Friday, June 29, 2018

How Can It Be Platinum

Lauren Daigle's debut album, How Can It Be, is one of only five albums in the Christian genre to attain Platinum status since 2003, and the first from a female artist since 2001.

How Can It Be was quite an introduction for Daigle, who has received critical acclaim and recognition as the fastest-selling new artist for her genre of the decade. 

Last year she crossed genre lines when she was featured on the soundtrack of  Bladerunner 2049, as well as on country music legend Reba McEntire's album. In addition, Daigle was recognized on two of Forbes' 30 Under 30 lists.


Wednesday, June 20, 2018

Zach Williams Has a Gold "Chain Breaker"



Earlier this year Zach Williams' "Chain Breaker" became RIAA Certified Gold. Earlier this week in Nashville, Williams was presented with the official gold plaque, surrounded by his family and fellow songwriters Mia Fieldes and Jonathan Smith.

When it released in the early fall of 2016, "Chain Breaker" was an instant hit, holding the #1 spot at radio for an astounding 15 weeks. The song was then followed by "Old Church Choir," which became the most successful Christian radio single in over a decade, maintaining #1 at radio for 20 weeks and was the second longest running #1 single in Billboard's Christian radio history, naming Williams the first debut artist to have two back-to-back #1 singles. His current single, "Fear Is A Liar," continues to stay in the top of the radio charts as well, currently holding at #2. The songs are all featured on Chain Breaker, Williams' GRAMMY Award-winning debut.


Last evening in Nashville, Williams was awarded by BMI with a Citation of Achievement for "Chain Breaker," recognizing the song for its national popularity and reach. Just prior to the BMI Awards, Williams performed at the Historic Ryman Auditorium in front of a sold-out audience, closing out his set with the anthemic hit song.

Monday, June 18, 2018

Former United Pursuit Artist Michael Ketterer Receives Golden Buzzer on America's Got Talent




Former United Pursuit member, current Influence Music member and solo artist Michael Ketterer's America's Got Talent audition. The part-time worship leader and pediatric nurse won the audience with his soulful performance of the Bee Gees' "To Love Somebody," causing judge Simon Cowell to hit the golden buzzer and automatically advance Ketterer to the live shows.

As the confetti rained down on Ketterer, a husband and father to one biological daughter and five sons adopted from foster care, his family ran out to celebrate with him as Cowell joined him on stage for a hug and words of encouragement: "Something about your voice- I genuinely mean it - is special. Everything was perfect." 

In addition to his place as a solo artist and former member of United Pursuit Band, Michael and his wife recently helped found Influence Music, an independent worship collective and label born out of Influence Church in Anaheim, California, where the Ketterer family now resides. Influence Music's debut album released at the end of May and features several songs from Michael.

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