NMPA Honors Taylor Swift, Sarah Trahern; Announces Lawsuits At Annual Meeting

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The National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) virtually held its 2021 Annual Meeting celebrating creators and executives, giving a clear picture of the publishing industry through new data, and more.

The meeting’s premiere honor went to singer-songwriter Taylor Swift who was presented the NMPA Songwriter Icon Award. Celebrating Swift with a personal tribute, Sara Bareilles performed her hit “Clean” and said, “Ms. Taylor Swift has proven herself over and over again to be an extraordinary storyteller, an innovator, a leader, an advocate, an activist, and this woman shows no signs of stopping.” At the top of the show, up-and-coming talent Priscilla Block performed a medley of Swift’s biggest hits.

Swift accepted the NMPA Songwriter Icon Award by naming her most impactful influences including Max Martin, Jack Antonoff, Aaron Dessner and UMPG Nashville Chairman & CEO Troy Tomlinson. “I’m really, really honored to be receiving this award because it honors the part of my job that is so magical and mystifying to me still,” she said. Swift went on to compliment NMPA Board member and songwriter Liz Rose, who she said “is someone who spent hours and hours and hours with me when there was absolutely no sign that anything would happen in my career.” She also thanked NMPA Board member UMPG Chairman & CEO Jody Gerson, “for being such a champion of female songwriters throughout the industry.”

Additionally, Country Music Association (CMA) CEO Sarah Trahern was given the NMPA Industry Legacy Award for all of her efforts to modernize and expand the genre and to support the songwriters who form its foundation. Singer-songwriter Luke Bryan celebrated Trahern saying, “I think through the everchanging world of the music business, Sarah has continued to evolve with it and allow our wonderful industry to prosper and watch Nashville grow and watch the CMA grow under her leadership.”

Among the programming at the NMPA Annual meeting was a keynote from The Ringer network founder Bill Simmons, who spoke about his upcoming music docuseries with HBO and UMPG’s Gerson and Marc Cimino which will chronicle iconic moments throughout history in the industry.

Peermusic Executive Chair Ralph Peer II received a surprise tribute for his 50 years of service on the NMPA Board of Directors from NMPA Board Chairman Irwin Robinson, legendary composer and producer David Foster, singer-songwriter and producer Poo Bear, and peermusic CEO Mary Megan Peer. Ms. Peer said, “I know that you have chosen to spend 50 years serving on the board of the NMPA due to the special relationship NMPA creates between music publishers, songwriting colleagues and the government.”

During his annual State of the Industry speech, NMPA President & CEO David Israelite announced new enforcement actions being taken against “rampant infringers in the gaming industry,” such as Roblox. NMPA’s lawsuit, filed today on behalf of a dozen publisher plaintiffs, will seek damages in the amount of no less than $200 million for the exploitation of music without proper licenses.

Israelite said, “They’ve made hundreds of millions of dollars by requiring users to pay every time they upload music onto the platform—taking advantage of young people’s lack of understanding about copyright – and then they take virtually no action to prevent repeat infringement or alert users to the risks they are taking.”

Additionally, Israelite officially launched a major ramp-up of its takedown campaign against Amazon-owned Twitch, another of the world’s most popular video creation and gaming platforms with over nine million active streamers. “Twitch should serve its users by fully licensing music which would allow the platform to flourish and copyright owners to be properly compensated,” Israelite said.

Israelite also discussed the growth in the music publishing industry, announcing 2020’s total revenue as $4,076,829,040, a 9.6% increase from 2019. He said, “it is important to understand the impact that COVID has had on that year. Even though the world felt the effects of COVID back in March of 2020, because of the delayed nature of much of the revenue streams for the publishing industry, there was a later impact to the industry, but it also means it will continue later in [2021] as we continue out of that problem.” He also detailed the split in revenue categories as: Performance 51.5%; Sync 23.4%; Mechanical 20.2%; and Other 4.9%. “Mechanicals grew once again to 20.2% despite the fact that you have some mechanical categories that are shrinking rapidly. It’s because of the growth of the mechanical part of interactive streaming that the category overall grew,” Israelite added.

AIMP Holds 4th Annual Global Music Publishing Summit

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The Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) held its 4th annual Global Music Publishing Summit online this week (June 7 – 9).

