New Podcast: Natasha Owens Releases “Stand”

The latest podcast feature Christian music artist Natasha Owens talking about her new album “Stand”. Natasha and Pastor Ed also discuss what’s keeping her busy, a women’s conference she’s hosting and a discussion on church lockdowns and it’s effect on mental health issue. Go here to listen: https://anchor.fm/edboston/episodes/Natasha-Owens-Releases-Stand-e163u34

Christian Music Powerhouse Natasha Owens Takes a “Stand” with New Album Produced by Ian Eskelin
Christian music powerhouse Natasha Owens returns August 6th with her latest studio album, Stand, a 12-track testament to perseverance and empowerment that finds her reconnecting with longtime label home Radiate Music and GRAMMY-nominated and multiple Dove Award-winning producer/songwriter/fellow artist Ian Eskelin. 

“Through the last year or so, there has been a lot of chaos going on in our world,” observes Owens. “It’s incredibly easy to look around us and instantly become anxious and fearful at all that we see. But there is a hope that I have found that is stronger than the enemy that tries to intimidate us; His name is Jesus.”

The album’s just-released lead single, “Lion,” takes the chaos of the past year head on, reminding us to move forward no matter how insurmountable one’s surrounding circumstances may seem.

“This song has driven me by the truth that our King is bold, fearless and courageous,” Owens explains. “Revelation 5:5 refers to Jesus as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah who prevails. Instantly, I was then reminded of Proverbs 28:1 that promises us that the righteous are as bold as a lion. What a declaration! He is our defender and has given us the strength to stand in boldness without fear. This is our battle cry.”

Other standouts on Stand include the joyful sentiments of “Fly,” the praise-fueled acoustic tenderness of “Hallelujah,” a stunning tribute to a lost loved one, “Home,” and the optimistic closing anthem, simply titled “Yes.”  

“Even when every door seems closed, there’s no need to second guess. You know what’s best,” she confidently sings in the latter. “Every time you tell me ‘no,’ it means that there’s a better ‘yes.’”

There’s even a throwback to Owens’ previous project with the bonus track, “Warrior,” a brand new rendition of the modern classic recorded live in front of a roaring crowd. 

“I want to show people that they can make it, too,” Owens asserts. “Being a warrior means that my wounds have healed, but I still have the scars to prove it. The scars remind me that I don’t have to worry about the next battle because I know God will be standing with me.”

As Owens plans to return to touring and as host of the national Christian women’s conference known as the Warrior Event, she’s looking forward to sharing her courageous story as a means to inspire others, while always making sure to meet listeners exactly where they’re at.

“So many people are at different stages of their story,” she says. “In any crowd you have people ranging from being at the beginning of their grief all the way to being overcomers. I’m taking people on the full journey, making them feel all of these emotions, but leaving feeling hopeful.”

Owens’ path to a successful music career is unique, rooted in agonizing heartache and unbelievable tragedy. Seven years ago, her father died suddenly while cleaning his guns when one misfired, placing a bullet in his chest. The themes of grief, heartbreak, and redemption permeate throughout her music, which served as therapy for her along the way.

Today, she is intently focused on being a proactive and prayerful advocate for mental health awareness. She has been open about her battle with severe depression, and her season of extreme lows brought on by tragedy. But she’s quick to share how God showed up in the most magnificent way. “He said, ‘trust in Me that I’ve guided you this far and I’m not gonna let you down now.’”   Owens knows that God has kept that promise, and Stand brings it all full-circle.

Owens will hit the road this summer performing at multiple festivals, sharing the main stage with Michael W. Smith, Newsboys, Danny Gokey, Matthew West, Skillet, Mandisa, Colton Dixon and many more. Plans for a fall tour and a Christmas tour are also underway. To view her complete concert schedule, visit the official website at http://natashaowensmusic.com

