A collective of the next generation of worship leaders creating songs for the Church steeped in Biblical truth and musical excellence, Decatur, Alabama-based Ezra Worship presents “Same God” (feat. Marco Virtudazo). Spotlighting the Calvin University Gospel Choir, the NCS Records single was penned by Marco Virtudazo, Phoebe Scott, Mary Lazenby Bridges, John Chisum, and George Godwin.

An anthem of humble repentance extolling the Lord’s unending kindness and mercy, “Same God” was produced by GRAMMY® and Dove Award-winner Chris Springer and executive produced by Ezra Worship’s George and Carol Godwin along with NCS Records/Nashville Christian Songwriters founder and president John Chisum.

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The single arrives on the heels of last month’s “Great and Glorious God” (feat. Anne Elise Sherrod), the title-track of Ezra Worship’s forthcoming NCS Records EP. All collaborations with the Calvin University Gospel Choir, the four-song Great and Glorious God set releases July 24 and also includes the gratitude-filled ballad “Faithful Through It All” (feat. Alyssa Campbell) and the soulful “Praise Upon Praise” (feat. Rebekah Trapnell).

“Ezra Worship’s partnership with the Calvin University Gospel Choir was off the charts,” shares NCS Records/Nashville Christian Songwriters founder and president John Chisum. “This was one of the most impactful worship experiences I’ve had in a long time. A special bond exists between the Ezra Worship vocalists and the Calvin choir, and this is a collaboration that I hope endures for years to come.”

Echoing Chisum’s sentiments, Ezra Worship Initiative director George Godwin says, “The collaboration with the Calvin University Gospel Choir brought this vision to life in a powerful way. Hearing diverse voices sing these truths together provides a beautiful picture of God’s people united in worship. The joy and unity of the choir remind us that worship is both deeply personal and wonderfully communal.”

ABOUT EZRA WORSHIP
A division of the Ezra Worship Initiative — a seminary-based internship program in Decatur, Alabama, raising up worship leaders to serve the Church through sound theology, excellent leadership, accomplished musicianship, and practical audio tech training — Ezra Worship is a songwriting collective comprised of college-aged students pursuing bi-vocational or full-time music and worship leadership. Nurturing young writers in the creation of a powerful new stream of modern congregational music and resources, Ezra Worshipblends the best of historical worship with contemporary musical expressions.

ABOUT NASHVILLE CHRISTIAN SONGWRITERS AND NCS RECORDS
Established in 2015 by veteran music industry executive John Chisum to help meet the unique needs of aspiring artists and writers, Nashville Christian Songwriters (NCS) flourishes today as a multifaceted organization with worldwide reach, boasting one of Christian music’s premier training and coaching programs, among other signature services. The company’s label, NCS Records, has quickly amassed a stable of acclaimed artists, including American Idol’s Clark Beckham, award-winning singer/songwriter John Chisum, lauded indie-rockers Eauclaire, and singer/songwriter and worship leader Justin Barnett. Comprised of a world-class recording studio, podcast suite and versatile event space, NCS is located in the heart of Nashville’s Berry Hill creative district.

BMI announced today that the 2026 BMI Christian Awards will be held on July 22 at the organization’s Nashville office. The private event will be hosted by BMI’s AVP of Creative, Nashville, Leslie Roberts and BMI’s CEO, Mike O’Neill, as the 25 most-performed Christian songs from the previous year will be celebrated. In addition, BMI’s Christian Songwriter of the Year, Song of the Year and Publisher of the Year will be announced.

“Christian music has the powerful ability to bring people together, anchor faith and offer hope when we need it most,” said Roberts. “These creators craft the soundtracks to people’s lives and spiritual journeys. As the genre continues to expand and create deeper connections, we are incredibly eager to welcome our BMI family back to Music Row and celebrate the impact that these songwriters and publishers have made this past year.”

Guests will enjoy an upscale atmosphere as they are greeted with a formal VIP reception before enjoying a full course dinner, sponsored by Studio Bank. Throughout the evening, the 2026 BMI Christian Awards will highlight the community and feature live performances from top-tier Christian music creators.

North Chapel Music has announced the signing of acclaimed singer-songwriter Lauren Mascitti to an exclusive publishing agreement..

