There are the Christian music veterans you already know: the Amy Grants, Chris Tomlins and Michael W. Smiths of the industry. Then there's the new class of Christian music: the Jordan Felizs, Hollyns and Zach Williams of the genre that are just getting started but already being noticed.
 
But there's also the group we're going to talk about below, the brand new artists you may not have heard of yet but definitely will want to watch out for. These artists are making their own mark on the industry this year through debut projects and radio singles that will grab your attention, matched with life stories that will capture your heart. Here's the new artists you'll want to know in 2017.
 
1. Branan Murphy 
Recent Essential Records signee Branan Murphy is a vocalist, songwriter, rapper and producer who has been involved in making music since high school. The pop artist just released his debut single "All The Wrong Things," featuring The Voice Season 8 finalist Koryn Hawthorne. Branan, who considers his music his own brand of "conscious pop" songs, seeks to write about what it means to be human, our struggles and the desire to be loved and understood. 
 
For more on Branan Murphy, follow him on Facebook here and check out his debut single below.
 
2. Jasmine Murray 
Christian radio listeners are likely already familiar with Jasmine Murray, Fair Trade Services' newest signee. The American Idol finalist and former Miss Mississippi's debut single "Fearless" found its way into the Top 10 on iTunes Christian charts upon its February release and has been making its way up the charts ever since, ministering to fans with its deeply personal message of breaking through anxiety. With a fresh pop sound and powerhouse vocals, Jasmine is ready to reach people around the world with the purpose she knows God has given her: spreading hope. 
 
For more on Jasmine Murray, follow her on Facebook here and check out "Fearless" below.
 
3. Sajan Nauriyal 
The first artist to sign to the Seattle-based VMG Records, Sajan Nauriyal launched his brand new album Always Enough in March. With its "focused and modern" sound, the project is a "creative experience intended to inspire" listeners and point back to Christ. The songs focus on the unchanging faithfulness and fullness of God, a theme that has carried Sajan his whole life and continues to give him peace in this new season.
 
For more on Sajan Nauriyal, follow him on Facebook here and check out "Always Enough" below. 
 
4. Greg Sykes
Covenant Award-winning songwriter and newly-signed Integrity Music worship artist Greg Sykes just released his solo debut with the label, a five-song EP (get it on iTunes here) titled Reverse. From producers Seth Mosley and Brian Fowler, the hopeful and redemptive title track is the EP's first single to radio and is already gaining Greg an excited fanbase. In addition to the new EP, Sykes is set to share the stage this year with 7eventh Time Down and Audio Adrenaline on the God Is On The Move Tour. 
 
For more on Greg Sykes, follow him on Facebook here and check out the official music video for "Reverse" below. 
   
5. citylovemusic 
Consisting of siblings Jonathan Singh and Kristina Plush, citylovemusic is a worship duo out of NYC. Jonathan and Kristina grew up leading worship in church, writing songs and building a band, but they eventually took a break to pursue individual goals. Beginning to write together again in 2016, the duo ventured out to record some demos in Nashville and felt it was time to do music together as a career. Their first EP, Nearer To You, released later that year, with the self-titled follow-up EP releasing early last month. 
 
For more on citylovemusic, follow them on Facebook here and check out "Exalt Your Name" below.
 
6. As We Ascend 
Born from the aftermath of rock group We As Human disbanding last year, As We Ascend is a brand new project comprised of former WAH members Justin Forshaw and Jake Jones along with the addition of Robert Venable. Through a PledgeMusic campaign last fall, the band funded their debut album Farewell To Midnight, which released earlier this year in partnership with Daywind's Vital Records. The album, touted by reviewers as "a frontrunner for the best rock record of the year," unites the three rock music veterans in a mass of talent and sees the group transitioning into a new season with grace and dedication as they send the message to fans new and old that they have just begun.
 
For more on As We Ascend, follow the band on Facebook here and listen to their lead single "Wash Away" below.
   
7. Daniel Doss
Formerly under the moniker of the Daniel Doss Band, Daniel is returning this year with his first full-length recording since 2008, now as an acclaimed songwriter and worship leader with Word Worship Music. Featuring an impressive list of songwriting credits, Praise The King chronicles a hard season for Daniel's family through songs of hope and healing. Daniel leads worship at churches, conferences and camps across the country. Additionally, he and his wife have been have been instrumental in launching two congregations.
 
For more on Daniel Doss, follow him on Facebook here and check out the official lyric video for "Praise The King" below.
   
8. Alisa Turner 
With an inspiring story of redemption and perseverance that she is passionate about sharing with anyone who will listen, Alisa Turner continues to sing through tragedy, loss and sickness. Through her bold voice, soulful style and vulnerable songwriting, Alisa tells her story with hope and encouragement in every lyric. A worship leader with the All About Worship team and the most recent artist to sign with Integrity Music, Alisa is preparing to release her full-length album later this summer.
 
For more on Alisa Turner, follow her on Facebook here and watch the video for "Lift My Eyes" below.
   
9. Steven Malcolm 
Word Records rapper Steven Malcolm was introduced to fans earlier this year while getting crowds pumped up during the Pre-Jam Party on Winter Jam. Malcolm, who has been crafting his infectious hip-hop beats for half a decade now, has shared the stage with high-profile artists such as Lecrae and Andy Mineo and has recent features with the likes of KB and Hollyn ("Party In The Hills"). His debut self-titled album dropped in February and has already gained the rapper nominations for Best New Artist and Best Free Project.
 
For more on Steven Malcolm, follow him on Facebook here and watch the music video for "Party In The Hills" below.
 
10. David Baloche 
Described as a 21st-century psalmist, David Baloche (son of legendary worship leader/songwriter Paul Baloche) seeks to inspire with his music and take his listeners on a journey. David's new album Labryinth offers a new way to experience Scripture, with this album being the first in a series that focuses heavily on musical meditation. With each song being pulled straight from a specific verse in the Bible, David sings Scripture as well as plays piano, acoustic guitar, clarinet and trumpet on Labryinth.
 
For more on David Baloche, follow him on Facebook here and listen to "Nothing Can Separate" below.
   
11. Mass Anthem
With a shared goal of creating a diverse album full of energy and encouragement, the guys in Mass Anthem are gearing up to release their second independent album Through People Like Me in June. The trio, based out of Nashville, is made up of brothers Chad and Tyler Sowards and Joey Atansio. When looking towards the rest of the year, the band is hopeful about the possibilities, saying "We know we are taking steps in the right direction and are so excited for what the future holds."
 
For more on Mass Anthem, follow them on Facebook here and check out the lyric video for "To Get To Me" below.
   
12. CASS 
Cassandra Kanda, aka CASS, is a creative with a passion for music, design and film. With a style classified as EDM/Urban/Hip-Hop/R&B, CASS is a diverse artist with much potential. Her debut album Genesis is available now, and a short film inspired by the album can be viewed on her YouTube page here.
 
For more on CASS, follow her on Facebook here and listen to "Sticks And Stones" below.
 
13. Local Sound 
A movement birthed within a college ministry, Local Sound has a heart for the local church and for uniting the Word of God with high-energy music. Their debut EP, WWJD, released at the beginning of this year and seeks to spread the Gospel through relevant and inspiring songs. Local Sound was just announced to be an artist on Outcry Tour this summer, a big opportunity and a high honor for a new band.
 
For more on Local Sound, follow them on Facebook here and check out "Heaven Here Now" below.