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Artist News Day

Award Shows and New Singles!

Well, this may be the busiest Artist Newsday we have had in quite a while! Dylan and I brought you up to date on some of WNZR’s favorite artists who hit the news this past week.

Last Friday, Matt Maher released his new single titled “Leaning” featuring Lizzie Morgan. You can find the single on any digital platform that you listen to music on. He explains this song as an honest yet poignant look at life’s toughest seasons and how Jesus tells us that we’re not alone. Here is what the chorus of the song reads. 

“What a fellowship, what a joy divine what a priceless gift 
God I’m yours and You are mine, Let my restless soul be still and know I am leaning on your everlasting arms.” 

Here is what Maher and a couple of his co-workers had to say on the song. “There are times in life where on either side of a difficult season you’re either asking, ‘How am I going to get through this?’ or, you’re on the other side looking back in amazement saying, ‘How did I get through this?’ That’s where I find that the most sincere, real, authentic prayers get prayed,” he shares. “You’re praying out of desperation or gratitude and you find out what your support structure looks like – friends, family, loved ones who come around you hold you up. They become real signposts for the face of Jesus. But what about those who have no one? What does Jesus have to say to them? He says, ‘I no longer call you strangers, I call you friends. This is what I find so compelling about the friendship of God and the message of Christianity. Life is not a stacked tower of personal achievement, pride, egos, success, or vanity…it’s extending to others what Jesus says in the scriptures. ‘In this world, you will have trouble. But you are not alone. You can put your weight on me.'”  

This isn’t the only song that Maher is planning on releasing this year. He will be on the road quite a bit this year with plans to travel to Europe to tour with Rend Collective, along with visiting numerous summer and fall festivals. You can visit his website for more information regarding tour dates and upcoming events. 

K-LOVE recently announced via live-stream that reigning Christian Songwriter of the Year Matthew West and ten-time GRAMMY nominee Tauren Wells will co-host the 9th annual K-LOVE Fan Awards taking place on May 29 at Nashville’s iconic Grand Ole Opry House.

Both artists are excited to host, releasing statements soon after the announcement from K-LOVE.

“I’m looking forward to hosting the K-LOVE Fan Awards again this year, and excited to be joined by my buddy Tauren Wells,” remarked West. “This fan voted awards show is always a special event where we get to gather together and celebrate how God is working through the hope-filled messages of Christian music. This will be a night to remember.”

“The K-LOVE Fan Awards is always a highlight of my year. Getting to reunite with all the artists I love and respect in our genre, developing deeper connections with fans, and celebrating the God who has given us something to sing about is something truly special,” said Wells, who released his new single “Fake It” last week. Adding, “This year, I will experience the awards from a different vantage point as a host alongside K-LOVE Fan Awards veteran, Matthew West. He has done such an incredible job and I can’t wait to team up!”

The 2022 K-LOVE Fan Awards are open to the public, providing an experience for fans that is impossible to match anywhere else. Tickets are on sale with travel packages still available at www.klovefanawards.com.

Huge thanks to Jesus Freak Hideout for covering these amazing artists with amazing articles that we use for all of our shows!

In the waiting, in the searching
In the healing and the hurting
Like a blessing buried in the broken pieces

Congratulations to Julie of Frazeysburg for correctly guessing that the lyrics for today are from Zach Williams’ hit song “There Was Jesus”, sung alongside Dolly Parton! Julie wins the Voice of the Cougars drawstring backpack!

Thanks for listening!

Jonathon and Dylan

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Brandon Heath is back!

Today we shared the news about Brandon Heath‘s new single, which we started playing a couple weeks ago, “See Me Through It.” The album, “Enough Already,” drops on April 22nd. Read more from New Release Today by clicking here!

Danny Gokey – The Comeback
Congratulations to Kathy of Mount Vernon, who guessed correctly and wins the devotional book, ‘A Word from the Weaver.’

Thanks for listening!
– Joe

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Gotta Love These New Songs!!

Both Unspoken and FOR KING + COUNTRY are in the news this week for Artist Newsday for their new songs centered around God’s love. Check them out on any digital platform!

