greater" receiving Gold certification in digital download sales and an additional plaque for their latest single, "Even If," hitting number one on the Christian singles track chart. Following the American Music Award winners live performance on SIRIUS XM The Message, New York will also find the GRAMMY® nominated band stopping by Facebook HQ, Billboard and FaithWire before performing on FOX & Friends on Saturday morning, April 1. While making stops in Nashville earlier this week, MercyMe joined radio host Chris Brown of Dave Ramsey Solutions, Keep The Faith, Way FM and The Fish, capping the night with a special event held in Downtown Nashville.

From Left to Right: Chris Brown, Dave Ramsey and Bart Millard and Robby Shaffer of MercyMe. MercyMe with members of Fair Trade Services and Brickhouse Entertainment celebrating their Gold Certified Single "Greater" after a show at New York City's The Town Hall Theater. MercyMe rehearsing for a celebration of LIFER in downtown Nashville.

“Even If,” the first single from LIFER and the most added of the band’s 23 year career, is continuing to soar, already climbing into the top 10 at Billboard Christian Radio charts. CBNshared the story behind the deeply personal track. Critics are applauding LIFER, the band’s follow-up of the RIAA Certified Gold Welcome To The New (2014). The single is currently No. 1 on the iTunes Christian and Gospel Top Songs Chart.

“(LIFER) is a diverse pop album finely tuned to modern favorites with some more traditional MercyMe-like tracks sprinkled throughout.” - CCM Magazine

“An album for the now.” - Hallels

"The sound is full of fun beats, lots of energy, and the profound lyrics we have come to expect from [MercyMe]…it has this amazing power to force the listener to get up and dance. It really is a fantastic album, it may be my favorite one yet." - Hollywood Jesus

“… one of the best CCM albums of the year.” - Jesus Freak Hideout

“An album of creativity and sonic development.” - New Release Today

“Not surprising, MercyMe continues to make meaningful contributions to the CCM community with the sounds and messages found on LIFER.” - The Christian Beat

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® is offering a new deluxe version of LIFER at all its 600+ stores nationwide and online at shop.crackerbarrel.com. Only sold at Cracker Barrel, this deluxe album – with three bonus tracks – includes: “A Little Hope,” “Sing” and “His Eye Is On The Sparrow.”

In April, the band will headline a national tour with fellow Fair Trade Artists, Hawk Nelson and Micah Tyler. The band will visit markets like Los Angeles, Seattle, Phoenix and more throughout the spring. “Summer Lights” will find MercyMe headlining a string of outdoor dates alongside Jeremy Camp, Natalie Grant, Meredith Andrews and Jimi Cravity. For the latest on all MercyMe tour dates, click here. 

LIFER is available at iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, Google Play, Cracker Barrel, LifeWay and more.

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, four radio hits and continues to be a top selling title.LIFER, their latest, is available now.

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

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

GRAMMY WINNING HILLARY SCOTT & THE SCOTT FAMILY FIND COMFORT IN FAITH WITH NEW SINGLE “STILL”

Critics Continue To Applaud  Their "Powerful" Album LOVE REMAINS

Nashville, Tenn. (Mar. 31, 2017) - Following two GRAMMY trophies for their chart-topping "Thy Will” and faith-based LOVE REMAINS, which debuted at No. One on Billboard's Top Christian Album chart, Hillary Scott & The Scott Family deliver the illuminating follow-up “Still." Available at Christian radio now, the uplifting track rests in the reassurance that God is attentive to our hardships.

"When our family first heard this song, the citing of Psalm 46 immediately struck a chord with us," said Hillary Scott. "It shares that universal feeling everyone feels at times when we're grasping for direction to immediately try and make things better. Sometimes you have to take a step back and this song is a simple reminder that a high power is always in control.”

Watch the visual lyric video for “Still,” below:

Hillary alongside mother Linda Davis, father Lang Scott and younger sister Rylee Scott, the family's “message has clearly resonated” (Associated Press) with the 13-track collection.

