Driving Notes

Phil Wickham received Artist of the Year at the 57th annual GMA Dove Awards last week, where he also won Worship Album of the Year for Song of the Saints. 

Phil accepted the award by thanking Jesus and reflecting on the privilege of writing songs that Christians around the world sing in worship. Wickham said, “God has given us reason after reason to worship Him.”  He thanked Jesus for the opportunity and stressing he doesn’t take a moment of ministry for granted.
“To write these songs and to think that people sing them to Jesus is an honor,” Wickham said. “The fact that I get to lead people in worship to Jesus is so worth it.” 

The album project was inspired by a desire to honor those who have gone before in the Christian faith, reflecting on the scripture passages like Revelation 5:13, Psalm 149:1, and Hebrews 12:1–2.

The album includes adaptations and remakes of several songs like, “What An Awesome God,” “Because He Lives,” and “Wondrous Cross,” plus new favorites like, “The King is in the Room.”

“Dusty Bibles” is the 2026 Song of the Year, from Josiah Queen.

The song echoes our fear when the battery life on our phone is close to zero, but when our heart feels dry and weary we don’t show the same concern. “Dusty Bibles” asks a simple, powerful question:

What if you dusted off your Bible… and found life inside?

The song clearly struck a chord—with honesty and conviction, holding up a mirror to a generation whose Bibles sit unopened while our phones rarely leave our hands.

“Dusty Bibles” captures the spirit of Romans 12:2, reminding us not to be conformed to the constant noise of the world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. It calls us to be present—not with our screens, but with our Savior. To trade temporary dopamine for eternal delight.

Jamie MacDonald is celebrating a major milestone after being named New Artist of the Year at the 57th Annual GMA Dove Awards! 

MacDonald also received three additional nominations, including Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year for her self-titled debut album, and Song of the Year and Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year for her hit single, “Left It In The River.” 

We touched on this a bit last week, but it’s been a history-making year for Jamie, whose debut album achieved the biggest streaming debut ever for a female Christian artist and the largest debut album streaming launch in Capitol CMG history. 

And there’s more music on the way! Jamie MacDonald: The Deluxe Album arrives October 16th, expanding the original release to 30 tracks with unreleased songs, acoustic versions, live performances, and collaborations with artists like Tori Kelly and Lauren Daigle.

MacDonald says Christian music helped her find her identity and overcome lies she once believed about herself. Now, she’s using her music to encourage others with that same hope. Congratulations to Jamie MacDonald on an incredible year!

Jeremy Camp is celebrating a Dove Award win! His song “No Survivors” won Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year at the 57th Annual GMA Dove Awards.

The win comes as Camp prepares for a new chapter in his music career. After more than two decades in Christian music, 46 No. 1 singles, and more than 4 billion global streams, Camp says he reached a point where he considered walking away from music. Instead, he chose to trust God with what came next.

That journey inspired his upcoming 11-track album, Revival, arriving February 5th through Capitol CMG. The project explores what it means to let go of control and trust God, even when life feels uncertain.

Camp also released a new song called “Shaky Ground,” featuring songwriting contributions from his daughters, Bella and Arie. The song reflects on difficult seasons and the reminder that, even when life feels unstable, God remains faithful.

Camp hopes the album’s message of personal revival will encourage listeners to draw closer to God and carry that transformation into their families, churches, and communities. Revival is available for preorder now!

He’s gonna lift me up

He’s gonna fight for me

It only took a single stone 

to drop a Philistine

Congratulations to Jeff from Mount Vernon for correctly guessing “Rescue Me” by We The Kingdom! Tune in next week for your chance to win!

Thanks for listening to the Afternoon Drive!

-Joe & Brock

Sonfest 2026 is QUICKLY approaching! In case you’re unfamiliar with Sonfest, it’s an annual Christian music festival that takes place right here on the campus of Mount Vernon Nazarene University! 

