It's a good time to be a new artist--which isn't something you can always say when it comes to Christian radio.
Gotee Records' newest artist, Hollyn, celebrated her first No. 1 song on the Billboard Christian Hot AC/CHR National Airplay chart with "Alone" (feat. Tru)--nine weeks ago.
That's right; she's been atop the chart for more than two months, and yet that's not her only Top 5 song on the chart. Her contribution to TobyMac's This Is Not A Test, "Backseat Driver" (also featuring Tru), clocks in at No. 4.
"We don't take things like this for granted," Gotee Records posted on Facebook in reference to the news. "And things like this don't happen very often. Thanks to all the fans for the requests and all of Christian radio for playing [Hollyn's music]."
In a radio climate regularly known for incubating well-established songs and artists, 2016 looks to be off to a good start for new music and new artists. Coming in at No. 3 on the Hot AC/CHR National Airplay chart is Jordan Feliz's "The River"--one of the 2015 WE LOVE CHRISTIAN MUSIC AWARDS nominees for Song of the Year.
New artists David Dunn, Stars Go Dim, Consumed By Fire, 3For3 and We Are Messengers all are part of the Top 25 of that chart, indicating a strong presence by emerging artists in 2016.