About Natasha Owens: Owens exploded onto the Christian Music scene with her 2016 debut, No One But You. She suddenly found herself touring as the opening act for Christian Music’s most iconic artists, including Michael W. Smith and Jason Crabb. Her 2017 follow-up, We Will Rise, was named “Inspirational Album of the Year” at the 2018 We Love Christian Music Awards. And in 2019, Owens signed to Radiate Music and released her third album, Warrior, produced and co-written by award-winning producer Ian Eskelin (Francesca Battistelli, Sidewalk Prophets). During the downtime the pandemic provided, she recorded and released the jazzy holiday album, Christmas Memoriesin the fall of 2020.Instantly relatable, Owens has quickly resonated with listeners and has had extensive media coverage including appearances on Fox News, Newsmax and HLN, among others. She has toured with some of Christian Music’s bestselling artists, including Michael W. Smith, Kutless, JJ Weeks, Ryan Stevenson, Jason Crabb, Matthew West, 7eventh Time Down, Audio Adrenaline, Point of Grace and more.


About Radiate Music: Founded by Ian Eskelin, Radiate Music launched summer 2015. Eskelin’s 20-plus-year resume in the music business, ranging from being a recording artist to a record executive, gives him a unique perspective in partnering with artists who are passionate about impacting culture with music. Eskelin, who has recorded more than 50 Top 10 singles in the United States alone, including 20 No. 1 songs, and whose songs have been licensed for use by ABC, NBC, CBS, ESPN and many feature films, is looking to break additional ground with Radiate. In addition to King, Radiate’s artist roster includes, Natasha Owens, JJ Weeks, About A Mile, Attaboy, John Waller, and Inspiration Worship.

Friend of the Ministry – Gretchen Keskeys Releases “20 Years”

Friend of the Ministry/Podcast, Gretchen Keskeys just dropped a new video named “20 Years” in remembrance of 9/11/2001. In a private message with Gretchen, she told me,

“I just pray it’s an encouragement to this country as we look back at that time at what our country can be when we are united”.

Gretchen Keskeys Remembers 9/11 with Heartfelt “20 Years” Single and Video
Christian music songstress Gretchen Keskeys pays tribute to the 20th anniversary of 9/11 with the heartfelt new single, “20 Years.” The music video, which she hand-curated, picking out and editing the content to match her vision, can be viewed now at her official YouTube channel. Watch the “20 Years” video here: https://youtu.be/WBMbicQfiHMGretchen was a young wife and mother to a one year-old when the terror attacks of September 11, 2001 took place. Rising early that day, she turned on the TV and sat down with a cup of coffee. Nothing could have prepared her for what she was about to see.”I had just turned on the news right as the second plane hit the South Tower,” she said. “Within minutes I was on the floor in tears crying out loud to God.”Her thoughts immediately went to her baby daughter and what this could mean for her. Would her husband, a firefighter, need to go into work (he did), and would he be in danger? And she watched in pure horror, agony and heartbreak as the videos began to come in of those in the towers trying to escape the flames. For every American, that day was traumatic. But up out of the ashes, something beautiful emerged in the days and weeks to come. Gretchen remembers, “There was a true and deep humbling that happened. We truly felt helpless. And God was our help and refuge. We WANTED to go to church. We found comfort and strength being near God and each other. We WANTED God to BLESS our nation. It was no longer about ‘me,’ it was about ‘us.’ And OUR nation. OUR country. We cared about each other and wanted to do everything we could to protect our nation.”  What we experienced in the aftermath of 9/11 was, as Gretchen calls it, “the most beautiful outpouring of love and patriotism and brotherly love and camaraderie that we have ever seen in this country.” We couldn’t thank our police and firefighters enough.  Throughout Gretchen’s life, when something has touched her heart, or broken it, she’s written about it. And 9/11 is no exception. For most Americans, it broke us in ways we could have never expected.As the chorus states…

And in the sadness there was beauty
A country bound as one in unity
That day back then our toughest test
But that was America at its best


Adds Gretchen, “I wrote this song with all of this on my heart as we remember the 20th Anniversary of September 11, 2001.”Gretchen’s upcoming fourth studio album, Her Faith, will be released this fall. Inspired in part by the trials and tribulations of 2020, and her own experience, Gretchen penned each song on the new project, which she says focuses on the hope of Christ and His help and strength to endure tough times.



