Switchfoot Ends Hiatus; Teases New Music

Much to the excitement of fans, today Switchfoot announced that they are officially ending their hiatus. Through a series of social media teaser posts over the past few days and a video first unveiled to their email list today, it seems that the band is gearing up for their 11th studio album.

"I've loved every minute of my time off, but the music is chasing us down. I've heard it said that beauty is a battlefield for God and the devil. For us, music is how we throw punches. And it's time to step back into the ring," frontman Jon Foreman shares in the video. Though we don't have any details yet about exactly what's to come, we're left with a promise to close the video: "to be continued...10/19/2018."

Lauren Daigle's 'Look Up Child' Debuts at #3 on Billboard Top 200

Lauren Daigle's new album Look Up Child debuted this past week at #3 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart, behind only Eminem and Paul McCartney, setting personal and industry chart highs for the Grammy nominated, platinum selling vocalist. The story was different on the digital charts though, as Look Up Child debuted at No. 1 on the iTunes digital sales chart. A new making of video from Lauren's time in the studio is now available here: https://youtu.be/4Rwie0iDLXc.

In a week of firsts for her genre, Lauren teamed up with music streaming services such as Amazon, Apple Music and Spotify, to promote Look Up Child with billboards in Times Square and Nashville and even a special Second Line parade in her hometown of New Orleans.

Lauren, who also received a nomination for an American Music Award this past week, has also seen her first single debut on the Billboard Hot 100 chart at #53, No. 5 on Billboard's all-genre Digital Song Sales List, and No. 2 on the all genre iTunes Chart. The official video has received over 20 million views in the first few weeks of its release and continues to climb the Billboard charts.

Phil Wickham Surprised with Plaque for RIAA Platinum Certified 'This Is Amazing Grace'

While recording with Spotify in Nashville, Phil Wickham was surprised by FairTrade Services with an RIAA certified platinum (1 million single sales & streams) plaque for his landmark song, "This Is Amazing Grace." The plaque was presented to Wickham while recording exclusive songs for the Spotify Singles program at Sound Stage Studios on Music Row.
 

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.

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.