It Never Gets Old, the acclaimed 2023 release from celebrated Thoroughbred Records bluegrass ensemble CHOSEN ROAD, is the top-selling album in the genre according to Billboard’s Bluegrass Albums chart dated April 15. The collection leads releases by such music icons as Marty Stuart, Bela Fleck and Willie Nelson, as well as breakout sensations Billy Strings and Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, in the Top 10.
With fresh originals and updated arrangements of familiar favourites, It Never Gets Old showcases the hit single “I Want To Be Just Like You,” as well as “Awake My Soul,” “That’s What Heroes Do,” “Jesus Wear The Crown,” and current single “The Storm Still Knows His Voice,” among other selections. The project, which reached #2 on Billboard’s Bluegrass Albums chart following its release last year, was produced by Chosen Road’s Zachary Alvis, Tyler Robertson and Jonathan Buckner.
“We want to express our sincere gratitude for our fans’ incredible support for It Never Gets Old,” shares Chosen Road founding member Jonathan Buckner. “After a break from touring earlier this year, we are back on the road, and it’s been truly touching to witness the dedication of our fans, who know the lyrics to songs even before hearing them live.” https://www.chosenroadmusic.com/
Provident Entertainment announces the newest addition to their artist family – songwriter and worship artist Seph Schlueter. The label also debuts his first single, titled “Counting My Blessings.”
With a deep passion to awaken people’s hearts, it is Seph Schlueter’s (pronounced “shleeter”) desire to help lead others into an encounter with Jesus and give language to a relationship with God through his music.
While he may be new to the Provident roster, songwriting and performing have long been part of his life. He’s released his own music, has opened for artists such as Natalie Grant and Phil Wickham, and began the group Damascus Worship when he saw the need for worship and revival in the Catholic Church. As a group member and its Worship Director, Damascus Worship is based in Centerburg, Ohio, and has released numerous songs along with an album in 2020, Awake My Soul.
Most of all, his greatest desire is that Jesus would be glorified in all that we do and that Heaven would be made present through the way we live our lives. With his unique, melodic voice and honest lyrics, follow his socials and you’ll quickly see his heart for the Lord along with his endearing personality. His sense of humor is infectious, especially sharing how to pronounce his last name.
Platinum recording artist & GRAMMY®-award winning songwriter, producer and worship leader Brooke Ligertwood will embark on her SEVEN Tour this spring. The 13-city circuit is set to kick off on March 9 in Lancaster, Penn. making stops in major markets across the U.S. including Dallas, Atlanta and Tampa, as well as an engagement at the legendary Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tenn.
“The night we recorded SEVEN we captured so much more than songs – we actually had an encounter with presence and the person of Jesus,” says Ligertwood. “The team and I have prayerfully decided that we want to take this experience to more people and more cities. We are expectant and that’s not just a word, it’s a posture. We are intentionally preparing a foundation on which heaven can come and breathe and believing that things are going to shift in cities, individuals and families.”
Ligertwood will perform selections from her latest album “SEVEN (Live)” which has garnered over 107.2 million global streams since its 2022 release. “A Thousand Hallelujahs,” the album’s lead single, has amassed over 27.1 million global streams, climbed to No. 2 on Multitrack’s Top Songs chart and made four international Top 50 viral charts, including #16 in the U.S. Follow-up single, “Honey In The Rock” has amassed over 52 million global streams.
Ligertwood has penned a growing anthology of beloved church anthems like “What A Beautiful Name,” “King of Kings,” and “Hosanna,” and devotional favorites like “Awake My Soul,” “New Wine,” “None But Jesus,” and many more. With 7 billion career streams and 20 million career album sales, her songs have been streamed globally more than 1.5 billion times, translated into over 15 languages, and have topped the CCLI chart with two no. 1’s, and several Top 25’s.
“Craftsmen Of Heavenly Parties” Include Mumford & Sons Cover
Eclectic, award-winning world-pop group and the Netherlands-based band Trinity releases Trinity Street globally today (June 17) from The Fuel Music. The all new Trinity Street EP is available now at digital and streaming outlets everywhere via https://slinky.to/TrinityStreet and features the party-ready title track, a Mumford & Sons cover of “Awake My Soul” and three more original songs inspired by the green pastures of Ireland.
Longing to write new material following the pandemic, Trinity brothers Johan (acoustic guitars), Elbert (lead vocals, flutes, saxophone), and Niek Smelt (Drums, percussion) together with their longtime friend Bert Bos (bass) ventured out to Ireland, the place where their love for folk music and Celtic spirituality started. Always showcasing an Irish twist in their sound and lyrics, the fun-loving, acoustic approach and party-making craftsmanship is something they’re known for around the world.
“As 16-year-olds we would go to Ireland every summer to work on a farm and do mission work along the coast,” reminisces Elbert. “Over the years we’ve become good friends with the Morrisons at Hartwell, which is the beautiful name of the farm near Dublin and the Wicklow Mountains. We decided to pay them a visit and write new songs that resulted in this folky new album.