“It’s striking — a collection of hymns and contemporary Christian music delivered with extreme polish." - New York Times

"The album is a fusion of styles, from traditional Christian hymns, to contemporary Christian, pop, even rock...definitely bridge the old and the new" - Billboard

"Powerful cross-over album for Hillary Scott that showcases her faith beautifully ... a powerful, inspiring work of musical art." - NewReleaseToday

The “tenderhearted family collaboration” (People) behind LOVE REMAINS is the mix of the rich, entwined voices of the Scotts, on "new co-writes, lesser-known oldies and time-honored gospel staples" (Rolling Stone). The faith-based album was produced by Ricky Skaggs and is a collection of messages that find the redemption in struggle, the peace in death and the joy in bonding with family members whenever times are tough. LOVE REMAINS follows more than 18 million album sales worldwide for Hillary Scott as one-third of the one of the world's most popular groups, Lady Antebellum. The multi-PLATINUM trio continue to rise on the Country radio charts with the lead single "You Look Good" off their forthcoming sixth studio album HEART BREAK (Capitol Nashville), available June 9. For more information on new music, a full list of upcoming tour dates and more, visit www.hillaryscott.com. Check out Hillary's official “Still” playlist on Spotify here:  http://strm.to/STILL.
 

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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
@themcollective

Tyne Parrish
The GreenRoom
(615) 714-1914
tyne@thegreenroompr.com

Micah Tyler Scores First No. 1 Single With "Never Been A Moment"

Nashville, Tenn. (March 30, 2017) - Micah Tyler's "Never Been A Moment" has effectively become the most listened to song on Christian radio this past week, spending two weeks atop the Billboard AC Indicator and hitting No. 1 on the Mediabase Christian Audience chart earlier this week. In addition to the No. 1 chart placement, the single continues to make waves at radio, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard National Christian Audience chart and No. 3 on the Billboard AC Monitored chart.

Watch the music video for "Never Been A Moment," below:

As a thank you to fans who have supported the success of the debut, "Never Been A Moment" is now only $0.69 for a limited time. The single is available for purchase at the discounted rate oniTunes and Amazon Music.

Throughout the months of April and May, Tyler will join headliner MercyMe and Hawk Nelson on the "Lifer Tour," traveling to 12 markets across the U.S. This fall, Tyler will also join Big Daddy Weave as a guest artist on their "Set Free Tour," running from August to November.

For more information on Micah Tyler's upcoming events and tour dates, visitwww.micahtyler.com/tour.



About Micah Tyler
Recent Fair Trade Services signee Micah Tyler is a singer/songwriter and worship leader from Buna, TX. Playing 150+ dates annually, Tyler performs at churches, camps, concert venues and more and was named "National Male Vocalist of the Year" by the Gospel Music Association at the Immerse Conference in 2012. In October of 2013, Tyler released his first full length solo record, The Story I Tell, which debuted at No. 3 on the iTunes Christian/Gospel charts. Tyler has shared the stage with national touring acts such as Building 429, Mikeschair, Shane & Shane, Phillips, Craig, & Dean, Sanctus Real and Phil Wickham. Having served in staff ministry for almost a decade, Tyler has a true love and respect for the local church but has a passion to reach the unchurched as well with his Gospel-centered "Southern Soul" music style. His song "Directions" recently appeared on God's Not Dead 2 soundtrack.

Get Connected With Micah Tyler
Website // www.micahtyler.com
Facebook // www.facebook.com/officialmicahtyler
Twitter // www.twitter.com/micahtylermusic
Instagram // www.instagram.com/micahtylermusic
YouTube // www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJGdiklilYCzNSFUMtxyyQ
Spotify // http://smarturl.it/MicahSpotify
 

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Media Contact
Courtney Hyder & Brooke Huppenthal
themcollective
courtney@themcollective.com
brooke@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com

Passion’s Worthy Of Your Name Available In-Store After Chart-Topping Digital Debut

Nashville, Tenn. (March 24, 2017) – Passion’s latest album Worthy Of Your Name isnow available to listeners in-store, following its digital debut which hit No. 1 on Billboard's Top Christian Albums chart Feb. 17. Worthy Of Your Name was recorded live during Passion 2017 at Atlanta's Georgia Dome. The 13-track release features worship from the annual conference led by Passion's Kristian Stanfill, Brett Younker and Melodie Malone, along with Chris Tomlin, Crowder, Matt Redman, Christy Nockels and Hillsong UNITED. "Glorious Day” has just begun impacting radio as the first single from Worthy Of Your Name. Debuting last week on the Christian Airplay Chart, Seattle, Atlanta, Chicago and Austin are among some of the first markets to get on board.

