Sam Barber. Photo: Outlaw Foundry

Singer-songwriter Sam Barber has released his debut album, Restless Mind, via Lockeland Springs/Atlantic Records.

Included on the 28-track set is Barber’s Platinum “Straight and Narrow,” the song that introduced his raw vocal growl in 2023. The album also features collaborations with Avery Anna and Lily Fitts, and plenty of stinging lyrical reflection. In October Barber released the dusky anthem “Thought of You,” a heartbroken tune co-written with chart-topping songwriter Amy Allen. Other early album releases include the plaintive “S.O.B.” and “Streetlight,” plus “Better Year” and a rollicking cover of Tyler Childers’ “Jersey Giant.”

“This album means so incredibly much to me. It’s a culmination of the past couple of years making music. I’ve spent almost every single day that I wasn’t on the road making this album. I wanted to be able to tie everything together, even down to the cover art, which is the outside of the building that I originally posted tons of my videos from,” explains Barber.

“The title track ‘Restless Mind’ is my favorite on the album, but ‘V’ is a really special song to me since it’s about my sister and me growing up. I was even able to surprise her and sing it to her for the first time at her wedding just a few days ago! My hope is that everyone can find at least one song that means something special to them. Thanks to everyone from the bottom of my heart for the crazy amount of support so far. Can’t wait to hear what you think.”

Barber’s “Restless Mind T0ur” is now underway, and he will continue crisscrossing the nation before wrapping the tour Dec. 7 at the Jefferson Theater in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Restless Mind Track List:
1. “Man You Raised”
2. “Cold, Dark Place”
3. “Thought of You”
4. “G-PA”
5. “Restless Mind (feat. Avery Anna)”
6. “Due Time”
7. “Better Year”
8. “Long Way To Go”
9. “Bet On My Ghost”
10. “Will You Be There”
11. “76”
12. “Jersey Giant”
13. “Down The Road”
14. “S.O.B.”
15. “Evil Place”
16. “Gambler”
17. “Morning Time”
18. “Indigo (feat. Avery Anna)”
19. “Different Kind of Pain”
20. “Streetlight”
21. “Never Mine”
22. “V”
23. “Stopped in Hell (feat. Lily Fitts)”
24. “Stay The Night”
25. “Straight and Narrow”
26. “Home Ain’t Far”
27. “Let Me Down”
28. “You Know I Know”

Pictured (L–R): Taylor Guttmann PLLC’s Rachel Guttmann, Twelve6’s Travis Myatt, Ben Wagner, Warner Chappell’s Benji Amaefule, Twelve6’s Alaina Maggart and Warner Chappell’s Sara Latimer

Warner Chappell Music and Twelve6 Entertainment have signed singer-songwriter Ben Wagner to a global publishing deal.

Wagner frequently collaborates with Wyatt Flores and has amassed 20 million streams with songs like “Running Out of Time,” “Life Lessons” and “Ain’t Proud.” His self-recorded tracks “Way You Move” and “Turn” have been featured in Netflix drama series Virgin River and drama film Ordinary Angels. Wagner, a triple Great American Song Contest winner, was honored with the Pamela Phillips Oland Excellence in the Art of Writing Lyrics Award this year. Additionally, he works with the Country Music Hall of Fame and CreatiVets, the nonprofit organization that provides support to veterans interested in songwriting.

“I’m excited to have Ben join the Warner Chappell family in partnership with Twelve6,” says Benji Amaefule, Manager, A&R, Warner Chappell Music Nashville. “His versatile skill set and connection with artists and writers in this community are key to success in this current musical climate. I’m looking forward to showcasing his songs to fans that will resonate with his unique storytelling that is already connecting around the country.”

“I am thrilled to welcome Ben Wagner into the Twelve6 alongside Warner Chappell and Benji,” adds Travis Myatt, President & General Manager, Twelve 6 Entertainment. “Ben’s ability to craft songs that push boundaries, while still hitting home, makes him a unique voice in today’s landscape. His work with artists like Wyatt Flores speaks for itself, and I can’t wait to see how his lyrically left-of-center approach will resonate with more artists across the industry.”

