‘Morningtide’ is Scottish band Celtic Worship’s 12-track studio album that has just been named NFN’s Praise & Worship #1 Album of the Year 2021.
The album explores the rich concept of the cycle of night to day being a parallel to the journey of life with Christ. The rhythm of nocturnal darkness turning into the bright dawn is something that the Lord wove into Creation from the very beginning (Genesis 1), but it is also a picture of the binary movement from death to life – the ultimate change that Jesus enabled. ‘Morningtide’ proclaims God’s faithfulness and His constant new mercies, crafting each song around the truth reflected by our daily rhythms. This cadenced movement is a picture of our faith, mirrored by the carefully designed album progression.
In parallel, Celtic Worship’s driving force is a desire to worship God by exploring the depth, intense beauty and theological clarity of psalms and traditional hymns – a music that has been present in Scotland for centuries. ‘Morningtide’ allowed the band to spend time with the more distinctive elements of Scottish ecclesiastical music, giving them the chance to explore ancestral metrical psalms and the melodies they were often sung to. Yet, Celtic Worship bring a unique approach to their revisitation of such material as they infuse the native sounds of bagpipes and fiddle to bring these hymns to life and simultaneously intertwine new originals into the process. ‘Morningtide’ is characterised by an omnipresent sense of heritage, history, and culture, and highlights the undeniable artistic brilliance and stunning sense of connection between the band members: Naomi Stirrat on vocals, Steph Macleod on vocals and acoustic, Mhairi Marwick on fiddle, Scott Wood on bagpipes and whistle, Gus Stirrat on bass, Chris Amer on electric and Ifedade Thomas on drums.
Celtic Worship’s driving force is a desire to worship God by exploring the depth, intense beauty and theological clarity of psalms and traditional hymns – a music that has been present in Scotland for centuries. The band members: Naomi Stirrat on vocals, Steph Macleod on vocals and acoustic, Mhairi Marwick on fiddle, Scott Wood on bagpipes and whistle, Gus Stirrat on bass, Chris Amer on electric and Ifedade Thomas on drums.
‘Morningtide’ is Scottish band Celtic Worship’s new 12-track studio album releasing on October 8th, which explores the rich concept of the cycle of night to day being a parallel to the journey of life with Christ. The rhythm of nocturnal darkness turning into the bright dawn is something that the Lord wove into Creation from the very beginning (Genesis 1), but it is also a picture of the binary movement from death to life – the ultimate change that Jesus enabled. ‘Morningtide’ proclaims God’s faithfulness and His constant new mercies, crafting each song around the truth reflected by our daily rhythms. This cadenced movement is a picture of our faith, mirrored by the carefully designed album progression.
In parallel, Celtic Worship’s driving force is a desire to worship God by exploring the depth, intense beauty and theological clarity of psalms and traditional hymns – a music that has been present in Scotland for centuries. ‘Morningtide’ allowed the band to spend time with the more distinctive elements of Scottish ecclesiastical music, giving them the chance to explore ancestral metrical psalms and the melodies they were often sung to. Yet, Celtic Worship bring a unique approach to their revisitation of such material as they infuse the native sounds of bagpipes and fiddle to bring these hymns to life and simultaneously intertwine new originals into the process. ‘Morningtide’ is characterised by an omnipresent sense of heritage, history, and culture, and highlights the undeniable artistic brilliance and stunning sense of connection between the band members: Naomi Stirrat on vocals, Steph Macleod on vocals and acoustic, Mhairi Marwick on fiddle, Scott Wood on bagpipes and whistle, Gus Stirrat on bass, Chris Amer on electric and Ifedade Thomas on drums.
A collective of some of Scotland’s most talented folk musicians, Celtic Worship is a Scottish Music Worship ministry which blends traditional and contemporary Christian Worship music with the powerful sound of Bagpipes, Whistles & Fiddle. Their mission is to combine their working life as professional musicians with their deep love of Jesus and their passion to share God’s love through their music. The band is comprised of Scottish musicians from many different backgrounds and styles including: Steph MacLeod, Mhairi Marwick, Scott Wood, Chris Amer, Naomi Stirrat, Gus Stirrat & Ifedade Thomas.