About Gretchen Keskeys: Inspirational singer-songwriter Gretchen Keskeys released her third studio album, “Words of Truth” (Creative Soul Records), in 2019. Over the last 5 years, Christian music fans have quickly embraced Keskeys as one of the most powerful female voices in the genre. She stormed onto the scene in 2016 with her debut album, “Walking in the Spirit,” and 2017’s follow up, “Pure Hope.” She’s appeared on Fox News Channel, and has made frequent appearances on Christian television programs nationwide. Keskeys regularly performs at churches, events and women’s conferences nationwide, where she openly shares her songs alongside an inspirational testimony detailing her complete deliverance from anxiety and depression. And she is also a regular worship leader at the Folsom Women’s Facility at Folsom Prison. For more information, visit the official website at www.gretchenkeskeys.com and “Like” Gretchen Keskeys Music on Facebook.

The Prayer – Released By Friends of the Ministry/Podcast Evie Clair and Angelica Hale

Evie Clair and Angelica Hale are both friends of the ministry/podcast, having been interviewed multiple times. Below is the announcement of their release of “The Prayer”.

Angelica Hale runner-up on season 12 of NBC’s America’s Got Talent have reunited for an inspiring duet of the inspirational classical song “The Prayer”. The video premiered on Wednesday Nov 11.

To read the full article, go to our friend Trevor Decker’s site by clicking here.

Friends of the Ministry/Podcast Evie Clair and Angelica Hale

Friend of the Podcast Jonathan Cain Has A New Christmas Single With Michael Tait

Friend of the podcast Jonathan Cain from Journey sent out the following.

I’m excited to announce that my Christmas single featuring Michael Tait, Wonder of Wonders, is finally out!

Pick your favorite streaming platform and click below to listen to my newest single, Wonder of Wonders.

Click Here

Press Release: John Schneider’s Newest Project – Recycling Grace

Friend of the podcast John Schneider has a new album coming out and we are so excited to help promote it. Here are links to our previous interviews with John:

Wounded Warrior Concert Recap  and Our Full One on One with John

Press Release:

Iconic Actor and Chart-Topping Country Artist JOHN SCHNEIDER to Release Inspirational Album, Recycling Grace

After releasing an astonishing 72 songs in 2018, John Schneider returns with some of the most personal recordings of his career with the new inspirational album, Recycling Grace (Maven Entertainment). Produced by Schneider, Larry Hall and Alicia Allain, Recycling Grace was recorded in Nashville and Franklin, TN, with additional recording and mixing by Bob Bullock. Schneider also enlisted stunning guest vocals from Christian Davis, Cody McCarver, Jacob Lyda and J Edwards. The 11-track studio album will be available at all digital retailers on September 15th, as well as on his own website at JohnSchneiderStudios.com.

The last five years have been nothing less than challenging for Schneider. Historic floods destroyed his home and movie studio complex in Holden, Louisiana not once but twice, and a five-year long divorce battle made frequent tabloid headlines before a settlement earlier this summer. So it should surprise no one that Schneider decided to record a deep and personal collection of songs for his latest project.

Recycling Grace is jam packed with a few standards, but also new songs whose intention is to make you think and feel something,” says Schneider. “The music itself is intentionally more raw, bluesy and edgy. I believe these inspirational songs especially should elicit some sort of physical reaction from the listener. These will do that for sure!”

Recycling Grace marks a turning point for Schneider, who is looking ahead to the future with no intention of slowing down any time soon. On July 2nd, he married his longtime girlfriend and business partner, Alicia Allain. They celebrated their nuptials by throwing themselves deep into production on the upcoming holiday film, Christmas Cars, which Schneider also wrote, directed and stars in. Meanwhile, Schneider continues to tour heavily, and planning is underway for the 3rd annual Bo’s Extravaganza event at John Schneider Studios. Nearly 10,000 attendees descended on Holden, Louisiana for this year’s event, which included celebrity appearances, carnival rides, car stunts, helicopter rides, a hood slide contest, fireworks, performances by Schneider and Kid Rock and much more.

With over a dozen albums to his credit and 4 #1 singles on the Billboard Country chart, Schneider returned to country music in 2018 with The Odyssey, an ambitious 52-song project. He also recorded Greatest Hits…Still, which features all new acoustic recordings of his biggest hits, and the holiday EP, Merry Christmas Baby.

