Bethel Music‘s annual Worship School has officially sold out for the second consecutive year, with nearly 900 worship leaders, songwriters, musicians, and creatives expected to gather July 13-17 at Bethel Church in Redding, California. For those unable to attend in person, the ministry is offering its Online Watch Pass allowing participants around the world to experience the event live and on demand.

For more than two decades, Bethel Music Worship School has equipped worshippers through biblical teaching, live worship, ministry training, and practical instruction, creating an immersive environment for personal and spiritual growth. The continued sellout reflects the event’s growing global reach and demand among worship leaders and creatives.

This year’s Worship School features the Bethel Music Collective alongside special guests Brian and Jenn Johnson, Bill Johnson, Kari and Cody Carnes, Naomi Raine, Abbie Gamboa, Elijah Lamb, Kris Vallotton, Nathan Finochio, and Circuit Riders, among others.

Says Jenn Johnson, co-founder of Bethel Music: “Worship School is our favorite week of the year! It’s just so special to have our whole Bethel Music team together. Even if you can’t be in the room, I hope you’ll join us online. I know the Lord will speak, move, and minister to your heart in a powerful way… He always does. This year is going to be amazing, and we don’t want you to miss it!”

Beginning July 13, the Online Watch Pass provides access to 10 main sessions, eight breakout sessions, exclusive morning devotionals and every worship set throughout the week. All content will be available on demand following the livestreams and will remain permanently accessible through each participant’s WorshipU library. The pass also includes three months of complimentary access to WorshipU, Bethel Music’s online training platform for worship, songwriting, and leadership development.

Designed for worship leaders, musicians, songwriters, pastors, and creatives at every stage of ministry, Worship School offers participants an opportunity to deepen their relationship with God while developing practical skills for leading others in worship. The Online Watch Pass extends that experience to a global audience, inviting participants to engage with the same teaching, worship, and ministry moments from anywhere in the world.

The Online Watch Pass is available for $99 and includes:

Livestream access to all main sessions and featured worship sets.

Eight breakout sessions.

Exclusive morning devotionals.

Lifetime on-demand access to all included sessions.

Three months of complimentary access to WorshipU.

About Bethel Music

Bethel Music is a worship movement based in Redding, California, dedicated to pursuing the presence of God and cultivating fresh expressions of worship. What began as a local church music ministry has grown into an internationally recognized collective of songwriters, artists, and musicians. Founded in 2001 by Brian and Jenn Johnson, Bethel Music exists to raise up worshippers, help them walk in their true identity, and pursue intimacy with God above all else.

Since its founding, Bethel Music has released 27 albums, including We Must Respond (Live) (2025), Moments: Wait (Live) (2024), Come Up Here (2023), Simple (2022), and Homecoming (Live) (2021). The collective has received more than 30 career Dove Award nominations, earning 11 wins across multiple categories, and received a 2025 GRAMMY® nomination for “Holy Forever,” featuring Jenn Johnson and CeCe Winans.

Bethel Music songs consistently rank among CCLI’s Top 25, impacting churches worldwide. “Goodness of God” held the No. 1 position for more than three consecutive years, while “This Is Amazing Grace,” “Living Hope,” “Reckless Love,” “Raise A Hallelujah,” and “No Longer Slaves” have remained fixtures on CCLI charts for multiple years.

With national TV appearances on programs including Fox & Friends and The Kelly Clarkson Show, along with a sustained Top 10 radio presence, Bethel Music continues to carry the message of worship beyond the local church, leading people into God’s presence around the world.

As Black Music Month comes to a close, we had the chance to sit down with gospel music trailblazer Hezekiah Walker to hear about his personal history with Black music and the enduring significance of gospel music today. 

Tell us about your history with music in the Christian and Gospel space.

Hezekiah: What drew me to the music and the genre was that as a child, it’s all that I heard in my house. My mother played it, and in fact, we were only allowed to listen to gospel music. I grew up listening to it, and then eventually I just started liking the music. Every day, I kept hearing all this gospel music, and I realized that I used to leave school humming the songs I previously said I didn’t like. Finally, I just gave in to the music, thinking that the music was just going in my ears. But it was really going into my heart.

I decided I wanted to sing this music because I remember my mom listening to it, and sometimes she would cry. Sometimes she would smile, and sometimes she would get happy. I always said to myself, “I want to be able to sing music that can reach the total needs of a man.” I knew this was the music I wanted to do because gospel has music for anything you’re going through. We can pop out a song that will encourage you. Whatever mood you’re in, we can put a song on.

That’s the difference between gospel and other music. We have a song for anything that you are personally going through. If you’re happy or if you’re sad, we can pull out a song. That’s why I decided to sing gospel.

What keeps me grounded in gospel music is seeing the lives that are being changed. When I get the stories and the testimonies, and when I run into people who start crying when they meet me and say, “Your songs have kept me and brought me through,” that’s what reminds me why I do what I do. I meet so many grown people now who say to me, “Bishop Walker, when I was in college, it was your songs that brought me through my college years.” That is the thing that keeps me grounded. Plus, with the culture that we live in now, you have to keep your ear on what’s happening so you can put music out that will really encourage people to stay focused and stay with God.

What is it about gospel music that makes it unique from other genres?

Hezekiah: I think what makes gospel unique from other genres is that we’re able to reach the total needs of the total man. Some music out there is only focused on one side of an individual. But with gospel, we can reach the total needs of a man. Whatever it is, we got you.