Celtic Worship first performed during Celtic Connections at Adelaide Baptist Church in 2017, and since then, they have performed all over Scotland, Norway and Sweden.
Based in Miami, Florida, singer songwriter and worship leader Steph Alessi Muiña, releases new single ‘Wouldn’t Change A Thing’. Born in a family dedicated to serving Christ in their community, Steph is now director of worship at Metro Life Church. She is a beacon of unifying, faith-filled music permeated by holiness for the Church of today. After her 2017 debut EP ‘Still Waters’ and multiple projects with Metro Life Worship, the singer songwriter is now ready to share her story through her songs more than ever! New single ‘Wouldn’t Change A Thing’ sets the scene for her new EP coming early 2022. Steph describes the single as “a perfect umbrella for the project,” focusing around the thematic of coming out of a hard season singing the faithfulness of God. The past year has been a time of new clarity and hope for the worship artist despite the challenges of the pandemic. She has been on a journey that marked her life and song writing with an unwavering trust in God’s timing after meeting and marrying her husband, Christopher. ‘Wouldn’t Change A Thing’ tell of the joy of living surrendered to the Lord and delighting in His timing, surprises and goodness. The song is a fresh and upbeat ballad oozing with purity and bliss. This is only the beginning for Steph Alessi Muiña; beyond her profound passion for her local church and community, the singer’s contagious enthusiasm and energy for Jesus Christ are about to break out and touch may hearts!
After a stunning introduction to ‘Morningtide’, Celtic Worship’s new album coming in the autumn, the Scottish folk worship band release a second single and revisited hymn ‘Blessed Assurance’. Written by Fanny Crosby, this song is full of incredible lyrics bringing a powerful declaration of faith to life! Despite being an old hymn, ‘Blessed Assurance’ is so relevant in our times; infusing comfort, hope, and unshakeable trust in the Lord in the face of trial, fear, sorrow, and doubt. Fiddle player Mhairi Marwick explains, “we really wanted to give a fresh take on this song and our arrangement felt very natural as we brought lots of energy into this great hymn!” The space created between the choruses allowed Celtic Worship to weave in Scottish melodies written by Scott Wood (bagpipes, whistle) and Mhairi. Singers Steph Macleod and Naomi Stirrat also co-wrote an additional bridge which proclaims the faith and assurance we have in Christ. ‘Blessed Assurance’ beautifully blends the hymn’s traditional roots with a contemporary edge and CelticWorship’s native sonorities.
US multi-cultural collective Village Lights release second single ‘Christ Our King’ from their upcoming debut album. Formed by Sarah Kroger, Ike Ndolo and Ricky Vazquez, the band unites around the pursuit of fostering a community of worshippers centred around God’s inviting love. ‘Christ Our King’ encapsulates what Village Lights‘ album revolves around, the idea of Christ, the King – a nod to the liturgical feast day of the same name in the church calendar. ‘Christ Our King’ is filled with rich lyrics of reverence and grandeur, tying together the intimacy of friendship with Jesus and the royalty of His kingship. There’s something anthemic and inviting embedded in the sound of the new Village Lights single; it resonates with the majesty of the Lord and the warmth of His embrace. ‘Christ Our King’ was produced by Matt Maher and written by Sarah Kroger, Corey Voss, and indie songwriting legend Andy Gullahorn.
Citizens are known for their alternative edge in worship, mixing their utter passion for Jesus with an indie rock soundscape. Their new single ‘To Know You (Live)’ displays the same essence and is a simple heart cry of longing to move from information and knowledge to relationship and presence. The song was written by Citizens‘ Zach Bolen and Jess Ray from North-Carolina folk band Mission House and recorded/filmed in the original church building where Citizens was formed.