FOR KING + COUNTRY are in the news again with another new single leading up to the release of their new album that is due March 11th. Out today with an accompanying music video, “Love Me Like I Am” is available on all digital platforms.

Written by Joel and Luke Smallbone, the song features confessional lyrics that address personal insecurities and shortcomings, paired with raw vulnerability in the presence of a grace that gives without condition.

Here is what Joel Smallbone had to say about the release. “I was sleeping and the phrase ‘Love me Like I Am’ captured me. The following day, we went into a writing session and our producer Josh Kerr added…It’s amazing that you can, Love me like I am. It’s a beautiful story to us – the fact that God can love humanity the way He does, and we can love each other the way we do with unconditional love.”

In conjunction with their upcoming album release, the duo’s What Are We Waiting For TOUR will also launch this spring. For information on where FOR KING + COUNTRY will be headed this spring, visit www.forkingandcountry.com.

Unspoken recently released their first single of the year titled “Love Is Everything We Need” to radio as well as digital retail and streaming outlets everywhere. This is the band’s lead song for their upcoming album that is slated to release in July. This is the band’s first full length album in three years! 

Here is what lead vocalist Chad Mattson had to say about the release. “These last couple years, we, as believers, have had to have some really strong conversations because in our culture, we find it hard to disagree on certain things, and still love and be kind to each other,” He said. “There is this polarization of beliefs, yet Jesus reveals to us in John chapter 13 that it’s love that identifies us with being his kids. 

“We can disagree, but we can all agree on the fact that we need to love and respect each other, even when we are at different places in our lives politically, socially, even religiously,” continues Mattson. “‘Love Is Everything We Need’ is a song of encouragement for believers, to find ways to love each other even when we don’t see eye to eye on everything. Our love is one of the biggest testimonies we have.”

Thanks to Jesus Freak Hideout for their excellent coverage of WNZR’s favorite Christian artists!

Thanks for listening!

Jonathon & Dylan

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Albums and EPs On the Way!

This week, we highlighted some new albums from two artists that are either already here or on the way!

Jordan St. Cyr has been a busy man to start the year. He is set to release his first full length album on March 4th. He is also celebrating his single “Weary Traveler” which is currently No. 1 on radio’s AC Indicator Chart for the second week in a row! Jordan St. Cyr began the year being named the No. 2 Top New Christian Artist of 2021, according to Billboard. His hit “Weary Traveler” continues to be added on radio stations across the country. It is also in the top ten on the Christian Airplay and AC Monitored charts. 

Here is what he had to say on the release of his upcoming album. “My prayer for this album is that these songs would bring comfort and joy to those who hear them. It is also my prayer that listeners would be more hopeful and open to the depths of God’s love for them knowing that their circumstances are not a reflection of how God feels about them, rather that their circumstances would reveal the closeness and nearness of the Holy Spirit.”  

He recently wrapped up his tour with Anne Wilson and is now gearing up for Jeremy Camp’s “I Still Believe Tour,” which kicks off next month. 

Maverick City Music continue to release brand new music with their first album of 2022! The EP entitled “Breathe” was released to celebrate Black History Month and features Joe L Barnes, Maryanne George, Naomi Raine, Chandler Moore and Dante Bowe backed by the Mav City Gospel Choir. The EP features live and studio versions of standout songs lifted from 2021’s Jubilee: Juneteenth album, including “Breathe,” “Joy of the Lord,” and “Make it Right,” plus three all-new original recordings. The Breathe EP serves as a reminder to all who listen to take a moment to breathe and celebrate life and the legacy of black gospel music.

Also, don’t forget that Steven Curtis Chapman will be in Mansfield this March! The Christian musician will bring his tour to Crossroads Church Thursday, March 24th starting at 7:00pm thanks to Rise FM.

