5/19/2025 Highlights
Welcome to your Kingdom Chorus weekly newsletter! Here’s a casual yet info-packed look at the latest happenings in Christian worship, CCM, and rock/pop music over the past 48 hours. We’re highlighting big news from major artists – including Brandon Lake, for KING & COUNTRY, and Phil Wickham – plus label updates and an indie artist spotlight. Let’s dive in:
Brandon Lake & Friends Launch Sons Of Sunday Album
Five-time GRAMMY-winner Brandon Lake joins an all-star worship collective for the new Sons Of Sunday album, out now on all streaming platforms. The group – six friends including Steven Furtick, Chandler Moore, Chris Brown, Leeland Mooring, and Pat Barrett – wrote and recorded 12 original tracks together, resulting in a self-titled debut filled with energetic praise. “We’ve spent countless hours with one another creating these songs… there are so many fun songs on this record, I hope people experience life and feel life,” Lake shares about the project. For a taste of the album’s vibe, check out the upbeat track “All Back” on YouTube. This collaborative album lets each artist’s songwriting shine, and early listener reactions suggest Sons Of Sunday might become a worship favorite this summer.
For KING & COUNTRY’s Anthem Hits Prime Video
Sibling duo for KING & COUNTRY have dropped a powerful new single “40”, a reimagined cover of U2’s classic inspired by Psalm 40. The song leads the soundtrack for the House of David television series, a high-profile biblical drama now streaming on Prime Video. The House of David soundtrack features an epic lineup of artists across the Christian music spectrum, but Joel and Luke Smallbone’s soaring rendition of “40” stands out as the lead anthem. The band’s involvement has generated buzz as House of David viewers discover this spiritually rich song. Along with gearing up for summer festival dates, for KING & COUNTRY continue to ride this momentum – proving once again why they’re among the genre’s most versatile acts.
Phil Wickham Drops “Awesome” Live Video
Worship leader Phil Wickham gave fans a fresh surprise by releasing a live performance video of his latest single “What An Awesome God” – featuring special guest Michael W. Smith. Filmed at Chris Tomlin’s Good Friday Nashville event, the video captures a powerful multi-generational worship moment, with Wickham and Smith trading vocals in the arena-filled praise. “What An Awesome God,” which premiered as a studio single last month, has quickly become a church setlist staple. The new live video (now out on YouTube) lets viewers experience the energy of that night. Wickham’s social media announcement exclaimed, “OUT NOW! … It was such a blast singing this one live with [Michael]” – and the enthusiastic response from fans shows this collaboration struck the right chord. If you haven’t heard it yet, check out the live video and get ready to hit “repeat”!
Label News: Capitol CMG Signs Eli Gable
In industry news, a major Christian label has added fresh talent to its roster. Capitol Christian Music Group (CCMG) announced the signing of folk-pop singer-songwriter Eli Gable, marking an exciting new chapter for the Ohio-born artist. Gable’s debut single “Holy Ghost Town” released on May 16 under the CCMG banner, showcasing his soulful vocals and hope-filled lyrics. The celebratory anthem – with a foot-tapping folk vibe – is already available alongside an official lyric video on YouTube. Industry insiders note that Gable’s storytelling and unique sound caught the label’s attention. With this launch, CCMG is betting on broader appeal: “The Ohio-born native showcases [his] soulful vocals and hope-filled lyrics on his debut single,” the label stated. Keep an ear out for Eli Gable – you might just find your new favorite summer jam in Holy Ghost Town.
Indie Spotlight: Matthew Hartley’s Heavenly New Single
Our unsigned artist spotlight shines on Matthew Hartley, a Christian rock artist who is making waves independently. Hartley just released an uplifting single called “Heaven’s Calling,” accompanied by a powerful DIY music video. This track is a deeply personal anthem that “draws from Hartley’s own experiences with loss, healing, and renewed faith,” according to the artist. Blending honest lyrics with driving guitars, “Heaven’s Calling” is both a spiritual awakening and a creative milestone for Hartley. The music video – which debuted Sunday – is visually anchored in themes of resilience and compassion, featuring real-world stories of hope (a perfect fit for the song’s message). It’s inspiring to see an independent musician deliver such a high-quality, heart-stirring project. If you love authentic Christian rock, give Matthew Hartley’s “Heaven’s Calling” a listen on your favorite platform – this indie track might become your next go-to worship rock song.
Thank you for reading this week’s Kingdom Chorus newsletter! We hope these updates keep you encouraged and in the loop with your favorite artists. If you enjoyed this roundup, feel free to subscribe and share it with fellow music lovers. Stay tuned for more news, new releases, and uplifting tunes next time – and sign up for Kingdom Chorus to get the latest Christian music updates delivered right to you. Until then, keep praising! 🙌🎶
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