New this year, attendees will be able to select their seats at the time of purchase! The indoor main stage will feature reserved seating with tiered pricing based on location within the R. R. Hodges Chapel Auditorium! There is also an outdoor second stage for guests to maximize their concert experience! 

This year’s headliners include Jordan Houghton, Chris Renzema, Rock City Worship, Gio, and many more! In addition to live music, Sonfest also features food trucks, inflatables, yard games, and a vendor tent!

Also, you have multiple chances to WIN this week on the Morning Thing and Afternoon Drive! We will have trivia about this year’s event and years past! If you’re the first person to answer correctly, you will win two tickets to Sonfest 2026! So, definitely tune in to the Morning Thing at 7:30 and the Afternoon Drive at 4:50 for the chance to win! 

On Sonfest Saturday, we will also be broadcasting LIVE from Big Blue from 1- 8 PM! Stop by Big Blue and register to win a WNZR duffle bag stuffed full of goodies, including: T-shirts, an MVNU portable charger, MVNU socks, a WNZR Journal, NIV Bible, and much more! The winner will be announced at 7:30 PM on Saturday, so definitely stop by, say “hi,” and enter for a chance to win! 

Sonfest is this Saturday, September 19th! Don’t miss this great event for the whole family! Tickets are available right now at mvnu.edu/sonfest if you’re interested!

Carly Ann Taylor has a new song out today called “Something Good Is Coming.”

She’s been teasing the song’s message for months, and she says it was inspired by a season when she felt stuck and hopeless—but ultimately found hope in trusting God’s plan.

“Something Good Is Coming” follows Taylor’s recent song “Lifeline,” featuring KB, which was named a Spotify Editors’ Pick as one of the best songs released across all genres in August.

Taylor has also released “Heavenly Father” and “Why Should I Worry,” which debuted in the Top 10 at Christian radio.

And this fall, Taylor will hit the road with Big Daddy Weave for the My Hope Is Jesus Tour, alongside Caleb & John. Luckily for Ohio residents, Carly will be in Wadsworth, Ohio, on November 20th, and in Circleville, Ohio, on November 21st!

I had the privilege of meeting Carly at Momentum back in May, and she is the kindest, sweetest soul with the biggest voice! One of my favorite memories with Carly is when she taught me about one of her favorite snacks! She’s from Hawaii, and she grew up eating Flaming Hot Cheetos coated in Fruit Punch Kool-Aid powder! So, if you need a snack recommendation, there you go! 

Without further ado, here’s Carly Ann Taylor with her song ‘Why Should I Worry.’

I’ve been stacking up the years I spent

trading punches with the enemy

Built myself a double-thick, stone tower of lies, 

higher than the eye could see

Congrats to Brenda from Fredericktown for correctly guessing “Jericho” by Andrew Ripp! Also, congratulations to Esther from Mount Vernon for correctly guessing our Sonfest trivia question, winning two tickets to Sonfest 2026!

Thanks for listening to the Afternoon Drive!

-Joe & Brock

Josiah Queen is giving us a preview of his next chapter with his brand-new single, “sundays.”

The high-energy, folk-rock song is a powerful reminder that our faith isn’t meant to be something we practice only on Sundays. Queen compares our need for God to our need for food, water, and even the air we breathe, challenging listeners to live out their faith every day of the week.

“sundays” is the latest glimpse of Queen’s highly anticipated new album, Damascus Road, coming October 23. The 14-track project will be his third studio album and follows his chart-topping 2025 release, Mt. Zion, which earned a Dove Award nomination for Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year.

And this is a huge season for Josiah Queen. The 23-year-old recently received seven GMA Dove Award nominations, including Artist of the Year and Songwriter of the Year.

Queen also recently revealed the full Damascus Road tracklist and invited his fans to help choose which song would be released next. “sundays” ultimately won the vote, giving fans a chance to be part of the rollout for the new album.