Right now, I’m thinking about creating something to help those who are terminally ill. I want to design a music therapy program that will incorporate gospel music to help people who are going through some kind of terminal illness. I think that’s what makes our music different, because it’s therapeutic.

How do you see the genre influencing culture and impacting people today?

Hezekiah: I see the genre impacting culture because we don’t just sing songs about struggle and what we’ve been through. We are a proud group of people who understand struggle, pain, and what we’ve been through as a community. But we also understand celebration. Our music is not just attached to struggle but also to celebration. I think that’s the totality of it. We go through to come out. I think that’s what really makes it celebratory, because we understand that although we go through, we definitely come out. There’s always a midnight, but then there’s always a morning.

How have you seen the genre evolve over the years? And what excites you the most about its future?

Hezekiah: The genre has evolved tremendously over the years because we have new artists on the scene. We have people out now who were kids when I started. They’ve been watching me and others, and now they’ve taken it to the next level. Even when I came on the scene, we were able to take the gospel music of our forefathers and bring it to another level. That’s what’s happened now. Gospel has evolved to the point now where everybody is attracted to it. Everyone likes the sound and the look, and I’m grateful for that.

I’m also grateful that God has sustained me to still be a part of it, you know? Because most people just kind of fizzle out. But it’s been over 40 years, and God has blessed me to still make music that people will say, “I need to hear this,” or “I need to sing this in my worship.” That’s one of the things that I stay true to. Because of course, I want music to go out where people can hear it, but my main thing is to sustain the church. We still need music for the church.

People will say, “Bring the choir back.” But I say, the choir ain’t never went nowhere! Because the church is still alive. Even through COVID. You can’t come to church, especially in our culture, and not want to hear the choir. You’re gonna want to hear the sound of the choir. So I make sure I write and sing music that choirs can sing, but then I also make music that the praise team and the worship team can do, because that’s what it’s all about. I think when you mix the praise team and the worship-style music now with the choir music… man, it’s powerful.

Can you talk a little bit about the impact that choir music is still having today internationally? 

Hezekiah: The impact that choir music is having on people in other countries is amazing. I frequently go to Brazil and Africa. As a matter of fact, next year in Africa around this time, my Hezekiah Walker Center for Performing Arts will be up. That’s all because of the love of choir music there. You can’t go into Africa and not sing a choir song. They love choir music. We go twice a year, and it’s just amazing. They gravitate to it, and they learn from us, too.

But the sound that they have there, the choir, the unity that they have there… I think most people in the States need to see what choir music does. They would have a greater appreciation for it when they see its impact in other countries. It’s just amazing how people worldwide love choir music, but it seems like those of us here in the States kind of want to get rid of it, you know?

I believe this: What comes from the heart reaches the heart. I love the sound of the choir. I love the harmony, and other people love it as well. So I think it’s very important that we step outside the confines of what’s here in the States and share the music.

For someone new to Gospel music, where is a good place to start?

Hezekiah: I think what they should do is really start within themselves. Because what you don’t want to do is try to mimic anyone else. You want to be able to give the earth what God has given you.

Then once you’re satisfied with what you have to offer, you can look into other artists that really have captured your ear and your heart, and you can gravitate to and learn from them. But I think the foundation should always start with you.

About Hezekiah Walker

Gospel singer, composer, and choir leader Hezekiah Walker was born December 24, 1962, in Brooklyn, New York, and grew up in the Fort Greene housing projects. He formed his first gospel group, the Love Fellowship Crusade Choir, when he was in his twenties and serving as a Pentecostal minister. Walker and the choir released a pair of albums in 1987 and 1990 before Walker turned to a solo career, releasing Focus on Glory in 1992. A year later, he released Live in Toronto, which proved to be his breakthrough, and the album hit the top of the gospel charts.

Forming another choir, this one called the Love Fellowship Tabernacle Church Choir, Walker continued to release albums recorded live on the church circuit, including Live in Atlanta at Morehouse College in 1994, Hezekiah Walker Presents the LFT Church Choir in 1998, Family Affair in 1999, and Love Is Live! in 2001. Along the way, Walker brought many young people to gospel and choir music, and has shown he has no problem using modern vernacular and recording techniques to expand his fan and worship base. Souled Out appeared in 2008, followed by Azusa: The Next Generation in 2013, both from Verity Records.

Bishop Hezekiah Walker is the visionary, founder and Senior Pastor of the Love Fellowship Tabernacle Churches in Brooklyn, New York and Bensalem, Pennsylvania. Pastor Walker shepherds a growing and multi-cultural flock of members varying in age, race and socio-economic backgrounds. Born and raised in Brooklyn in the tumultuous Fort Greene public housing projects, he has risen to build and lead one of the greatest ministries in the Northeast.

Love Fellowship Tabernacle was birthed in November 1993. The cradle of the Tabernacle’s humble beginnings began with only eight members. The church, located in the East New York section of Brooklyn, focused on the young adolescents in the community. As a result, many young people turned from a life of drugs, crime and sin because of his ability to preach, teach and “rightly divide” the Word of God without fear or reservation.

The need for souls to be saved was always a priority on the heart of Pastor Walker; so on Easter Sunday 1996 Love Fellowship Tabernacle relocated. What had begun with only eight members had quickly blossomed to over 1,000 members.

The vision God gave to Pastor Walker was founded on the three “P’s:” Prayer, Preaching and Praise. As he led the people of God into prayer and praise, he labored diligently in the preaching of the gospel to ensure that people of all ages received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. His ability to motivate, inspire and empower through the Word of God drew people from all walks of life to the Tuesday night prayer and Bible study, now known as the “Prayer Capital of New York City.” Presently, Pastor Walker and the church family are awaiting the construction of their new mega-church facility (The Kingdom Cathedral) to accommodate the overflow of souls.