In addition to his incredible music career, Schneider’s extensive acting career includes the iconic roles of “Bo Duke” on The Dukes of Hazzard, “Jonathan Kent” on Smallville and “Jim Cryer” on his current series, Tyler Perry’s The Haves and the Have Nots – the #1 primetime series on cable on Tuesday nights. Add in countless films and guest appearances, and a recent stint on Dancing with the Stars, and it’s no wonder that Schneider is an American icon.

It’s also worth noting that John co-founded the Children’s Miracle Network — a non-profit organization that raises funds for children’s hospitals, medical research, and community awareness of children’s health issues. Founded in 1983, they have raised more than $7 billion dollars (with over $409 million in 2018 alone) for medical research and community  awareness of children’s health issues, which is distributed directly to a network of 170 children’s hospitals.

For tour dates and more information, visit the official website at JohnSchneiderStudios.com

Connect with John Schneider:
Twitter.com/John_Schneider
Facebook.com/JohnSchneiderStudios
Instagram.com/thejohnschneider

Recycling Grace Track Listing: 
Stained Glass
If It Wasn’t For The Mountain
Satan, Your Kingdom Must Come Down
Faith Like That
Recycling Grace
Amazing Grace
Sing Hallelujah
Thank You Jesus
That’s My Job
I’ll Fly Away
Thank God You Do

for KING & COUNTRY + Dolly Parton – God Only Knows (Official Music Video)

Our friends.. this perhaps is the most thrilling New Music Video Release we’ve ever had. It is with great enthusiasm that we give you the final version of ‘God Only Knows’.. feat. the legendary Dolly Parton.

From Dolly:

Huge thanks to y’all for letting me be a part of this song! Such a special experience. Hope everyone loves it!

I Still Believe – In Theaters March 20, 2020

From the makers of I CAN ONLY IMAGINE comes the true-life story of Christian music mega star Jeremy Camp. Jeremy’s remarkable journey of love and loss proves there is always hope in the midst of tragedy and that faith tested is the only faith worth sharing.

Subscribe to the LIONSGATE YouTube Channel for the latest movie trailers, clips, and more: http://lions.gt/youtubesubscribe

#IStillBelieve

https://istillbelievemovie.com/

http://facebook.com/istillbelieve/

https://twitter.com/istillbelieve/

https://www.instagram.com/istillbelieve/

 

 

Press Release: Friend of the Podcast Brady Novotny Climbs the Charts

Christian guitar virtuoso Brady Novotny reached #3 on the iTunes Rock Song chart in Canada with the title track to his album, “Passions Collide.” Novotny will open for David Leonard from All Sons & Daughters.

Press Release from:  MTS Management Group

PITTSBURGH, PA, UNITED STATES, June 24, 2019  —

“Nothing short of phenomenally top-notch!” – Jamsphere

“A true master of the six string like the guitar gods of old” – NeuFutur

“He plays like a living legend” – IndieBandGuru

2019 is shaping up as a highlight reel-type year for Christian guitar virtuoso Brady Novotny. His debut album was released in February, and it’s won the praises of critics around the globe. His first single, “Redemption’s Cry” was a staple on AC and rock stations this spring, charting both nationally and internationally. He appeared on Fox and ABC TV, as well as taking up a half page in Guitar Player Magazine. Brady also opened for one of his guitar heroes, Paul Gilbert, and he will be opening for All Sons & Daughters member, David Leonard on September 19th.  At only 6 months into the year, what more could the mild-mannered guitarist from Pittsburgh ask for?

It was awesome to see ‘Passions’ charting!”

— Brady Novotny

This past Saturday, that question was answered when Brady’s latest single and video, “Passions Collide” reached #3 on the iTunes Rock Songs chart in Canada. The flamenco-influenced track was beat out only by the new Freddie Mercury single and Queen’s classic, “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Novotny came in ahead of time-tested favorites by Journey, AC/DC, Fleetwood Mac and a host of household names.

A man of few words, Novotny said, “It was awesome to see ‘Passions’ charting!’

“Passions Collide” was produced by Pittsburgh favorite son, David Granati of the Granati Bros and G-Force.

