Leaving Austin's "American Avenue" featuring Cassadee Pope is Available Now; Taste of Country, TODAY w Hoda & Jenna, CMT, More On Board to Support

LEAVING AUSTIN'S "AMERICAN AVENUE" FEATURING CASSADEE POPE IS AVAILABLE NOW

Taste of Country Exclusively Premieres Track; 

TODAY with Hoda & Jenna Performance Tomorrow, July 3

CMT to Premiere Music Video Monday, July 6

Nashville, TN.... July 2, 2020  - BMG/Sea Gayle country trio Leaving Austin has officially released their new single "American Avenue."  The track, prominently featuring Cassadee Pope, was exclusively premiered by Taste of Country yesterday, calling it a "silky, pop-friendly love song that captures the spirit of the open road."   "American Avenue" is available across all DSPs now.

It's a big week and then some for the band and the song.  Joined by Pope, the band will make their national morning show debut on TODAY with Hoda & Jenna tomorrow, July 3, followed by the exclusive premier of the music video for "American Avenue" on CMT, Monday, July 6.  Future coverage is also on the way with Sounds Like Nashville, The Boot, WSM Radio's Coffee, Country and Cody, and more.  

Leaving Austin wrote "American Avenue" with Parker Welling and Jordan Sapp, saying it was one of those days where they pulled out a title they had from years ago and explained its story. 

"In the early days we would rehearse on Austin’s family’s raisin farm in their barn. Back then he had this single cab, cherry red Chevy Silverado that we used to pull our trailer full of gear to the farm. We all have memories of those days, driving down that country road, between the vines, where there was rarely another person on the road. There was just something so peaceful and free out there. When we wrote the song we asked Parker to sing the second verse and we knew right then that we had to get a female artist on this song. We brought up Cassadee’s name multiple times, thinking she’d be amazing, and then we ran into her at our BMG Nashville Christmas party in 2019. We chatted about the shows we had played together over the years and then out of pure chance, or maybe the free drinks, we told her we had the perfect song if she’d ever want to sing with us. She listened to it and said yes!"

About what made her say "yes," Pope commented that "As a 90's kid I was automatically in love with this song. Not only that, but it's a complete ear worm. I couldn't get it out of my head and that's always a good sign. So the decision to say "yes" was an easy one to make!" 

ABOUT LEAVING AUSTIN: 
Hailing from a small farming town of Visalia, CA, and now Nashville residents, Leaving Austin is forging a path in country music that’s solely their own. Comprised of Austin Machado, Davis Forney and Michael Stevens, the trio’s smooth vocals and distinctive songwriting have definitely made them a sought after band in Nashville, regularly writing and recording with some of Nashville’s finest writers/producers. The band has amassed over 10 million streams and released their Southern Gold EP in 2019 after signing a worldwide co-publishing deal under a partnership agreement with Sea Gayle Music and BMG Nashville. The EP featured “Nothing but You," which has garnered over four million streams. 


Get Connected with Leaving Austin:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeavingAustin/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leavingaustin/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/leavingaustin                                                                        YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/LeavingAustinBand
Website: leavingaustinband.com

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Media Contact:
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SKILLET RELEASES "SAVE ME - REIMAGINED" PRODUCED BY KOREY COOPER

MULTI-PLATINUM ROCK BAND SKILLET RELEASES "SAVE ME - REIMAGINED" PRODUCED BY KOREY COOPER

John Cooper Speaks up for First Amendment with 1 for All awareness effort

Nashville, TN....June 25, 2020 -  Multi-platinum rock band Skillet has recently released "Save Me- Reimagined," a new version of their latest rock single. The track was produced by the band's own Korey Cooper and is now available on all DSPs.

"I am so proud of my wife Korey for this amazing version of 'Save Me,'" commented John Cooper. "It is haunting and powerful. She never ceases to amaze me."

In addition to a new version of the song, "Save Me" also has its own video game, which the band launched in May. In the game, each of the bandmembers (John, Korey, Jen and Seth)  are characters fans can select and play as. Once a character is selected, the characters run through a maze where players are meant to avoid various aspects seen in the "Save Me" music video: the hand (callout to John’s scene), water/poison (callout to Jen’s scene), and fire (callout to John’s scene/smoking hands burning his eyes), which will be floating around chasing them; similar to the ghosts in Pac Man. SKILLET premiered the music video for "Save Me" on their YouTube channel, and hosted a Q&A with over 10,000 fans.  The video had garnered nearly 3.5 million views.

The Free Speech Center at Middle Tennessee State University has recently launched a nationwide awareness effort, the 1 for All Campaign, sharing the critical need nationwide for Americans to know, and practice, our First Amendment rights to free speech, a free press, peaceable assembly, religion and petitioning the government.  

The campaign has rallied some star-studded support to get out the word across the country, including Skillet's John Cooper, who comments about freedom of faith, saying, "I am grateful for the unalienable right  to be able to worship God in a free country without fear of government intrusion.  The First Amendment makes that possible."

Other artists, authors and athletes supporting it include the legendary Loretta Lynn; Rosanne Cash, Kane Brown, Jason Isbell, Brad Paisley and Darius Rucker; Olympic gold medalist Scott Hamilton; and bestselling author and Pulitzer Prize finalist Ann Patchett. 

Surveys by the Freedom Forum First Amendment Center indicate that one-third of Americans can't name a single freedom in the First Amendment and that a vast majority have very little understanding of these liberties. To remedy that, the campaign ads direct members of the public to http://1forall.today, where they can learn all they need to know about the First Amendment, including tips on how to help preserve and protect these essential freedoms.

ABOUT SKILLET:

On Victorious, one of the best-selling rock bands of the 21st century, two-time GRAMMY® Award-nominated, Pandora Billionaires Club recipients, multiplatinum Wisconsin quartet SKILLET—John Cooper [lead vocals/bass], Korey Cooper [guitar/keys], Jen Ledger [drums/vocals], and Seth Morrison [lead guitar]—write the soundtrack to triumph. An undying spirit humbly asserted and affirmed the band as one of this generation’s most successful rock acts. However, as all classic underdog stories do, it happened quietly under the radar. By 2019, they not only garnered a pair of GRAMMY® Award nods and sold over 12 million albums worldwide, but they also took home a Billboard Music Award for the double-platinum Awake. Its breakout single “Monster” remains “one of the most-streamed rock songs of all-time” with over 3 Billion global audio streams. 2016’s Unleashed bowed at #3 on the BillboardTop 200. Going #1 on Rock Radio, the lead single “Feel Invincible” cracked 150 million global audio streams and went platinum. Meanwhile, the gold-certifiedUnleashed became their fourth consecutive album to receive either a gold, platinum, or double-platinum status. To date, nine original tunes earned RIAA recognition in tandem with high-profile syncs by everyone from WWE and Marvel to ESPN and NFL. Between selling out arenas on four continents, the group performed on CONAN and graced the pages of USA Today and New York Times, to name a few. In 2018 alone, the band clocked 1 billion streams. This momentum continues on their 2019 tenth full-length, Victorious. With the bulk produced by Korey and John, it lives up to its name for Skillet as their most triumphant body of work yet. On top ofVictorious, Skillet debuted their first graphic novel, EDEN: A Skillet Graphic Novel with Z2 Comics, which has become the publisher’s best-selling book of all time. 

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Get Connected With Skillet: 
Website: www.skillet.com 
Facebook: @Skillet 
Twitter & Instagram: @skilletmusic

Media Collective Contact: 
Velvet Kelm 
the media collective
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(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com

That Sounds Fun Network Adds Three New Podcasts

That Sounds Fun Network Adds Three New Podcasts Following May Launch by Popular Author, Podcaster Annie F. Downs
DADVILLE with Musicians Dave Barnes and Jon McLaughlin Debuts at No. 1 Just in Time for Father's Day; 

BE THE BRIDGE with Latasha Morrison Advocates as Ambassador of Racial Reconcilitaion, Topping Apple Podcast Charts; 

THE NEXT RIGHT THING with Wall Street Journal Best-Selling Author Emily P. Freeman Creates Space for Your Soul to Breathe

Nashville, TN....June 16, 2020 - In less than a month since it's launch in May, popular author, podcaster Annie F. Downs' That Sounds Fun Podcast Network is showing signs of significant growth, already launching three shows this month. With Over 25 million downloads of her own "That Sounds Fun" podcast since 2014, Downs' Network is living up to its promise to feature "Fun" Friends and Talent, Original Programming.  To find out more on the network overall, you can visit their new website here. 

"I am incredibly excited about the new shows we are partnering with and helping create," remarks Downs. "This network was built to amplify other voices and I know each of these shows is meeting a need listeners have. We are honored to partner with these hosts and be a small part of the massive good work they are doing in the world, specifically through podcasting."
Just in time for Father's Day, debuting this week at No.1 among Apple's Kids and Family Podcasts, Dave Barnes and Jon McLaughlin, best known for their individual and very successful careers as musicians and songwriters, are the hosts of the brand new, original podcast, "Dadville." The stories these two have about parenting, and life in general, are (almost) unbelievably funny. The guests that come on the show share their own dad stories and life experiences, and this is the kind of show that every man (and woman) will listen to, enjoy, and feel encouraged by. And laugh. Everyone will laugh. For more info on "Dadville," click here. 