“Trinity Street treasures the past while simultaneously propelling us forward to a future,” continues Elbert. “With a childlike trust and heartfelt wonder, we look for God in friend and stranger and in his first incarnation: creation. ‘Trinity Street’ is an invitation to join the crazy family. To dance the night away toward a bright new morning full of beauty and enough love for everybody.”
We are one and many
we all just really want the same
We are flesh and bones from a million homes
With many stories, many names
But we are a crazy family with everyone we meet
So come and join the party down on trinity street
(“Trinity Street” chorus)
Trinity is pictured playing new music during a busking session on Trinity Street,
Formed by three Dutch brothers raised as missionary kids in Lima, Peru, Trinity fuses South American and Irish folk with African beats and pop grooves to create a unique, acoustic music experience that will disarm and free any crowd. Craftsmen of heavenly parties and experts at making people’s feet move, Trinity has received three back-to-back Dutch “Best Album” Silver Dove Awards for Desert Rain (2016), Mundo (2014) and Que mas (2012).
Accustomed to leading in front of large gatherings, Trinity performed at the 2019 World Youth Day, an event for young people organized by the Catholic Church that reportedly drew 600,000 people to Panama City, Panama. Recording its “Anthem Of Love” video at this event, the band has also performed on the main stage at Creation Festival (USA), the Netherlands’ Xnoizz Flevo Festival (2010, 2012) and EO-Youth Day event (2013, 2016), and has played at Big Church Day Out festival (UK), the Himmelfarht Festival (Germany), the CREA Festival (Switzerland) and Seaside festival (Norway). The band further shared its music live at events in Russia, Kenia, Cambodia, Gambia, Peru, Senegal, France, Ireland and more.
About The Fuel Music:
Established in 2008, The Fuel Music & Management, LLC, is a leading artist management and artist solutions company that independently distributes music internationally. Based in Nashville, TN, the Fuel team brings well over 70 years of combined music industry experience in record label operations, major label distribution and marketing, and artist management for artists ranging from upstart bands to GRAMMY Award-winning, multi-Platinum artists. More information on the company can be found at www.thefuelmusic.com.
‘Made Whole’ is the new album from critically acclaimed husband and wife duo Salt of the Sound (Anita & Ben Tatlow). Inspired by the Psalms, the music is an exploration of conflicting emotions – sorrow & laughter, grief & joy, loss & hope – and how the intertwining of these makes us human, makes us whole, and helps us to find true peace. The album follows the duo’s signature ‘ambient worship’ style, featuring a mix of ethereal vocals, organic instruments and cinematic soundscapes. I’ve come to expect a high standard from SOTS, and I’m pleased to say that this new album doesn’t let those standards drop. Anita’s lovely vocal quality always brings a knowing smile to my face. Calming and reassuring, she caresses the words, such as “Hope springs peace, and truth. Joy surrounds me.” The track is ‘On Holy Ground’ and, already, I’m feeling a sense of God’s peace all around me. ‘When I Rest Here’ gives more space for the ethereal sounds to soothe the soul. At times, the piano notes are transformed into the sound of a trickling stream. The music floats on as the album progresses, with tracks called ‘Over the Waters, Awake My Soul’ and the, oh so beautiful, ‘Constancy.’ Once more, Anita’s vocals embrace each word:- “Still this anxious heart; Come breathe your word; Make your peace break down these walls; Speak to my heart.” Of course, there’s more to this album than just Anita’s vocals! The sounds are pure quality, with superb variation. I’m sure that I’ve said this before, in previous SOTS reviews but, as well as lovingly directing me to God’s peace, I find their work so relaxing. As one who suffers from mental health issues, music like this is essential to my well-being. Thank you Anita & Ben, for another terrific album. 10/10.
Here is the new EP from Hong Kong-based Christian ambient duo Salt of the Sound (Anita & Ben Tatlow). The release explores a variety of Lenten themes, including waiting, anxiety, and resting in the presence of God. As with much of the duo’s output, the tracks range from contemporary ambient through to more cinematic sounds, with ethereal vocals throughout. As with their 2020 release ‘Meditations Vol.4’ there is a real soothing sound throughout the three tracks. Awake My Soul” is based loosely on the themes of Psalm 57; with both praise and gratitude. “Awake my soul before the dawn; Throughout the earth, your glories known; With love that covers everything I owe; In you made whole.” Ambient sounds provide the setting for Anita’s delicate vocals, and the whole thing just melts into a beautiful song. The second track, “Constancy,” follows suit, with lovely keyboard notes following the melody. Ben & Anita have really honed their skills in this genre of music and I, personally, find it a great blessing. The classic hymn “Abide With Me” also gets the Salt of the Sound treatment. Now, you might think “how can this well-known hymn work in ambient form?” Well, all I can say is that, yes it certainly does!” I love the way that Anita’s vocals are gently supported by both the music and additional voices. Once more, Ben & Anita bring much needed calmness and time for reflection on God’s love for us. I, simply, love it! 10/10.
