We’re super excited to get to share brand new music with you today from MercyMe! Their new album, “The Hurt & The Healer” doesn’t release until next Tuesday 5/22, but for TODAY ONLY, you can stream the entire thing right here. Take a listen below, and let us know what you think!
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Want to win a copy of the new album? Post a comment telling us what your favorite track is, and you’ll be entered to win!
Pre-buy the record now at your favorite store below for unique bonus opportunities on each!
After three decades together, iconic alternative rock band The Choir releases their 14th studio album, “The Loudest Sound Ever Heard,” today! As one of the few bands left standing from the 1980’s SoCal music movement wave that swept nationwide more than 30 years ago, The Choir continues to make their renowned atmospheric music married to lyrics stirred by life’s inspirational lessons in the context of real relationships – love, despair, light, dark, hope, and recovery.
The project’s title of The Loudest Sound Ever Heard is taken from the infamous volcanic explosion on the Indonesian island of Krakatoa in the late 19th century. “A quick Wikipedia search revealed that to this day the event is considered to be “the loudest sound ever heard,” Drummer/lyricist Hindalong explains. “I referred to that tragic occurrence in the first verse of the song ‘I’m Learning to Fly,’ which is thematically central to the album. It’s about living each day like it truly matters. ‘Living to love in a dying world.’ Such catastrophic events remind us of our vulnerability, and how we ought to celebrate every breath.”
The final song on the album, ‘After All,’ features a stunning duet with Leigh Nash of Sixpence None the Richer. “We’ve known Leigh since way back,” says Daugherty, “She’s a friend and one of my favorite singers ever. We’re thrilled that she was able to sing on this project. Matt Slocum [Sixpence guitarist] also played cello on a couple of songs. Those guys are great.”
To celebrate the release their new CD, the band is giving away a free download of our last album, “Burning Like The Midnight Sun,” on Noisetrade.com for 1 week only! The download also includes one of their new songs, “Cross That River.” Visit www.noisetrade.com/thechoir to get it now!
“I’m so glad we get to keep doing records like this. Here we are standing together 30 years down the line and we still love and respect each other. It’s amazing, really.” –Dan Michaels
“We are fortunate to have such devoted listeners after all these years. That’s what keeps us motivated to continue making music. In that way we are lucky and blessed, and I’m thankful.” –Derri Daugherty
“We don’t pretend to have the answers. We are still struggling, still wandering and seeking; but if our music inspires listeners to consider important things with open hearts, well, that’s a good thing. Hopefully, the spirit of love will stir within and the truth will resonate.” -Steve Hindalong
Florida-based worship team Eleven22 releases its sophomore record, first national release, The Reason today. The project, produced by Jeremy Edwardson of The Myriad, is a tribute to fifteen-year-old McKenzie Noelle Wilson’s life, with all proceeds going to benefit construction of an orphanage, sponsored by The McKenzie Noelle Foundation, in Uganda, Africa.
Birthed out of Beach United Methodist Church in Jacksonville, Fla., Eleven22 is a worship band that draws young people in droves, encouraging them to reach for a more meaningful worship experience. One of those young people, McKenzie Noelle Wilson, attended an Eleven22 worship service where she dedicated her life to Christ before suddenly passing away one month later.
Wilson’s untimely death rocked the entire community, but it was discovering her life and the passion with which she lived it that inspired Eleven22 to write its new album, The Reason. Eleven22’s Ben Williams recalls, “Stories about McKenzie’s love and compassion for others just started spreading like wildfire. The more we heard, the more we wanted to know. It wasn’t long after that, her dad gave me her Bible, and I began to read her notes inside. ”
Those notes served as the foundation for songs like album opener “I Found a Love,” a triumphant celebration of all who have made their way through life’s storms to discover God’s true love—a song made particularly poignant after it was found written in Wilson’s Bible. Similarly, the heart-pounding surrender of debut radio single “I Belong to You” began from a single line written by Wilson in her Bible that resounded with Eleven22.
Watch their behind the album video below to learn more + their live performance of the single “I Belong To You,” and click the download button at the bottom of the page to get it for FREE!