Launched last week, is a best-selling and award winning author, bridge-builder, reconciler, and a compelling voice in the fight for racial justice, New York Times best-selling author Latasha Morrison's "Be The Bridge" podcast. In 2016, Morrison founded Be the Bridge as a non-profit organization equipping more than 1,000 sub-groups across five countries to serve as ambassadors of racial reconciliation. This podcast is another step in cultivating conversations that will hopefully lead to real change. Upon its release the podcast became the No. 1 podcast in Education and No. 13 overall for Apple Podcasts. For more information on "Be The Bridge," click here.

Emily P. Freeman is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, podcast host, and curious listener dedicated to helping her audience create space for their soul to breathe so they can discern their next right thing in love. "The Next Right Thing" podcast, released weekly, became a part of the network in late May and is a place for the second-guessers, the chronically hesitant, or anyone who suffers from decision fatigue. Because out of the thousands of decisions we all make everyday, chances are a few of them threaten to keep you up at night. This podcast is for anyone in a season of transition, waiting, general fogginess or those who've ever searched "how to make a decision" on the internet. For more information on "The Next Right Thing," click here. 

With over 75,000 downloads of her "That Sounds Fun "podcast already happening two times each week, the new network of course includes Downs' own podcast, as well as "Annie and Eddie Keep Talking," a spin off of her "That Sounds Fun Quarantine" show that began in early March amidst her own self-isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  With an active, engaged, and extremely loyal audience, Downs' network of influence includes top-tier leaders in film, music, sports, ministry, and publishing. With support from such well-known names as Tim Tebow, Danielle Walker and Samantha Ponder.

To interview one of the hosts from the That Sounds Fun Network or If you want to be on one of the That Sounds Fun Network shows, please email guests@thatsoundsfunnetwork.com


Get Connected with Annie F. Downs:

Website
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Pinterest
YouTube


About Annie F. Downs
Annie F. Downs is a best-selling author, highly sought-after speaker, and popular podcast host who has spent a lifetime building relationships and learning what it means to have fun. The author of multiple bestselling books, Annie weaves personal storytelling, humor, and Scripture into everything she does, inviting her fans to join her as she learns what it means to live life to the fullest. 

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COLTON DIXON PREMIERS "MIRACLES" PIANO TUTORIAL ALONGSIDE FAN CENTRIC "MIRACLES" MATCH UP CONTEST WITH SALEM COMMUNICATIONS

COLTON DIXON PREMIERS "MIRACLES" PIANO TUTORIAL ALONGSIDE FAN CENTRIC "MIRACLES" MATCH UP CONTEST WITH SALEM COMMUNICATIONS

GRAND PRIZE WINNER TO APPEAR IN PERFORMANCE VIDEO WITH DIXON 

"Miracles" Holds Onto No. 1 Spot for Fourth Straight Week on Billboard Hot AC/CHR Chart

American Songwriter Calls Dixon's New EP "a resurgance"

Nashville, TN....June 16, 2020 -  Today, COLTON DIXON premiered a piano tutorial with Salem Communications for his latest hit, "Miracles."  The track, which has held the No. 1 spot for four consecutive weeks on Billboard's Christian Hot AC/CHR chart, is the first single from Dixon's newly released, self-titled EP (Atlantic/Hear It Loud), which American Songwriter recently called a "resurgance" for the artist.  

A two-tiered promotion, the first promo level has fans that view the tutorial the opportunity to enter to win a specialized Colton Dixon merch prize pack. For the second level, fans submit their own covers of "Miracles" here, with the hashtag #coltondixonmiracles for a chance to win an acoustic performance video with Dixon plus the merch prize pack. 

The coveted Grand Prize will afford the winner, who will be chosen by Dixon and Q Management Group, the opportunity to be in a performance video with Dixon as well as a merch prize pack.

ABOUT COLTON DIXON:
Colton Dixon quickly became a household name in 2012 when he was voted a fan favorite and made it to the top seven on Season 11 of Fox's hit show AMERICAN IDOL. His career has been on the fast track ever since, now boasting over 100 million streams across all platforms. Dixon's 2013 debut, A Messenger, set the record for biggest first-week sales by a new solo Christian act, becoming the No. 1 selling album by a new Christian artist. Dixon is also a Steinway & Sons artist, following in the footsteps of legendary artists such as Harry Connick, Jr. and Billy Joel. Dixon's sophomore effort Anchor included the most played Hot AC single of 2014, “More Of You," which spent three weeks at No. 1, as well as "Through All of It," his fourth consecutive No. 1 at Hot AC Radio. In 2013, Dixon won a Dove Award for Best Rock/Contemporary Album Of The Year, along with two additional nominations. In 2015, Anchor was honored with the Dove Award for Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year. Dixon received back-to-back K-LOVE Fan Award nominations for Male Artist of the Year in 2014 and 2015, followed by the release of his third studio album Identity, which included the top 5 single “All That Matters,” whose video was premiered by PEOPLE magazine. 

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Get Connected with Colton Dixon:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/coltondixon 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coltondixonmusic 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ColtonDixonMusicVEVO
Instagram: https://instagram.com/coltondixonmusic/

Media Contact:
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Velvet Kelm 
velvet@themcollective.com
615-591-7989
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TUNE IN ALERT: MERCYME TO PERFORM NATIONAL ANTHEM AT THIS WEEKEND'S INDYCAR GENESYS 300 RACE ON NBC SPORTS

TUNE IN ALERT: MERCYME TO PERFORM NATIONAL ANTHEM AT THIS WEEKEND'S INDYCAR GENESYS 300 RACE ON NBC SPORTS

NASHVILLE, TN...June 5, 2020 - GRAMMY® nominated, multiple American Music Award and Dove Award winning band MercyMe will perform the National Anthem to kick off the Indycar Genesys 300 race tomorrow, Saturday, June 6th at 8pm ET at Texas Motor Speedway.  Airing on NBC Sports, the band pre-recorded the anthem to comply with COVID-19 guidelines. 

MercyMe recently released their latest single, "Hurry Up And Wait," in follow-up to their 48th #1 song "Almost Home," which held the top spot on Billboard's AC Indicator, Monitored, National Christian Audience and Mediabase Christian Audience and Christian AC charts for a combined total of 17 weeks.

Currently in the studio, the band plans to release a new full-length project later this year or early 2021.  

About MercyMe:
It continues to be a landmark time for the multi-platinum selling MercyMe. A major motion picture based on the life of frontman Bart Millard who wrote the mega-hit song "I Can Only Imagine” after the loss of his father opened at a remarkable No. 3 at the box office on Mar. 16, 2018 (Lionsgate, Roadside Attractions). Carrying the same name, Millard’s first memoir also released this year followed by the unveiling of I Can Only Imagine – The Very Best Of MercyMe. MercyMe was named Top Christian Artist at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards, was the top winner at the fan-fueled K-LOVE Fan Awards including a win for Artist of the Year and just received their eighth AMA nod. The group is the 2018 GMA Dove Award Winner for Artist Of The Year, and since their debut in 2001, GRAMMY® nominated, multiple American Music Award and Dove Award winners MercyMe have sold more than 9 million units in CD, single and DVD sales, garnered more than 47 No. 1 multi-format radio singles and four consecutive mainstream radio hits with “I Can Only Imagine,” (No. 4 AC/Top 25 on Top 40/Hot AC). MercyMe made history in 2014 as “I Can Only Imagine” surpassed 2 million digital downloads, making it the first song in Christian music to go platinum and double-platinum in the digital domain. The album containing the hit, Almost There, recently received 4x platinum certification from the RIAA. In 2009, Billboard named MercyMe's "Word Of God Speak" the No. 1 Song of The Decade and the group the No. 1 Artist of the Decade in both the Christian Songs and Christian AC Songs categories, recognizing them as one of the industry's most notable talents. They have sold out venues throughout the US and Canada, including Radio City Music Hall, and have appeared on the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, The Today Show, CBS This Morning, FOX New Channel's FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News and in the pages of Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, USA Today and more. MercyMe’s eighth studio album, the RIAA Certified Gold Welcome To The New, garnered two GRAMMY® nods and four radio hits. LIFER, their latest chart-topping, GMA Dove Award winning and GRAMMY® nominated album, includes the RIAA certified platinum, GRAMMY® nominated smash hit "Even If” which dominated the Billboard and Mediabase radio charts with a 19-week streak at No. 1. 