Mascitti first captured the attention of millions during her standout run on American Idol, although her reputation as a songwriter and performer has been years in the making. The Louisville, Ohio native began writing songs at age seven and later performed six nights a week in Branson, Missouri alongside gospel legend and original Oak Ridge Boy Gary McSpadden.

“We are honored to welcome Lauren to the North Chapel Music family,” said Benny Brown, owner of North Chapel Music. “Lauren is a gifted songwriter with an incredible ability to communicate truth, emotion, and life experience through her music. Her artistry and work ethic make her a perfect fit for what we’re building.”

“From the minute I walked in the doors at North Chapel, I felt at home,” says Mascitti. “Creatively and spiritually. Getting to work with such an amazing staff and writers that I also call my friends is the ultimate dream come true. God is so good, and I’m so grateful to be here.”

Most recently, Mascitti released her acclaimed EP Out of the Blue, produced by Dean Sams of Lonestar, showcasing a collection of songs inspired by the ocean, travel, and timeless storytelling.

23x-platinum rock band SKILLET has announced the launch of its upcoming Comatose: 20 Years, Still Screaming Tour, a major fall headline run produced by Live Nation.

The tour announcement comes alongside their explosive new single, “Scream,” arriving July 10, which serves as the first taste of a new era of music from the band, with additional releases expected later this year.

This news follows a monumental start to the year for SKILLET. The 6x-platinum anthem “Monster” recently surpassed 4 billion global streams, earned a place in Spotify’s Billions Club, and solidified its status as one of the most-streamed rock songs of all time. The achievement is particularly historic as “Monster” remains the only song by a Christian artist to surpass 1 billion streams on Spotify. The milestone arrives on the heels of the band’s completely sold-out European headline tour, which moved more than 90,000 tickets across 23 cities, bringing SKILLET in front of the largest international audiences of their career.

For the new music, the band returned to familiar ground.

“We went back to Memphis and worked with a producer who knew the band before we’d made our first record,” says frontman John Cooper. “Life has taken some great turns, but it’s also taken some painful turns. Now we’re here, and we still have more of a story to tell. The music kept getting heavier, and I said, ‘We’ve got to go all-in.'”

They certainly did with “Scream.” With clean electric guitar slips into the undertow of crushing distortion, Cooper delivers a catchy and cathartic chorus: “I wanna scream. I wanna break something beautiful.” Ominous keys ring out, the beat snaps, and he wonders, “Will I ever be enough?” before a palm-muted bridge unleashes one final burst of emotion punctuated by glitchy electronics.

“I don’t think I’m the only one who’s noticing the volatility of the world and how social media is a cesspool where people are constantly yelling at each other,” Cooper explains. “It’s not helping anyone’s mental health. In this landscape, it’s easy to feel like nothing matters. ‘Scream’ is about wanting your life to matter when the world feels chaotic and overwhelming.”

The release of “Scream” arrives alongside the announcement of the Comatose: 20 Years, Still Screaming Tour, celebrating two decades of the landmark album that helped define a generation of rock fans while showcasing the band’s next chapter.

“When we released our 2006 album, COMATOSE, we all had a feeling that we were making something special,” recalls Cooper. “What we didn’t know is that the album would change the trajectory of the band’s career. It defined our sound, our message, and propelled the band into a much bigger level of notoriety. But most importantly, it resonated with all kinds of people from all walks of life.

At every show, someone tells me that this record helped them through the darkest times of their life. That is why we wanted to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Comatose by doing something we have never done—commemorating the album by dedicating a large portion of the show to these songs that are so meaningful to the band and so many others. Some of them we have played a thousand times. Others we have never played. We are excited to perform them alongside our catalog on this once in a lifetime tour.”

TICKET INFORMATION:

VIP M&G tickets will be available in the SKILLET app.

Spotify Reserved: SKILLET’s Reserved by Spotify tickets may be available to eligible US Spotify Premium subscribers through Ticketmaster. Eligible fans will be notified by Spotify via email and app notification, and will have the opportunity to purchase up to two tickets before the general on-sale.

Citi Presale: Tuesday, June 23 at 10:00 AM local time

Artist Presale: Tuesday, June 23 at 10:00 AM local time

Live Nation / Promoter Presales: Thursday, June 25 at 10:00 AM local time

General Onsale: Friday, June 26 at 10:00 AM local time

For tickets, tour dates, and more information, visit Skillet.com.