Lent, Vol. 2 is the new EP from Hong Kong-based Christian ambient duo Salt of the Sound (Anita & Ben Tatlow). Released today; Wednesday 17th February 2021.
The release explores a variety of Lenten themes, including waiting, anxiety, and resting in the presence of God. As with much of the duo’s output, the tracks range from contemporary ambient through to more cinematic sounds, with ethereal vocals throughout.
Speaking about the lead single, Anita writes that it is “based loosely on the themes of Psalm 57; Awake My Soul is a song of both praise and gratitude. The line ‘with love that covers everything I owe’ is perhaps one of my favourites that I have written as it conveys so much in just a few short words and encapsulates the Lenten & Easter themes, but is also reflected as a personal prayer of thankfulness.”
Lent, Vol. 2 is released on all digital music platforms on 17th February 2021.
Read NFN’s Review here:
SALT OF THE SOUND : Lent, Vol.2.
Here is the new EP from Hong Kong-based Christian ambient duo Salt of the Sound (Anita & Ben Tatlow). The release explores a variety of Lenten themes, including waiting, anxiety, and resting in the presence of God. As with much of the duo’s output, the tracks range from contemporary ambient through to more cinematic sounds, with ethereal vocals throughout. As with their 2020 release ‘Meditations Vol.4’ there is a real soothing sound throughout the three tracks. Awake My Soul” is based loosely on the themes of Psalm 57; with both praise and gratitude. “Awake my soul before the dawn; Throughout the earth, your glories known; With love that covers everything I owe; In you made whole.” Ambient sounds provide the setting for Anita’s delicate vocals, and the whole thing just melts into a beautiful song. The second track, “Constancy,” follows suit, with lovely keyboard notes following the melody. Ben & Anita have really honed their skills in this genre of music and I, personally, find it a great blessing. The classic hymn “Abide With Me” also gets the Salt of the Sound treatment. Now, you might think “how can this well-known hymn work in ambient form?” Well, all I can say is that, yes it certainly does!” I love the way that Anita’s vocals are gently supported by both the music and additional voices. Once more, Ben & Anita bring much needed calmness and time for reflection on God’s love for us. I, simply, love it! 10/10.
GRAMMY® Award-winning Hillsong Worship, along with GRAMMY® Award-winning singer/songwriter Tasha Cobbs Leonard, announce the release of a special collaborative edition of “Awake My Soul.” Featuring lead vocals from Hillsong worship leader/songwriter Brooke Ligertwood and Cobbs Leonard, the single is available now on all streaming platforms.
When Hillsong Worship was first searching for words and melodies to articulate what would become their “AWAKE” album, they felt a clear directive toward a sound that would accompany an awakening of God’s people. “Awake My Soul” became a song-cry of intercessional praise and an invitation to consider the spiritual ‘sound’ of the Saviour’s response. From the outset, the song was a powerful expression of spiritual warfare.
“Last year our church, Hillsong, announced that Tasha Cobbs Leonard was going to be one of our guests at Hillsong Conference 2020 in July in Sydney, Australia (news which was met with much jubilation!),” said Ligertwood. “At the beginning of this year, Tasha and I then began talking about what it would be like for us to record a song together live at Hillsong Conference.
We witnessed the COVID-19 pandemic evolve, as it reached a point that necessitated postponement of live events and conferences the world over. It became clear we weren’t going to be able to execute what we’d originally planned. However, the collaboration felt important, so perhaps there was something else we could do…And so, ‘Awake My Soul with Tasha Cobbs Leonard’ was birthed.
Though we could not have foreseen the potent timing of this collaboration, it was well within the Lord’s realm of knowledge and so we are grateful, yet not surprised!”
“What God was birthing in us was on purpose, and it was for this time,” adds Tasha Cobbs Leonard.” ‘“Awake My Soul’ calls for the Church to arise and take authority. It reminds us of an eternal weight and an eternal calling. Together, this anthem is the Church’s declaration that there is an awakening taking place in the earth. The Kingdom of God is alive!’
“Awake My Soul” is Hillsong Worship’s first collaboration since partnering with Delirious back in 2004. The duo (Ligertwood and Cobbs Leonard) have been friends for years and share the same passion for worship and the same desire to connect people to God. Together, they pray that this rendition will be a reflection of God’s heart for His Church: unity, diversity, peace and power.
“Our hope is that this version of ‘Awake My Soul’ unequivocally exhorts every believer who hears it to PRAY with faith and authority for our world and Christ’s Church at this time in history,” says Ligertwood and Cobbs Leonard.
“May His Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven, and may our worship and intercession pull that reality into this one:
Never for Nothing 