Read what critics have to say about Worthy Of Your Name:

“…with albums as good as this, not only is it hard to find a weak spot or a let down, it’s also hard to separate the music from the worship experienced while listening. Given that, this is a great album, prompting focus, worship, and heartfelt praise.” – Church Mag

“Most of your favorite Passion Conference worship leaders are back with another big, bright outpouring of already or soon-to-be worship standards from this year’s final conference at the old Georgia Dome.” – Worship Leader

“When you’ve got the likes of Crowder, Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, and even a sit-in guest such as Hillsong UNITED, you expect the name of Christ to be sung and proclaimed to deafening levels. Emotional, passionate, reverent, and heart-felt are words best described by the contents on this edition” – CCM Magazine

“Worthy Of Your Name is a solid worship album that celebrates freedom in Christ and captures the faith-filled atmosphere of the live Passion conference while turning listeners' hearts to God.” – Today’s Christian Entertainment

“These are songs that remind us of the cross. They are songs that keep Jesus at the centre. They are songs that musically are of a very high quality, well mixed so that you can hear the crowd singing too, and they are songs that as you listen to them will fill you with joy and make you want to sing.” – All 4 God

Currently traveling on the 9th annual Rock & Worship Roadshow, the co-headliners will hit 23 markets across the U.S. on the tour, including Phoenix, Houston, Dallas and more. Among dates on the tour, Passion will team up with host Christine Caine on A21 and Propel Women's Night of Ministry, leading worship during the events. Pre-sale tickets for Night of Ministry areavailable for purchase today, officially going on sale Monday.

For more information on Passion events, visit 268generation.com/passiontours.


Rock & Worship Roadshow Tour
March 24 - United Supermarkets Arena - Lubbock, TX
March 25 - BBVA Compass Stadium - Houston, TX
March 26 - American Airlines Center - Dallas, TX
March 31 - Bankers Life Fieldhouse - Indianapolis, IN
April 1 - John Paul Jones Arena - Charlottesville, VA

Night of Ministry with Christine Caine and Passion
May 18 - Amplify Church - Pittsburgh, PA
May 19 - Christian Life Center - Dayton, OH
May 20 - Valley Family Church - Kalamazoo, MI
June 21 - WSFirst - Winston-Salem, NC
June 22 - Higher Ground Baptist Church - Kingsport, TN
June 23 - Quest Community Church - Lexington, KY

 

WORTHY OF YOUR NAME
1. Glorious Day (feat. Kristian Stanfill)
2. Worthy Of Your Name (feat. Sean Curran)
3. How Great Is Your Love (feat. Kristian Stanfill)
4. Build My Life (feat. Brett Younker)
5. Holy Ground (feat. Melodie Malone)
6. Heart Abandoned (feat. Kristian Stanfill)
7. Forgiven (feat. Crowder)
8. This Changes Everything (feat. Matt Redman)
9. This We Know (feat. Kristian Stanfill)
10. Rule (feat. Hillsong UNITED and Crowder)
11. God Of Calvary (feat. Chris Tomlin)
12. Worthy Of Your Name (feat. Sean Curran) (Studio)
13. This We Know (feat. Kristian Stanfill) (Studio)

About Passion
From its start in 1995, Passion has been rooted in the confession of Isaiah 26:8 – Yes Lord, walking in the way of Your truth we wait eagerly for You, for Your name and Your renown are the desire of our hearts - existing to glorify God by uniting students in worship, prayer and justice for spiritual awakening in this generation. Passion has encountered millions of students and 18-25 year olds, young people whose lives have been transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. One of the most impactful and stirring aspects of the movement has been the sea of voices uniting together to lift up the name of Jesus, currently helmed by Kristian Stanfill, Brett Younker and Melodie Malone. The band has seen worship leaders such as Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, Crowder, Christy Nockels and more unite over the years, writing, recording and leading arenas in worship. Transcending the conferences, songs from Passion have become some of the most recognizable and unforgettable worship anthems of this generation. With more than 1.8 million units sold and a multitude of chart-topping singles such as “How Great Is Our God,” “God Of This City,” “One Thing Remains,” “Even So Come,” and “10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord),” listeners across the world continue to be impacted by the music of Passion. Delivering new projects annually, songs from records such as Here For You, White Flag, Let The Future Begin, Take It All, Even So Come and Salvation’s Tide Is Rising have become timeless staples in the Church. Their newest offering, Worthy Of Your Name, is available now. The four-time Dove Award winners have had eight albums debut at No. 1 on Billboard’s Christian Albums Chart with two hitting the Top 5 on the Billboard 200. Through it all, Jesus continues to remain at the center. Passion is more than music. More than events. Passion is a generation living for His name. 