There’s also a special mission behind Damascus Road. Queen is donating 100% of the net proceeds from CD editions of the album sold through his official website to Global Christian Relief.

Once again, the new album, Damascus Road, arrives October 23rd, and “sundays” is out now!

October is going to be an exciting month, because not only is Josiah Queen releasing an album, but Skillet is back with new music, and the rock band is entering a powerful new chapter!

The multi-Platinum band has announced a brand-new six-song EP called After the Storm, arriving October 9. Along with the announcement, Skillet released the project’s newest single, “Lift Me Up,” complete with an anime-inspired lyric video.

Frontman John Cooper says the EP came out of a season when he personally needed hope, writing these songs as a way of asking God to lift him out of some difficult moments.

That message comes through especially in “Lift Me Up,” which combines crushing guitars with a huge, arena-ready chorus. Cooper says the song reminds him of early Skillet while still feeling fresh. At its heart, it’s a prayer asking God to provide strength when life feels overwhelming.

“Lift Me Up” follows “Scream,” which introduced fans to the emotional themes behind After the Storm, including anxiety, anger, and the search for purpose in the middle of all the noise surrounding us.

And Skillet isn’t slowing down anytime soon. The band will hit the road for a nationwide U.S. Live Nation headline tour, kicking off this fall, which is visiting Greenville, Ohio, on September 19th! The new EP comes out October 9th!

You make my striving cease

You lift my burdens off of me

You calm the raging sea

My anxieties

‘Cause that’s just who You are

Congratulations to Sarah from Mount Vernon for correctly guessing “WHY SHOULD I WORRY” by Carly Ann Taylor! Tune in next week for YOUR chance to win!

Thanks for listening to the Afternoon Drive!

-Joe & Brock

Matthew West has announced a brand-new album! It’s called Jesus Is King and arrives September 25. The 12-song project is centered on faith, surrender, and the hope we have in Christ.

Along with the album announcement, Matthew has also released a brand-new single, “Back to Jesus.” He says making this record was a reminder to his own heart that no matter how loud fear, failure, or the noise of the world may seem, only Jesus gets the final word.

The new song, “Back to Jesus,” is a powerful reminder that no one is ever too far gone for God’s grace. It’s a message of redemption for anyone who’s wandered or wondered if there’s a way back. Matthew says he hopes these songs remind listeners of one simple truth: Jesus is King.

The new project follows Matthew’s 2024 album, Don’t Stop Praying, which became one of the biggest moments of his career. The title track spent two weeks at the top of the Christian radio charts and inspired a nationwide prayer movement.

Matthew will also be taking these new songs on the road this fall with his Jesus Is King Tour, which kicks off September 10 and brings his music to audiences across the country.

ELEVATION RHYTHM has released a brand-new live album! It’s called WASHED and is available everywhere now.

The nine-song project was recorded live during ELEVATION Church’s weekly youth nights in Charlotte, North Carolina, and captures what God has been doing in the lives of young people through worship. The album is named after the group’s current No. 1 hit, “WASHED,” which recently became ELEVATION RHYTHM’s first song to reach No. 1 across multiple Christian radio charts.

Creative director Josh Holiday says each live album is like a “time capsule,” capturing what God is doing in a specific season. He says WASHED reflects stories of identity, freedom, and new life found in Christ.

The album also features guest artists including Josiah Queen, Jonathan Stamper, SEU Worship, Avery Marillo, and Lizzie Morgan.

Fans will have the chance to experience these songs live this fall as ELEVATION RHYTHM launches the WASHED Tour, featuring worship nights, Bible studies, and opportunities to build community in cities across the country.

I say, “I’m fine, yeah, I’m fine, oh, I’m fine, hey, I’m fine”

But I’m not, I’m broken

And when it’s out of control, I say “It’s under control”

But it’s not and You know it

This week was a STUMPER, so call in next week for your chance to win TWO $5 gift cards to Watt’s Restaurant in Utica!

