Welcome to UTR Media’s New & Notable for October 2024 covering releases from September 28 to October 25. We admire so much the time and effort these dedicated artists devote to creating such well-crafted music, and every release here reflects this. We also appreciate your emails sent to utrsubmissions@gmail.com. It’s a great way to let us know about new music.

ALBUMS & EPs

Headwaters – Andrew Osenga

After 2018’s laid-back album The Painted Desert, Andrew returns with Headwaters – an outstanding pop-rock album that’s a collection of songs written primarily for his daughters but ultimately for all of us, and it’s unashamedly about Jesus. These are songs meant to be sung together and the music here will definitely encourage you to do just that. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

Rosemary Hill – Sixpence None the Richer

Even though it’s been 12 years since their last release, they haven’t missed a beat. The music here is both vintage Sixpence and at the same time fresh and new with Leigh Nash’s vocals as enchanting as always. We love it. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

Purified Love – Madison Ryann Ward

Madison Ryann Ward’s newest album is faith-based R&B/soul at its finest. At times both soothing and inspiring, it compels the listener to rest in the Lord and then get up and follow in His path. Multi-genre listeners will also appreciate her singer/songwriter and worshipful influences and expressions. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

ReFormation – Stephanie Staples

Stephanie Staples speaks to those who have struggled with their faith due to the abuse, turmoil, and misrepresentation of the Bible in segments of the church. She does this with empathy, encouragement, and a call to refocus our faith. In reality, it’s a message we all need. Musically the attention to detail in the arrangements, production, and performance on this record is impressive.  SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

Baby, Let it Change – The River Indigo

This folk duo has created a cinematic gem with their debut album, weaving poetry, emotion, and production to create an introspective and brutally honest piece of work. This album shows they have the chops to be considered alongside The Civil Wars and All Sons and Daughters. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

Catto: The Mission of Octavius Valentine Catto – Ruth Naomi Floyd

Ruth Naomi Floyd brilliantly and emotionally tells the tragic story of Octavius Valentine Catto who was murdered for promoting voting rights for African Americans in Philadelphia in 1871. The music is performed by well-known world-class jazz musicians and Ruth’s vocals are powerful. This is an important and timely release. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

FOLK! (Pt. 1) – Rend Collective

Are you ready for some “Holy Trouble”? This collective pivoted back to its roots with the aptly named FOLK! This EP is raucous, honest, and hope-filled and it will make you fall in love with the banjo again. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

Sold out, sincerely – Benjamin William Hastings

This Irish songwriter has healed a lot from church hurt since his prolific debut, and it shows. Sold Out, Sincerely returns Hastings to his worship roots, but with a healthy dose of introspection, cultural references, and the storytelling we loved in his self-titled release. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

Stories – Jonathan Allen Wright

A cohesive EP that uses pop-folk music to tell the stories of people in Scripture. Jonathan lifts their lives out of the pages and brings them to life in beautiful and lush songs. Well worth repeated listens – see if you can figure out who each song is about! SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

Belief Is Hard – Jayne Sugg

Jayne has been a part of The Good Shepherd Collective in New York City for a few years and has now given us a gorgeous album reminiscent of the 60s and 70s. Her lyrics exploring the struggle and blessing of belief pair so very well with the soft jam and full instrumentation of her, at times, jazz-tinted pop. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

Practice – Jackie Hill Perry

Fans have been eagerly awaiting a new full-length project from Jackie Hill Perry since 2018’s Crescendo. As a rapper, writer, speaker, and social media spiritual mentor, Hill Perry can’t help but spill truth wherever she goes. She’s honest about her past, her struggles and yet still speaks confidently and powerfully. On this project, she stands firm in her identity as an overcomer. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

Bright Spaces – Adryelle

This will take you back to the beauty of synthpop from days gone by with light echoes of pop/new wave. Perfect for putting on headphones and drifting off somewhere, this album will move you with its dreamy vocals. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

Beautiful Songs About Difficult Things – John Swinton

John Swinton is a Scottish theologian, academic, Presbyterian minister, and professor at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland. On this album, produced by Roy Salmond, Swinton draws on his extensive knowledge and wisdom on mental health and disability challenges – with a faith-based foundation for interpretation. Exactly as the title suggests, it’s a beautiful album about difficult topics that will move you musically and likely bring some healing to you. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

SINGLES

“Let’s Go To Town” – Olwen Ringrose

This first single, co-written with Peter Assad from Olwen Ringrose’s upcoming album, is an upbeat song about friends needing friends – sometimes you just need someone to listen. It’s a beautiful recording with delightfully arranged instrumentation and splendid vocals. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK BANDCAMP_LINK

“Leaves In October” – Jessica DiPuma

This beautiful acoustic Americana single by Jessica DiPuma (she previously recorded as Jessica Crawford) was inspired by the final days she spent with her beloved grandmother as she walked with her in the autumn. The changing of the seasons becomes a metaphor for grief and letting go, and yet Jessica reminds us that our love for those we lose remains evergreen. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

“Money is a god” – PKYB

At under three minutes, this brief yet memorable single is a smooth slap to the face. You’ve probably never been convicted in such a vibey fashion. PKYB continues to be an indie artist to watch. Not afraid to say the hard thing, he speaks truth in a way that’s easy on the ears. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

MORE NEW MUSIC WE RECOMMEND

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Albums/EPs

Singles