‘To Know You’ features guest vocalist Zan Fiskum, fellow Seattle worship artist, who was recently in the final round of The Voice. ‘To Know You’ releases ahead of Citizens‘ new album ‘The Joy Of Being Together (Live)’ coming in September. The cover art and the singles represent various stages of stained glass landscape; the videos accompanying the project were filmed with pieces of staines glass taped to the lenses, giving them difference colours and textures. Citizens are leaning into the idea of the different seasons and stories of our lives coming together to form a beautiful picture; this is the joy of being.
Scottish folk worship band Celtic Worship release their first single ‘Come Thou Fount’ from highly anticipated new album ‘Morningtide’ coming in the autumn.
With a unique approach to worship blending traditional and contemporary Christian music with their native sonorities, Celtic Worship are celebrating the multifaceted beauty of the Kingdom of God! As with many songs that Celtic Worship are drawn to, ‘Come Thou Fount’ is a traditional hymn, originally written in 1758 by Robert Robinson.
And I hope, by thy good pleasure, safely to arrive at home.
Jesus sought me when a stranger, wandering from the fold of God;
He to rescue me from danger, interposed his precious blood.
The words beautifully remind us that God is the One who takes initiative; He sought us when we were still strangers, rescued us, and takes us to arrive at home.
‘Come Thou Fount’ paints a huge and wonderful picture. Celtic Worship put their stunning arrangement together quite instinctively, making use of both vocalists Steph Macleod and Naomi Stirrat, who deliver warmth and power in each verse.
A beautiful instrumental melody is also weaved through by Mhairi Marwick on the fiddle and Scott Wood on bagpipes and whistle.The new Celtic Worship single is a striking taster of what is yet to come!
Celtic Worship recorded the music video for Come Thou Fount in Glasgow’s iconic Barrowland venue! Check out the trailer and set a reminder for the YouTube premiere later today at 7pm UK Time.
Vineyard Worship release ‘Roll Like A River’, the last single from forthcoming EP ‘Vineyard Soul: The Chicago Sessions’ coming on August 20th, 2021. This new song is a rallying cry and petition for God’s justice to flood and fill the cracks of our broken society. It ponders the empathy of our Saviour in facing abuse and oppression and equally exalts the unwavering hope found in Him. ‘Roll Like a River’ is a timely anthem, as the world frantically searches for answers and struggles with division in the process, the new Vineyard Worship track points to the effortless unity gushing from the Kingdom of God. Written in June 2020, shortly after the horrific death of George Floyd, ‘Roll Like A River’ literally flowed out of contemplation, prayer and conversations taking place between songwriters Joshua Miller, Tina Colón Williams and Mark Alan Schoolmeesters. Joshua Miller, one of the vocalists on Vineyard Soul tells of a clear theme emerging for the Kingdom to come in its fullness, “the idea of Justice, Mercy and Surrender are common realities of the Kingdom,” he adds. Marrying the beauty of these virtues with the ultimate example of selfless love – Jesus – taking on the cross-and Kingdom themes throughout the scriptures, ‘Roll Like A River’ came together as an ode to the hope we can have now for what is yet to come. Led by vocalist Tina Colón Williams, known for the warmth and power of her emotive voice, ‘Roll Like A River’ combines an irresistible approachability and intricate musical structures. The new single is soulful, joyful and truly infuses the listener with glimpses of the Kingdom of God.
Citizens release first single ‘Light Of Your Grace (Live)’ from their upcoming Live project The Joy of Being Together. The song was recorded in the room where Citizens first met started the band; music originally brought them together and now, 10 years later, their friendship is what continues to bring them together. ‘Light Of Your Grace (Live)’ is a beautiful song that reminds us that we don’t need to hide in the struggle. When we confess our sin, God meets us with grace and we can walk in the brightness of His freedom. ‘Light of Your Grace (Live)’ releases today along with video of the live recording
Never for Nothing 