For more information on the show, visit https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/6632687/an-evening-with-steven-curtis-chapman-mansfield-crossroads-church-mansfieldoh

I’ve been thinking ’bout time
And where does it go
How can I stop my life from passing me by, I don’t know

Congratulations to Kaleb of Fredericktown for correctly guessing that today’s song was Keep Me In the Moment by Jeremy Camp! Kaleb wins a Voice of the Cougars drawstring backpack!

Thanks for listening!

Jonathon and Dylan

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“My Life Has Always Been In Your Hands”

Although today’s show was shortened due to MVNU men’s basketball tonight, we were still able to share some amazing stories from some of your favorite artists.

Perhaps one of our favorite stories ever came today from We Are Messengers. Darren Mulligan, the band’s lead singer, walked away without a scratch from a brutal car accident Friday morning. He shared the experience in detail through the band’s Instagram in this statement:

“I’m okay. I promise. In fact, I’m on an airplane going to our first show of the year in Greeley, Colorado. A couple of hours ago I hit some ice on a bridge on 840 traveling to the airport. My truck lost all traction, slid across both lanes, down through the verge separating east and west highways and began sliding towards another vehicle on the opposite side of the road. I couldn’t bare the thought of someone being hurt so I did everything I could to flip my vehicle off the road and that’s what I did. It is a miracle that I’m alive, I’m a little sore but I walked out of that vehicle without a scratch. 10 seconds before the accident I had been talking with Jesus and I said out loud “my life has always been in your hands and it still is”. I guess God put that to the test and He has once again proved Himself unbelievably Kind. As I scrambled to find my backpack, guitar and phone which had flown out of the vehicle I heard a voice. It was a young man called Efrain who was on his way to work. His was the car that was coming the opposite direction. Efrain was so kind to me, his only thought was to make sure I was ok. He drove me to the airport so I could go about the work God has called this band to. Greeley, Colorado, we are on our way. Expecting big things from the Lord tonight. I am a very grateful man, more than ever and I’m convinced this too is the goodness of God in my life. #ComeWhatMay Darren”

Also in the news, Steven Curtis Chapman will be in Mansfield this! The Christian musician will bring his tour to Crossroads Church Thursday, March 24th starting at 7:00pm thanks to Rise FM.

For more information on the show, visit https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/6632687/an-evening-with-steven-curtis-chapman-mansfield-crossroads-church-mansfieldoh

We also continued our WNZR Spread the Love Giveaway!

Congratulations to Brad of Bellville and Pam of Fredericktown for answering our Valentine’s trivia and earning a chance at our Spread the Love Grand Prizes: An overnight stay at the Mount Vernon Grand Hotel OR 4 hours of housecleaning from Carefree Cleaning Company!

Thanks for listening,

Jonathon and Dylan

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Tuesday Tours!

Some big names are headed on tour soon to start 2022! Dylan and I talked about both For King and Country and Newsboys on the show today.

Over the weekend, For King and Country partnered with internationally renowned DJ R3HAB to release a remix of their hit song “Relate”, currently sitting at #1 on WNZR’s NZ Top Ten! The new version of the song is available on all streaming services now!

Relate has since hit #1 on Billboard’s Christian Airplay chart, as well as Mediabase’s Christian AC Airplay chart, marking the 10th career #1 for the duo from Australia.

To celebrate the original song’s success, For King and Country will embark on their “What Are We Waiting For” Tour, taking them through 34 cities with special guest artist Dante Bowe! For ticket information, make sure to visit www.forkingandcountry.com.

Newsboys is starting off 2022 with their latest release, Stand, featuring longtime friend and former band member, TobyMac. The single and lyric video is available now on your streaming platforms. The group’s swiftly selling “STAND TOGETHER” tour with special guests Danny Gokey and Mac Powell launched in mid-January. 

The song “Stand” proclaims the faith of a believer through the trials and victories facing us today. Member Michael Tait says, “We tried to write a song that speaks to the very purpose and mission of every human, we finished the song and were like ‘this feels like an album theme’. Let’s face it, I am a man of color, and people are trying to tell us black and white can’t get along. So, when people ask you ‘where do you stand?’ we hopefully say that it lies within. To also have our longtime friend and brother Toby join us on the single is such a blessing. It feels like such an anthem for today and we hope it affects the listener as we intended.” 