Get Connected With MercyMe:
www.mercyme.org
www.facebook.com/mercyme
www.twitter.com/mercyme
www.instagram.com/themercyme
www.youtube.com/user/mercymevideo

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Media Contact:
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MANDISA DEBUTS NEW SINGLE WITH WORSHIP LEADER JON REDDICK

GRAMMY-WINNER MANDISA DEBUTS NEW SINGLE

WITH WORSHIP LEADER JON REDDICK 

"You Keep Hope Alive" Track, Lyric Video Available Everywhere Today

Nashville, TN.... May 29, 2020 - Grammy-winner Mandisa is debuting a brand new single today with worship leader and Gotee Recording artist Jon Reddick.  "You Keep Hope Alive,"  penned by Reddick, is available through all DSPs everywhere today.   The lyric video is also available now. 

"With everything happening in our world today, the timely message of 'You Keep Hope Alive' is a declaration to our souls that God is still on His throne, and specializes in bringing beauty from ashes," Mandisa says. "My prayer is that God will use this song to remind us, His children, that our hope is alive because our Savior, Jesus, is alive."
Mandisa kicked off 2020 with the release of her first single of the year, "Way Maker." The track was Mandisa's first single to release following her chart topping 2017 album Out of the Dark which featured the radio hits “Unfinished” and “Bleed the Same (feat. Tobymac, Kirk Franklin)."  

ABOUT MANDISA

With more than 1.6 million records sold, GRAMMY® winner and American IdolSeason 5 finalist Mandisa is a voice of encouragement and truth to people facing life’s challenges all around the world. In less than a year, Mandisa performed her three RIAA Certified Gold hit singles "Overcomer," "Good Morning (feat. TobyMac)" and "Stronger" on ABC’s Good Morning America (GMA). “Stronger” became an anthem, creating opportunities such as welcoming the emotional return of beloved morning host Robin Roberts and an invitation to perform the national anthem during a Sunday night NFL Network game to kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Her 2013 GRAMMY® award-winning album Overcomer debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Christian Albums Chart. The album’s title track proved to be a smash at radio and earned the GRAMMY® for Best Contemporary Christian Music Song. Mandisa, also a 2-time K-LOVE Fan Awards co-host, debuted her latest chart-topping album Out Of The Dark alongside sharing the moving story of her fight with depression for the very first time on GMA as well. The latest 15 track collection includes notables such as the top 5 hits "Unfinished" and "Bleed The Same (feat. TobyMac, Kirk Franklin)."

ABOUT JON REDDICK

Gotee recording artist, worship pastor and songwriter, Jon Reddick, has a heart for the church and the songs that pour out from congregations into world. Throughout his writing career he’s intentionally composed lyrics that speak about redemption and hope in a way that impacts cross cultural narratives of a generation hungry for healing. Finding hope through music has long been part of Reddick’s makeup. Growing up the son of a pastor and the church pianist in Memphis, TN, music was woven into Reddick’s DNA from the start. During college, he cut his songwriting teeth writing songs for and leading a contemporary gospel group. After his college years, Reddick got into church work, leading worship for a church in Memphis and eventually making his way to Texas. In both places, Reddick leaned in to bridge-building across racial and generational lines, working to bring churches and cultures together under one faith umbrella. “At one of my first jobs in full-time church ministry, I led this generationally diverse choir filled with people ranging from 18 years old to 70 years old. We would fuse hymns and contemporary gospel. I wanted to try and bring people together no matter what theirdifferences were, wanted people to go to church and not just sing songs, but find something they could engage with and have a true experience.I wanted to reach across the lines.”In addition to being a talented musician, Reddick is also a creative visual artist. In a fusion of his artistic and musical sides, one of his paintings is the single cover for his debut song, “You Keep Hope Alive.” After years of leading worship, writing songs for the church and even touring with other artists, Reddick is now ready to pour all of his experience and passion into his own songs. “I just want to be a conduit to help people reconcile themselves with God and each other,” Reddick says. “I want to bring people together. I consider it an honor and a privilege to get to lead people in the transparency of worship.”


Get Connected with Mandisa:

Website // www.mandisaofficial.com 
Twitter // www.twitter.com/mandisaofficial 
Instagram // www.instagram.com/mandisaofficial
Facebook // www.facebook.com/mandisaofficial

Get Connected with Jon Reddick:

Website // https://www.jonreddickmusic.com/ 
Twitter // www.twitter.com/jonreddick
Instagram // www.instagram.com/jonreddick
Facebook // www.facebook.com/JonReddickMusic/

Media Contact:
the media collective
Velvet Kelm 
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615-591-7989
www.themcollective.com

COLTON DIXON'S "MIRACLES" HITS NO. 1

COLTON DIXON'S "MIRACLES" HITS NO. 1

Nashville, TN.... May 28, 2020 - Just as his self-titled EP nears the close of it's first week of release after hitting top 3 on iTunes Pop Albums Chart, American Idol alum Colton Dixon's "Miracles" has hit No. 1 on Billboard's Christian Hot AC/CHR chart.  The first single from the EP has been widely praised and noted as "a bombastic, uplifting, humongous pop tune of the kind we’re desperately in need of right now." 

“I’m so grateful to all the stations and listeners for getting this song to number one," Dixon commented. "What an incredible journey the past few months with this song have been so far.  I feel like our country, our world, is in a place where we need hope maybe more than ever. The stories I’ve heard from fans all over about how during this time they’ve been able to see the little things, the little daily miracles God does in a bigger way now, is really why I wrote this song.  Each day, even in the midst of hard times, there is always something we can be grateful for.” 

Dixon and his wife Annie are expecting their first children in just a few months, twin girls. Also included on COLTON DIXON is the first love song he's ever written, dedicated to Annie. Atwood Magazine exclusively premiered what they described as an "achingly honest outpouring," and "a vivid display of love and connection" music video for the song. Referring to the track, Dixon told the outlet, "it feels fitting that this song anchors my new EP release as it shows the journey I’ve not only been on in life, but in music too," adding “I’m so glad we were able to give everyone a bird’s-eye view of my wife, Annie and I’s journey in the new video. Relationships are a gift. No matter the challenges that life brings, one thing that’s certain for us is that we will never stop choosing to love one another." 

ABOUT COLTON DIXON:
Colton Dixon quickly became a household name in 2012 when he was voted a fan favorite and made it to the top seven on Season 11 of Fox's hit show AMERICAN IDOL. His career has been on the fast track ever since, now boasting over 100 million streams across all platforms. Dixon's 2013 debut, A Messenger, set the record for biggest first-week sales by a new solo Christian act, becoming the No. 1 selling album by a new Christian artist. Dixon is also a Steinway & Sons artist, following in the footsteps of legendary artists such as Harry Connick, Jr. and Billy Joel. Dixon's sophomore effort Anchor included the most played Hot AC single of 2014, “More Of You," which spent three weeks at No. 1, as well as "Through All of It," his fourth consecutive No. 1 at Hot AC Radio. In 2013, Dixon won a Dove Award for Best Rock/Contemporary Album Of The Year, along with two additional nominations. In 2015, Anchor was honored with the Dove Award for Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year. Dixon received back-to-back K-LOVE Fan Award nominations for Male Artist of the Year in 2014 and 2015, followed by the release of his third studio album Identity, which included the top 5 single “All That Matters,” whose video was premiered by PEOPLE magazine. 

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Get Connected with Colton Dixon:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/coltondixon 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coltondixonmusic 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ColtonDixonMusicVEVO
Instagram: https://instagram.com/coltondixonmusic/

Media Contact:
the media collective
Velvet Kelm 
velvet@themcollective.com
615-591-7989
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COLTON DIXON'S "COMPLETELY ADDICTIVE" SELF-TITLED EP OUT TODAY

COLTON DIXON'S "COMPLETELY ADDICTIVE" SELF-TITLED EP OUT TODAY

American Idol Favorite Pens First Love Song, "Can't Quit You," with "Intimate, Achingly Honest" Video Premiered byAtwood Magazine

Livestream Performance at 3pm EST Today to Benefit Recording Academy's MUSICCARES COVID19 Relief Fund

Nashville, TN.... May 15, 2020 - Atlantic Records/Hear it Loud artist, American Idol alum Colton Dixon is debuting his first self-titled EP today. COLTON DIXON is already being called "completely addicitve," and "the sign of an artist that’s comfortable moving into a bolder direction as he evolves as both an artist and a human being.” The EP boasts five brand new tracks all co-written by Colton and some of pop music's biggest names including the late busbee and ROBOPOP. 

Dixon's first single from the EP, "Miracles," noted as "a bombastic, uplifting, humongous pop tune of the kind we’re desperately in need of right now," continues to gain momentum at radio and streams each week, currently at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot AC/CHR chart. 

Also included is the first love song he's ever written, dedicated to his wife of four years, Annie. Atwood Magazine exclusively premiered what they described as an "achingly honest outpouring," and "a vivid display of love and connection" music video for the song. Referring to the track, Dixon told the outlet, "it feels fitting that this song anchors my new EP release as it shows the journey I’ve not only been on in life, but in music too," adding “I’m so glad we were able to give everyone a bird’s-eye view of my wife, Annie and I’s journey in the new video. Relationships are a gift. No matter the challenges that life brings, one thing that’s certain for us is that we will never stop choosing to love one another."  The Dixon's are expecting twins this fall, a story PEOPLE has continued to cover. 

