Author Matt Conner

For Mallary Hope, a girl who grew up idolizing Dolly Parton, the sustained success in the country music world was a dream come true—that is, until the spiritual tug on her heart gave way to a new musical direction.

Some of the joy of the Christmas season can be found in the odd things that make their way into a gift exchange. From silly white elephant options to the awkward present from a family member who doesn't quite know your correct size, the holidays are often filled with laughter for some of the weird trinkets we end up bringing home.

Earlier this year, the artistic collective released Million Lifetimes with favorites like “Hope Has a Name.” Now they’ve come back with an EP for the holidays that strips back a few of the tracks and includes other surprises under the banner, Million Lifetimes Deconstructed.... Read more

After the sixth season of American Idol wrapped up, Doolittle found herself in a place where few artists have stood. Some former finalists had moved on to much larger stages, such as Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, while other favorites had found post-Idol life difficult. In short, many stars faded from view when the popular television show wasn’t the one shining the spotlight on them.

Casey J was an elementary school teacher as recently as a few years ago, but her decision to obey the impulse to pursue music full-time was rewarded with a Stellar Award for New Artist of the Year in 2016 on the strength of her debut, The Truth.

Michael W. Smith starts the conversation in much the same way he finishes it—with effusive praise for his favorite time of year. In fact, he can’t stop saying so. On six different occasions, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame member says “I love Christmas” in some form or another.

Holly Starr is having more fun than ever. The 27-year-old singer-songwriter has tested various sounds over the years, venturing between acoustic fare to pop/rock to songs with a more worshipful bent. But Starr’s most recent foray into writing with artist/producer Matthew Parker has thrown her a creative curve into the world of electronic dance music (EDM).

If you want to not only get an early start on an artist to watch for 2019, we’ve got a special holiday surprise for you. Mallary Hope might be a new artists in Christian music circles, but she’s a seasoned country pro who now feels called to spread the gospel with her music.

To the Sidewalk Prophets, fans aren’t just like family. They are family. On the verge of setting off on their headlining Christmas tour, joyfully titled The Great Big Family Christmas Tour, front man Dave Frey says the band simply wants to give back to their fans—er, family—who have given them so much in the past year.

Nathan Sheridan’s songs are shepherding songs, heartening messages for the faith journey from someone who has found God to be faithful despite some very difficult circumstances.