Britt Nicole Joins Capitol Records and Releases New Video for “Gold”

Britt Nicole recently announced via Twitter that she is now part of the Capitol Records roster. Never fear, it doesn’t appear that your favorite Christian pop songstress is going mainstream any time soon. She’s still signed to Sparrow Records, her longtime Christian label. However, it appears the deal with Capitol is an effort to get Britt to Top 40 radio. Capitol will release the title track to her latest effort, “Gold,” to Top 40 radio December 4. The song has crossover appeal in spades, and the best part is it carries a shimmeringly positive message about self-worth. Britt released a brand-new video today for the track, and we like it! Over 900 balloons were used in this video, and Britt looks and sounds amazing!

Catch Britt out on the road with TobyMac, Mandisa, Chris August, Brandon Heath, Group 1 Crew and Jamie Grace on the Hits Deep Tour. For cities, dates and more info on “Gold,” visit www.brittnicole.com.

Exclusive Videos from Edens Edge

New country trio Edens Edge recently discussed their first album on Big Machine Records with The Sound Opinion. Members Cherrill Green, Hannah Blaylock and Dean Berner all grew up in chuch, and their harmonies and many songs on their self-titled debut speak to their gospel roots, including the album closer “Christ Alone.” Their blend of strong harmonies and acoustic/country flavors lend itself to a great combination.

Edens Edge has already toured with some of the biggest names in country music, including Reba, Lady Antebellum and Brad Paisley. They are currently opening for Rascal Flatts on the “CHANGED TOUR.” Along with their labelmates at Big Machine, they are also spokesmen for Outnumber Hunger, which helps to secure meals for 1 in 6 struggling Americans. Learn more at www.edensedge.com.

In these exclusive videos, the members of Edens Edge talk about the group’s beginnings in Arkansas, how their faith influences their music and what advice they would give to anyone wishing to make their dreams come true.

Click here to watch more exclusive videos with Edens Edge.

New Music Monday: Brandon Heath, Britt Nicole & Joe Moralez, “Love Will Be Enough”

Brandon Heath and Britt Nicole recently wrapped the “Leaving Eden Tour.” They, along with Heath’s keyboardist Joe Moralez, wowed audiences every night with their three-part harmony on this new song, “Love Will Be Enough.” Heath and Moralez wrote the song with Dave Barnes who recorded it on his new album, Stories to Tell (Razor & Tie). It might make an appearance on Heath’s new studio album due out this fall. Do you think he should record it? Check it out below.

7 Memorable Dove Award Moments

The 43rd Annual GMA Dove Awards are set to take place tonight, April 19, 2012, at the historic Fox Theater in Atlanta, Ga. Congrats to all of the nominees. The Sound Opinion will be in the press room this evening to give you live coverage of the event. For now, let’s look back at seven memorable moments from previous Dove Awards.

1. dcTalk, “Jesus Freak” (1996)

2. Switchfoot, “This Is Home” (2008)

3. David Crowder Band, “Everything Glorious” (2008)

4. MercyMe, “I Can Only Imagine/Finally Home” (2009)

5. Steven Curtis Chapman, Artist of the Year acceptance speech (2009)

6. TobyMac & Diverse City, “Funky Jesus Music” (2010)

7. Natalie Grant & Lecrae, “Background” (2011)

Acoustic Crowder

Here’s a powerful acoustic performance of “Let Me Feel You Shine” from David Crowder*Band’s final album. Crowder has called this the most personal song he’s written, and it speaks to the struggle he must have faced in closing this DC*B chapter.

New Music Monday: Kari Jobe, “We Are”

Kari Jobe has a much-anticipated new album, her first on Sparrow Records, releasing in 2012. The first song from the new album has been released and is now available at iTunes. Fans can catch Kari leading worship on the upcoming Winter Jam tour. Until then, check out this awesome acoustic version of her new single, “We Are.”

For more info, visit www.karijobe.com.

New Music Monday: NEETOBREATHE, “Drive All Night” & “Slumber”

We’ve got two new tunes for you this week from NEEDTOBREATHE’s highly-anticipated fourth studio album, The Reckoning (Atlantic/Word), releasing September 20. The band is currently opening for Taylor Swift on the “Speak Now Tour” and playing what they are dubbing “secret shows” in smaller venues across the country where they are debuting new music. They are only announcing the secret shows last minute via Facebook and Twitter, so keep an eye on their posts and tweets to see if they will be playing a secret show in your area!

In a recent blog post, drummer Joe Stillwell wrote, “As we’re wrapping up our preparations to release The Reckoning, it amazes me to look back at all the months of work that yielded the final results. I’m so grateful that even though being in a band isn’t always a career with immediate results and feedback, we have the privilege of creating something lasting that takes on a life of its own and repays us far beyond the time and effort we give it. It’s a beautiful thing.”

Check out the creative lyric video for new Triple-A single “Drive All Night,” and then listen to new Christian radio single “Slumber.” Visit www.needtobreathe.net for more.

 

New Music Monday: The Civil Wars, “From This Valley”

You might be getting suspicious of my obsession with The Civil Wars. It’s true–I’m a little obsessed. I can’t get enough of their haunting harmonies and chill-inducing live performances. “From This Valley” is one of the newer songs the duo has been performing live. It’s quickly becoming a fan favorite. Watch the video below, and you’ll see why. For now, only a live version of the song is available at iTunes. But don’t be surprised if this song shows up on their next studio album. More info is available at www.thecivilwars.com.

Feature Friday: Chris Tomlin, “I Lift My Hands”

World-renowned worship leader and singer/songwriter Chris Tomlin recently released a moving music video for his new single, “I Lift My Hands,” from And If Our God Is For Us… (sixstepsrecords). Catch Tomlin performing this song and many others live this fall when he once again hits the road with friends Louie Giglio and Christy Nockels. Watch the powerful new video below, and visit www.christomlin.com for tour dates and additional info.

Carrie Underwood and Vince Gill Sing “How Great Thou Art”

While Carrie Underwood gets occasional play on Christian radio, thanks to a collection of spiritually-themed songs throughout her career (“Jesus, Take The Wheel,” “So Small,” “Temporary Home,” among others), her roots lie in the country genre. Same with Vince Gill, though in the “ccm” industry, he is probably better known as “Amy Grant’s husband.” Whatever the ties they share with Christian and gospel music, they both have been very vocal about their faith throughout their careers.

A recent video floating around YouTube finds the pair using their gifts to bring glory to God in a moving rendition of “How Great Thou Art,” a version so powerful that it merited a huge standing ovation from the audience filled with country superstars. The performance originally aired on a “Girls’ Night Out” program on CBS. Check out the video below to see what all the viral buzz is about.