The summit kicked off with Creator Day on June 7, followed by Business of Publishing Day on June 8, and wrapping with International Day on June 9.

Below are some highlights:

The online programming June 7’s Creator Day started with a welcome from AIMP National Chair and Nashville Chapter President John Ozier, Los Angeles Chapter President Teri Nelson Carpenter, and New York Chapter President Michael Lau, before heading into a presentation from strategic HR firm EnterGain who delved into the results of a survey of the AIMP membership conducted to create a starting point for its efforts to be a more diverse and inclusive organization that promotes equity for its members. EnterGain Senior Advisor Yuna Perry and Managing Directors James Celentano and Mikal Celentano presented the results, which can be viewed here.

RCA Nashville artist Andrew Jannakos then discussed his path from The Voice to viral TikTok star to recording artist with his manager Andrew Cohen of Cohencidence Projects, Derek Wells (Senior Director, A&R, Spirit Music Group), and moderator MaryAnn Keen (Associate Director of Writer Publisher Relations, BMI).

The Songwriter Keynote featured Craig Wiseman, songwriter and Founder of Big Loud Publishing, in conversation with John Titta, EVP of Membership at ASCAP. The two discussed Wiseman’s rise from a bar-band drummer in Mississippi to writing a song for fellow writer/drummer Don Henley to duet with Kenny Rogers, and much more.

June 8’s Business of Publishing Day included a discussion on exactly what it means to be an “indie publisher;” a keynote from U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN); a conversation amongst the leadership of the NMPA, A2IM, RIAA, NSAI, AIMP, and Music Business Association; and special presentations from The U.S. Copyright Office and The MLC.

Former AIMP President Michael Eames (President, PEN Music Group) kicked off the day’s events with a discussion of his recent op-ed for Billboard, “In 2021, How Do We Define an ‘Indie’ Publisher?” Eames then moderated the Indie Perspective panel, featuring Mike Molinar (General Manager, Big Machine), Kathy Spanberger (President and COO, Peermusic), Jim Selby (Chief Publishing Executive, Concord Music), Neil Gillis (President, Round Hill), Tony Alexander (Co-Founder, President, and Managing Director, MIME), and AIMP National Chair and Nashville Chapter President Ozier (EVP Creative, Reservoir).

U.S. Sen. Blackburn (R-TN), a key advocate of the Music Modernization Act (MMA), delivered the Business Keynote, discussing the many pieces of legislation that affect songwriters and publishers, from SBA loans, capital gains, recording expense write-offs to the HITS Act, and more; noting that she and U.S. Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) intend to reintroduce the AM-FM Act as well.

David Israelite (President & CEO, NMPA), Dr. Richard James Burgess (President & CEO, A2IM), Mitch Glazier (Chairman & CEO, RIAA), Bart Herbison (Executive Director, NSAI), AIMP LA Chapter President Carpenter (CEO, Reel Muzik Werks), and moderator Portia Sabin (President, Music Business Association) then joined forces for the U.S. Alliance panel, an annual favorite at the Global Music Publishing Summit. The MLC CEO Kris Ahrend then took the stage for a special presentation on the organization’s progress, including having held over 200 educational webinars to date.

The final day, June 9’s International Day, brought the global music publishing industry into focus, with a keynote from CISAC’s Gadi Oron, the far-ranging International Alliance panel, and much more.

The day kicked off with the AIMP/IMPF Networking Mixer, where attendees were randomly placed in 4-person Zoom rooms for 10 minutes each. Carpenter and AIMP NY Chapter Vice President Debbie Rose (President, Kokopelli Music Group/Sundae Songs) then walked conference attendees through new international initiatives being worked on at CISAC regarding Cue Sheet Standardization and Music in Commercials.

The Summit came to a close with the International Alliance panel, featuring Will Kreth (EIDR, DDEX), Margaret McGuffin (CEO, Music Publishers Canada), Dr. Kristina Janušauskaitė (Director of European Legal Affairs, IFPI), AIMP NY Chapter President Michael Lau (CEO, Laud Music/Imachew Music), and moderator Ger Hatton (Principal, Hatton.eu).

For more information about AIMP, click here.

2021 CMT Music Awards Highlights: Winners, Performances, Collaborations

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Carrie Underwood wins Video of the Year at the 2021 CMT Music Awards.