In support of COLTON DIXON, the singer/songwriter will be busy doing numerous online events starting today with a livestream performance to benefit the Recording Academy's MUSICCARES COVID19 Relief Fund at 3pm EST on Dixon's Facebook page.  Tomorrow, Dixon will also conduct a SCENES LIVE SESSION at 10pm EST, which can be viewed here. 

Starting Monday, May 18, Dixon will perform an acoustic version of each song from his new EP, along with sharing stories behind each of them and letting fans in on the writing process of the EP.  Fans can tune in every week night next week at 7pm CST May 18-22 on Instagram Live, @coltondixonmusic.


ABOUT COLTON DIXON:
Colton Dixon quickly became a household name in 2012 when he was voted a fan favorite and made it to the top seven on Season 11 of Fox's hit show AMERICAN IDOL. His career has been on the fast track ever since, now boasting over 100 million streams across all platforms. Dixon's 2013 debut, A Messenger, set the record for biggest first-week sales by a new solo Christian act, becoming the No. 1 selling album by a new Christian artist. Dixon is also a Steinway & Sons artist, following in the footsteps of legendary artists such as Harry Connick, Jr. and Billy Joel. Dixon's sophomore effort Anchor included the most played Hot AC single of 2014, “More Of You," which spent three weeks at No. 1, as well as "Through All of It," his fourth consecutive No. 1 at Hot AC Radio. In 2013, Dixon won a Dove Award for Best Rock/Contemporary Album Of The Year, along with two additional nominations. In 2015, Anchor was honored with the Dove Award for Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year. Dixon received back-to-back K-LOVE Fan Award nominations for Male Artist of the Year in 2014 and 2015, followed by the release of his third studio album Identity, which included the top 5 single “All That Matters,” whose video was premiered by PEOPLE magazine. 

###

Get Connected with Colton Dixon:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/coltondixon 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coltondixonmusic 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ColtonDixonMusicVEVO
Instagram: https://instagram.com/coltondixonmusic/

Media Contact:
the media collective
Velvet Kelm 
velvet@themcollective.com
615-591-7989
www.themcollective.com

ANNIE DOWNS THAT SOUNDS FUN PODCAST

That Sounds Fun Network Launches Today by Popular Author, Podcaster Annie F. Downs

With Over 24 million Downloads Since 2014, Downs'

Brand New Podcast Network to Feature "Fun" Friends and Talent, Original Programming

Nashville, TN.... May 15, 2020 -  With over 24 million downloads in over 200 countries of her "That Sounds Fun" podcast since 2014, as well as 300,000 engaged readers, fans, and followers every day through her online channels, popular author and podcaster Annie F. Downs announced today that she is launching her own That Sounds Fun Podcast Network.

With over 75,000 downloads of her "That Sounds Fun" podcast already happening two times each week, the network will of course include her own podcast, as well as "Annie and Eddie Keep Talking," a spin off of her "That Sounds Fun Quarantine" show that began in early March amidst her own self-isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With a goal to provide a diverse collection of shows for a variety of listeners, the network is in talks with existing shows to partner with, but also currently developing original programming as well, including DADVILLE, hosted by Dave Barnes and Jon McLaughlin that will launch this summer.

 "I absolutely love creating the 'That Sounds Fun' podcast episodes," she says, "but I also love the idea of helping others create shows and distribute shows that I know my audience, and many other people, will love and learn from, and share. I couldn't be more excited about launching this new podcast network!"

With an active, engaged, and extremely loyal audience, Downs' network of influence includes top-tier leaders in film, music, sports, ministry, and publishing. With support from such well-known names as Tim Tebow, Danielle Walker and Samantha Ponder.

Get Connected with Annie F. Downs:

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Pinterest

YouTube

About Annie F. Downs
Annie F. Downs is a best-selling author, highly sought-after speaker, and popular podcast host who has spent a lifetime building relationships and learning what it means to have fun. The author of multiple bestselling books, Annie weaves personal storytelling, humor, and Scripture into everything she does, inviting her fans to join her as she learns what it means to live life to the fullest. 

Media Contact:
Velvet Kelm 
the media collective
velvet@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com
@themcollective

SEVEN-TIME GRAMMY WINNER TOBYMAC SURPRISES FANS WITH 'LOST DEMOS' EP OUT TODAY

SEVEN-TIME GRAMMY WINNER TOBYMAC SURPRISES FANS WITH 'LOST DEMOS' EP OUT TODAY

Nashville, TN.... May 8, 2020 -   Seven-time GRAMMY winner and multi-platinum artist TobyMac surprised fans today with a very special and unique project, Lost Demos. Available at all DSPs, the collection contains seven never released tracks that he rediscovered while staying home during COVID-19.  

"My Lost Demos ep was birthed in the quarantine/safer at home (Covid-19) season," he says "I was digging through old laptops and hard drives and realized there were some beauties that hadn’t seen the light of day. Songs I could share that I hadn’t for one reason or another. Songs that have a special place in my heart but wound up on the island of “Misfit songs”. I hope some of these lost demos find a home in people’s headphones and maybe even their hearts. There are many reasons demos end up lost or forgotten. Most would assume they were not quite good enough to make the cut. But many times it may be that they simply don’t line up with the overall theme of an album or felt musically out of place within the body of work."
    

Also new from TobyMac is  "See The Light,"the newest single off his most recent and GRAMMY® nominated project The Elements.

About the song, he said "The heart of this song is hope, and we can all use a little bit of that right now. This season will pass and we will see the light! I would’ve never imaginedThe Elements could be as extreme as what I’ve experienced the last 6 months of my life...Please remember everyone you know is fighting a battle. Hope hard, love harder. This road IS getting hard...but we will #SeeTheLight."

Last weekend TobyMac invited members of his Diverse City band and his daughter Marlee to participate in a "Separate Altogether Acoustic" performance of the track, which is available here. 


About TobyMac:
With more than 12 million units in career sales and a whopping seven GRAMMY® Awards, TobyMac's career continues on the fast track. His 2015 RIAA Certified Gold studio album, THIS IS NOT A TEST garnered a GRAMMY® Award and Billboard Music Award nomination on top of debuting at No. 4 on the Billboard Top 200. Each of his six studio solo projects have achieved Gold certification, a first for any artist in the history of his label, Capitol Christian Music Group. Among those is 2012's EYE ON IT, which debuted atop the Billboard 200, only the third Christian album ever to do so. THE ELEMENTS, his awaited newest collection of music, is available now boasting "Everything," "Scars," "Edge of My Seat," "See The Light" and more alongside the chart-topper, RIAA Gold Certified "I just need U."

###

Get Connected With TobyMac:
Website // www.tobymac.com
Facebook // www.facebook.com/tobymac
Twitter // www.twitter.com/tobymac
Instagram // www.instagram.com/tobymac
YouTube // www.youtube.com/TobyMacVEVO

Media Contact:
Velvet Kelm 
the media collective
velvet@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com
@themcollective

MERCYME DEBUTS BRAND NEW SONG, "HURRY UP AND WAIT"

MERCYME DEBUTS BRAND NEW SONG, "HURRY UP AND WAIT"

Band to Premier Music and Lyric Videos During a Facebook Live and YouTube Livestream Event Today at 4pm EST

Nashville, TN....5/8/20 - On the heels of their 48th #1 song "Almost Home," which held the top spot on Billboard's AC Indicator, Monitored, National Christian Audience and Mediabase Christian Audience and Christian AC charts for a combined total of 17 weeks, multi-platinum band MercyMe is unveiling their brand new song, "Hurry Up And Wait," today across all DSP platforms.

“'Hurry Up And Wait' is a new song we started well over a year ago," comments lead singer Bart Millard. "We didn’t plan on it taking this long to get out, but it is pretty timely that it's finally ready.  It reminds us that those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. I know we can all use a little extra strength these days.”   

Alongside the new track MercyMe will simultaneously premier a music video and lyric video during a Facebook Live and YouTube livestream event today at 4pm EST. 

Following back to back successful spring and fall 2019 Imagine Nation Tours,MercyMe completed much of  their MercyMe 20/20 Tour this spring, which featured Jeremy Camp and David Leonard.  All tour dates that were postponed can be found at mercyme.org.  

The GRAMMY® nominated, multiple American Music Award and Dove Award winning band celebrated two new RIAA certifications late last year commemorating the 4x Platinum certification of their debut album, Almost There, and the Platinum certfication of their  2018 single “Even If."

2019 reaped both GRAMMY® and Billboard Music Award nominations for MercyMe, all following the box office shattering film I CAN ONLY IMAGINE inspired by frontman Bart Millard’s real-life story behind the beloved MercyMe song.

Currently in the studio, the band plans to release a new full-length project later this year or early 2021.  