“There is something so pure about her writing,” Williams says, “It really affected me. I mean, I have been in church my whole life, but I found that it made me want to be a better pastor and worship leader, a better husband, a better father—to inspire others like she inspired me.”
Eleven22 will be donating the proceeds from its new project to The McKenzie Noelle Wilson Foundation, established by Wilson’s parents to honor her compassion for orphans around the world. The foundation’s current project is a boy’s orphanage and an abandoned baby home in Uganda. To find out how you can contribute, visit: www.caregivegrow.org.
The day that we’ve all been waiting for is finally here! Today Phil Wickham has launched the second installment of his “Singalong” series where you can download an entire live album for FREE from his March 30th worship night in Costa Mesa, California.
Don’t miss out on a fantastic album deal this month on Sidewalk Prophets’ newest release, “Live Like That!” You can get it for just $5.00 now on AmazonMP3 and throughout the month of May, so click below to go take advantage of the offer while it lasts!
Check out the video below as Frontman, Dave Frey, shares about the heart behind the album & watch the band’s music video for the title track “Live Like That!”
“There comes a point in our lives when we ask: what exactly is this life for?” says Dave, “It’s in those moments that I’m reminded of those who have impacted my life—my grandparents, parents, teachers and pastor—and whether they knew it or not, I saw Christ in them. This album is a reflection of our journey in music and our desire to live our lives in such a way that it is rooted in a deep passion and love that knows no bounds.”
“It’s not a safe thing to try to live like Christ. You’re going to have people criticize you and put you down. It says that in the book of James. But, when you think of the sacrifice Jesus made and how off the charts that was but also of what that won for us, you realize that for those of us who persevere and follow him, it will be a good, and an amazing journey.” -Dave Frey, Sidewalk Prophets
Who are some of the people that have impacted your life for Christ & shown you how to “live like that?” Share your thoughts in the comments section!
Laura Story shares another devotional with us in this week’s episode of “Wednesdays In The Word.” Watch the video below as she talks about turning our questions of “Why?” with God into “How? inspired by John 9.
I think the point of the story isn’t so much the ending, as much as it is that so often we turn to that question of “why?” and for me it’s something that I can become bitter over. But what I’m learning is that as God softens my heart he’s turning my “Why?” into “How?” And rather than saying “Why are you doing this?” I’m learning just to open my hand and say “God, how might you use this situation in order to glorify yourself all the more?” -Laura Story
What is a challenge that you have faced in your life where God used it for his glory? Post your answer in the comments section & be entered to win a copy of Laura’s new book, “What If Your Blessings Come Through Raindrops?” and a signed copy of her album “Blessings!”
Don’t forget to get your copy of Laura’s Devotional Book HERE and her hit CD “Blessings” HERE!
Singer/songwriter and popular touring artist Mark Wagner releases his fourth national studio album,” NeedLove,” next week, and we’re excited to bring you a great free download from him called “Hideaway” along with some behind the scenes video footage from him.
In true Wagner fashion, “NeedLove,” showcases his aptitude for accessible lyrics intended, on this record, to remind listeners of their need for God’s love. Songs like “All I Need” and “Carry Your Love” speak to the redemptive quality of His love, while “Made For Love” emphasizes our reason for being–to be loved by Him.
Check out the making of the album + his latest music video for “Gonna Be With You” below!
“Our deepest longing is to be known and to be loved. For most of us, we spend years chasing after all the wrong kinds of love before we find the right kind, the kind we really need. I created this album as a reminder that God created us in order to know us and love us.” –Mark Wagner
In addition to enlisting Ben Shive (Matt Wertz, Andrew Peterson, Sara Groves) as a co-producer and session player on NeedLove, Wagner tapped songwriters Andrew Osenga of Caedmon’s Call and Mark Trussell, recently a contestant on NBC’s “The Voice,” among others. NeedLove also includes a cover of the popular Rich Mullins tune, “Creed.”
Mark is also impacting lives with his music by making it exclusively available through non-profit, Mocha Club, an organization formed in 2005 to strategically fund relief and development projects in Africa. They work in five main project areas: Clean Water, Education, Child Mothers + Women At Risk, Orphan Care + Vulnerable Children, and HIV/AIDS + Healthcare, providing a way for people to make a real difference with just $7 (the cost of two mochas).