Last night (June 9) the 2021 CMT Music Awards were held live at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. Hosted by Kelsea Ballerini and Kane Brown, the show included its traditional array of awards and an impressive lineup of performers and collaborations.

After winning the award for Video of the Year, the biggest honor of the night, Carrie Underwood maintained her position of most decorated artist in CMT Music Awards history with a whopping 23 career wins. Curb Records recording artist Dylan Scott won Breakthrough Video Of The Year for his music video for “Nobody,” his first CMT Award.

Hosts Kelsea Ballerini, Kane Brown

Hosts Brown and Ballerini both walked away with CMT trophies, Ballerini for her her performance of “The Other Girl” at the 2020 CMT Music Awards with Halsey. Brown took home Male Video Of The Year for “Worship You,” as well as Collaborative Video Of The Year with Chris Young for “Famous Friends.” For a full list of winners, click here.

The CMT Equal Play Award was presented to Linda Martell. The trailblazer was honored with a reel of her story and role in music history as the first Black female solo country artist to perform on the Grand Ole Opry stage along with a slew of her additional career achievements.

Chris Stapleton and H.E.R. perform “Hold On” at the 2021 CMT Music Awards.

Among the performers who took the stage last night were impressive collaborations like country crooner Chris Stapleton and soulful singer H.E.R.’s jaw dropping rendition of “Hold On;” Underwood and Needtobreathe delivering their recent track “I Wanna Remember;” Miranda Lambert, Jon Randall, and Jack Ingram teaming up to perform a stripped down version of “Tequila Does;” and Ballerini with Paul Klein (LANY) debuting their brand new song “I Quit Drinking.”

Lady A, Carly Pearce, Lindsay Ell, and a full spread of female band members opened up the show with their powerhouse anthem “Lady” while Mickey Guyton, Breland, and Gladys Knight joined forces for a medley of “Cross Country” and The Temptations 1970 song “Friendship Train.”

Ingrid Andress performs “Lady Like” at the 2021 CMT Music Awards.

Ingrid Andress performed her hit song “Lady Like,” and also lended her vocals on “Like That” with JP Saxe; Lauren Alaina and Jon Pardi took the stage to perform “Getting Over Him;” Brothers Osborne and Dierks Bentley sang “Lighten Up” from the Bonaroo Farm; and Brown and Chris Young closed out the night with “Famous Friends.” Luke Combs (“Cold As You”), Luke Bryan (“Down To One”), and Thomas Rhett (“Country Again”) also gave solo performances throughout the night.

Priscilla Block, Lilly Hiatt, Regi Wooten And Friends Join Nashville’s July 4th Lineup

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Priscilla Block, Lilly Hiatt, and Regi Wooten and Friends have been added to the lineup for Nashville’s downtown 4th of July celebration, Let Freedom Sing! presented by Dr Pepper.

As previously announced, Brad Paisley will headline the giant show on Lower Broadway, which will feature the largest fireworks show in Nashville history with the pyrotechnics synchronized to a live performance by the Nashville Symphony. Sirius XM host Storme Warren will serve as emcee on the First and Broadway stage, and Symphony Music Director Giancarlo Guerrero will be conducting for the first time in over a decade. Jason Eskridge will perform the National Anthem, and veteran support group Operation Song will kick off the lineup of live music. The Nashville Symphony will perform at Ascend Amphitheater at the conclusion of the concert. The fireworks show will be from 9:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The free, family-friendly event has regularly drawn more than 200,000, and as many as 343,000 in 2019. This will be the 18th annual celebration produced by the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp and the 37th in the city’s history.

“We are proud to bring together this diverse lineup to celebrate Independence Day in a big way,” said Butch Spyridon, president and CEO, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. “The free event is a thank you to Nashvillians after the year we’ve had, as well as a way to jumpstart our tourism economy with an influx of visitors. They will find a lot of reasons for an extended visit to Nashville – from an ALABAMA concert at Bridgestone Arena to a Nashville SC match on July 5 and more.”

2021 CMT Music Awards Winners List

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The 2021 CMT Music Awards aired live from Nashville on Wednesday night (June 9). Kane Brown and Kelsea Ballerini served as hosts.

Carrie Underwood and John Legend were awarded the night’s top honor of Video Of The Year for “Hallelujah.”

