Bringing the sound of Hillsong Church's Youth Ministry, Young & Free is kicking off 2015 with the release of their new EP This Is Living. Releasing January 13, the EP features five tracks, including three new songs, and is full of the energy that is becoming synonymous with Young & Free worship. The EP highlights are the opener and title track - a collaboration with Grammy-winning rap artist Lecrae - as well as a newly recorded version of "Sinking Deep" (from We Are Young & Free). An acoustic version of "This Is Living" is also featured.
"For us it was a dream come true to collaborate with Lecrae who we not only love and respect as an artist, but as someone who is a strong voice for freedom to this generation. If anyone's message echoes the message of 'This Is Living' it's Lecrae," shares the Young & Free team.
In 2013, Young & Free released their first full-length album, We Are Young & Free, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Christian charts as well as on the Praise and Worship chart. In addition it debuted in the Top 25 on the Billboard Top 200 chart and No. 6 on the Overall Digital Albums chart.
The debut album also received four GMA Dove Award nominations including New Artist of the Year as well as nods for their debut album and single "Alive," which spent seven weeks at No. 1 at Hot AC radio. The single's lyric video has a strong online presence with more than 5.6 million views. In addition to "Alive," Young & Free's second single "Wake" also went No. 1 at radio for three weeks. Their debut album has sold over 125k units in th U.S. alone, making them one of the top-selling new worship artists. During the holiday season, they released their first Christmas single "Noel" and it was added to stations across the country.
Click here to add a video. Click to add lyrics if not listed.
The Voice of A New Generation| Posted January 15, 2015
The widely successful Hillsong Church in Australia has branched out in many ways following their launch-- one of the best recent offshoots being their youth music ministry, Young & Free. Y&F came on the scene in 2013 with the release of their debut album, We Are Young & Free, and has since become one of the most influential voices in the Christian youth culture. Singles "Wake" and "Alive" found almost instant positive feedback from listeners around the world, and the group soon became a top-selling worship movement, gaining a steady fanbase from listeners of all ages.
Kicking off the new year with new music, the EP This Is Living features 5 songs, 3 of them being brand new, infused with the energy and EDM vibe that has become synonymous with Young & Free's ministry.
Title track "This Is Living" is an anthemic collaboration with Grammy-winning rapper Lecrae. "For us it was a dream come true to collaborate with Lecrae who we not only love and respect as an artist, but as someone who is a strong voice for freedom to this generation. If anyone's message echoes the message of 'This Is Living,' it's Lecrae," said the team about working with the popular artist.
Appropriately named "Energy" visits the more electronic side of the EP and serves as the dance tune, while "Pursue" follows more along the lines of worship.
An acoustic version of "This Is Living" is up next, sticking out as an immediate favorite. Beginning with a beautiful guitar intro, the male and female vocals work together in graceful harmony to lead us in an intimate moment of worship. Bringing the EP to a close, a reprise of "Sinking Deep" from their first album draws us into yet another powerful meeting with the presence of God.
Closing Thoughts:
Hillsong Young & Free has big things ahead, that much is sure. After only minutes of listening to the music they've poured their heart into, it's clear that they're passionate about Christ and making His name known through worship. This Is Living is a perfect representation of that passion, exuding praise and joy from every single lyric. I'm sure I'm with the majority when I say I honestly can't wait to see what's in the works from Y&F, and I will be a glad listener to whatever they send us next.
Song To Download Now:
"This Is Living (Acoustic)" (Get it on iTunes here.)
to add lyrics if not listed.