The “Stand Together” tour is making two trips to Ohio this month. They will be in the closet one being in Circleville, OH at Heritage Nazarene Church.

WNZR has 10 NEW DJs and we are spotlighting each of them EVERY Monday up until April! Go listen to Marcy’s first conversation with Colin Ashworth from yesterday’s “Meet the Staff Monday”.

There’s a name that can silence every fear
There’s a love that embraces
The heartache, the pain and the tears

Congratulations to Holly of Laurelville for correctly guessing the song: Be Alright from Evan Craft, Danny Gokey, and Redimi2! Holly wins a Voice of the Cougars drawstring backpack for her correct answer!

Thanks for listening,

Jonathon and Dylan

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Rock the Universe!

Another Tuesday, another Artist Newsday! Today, We Are Messengers hit a huge milestone on one of their new songs! Also this weekend, a HUGE Christian music festival will kick off!

Rock the Universe 2022 kicks off this Friday for an unforgettable weekend of faith and fun at Universal Studios in Florida. Fans and youth groups can once again come together at Florida’s biggest Christian music festival to enjoy gripping performances by some of Christian music’s top artists, including…

Friday, January 28Saturday, January 29
for KING & COUNTRYCasting Crowns
CrowderZach Williams
Matthew WestBig Daddy Weave
Jordan FelizCory Asbury
Rhett WalkerWe the Kingdom
Riley ClemmonsSocial Club Misfits

Those attending the festival will also enjoy access to both Universal Parks in addition to the three days of worship. Rock the Universe 2022 runs from Friday all the way to Sunday morning.

We Are Messengers song “Come What May” has hit #1 on the Billboard Christian Airplay Chart. It also has spent 11 straight weeks at #1 on the Mediabase Christian Audience Chart. This marks the first time that the group has been at #1 on both charts. 

Here’s what the groups front man Darren Mulligan had to say about the success. “God’s kindness has always been obvious to me, but today is extra special and a sweet example of how fond He is of people like us,” he shared. “I am so very thankful for our management team, Curb | Word Entertainment, and our incredible promo team who have brought this song to radio. We cannot express our gratitude for the never-ending love, support and encouragement of every single radio station in the USA. I’m honored to be a part of this community, and We Are Messengers will continue to share the news of Jesus with a world that needs Him more than ever.” 

We Are Messengers will be hitting the road with Casting Crowns on “The Healer Tour” beginning February 17th and departing on the first leg of their headlining “The Wholehearted Tour” with special guests Apollo LTD and Stephen Stanley on April 17th.

Thank you to jesusfreakhideout.com for their great coverage of your favorite artists on WNZR!

Praise Him in the morning
Praise Him in the noontime
Praise Him when the sun goes down

That was Good God Almighty from Crowder!

Congratulations to Steve of Mount Vernon for correctly guessing the song and winning TWO Voice of the Cougar string backpacks! Tune in tomorrow for our Who Am I Trivia with Dylan and Joe!

Thanks for listening,

Jonathon & Dylan

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Sunday Sermons, Tuesday News!

Artist Newsday returns with both Anne Wilson and Riley Clemmons making the headlines!

Anne Wilson is quickly ringing in the new year with a brand-new song called “Sunday Sermons,”. The song, released Friday, is the follow-up single to her debut breakout hit, “My Jesus,” which was the longest-running No. 1 song on the Billboard Christian Airplay Chart of 2021 for seven weeks. Just before Friday’s release, Anne Wilson released this statement for her fans.

“I’m so excited to share ‘Sunday Sermons’ with the world. This is my story of growing up in the church since I was a little girl. God used every Sunday sermon to develop a firm foundation in Him. I didn’t realize just how deep my roots were in Him from all those years of showing up to church each Sunday until I encountered hardships in my life. No matter what happens in life – even losing a loved one, I can always go back to that foundation of truth that the Lord planted in me through each of those sermons. This song is to remind you to cling to the One who’s consistent and faithful. Jesus loves you more than you could ever imagine.”