Little Big Town took home Group/Duo Video Of The Year for their lively “Wine, Beer, Whiskey.” Chris Young and host Brown won Collaborative Video Of The Year for their charming “Famous Friends,” and Brown also took home Male Video Of The Year for “Worship You.”

Brown’s co-host Ballerini won  CMT Performance Of The Year for her performance of “The Other Girl” at the 2020 CMT Music Awards with Halsey.

Dylan Scott was presented the Breakthrough Video Of The Year for “Nobody,” his first-ever award.

Gabby Barrett, who announced she would not attend the CMT Music Awards due to “personal circumstances” days before the event, won Female Video Of The Year for “The Good Ones.”

For a full recap of the 2021 CMT Music Awards including performances and special collaborations, click here.

The 2021 CMT Music Awards winners are highlighted below:

Video Of The Year
Best video of the year; awarded to the artist (male, female, group/duo or collaboration)

  • Carrie Underwood with John Legend – “Hallelujah” – WINNER
  • Kane Brown – “Worldwide Beautiful”
  • Keith Urban with P!nk – “One Too Many”
  • Kelsea Ballerini – “hole in the bottle”

Female Video Of The Year
Best video by a female artist; awarded to the artist

  • Carly Pearce – “Next Girl”
  • Gabby Barrett – “The Good Ones” – WINNER
  • Kelsea Ballerini – “hole in the bottle”
  • Maren Morris – “To Hell & Back”
  • Mickey Guyton – “Heaven Down Here”
  • Miranda Lambert – “Settling Down”

Male Video Of The Year
Best video by a male artist; awarded to the artist

  • Chris Stapleton – “Starting Over”
  • Darius Rucker – “Beers and Sunshine”
  • Kane Brown – “Worship You” – WINNER
  • Luke Bryan – “Down To One”
  • Luke Combs – “Lovin’ On You”
  • Thomas Rhett – “What’s Your Country Song”

Duo/Group Video Of The Year
Best video by a duo or group; awarded to the artists

  • Brothers Osborne – “All Night”
  • Lady A – “Like A Lady”
  • Little Big Town – “Wine, Beer, Whiskey” – WINNER
  • Old Dominion – “Never Be Sorry”
  • Parmalee and Blanco Brown – “Just The Way”
  • Runaway June – “We Were Rich”

Breakthrough Video Of The Year
Best video from an artist’s major breakthrough album; awarded to the artist (male, female or group/duo)

  • Dylan Scott – “Nobody” – WINNER
  • Hailey Whitters feat. Little Big Town – “Fillin’ My Cup”
  • HARDY – “Give Heaven Some Hell”
  • Lainey Wilson – “Things a Man Oughta Know”
  • Mickey Guyton – “Black Like Me”
  • Niko Moon – “GOOD TIME (Ride Along Video)”

Collaborative Video Of The Year
Best video from a collaboration; awarded to the artists

  • Carrie Underwood with John Legend – “Hallelujah”
  • Chris Young and Kane Brown – “Famous Friends” – WINNER
  • Elle King and Miranda Lambert – “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)”
  • Keith Urban with P!nk – “One Too Many”
  • Ryan Hurd with Maren Morris – “Chasing After You”
  • Tim McGraw and Tyler Hubbard – “Undivided”

CMT Performance Of The Year
Musical performance on a television show, series or variety special on CMT; awarded to the artist (individual, group or duo)

  • From the 2020 CMT Music Awards – Brooks & Dunn and Luke Combs “1, 2 Many”
  • From the 2020 CMT Music Awards – Dan + Shay “I Should Probably Go To Bed”
  • From the 2020 CMT Music Awards – Jimmie Allen and Noah Cyrus “This Is Us”
  • From the 2020 CMT Music Awards – Kelsea Ballerini and Halsey “The Other Girl” – WINNER
  • From the 2020 CMT Music Awards – Little Big Town “Wine, Beer, Whiskey”
  • From CMT Crossroads – Nathaniel Rateliff and Margo Price “Twinkle Twinkle”

AIMP Presents Results Of Member Survey For Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion Initiative

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To begin its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Initiative, the Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) partnered with EnterGain to conduct a survey of its members in order to have a starting point for its efforts to be a more diverse and inclusive organization. EnterGain Senior Advisor Yuna Perry and Managing Directors James Celentano and Mikal Celentano presented the results at the AIMP Global Music Publishing Summit that took place this week.