Award-winning gospel industry veteran Earnest Pugh will be celebrated as an honoree at the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards, recognizing his profound contributions as an inspirational and transformative songwriter. Pugh is set to receive the prestigious BMI Trailblazer Award honor following the massive success of his fifth Billboard No. 1 single, “Don’t Give Up.”

The annual ceremony, which brings together the industry’s premier creatives to honor the masterminds behind the most-performed gospel songs of the past year in the U.S. will take place at BMI’s Nashville headquarters on Tuesday, July 21.

“I initially wrote the song for placement on the soundtrack for the forthcoming movie “Love Mountain,” said Pugh. “But after seeing the incredible response I received when adding it to my live shows around the country, Kerry Douglas and I decided to take it to radio and the rest is history.”

Simultaneously, Pugh is gearing up for an intimate hometown event. He recently rescheduled his 20-year anniversary concert that was to be held in Memphis commemorating his landmark 2006 live recording, A Worshipper’s Perspective. The concert will now take place this fall.

In lieu of the 20-year anniversary recording, Blacksmoke Music Worldwide CEO and Grammy-nominated producer Kerry Douglas will host “Live and Unplugged,” an exclusive, intimate night of worship and inspiration. The event will take place on Friday, July 3, at The Rain Room in Houston. Produced by Keith Williams, the evening will showcase legendary songwriting and feature performances by the award-winning Percy Bady, Timothy Wright, and Pugh himself.

“Earnest and I have worked together for over two decades, and I love capturing him in his element,” says Douglas. “He is a live singer who energizes rooms with an unapologetic anointing and an incredible vocal skill set. Houston is in for a real treat.”

In addition to his musical milestones, Pugh is expanding his reach as an author with the recent release of his new book, “A Song for Every Season: Guidance, Inspiration, and Hope for Life’s Challenges.” This highly anticipated sophomore title commemorates his 20-year career milestone through intimate storytelling, offering a deep dive into the etymology behind top songs in his vast catalog.

By blending personal journeys with scriptural truths and emotional realities, the book provides readers with a practical, faith-based roadmap for navigating life’s challenges revealing every season has a sound. Pugh will host book signings and pop-up events in select cities nationwide throughout the year.

Band Reeves, How To Forgive reflects the story God has been writing in their lives. Set for release August 21 through Centricity Music, the album finds Palestine, Texas-based Jeramy and Cody Reeves sharing some of their most personal songs to date. Rooted in family conflict, pride, broken relationships, redemption and restoration, the recording tells the story of two brothers learning that forgiveness is not about forgetting what happened, but rather trusting God enough to let go of what they are carrying.

“This album came from watching God heal what seemed broken,” says Cody Reeves. “We’ve all hurt someone, and we’ve all needed grace.”

Blending acoustic-rooted storytelling with faith-filled country music, Band Reeves has built a growing audience through songs that reflect real life and genuine faith. Following a 28-city spring tour with Ben Fuller that saw nearly every venue filled to capacity, the brothers are eager to share the project they believe is their most meaningful yet. At its core, How To Forgive is an album about freedom that comes when grace wins over pride.

“Forgiveness isn’t pretending the hurt never happened,” says Jeramy Reeves. “It’s choosing freedom over bitterness. It’s trusting God enough to release what you’ve been carrying.”

One of the defining moments behind How To Forgive happened years ago while Cody was working construction alongside his father. After a heated disagreement, Cody said things he immediately regretted and walked away knowing he was completely in the wrong. When his father returned to the job site, Cody expected a confrontation. Instead, he experienced grace.

“My dad apologized first,” Cody recalls. “Even though I was in the wrong. I apologized and Dad looked at me and said, ‘I already forgave you before you asked.’ I’ll never forget that moment.” Long before Cody fully understood the Gospel, he saw a picture of it through his father’s actions. “Forgiveness was given before it was ever asked,” he says. “That’s exactly what Jesus did for us.”

For Jeramy, the lesson came through recognizing how pride had affected some of the most important relationships in his life. “I spent years wanting to be right, wanting to be in control, wanting people to see me as the guy who had it all together,” Jeramy shares. “Looking back, I realize pride cost me time. It cost me moments and relationships that could have been healthier if I had chosen humility sooner.”

Today, another defining message on the album comes from a lesson Jeremy reveals that God continues to teach him: “Meekness and forgiveness are not weaknesses. It’s power under control. Sometimes it’s the strongest thing you’ll ever do.”

That realization became a foundation for many of the songs on How To Forgive. The album’s title track captures that message with unflinching honesty:

“How To Forgive” Chorus:

I’ve held a grudge with ten white knuckles

Told some folks they ain’t worth the trouble

Had pain that I couldn’t kill so I let it live (yeah I did)

Tried my best to be a man of steel

Kept my heart underneath my heel

But the roughest toughest thing I ever did

Was learn how to forgive

Additional highlights on the album include the current radio single “If I Didn’t Have You,” the Walker Hayes and Kyle Williams co-write “Devil Drive,” the harmony-filled “Outrun You,” the faith-and-values anthem “My Country,” and “Front Porch Church,” a reminder to slow down and reconnect with what matters most.

The full How To Forgive tracklisting follows:

01) If I Didn’t Have You

02) How To Forgive

03) My Country

04) Outrun You

05) Devil Drive

06) Jesus Won’t

07) That Old Man

08) What Free Feels Like

09) Love You To Death

10) Front Porch Church

11) Big Shoes

12) Hold On To Jesus

Taking their new music and fan favorites to audiences nationwide, Band Reeves will spend the summer performing at festivals and events across the country.