Get Connected With Passion
268generation.com
twitter.com/passionmusic
facebook.com/passion268music
instagram.com/passionmusic

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

Colton Dixon Releases Identity, "An Album You Won't Want To Miss," Available Now

Single "All That Matters" soars at radio, climbing charts to Top 5 at Hot AC and Top 15 on National Christian Audience chart

Dixon talks new album with FOX News, The Eric Metaxas Show, PEOPLE, Billboard, CCM Magazine and more

Nashville, Tenn. (March 24, 2017) — Colton Dixon's third studio album Identity isavailable now. Varying stylistically from past efforts, the new release embraces a fusion of pop elements with Dixon's traditional alternative-rock sound. The deluxe version of the record features 17 tracks and is divided into three sonically unique sections - mind, body and spirit, each with its own instrumental interlude.

"I've had more fun working on Identity than any other record," Dixon said. "I've tried a lot of new things on this album, and I'm pumped for you all to finally hear it. I'm so excited for you to travel through the mind, body and spirit with me as you listen."

Critics are welcoming the new sound, calling Identity "an album you won't want to miss" (The Christian Beat), praising its "contagious" tracks (CCM Magazine) while noting there's "a lot to love about this record" (JesusFreakHideout). 

The album's debut single "All That Matters" is quickly climbing radio charts, hitting the top 5 at Hot AC and the Top 15 on the National Christian Audience chart. Billboard exclusively premiered the song earlier this year, while PEOPLE Magazine debuted its official music video. 

Also featured on Identity is "The Other Side," a song inspired by Dixon's wife Annie losing her younger brother a few years back and her family's strength during that time. Watch the recently-released lyric video for the track here.

To learn more about Identity, check out features from FOX News, The Eric Metaxas Show and Christian Today. Dixon will also appear on the cover of CCM Magazine in its upcoming April 1 issue.

With a busy start to 2017, Dixon has performed in packed arenas across the country on Winter Jam Tour alongside Crowder, Britt Nicole and more. The tour wraps April 2 in Tulsa, OK.

Identity is available now.

About Colton Dixon
Colton Dixon quickly became a household name in 2012 when he made it to the top seven on Season 11 of Fox's hit show AMERICAN IDOL, and his career has been on the fast track ever since. Dixon's 2013 debut, A Messenger, set the record for biggest first-week sales by a new solo Christian act, becoming the No. 1 selling album by a new Christian artist. In just a few short years, Dixon has already played live for more than 1 million fans, performing at festivals like Winter Jam and touring with acts such as Third Day, TobyMac and Britt Nicole. Dixon has also been named a Steinway & Sons artist, following in the footsteps of legendary artists such as Harry Connick, Jr. and Billy Joel. Dixon's sophomore effort ANCHOR includes the most played Hot AC single of 2014, “More Of You," which spent three weeks at No. 1, as well as "Through All of It," his fourth consecutive No. 1 at Hot AC Radio. In 2013, Dixon won a Dove Award for Best Rock/Contemporary Album Of The Year, along with two additional nominations. In 2015, ANCHOR was honored with the Dove Award for Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year. Dixon received back-to-back K-LOVE Fan Award nominations for Male Artist of the Year in 2014 and 2015. Dixon's third studio album Identity is available now.


Connect With Colton Dixon
www.coltondixon.com
twitter.com/coltondixon
facebook.com/coltondixonmusic
instagram.com/coltondixonmusic

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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

Bethel Music Announces Starlight, Their First Full-Length Album Recorded Live On Tour, To Debut April 7

Songs recorded live from the "Worship Nights Tour"

Featuring GRAMMY® winning guest worship leader and songwriter Francesca Battistelli

Nashville, Tenn. (March 22, 2017) – Dove Award winning Bethel Music announces their highly anticipated album Starlight, debuting on April 7. Bethel Music’s first full-length album recorded live on tour, including performances from each of the cities on the “Worship Nights Tour,” features songs on the album led by Bethel Music's Jenn Johnson, Steffany Gretzinger, Amanda Cook, Kristene DiMarco, Kalley Heiligenthal, Melissa Helser and Hannah McClure along with GRAMMY® award winning guest worship leader and songwriter Francesca Battistelli. Starlight follows in the footsteps of Bethel Music's acclaimed live recordYou Make Me Brave (2014), topping Billboard's Christian Albums and Digital Albums charts while hitting No. 10 on the Billboard 200.