Thanks for listening to the Afternoon Drive!

-Joe & Brock

When was the last time you truly slowed down? In a world that’s always telling us to do more, Leanna Crawford’s new song is a reminder that sometimes the most important thing we can do is simply be with Jesus.

Leanna has released a brand-new single called “Living Room Floor,” the latest preview of her upcoming album, Thank God, arriving July 24. Inspired by the biblical story of Mary and Martha, the song encourages listeners to slow down and spend time in God’s presence instead of getting caught up in life’s endless to-do list.

Leanna says she’s always related to Martha—the one who’s constantly busy and trying to get everything done. But she says Jesus reminds us that He isn’t looking for our productivity; He simply wants us. She hopes this song gives people permission to pause, wherever they are, and simply spend time with Him.

One of my favorite lyrics in the song says, “Been running on empty, I don’t know what for… and what good is it to have the world but lose You, Lord?” That line really challenged me. It’s such a powerful reminder that no amount of busyness or accomplishment can replace intentional time spent in Jesus’ presence.

Along with the new music, Leanna is also giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Thank God through a new documentary series on YouTube, with new episodes premiering every Monday leading up to the album’s release.

If you’ve been waiting for one of the biggest Christian concerts of the year to come close to home, your wait is almost over.

Forrest Frank’s Jesus Generation Tour is proving to be one of the biggest events in Christian music this year. His recent stop at Nashville’s GEODIS Park drew more than 25,000 fans for a sold-out night that blended a high-energy concert with a bold, Gospel-centered message. 

After an opening set from Tori Kelly, Forrest took the stage to an electric crowd, performing fan favorites while consistently pointing the audience back to Jesus. The evening also included a powerful Gospel presentation from Sadie Robertson Huff, making it clear that the tour is about more than great music—it’s about introducing people to the hope found in Christ. Thousands of fans, from young children to grandparents, gathered together for a night of worship, celebration, and encouragement. 

The exciting news for Ohio residents is that The Jesus Generation Tour is coming to Heritage Bank Center in Cincinnati on Monday, July 27. If you’ve been wanting to see Forrest Frank live—or be part of one of the most talked-about Christian tours of the year—this will be your chance. With record-breaking crowds, an uplifting atmosphere, and a Christ-centered focus, it’s shaping up to be one of the biggest Christian concert events of 2026.

When all I’m holding onto is a promise

God, You promised that You’ll never leave me

When I’m scared of the dark, You’re right there with me

Your kindness never fails, it’s always reaching after me

Song Poetry was a STUMPER this week, so if you know these lyrics, tune in next week for your chance to win a $5 gift card to Watt’s Restaurant in Utica!

Thanks for listening to the Afternoon Drive!

-Brock Hankins

Jamie MacDonald is hitting the road this fall with her brand-new headlining tour, fittingly named after her hit single, Left It In The River.

The tour kicks off on October 20 and will make stops in 17 cities across the country. And good news for Ohio listeners—Jamie will be bringing the tour to Cincinnati on November 21!

Jamie says she’s excited to create nights that feel like a gathering of friends, filled with songs, stories, laughter, and meaningful moments in the presence of Jesus. Fans can expect to hear favorites like Desperate, Left It In The River, My Family, and more from her debut album.

The tour follows a breakout year for MacDonald, including her CMA Fest and Grand Ole Opry debuts. She has earned two consecutive No. 1 radio singles, racked up more than 253 million global streams, and made her national television debut on The Kelly Clarkson Show. Jamie also took home Song of the Year honors at the K-LOVE Fan Awards and was named a 2026 Artist to Watch by Spotify and Amazon Music.

Over the past year, she’s shared the stage with some of Christian music’s biggest names, including Chris Tomlin, TobyMac, Phil Wickham, Benjamin William Hastings, and Tauren Wells.