For the latest music, tour dates, and news, visit www.bandreeves.com and follow Band Reeves on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.

About Band Reeves

Band Reeves is the musical partnership of brothers Jeramy and Cody Reeves, whose blend of country storytelling and Gospel truth has resonated with audiences across the country. Raised in Palestine, Texas, as preacher’s kids, the brothers learned early about faith, family, hard work and redemption.

Before signing their first label deal with Centricity Music, Band Reeves spent years building a loyal following through authentic songs inspired by everyday life, rural roots and a deep dependence on God. Their music reflects a life where blue-collar living, family dinners, front porch conversations and worship all intersect.

Today, the brothers continue to share songs shaped by real experiences, real struggles and the grace of a God who still restores what seems broken.

Eleven-time GRAMMY nominee and multi — platinum selling artist Tauren Wells has announced his eclectic live album, Comes The Church, will be released on October 2nd. Recorded in front of a sold-out crowd at Austin City Limits Moody Theater in Austin, TX, Tauren brought together a broad spectrum of artists to deliver a 14-song live set culled from his fourth full-length LP, Breathe On It, released earlier this year.

Guest vocalists range from Davies., Paul and Hannah McClure, Israel Houghton, and Hulvey, to Naomi Raine, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Tiffany Hudson, and Pastor Mike Jr. as well as Abbie Gamboa, Sarai Rivera, Todd Galberth, Robert Angel, and Red Rocks Worship. With Here Comes The Church, Tauren sought to include as many people and communities as possible to reflect the tapestry of the church as a whole.

“This isn’t just a gospel album, a Spanish-language album, a black album, or a white album,” explains Tauren. “Of course, we can’t cover it all, but the record is an expression of my goal to draw everyone out of the little worlds that we separately exist in and into a place of unity.”

Here Comes The Church Tracklist:

1. The Church Is On Fire

2. Serve The Lord with Davies.

3. Breathe On It

4. Making Room with Paul McClure, Hannah McClure

5. What A Miracle Feels Like with Naomi Raine

6. Thank You For The Cross with Abbie Gamboa

7. Gracias Por La Cruz with Sarai Rivera

8. Not Guilty with Red Rocks Worship

9. Let The Church Sing with Israel Houghton

10. Bless Your Name with Tasha Cobbs Leonard

11. Bless Your Name (Flow) with Tasha Cobbs Leonard

12. Here Comes The Church with Tiffany Hudson

13. The Room Is Yours with Todd Galberth, Robert Angel

14. How Great with Hulvey

15. Angus Dei with Robert Angel

16. Sunday Morning with Pastor Mike Jr.

17. The Invitation

Tauren Wells is a multi-platinum recording artist, bestselling author, and dynamic faith leader who has inspired millions through his music, message, and ministry. With 11 GRAMMY® nominations, eight GMA Dove Awards, seven #1 radio hits, and over 2.5 billion global streams, he has become one of the most influential voices in contemporary Christian music. Known for blending worship, gospel, pop, hip-hop, and R&B, Wells has collaborated with a wide range of artists from H.E.R. and Elevation Worship to Lecrae and Tobymac. Having previously toured with legends including Lionel Richie and Mariah Carey, he has captivated audiences worldwide through music and faith both on and off stage. His impact is reflected in RIAA-certified singles — platinum hits “Known” and “Hills and Valleys,” and gold singles “Take It All Back,” “God’s Not Done With You” and “Famous For (I Believe)” which continue to resonate deeply with listeners.

Atlanta, GA — The world became privy to her unmistakably rich contralto and powerfully passionate voice in the 1990s.  As a standout singer in the multi-platinum-selling Gospel group Kirk Franklin & The Family, Kisha Grandy has become one of the most notable artists in Gospel music and entertainment.      

Beyond her Gospel music credits, her vocal talents have been featured on numerous commercial and entertainment projects, including the Don’t Be A Menace movie soundtrack and national advertising campaigns for Coca-Cola, Chrysler, and Church’s Chicken.  As an actress, she captivated audiences as “Vianne” in Tyler Perry’s acclaimed stage production I Can Do Bad All By Myself and has appeared in several major theatrical productions across the United States and abroad.

Her ability to connect emotionally with audiences, whether through music or theater, continues to elevate her as an incredibly versatile talent.  She has now released a new single, “I Believe God,” and enters a new season of ministry and music with renewed purpose and passion.

“I Believe God” is written and produced by acclaimed producer, songwriter, radio host, and clinician Ernest J. Lee. Known for his innovative production style and impactful songwriting, Lee crafted the song for his wife to specifically meet the spiritual needs of listeners navigating difficult seasons.

“Kisha never ceases to amaze me with her ability to capture the very essence of a song,” says Lee. “Every time she steps behind a microphone, she delivers something special. Her passion, conviction, and authenticity cannot be manufactured. I’m incredibly proud of my wife. She’s a legend, and this recording serves as a reminder of why her voice continues to inspire generations around the world.”

In a culture increasingly dominated by fear and instability, Kisha Grandy’s single offers a simple yet profound response: “I BELIEVE GOD.”

Former Kirk Franklin & The Family Standout Kisha Grandy Releases New Single”I Believe God”

Stream & Enjoy

The message is timeless. The ministry is authentic. The moment is now.