SKILLET’s “Still Screaming Tour” dates below (all dates subj to change):

9/30/2026 – Proctors Theatre, Schenectady, NY
10/2/2026 – The Fillmore, Philadelphia, PA
10/3/2026 – The Wellmont Theater, Montclair, NJ
10/4/2026 – The Paramount, Huntington, NY
10/7/2026 – MGM Music Hall at Fenway, Boston, MA
10/8/2026 – The Fillmore Silver Spring, Silver Spring MD
10/10/2026 – GLC Live at 20 Monroe, Grand Rapids, MI
10/11/2026 – The Fillmore, Detroit, MI
10/12/2026 – Citizens Live at The Wylie, Pittsburgh, PA
10/14/2026 – The Pageant, St. Louis, MO
10/16/2026 – Uptown Theater, Minneapolis, MN
10/17/2026 – Landmark Credit Union Live, Milwaukee, WI
10/18/2026 – Steelhouse Omaha, Omaha, NE
10/20/2026 – *The Midland Theatre, Kansas City, MO
10/22/2026 – Fillmore Auditorium, Denver, CO
10/23/2026 – The Union Event Center, Salt Lake City, UT
10/26/2026 – Northern Quest Resort & Casino, Airway Heights, WA
10/27/2026 – Moore Theatre, Seattle, WA
10/30/2026 – Hard Rock Live – Sacramento, Wheatland, CA
10/31/2026 – YouTube Theater, Inglewood, CA
11/1/2026 – The Van Buren, Phoenix, AZ
11/5/2026 – House of Blues, Dallas, TX
11/6/2026 – The Aztec Theatre, San Antonio, TX
11/10/2026 – House of Blues, Orlando, FL

As anticipation reaches its peak just days before the release of their new album Forever Now – out this Friday, June 26 – GRAMMY-winning rock band Switchfoot was invited to make their Grand Ole Opry debut on July 23. The surprise was made extra special by longtime friends, the Jonas Brothers, sharing the news with Switchfoot during their recent appearance on the iHeartPodcast, “Hey Jonas!,” out now on the iHeartRadio app and anywhere podcasts are heard.

“So incredibly honored to have been invited to debut at the Grand Ole Opry in July. Unreal!” said Switchfoot. “Even better to hear the news from our friends the Jonas Brothers. So stoked… see you soon, Nashville!”

The connection between the two bands stretches back to the beginning of the Jonas Brothers’ inception, frequently crediting Switchfoot as an inspiration for the band of brothers. In 2023, Switchfoot celebrated the 20th anniversary of their GRAMMY-winning album The Beautiful Letdown by re-recording the project with some of their favorite artists, including the Jonas Brothers joining for the title track.

The Jonas Brothers returned the favor last year, having Switchfoot appear on their new album’s title track “Greetings From Your Hometown.” On top of the collaborations, Switchfoot was the first surprise guest on the Jonas Brothers’ celebrated 2025 JONAS20: Greetings From Your Hometown Tour, with the bands coming together to perform Switchfoot’s “Meant To Live” and the Jonas Brothers’ “Hold On.”

This Friday, June 26, Switchfoot will release their highly anticipated new album Forever Now, a 13-track collection that centers on the emotional roller coaster of a person’s final day on Earth. And more specifically, the questions one might ask themselves if confronted with a harsh but potentially enlightening reality.

Produced by longtime collaborator and accomplished producer Mike Elizondo and recorded largely in part at Elizondo’s Phantom Studios on the outskirts of Nashville, Forever Now is the most thematic and narrative-driven album of Switchfoot’s already storied career. The album’s lead single “Absolution” is out now, currently impacting Alternative radio.

In addition to their Opry debut next month, the band will take their captivating live show to fans across the country this fall on their headlining Forever Now Tour with special guest Anberlin. Named after their album Forever Now, the tour will hit 38 cities with stops in major markets like Los Angeles, Chicago, Nashville and more.

In addition to the fall tour, Switchfoot recently hosted their annual Bro-Am Beach Fest, raising over $300,000 for the Switchfoot Bro-Am Foundation, which is dedicated to giving back to the local community by heightening the profile of and providing grants to nonprofit organizations that support services to unhoused, at-risk and disadvantaged youth, with a special focus on programs related to music, art and surfing.