Watch “Passions Collide”

ABOUT BRADY NOVOTNY: Pittsburgh native Brady Novotny is no stranger to the stage, or the world of music performance. In fact, as a nationally-touring musician, the guitar virtuoso has been heard by thousands of people. This past Christmas season, Novotny performed to more than 20,000 attendees as a member of the Victory mega-church worship team. He was featured in the April 2019 issue of Guitar Player Magazine.

Citing Randy Rhoads as his muse, Brady began playing guitar at age 10. An attendee of Berklee College of Music, he has taught summer guitar workshops at renowned Duquesne School of Music. His experience ranges from the Pittsburgh rock scene to national tours. He has worked as a Pittsburgh session guitarist, Worship leader, and guitarist at several mega-churches. Brady is also a licensed therapist, with a Master’s Degree in Psychology.

http://www.bradynovotny.com/
https://www.facebook.com/bradynovotnymusic
http://www.twitter.com/bradyanovotny
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4DPpHy1OgmjF5rCrOcjTTo?si=FTOfT2IPQrOKovryXJIPfQ

Over 50 Artists Join Forces To Honor Michael W. Smith At Bridgestone Arena

Last night Nashville, TN’s Bridgestone Arena became home to a once-in-a-lifetime, star-studded tribute event honoring Michael W. Smith and celebrating his 35-year career and his 35 #1 hits.

Nashville, Tenn. – 35 Years Of Friends: Celebrating The Music Of Michael W. Smith was packed with over 3 hours of performances from singers including: Amy Grant, Wynonna, Randy Travis with Steven Curtis Chapman, Jordin Sparks with Jordan Smith, Rascal Flatts, The Backstreet Boys’ Brian Littrell, Charlie Daniels, the Gatlin Brothers, Vince Gill with Wayne Kirkpatrick, Matthew West, Avalon, The Oak Ridge Boys, CeCe Winans, Francesca Battistelli, Sandi Patty with Natalie Grant, Ricky Skaggs with the Isaacs, Jason Crabb, Lee Greenwood, Mark Lowry, Jim Brickman, T. Graham Brown and more.

Before the show started, Smith spoke of how he had been kept in the dark about most of the event so he was looking forward to the surprises throughout the night, seeing his songs performed and the rendition that the artists were going to take on them. He stated that “the beauty of the night is how it has brought so many of us together.”

Kathie Lee Gifford kicked off the night bringing Smith and his wife Deborah out to greet the crowd before they took their seats on stage. Smith didn’t stay seated long as he joined several artists throughout the night on his iconic songs and even some of theirs.

Highlights throughout the night included:

  • Randy Travis walking out on stage with his wife Mary Travis as his version of Smith’s “Above All” played. An emotional Smith stood as Travis made his way to him before embracing
  • After performing “How Great Thou Art” Charlie Daniels brought out his fiddle for “Devil Went Down to Georgia” while Smith accompanied him on piano
  • Taped messages from Smith’s dear friends: former President George W. Bush, U2’s Bono and Franklin Graham
  • American Idol winner Jordin Sparks joining The Voice winner Jordan Smith performing “All is Well”
  • Rascal Flatts putting their spin on “Pray for Me”
  • A visibly moved Wynonna, joining Michael Tait, Matt Maher, Avalon and CeCe Winans on “Help Is on the Way” then Smith jumping to the piano to join her for a rendition of his “Majesty”
  • Smith’s longtime friend and tour-mate Amy Grant inviting him to accompany her on the piano during their “Love Will Find a Way”

The show closed with all the artists coming back on stage to join-in for Smith’s classic “Friends.”

After playing the piano, Smith embraced the end of the triumphant night moving to the front of the stage to take a bow as his family joined him.

Promoted by Outback Concerts and produced by Tony Conway of Conway Entertainment Group, music lovers experienced over 50 artists from all genres, performing a set list that included many of Smith’s 35 #1 hit singles. With over 45 Dove awards, three Grammy awards, and an American Music award, Michael W. Smith has forever enshrined his mark in the music history books. Smith garnered yet another Grammy nomination in 2018 for ‘Best Contemporary Christian Music Album’ for his worship effort, SurroundedAWAKEN: The Surrounded Experienceis Smith’s latest release (Feb. 22, 2019).

