Welcome to New & Notable for July covering music released between June 23 to July 26. We are excited about the wide spectrum of recordings this month with some intriguing releases. We encourage you to take some time and investigate. All the emails sent to utrsubmissions@gmail.com are read and all the music sent is listened to. Comments are welcome.

ALBUMS & EPs

More and More Beautiful – Skye Peterson

In a chaotic world, Skye Peterson has somehow used her voice to insert clarity and peace into the noise. Her EP More and More Beautiful is soft, articulate, and nuanced. Fans of alt-folk will gravitate towards this, as will any Christ follower grasping to find Jesus in the mayhem. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

Live On – Good Shepherd Collective

There is something amazing about a collective of artists coming together (Common Hymnal, The Porter’s Gate, Colorvault, Soil & Seed Project). The Good Shepherd Collective proves that point! They’ve created a unique album of non-traditional liturgical music with a soul music influence for the church today featuring many great vocalists. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

Henny Penny – Allie Crummy

An album based on the story of Henny Penny (AKA Chicken Little) is not exactly what one would expect. However, this beautifully written, performed, and produced album is a gem and contains some important lessons relevant to today. One example is that the root cause of all the madness in Henny Penny’s story (“The sky is falling!”)  is misinformation. Sound familiar? And there’s more… SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

24/3 – Colorvault

Succeeding in their pursuit of making worship music that breaks the mold, NYC-based collective Colorvault brings a collection of ambient songs that push and pull, rise and fall in a pleasing combination of electronic, indie pop, and experimental influences. Meditative worship on a whole new plane. SPOTIFY_LINK   YOUTUBE_LINK

Blue Dreams – Holly Arrowsmith

Holly Arrowsmith returns with her first full-length record in six years and as the cliche goes it was well worth the wait. Deeply personal lyrics, some related to her journey as a new mother, are combined with her outstanding musicianship. Don’t wait to listen. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

The Rain Falls Sideways – Benjamin Daniel

An album all about life. Questions, but also hope. Pain, but also joy. Memories and nostalgia, but also moving forward into the future. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

Synonyms for Goodbye – St. Sinner Orchestra

The St. Sinner Orchestra has a unique sound. The cleverly orchestrated strings combined with a pop-rock vibe will get your attention. It’s a musically entertaining album centered on the theme of grief and it works. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

My Heart Is Your Home – Gideon Roberts

With swelling and intimate songs, this six-track debut EP gives us great music and leaves us wanting more. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

SINGLES

“Living in the Promised Land” – Antoine Bradford

Bradford’s soulful voice and laid-back gospel-tinged songwriting style wrap us in a comforting yet tasty track. The message reminds us of the lush and fulfilling life we can find if we choose to remain in the “Promised Land.” SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

“Loop Cycle” – The Gray Havens

According to Dave Radford, this song took over 20 days to record with a lot of help from his friends. The finished product is unlike anything you have heard before from The Gray Havens. What exactly is a Loop Cycle? If you have ever struggled with thoughts you cannot get out of your head you have an idea but listening to the song will give you the whole story. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

“Mercy” – julie on the internet

One woman dynamo and indie pop innovator julie on the internet is bringing fresh sounds and honest expression to the faith-based music space. Her newest single showcases her talent as a singer, songwriter, electric guitarist, beat maker and producer all in one. Full of truth and ear candy, this song is currently on repeat.  SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

“Let Us Love And Sing And Wonder (Live)” – Indelible Grace Music

Indelible Grace has been a leader and a huge influence in the re-tuned hymns movement. Here is the first single from their upcoming album Hope For Tomorrow: Indelible Grace Live In Memphis. It’s great to hear from them again. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

“We’ll Have To See” – Meyta

Hailing from Alabama, Meyta is first and foremost a producer before being a singer/songwriter, and the collision of these two crafts makes for powerful and transcendent music. His latest single, “We’ll Have To See,” is ambient, thoughtful and hope-filled. Be sure to stick around and listen to his earlier works, his potential is hugely untapped.  SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

“God Did” – bodie

Genz Z are making a strong statement in Christian music, and The Voice finalist bodie offers a high-energy pop anthem in “God Did”. Powerful and radio-friendly without being cliche, this is a good reason to be excited about his forthcoming EP ‘Happy To Be Here’. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

MORE NEW MUSIC WE RECOMMEND

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Albums/EPs

Singles