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The Wisecarvers set to release first album in four years

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SPECIAL CROSSROADS RECORDS

Arden, North Carolina (October 17, 2023) — For fans wanting a complete collection from Southern Gospel’s The Wisecarvers, it’s been a long wait — but their patience will be rewarded on December 8th, when Horizon Records releases the digital-only album Strike A Chord, the family musical ministry’s first full-length set in four years. The album is now available for pre-save/add on all streaming platforms.

Not that the Wisecarvers haven’t been releasing new music in the interim — in fact, they’ve offered listeners five singles, including last Christmas’ contemplative “Wrapped In Red.” Still, Strike A Chord yields a fully rounded musical portrait that provides ample proof of The Wisecarvers’ talent for affirming the fundamentals of Christian faith and devotion in song. And with strong original songs and vocal performances by the three younger members of the group – Kaila, Dustin and Chase Wisecarver – who support one another as each takes a turn in the leading vocal role, the album delivers its Gospel message through multiple musical dimensions.  

Opening song “Tuning” sets the stage for the project, beginning with the sound of an acoustic guitar being tuned – a powerful sonic image that’s underscored by Chase Wisecarver’s powerful lyric:

Take the time to make a wrong a right
And act more like His chosen
Come together and strike a chord
Sing a song that’ll change the world
We are all broken, imperfect, just human
And we could all use a little tuning

From there, the collection unfolds through an array of musical settings – each different, each distinctive, each built around a powerful lead vocal and exquisite harmonies that reveal the breadth of The Wisecarvers’ talents and the depth of their faith. Whether they’re taking on the up-tempo, country-flavored celebration of “Worth Saying Again” or the thoughtful meditation found in their new single, “Grace,” the beauty of The Wisecarvers’ music on Strike A Chord will lift a listeners’ spirits and leave them feeling blessed. 

“As we were finishing the last touches on the new project, I took a look back at the group of songs we were blessed to record,” says Kaila Wisecarver, speaking for the entire group. “There are three things that kept coming back to my mind. 

“#1 – We pray these songs speak to us as a nation. The title of the new project comes from a song Chase wrote called ‘Tuning’: ‘We’re all sinners here. We all have our problems here. There is no better here than who’s on your right or left.’ We all desperately need Jesus. In this time of so much division, that’s something we ALL have in common. 

“#2 – We pray these songs move us as a body of believers. May we examine our hearts and make sure we are glorifying Jesus in all we do. 

“And #3 –  We pray these songs minister to you on a personal level. These lyrics are about struggles, addictions, doubt, fear, victory, faith. Songs for the sinner, songs for the saints. Wherever you are in the mix of it all, our desire is that you feel the Holy Spirit strike a chord in your heart and you come to know Jesus in a brand new way!”

Browders expecting third child

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SPECIAL DAYWIND RECORDS

Sonya and Matthew Browder are expecting their third child. Sonya says that the couple waited 12 years for their first child. They now have two daughter, with a son on the way.

“Sadie said, I think I’d like to have a little brother and I said, I don’t believe that’s going to happen, baby. But, you know, you can pray about it if you want to, well famous last words because she did,” Sonya told Daywind Records.

The new arrival is due at the end of October. Sonya said they are surprised and grateful.

“You know, the Lord could have sent us our family started when we were first married at 25. For whatever reason, he chose to send our children later in life and so we’re just resting in the plan of the Lord and believing this is what He has for us and just just trying to enjoy the season,” she said.

We’ll let you know when the bouncing baby boy makes his arrival.

New members for Anthem Edition

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Special Daywind Records

Anthem Edition has announced several new members joining the group. Cameron Edens is a new face to the Southern Gospel industry. He joins to take on the tenor position. Joshua Stone joins to become piano player and behind the scenes, Sean Chapman joins as sound engineer.

Longtime tenor vocalist, Steve Ladd has departed the group, and he fills us in on his plans.

“I’m so happy for my time with Anthem Edition. Chris White of Sunlight Records, he put this all together and we trade nothing for it. I enjoy my time, but I feel God is leading me back to my solo career which I have for 10 years before joining the group full time back in 2019,” said Ladd.

The move to a solo career will allow Ladd to spend more time with family.

“I’m excited my wife will be able to go with me and I’ll be home a lot more, but still get to see everyone and share my heart through song,” he said.

Kingdom Heir’s Loren Harris resigns

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SPECIAL DAYWIND RECORDS

Loren Harris of The Kingdom Heirs has resigned his position effective immediately due to ongoing health issues. Harris spent seven years as part of the famous quartet. Most of that time he held the baritone position, but recently he had taken on lead vocal responsibilities.

The Kingdom Heirs is not accepting any auditions at this time.

Heart 2 Heart welcomes new members

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SPECIAL HERITAGE COMMUNICATIONS

Southern gospel group Heart 2 Heart is excited to announce the addition of two new vocalists. Riley and Ashleigh Dotson have been performing on stage with Heart 2 Heart the past few months, and will make their permanent place in the group official at this year’s National Quartet Convention in Pigeon Forge, TN. 

The Dotsons have been welcomed by longtime group members, David and Deana Kiser and Rhonda House and are no strangers to gospel music. Ashleigh is the daughter of David and Deana, and she has grown up surrounded by the music of Heart 2 Heart. Her love for music and her beautiful voice are a welcome addition to this ministry. Many will remember Riley Dotson as a member of Carolina The Band. He brings his powerful vocal ability and guitar talents to the group. 

David says, “This new season brings a different look and sound to our group, but it’s very much a blessing to be bringing part of our family on stage with us to minister together.” 

Ashleigh shares her excitement for this transition. “Riley and I prayed that God would guide our paths to eventually minister together, and we had shared in secret that Heart 2 Heart felt like home. God just has a way of making things happen, and we love that we are now a part of this group.” 

Riley adds, “I’m excited to share my passion to sing with my wife and be a part of the ministry, Heart 2 Heart. I haven’t been singing for a few years, and it’s a breath of fresh air to be back doing what I love.” 

Heart 2 Heart will celebrate the Dotsons’ debut at National Quartet Convention in Pigeon Forge, TN on Sunday, September 24, 2023. For more information on the ministry of Heart 2 Heart, visit their website at www.heart2heartmin.com or follow them on social media.