I hope everyone is enjoying summer. When I think of summer I think of lemonade, watermelon, kids out of school and vacation. I know we all have busy schedules but I would like to encourage you to take time to have a true summer with your family, kids or simply for yourself. There is nothing wrong with taking a breather. Family time and or quiet time is beneficial to being productive. Although it’s a scorcher, get outside and have some summer sizzle fun. Now lets head into music news and new releases for July.
New Releases
Planetshakers – Heaven On Earth Part 2 – Independent
NEEDTOBREATHE – Forever On Your SIde EP – Word/Atlantic – New Day
Koryn Hawthorne – Unstoppable – RCA Inspiration – Provident
The Martins – Still Standing – Gaither Music Group – Capitol
Jonathan Nelson – Home Again – eOne – New Day
Greater Vision – Life Is a Song – Daywind Records – New Day
Highlands Worship – You’re Here EP – Independent
Brian Campbell – Born Again – Independent
Neon Feather – Between U and Me (Single) – Centricity Music
Pat Barrett – Pat Barrett – Independent
Maranada Curtis
Born and raised in Miami, Fla. to Reverend W.S. Curtis and Darlene Curtis, the fourth of seven children, Maranda quickly found singing to be a source of comfort. Curtis has had the opportunity to share the stage with such gospel artists as Pastor John P. Kee, Kurt Carr, Youthful Praise & more. Known for her 
Her signature sound has been featured on various music projects as a lead vocalist and audiences have taken to her style very well.
Maranda lives by the belief, “Worship is not a matter of skill; it’s a lifestyle!”
She started singing as a child, eventually going professional as an adult. She released her debut single, “Don’t Take Your Love Away,” in 2012. Curtis released her debut EP, The Maranda Experience, Vol. 1, in 2017, debuting at number one on Billboard’s gospel chart in August of that year. The concert album, Open Heaven: The Maranda Experience Live, released in June of 2018. Her style of worship leadership takes you directly into the presence of the Lord. You can purchase hernew project on all digital music outlets.
Chris August
After becoming a Christian at the age of 15, August sought out to pursue God and the musical calling he had on his life. August received his first piano/keyboard at the age of 15 and began to play for his youth group and later for himself. At the age of 22, August wrote his first independent single. A singer/songwriter named Ryan Cabrera had gotten a hold of it and wanted to work with me. Within two weeks of Ryan hearing his music, he signed a management deal with Joe Simpson, father of Jessica and Ashlee, and a record contract with Geffen Records. August moved to Los Angeles in January of 2005 to work on his first album with Geffen. While there, he was able to work with such notables as Brian McKnight, Jessica Simpson, Ryan Cabrera and many more.
“I was working on music for my album, as well as writing and producing for other artist’s projects. In the fall of 2005, Ashlee Simpson asked me to go on tour with her. I would open for her, and play keys during her performance,” says August. “I ended up playing with her for a year traveling around the world doing what I loved.”
In January of 2008, after restructuring at Geffen Records, August ended up back in his hometown of Garland, Texas.
“It had been 2 years since I was involved with a church. I missed leading worship. I missed writing Christian songs. I missed the feeling of conviction,” he says.
He started playing keys at a nearby church called Lake Pointe Firewheel. As he got involved with their ministries, August ended up leading their worship pretty frequently.
“It felt great to be playing Christian music again. I had been back in Dallas for a year when I realized how long it had been since I had written a Christian song. Sure I had worked on some inspiring type of music while on Geffen, but nothing overtly Christian. I wanted to write a song that was a rededication of my music and my life to Jesus. On January 18, 2009 I wrote ‘Starry Night.’ Little did I know this song would change my life.”
I am pretty sure we have all heard “Starry Night” on the radio. August new project is titled “Seasons.” Do yourself a favor by purchasing this new project. August is a gifted writer. This project is not like any of his previous efforts. You can purchase it on all digital music outlets.
–By Cedric Austin, Metro Voice Music Reviewer