While this was the first survey of its kind for the AIMP, it was sent to all 1,006 AIMP members with a 16% response rate. Almost 80% of respondents chose “white” as one of their ethnicities, and compared to the U.S. population, membership was underrepresented in all other ethnicities. For example, 6.6% identified as Black/African American, and 7% as Hispanic/Latinx. 82% of respondents identify as straight, 10% “preferred not to say,” and LGBTQ is represented at 8%.

80% of respondents said over 80% of their income comes from music-related activities. They work across a multiplicity of genres, and 52% are self-employed or work at companies with 5 or fewer employees. Most noted they rely on the AIMP for education and networking.

When it comes to education level, 26% of respondents have a 4-year non-music degree; an additional 25% have a 4-year music business degree; and 8% earned a 4-year music degree and 18% of respondents have a graduate degree.

While a majority (92%) said they did not have a disability, when asked about their needs at future in-person events, many had the same requests for accessibility options as respondents who did indicate they have a disability. These groups expressed interest in visual and auditory assistance, accessible restrooms, ramps/elevators, parking, and service animals. Also, approximately 40% of all respondents showed interest in continuing virtual/online events.

On a 5-point scale ranging from Not Diverse at All to Exceptionally Diverse, nearly 90% of respondents rated the independent music publishing community as at least Somewhat Diverse or better.

“Response to the survey showed that the AIMP community is ready to engage in these important topics,” said EnterGain co-founder and Managing Director Celentano. “A lot of actionable insight is coming out of the survey phase of the AIMP’s DEI initiative, and we look forward to facilitating the upcoming DEI workshops, to explore how AIMP members can foster an even more welcoming and equitable independent publishing community,” added Perry, Senior Advisor at EnterGain.

“It was so important for us to ask our members the kind of questions that don’t come up in typical day-to-day conversations, so we can see where we can help support and educate our community to be a better environment for everyone,” said John Ozier, AIMP National Chair and Nashville Chapter President. “We are already addressing some of the specific requests with the trainings, upcoming new website, an initial meeting on July 15 to gauge interest in an Atlanta chapter, and our LA Chapter has already established a DEI Committee. And we’re so pleased to be able to offer to our members a free, three-session workshop on DEI from EnterGain to help educate and empower our members around these issues.”

EnterGain will conduct a three-session workshop series at no cost to AIMP members interested in deepening their understanding of the barriers and solutions around diversity, equity, and inclusion and provide actionable takeaways that can be applied in their professional lives. The three 90-minute training sessions are scheduled for June 21, June 28, and July 6 at 1 p.m. CST. They will be co-led by two executive-level facilitators from EnterGain, with virtual session tools and interactive discussions.

Registration is now open to all AIMP members. To register, click here.

IBMA World Of Bluegrass Announces Its Return To Raleigh In September

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The IBMA World of Bluegrass is returning this year from Sept. 28-Oct. 2 in Raleigh, N.C. as a mostly in-person event, with a virtual component and adjustments to meet health and safety guidelines.

“As our community emerges from some of the most challenging times in modern memory, this year’s IBMA World of Bluegrass takes on added importance,” says Pat Morris, IBMA’s executive director. “We urge everyone who loves bluegrass to be at this fall’s event and re-engage with others, share fresh ideas, and learn innovations – some launched because of the pandemic. Most importantly, it’s the chance to get fully immersed in what we all sorely missed in 2020: live music.”

Performers for the Oct. 1-2 music festival, IBMA Bluegrass Live! powered by PNC, have been announced and will include Béla Fleck’s My Bluegrass Heart featuring Michael Cleveland, Sierra Hull, Justin Moses, Mark Schatz and Bryan Sutton, The Del McCoury Band, Steep Canyon Rangers, Yonder Mountain String Band, Jerry Douglas, Edgar Meyer and Odessa Settles, Sister Sadie, and The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys.

The first round of official showcase artists have also been selected for the IBMA Bluegrass Ramble at select venues throughout downtown Raleigh, including Allison de Groot and Tatiana Hargreaves, Armchair Boogie, Bella White, Bowregard, East Nash Grass, Henhouse Prowlers, Liam Purcell and Cane Mill Road, Lindley Creek, MohaviSoul, Rock Hearts, Starlett & Big John, Stillhouse Junkies, The Amanda Cook Band, The Arcadian Wild, The Martin Gilmore Trio, The MilBillies, The New Acoustic Collective, The Sweet Lillies, The Wooks, and Twisted Pine. Additional showcase artists will be announced in the coming weeks.

