Grammy-winning producer, writer, musician, arranger and MD Vaughan Phoenix is here to close out our Black History Month series! Vaughan is “the ghost and the machine” behind some of Gospel’s biggest, most influential artists (Tasha Cobbs Leonard, William Murphy, Brian Courtney Wilson, All Nations). He shares why being influenced by all genres contributes to a producer’s sonic impact and how creators should always focus on making the song better rather than their career or ego. 

Be sure to listen to this engaging, humbling episode and check out the new album from All Nations (Come Alive) featuring Maranda Curtis, Todd Dulaney, and Chandler Moore!

LISTEN NOW!

Jonathan Nelson has one of those voices that is both undeniably and instantaneously classic. A Baltimore native, Jonathan’s inspiring nearly twenty-year career has exposed millions across the world to the electrifying sound of urban praise and worship music.

His latest album The Reunion is now available! Jonathan recorded this album with Purpose – the musical group he started his career with – and the record is filled with emboldening, celebratory ballads and anthems. 

Evan Craft released his first ever deluxe bilingual album Desesperado today! His music can be described as a blend of congregational anthems and unforgettable melodies. With a greater goal in mind, Craft explains that there is something greater at work than what the eye may see.

"I tend to go in a cycle of calling out for the Lord to save me / help me, feeling safe or successful, and falling back on my face. I always regret the moments when I feel self-sufficient. My desire is to humbly acknowledge my need for God 24/7. Desesperado is a collection of songs that reminded me throughout 2020, during the recording process, that God is in control, He is sovereign, and He is mighty to save."

We’re excited to bring you one of most requested albums from GRAMMY® nominated William Murphy! In 2016 he released his fifth album Demonstrate that includes the lead single Arise (You Are Good), a joyful praise anthem, Your Love, Everlasting God (feat. Bishop James Morton), and more.    

Demonstrate was recorded live at The Church at Chapel Hill in Douglasville, GA, and viscerally captures Murphy’s talents for delivering standout music ministry in a gripping live worship experience. 

Throughout his career, TobyMac has worked hard to inspire his audience with words of conviction, hope, empowerment and the redemption found in his faith in God. He furthers that vision with each release, and today his brand new single Help Is On the Way (Maybe Midnight) is available now!

This single is about the wisdom that comes from walking with God for so long, trusting in the consistency of the Lord to show up in our darkness. Just like the morning, He always shows.

Jonathan Stockstill, currently serving as the lead pastor of Bethany Church in Baton Rouge, releases his first solo album Worth The Wait today! This album includes 10 songs, all recorded live. 

Although he has released previous albums, Jonathan is very excited for his first solo record, not to mention the first album to release since taking over as lead pastor for Bethany Music in 2011. At heart, Jonathan is a creative leader; his musical innovation and leadership style define the best of the new generation of church leaders.

“The Psalmist says ‘As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God’ (Psalm 42:1). We are constantly reminded throughout the Bible of our desperate need for the Lord. As much as we may try to rescue ourselves, fill ourselves, the truth is, we need God. Our souls are desperate for His living water to revive us, to renew us. 

The title track of my album, “Desesperado” is a fun, latin, pop song centered around a journey of understanding my personal need for the Lord. I tend to go in a cycle of calling out for the Lord to save me/ help me, feeling safe or successful, and falling back on my face. I always regret the moments when I feel self-sufficient. My desire is to humbly acknowledge my need for God 24/7. 

“Desesperado” and the rest of the album are a collection of songs that reminded me throughout 2020, during the recording process, that God is in control, He is sovereign, and He is mighty to save. I say that confidently now, but in the midst of the trials it is very difficult to recognize the truth that God will lead me to the other side of each challenge. It’s a step of faith and maturity to say, “I can’t do this on my own,” not a sign of weakness. Desperation is not a bad thing, it isn’t a reflection on my character, but on the power and sovereignty of God. 

What are some areas of your life where you can recognize your desperate need for the Lord? Sometimes we are banging our heads against a wall, trying to break through with our own strength, and we need a mighty hand to move. Are you desperate for finances, applause, or recognition? We all thirst for something to satiate our souls, but there is only one fount with living water. Make sure you are desperately seeking Him. - Evan Craft

Baruch is from Nicaragua, currently residing in California. He breaks stereotypes with his artistry and always writes from the heart. His new single Lifeline is available today! Personally and universally relevant ("Lifeline" was written amidst the pandemic and during his brother's spinal surgery) the song reminds us that we cannot control our circumstances, we can only control how we respond to those circumstances. The lyrics are raw and unfiltered and exemplify Baruch's default response to hardship: worship.