Renowned vocalist Darwin Hobbs is making a highly anticipated return to music with the release of Set List Vol. 1 (HeartArt Music / Tyscot), his first album in 16 years. “It’s a grouping of songs that work well within a set list that any worship leader in the church can use,” he says.

The six-track, six-video digital album was produced by Hobbs alongside 20-year-old producer Jaden Baker (his grandmother is celebrated pastor Sheryl Brady) and millennial Rachel James. They bring a variety of influences and flavors to this sweeping set of elaborately orchestrated praise and worship songs that fuse the bigness of Elevation Worship with the dramatic heartiness of Shekinah Glory Ministry.

It opens with a beautiful instrumental entitled, “Overture” and then sets the atmosphere with a soulful cover of “Be Glorified,” a 1991 Ron Kenoly cut. “Ron Kenoly made it popular, and I always liked it and wanted to record it,” Hobbs says. “I’ve been singing it for 20 years. We spruced it up some and added a tag that I created.”

The live album was recorded at Elizabeth Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia. It’s a powerful suite of songs designed to lead congregations into heartfelt worship such as “I Command My Soul,” featuring the riveting vocals of Antavia Jackson; the triumphant congregational anthem “Hallelujah to the King,” co-written by Hobbs; and “Hallelujah (Praise Be to God).”

The album concludes with “All the Glory Is Yours,” written by Israel Houghton and featuring gospel powerhouse Latrice Pace, whose power and glory line from “The Lord’s Prayer” on the coda, provides a breathtaking climax to the recording. The project was captured before a passionate audience and has been divided into two separate album releases, beginning with Set List Vol. 1 which features six audio tracks and six music videos.

Worship Singer Darwin Hobbs of “He’s Able” Fame Releases First Album in 16 Years 

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Although, he’s often called a worship leader, Hobbs rejects the concept. “I can’t lead worship,” he protests. “When we limit the idea of worship to music, we miss it. Worship isn’t just holding a microphone and singing songs. It’s how you live. I’m a song leader. I lead songs – not worship.”

In the past, Hobbs was hailed as the “Luther Vandross of Gospel” for his distinctive vocal tone but for the last decade, he’s been devoted to Sunday morning church music. Over the course of that decade, he’s been mentoring and training worship teams at prominent churches across the United States. He’s the Global Worship pastor for the New York-based Christian Cultural Center (CCC) fellowship that has campuses across the United States. “I oversee all of that for the church.”

Over the years, Hobbs’ signature hit, “He’s Able,” his duet “Nobody But Jesus” with Shirley Murdock and other songs have kept Hobbs’ voice on the minds and hearts of many. Now, Set List Vol. 1 promises to keep these songs on the hearts and minds of church music departments and congregations all over the world.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – PLATINUM-certified, GRAMMY-nominated artist and songwriter Anne Wilson announces Stars (Blue Hour Deluxe), out July 10 via Capitol Christian Music Group. Expanding on the faith-filled, coming-of-age collection first introduced on her third studio album, Stars, the 17-track deluxe album adds five new tracks that deepen the project’s message of hope, healing and holding tight to Jesus through every season.

“When I first released Stars, my prayer was simple – that these songs would help people lift their eyes to Jesus,” shares Wilson. “Since then, I’ve walked through incredible highs, deep heartbreak and moments that tested my faith in ways I never expected. Through it all, God has remained faithful.

As I’ve traveled the country and sung these songs with so many of you, they’ve taken on an even deeper meaning. Stars (Blue Hour Deluxe) feels like the next chapter in a story only God could write — a story of faith, hope, healing and trusting Him through it all. Because at the end of the day, reaching for the stars was never really about chasing a dream. It was about reaching for Jesus. I can’t wait for you to hear it on July 10.”

The expanded album will feature the recently released “Still Do” with Cole Swindell, which Billboard tapped as “a country-shaded song of faith and redemption,” an acoustic version of the sweeping “Carry Me,” a live version of “God Story” and the brand-new “Me & Jesus,” born from the grief and reflection of losing a close friend. The project will also include “Maker’s Mark” with Drew Baldridge, a reflective look at legacy, purpose and leading the kind of life that leaves a lasting impact.

The Kentucky native will spend the summer appearing at some of Christian music’s most beloved fairs and festivals before heading to the United Kingdom for Big Church Festival and Long Road Festival. From t here, she will kick off the second leg of her recently extended The STARS Tour, which adds 24 dates across the U.S. to the previously announced run.

The fall leg will bring her compelling live show to cities across the West Coast, Midwest, South and more, with special guests Peter Burton and Aodhán King set to join on select dates. Tickets are available for purchase via annewilsonofficial.com.

Beyond music, Wilson continues to expand her message through writing. Earlier this month, she released her third book, “Rebel: Following Jesus When the World Walks the Other Way,” via W Publishing, an imprint of Thomas Nelson. The release follows her recent Book Impact Award win at the 2026 K-LOVE Fan Awards for her “Hey Girl” 40-Day Devotional, further underscoring the growing impact of her faith-forward storytelling across music, print and the live stage.