About MercyMe:
It continues to be a landmark time for the multi-platinum selling MercyMe. A major motion picture based on the life of frontman Bart Millard who wrote the mega-hit song "I Can Only Imagine” after the loss of his father opened at a remarkable No. 3 at the box office on Mar. 16, 2018 (Lionsgate, Roadside Attractions). Carrying the same name, Millard’s first memoir also released this year followed by the unveiling of I Can Only Imagine – The Very Best Of MercyMe. MercyMe was named Top Christian Artist at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards, was the top winner at the fan-fueled K-LOVE Fan Awards including a win for Artist of the Year and just received their eighth AMA nod. The group is the 2018 GMA Dove Award Winner for Artist Of The Year, and since their debut in 2001, GRAMMY® nominated, multiple American Music Award and Dove Award winners MercyMe have sold more than 9 million units in CD, single and DVD sales, garnered more than 47 No. 1 multi-format radio singles and four consecutive mainstream radio hits with “I Can Only Imagine,” (No. 4 AC/Top 25 on Top 40/Hot AC). MercyMe made history in 2014 as “I Can Only Imagine” surpassed 2 million digital downloads, making it the first song in Christian music to go platinum and double-platinum in the digital domain. The album containing the hit, Almost There, recently received 4x platinum certification from the RIAA. In 2009, Billboard named MercyMe's "Word Of God Speak" the No. 1 Song of The Decade and the group the No. 1 Artist of the Decade in both the Christian Songs and Christian AC Songs categories, recognizing them as one of the industry's most notable talents. They have sold out venues throughout the US and Canada, including Radio City Music Hall, and have appeared on the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, The Today Show, CBS This Morning, FOX New Channel's FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News and in the pages of Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, USA Today and more. MercyMe’s eighth studio album, the RIAA Certified Gold Welcome To The New, garnered two GRAMMY® nods and four radio hits. LIFER, their latest chart-topping, GMA Dove Award winning and GRAMMY® nominated album, includes the RIAA certified platinum, GRAMMY® nominated smash hit "Even If” which dominated the Billboard and Mediabase radio charts with a 19-week streak at No. 1. 

Get Connected With MercyMe:
www.mercyme.org
www.facebook.com/mercyme
www.twitter.com/mercyme
www.instagram.com/themercyme
www.youtube.com/user/mercymevideo

###

Media Contact:
the media collective
Velvet Kelm
velvet@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com

Virtual Family Dance Parties to Raise Awareness for Mental Health

DJ Maj of TobyMac's Diverse City Band Hosts Virtual Family Dance Parties to Raise Awareness for Mental Health In Midst of COVID-19 Pandemic

Partnering with High Profile Artists including TobyMac, Chris Tomlin and more, Parties Help Take Away Feelings of Isolation by Creating Community and Bringing People Together

Nashville, TN .... May 1, 2020 -  DJ Maj of TobyMac's Diverse City Band recently rolled out a Family Dance Party on his Instagram stories @playjamusic to bring people together and create community while so many are dealing with feelings of isolation due to COVID-19 stay at home mandates.  The party was so successful that he has expanded the concept and partnered with several high profile music festivals and artists including TobyMac, Chris Tomlin and more via their Insta story social media platforms.

"Originally I didn't plan to do more of these parties, but after the first one, the response I got from people who were really struggling with being at home, who lost jobs, who were fearful of what is happening, opened my eyes to how this could really help some people and start a conversation about mental health - something I've been passionate about for years."  After personal loss and soul searching, Maj embarked on a personal journey in what he calls “the language of vulnerability.”  The result was the result was the launch of www.djmaj.com/gethelp in 2019 to help nudge people toward tools to create community and advocate for vulnerability, honesty, and transparency. 

With suicide and depression/anxiety rates on an upward trajectory already, the COVID-19 crises has only worsened this trend, with rising call volumes at crises centers across the country.  In March 2020 alone, the Disaster Distress Helpline saw a 338 percent increase in call volume compared with February 2020.

With May being Mental Health Awareness Month, DJ Maj is excited to continue the parties each weekend and is now also doing virtual meet 'n greets @playmajmusic  to connect more on a personal level after each party.  The current May schedule includes Blanca, @OfficialBlanca (5/1), TobyMac, @TobyMac (5/2), Gotee Records, @Gotee (5/8), TobyMac (5/9), Mandisa @MandisaOfficial (5/14), TobyMac (5/16), We Are Messengers/@weare1movement (5/22), and TobyMac (5/23), with more dates to come!  Get all of the latest information by following @playmajmusic on Instagram or at www.djmaj.com 

Also today, DJ Maj partnered with New Release Today to premier a brand new song featuring Bekah Shae, "Feel Again."  Listen to “Feel Again” here, and now wherever you consume music. You can also check out the tracks’ lyric video here.

As DJ Maj states, "It’s ok to not be ok.  But, not having to tools to process times of personal loss tends to result in an emotionally calloused existence.  It all accumulates and we eventually pop.  I’ve learned the importance of keeping the connection between our hearts, our emotions, and our minds unsevered.  When we pause, examine, and dialogue, it begins the process of healing in many forms. I hope this tune and these Family Dance Parties can continue to bring joy, inspire, and provoke healing.” 

Additional song information is available at www.djmaj.com/feelagain. 

###

Get Connected with Dj Maj

Facebook: @playmajmusic
Twitter:  @playmajmusic
Instagram: @playmajmusic
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/djmaj

Media Contact:
Velvet Kelm 
the media collective
velvet@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com
@themcollective

AMY GRANT TO PERFORM ON FOX & FRIENDS EASTER SUNDAY

AMY GRANT TO PERFORM ON

FOX & FRIENDS EASTER SUNDAY

6X GRAMMY Winner to Sing from Nashville Living Room

Grant Joins Multitude of Artists to Give Thanks to Vanderbilt University Medical Center Staff  via special “Gratitunes” 

Nashville, TN.... April 11, 2020 - This Easter Sunday, 6x GRAMMY-winner Amy Grant will do something she's never done before - perform on national TV from her living room.  Grant will appear on FOX & Friends during the 8am EST hour to sing "How Great Thou Art." 

Also on Easter, Grant is partnering with Gratitunes to give thanks to the Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) staff in Nashville by releasing "Carry You," a special video song message.  On National Doctors’ Day, March 30, Music Row and Nashville’s creative community came together to support VUMC staff through the launch of “Gratitunes,"  a consumer-generated music platform to celebrate and thank members of the VUMC family, through the power of music, for their dedication, empathy and unwavering commitment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Brad Paisley kicked-off the program and through the month of April, a new artist each day is sending a ‘Gratitune’ on their personal Instagram page.  

Individuals can visit www.gratitunes.com to add their own ‘Gratitune’ to a playlist, which will be made available to all COVID-19 VUMC Assessment Sites and the Hospital to help lessen stress and anxiety, and lift spirits. Once a Gratitune is shared, individuals will receive a unique graphic with their dedicated tune that can be shared across all social media platforms, using hashtags #Gratitunes and #VUMCHeroes, encouraging others to do the same. 

Grant recently helped the Grand Ole Opry continue its nearly 100-year history of consecutive Saturday Night broadcasts, playing its 4,917th Saturday night show to an empty Opry House, joining her husband and Opry member Vince Gill, alongside daughters Jenny Gill and Corrina Grant Gill. Grant also took a private moment and posted a performance dedicated to doctors, nurses, and all on the front lines helping serve COVID-10 patients on her FaceBook page late last week.

About Amy Grant:
Amy Grant's career spans more than 40 years and stretches from her roots in gospel into becoming an iconic pop star, songwriter, television personality and philanthropist. With three multi-platinum albums, six platinum albums and four gold albums, her total career album sales have exceeded 30 million and over 1 billion global streams. Grant’s chart success has been consistent throughout her career with six No. 1 hits, 10 Top 40 pop singles, 17 Top 40 Adult Contemporary tracks and multiple Contemporary Christian chart-toppers. In addition to her six GRAMMY® Awards, Grant has earned 26 Dove Awards (including four Artist of the Year Awards) and has been awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame as well as the Music City Walk of Fame. Conventional wisdom has it that Grant put Contemporary Christian Music on the map becoming the first Contemporary Christian artist to have a platinum record, the first to hit No. 1 on the Pop charts and the first to perform at the GRAMMY® Awards. With that, her legacy as one of the most influential artists of the past four decades is assured. In April of 2016, Grant celebrated the 25th anniversary of her iconic hit “Baby Baby” with a worldwide release of the song featuring pop sensation Tori Kelly. Tennessee Christmas released in late 2016, marked Grant’s first all-new holiday album in nearly 20 years.  This past February, The T.J. Martell Foundation – the music industry’s leading nonprofit to fund innovative medical research focused on treatments and cures for cancer – honored Grant with the Tony Martell Outstanding Entertainment Achievement Award at their 2020 Honors Gala.

