If you're looking to support independent/underground artists, we've got you covered. Our staff has compiled a list of some of our favorite new songs you probably haven't heard before.
Derek Ryan, Kurtis Hoppie, Spencer Boliou, Brianna Grace - "Stars"
Have you ever discovered a song and felt like you're one of the only people obsessing over it? It's both empowering (I know something few do!) and frustrating (why don't more people know about this?!). That's exactly the case with a track I love so much, I hand-picked it as the theme music for the 14th Annual We Love Christian Music Awards--and then nominated the group of indie artists behind it for "Collaboration of the Year."
Kurtis Hoppie (who's found some solid success in recent years) is joined by Derek Ryan, Spencer Bolioiu, and Brianna Grace, and their harmonies, styles, and genre-bending creativity collide perfectly in a song that shouldn't be missed any longer. Check out the lyric video we created for it below. I don't need a restraining order--I just know a banger when I hear one. Even if only a few others have... so far. -Kevin McNeese
Callhimd - "ALL HIM Freestyle"
Every once in a while, I come across a song that sticks in my head, and I can't shake it. And the only way to get it out of my head is to listen to it again and again. This is one of those songs. I found Callhimd (Darius Brooks) on my Instagram feed one day, and I must say, he has quickly become my current favorite Christian rapper. The things I like about him are that he writes his own music and very creatively samples secular hooks in his songs (which make them catchy), and raps so clearly that you can understand all of the words. The thing that I like most about his music is that he is not trying to impress anyone, and he makes it all about Jesus. If you like freestyle rap, you are going to love this one! -Tommy G
Margaret Knapp - "I Need Him"
Full disclosure: Margaret Knapp is my wife's cousin, so I was introduced to her music via family. Yet I am so glad I was. Margaret Knapp isn't someone you'll see on Christian festival stages, but her music is a deep, ethereal, and emotional experience. With music that speaks directly to God, I find her musical style very captivating. "I Need Him" dropped as a single after her most recent album, yet I think it might be my favorite offering from her. The song's declaration of reliance on Christ is simple and profound. "He's breaking down all my delusions...he has paid all of the difference...still I need him more." The song's gentle approach is easy to get caught up in, and let the song's message resonate all the more. Just goes to show that even small artists can still deliver a song worthwhile. -J.J. Francesco
Josh Wilson - "Rest"
This song encourages us to see ourselves the way God sees us. What a powerful message of redemption: Grace is an unearned favor and a gift. We are empowered by depending on God's supernatural ability instead of our own.
I love how Josh takes moments of personal anxiety and panic, when he feels he isn't living up to his calling as a follower of Jesus, and transforms those moments into songs that serve as prayers of surrender to God. Join Josh in responding in total surrender to God: "Just under the noise/With a still, small voice, saying/Rest, rest/Jesus is holding you." -Kevin Davis
"Phases" - Rachel Summers
Normally when I see an acoustic track, I tend to scroll by and ignore it. In this case, I decided to listen to it, and my jaw dropped. Rachel Summers is one of those new faces who has exceptional talent, and her project Phases (Acoustic) showcases both her writing and voice so well. The title track gives an sweet acoutic coffee-house vibe while reminding me or artists like Olivia Dean or even an acoustic Stacie Orrico. The song is a chill reminder that though life hits us with changes, we can find healing and grace by taking each day at a time. -Bradden Ford
LWO - "Good With You"
Punk/rock has always been one of my favorite styles of music and one that I wish we heard more of in Christian music. "Good With You" by pop/rap/rock artist LWO is one of those songs that jumps into that style whole hearted reminding me of the Tooth & Nail golden days. The song is paired with a bold message of trusting God where He calls us to. Even in our faults and where we fall short, He is faithful and leading us through time and time again. -Bradden Ford
Maddie Harding - "MyWay/Their/YourWay"
When I first heard this song, it felt like my heart stopped. Maddie Harding has become one of my favorite artists in Christian music, although a brand new artist who most haven't heard of yet. This song is beauitful mix of styles with folk/acoustic/soft-rock with a deep message of trusting God and forgiving others. This song has been a lifeline and remains such a deep prayer that has brought me closer to surrender with the Lord through it heartfelt honest lyrics. -Bradden Ford
Jared Marc - "Can You Hear Me?"
I was instantly drawn to this song when I first heard it. It's raw, emotional and vulnerable and gives words to the feeling that many Christians have felt at some point. Despite knowing in our minds and hearts that God hears us, sometimes human nature creeps in and makes it feel like our cries and prayers aren't being heard. My favorite lyric in the song is "take my doubts, wring em out." This song is a great reminder that we're not alone when doubt starts to infiltrate our minds, but when those thoughts start happening it's the perfect opportunity to cry out to God. He hears us even when we feel like He doesn't. -Felicia Holt
Assembled from all corners of North America and many other places in between, the NRTeam includes staff members whose energy is equally dedicated to loving and writing about the music they cherish.
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