Wilson will be heading out on her first headlining “My Jesus” tour later this month followed by tour dates with Matthew West on his “Brand New” Tour. In March she will be on tour with Zach Williams. For more information and tour dates, visit www.annewilsonofficial.com.

Riley Clemmons is kicking off the new year with two special versions of her rapidly growing single, “For the Good.” The new renditions, one acoustic and one recorded while on tour with Tauren Wells last year, showcase Riley’s ability to craft a fresh creative take on an already beloved song. Since its release in September, “For the Good” has been climbing the radio charts breaking into the top 20 at Christian radio and matching her debut, “Broken Prayers,” as her fastest growing single to date while garnering over 4 million streams.  

Here is what Riley had to say on this, “One of my favorite parts of creating and releasing music is re-imagining a song with a variety of versions,” she shares. “For The Good” sonically exists in such a naturally acoustic leaning way, so I was stoked to collaborate with my producer on an acoustic version. It’s also such a special live moment, so I really wanted to release a version that brought that energy into people’s homes and cars.” 

In addition to the collection, Riley has released a live performance video of “For the Good.” It was filmed in San Diego while on the road with Tauren Wells this past fall and marks the first tour she performed the song live. The video encapsulates Riley’s ability to own the stage and is a taste of what’s to come when she joins Jeremy Camp on tour this spring.

Praise Him in the morning
Praise Him in the noontime
Praise Him when the sun goes down

This week was a stumper, so we’ll bring these lyrics back next week!

Thanks for listening,

Jonathon & Dylan

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Late Movement on the Charts!

For Artist Newsday, we recapped an awesome year for Dante Bowe and talked about how We The Kingdom made the most of their live performance on national television!

Dante Bowe has had a very successful year you could say. He has had arguably the most powerful year of his career and is closing out the season with top ten placements on three different Billboard Year End Charts. He is No. 9 overall for Top Gospel Artist, No. 4 for Top Male Gospel Artist, and No. 4 on Top New Christian Artists.

From the release of his deeply personal album, circles, via Bethel Music, to sold out performances, KLOVE Nominations, and multiple DOVE Award wins Dante’s incredible year culminates with three GRAMMY Award nominations in the Best Gospel Performance/Song category, a record that no other artist has achieved since the field was created in 2015.  

Earlier this year, Dante released his album and Bethel Music label debut, circles. The incredibly personal album quickly shot to the top of the charts, debuting at No. 7 on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart. The lead single, ‘joyful,’ reached No. 2 on Billboard’s Gospel Digital Song Sales and No. 3 on Hot Gospel Songs, making it the highest solo charting position of his career, and earned him a GRAMMY Nomination. The follow up single, ‘family tree,’ premiered on BET marking his first televised debut.

Next spring, Dante will join four-time GRAMMY Award winning duo for KING & COUNTRY on the road for the ‘What Are We Waiting For? – The Tour.” The 33-date trek will make stops in arenas throughout the United States beginning on March 31st in Southaven, MS before traveling through Chicago, Phoenix, Las Vegas, and more then wrapping in Franklin, TN on March 22nd. More information about the dates and tickets can be found at forkingandcountry.com.

We The Kingdom celebrated Christmas Eve with Fox & Friends, making an appearance on the show to perform their rendition of “Silent Night (Heavenly Peace).” Following their performance, the song soared to No. 1 on the iTunes Top Christian Songs chart (Top 15 all-genre), and the band’s holiday EP, “A Family Christmas”, also rose to No. 3 on the iTunes all-genre Top Albums chart.

The 2x GRAMMY-nominated group will kick off their headlining We The Kingdom Live tour in the new year, packing out the month of March with 16 shows! For tickets, make sure to visit wtklive.com.

Come all you weary
Come all you thirsty
Come to the well
That never runs dry

This week was a stumper so we will bring these lyrics back next week for a chance at TWO $5 gift cards to Everlasting Cup!

Thanks for listening!

Jonathon & Dylan

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