“We’re thankful for our continuing partnership with Mark Wagner and are excited that he’d want to release his new album exclusively with us,” says Jeff Jackson, artist relations director for Mocha Club. “His efforts will make a significant and lasting impact on Mocha Club’s outreach in Ethiopia with our Women at Risk ministry.”
Turn on your TV or radio and you’ll find no shortage of next-big-things and overnight successes. But in the midst of all of that noise, you may find yourself craving something more. Something authentic, something familiar, yet fresh.
Look no further. The women of Point of Grace are celebrating 20 years together, and with this celebration they offer “A Thousand Little Things,” their 12th record. Brimming with the beautiful harmonies, encouraging lyrics, and graceful melodies that Shelley Breen, Denise Jones and Leigh Cappillino are known for, A Thousand Little Things reminds us to be mindful of the multitude of blessings God has given us. And what the world needs now — more than ever — is to remember how important gratitude is, each and every day.
The notion of gratitude is woven throughout the album, especially in “A Thousand Little Things,” which lists the many things to take notice of — and be thankful for — in everyday life. “In all of those little moments in life, little and big, we’re reminded that there is a creator that loves us and wants us to have a good life while we’re here,” Shelley says. “And we’re grateful for that.” Leigh chimes in, “Every single day, there are a thousand little things we can truly be thankful for, so I sing that little song all the time.”
The ladies of Point of Grace remind us all to be grateful for the thousand little things we’ll experience today, from a warm cup of coffee in the morning to a bedtime novel at night. Check out the videos below to see some of the things that they are thankful for, and hear more about the heart behind the album.
A Thousand Little Things: Shelley, Leigh & Denise talk about the new album
Hear The Stories Behind The Songs
The women of Point of Grace feel a strong connection to their fans, and they foster this connection through frequent touring, as well as active blogging, which each of the ladies does regularly at www.pointofgrace.net, discussing everything from their children’s basketball games to favorite recipes. They’ll further nurture the relationship with their fans through their new lifestyle and music radio show, “Graceful Living.” This show will give the ladies of Point of Grace the opportunity to talk directly to their fans — and some surprise guests — about all of their favorite topics. “It’s a life show,” Denise explains. “Music is part of it, but it’s just about living life, so it will be fun to have lots of different angles, from sports to fashion.” And while the show will speak to women, Point of Grace will be sure to include topics to keep the whole family engaged. “My husband was asking how we would keep this manly!” Leigh laughs.
They are moms, wives, and artists; and, like every working woman, they’re thankful for the fullness in their lives, yet striving to find balance. A strong work ethic — fostered through years of touring, recording and writing — drives these three women to keep making music to share with their listeners.
Now that the ladies of Point of Grace have shared their “thousand little things” we want to hear from you! What are some of the little things that you’re thankful for today?
Derek Webb-mixed Project Precedes Lullaby Hymns Album Slated for Fall 2012
April 30, 2012: After recording four Hymns albums, one-of-a-kind trio Page CXVI is releasing a remix record, re:hymns, taking fan favorites and recreating their already unique spin on hymns into fun, new artistic expressions. Consisting of band members Reid and Latifah Phillips and Dann Stockton, Page CXVI presents a new way to understand the role of hymns for the modern listener. The record, remixed by singer-songwriter Derek Webb, is scheduled for release on June 12th. The band is also currently working on an album of lullaby hymns, set for release this coming autumn.
“I have admired Page CXVI for years and was thrilled to get a call from them about a collaboration,” states Webb. “I was even more thrilled at their desire for experimentation and disruption. And once I heard Latifah’s voice and the band’s soaring melodies over the non-organic and electronic elements we were playing with, I wondered if they might have missed their calling. It takes truly great songs to work so beautifully and believably over such diverse arrangements. And that’s what these are.”
The band’s three members—Latifah Phillips and husband Reid and Dann Stockton—came to love hymns independently, even before they came together as the band The Autumn Film. A few years into touring as The Autumn Film and leading worship and churches around the country, the band could not deny the strong beckoning of the hymns and decided to develop a parallel band, another side of the same coin: the same people but a new purpose, catalog, and name, Page CXVI. The somewhat cryptic name was drawn from the page number in a particular copy of The Magician’s Nephew by C.S. Lewis, in the passage where Aslan begins to sing Narnia into creation out of a black void.