“35 Years Of Friends: Celebrating The Music Of Michael W. Smith” full setlist:
Phil Keaggy, Mac Powell, Phillips, Craig & Dean, Point of Grace – “Agnus Dei”
Jason Crabb – “Love Crusade”
Ricky Skaggs with The Isaacs – “I’d Rather Have Jesus”
Zach Williams – “I’ll Stand”
David Hamilton – Instrumental
David Hamilton, Jordin Sparks, Jordan Smith – “All is Well”
Matthew West – “Go West”
Charlie Daniels – “How Great Thou Art”
Charlie Daniels with Michael W. Smith – “The Devil Went Down to Georgia”
Jars of Clay – “I’ll Lead You Home”
Rascal Flatts – “Pray for Me”
Avalon with Jay DeMarcus – “I Will Be Here”
Mark Lowry – “Face in This World”
Gatlin Brothers with Phillips, Craig & Dean – “Shine On Us”
Sandi Patty and Natalie Grant – “How Majestic”
Jim Brickman – “Love of My Life”
Michael W. Smith with original band – “Could He Be Messiah,” “Be Strong,” “You Need a Savior”
Randy Travis and Steven Curtis Chapman – “Above All”
Lee Greenwood with Wes King and sons – “There She Stands”
Brian Littrell – “Place in This World”
Michael W. Smith – “Secret Ambition”
Oak Ridge Boys – “Draw Me Close”
Nicole C. Mullen, Danny Gokey, Katinas, Matthew Ward, Calvin Nowell – “Crown Him with Many Crowns, ” “Easter Song”
CeCe Winans with Point of Grace – “King of Glory”
Matt Maher – “This is Your Time”
Laura Story with Francesca Battistelli – “How to Say Goodbye”
Russ Taff – “Healing Rain”
Wayne Kirkpatrick with Vince Gill – “Never Been Unloved”
Mark Hall – “I’m Waiting on You”
Tait, Matt Maher, Avalon, Wynonna, CeCe Winans – “Help Is on the Way”
Wynonna – “Majesty”
Amy Grant with Michael W. Smith – “Love Will Find a Way,” “Thy Word”
All sing including T. Graham Brown – “Friends”

About Michael W. Smith:
Michael W. Smith has been releasing new music regularly and performing around the world to sold-out crowds for the last 35+ years. During his storied career, he’s written over 35 #1 songs, been honored with three GRAMMY® Awards and 45 Dove Awards, one American Music Award, was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and has sold more than 15 million albums. His most recent USA Today, Yahoo! Music and Billboard-acclaimed studio album A Million Lights and Parade, Good Morning America-featured and GRAMMY nominated live worship albumSurrounded have together become his 30th and 31st Top 10 hits on Billboard’s Top Christian Albums chart, more than any other solo artist in history. He’s also given back to the global community. Smith has raised funds to battle AIDS in Africa; started Rocketown, a safe haven for young people in Tennessee to meet and find hope; and has helped more than 70,000 children through Compassion International. He has also written several bestselling books, including Old Enough To Know and Friends Are Friends Forever. For more information, visitwww.michaelwsmith.com.

About Outback Concerts:
Outback Concerts is an independent, full-service concert and comedy promoter based in Nashville, TN. In addition to producing hundreds of concerts and events each year, ranging from clubs to arenas across the country and Canada, Outback Concerts also produces the Nashville Comedy Festival. Outback Concerts President Mike Smardak was a 2011 inductee of the IEBA Hall of Fame. In November of 2016, Mike Smardak was honored with a distinguished NATD Award alongside Nashville’s most recognized members of the entertainment industry. In March of 2018, Smardak was honored by the T.J. Martell Foundation with the Tony Martell Outstanding Entertainment Achievement Award. Promoter Andrew Farwell was voted IEBA Rookie of the Year in 2014.

About Conway Entertainment Group:
Conway Entertainment Group is a full-service talent agency comprising live events, booking and talent management. CEG is built firmly on the foundation of Tony Conway’s forty years of experience in the industry, climbing the ranks from agent to CEO of Buddy Lee Attractions, Inc., one of the world’s largest agencies. In 2009, Conway sold his interest in BLA and opened Conway Entertainment Group with the desire to use his expertise from years of representing and negotiating some of the biggest tours, sponsorships, licensing deals, and literary, film and TV projects to come out of Music City.