With over 2 billion career streams, Wilson is cementing herself as “one of contemporary Christian music’s most dynamic trailblazers” (People). Building on the success of a GRAMMY nomination, multiple Dove Award wins and recognition from Spotify, CMT, Billboard and more, Wilson’s next chapter promises to shine even brighter. Stay up to date at annewilsonofficial.com and keep up with her on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

Stars (Blue Hour Deluxe) Tracklist:

1. “Stars”

(Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo and Matthew West)

2. “God Story”

(Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo and Matthew West)

3. “‘Til The Road Runs Out”

(Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo and Matthew West)

4. “Devil Is Too”

(Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo, Emily Weisband and Matthew West)

5. “Hold Your Horses”

(Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo, Matthew West and Trannie Anderson)

6. “Jesus On The Radio”

(Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo, Matthew West and Trannie Anderson)

7. “Dead In The Water”

(Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo, Matthew West, Trannie Anderson and Andy Albert)

8. “Carry Me”

(Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo, Matthew West and Trannie Anderson)

9. “The Carpenter”

(Written by Anne Wilson, Blake Pendergrass, Jeff Pardo, Josh Miller and Matthew West)

10. “Carry Me”

(Written by Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo and Matthew West)

11. “Still Do”

(Anne Wilson, Trannie Anderson, Jeff Pardo and Matthew West)

12. “Twenty Three”

(Jeff Pardo, Anne Wilson and Matthew West)

13. “Me & Jesus”

(Anne Wilson, Luke Laird, Matthew West)

14. “Maker’s Mark” (with Drew Baldridge)

(Drew Baldridge, Allison Veltz-Cruz, Laura Veltz, Lalo Guzman)

15. “Still Do” (with Cole Swindell)

(Anne Wilson, Trannie Anderson, Jeff Pardo and Matthew West)

16. “Carry Me” – Acoustic

(Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo, Matthew West and Trannie Anderson)

17. “God Story” – Live

(Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo and Matthew West)

Upcoming Tour Dates:

June 27, 2026 in Ridgedale, Mo. at Bulls, Bands & Barrels

July 3, 2026 in Olive Branch, Miss. at Light the Way Freedom Fest

July 12, 2026 in West Fargo, N.D. at Red River Valley Fair

July 16, 2026 in Hampton, Iowa at Franklin County Fair

July 18, 2026 in Rapid City, S.D. at Hills Alive Festival

July 28, 2026 in Goshen, Ind. at Elkhart County Fair

July 29, 2026 in Tiffin, Ohio. at Seneca County Fair

July 30, 2026 in Harrington, Del. at Delaware State Fair

July 31, 2026 in Kettering, Ohio at The Fraze Pavilion

Aug. 8, 2026 in Duluth, Minn. at City On The Hill Festival

Aug. 28, 2026 in Pulborough, U.K. at Big Church Festival

Aug. 30, 2026 in Lutterworth, U.K. at The Long Road Festival

The STARS Tour fall 2026 dates:

Sept. 10, 2026 in Portland, Ore. at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall *

Sept. 11, 2026 in Spokane, Wash. at Fox Theater *

Sept. 12, 2026 in Tacoma, Wash. at Pantages Theater *

Sept. 15, 2026 in Colorado Springs, Colo. at Pikes Peak Center *

Sept. 17, 2026 in Tulsa, Okla. at Mabee Center *

Sept. 18, 2026 in Kansas City, Mo. at The Midland Theatre *

Sept. 19, 2026 in Springfield, Mo. at Spence Chapel Auditorium at Evangel University *

Sept. 23, 2026 in Roanoke, Va. at Berglund Performing Arts Theatre *

Sept. 24, 2026 in Baltimore, Md. at Lyric Baltimore *

Sept. 26, 2026 in Virginia Beach, Va. at The Dome by Rutter Mills *

Sept. 30, 2026 in Houston, Texas at Bayou Music Center *

Oct. 1, 2026 in Grand Prairie, Texas at Texas Trust CU Theatre at Grand Prairie *

Oct. 2, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Okla. at The Criterion *

Oct. 9, 2026 in Birmingham, Ala. at BJCC Concert Hall ~

Oct. 11, 2026 in Augusta, Ga. at Bell Auditorium ~

Oct. 22, 2026 in Omaha, Neb. at Peter Kiewit Concert Hall at The Holland Performing Arts Center ~

Oct. 23, 2026 in Peoria, Ill. at Prairie Home Alliance Theater ~

Oct. 24, 2026 in Davenport, Iowa at Capitol Theatre ~

Nov. 5, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nev. at The Smith Center ~

Nov. 6, 2026 in Riverside, Calif. at Fox Performing Arts Center ~

Nov. 7, 2026 in Tucson, Ariz. at Linda Ronstadt Music Hall ~

Nov. 9, 2026 in San Diego, Calif. at San Diego Civic Theatre ~

Nov. 12, 2026 in Bakersfield, Calif. at Dignity Health Theater ~

Nov. 13, 2026 in Sacramento, Calif. at SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center ~

• with Aodhán King

~ with Peter Burton

ABOUT ANNE WILSON:

Anne Wilson makes music where faith and country meet, a rare space where honesty, grief, and hope live side by side. At just 24, she has already crossed the 2 billion streams milestone and emerged as one of the most distinctive new voices in both Christian and country music.

Her third studio album, Stars, captures a young artist growing up on record. Shaped by the tragic loss of her brother Jacob, Wilson’s faith could have been shattered — but instead it was strengthened. That tension, of wrestling with God yet still loving Jesus, defines her music and makes her profoundly relatable. “Faith isn’t about never questioning,” she says. “It’s about holding on in the middle of the storm.”

Stars threads together themes of grief, growth, maturity, and wonder, carried by Wilson’s soaring vocals and country-pop production. From the wide-eyed imagery of the title track to the raw prayer of “Carry Me” and the redemption arc of “Dead in the Water,” the album reflects both the hardship of loss and the joy of new perspective.

