OK… It’s Christmas tour rehearsal week. Which this year means that we are going to be engaging in a little healthy AG vs. MWS competition. We’ll call it BATTLE OF THE CHRISTMAS TREES with our friends from Balsam Hill​.

When you vote you’ll be entered to win some awesome stuff of course, which is REALLY GREAT… but most importantly you’ll be helping Michael W. defeat Amy. Not that we’re competitive or anything. 😉

Competition begins at 8 am central on November 5th – and runs through November 11th.

Go here to vote: https://www.balsamhill.com/pr/amy-grant-and-michael-smith-giveaway

Multi-Platinum artist, best-selling author and acclaimed actor Michael W. Smith announces his new album, A Million Lights, will release Feb. 16, 2018 from Rocketown Records and The Fuel Music.

USA Today caught up with Michael to talk about A Million Lights and the inspiration behind his new recording. Read the story and watch the stellar, sci-fi inspired official video for the album’s title track here or below.

Michael has been releasing new music regularly and performing around the world to sold-out crowds for the last 30+ years. During his storied career, he’s written 32 No. 1 singles, been honored with three Grammy Awards and 45 Dove Awards, was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and has sold more than 15 million albums.

He’s also given back to the global community. Michael has raised funds to battle AIDS in Africa alongside longtime friend Bono; started Rocketown, a safe haven for young people in Tennessee to meet and find hope; and has helped more than 70,000 children through Compassion International.

On Nov. 11, Michael will embark on his annual Christmas Tour with Amy Grant, Jordan Smithand a full symphony orchestra. (See tour dates here)

A Million Lights was fueled by the divisive national sentiment of 2017 and the mean-spirited banter on social media. “About half the album was written in response to where we are as a nation,” says Michael. “In the age of social media, people have forgotten how to talk with one another, to be civil.”

Eager to experiment with new sounds, Michael enlisted multi-platinum producer and songwriter Brian Todd (Miley Cyrus and Rascal Flatts) and songsmith Kyle Lee to help flesh out his vision for the new songs. “I called a bunch of people I’d never written with because I wanted to push myself and experiment.”

The result is a beautiful collection of sweeping, epic new songs that sees Michael exploring new ground with music created to enlighten, mesmerize and touch the soul of listeners.

“Until the world ends, music is the most powerful language there is. It can transform your life on every level, not just the spiritual. It can help people reconnect with why they’re here. That’s what I’m doing with A Million Lights.”

The first single and title track of the album is now available on all digital platforms, including iTunes, Apple Music, Amazon.comand YouTube, and can be heard on major Spotify playlists like “Top Christian,” “Ultimate Indie,” “Dance Around The House” and many more.

The Official lyric video has premiered for A MILLION LIGHTS.

Watch it, Share it, NOW!

Multi-Platinum, GRAMMY® and Dove Award winner Michael W. Smith releases his first new song in three years, “A Million Lights,” today from Rocketown Records and The Fuel Music. World premiering last month on SiriusXM The Message and going for adds now at Christian radio everywhere, the song is available to download or stream at outlets like iTunes, Amazon.com, Apple Music, Spotify and other digital providers internationally.

“I don’t recall being this excited about a single in a long time,” says Smith. “I’m very happy with how ‘A Million Lights’ has turned out and am anxious to get it from my studio out into the world! I believe the message of this song will be inspiring to everyone who hears it.”

With multiple sellout crowds experiencing the song live on Smith’s 20-city Revolution Tour this past spring, “A Million Lights” is also the first new song to be revealed from his upcoming, full-length studio album that is in production now. Slated to release early next year, the new album (title to be announced) will release from Smith’s Rocketown Records, as well as through his newly formed marketing and distribution alliance with The Fuel Music.

“There is a substantial new wind in Michael’s sail; this cultural influencer and voice for Christian people everywhere is revealing a new sound,” says Tony Patoto, The Fuel Music & Management, LLC founder. “It’s unequivocally Michael W. Smith, but with a significant new gravity and otherly approach contextually.”

Fans who heard “A Million Lights” on SiriusXM and on the recent tour are also responding to this new music on Smith’s Facebook page: “It’s a whole new level of greatness!” exclaims Catherine as Stephanie agrees, “Love this new song…I can’t wait to hear it again.” “I loved it live,” adds Ken while Jo Ann exclaims, “Wow! I love your new song. It’s beautiful! I’m so glad I was tuned into The Message.” Laura relates, “You and your music are such a blessing to this world!” and Sam says, “Great Song! Woke the House up with it this morning.”