Now available for pre-order, Starlight is anchored in the message that our lives, our world, and all eternity are held together in Jesus. Instant grat tracks accompanying the pre-order include the title track "Starlight" by Amanda Cook, "Take Courage" by Kristene DiMarco and "King of My Heart" by Steffany Gretzinger.

For more information on the album, visit www.bethelmusic.com.


Starlight Tracklisting
1. Starlight
2. There's No Other Name
3. Extravagant
4. Breathe
5. Take Courage
6. King of My Heart
7. God I Look to You
8. The War Is Over
9. I See the Light
10. Catch the Wind
11. Old for New
12. For the One
13. You Came
14. Extravagant (Acoustic Bonus Track)


About Bethel Music
Bethel Music is a worship ministry that formed as an organic extension of Bethel Church in Redding, CA. Over the last seven years, Bethel Music has grown from being a local church music ministry to becoming a global outreach featuring a cadre of songwriters and worship leaders, with both online and on-campus worship schools. The Bethel Music Artist Collective includes Brian and Jenn Johnson, Jeremy Riddle, Steffany Gretzinger, Amanda Cook,Jonathan David and Melissa Helser, Leeland, Hunter Thompson, Paul and Hannah McClure, Kalley Heiligenthal, Josh Baldwin, Cory Asbury and Kristene DiMarco. Together these artists have six acclaimed albums that all went to the top of Billboard’s Top Christian Albums chart, in addition to four GMA Dove Awards and a GMA Covenant Award. Bethel Music’s multi-artist double-disc live recording Have It All (2016) hit No. 1 on the overall iTunes Albums chart and No. 6 on Billboard's Top Albums chart, becoming Bethel Music’s highest retail debut on the charts ever. Starlight, Bethel Music's first full-length album recorded live on tour, is available April 7.

The heart of Bethel Music is to be a steward of the worship being created and released at Bethel Church, making it a resource available to the world. In addition to thousands of people that attend Bethel’s weekly worship services, another 350,000 plus people subscribe to the online stream of the services at www.ibethel.tv. WorshipU, Bethel Church's online school of worship, features ongoing training programs underneath seasoned instructors, with tracks including worship leader, songwriter, sound engineer, team essentials, producing a song and worship fundamentals, available at www.worshipu.com. More about Bethel Music can be found at www.bethelmusic.com.

Get Connected With Bethel Music
Website // www.bethelmusic.com
Facebook // www.facebook.com/bethelmusic
Twitter // www.twitter.com/bethelmusic
Instagram // www.instagram.com/bethelmusic
YouTube // www.youtube.com/ibethelmusic  
 

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Media Collective
Velvet Kelm & Brooke Huppenthal
the media collective
velvet@themcollective.com
brooke@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com

Mandisa Returns With Out Of The Dark On May 19

All new album marks first since
2013’s GRAMMY® Winning Overcomer

First single “Unfinished” hits radio today

ABC's Good Morning America to broadcast exclusive first  television interview and performance on April 26

(Photo: Michael Gomez)

Nashville, Tenn. (March 17, 2017) - GRAMMY® winner Mandisa’s awaited fifth album, Out Of The Dark (Capitol CMG), will arrive on May 19, her first in four years. With 1 million+ records sold, Mandisa is back with a renewed passion for her music, after spending much of the past few years suffering from depression. She is emerging from the pit of depression with a willingness to be totally transparent and vulnerable about her journey. ABC's Good Morning America will broadcast the exclusive first television interview and performance with Mandisa on April 26, her first in over three years.

“My hope is that people will be on this journey with me,” explains Mandisa. “When I began, I was in a really dark place, but where I am today is so much better and so much lighter!”

The first single, “Unfinished,” lands at radio today following Mandisa's No. 1 hits "Overcomer" and "Stronger." In the initial track, she sings, “Not scared to say it; I used to be the one; Preaching it to you; That you could overcome; I still believe it; But it ain’t easy; Cause that world I painted; Where things just all work out; It started changing; And I started having doubts; And it got me so down.”