Alongside the album, Wilson is delivering her new music to fans in person on The STARS Tour. She’s also released a 40-day “Hey Girl” devotional. Named after her encouraging anthem, the devotional is aimed at young readers, extending her message of identity and Christ-centered hope beyond the stage. Following her record-breaking album REBEL, which boldly defined what it looks like to stand firm in faith, Wilson continues that powerful message in her new book, “Rebel.” Written to encourage readers of all ages to learn what it means to follow Jesus, even when the crowd walks the other way.

Anne Wilson is still becoming, still wrestling and still rejoicing – but Stars proves she’s

shining brighter not in spite of the struggle, but because of it.

 Following a breakout year and a successful spring headlining run that connected with audiences across the country, Christian music artist Megan Woods is bringing The Truth Tour back this fall for an expanded 30-city run across the US.

Building on the momentum of her first-ever headlining tour, Woods will continue to share the songs and stories that have resonated with fans nationwide. Returning as special guest is Jeremy Rosado, known for his appearances on American Idol and The Voice, whose heartfelt storytelling and authentic faith have made him a fan favorite. Together, they will create evenings filled with meaningful worship, genuine connection, and a powerful reminder of God’s truth.

“When we launched The Truth Tour, I prayed that these songs would help people discover who God says they are and experience His love in a personal way,” Woods shares. “Seeing that happen night after night has been incredible, and I’m thrilled to bring The Truth Tour back this fall. These evenings are about worship, encouragement, and declaring God’s truth over our lives together. I’m so excited to have Jeremy Rosado joining me, and I believe God has more stories to write, more lives to touch, and more moments in store for us this fall.”

The announcement comes amid a season of growth for Woods, whose debut single “The Truth” continues to resonate with listeners around the world. Named Billboard’s Best New Christian Artist of the Year for 2025, Woods has emerged as one of Christian music’s newest rising stars. Her Gold-certified debut single became the largest breakout debut single in Christian music in the past four years, reached No. 1 on iTunes in 58 countries, and has surpassed 150 million global streams.

What began as a song born from Woods’ personal journey of finding identity and worth in Christ has become an anthem for countless listeners seeking hope, freedom, and purpose. Through The Truth Tour, audiences are invited into an evening of worship, testimony, and encouragement centered on the life-changing truth of God’s love.

An exclusive pre-sale begins Monday, June 29th, with tickets available to the public starting Wednesday, July 1st.

TOUR DATES:

Thursday, October 1, 2026 – Centralia, IL – City Hope Church

Friday, October 2, 2026 – Johnston, IA – NorthPoint Church

Saturday, October 3, 2026 – Bellevue, NE – Bellevue Christian Center

Sunday, October 4, 2026 – Arden Hills, MN – North Heights Lutheran Church

Tuesday, October 6, 2026 – Missoula, MT – Zootown Church

Wednesday, October 7, 2026 – Twin Falls, ID – Lighthouse Church

Friday, October 9, 2026 – Monroe, WA – Cascade Community Church

Saturday, October 10, 2026 – Spokane,WA – Turning Point Open Bible Church

Thursday, October 15, 2026 – Grant Pass, OR – Edgewater Christian Fellowship Church

Friday, October 16, 2026 – Stockton, CA – First Baptist Church of Stockton

Saturday, October 17, 2026 – Santa Cruz, CA – Rio Theatre

Sunday, October 18, 2026 – Bakersfield, CA – Victory Outreach Bakersfield Bold

Tuesday, October 20, 2026 – Fresno, CA – The Wilson Theatre (Cornerstone Church Assemblies of God)

Thursday, October 22, 2026 – Pomona, CA – The Cathedral Pomona

Friday, October 23, 2026 – Spring Valley, CA – Faith Chapel San Diego

Saturday, October 24, 2026 – Tucson, AZ – Canyon del Oro Bible Church

Sunday, October 25, 2026 – Las Cruces, NM – Real Life Church

Thursday, November 5, 2026 – Roanoke, VA – Parkway Church on the Mountain

Friday, November 6, 2026 – Johnson City, NY – First Baptist Church

Saturday, November 7, 2026 – Somerset, PA – Somerset Alliance Church

Sunday, November 8, 2026 – North Syracuse, NY – The Gathering Place

Tuesday, November 10, 2026 – Montgomery, NY – Goodwill Church

Thursday, November 12, 2026 – Woburn, MA – GENESIS Community Church

Friday, November 13, 2026 – Uxbridge, MA – Valley Chapel

Saturday, November 14, 2026 – Meadville, PA – New Beginnings Church of God

Sunday, November 15, 2026 – Hagerstown, MD – Hub City Vineyard Church

Thursday, November 19, 2026 – Tifton, GA – John Hunt Memorial Auditorium

Friday, November 20, 2026 – Cleveland, TN – The Church at Grace Point

Saturday, November 21, 2026 – Morristown, TN – Manley Baptist Church

Sunday, November 22, 2026 – Sumter, SC – Alice Drive Baptist Church

About Megan Woods:

Megan Woods is from a small town in northern Massachusetts where God planted a love for music in her at a young age. Although she was raised in a loving Christian family, she did not have a personal relationship with God. Throughout her life, Megan wrestled with self worth and believing she was worthy of love. She felt like no matter where she turned, she was never good enough. Those struggles led Megan to the lowest point in her life.

In that moment of desperation, Megan received a phone call from one of her closest friends explaining that they just had a near death experience. Her friend said to her “Megan, Jesus Christ is real.” In her darkest, most vulnerable moment, Jesus saved her life.