Rising Christian pop/rock artist Josh Grove releases his new single, “Hope,” a powerful anthem that speaks directly to anyone who has ever felt trapped by mistakes, overwhelmed by struggle or desperate for rescue.

Distributed through NRT Music, “Hope” blends energetic Christian rock and alternative influences with Grove’s heartfelt vocal delivery. Produced by Eric Haley, the song carries a message of redemption, reminding listeners that in a world full of temporary fixes, Jesus is the only One who can truly pull us out of the pit and restore us.

With raw honesty and soaring melodies, “Hope” captures the cry of a heart reaching from the depths of human struggle into the arms of a saving God. The song’s message is clear: We do not have to fight alone. God is near, and real hope is found in Him.

Josh Grove Releases New Single ‘Hope,’ Pointing Listeners To Jesus As The Source Of Rescue And Restoration

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“This song was inspired by some dark places I’ve been in, but also by seeing others around me stuck in their own struggles,” Grove said. “It starts with acknowledging where we are and being real with God in those moments when we question if He can hear us or if He even cares. It is a cry, but it’s also an anthem of hope–a reminder that when we shift our focus to God and surrender control, we can rest knowing He is right by our side, carrying us through.”

The official lyric video for “Hope” gives listeners a visual companion to the song’s message of surrender, restoration, and trust in God’s presence.

The new single follows a strong season of momentum for Grove, whose recent collaboration “Rain or Shine (feat. KJ-52)” reached No. 1 on the Christian Music Weekly CHH/Rhythmic chart. The milestone adds to a growing list of early accomplishments for the 16-year-old artist, including national radio exposure, songwriting recognition, and continued support across the Christian music community.

“Hope” also builds on Grove’s expanding catalog, which includes “Holy Flame,” “God Uses Scars,” “A Mighty Thanks,” and “New Life.” With a sound that connects with fans of Jeremy Camp, Stephen Stanley and Tauren Wells, Grove continues to emerge as a promising young voice in Christian music, combining bold faith, honest songwriting and an anthemic pop/rock sound.

The Florida-based artist has spent years developing his craft and finding his place within the Christian rap scene. Blind Faith is more than another album; it is a declaration that Brio is no longer seeking acceptance. Instead, he is blazing his own trail and forging a path for others to follow, if they choose to do so.

Blind Faith features the acclaimed single “We Up Against It,” featuring B Red-E. The project’s lead single champions that we can no longer hold back when it comes to proclaiming the gospel of Christ Jesus. We must realize that going backwards is not an option, and we must march forward with conviction that victory is already promised. Other album features include George Jones III and Shadow of the Locust founder Jeremiah Dirt.

Elan Brio Announces the Release of Polished Arrow Music Return Project ‘Blind Faith’

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By releasing Blind Faith, Elan Brio is making it clear that he is not the same artist upon his return to indie imprint Polished Arrow Music. He is creating music with a new hunger that is certain to resonate with fans of hip hop’s underground space. Not only does this album mark the beginning of a new chapter for Brio, but it is also a clear statement that raw, unapologetic, Christ-centered hip hop is taking its rightful place at the forefront of the genre.

Renowned UK-based gospel minister, Adeoluwa, is set to inspire hearts and stir believers into a deeper atmosphere of praise and victory with the release of his new single, “IRE (Voice of Triumph),” inspired by the powerful declaration found in Psalm 47:1.

“IRE,” a Yoruba word meaning goodness, blessing, favor, and prosperity, is more than just a song; it is a prophetic sound of victory, gratitude, and celebration. Drawing from the timeless scripture, “O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph” (Psalm 47:1), the song calls believers to lift their voices in praise regardless of life’s circumstances and to boldly declare God’s faithfulness and sovereignty.

IRE (Voice of Triumph) – Adeoluwa

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With uplifting melodies, heartfelt worship, and a vibrant sound that bridges contemporary gospel music with African expressions of praise, “IRE (Voice of Triumph)” delivers a message of hope to a generation seeking assurance in God’s promises.

Speaking about the song, Adeoluwa shares:

“This song was birthed from a place of thanksgiving and revelation. It is a reminder that our victory is not determined by our circumstances but by the God we serve. ‘IRE’ is a call to celebrate God’s goodness, proclaim His faithfulness, and shout with the voice of triumph because He has already secured our victory.”