###

Get Connected with Amy Grant:
Website // http://amygrant.com
Twitter //https://twitter.com/amygrant
Instagram // https://www.instagram.com/amygrantofficial/
Facebook // https://www.facebook.com/amygrant/


Media Contact:
Velvet Kelm 
the media collective
velvet@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com
@themcollective

SKILLET LAUNCHES "SAVE ME" VIDEO GAME

SKILLET LAUNCHES "SAVE ME"

VIDEO GAME 

Loudwire Premieres New Endeavor for  Multi-Platinum Rockers 

Nashville, TN.... April 10, 2020 - They have played tens of thousands of shows all over the globe, been GRAMMY nominated, and sold over 12 million albums, but SKILLET has never had their own video game.  That all changed today whenLOUDWIRE premiered SKILLET'S "Save Me" video game, themed with the band's latest active rock track and music video of the same name. 

In the game, each of the bandmembers (John, Korey, Jen and Seth)  are characters fans can select and play as. Once a character is selected, the characters run through a maze where players are meant to avoid various aspects seen in the "Save Me" music video: the hand (callout to John’s scene), water/poison (callout to Jen’s scene), and fire (callout to John’s scene/smoking hands burning his eyes), which will be floating around chasing them; similar to the ghosts in Pac Man.  

Last week SKILLET premiered the music video for "Save Me" on their YouTube channel, and hosted a Q&A with over 10,000 fans.  The video has already garnered a million views. While joining most of the world in isolating at home, John and Korey Cooper have also been creating some acoustic performances for their fans of late and posting them on their social accounts, including a piano version of "Anchor," and an unplugged version of the fan favorite "Whispers in the Dark," both of which have been incredibly popular. 

ABOUT SKILLET:
One Victorious, of the best-selling rock bands of the 21st century, two-time GRAMMY® Award-nominated, Pandora Billionaires Club recipients, multiplatinum Wisconsin quartet SKILLET—John Cooper [lead vocals/bass], Korey Cooper [guitar/keys], Jen Ledger [drums/vocals], and Seth Morrison [lead guitar]—write the soundtrack to triumph. An undying spirit humbly asserted and affirmed the band as one of this generation’s most successful rock acts. However, as all classic underdog stories do, it happened quietly under the radar. By 2019, they not only garnered a pair of GRAMMY® Award nods and sold over 12 million albums worldwide, but they also took home a Billboard Music Award for the double-platinum Awake. Its breakout single “Monster” remains “one of the most-streamed rock songs of all-time” with over 3 Billion global audio streams. 2016’s Unleashed bowed at #3 on the BillboardTop 200. Going #1 on Rock Radio, the lead single “Feel Invincible” cracked 150 million global audio streams and went platinum. Meanwhile, the gold-certifiedUnleashed became their fourth consecutive album to receive either a gold, platinum, or double-platinum status. To date, nine original tunes earned RIAA recognition in tandem with high-profile syncs by everyone from WWE and Marvel to ESPN and NFL. Between selling out arenas on four continents, the group performed on CONAN and graced the pages of USA Today and New York Times, to name a few. In 2018 alone, the band clocked 1 billion streams. This momentum continues on their 2019 tenth full-length, Victorious. With the bulk produced by Korey and John, it lives up to its name for Skillet as their most triumphant body of work yet. On top ofVictorious, Skillet debuted their first graphic novel, EDEN: A Skillet Graphic Novel with Z2 Comics, which has become the publisher’s best-selling book of all time. 

###

Get Connected With Skillet: 
Website: www.skillet.com 
Facebook: @Skillet 
Twitter & Instagram: @skilletmusic

Media Collective Contact: 
Velvet Kelm 
the media collective
velvet@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com

Hollywood Life Premieres Colton Dixon's Piano Video for "Miracles"

HOLLYWOOD LIFE PREMIERES EXCLUSIVE PIANO

VIDEO OF COLTON DIXON'S HIT SINGLE 'MIRACLES'

Nashville, TN.... April 10, 2020 - Colton Dixon's hit track "Miracles" is making its way up the radio charts with more adds each week, and today, Hollywood Life is exclusively premiering a special piano video of the song. 

“This is how we initially wrote the song,"  Dixon said to Hollywood Life. "Stripping a song back to its original form feels vulnerable, but I’m excited for listeners to get a glimpse into what it was like at the studio that day."  Talking about life amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and how they're spending their time at home, Dixon also commented that he and wife Annie have been making the most of our time at home, "Trying new things in the kitchen, legos, puzzles, home projects, and preparing the nursery for our twins has kept the time flying by.”

"Miracles," is Dixon's first new music in over three years. Already Top 10 onBillboard Hot AC/CHR and Top 30 AC, the track is airing in major markets such as Spirit 105.3/Seattle, WA; SOS Radio/Las Vegas, NV; Spirit FM 90.5/Tampa, FL; JoyFM/St. Louis, MO; 94.1 KXOJ/Tulsa, OK; 89.7 KSGN/Riverside, CA; Shine.fm/Chicago, IL; and 98.5 KTIS/Minneapolis, MN.

The American Idol finalist and fan favorite will release his self-titled EP with Atlantic Records/Hear It Loud later this spring/summer. 

### 

ABOUT COLTON DIXON:
Colton Dixon quickly became a household name in 2012 when he was voted a fan favorite and made it to the top seven on Season 11 of Fox's hit show AMERICAN IDOL. His career has been on the fast track ever since, now boasting over 100 million streams across all platforms. Dixon's 2013 debut, A Messenger, set the record for biggest first-week sales by a new solo Christian act, becoming the No. 1 selling album by a new Christian artist. Dixon is also a Steinway & Sons artist, following in the footsteps of legendary artists such as Harry Connick, Jr. and Billy Joel. Dixon's sophomore effort Anchor included the most played Hot AC single of 2014, “More Of You," which spent three weeks at No. 1, as well as "Through All of It," his fourth consecutive No. 1 at Hot AC Radio. In 2013, Dixon won a Dove Award for Best Rock/Contemporary Album Of The Year, along with two additional nominations. In 2015, Anchor was honored with the Dove Award for Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year. Dixon received back-to-back K-LOVE Fan Award nominations for Male Artist of the Year in 2014 and 2015, followed by the release of his third studio album Identity, which included the top 5 single “All That Matters,” whose video was premiered by PEOPLE magazine. 

Get Connected with Colton Dixon:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/coltondixon 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coltondixonmusic?fref=ts 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ColtonDixonMusicVEVO
Instagram: https://instagram.com/coltondixonmusic/

Media Contact:
the media collective
Velvet Kelm 
velvet@themcollective.com
615-591-7989
www.themcollective.com

Multi-Platinum Rockers SKILLET to Premier 

"SAVE ME" Music Video with Fans on YouTube

Tomorrow April 3 at 10:45 am EST

Nashville, TN.... April 2, 2020 - Tomorrow, April 3 at 10:45 am EST, multi-platinum rock band SKILLET will premier the new music video for their latest Active Rock single, "Save Me," on their YouTube Channel. Filmed last month while on tour in the Los Angeles area, the band is also inviting fans worldwide to join them for a Q&A to connect and talk about the song, video, and life amidst the crazy times we're all living in. SKILLET has over 800 million views on their YouTube channel.  

About "Save Me," John Cooper stated, "This song is about the darker side of you that you are afraid to show people. 'If they only knew how messed up I am, would they still love me?' This song is about getting honest and asking for help, both spiritually and naturally speaking. We loved filming this video and how it turned out as well.  The energy we were able to create visually really matches the intensity of the song."

While joining most of the world in isolating at home, John and Korey Cooper have been creating some acoustic performances for their fans of late and posting them on their social accounts. Last week they created a piano version of "Anchor," and this week they performed an unplugged version of the fan favorite "Whispers in the Dark," both of which have been incredbily popular. 

 
ABOUT SKILLET:
One Victorious, of the best-selling rock bands of the 21st century, two-time GRAMMY® Award-nominated, Pandora Billionaires Club recipients, multiplatinum Wisconsin quartet SKILLET—John Cooper [lead vocals/bass], Korey Cooper [guitar/keys], Jen Ledger [drums/vocals], and Seth Morrison [lead guitar]—write the soundtrack to triumph. An undying spirit humbly asserted and affirmed the band as one of this generation’s most successful rock acts. However, as all classic underdog stories do, it happened quietly under the radar. By 2019, they not only garnered a pair of GRAMMY® Award nods and sold over 12 million albums worldwide, but they also took home a Billboard Music Award for the double-platinum Awake. Its breakout single “Monster” remains “one of the most-streamed rock songs of all-time” with over 3 Billion global audio streams. 2016’s Unleashed bowed at #3 on the BillboardTop 200. Going #1 on Rock Radio, the lead single “Feel Invincible” cracked 150 million global audio streams and went platinum. Meanwhile, the gold-certifiedUnleashed became their fourth consecutive album to receive either a gold, platinum, or double-platinum status. To date, nine original tunes earned RIAA recognition in tandem with high-profile syncs by everyone from WWE and Marvel to ESPN and NFL. Between selling out arenas on four continents, the group performed on CONAN and graced the pages of USA Today and New York Times, to name a few. In 2018 alone, the band clocked 1 billion streams. This momentum continues on their 2019 tenth full-length, Victorious. With the bulk produced by Korey and John, it lives up to its name for Skillet as their most triumphant body of work yet. On top ofVictorious, Skillet debuted their first graphic novel, EDEN: A Skillet Graphic Novelwith Z2 Comics, which has become the publisher’s best-selling book of all time. 