Megan’s life was altered from that moment on. She began attending church, studying the Word, and even leading worship. God changed every aspect of her life for the better. Shortly after, God spoke to Megan and revealed that singing for Jesus was her life’s purpose. Megan explains, “It was the most intense feeling I’ve ever experienced. It wasn’t like God was poking me, he was grabbing me by the shoulders and calling me to do something larger than I could even imagine. Now I want nothing more than to tell people about Jesus through my music and share the story of the work God has done in my life.”

Developing her relationship with Christ through songwriting began the process of healing. Leaning into God’s love after coming from a place of worthlessness is a theme of all of the songs Megan writes. “I hope people come to know Jesus in the way I’ve come to know Him,” Woods says. “A lot of people talk about how we need to love God, but I want people to realize God loves them! Sometimes we forget that He loved us first.”

Woods’ debut single “The Truth,” is a driving piano ballad that showcases her powerhouse alto vocals and is a deeply personal proclamation. “This song is my life story,” Woods says. “I wanted to write a song that is a reminder for people every day of who they are in Jesus. We don’t belong to the lies, we belong to God, that’s the truth. When the lies are closing in, this song can remind them of the truth.”

Megan Woods signed a record deal in 2022 with Fair Trade Services (MercyMe, Phil Wickham), signed with booking agency Jeff Roberts Agency and is managed by Jason Davis and his team at Noble Management.

Lazarus Casket enter the summer of 2026 with real momentum: a confirmed cycle of shows in various Southern California markets, a fresh official lyric video for “Me vs. Me,” they are currently writing, recording, and mixing a brand new EP in 2026, and they continue to push their debut EP ‘Spiritual Warfare’ (2025) from The Charon Collective that continues to strengthen their place in modern faith-driven extreme metal.

Stream & Enjoy

Spiritual Warfare’ album release cycle #2, playing the album in its entirety, in sequence:

7/31/26 @worldfamousdollhut Anaheim CA

8/01/26 @relentlessbrewing Temecula CA

8/15/26 @thefamousregal Lakewood CA

more winter shows TBA. For booking email: ADHDentertainment562@gmail.com

“As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.”

– Proverbs 27:17 NLT

Some bands return quietly. Others come back sounding like unfinished business.

That is the atmosphere surrounding Lazarus Casket right now. The Long Beach, California band are heading into summer 2026 album release shows cycle #2; playing ‘Spiritual Warfare’ in its entirety, in sequence, in various Southern California market’s while pushing forward with the official lyric video for “Me vs. Me”, a track tied to the band’s latest era and to the weighty, compact force of their EP Spiritual Warfare.

For Eternal Flames readers who followed our earlier coverage of the band’s previous release cycle, this new chapter feels less like a random update and more like a continuation of a story already in motion. If you missed that piece, go back to our earlier article: Lazarus Casket “Spiritual Warfare” – A Tribute to Metal and Personal Battles.

In a 2026 metal landscape flooded with content, Lazarus Casket stand out by sounding focused. Their material does not chase trend cycles or algorithmic gimmicks. It leans instead on tension, discipline, and the old heavy truth that metal still matters most when it feels lived rather than manufactured.

“Me vs. Me” and the Visual Weight of the New Era:

The official lyric video for “Me vs. Me” gives Lazarus Casket another strong entry point in 2026. The song carries the same essential traits that have helped define this period of the band: aggressive riffing, a sense of deliberate pressure, and a lyrical approach that does not hide from struggle. The title itself points toward transition, ordeal, and confrontation rather than easy resolution.

That matters because Lazarus Casket do not present heaviness as empty theatre. Their music keeps circling back to battle, endurance, inner fracture, and the possibility of spiritual clarity through conflict. “Me vs. Me” feels consistent with that worldview. It is not metal as costume. It is metal as collision.

Compared to many contemporary extreme releases that disappear into technical excess, Lazarus Casket sound more intentional. The grooves land. The arrangement pushes forward with purpose. The emotional angle is not sentimental, but it is unmistakably present.

From “Spiritual Warfare” to the summer of 2026:

Part of what makes this moment convincing is that it is built on a strong foundation. ‘Spiritual Warfare’, released via The Charon Collective, is not an overlong statement padded for streaming logic. It is a six-track EP running roughly twenty minutes, and that economy works in its favor.

There is a discipline to the record that many heavier releases lack. It attacks quickly, stays focused, and leaves little waste behind. That is one reason it connected beyond the immediate circle of loyal followers. It also helps explain why the band’s momentum now feels earned rather than inflated.

The earlier single “Into Eternity” also gave the band a measurable boost, landing at #9 on the CMW Top 100 Metal/Loud Songs of 2025. For an underground act, that kind of recognition does not rewrite everything overnight, but it does confirm that people are paying attention.

Why This Matters for Christian and Extreme Metal in 2026:

Lazarus Casket sit in an interesting space. They are heavy enough to matter in extreme circles, but their thematic direction also opens a lane inside the wider conversation around faith-driven metal. That does not make them soft. It makes them more layered.

And that is precisely where some of the most compelling Christian metal in 2026 is happening: not in sanitised imitation, but in artists willing to carry spiritual conflict into genuinely aggressive forms. As explored in our wider coverage of Christian metal in 2026, the scene’s strongest material often comes from bands that understand tension better than certainty.

Compared with the polished melodic strain emerging in some parts of the scene, Lazarus Casket feel harsher, more physical, and more rooted in the vocabulary of struggle. That gives them a distinctive place in the current map of faith-aware heavy music.

Lazarus Casket (2026):

Jason Tyler – vocals

Aaron Miller – guitars

Robert Madrigal – bass

Chris Griles O’Reilly – drums