The release comes at a time when many people around the world are seeking encouragement, hope, and renewed confidence in God. Through “IRE (Voice of Triumph),” Adeoluwa seeks to remind listeners that God’s goodness remains constant and that praise is a powerful response to His unfailing love.

The Museum of Christian & Gospel Music is celebrating one of contemporary Christian music’s most beloved bands with a special We The Kingdom Pop-Up Exhibit, on display now through June 20th, in downtown Nashville. The exhibit coincides with the release of We The Kingdom’s new album, Everything I Thought Was Pleasure, which was just released last week via Capitol Christian Music Group.

The limited-time exhibit offers fans an up-close look at the band’s journey through memorabilia, stories, and career highlights, while connecting their impact to the broader story of Christian and Gospel music. Whether visitors have followed We The Kingdom from the beginning or are discovering their music for the first time, the exhibit provides a unique opportunity to experience the music, message, and moments that have shaped the band’s remarkable rise.

“We’re honored to spotlight We The Kingdom during this exciting moment in their career,” said Steve Gilreath, Founding Executive Director, The Museum of Christian & Gospel Music. “Their music has encouraged millions of people around the world, and this exhibit gives fans a chance to engage more deeply with their story while exploring the rich legacy of Christian and Gospel music.”

Since their debut, the multi-generational family band has become one of the leading voices in Christian music, earning GRAMMY® nominations, Dove Awards, Platinum and Gold-certified singles, and more than one billion global streams. Their breakout hit, “Holy Water,” spent eight weeks at No. 1 on Christian radio and remains one of the genre’s defining songs of the past decade.

The We The Kingdom Pop-Up Exhibit is included with museum admission and will be available through June 20th.

A Powerful Testament to God’s Relentless Mercy

Christian music has always been at its best when it speaks honestly about the human condition while pointing unmistakably toward the hope found in Christ. With “Amazing Grace, Again,” Christian metal band Ashes Awaken accomplishes exactly that, delivering a deeply personal song that is equal parts confession, testimony, and worship anthem.

Written by frontman Michael Stover, the single draws listeners into a journey of addiction, self-destruction, and ultimately redemption. Rather than presenting faith through polished platitudes, the song begins in the darkness of real struggle.

Lyrics such as “I was crawling in shadows, no light to be found” and “The powder, the mirror, the lies in my head” paint a vivid picture of a soul trapped by sin, shame, and hopelessness. It’s a reminder that before grace can transform us, we must first acknowledge our need for it.

What makes “Amazing Grace, Again” especially compelling is its authenticity. Stover doesn’t present himself as a hero who overcame adversity through sheer determination. Instead, he points directly to Christ as the source of restoration. The pivotal moment arrives when “a voice like thunder” calls, “Child, you can rise.” That declaration becomes the turning point of both the song and the testimony behind it.

The chorus is where the message truly takes flight:

“Amazing Grace, again and again
A love that finds me wherever I’ve been
When I was lost, You carried me home
Your amazing grace won’t leave me alone.”

These words capture the heart of the Gospel. Grace is not a one-time event but an ongoing reality for believers. God’s love continues to pursue us, even when we stumble, fail, or lose our way. The phrase “again and again” serves as a powerful reminder that His mercy is renewed daily.

Musically, Ashes Awaken blend modern metal’s intensity with melodic accessibility. The heavy guitars and driving rhythm section effectively mirror the turmoil described in the verses, while the soaring chorus creates a sense of release and victory. Fans of Skillet, Demon Hunter, and RED will recognize familiar influences, but the band’s commitment to testimony gives the song its own identity.

One of the strongest moments comes with the lyric: “The mirror was shattered, I hated my face / But You pieced me together with mercy and grace.” In just two lines, the song addresses both the devastation of self-hatred and the healing power of God’s love. It’s a message that will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled with guilt, addiction, depression, or feelings of unworthiness.

In a culture often searching for quick fixes and temporary solutions, “Amazing Grace, Again” offers something deeper: the promise of genuine transformation through Christ. The song acknowledges the reality of brokenness without glorifying it and celebrates redemption without minimizing the struggle.

Ultimately, this is more than a strong Christian metal single—it is a testimony set to music. Ashes Awaken have crafted a song that reminds believers of where they’ve been, encourages those still fighting their battles, and points everyone toward the One whose grace never fails.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
A heartfelt and powerful declaration that God’s grace is still changing lives—again and again.

–Chris Beck