Ways to listen now and add “A MILLION LIGHTS” to your library:
A Million Lights:
iTunes/Amazon:  http://hyperurl.co/AMillionLights
Spotify:  http://hyperurl.co/SpotifyMillionLights
Apple Music:  http://hyperurl.co/AppleMAMillionLights
Amazon Music:  http://hyperurl.co/AmazonAMillionLights

For all the latest Michael W. Smith news, tour dates (including his upcoming 22-city 2017 Christmas tour with Amy Grant and Jordan Smith) and more, go to www.michaelwsmith.com and connect through his socials.

Michael is HONORED to be part of his good friend, Stu G’s, new album – BEATITUDES.  Learn more below and go behind the scenes of the song Michael recorded with Stu for the project:

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Over a decade in the making, the project is the culmination of guitarist, songwriter and author Stu Garrard’s (Stu G) excavation of these “blessings at the bottom of life.” For the album, he explored in community with like-minded artists across a wide swath in the musical landscape. Celebrated artists like Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith and Martin Smith join singer/songwriters like Matt Maher, Audrey Assad, John Mark McMillan, Joel Houston and Amanda Cook and innovators like Propaganda, All Sons & Daughters, Terrian Bass and The Brilliance—artists who collectively have sold more than 62 million records, won 11 Grammy, 90 Dove Awards and amassed dozens of hit songs and millions of followers on social media—to unearth the words of Jesus in unexpected ways.

Listen to BEATITUDES here.

Michael W. Smith and his team are very excited to announce THREE opportunities for his friends, that’s you, to join him and some very special guests for event experiences.  

Michael W. Smith trip experiences are intentionally programmed in a way that every person attending gets to enjoy unique concerts and teaching that are impossible to tour.  These events also allow Michael to connect with the attendees in an even more personal way while enjoying some of the most amazing places in all of creation.

We hope you can join us!  Click any other banners below to learn more about each experience!

Tour Begins March 30, Set to Hit 20 Cities Across the U.S. This Spring

NASHVILLE, Tenn – Jan. 24, 2017 — Three-time Grammy® Award winner and multi-platinum recording artist Michael W. Smith is set to launch The Revolution Tour, featuring Dove Award-winning New Artist of the Year Jordan Feliz and special guest Nathan Tasker (pop duo Love & The Outcome will appear instead of Feliz on the first two weeks of the tour). Presented by Compassion International, the spring tour is set to kick off March 30, in Omaha, NE., and will travel to approximately 20 cities across the U.S. before wrapping up on May 14, in Ashland, KY.

Sure to be a night full of favorites, The Revolution Tour will take concert attendees on a journey through Smith’s entire career. Presenting a rare evening of music from today and yesterday, Smith will perform hits from his extensive repertoire that spans more than 30 years and includes chart-topping singles such as “Place In This World,” “I Will Be Here For You,” “Healing Rain,” “Above All,” “Friends,” “Breathe,” “Agnus Dei” and many more.

The Revolution Tour is presented by Compassion International (www.compassion.com), the world’s leading authority in child sponsorship. Compassion revolutionized the fight against global poverty by equipping the Church to develop children out of poverty to become responsible and fulfilled Christian adults. Founded in 1952, Compassion now partners with more than 6,800 churches in 26 countries to release more than 1.7 million babies, children and young adults from poverty.

Tickets for The Revolution Tour dates are on sale now, and special VIP packages are available in most markets, featuring early entry (for general admission shows) or premium seating (for reserved shows), an artist Q & A session and a CD. For the most up-to-date list of concerts, please visit www.michaelwsmith.com/tour.
THE REVOLUTION TOUR – SPRING 2017
Dates, markets and venues subject to change without notice. Additional dates to be announced.

• March 30 – Omaha, NE – Christ Community Church*
• March 31 – Loveland, CO – Foundations Church*
• April 1 – Des Moines, IA – Hoyt Sherman Place*
• April 2 – Lawrence, KS – The Lied Center (KSU)*
• April 6 – Hagerstown, MD – The Maryland Theater
• April 7 – Mansfield, OH – Crossroads Community Church
• April 8 – Lancaster, PA – American Music Theatre
• April 21 – Milwaukee, WI – Pabst Theater
• April 22 – Ottumwa, IA – Bridge View Center
• April 23 – St. Charles, IL – Christ Community Church
• April 28 – Holly, MI – The River Church
• April 29 – Grand Rapids, MI – 20 Monroe Live
• April 30 – Eau Claire, WI – Zorn Arena
• May 4 – North Attleboro, MA – Waters Church
• May 5 – Portland, ME – Eastpoint Christian Church
• May 6 – Montgomery, NY – Goodwill Church
• May 7 – Houghton, NY – Houghton College 
• May 12 – Kingsport, TN – Higher Ground Baptist Church*
• May 13 – Baltimore, MD –
• May 14 – Ashland, KY – Paramount Arts Theater*