###

Get Connected With Skillet: 
Website: www.skillet.com 
Facebook: @Skillet 
Twitter & Instagram: @skilletmusic

Media Collective Contact: 
Velvet Kelm 
the media collective
velvet@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com

REND COLLECTIVE'S

CHOOSE TO WORSHIP AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE TODAY

During Uncertain Times, Band Launches Timely "Socially Distant Worship Club"

Nashville, TN ... (March 27, 2020) - Irish celebration band Rend Collective's highly anticipated new album, CHOOSE TO WORSHIP is available everywhere, digitally and physically today.  Their seventh studio project, largely written on the road over an average of 120 tour dates a year, features 13 tracks including an acoustic version of their latest hit single, “YOUR NAME IS POWER” which continues to climb, reaching No. 7 on the Christian Airplay chart, making it their second highest charting career radio single.  

Following CHOOSE TO WORSHIP's pre -order launch on February 28, the band surprised fans with the release of a special St. Patrick’s Day live video performance  of the new song “REND THE HEAVENS” filmed on the streets of Dublin. The video, already surpassing 100k views, can be seen here. 

Talking about their decision for timely cover art, unaware of the coming COVD-19 pandemic, the band said, “We used a labyrinth as our album art concept to reflect the confusing, messiness of life. So many twists and turns, so many little micro decisions, so much uncertainty and doubt, so much fear. In the middle of all this it can be so easy to forget to make the one choice that ultimately makes all the others insignificant : to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength.”

In light of COVD-19 leaving much of the world home-bound, Rend Collective has been posting what have become very popular livestream performances on their social platforms over the past week, aptly titled “The Socially Distant Worship Club.”   They also partnered with KLOVE/AIR1 last week for a special stream across their socials.

During these livestreams, the band has been performing the unreleased title track “I CHOOSE TO WORSHIP,” which has resonated greatly and created a significant amount of buzz from fans, therefore encouraging the band to offer the lyrics and sheet music to their website free of charge. Due to the response they received from the live streams, the band spontaneously released a liveperformance video of title track “I CHOOSE TO WORSHIP” yesterday as well. 

"Social distance is good for our health and the health of others," they said.  "We believe in it and support it. But it’s not really good for our souls. So we’d love to hang out, have some worship times together and offer a few wee words of encouragement and truth into this mess we’re all in. We’d love it if you would grab yourself a wee cup of tea and a biscuit and join us - we’re all stuck in the house anyway so we might as well do something constructive and life-giving. Let’s choose to worship together.  We plan to do this regularly over the coming days and weeks until this blows over so keep a wee eye out."  All videos are archived and available on Rend Collective's YouTube, IGTV and Facebook. 

About Rend Collective:
Hailing from a small town off the coast of Northern Ireland, Rend Collective (Gareth Gilkeson, Chris Llewellyn, Ali Gilkeson, Patrick Thompson and Stephen Mitchell) wants to be known as a celebration band, worshiping for God’s Glory and fame. Since the release of their first album, Organic Family Hymnal, the group’s authentic and energetic style of worship has attracted an international audience, with career sales of more than 900,000 albums and over 341M career streams. The group saw early success as their first ever single “Build Your Kingdom Here,” peaked at No. 12 on the National Christian Audience Chart. Their 2014 release, The Art of Celebration, charted at No. 1 on the Billboard Christian Albums Chart within the first week of its release. Known for their electric lively worship, the band has been a part of several major tours with top artists such as Chris Tomlin, MercyMe, Kari Jobe, Lecrae and more. The group released critically acclaimed As Family We Go in 2015, followed by, Campfire Christmas Volume 1, their first Christmas record, and Campfire II, both in 2016. The critically acclaimed Good News released in 2017, followed by Good News: Deluxe Edition in 2018.

Get Connected with Rend Collective:
Website: http://rendcollective.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rendcollective/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rendcollective
Instagram: @rendcollective

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Media Contact:
Velvet Kelm 
the media collective
velvet@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com

COLTON DIXON TO RELEASE SELF-TITLED EP WITH ATLANTIC RECORDS/HEAR IT LOUD FOLLOWING SUCCESS OF "MIRACLES" SINGLE

EP Pre-order Launches Today with Instant Grat Track and Special Instagram Live with Dixon, hosted by Skillet's John & Korey Cooper

Nashville, TN.... (March 27, 2020) - In light of the success of "Miracles," his first new single in over three years, Colton Dixon will release his self-titled EP with Atlantic Records/Hear It Loud later this spring/summer.  Available for pre-order today along with the Instant Grat track "Devil is a Liar," Dixon will premier the lyric video for the Instant Grat on his YouTube at 11am TODAY. Also today at 4pm EST via Skillet's Channel, Dixon will be joined by Skillet's John and Korey Cooper for an Instagram Live, to catch up in general and of course discuss their collaboration with Dixon on his new music. 

With an unshakable groove that pulsates underneath hypnotic and honest verses before swinging towards an arena-size chant on the chorus, Christian radio has welcomed Dixon back in a big way with 35+ stations already playing "Miracles" – including Spirit 105.3/Seattle, KTIS/Minneapolis, SOS Radio/Las Vegas, Shine.fm/Chicago, SpiritFM/Tampa, BOOST 101.9/St. Louis, and WCSG/Grand Rapids. 

Expanding the scope of his signature sound for the first time, Dixon imparts life’s ebbs and flows into an empowering, engaging, and enigmatic take on pop referential of his catalog, yet evolved and steeped in newfound inspiration. Acclaimed by everyone from People to Billboard and streamed over 100 million times to date, the award-winning and history-making singer, songwriter, and producer channels such growth into the EP. Following a three-year break, Dixon returns with a new sound informed by true experiences.

In order to find this space, he challenged himself to not only adapt to personal and professional changes, but also pursue them. After signing with Atlantic Records he flew out to Los Angeles for dozens of writing sessions. Not only would Colton Dixonbe his debut for the label, but it also marked his first time working with producers such as Robopop [Maroon 5, Lana Del Rey], the late busbee [Timbaland, P!nk, Gwen Stefani] and Grant Averill [The Holdup], to name a few. Under the influence of everyone from OneRepublic and Imagine Dragons to Adele, Justin Bieber, Lauv, and Shawn Mendes, he embraced the creative ecosystem.

“I’ve written so many songs over the past three years,” he says. “Even though the world probably won’t hear them all, I enjoyed every session.  I’ve gotten to write with people from all different beliefs and walks of life. We were able to have real conversations about faith, family, struggles, and life, in general. I hope these songs reflect those conversations and inspire you to have conversations of your own.”

For as much as the sound progresses, he clings to a perennial theme. “There are several themes on the EP, but it all goes back to hope,” states Colton. “My goal is to spread hope. I see a lot of people looking for hope, and I’d love to come alongside of them and show support. I’ve learned so much about love.  Love isn't always a feeling.  Love is a commitment. Love sometimes means sacrifice. I'm glad I've had the opportunity to write about some of these things in the project. It’s really me.”

COLTON DIXON Track Listing - 

1. Miracles (Colton Dixon, Michael Busbee, Michael Aljadeff); producer: Michael Busbee

2. Devil is a Liar (Colton Dixon, Grant Averill, Alex Tirheimer) producers: Alex Tirheimer and Grant Averill

3. Can’t Quit You (Colton Dixon, Grant Averill, Alex Tirheimer); producers: Alex Tirheimer and Grant Averill

4. Wanderer (Colton Dixon, Daniel Omelio & Nolan Sipe); producer: ROBOPOP

5. Not Goodbye (Colton Dixon, Dan Henig, and Daniel Feels); producer: Daniel Feels  

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ABOUT COLTON DIXON:
Colton Dixon quickly became a household name in 2012 when he was voted a fan favorite and made it to the top seven on Season 11 of Fox's hit show AMERICAN IDOL. His career has been on the fast track ever since, now boasting over 100 million streams across all platforms. Dixon's 2013 debut, A Messenger, set the record for biggest first-week sales by a new solo Christian act, becoming the No. 1 selling album by a new Christian artist. Dixon is also a Steinway & Sons artist, following in the footsteps of legendary artists such as Harry Connick, Jr. and Billy Joel. Dixon's sophomore effort Anchor included the most played Hot AC single of 2014, “More Of You," which spent three weeks at No. 1, as well as "Through All of It," his fourth consecutive No. 1 at Hot AC Radio. In 2013, Dixon won a Dove Award for Best Rock/Contemporary Album Of The Year, along with two additional nominations. In 2015, Anchor was honored with the Dove Award for Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year. Dixon received back-to-back K-LOVE Fan Award nominations for Male Artist of the Year in 2014 and 2015, followed by the release of his third studio album Identity, which included the top 5 single “All That Matters,” whose video was premiered by PEOPLE magazine. 