Pre-sale tickets go on sale June 25, with public ticket sales beginning June 26. For more information, visit the tprlive.co

Terrian, known for songs like Testimony and Honestly, We Just Need Jesus, has announced her brand-new album, Mad Big World, set to release this August!

The album features 17 new tracks, and the title song is available now. Mad Big World captures the heart behind the project—a message of faith, hope, and confidence in God, even when life feels overwhelming.

Terrian says the album was inspired by a lesson she’s been learning while traveling around the world: stay close to the Lord. She describes these songs as personal devotionals set to music, filled with reminders to keep her eyes fixed on Christ through every season of life.

The announcement comes after a remarkable few years for the rising Christian artist. Since launching her solo career, Terrian has amassed more than 335 million streams, earned four Top 20 radio singles, and completed her first-ever headlining tour. She’s also shared the stage with some of Christian music’s biggest names, including TobyMac, KB, Crowder, CeCe Winans, and Elevation RHYTHM.

Earlier this year, Terrian performed at the K-LOVE Fan Awards and received a nomination for Female Artist of the Year. This fall, she’ll also be joining CeCe Winans on her COME WORSHIP! Tour.

Can’t wait to hear what this new record has in store!

Oh, look what the Lord has done

When the thief tried to steal and destroy

The Lord gave me an anthem of joy

I am a living, breaking, walking…

Congratulations to Nicole from Mount Vernon for correctly guessing this week’s song, “Testimony” by Terrian!

Thanks for listening to the Afternoon Drive!

-Joe & Brock

What if a concert tour was about more than the music?

For Ben Fuller, his recent Black Sheep Tour became a place where lives were changed, people were baptized, and many made decisions to follow Jesus. Now he’s giving fans a chance to experience those moments again with his new live album, Black Sheep Tour: Songs from the Road.

Recorded during his headlining tour earlier this year, the 13-track collection features live versions of fan favorites like “Black Sheep,” “Who I Am,” “If I Got Jesus,” “Turn,” and “Walk Through Fire.” Each song also includes a live video component that captures the energy and impact of the performances.

The tour reached 28 cities, welcomed more than 26,000 attendees, and saw over 130 people commit their lives to Christ. Ben says he’s continually amazed by what God is doing through his ministry and hopes these songs remind listeners that it’s never too late to experience God’s love and grace.

Read more here: https://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/news/2026/06/12.BenFullerUnveilsNewLiveAlbumBlackSheepTourSongsFromTheRoad.asp

Have you ever wondered what might happen if just one more person heard the Gospel?

That question became the inspiration behind Patrick Mayberry’s new EP, Anybody Else, available now. The title track was inspired by a powerful moment during a visit to Louisiana State Penitentiary with the prison ministry God Behind Bars.

After a pastor shared the Gospel and invited inmates to respond, one man stepped forward to be baptized. In that moment, Patrick felt God prompting him to ask a simple question: “Is there anybody else?” Two more men responded and gave their lives to Christ.

That unforgettable experience became the foundation for the song “Anybody Else,” which celebrates the life-changing power of the Gospel and encourages believers to boldly share what God has done in their lives.

The six-song EP also comes on the heels of a big season for Mayberry. His song “Lead On Good Shepherd” recently reached No. 1 on Christian radio and earned a K-LOVE Fan Award nomination for Worship Song of the Year.

Patrick says “Anybody Else” started as a question but became one of the most important songs he’s ever written, reminding listeners that the redeemed of the Lord were never meant to stay silent.

Read more here: https://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/news/2026/06/12.PatrickMayberryReleasesAnybodyElseEPToday.asp

Oh, hear my prayer tonight, I’m singin’ to the sky

Give me strength to raise my voice, let me testify

Oh, hear my prayer tonight, ’cause this is do or die

The time has come to make a choice

And I choose…

Congrats to Sarah from Mount Vernon for being this week’s Song Poetry winner! She correctly guessed “joy.” by for King & Country!

Thanks for listening to the Afternoon Drive!

-Brock Hankins