*These dates feature Love & The Outcome instead of Jordan Feliz

GET TICKETS AND LOCALIZED TICKET INFORMATION HERE:  www.michaelwsmith.com/tour

ABOUT MICHAEL W. SMITH
Michael W. Smith is an acclaimed singer, songwriter and musician who has sold more than 15 million albums, achieved 32 No. 1 songs, received 2x RIAA multi-platinum, 6 platinum and 16 gold-certified albums, earned three GRAMMY® Awards, one American Music Award and 45 Dove Awards. Amassing an in-depth catalog of achievements, Smith was honored at ASCAP’s 100th Anniversary for his groundbreaking career and significant influence in music. He performed at Former First Lady Barbara Bush’s 90th birthday celebration and also had the privilege to join Former President Clinton, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and others in remembering victims in the 20th Anniversary of the Oklahoma City attacks. Smith was appointed by the White House as Vice Chair for the President’s Council on service and civic participation and, most recently, was the featured performer at the 2015 USO Gala and recognized as a USO veteran. In addition to the international impact he has had through multiple global tours, he has written and composed various scored film projects, has authored 12 books, has acted in assorted motion pictures and has been featured by numerous national media outlets. He founded, and actively supports, the teen club Rocketown – a nonprofit outreach for teens, providing opportunities in arts, music, sports and mentoring programs. This year also marks the 25th anniversary in partnership with Compassion International, seeing more than seventy thousand families’ and children’s lives changed, around the world. For more information, visit www.michaelwsmith.com.

ABOUT JORDAN FELIZ

Dove Award-winning New Artist of the Year Jordan Feliz hails from Central California where he began his professional music career as the frontman for a mainstream rock band that generated a loyal fan base, record sales, and an active tour itinerary. Eventually, Feliz decided to strike out on his own as a solo Christian artist, and moved to Nashville to record his first EP as an independent artist. After signing with Centricity Music in 2015, Feliz released his first project, Beloved, in September of that year.  The project’s first single, “The River,” became a massive No. 1 single on several Billboard charts for multiple weeks. This success led to Feliz’s first full album, The River, that debuted at No. 4 on Billboard’s Christian Albums chart. The second single, “Never Too Far Gone,” became Feliz’s second No. 1 hit on Billboard’s Hot AC/CHR chart. This success led to a nomination for Breakout Single of the Year (“The River”) at the K-LOVE Awards in June 2016, followed by three Dove nominations for Song of the Year, Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year (“The River”) and New Artist of the Year, which he won Oct. 12, 2016 at the 47^th Annual Dove Awards. For more information, visit www.jordanfeliz.com.

ABOUT LOVE & THE OUTCOME
Comprised of singer/songwriter Jodi King and bassist Chris Rademaker, Love & The Outcome’s debut self-titled LP released in 2013 and launched the duo as a mainstay act at Christian radio and on the touring circuit. While their first project was created out of personal hardships, the latest release, These Are The Days, takes the husband/wife duo into a more restful, yet celebratory, season. Beginning the album in California and wrapping in Nashville, These Are The Days was produced by Colin Munroe and GRAMMY® Award winner Seth Mosley. The powerhouse producers easily blend the new songs with a variety of influences that inspire both Chris and Jodi, including 80’s U2 and The Police, to Coldplay, Bleachers and Tame Impala, while lyrically taking the songs to a unique mix of worship, praise celebration and declaration. For more information, visit www.LoveAndTheOutcome.com.

ABOUT NATHAN TASKER

Nathan Tasker is a storyteller with a deep desire to awaken hearts to a beautiful and believable Savior. The Australian singer-songwriter weaves his personal journey of sorrow, doubt, hope and expectation into songs that echo far beyond his life. His critically acclaimed debut album, Home, (produced by Charlie Peacock and Jason Ingram) was a knockout, spawning three No.1 radio singles in Australia and one No.1 radio single in the UK. To top that, the acoustic singer-songwriter, known for his exceptional live guitar skills and passionate vocals, was named 2011 Australian Artist of the Year by The Rock Across Australia. He spent time touring with established and well-loved acts Bebo Norman and Andrew Peterson, along with sell-out shows in the UK and Australia. Tasker’s latest album, Man On A Wire, was produced by Paul Moak (Third Day, Mat Kearney) and showcases his growth through a period of great sorrow and loss (Tasker & his wife lost her father to cancer in 2011, followed by the loss of twin babies that same year). In his live show, the singer-songwriter connects with his audiences not only through his timeless, guitar-driven pop songs and deeply thoughtful lyrics, but also through his open and engaging style that puts fans at ease and welcomes them into the stories he tells.