For more information and to purchase tickets for the 2021 World of Bluegrass, click here.

Kylie Frey Signs Publishing Deal With Carnival Music

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Kylie Frey. Photo: Joseph Llanes

Indie recording artist Kylie Frey has inked a publishing deal with Carnival Music.

The Louisiana native has a commanding voice and has developed an authentic and true sound. Her way of turning a phrase has earned her over 1.5 million streams in just one month, and has also been resonating with radio listeners. She is currently celebrating that her latest collaborative effort “Horses In Heaven (featuring Randy Houser)” has risen to No. 1 on the Texas Regional Radio Report, marking her sixth chart-topper on the TR3 chart. The song peaked in just 9 weeks–breaking Frey’s own 11-week chart record for fastest climb for a female in the chart’s history.

“Within ten minutes of meeting Kylie, I heard a classic country voice, some serious guitar picking and a song that stopped me dead in my tracks,” says producer and Creative Head of Carnival Frank Liddell. “When I learned she was a rodeo queen headed out to a weekend goat-tying camp… and that her parents made boudin for a living, I knew she had to be a Carnival writer,” he adds. “We are honored to join her awesome team and be a part of what I know will be an adventurous ride to success.”

“I got my dream publishing deal. My name on the wall at the coolest company in town surrounded by people that push me to just be myself more than ever before,” shares Frey.

Carlene Carter Sets Livestreams With Guests Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell, More

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Digital platform Mandolin will present two livestream performances this month from country and Americana recording artist Carlene Carter backed by her band The Lucky Ones on June 17 and June 24.

Filmed at legendary Cash Cabin in Hendersonville, Tennessee, the first performance emphasizes the legacy of The Carter Family and features an impressive lineup of special guests including Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell, The War and Treaty, Elizabeth Cook, Carlene’s daughter, Tiffany Anastasia Lowe, and cousin Lorrie Carter Bennett. Meanwhile, the second performance focuses on Carlene’s solo material, with a few surprises planned throughout the livestream. Tickets for both shows, billed as A Meeting In The Air, are available now.

“A Meeting In The Air is named after an old Carter Family song and with so many of us interacting with each other online during the pandemic we really have been ‘meeting in the air.’ I wanted the first show to be Carter-esque, because those are my roots. I have guests who really helped jumpstart my career in a lot of ways, like Rodney and Emmylou,” Carter explains. “The second show is a set of my songs, including some I haven’t played in forty plus years, and I tell some stories I’ve never told on stage before. I got to use all of the creative energy I had pent up that I wasn’t able to apply to anything else this past year… The thing I wanted to do most of all is bring joy to the world and show people the joy I feel when I play this music.”

Carter has been releasing music for over four decades. The daughter of June Carter Cash and country music Hall of Famer Carl Smith, and stepdaughter of Johnny Cash, she became a singer with The Carter Family at the age of 17. Working with producer Howie Epstein, her “I Fell In Love” topped the country singles and video charts. After the success from her album of the same name, Carter received award nominations from the Academy of Country Music in the Top New Female Vocalist category and a Grammy nomination for Best Country Female Vocal Performance.

Mac Powell Joins Capitol Christian Music Group, Announces New Album

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Mac Powell, former frontman of the four-time Grammy Award-winning band Third Day, recently joined Capitol Christian Music Group’s artist roster.

His first release on the label, “River of Life” is available now and is the first track from his forthcoming solo album due later this year. From his many years with Third Day, Powell brings his nearly three decades of experience and soulful delivery of heartfelt lyrics together for his upcoming album.

“It’s interesting that within the medical community the bloodstream is called the ‘River of Life,'” Powell shares about the new song. “We as believers know that our true life comes from the grace and mercy of Jesus–poured out from his sacrifice on the cross. In John chapter 4, Jesus shares with the woman at the well – Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life. Let us all partake in this River of Life that is given by our Savior!”

Over the last year, Powell continued to share his music as part of the Drive-In Theatre tours with Steven Curtis Chapman and Michael W. Smith as well as this spring with Zach Williams and CAIN.