NEW WORSHIP FRIDAY: Sarah Kroger, Worship For Everyone, Local Sound, Vineyard Worship & REVERE Unscripted
Nashville-based worship leader Sarah Kroger releases a new single with a soulful version of 'What A Wonderful World'. The song a statement as to what can be expected from Kroger’s newest creative exploration as she gears up to a new EP early in the new year. 'What A Wonderful World', despite not being a standard church song, is full of the artist’s love for Christ and his endless beauty expressed through her sweet and crisp vocals gliding a stunning stripped-back soundscape. Though not being labelled as a worship song, 'What A Wonderful World' is an articulation of the human experience in which people from all backgrounds, be they religious or not, can hopefully recognize themselves. The new single is a song of hope and wonder through which Kroger desires to encourage people on their personal journey. Her upcoming project is a "meeting of the streams" moment where every song speaks to where the singer-songwriter has been, but also to where she is and is going. Kroger’s new version of this classic reinforces her heart to serve the Global Church with songs to sing over people, while providing a musical balm that challenges, uplifts, encourages, and comforts all who hear.
Hailing from Birmingham, UK, husband and wife worship leaders Nick and Becky Drake are pioneers of a new all-age worship movement called Worship For Everyone. They release a new single, 'Hope', speaking to young and old hearts alike about the trust we can dare to place in God, even in the midst of our cultural moment. Carrying God’s heart desire to unite His people in corporate worship, Worship For Everyone’s energy and joyful sound are undeniably contagious. ‘Hope’ is a declaration over the Church and a confident statement of faith for listeners and worshipers alike. The new single evolves on a pop soundtrack with elements of rock driven by a spacious and fun guitar line. As sought-after teachers of the practices and theology of all age worship, Worship For Everyone’s founders Nick and Becky are unveiling a new soundscape for the people of God; one that tells of the life-changing truth of the Gospel through songs that are as approachable as they are innovative. 'Hope' continues Worship For Everyone’s legacy, offering a fresh experience of worship for the family of God.
After their debut album released in the summer, Local Sound introduce dreamy live versions of some favorites with their new EP 'Live From The Fairlane'. Recorded on the rooftop of a hotel in downtown Nashville, the new project features some leaders from Local Sound’s house church movement ‘MyLocal’. Band leader Jared Runion explains how "there was something special about being on a rooftop with our church and singing songs like 'Time And Time Again' literally over our city." The emotion of this special occasion is palpable on the project as Local Sound lead us with their disarming and inviting genuineness.
The second Vineyard Worship single recorded live at their youth event, Dreaming the Impossible, is set to release on 14th October. The song, titled 'Running', is interpreted by songwriters and worship leaders Beth McNeil and Jon Solway. 'Running' is a slower and meditative track adorned with strings and spacious voicings that explores the beauty of Jesus’ grace. Telling the story of the new song, Beth explains that its inspiration came from the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15 and the amazing picture of the Lord’s heart painted through it. 'Running' cleverly links the touching parable told by Jesus to his death a few chapters later, connecting us afresh with God’s life-changing grace. As the single ends, the recording captures a beautiful moment as the track fades and the crowd sings in simple devotion. Produced by Jonny Bird, Vineyard Worship’s new single follows a first live release from Dreaming the Impossible, this year’s national youth festival which gathered three thousand from all over the UK.
REVERE Portuguese Unscripted present a bilingual version of a song that’s been resonating with churches and houses of prayer all over the world, 'Digno de Tudo/Worthy Of It All'. An amazing connection joined two House Of Prayer worship leaders when they met in Nashville, leading them to record the anthemic song of adoration together. Laura Hackett Park from iHOP Kansas City, USA and Emi Sousa from Florianópolis House of Prayer in Brazil are both familiar with the harp and bowl worship style - where scriptures come alive in songs – which is infused in this version of 'Digno de Tudo/Worthy Of It All'.