Mandisa has been traversing 30 arenas across U.S. as part of fellow GRAMMY® winner TobyMac’s “HITS DEEP Tour” alongside Matt Maher, Mac Powell from Third Day, Capital Kings, Ryan Stevenson and Hollyn. The tour will wrap on April 9 at Indianapolis’ Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

Out Of The Dark will be available for pre-order on April 7.

# # #

About Mandisa
With more than 1 million records sold, GRAMMY® winner and and American Idol Season 5 finalist Mandisa is a voice of encouragement and truth to people facing life’s challenges all around the world. In less than a year, Mandisa performed her three hit singles "Overcomer," "Good Morning," and "Stronger" on the highest rated morning show, ABC’s Good Morning America (GMA.) Her performance of “Stronger” welcomed the emotional return of beloved morning host Robin Roberts. The NFL also welcomed Mandisa to perform the national anthem during a Sunday night NFL Network game to kick off Breast Cancer Awareness month where she was joined by members of the 49ers family who are survivors. Her album, Overcomer, released August 27, 2013 and debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Christian Albums Chart, with the album’s title track proving to be a smash at radio Mandisa was awarded a GRAMMY® for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album for her best-selling and critically acclaimed projectOvercomer. Additionally, “Overcomer’s” songwriters (David Garcia, Ben Glover & Christopher Stevens) won the GRAMMY® for Best Contemporary Christian Music Song. Mandisa will unveil her fifth album Out Of The Dark on May 19, 2017.

Get Connected with Mandisa:
Website // www.mandisaofficial.com
Twitter // www.twitter.com/mandisaofficial
Instagram // www.instagram.com/mandisaofficial
Facebook // www.facebook.com/mandisaofficial

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

Comedy Central Host Chris Hardwick's Nerdist.com Exclusively Premieres Skillet's "Back From The Dead" Music Video

Nashville, Tenn. (March 14, 2017) - Nerdist.com exclusively premieres Skillet'spost-apocalyptic, zombie themed music video for "Back From The Dead," featuring the band's waged war against the "rock n' roll" walkers." Nerdist.com founder, Chris Hardwick, is the host of Comedy Central’s Emmy Award-winning nightly comedy game show @midnight with Chris Hardwick, along with AMC’s Talking Dead, a live television aftershow featuring commentary surrounding The Walking Dead and Fear the Walking Dead.

Sharing the concept behind the video, Skillet's John Cooper reveals to Nerdist.com, "I write in metaphor quite a lot. The idea that there are people out there that want to chase me down and steal away my hope, try to drag me down, try to make me as miserable as they are: that felt a little bit like zombies to me. That thought led to many lyrics in the song."

Cooper continues, "Skillet has been told throughout our years that we could be more successful if we strayed away from our Christian message, stop playing Christian shows, festivals. We have had to stand up for our beliefs and not compromise in the face of those challenges. This song is about not giving up that fight."

From Skillet's chart-topping album UNLEASHED (2016), "Back From The Dead" is making waves at radio, currently residing in the Top 20 on the Active Rock Building, Active Rock Rolling and Active Rock Published charts.

Photo credit: Shannon Bingaman

About Skillet:
Skillet has cemented its place as one of the 21st century’s most successful rock bands. Selling more than 11 million units worldwide, the Wisconsin quartet have received two GRAMMY® Award nominations and won a Billboard Music Award for the platinum-certified Awake. Their double-platinum single “Monster” is “the eighth most-streamed rock song of 2015” with a total of 57 million plays (and counting) on Spotify and would earn the distinction of becoming “the best-selling digital single in the history of Christian Music.” 2013’s Rise bowed at #4 on the Billboard Top 200 upon release and received resounding and eclectic acclaim from the likes of USA Today, New York Times, Revolver Loudwire, and more.

Website:      www.skillet.com
Facebook:    https://www.facebook.com/skillet/
Twitter:        @skilletmusic

About Nerdist.com:
Nerdist.com is the heart of Chris Hardwick’s (host of Comedy Central’s Emmy Award-winning nightly comedy game show @midnight with Chris Hardwick, AMC’s Talking Dead, and voice as “Craig” in the Nickelodeon animated comedy series Sanjay and Craig) digital media empire.  With daily news, videos and reviews of the latest games, movies and comics, Nerdist’s team explores the nerd fabric of today’s pop-culture landscape.


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