“A song about Marilyn Manson will never, ever be on a CD put out by Gotee Records. Period!” – Toby Mac Those words—delivered with tongue firmly in cheek—slam the brakes at the end of Relient K’s first track on their self-titled debut. It was bold. It was bizarre. It was punk rock with a youth group twist. But how did a group of teens go from basement demos to making TobyMac laugh out loud and land a record deal with Gotee? Let’s rewind. Twenty-five years ago, a scrappy group of Ghoti Hook-loving teenagers from Ohio stepped into a makeshift home studio with a funny name and zero idea that they…

If you’ve been watching the NFL and found yourself cheering more for the guy in the bull suit than the guy with the ball, you’re not alone. The man behind Toro—the Houston Texans’ wildly popular mascot—is Andrew Johnson, and he’s not just an entertainer. He’s a family man, a man of faith, and right now, a nominee for the Mascot Hall of Fame. And here at CCM Magazine, we think it’s time our readers rally behind one of our own. I’ve known Andrew for over 20 years. We met at a Christian music festival in Smithville, Missouri and even back then, he was a performer, already leaving an impression that would…

GRAMMY-nominated, award winning artist Forrest Frank’s greatly anticipated CHILD OF GOD II is out today. With pre-orders surpassing 200K, the new music was in massive demand by fans and has media critics singing its praises “With this deeply emotional, genre-blending follow-up, Forrest doesn’t just prove his staying power he stakes his claim as both a champion and innovator of Christian music for a new generation.” -CCM Magazine “Forrest Frank Takes Gospel Mission Seriously in CHILD OF GOD II” -ChurchLeaders.com “…a soundtrack for summer, for faith, for fun– Joyful, intentional, and impossible not to move to. Forrest Frank has done it again.” -Today’s Christian Entertainment “Forrest Frank is having a moment.…

Matt Crocker, the longstanding member and vocalist of Hillsong UNITED and Hillsong Worship, announces his first-ever solo music endeavor and official signing with Anotherland —a creative collective and label partner helping usher in a new chapter of his artistry. The partnership comes alongside a momentous decade-long career, in which Crocker has written and performed some of the most celebrated anthems in contemporary Christian music, including “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail),” “This I Believe (The Creed),” and “I Surrender,” collectively reaching over 5 billion streams worldwide. Now, the multi-platinum singer-songwriter reveals he has been writing new music that draws from his many musical influences including The Yeah Yeah Yeah’s, The Beatles,…

Christian rock artist Mr. Weaverface kicks off a bold new season in his music ministry with the release of his latest single, “Throne,” available now on all major streaming platforms through NRT Music. Written and composed by Brendon Weaver (aka Mr. Weaverface) and recorded and produced at Thornwall Studios by Jonathan Sambrick with supporting band Jonathan Presnell on bass and Timothy Jackson on drums, “Throne” draws inspiration from Scripture passages that describe the majesty of God’s throne and the heavenly realms. The post-grunge-infused anthem is both a spiritual declaration and a sonic journey, with driving guitars and soaring vocals underscoring God’s supreme reign and enduring love. “‘Throne’ is about the…

Presence Music Band is back with a vibrant new single, “Where Would I Be,” now available through NRT Music. Written by Leah and Brandon Monson and produced by ZK Productions, this jazzy, ska-influenced pop anthem is a soulful celebration of grace and the unmistakable transformation found in Christ. With lyrical imagery that journeys from biblical rebellion to modern redemption–referencing Lazarus, Cain, Paul, and more–“Where Would I Be” asks a powerful question that fuels gratitude and worship Where would we be without the mercy and grace of Jesus? The song’s infectious melody and honest, joyful delivery create an energetic and deeply reflective atmosphere. With lines like “Thank God that He paid…

Proclaiming God’s love from the heart of Utah to the ends of the earth for two decades, acclaimed worshippers The Rock Music deliver one of their most personal and poignant singles to date, “Loved Me At My Worst.” A balm of grace for the troubled soul, the track was penned by group members Steele Croswhite, Caleb Yetton and Thomas Scribner in collaboration with Walter Halliwell, and was produced by Joel Pack and Jordan Clark. “Loved Me At My Worst” uproots seeds of shame and despair sowed in waywardness, steadfastly declaring devotion to an all-powerful, all-merciful God “Jesus, I can’t hide from You/I don’t know why I’d want to/’Cause You loved…

As Forrest Frank and Brandon Lake made history this week by landing on the Billboard Hot 100 — the first time in over a decade that Christian music has broken through in this way — it’s clear we’re living in a new era of faith-fueled pop culture. And there may be no better soundtrack for this moment than Forrest Frank’s Child of God II. If you missed Part 1 of our Child of God II review, stop what you’re doing and go read it here. In that one, I sat down with all three of my kids — Ryker (12), and twins Golda and Georgia (9) — to break down the…

Anberlin has announced that they have released their first science-fiction graphic novel titled “Godspeed” after their song with the same title. The novel is co-written by Anberlin bassist Deon Rexroat and is about the story of starliner passengers traveling into space and their search for survival and truth. Copies of the novel can be purchased here. Anberlin is known for the songs “The Feel Good Drag,” “Paperthin Hymn” and “The Unwinding Cable Car.” Nevertake, released in March 2025, is the band’s latest album–a rerecorded version of their 2005 release Never Take Friendship Personal, celebrating its 20th anniversary. Vocals were recorded by current touring lead singer Matty Mullins, who is also…