Get Connected with Colton Dixon:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/coltondixon 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coltondixonmusic?fref=ts 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ColtonDixonMusicVEVO
Instagram: https://instagram.com/coltondixonmusic/

Media Contact:
the media collective
Velvet Kelm 
velvet@themcollective.com
615-591-7989
www.themcollective.com

Photo: Steve Lowry

Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Jenny Gill, Corrina Grant Gill To Perform on This Saturday’s Grand Ole Opry

Broadcast LIVE on Circle 
Saturday, March 28

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – (March 26, 2020) The Grand Ole Opry will broadcast around the world again this week for its 4,917th consecutive Saturday night. This week’s lineup is a true family celebration with Opry member Vince Gill set to take the stage alongside wife Amy Grant and daughters Jenny Gill and Corrina Grant Gill. 

With Nashvillians at home under Nashville Mayor John Cooper’s “Safer at Home” order and live shows paused at the Grand Ole Opry to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, this Saturday’s performance will once again take place without a live audience. Grand Ole Opry management has worked closely with the Nashville’s Director of Health to bring the show live to millions around the world while following strict safety protocols under the guidance of local health professionals. 

“As our city takes necessary public health measures to ensure the safety and well-being of our residents, the Opry’s Saturday broadcast will be an important reminder to Nashvillians and millions of people around the world that the music will always continue playing in Music City,” said Nashville Mayor John Cooper. “With families safely watching and listening from their homes across our city, we are grateful to have some of our city’s greatest ambassadors – Vince Gill, Amy Grant and members of their family stepping on to the stage Saturday night to lift our spirits.”

 "I can't count the number of times I have walked through our house on the way to the coffee pot, hearing Vince or one of the kids working on a song and wishing the whole world was surrounded by music the way I have been,” said Amy Grant. “Music is healing and soul-filling and connects us to each other. I'm honored and thrilled that our family has been asked to take the Opry stage on Saturday night."

The Gill family will step on the stage together this Saturday, March 28 at 8 PM ET / 7 PM CT. The show will be broadcast live on Circle, and on Gray TV stations and other TV affiliates in addition to a companion live stream on Circle’s Facebook and YouTube. TV and radio personality Bobby Bones will host the Circle telecast, while Opry announcer Mike Terry will join the Opry’s radio audience at the on-stage announcer podium. Embracing today’s technology, the Opry will be broadcast and streamed with a very small production team and just four artists performing acoustically on the Opry stage. 

Fans around the world can also tune-in to the broadcast on the Opry’s flagship radio home, 650 AM-WSM and several other outlets. More than a million fans tuned in live last Saturday to video stream or listen to Opry members Vince Gill, Brad Paisley and Marty Stuart perform acoustically from the Opry Circle.

 About Amy Grant:
Amy Grant's career spans more than 40 years and stretches from her roots in gospel into becoming an iconic pop star, songwriter, television personality and philanthropist. With three multi-platinum albums, six platinum albums and four gold albums, her total career album sales have exceeded 30 million. Grant’s chart success has been consistent throughout her career with six No. 1 hits, 10 Top 40 pop singles, 17 Top 40 Adult Contemporary tracks and multiple Contemporary Christian chart-toppers. In addition to her six GRAMMY® Awards, Grant has earned 26 Dove Awards (including four Artist of the Year Awards) and has been awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame as well as the Music City Walk of Fame. Conventional wisdom has it that Grant put Contemporary Christian Music on the map becoming the first Contemporary Christian artist to have a platinum record, the first to hit No. 1 on the Pop charts and the first to perform at the GRAMMY® Awards. With that, her legacy as one of the most influential artists of the past four decades is assured. In April of 2016, Grant celebrated the 25th anniversary of her iconic hit “Baby Baby” with a worldwide release of the song featuring pop sensation Tori Kelly. Tennessee Christmas released in late 2016, marking Grant’s first all-new holiday album in nearly 20 years.

About the Grand Ole Opry
To plan an Opry visit, call (800) SEE-OPRY or visit opry.com. The Opry presents the best in country music live every week from Nashville, Tenn.  Celebrating nine decades of entertainment, the Opry can be heard at opry.com and wsmonline.com,Opry and WSM mobile apps, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and its flagship home, 650 AM-WSM. The Grand Ole Opry is owned by Ryman Hospitality Properties (NYSE: RHP).  For more information, visit opry.com. 

About Circle Media, LLC
Circle Media, LLC is a media network dedicated to celebrating the country lifestyle and putting fans inside the circle of everything country. Circle offers entertainment news, documentaries, movies, archival, new and licensed programming, Grand Ole Opry performances, and more. Circle is a joint venture between Opry Entertainment Group, a subsidiary of Ryman Hospitality Properties, and Gray TV.

Get Connected with Amy Grant:
Website // http://amygrant.com
Twitter //https://twitter.com/amygrant
Instagram // https://www.instagram.com/amygrantofficial/
Facebook // https://www.facebook.com/amygrant/


AMY GRANT Media Contact:
Velvet Kelm 
the media collective
velvet@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com
@themcollective

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T.J. MARTELL FOUNDATION HONORS AMY GRANT WITH TONY MARTELL OUTSTANDING ENTERTAINMENT ACHIEVEMENT AWARD AT 2020 HONORS GALA

T.J. MARTELL FOUNDATION HONORS AMY GRANT WITH TONY MARTELL OUTSTANDING ENTERTAINMENT ACHIEVEMENT AWARD AT 2020 HONORS GALA

Reba McEntire Gives Warmhearted Intro to Grant, followed by Magical Performance by Vince Gill and Grant's daughter Corrina 

NASHVILLE, TENN. (February 26, 2020) — T.J. Martell Foundation – the music industry’s leading nonprofit to fund innovative medical research focused on treatments and cures for cancer – honored AMY GRANT with the Tony Martell Outstanding Entertainment Achievement Award at their 2020 Honors Gala.  The foundation topped their fundraising record at the 2020 gala surpassing $1 MILLION. The 12th Annual event was emceed by Charles Esten at the Omni Nashville Hotel on Monday (2/24).

Reba McEntire had the Gala guests laughing – and in tears – over her warmhearted introduction of Grant, followed by a very special magical moment when Vince Gill and Grant’s daughter Corrina joined her father on the keys during his touching performance of “When My Amy Prays."Upon accepting her award, Grant gracefully noted that "The world will be changed in unimaginable ways because of our generosity and our effort.  All of us in this room tonight have learned the gift that if we give what we have there will always be enough; there will be more than we thought was there; that we can channel every good thing if we will just simply just open up. So thank you so much for this feeling of being buoyed up. I just want to finish strong.... this race." 

The landmark occasion celebrated a new class of local honorees, as they were acknowledged for their professional accomplishments, community spirit, and philanthropy, in front of an at-capacity crowd of supporters. Along with Grant, the Music City game-changers included: President of Morris Higham Management, CLINT HIGHAM – Joel A. Katz Music is Medicine Chairman’s Award; Associate Director for Clinical Research and Director of Phase I Research at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, DR. JORDAN BERLIN – Medical Research Advancement Award; commercial real estate developer and CEO of Hall | Emery, PATRICK G. EMERY – Spirit of Nashville Award; and community builders LAURIE AND JIM SEABURY – Lifetime Humanitarian Award.

About Amy Grant:
Amy Grant's career spans more than 40 years and stretches from her roots in gospel into becoming an iconic pop star, songwriter, television personality and philanthropist. With three multi-platinum albums, six platinum albums and four gold albums, her total career album sales have exceeded 30 million. Grant’s chart success has been consistent throughout her career with six No. 1 hits, 10 Top 40 pop singles, 17 Top 40 Adult Contemporary tracks and multiple Contemporary Christian chart-toppers. In addition to her six GRAMMY® Awards, Grant has earned 26 Dove Awards (including four Artist of the Year Awards) and has been awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame as well as the Music City Walk of Fame. Conventional wisdom has it that Grant put Contemporary Christian Music on the map becoming the first Contemporary Christian artist to have a platinum record, the first to hit No. 1 on the Pop charts and the first to perform at the GRAMMY® Awards. With that, her legacy as one of the most influential artists of the past four decades is assured. In April of 2016, Grant celebrated the 25th anniversary of her iconic hit “Baby Baby” with a worldwide release of the song featuring pop sensation Tori Kelly. Tennessee Christmas released in late 2016, marking Grant’s first all-new holiday album in nearly 20 years.

About the T.J. Martell Foundation:
The T.J. Martell Foundation is the music industry’s leading foundation that funds innovative medical research focused on finding treatments and cures for cancer. The Foundation was founded in 1975 by music industry executive Tony Martell and his colleagues in loving memory of his son T.J., who died of leukemia. The Foundation has provided more than $280 million for research at flagship hospitals in the United States. 

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Get Connected with Amy Grant:
Website // http://amygrant.com
Twitter //https://twitter.com/amygrant
Instagram // https://www.instagram.com/amygrantofficial/
Facebook // https://www.facebook.com/amygrant/


Media Contact:
Velvet Kelm 
the media collective
velvet@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com
@themcollective