New & Notable for March 2026 covers releases from February 20 to March 20, and this is our third year! We hope we have not only introduced you to some wonderful, well-crafted faith-influenced music but also provided spiritual nourishment, healing, and inspiration. This month, we are adding a playlist on Spotify to be updated monthly – the UTR Media New & Notable playlist. We would appreciate it if you would click save on the playlist. Please continue to send your emails to utrsubmissions@gmail.com.

ALBUMS & EPs

 Songs of Peace in Times of War – Savannah Locke

A soothing balm of calm and peace for when your imagination runs away from you and your mind spirals with anxiety-causing thoughts. This is truly an album for times like these. The music is beautiful, but don’t just stop there- take in the lyrics and let them re-ignite a vibrant, organic faith in a truly loving God.  [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE] – Garret

L.I.F.T. – Neal Morse Band

The Neal Morse Band returns with another outstanding prog recording, and it certainly ranks with his best works. As Neal explains, this is a concept album that follows the journey of someone seeking to belong to something greater than themselves. The music here is riveting, and the story is engaging.  [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE] – Larry

Maybe That’s the Point – Mayra Lee

Sometimes you need to hit rock bottom to realize you need help & don’t have the power to do it all on your own. Mayra unpacks that for us in a compelling album with some great collaborations to boot. She helps us be honest about those feelings while also showing us hope beyond them. [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE] – Garret

forgive, forget – Avery Anna

Did Avery Anna just make me a country music fan? Each track is an absolute zinger and stands alone. Be prepared to unravel faith, family trauma, and anger in visceral ways. This is sublime. [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE] – Jessica

He’s Alive – Consumed By Fire

With their signature Southern-funk-rock worshipful sound, CBF once again invites us to look closely at the pursuing and beautiful Jesus of the gospels. And I’ll follow that invitation each inspiring time. [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE] – Mick

I Saw Mercy – The CXMMXNS EASTER, Bella Taylor Smith

This gorgeous set of worship songs is perfect for the Lenten season. Leeland, Matt Maher, and Bella Taylor Smith are welcome additions to this reflective release, taking us from sombre reflection to victorious moments of praise. [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE] – Jessica

Here in The Bardos – autumn owls

With a bombastic 80’s sound reminiscent of Wire Train, but with a uniqueness that is very 2026, you might find something new to dive deeply into. Pretty impressive for one guy from Ireland. [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE] – Mick

Worth Your Wild – Russell Dickerson

If you’re hanging out for the summer sun, this vibrant release from Russell Dickerson is your go-to. Expect tunes that make you dance, lyrics that give you a dose of nostalgia, and love stories that will melt your heart. [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE] – Jessica

SINGLES

“Ice” – Michelle Lynn Thompson

Sometimes there is a song that poignantly speaks to the times – this is one of those songs. The title refers to two recent consequential events in Tennessee and Minnesota. You can listen to discover more. The vocals are emotional and powerful, the melody and the lyrics are haunting, and the pure directness of the recording perfectly complements the theme. [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE] [BANDCAMP] – Larry

“We’ll Bounce Back From This” – Allie Crummy

This song is perfect for when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Overwhelmed by higher prices and lower wages, by the death of a dream, by the weight of work and the busyness of life, by the whole world of cruelty and injustice and chaos around us. This song stands as a challenge, a reminder not to give in to despair but rather to resist, to repair, to move forward, to dive in and bounce back. [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE] – Garret

“God of My Seasons” – Allie Paige

Paige offers ethereal and easy pop in this ballad, adding hints of harmonica and percussion, to drive us into the realm of acoustic wonderment. This song is a safe haven for the soul, welcoming you back to Eden to commune with our saviour. [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE] – Jessica

“They Were the Children” – The Pinkerton Raid

Jesse DeConto’s children were born in 2001 and 2004. This song contemplates the impact of the many traumatic events that have occurred during their lifetimes, not only on them but also on all of us. The music is passionate alt-country at its finest. [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE] – Larry

“Shield” – Mal V Moo

Psalm 3, like you’ve probably never heard it before! A beautiful and soulful R&B track that brings Psalm 3 to life with a satisfying touch of jazz, reminding you that it is the Lord who is your shield, the Lord who protects and sustains. And, this track will make you ready for more of her music, soon to be released. [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE] – Garret

“Black Hole” – Altira

A new endeavor by the former frontwoman of Fireflight, Dawn Michele, but with the same intensity and raw authenticity. Altira explores the masks we wear and how God breaks through our lies, and I can’t wait for more. [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE]  – Mick

“Say Good Night” – Mary Oz

The music is tasteful, simple acoustic, but the topic is not that simple. It’s about the journey we all are taking from birth to death, with typical superb songwriting from Mary Oz. Be sure to watch the lyric video. [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE] – Larry

“It’s Been a While” – Xander Sallows

This 21-year-old artist and producer from Nashville is making techno-bluesy R&B grooves that are easy on the palate. The name may be new to you, but you may need to get used to it. [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE] – Mick

MORE NEW MUSIC WE RECOMMEND

It will be well worth your time to check out these terrific new releases!

Albums/EPs

  • In the Meantime – Olivia Stern  [SPOTIFY] [YOUTUBE]
  • Storybook in Collab with Common Hymnal – Storytellers Collective, Common Hymnal [SPOTIFY] [YOUTUBE]

Singles