The group’s overnight success began when they recorded their first Hymns collection. After deciding to give the album away online, sending emails to around 60 friends to spread the word, John Piper’s blog, “Desiring God,” posted a free download, turning in 12,000 downloads in only two days. The group has since recorded four Hymns albums and toured nationwide.
After forming the group, The Autumn Film, band members Reid and Latifah Phillips and Dann Stockton were leading worship at churches and could not deny the strong beckoning of the hymns. They decided to develop a parallel band; the same people but a new purpose of making hymns accessible again under the new name, Page CXVI. The somewhat cryptic name was intentional. It’s drawn from the page number in a particular copy of The Magician’s Nephew by C.S. Lewis, the brilliant passage where Aslan begins to sing Narnia into creation out of a black void. Since the formation of this new project, the band has recorded four Hymns albums and have toured “just about every state.” Page CXVI also has a lullaby album of hymns that will be released this coming fall.
About Derek Webb:
A former member of the Houston, Texas-based Caedmon’s Call, singer-songwriter Derek Webb has seen career sales approaching one million records, 10 Dove Award nominations, a Billboard Music Video Award nod and six No.1 radio hits. Webb’s innovative music marketing and distribution strategies have received national news coverage in USA Today and the Los Angeles Times.
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We’re excited to introduce a new artist to you this week – Lara Landon, who has a brand new album out today! The record, “Overcome,” is her sophomore project and really speaks of our authority as God’s beloved to triumph over life’s most difficult circumstances. Lara has taken that message on tour and abroad, serving the least of these with New Reality International, the non-profit she and her sister co-founded in 2006.
“Being on the road, sharing my songs with people in different settings, has allowed me to see the real needs they have,” she shares. “ I was able to see how they were hurting, how they needed encouragement, and how God was moving in similar ways all across the world.”
Meeting needs firsthand—whether it be in Haiti on a mission trip or in church singing—is a significant part of the Riverside, California-native’s ministry and has undoubtedly had a profound effect on her. But Lara affirms the depth of her songwriting was most influenced by the three years she spent singing at Nashville’s House of Prayer. “I loved the world that opened up to me at The House of Prayer,” she says. “I never thought I could sing and pray for hours on end. I learned how to make up Scripture songs on the spot, and I began to feel the depth that could come from using God’s Word to pray and intercede.” The songs on her new record reflect Lara’s time spent in the Word and a sensitivity to the needs and diversity of her fans.
The first single “I See God In You,” is a song inspired by her mission trips to Haiti as well as a month spent on a service-based tour that ministered at homeless shelters, bars, women’s rehabilitation centers and churches. Lara comments, “God is everywhere…we see Him in the faith of a child, the strength of a mother that’s battling cancer, the love that was shown by a group of volunteers on a mission trip. We can serve Him by simply opening our eyes to the people He’s placed all around us.”
See Lara tell the full story behind her song “I See God In You” here, and watch the music video! Lara wants to hear your story too about how you see God in others! See how you can send them to her by clicking HERE.
This week Lara is giving away her track “The River” for FREE, so you can get a taste of her unique sound, and what you can expect on the rest of the album. Scroll down to get your free download, and check out the links below to learn more about Lara.
“I wanted this album to truly reflect my heart and, most of all, I wanted to offer it up at every stage to God for His approval. I promised myself, for this project, I would try my best to quiet the voice inside my head that was concerned with what people would think and focus on what I thought God was directing me to do. My desire was that this record, as a whole, would tell a story. I wanted to take people from a place of confronting their humanity and weakness on songs like ‘Better For The Breaking,’ ‘Defenseless’ and ‘Falling’ to being encouraged by tracks like ‘I See God In You.’ Toward the end it’s all about victory and empowerment—I want listeners to literally be declaring ‘we will overcome’ and ‘the spirit of the Lord is upon me’ as they sing along in their car.” - Lara Landon
Derek Webb-mixed Project Precedes Lullaby Hymns Album Slated for Fall 2012