“I’m extremely grateful. It’s a dream come true to be working with Travis, Benji and the insanely talented teams at Twelve6 and Warner Chappell,” shares Wagner. “I thank God for my family, friends and co-writers who helped me get here. I know the amount of talent in this community, and I don’t take this opportunity lightly. Let’s keep ‘er moving!”

Pictured (L–R): CCMG’s Becca Redl, Aaron Stearns, Garrett Davis, Hudson Plachy, Jamie MacDonald, CCMG’s Brad O’Donnell, Steven Cervenka, Karrie Dawley, Elizabeth Brock and Kenny Rodgers

Singer-songwriter Jamie MacDonald has signed with Capitol Christian Music Group (CCMG). Her debut single, “A Million Chances,” is set for release on Nov. 15.

The Michigan native has spent years in the studio contributing background vocals, choir parts and vocal production to other artists’ projects as well as writing music for film and television. MacDonald has collaborated with a variety of songwriters and producers, including Austin Davis, Jonathan Gamble, Molly Kate Kestner and Jordan Sapp. She has also worked in the sync space with her music appearing on Oprah Winfrey/OWN’s Queen Sugar, ABC’s The Rookie and the College Football Playoffs on EPSN.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jamie to CCMG,” share CCMG Co-Presidents Brad O’Donnell and Hudson Plachy. “The moment we heard her sing and her incredible story, it was clear what an extraordinary talent she is. We can’t wait to share her music and amazing voice with the world.”

Lady A and Steven Curtis Chapman. Photo: Chris Hollo

Steven Curtis Chapman officially became a member of the Grand Ole Opry family on Nov. 1. He was inducted during his special night by Opry members Lady A.

Along with Lady A, Chapman personally requested Opry members Ricky Skaggs, (who invited Chapman to become an Opry member this summer,) Carly Pearce, Russell Dickerson and rock band Colony House, which featured Chapman’s two sons, front man Caleb Chapman and drummer Will Franklin Chapman, be a part of his special night. For the special occasion, Chapman wore a custom suit designed by Manuel Cuevas’ son Manny Jr.

Herb Chapman Sr., Steven Curtis Chapman and Herb Chapman Jr. Photo: Chris Hollo

Chapman kicked off his performance with “Cinderella” and “He Stopped Loving Her Today” after telling the story about forgetting the words to that song during his Opry debut when he was a teenager performing at Opryland Theme Park. He was then joined by his father and brother to perform “My Redeemer Is Faithful and True,” offering his dad a lifelong dream to sing on the Opry stage. Lady A then joined him to welcome him into the Opry family with words about his life and music.

“More than we can ask or imagine, God has promised,” says Chapman. “I know it doesn’t always look like this moment, but I do believe God has so much more for us. And sometimes we get to see it in very tangible and real ways. Like standing in this circle on stage tonight. As I look down, there is an actual light that glows all the way around it. A full circle, an unbroken circle. God is in front and back and side to side, he has us surrounded.”

Chapman then performed a song he wrote specifically for the occasion, “Grand Ole Opry Stage,” and closed with a performance of “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” with members of his family, performers from the night’s show and a handful of Opry members who attended the show.

Chapman and the Opry kicked off National Adoption Month by donating $5 from each ticket sold to benefit Show Hope, the nonprofit founded by Chapman and his wife Mary Beth that provides ongoing care and support to orphaned children and families impacted by adoption and foster care.

With 50 No. 1 hits, Chapman is the most-awarded artist in Christian music history. He made his Opry debut 42 years ago at age 19 when he was a performer at the Opryland USA theme park. Chapman is also scheduled to perform on this season’s Opry Country Christmas and will be the Spotlight Artist on Dec. 22.