1. The Underground
Your Alternative Christian Voice
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Best of 2013: Top 5 new Christian artists
The year is coming to a close, and it has been a good year for Christian music. Like every other
year, there was an influx of new songstress and crooners into the Gospel contemporary
Christian music scene.
In the sea of Christian music old-timers, legends, and veterans a few newcomers experienced
grace, breakthrough and impactful launch in their careers as Christian performers.
So, who are the top 5 best new Christian artist of 2013 and why did I choose them? Glad you
asked.
The reasons I chose them are as follows:
1. These artists released albums and/or had singles in 2013.
2. They brought new sounds and/or feel to Christian music.
3. They scored nominations for awards.
4. They appeared on billboard charts and sold tons of records, as well as concert tickets.
5. Above all these acts helped in elevating the Kingdom of God with their music.
Now, on to the top 5 newcomers. Drumroll, please (or not).
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2. The Underground
Your Alternative Christian Voice
http://theundergroundsite.com
Last year, we got to know and fall in love with the duo For King and Country. This year TobyMac
introduced Capital Kings. The group is comprised of Jon White, who takes the lead vocals and
Cole Walowac, who is mainly in charge of programming and DJing.
These two guys are low-key, but they are slowly, but surely, bringing Electronica to Christian
music. Their self-titled album charted on the Billboard Christian album chart. The duo also
garnered a Dove Award nomination.
Soulfire Revolution
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3. The Underground
Your Alternative Christian Voice
http://theundergroundsite.com
Capitol Christian Music Group announced the signing of Soulfire Revolution, a worship band
hailing from Bogota, Colombia to its list of acclaimed artists.
The band is comprised of two married couples, Lorena Castellanos (vocals) and her husband
Julian Gamba (bass), and Paola Sanchez (drums) and husband Jose Anthony Catacoli (lead
guitar), plus Lorena’s brother-in-law Richard Harding (lead vocals and guitar).
The title track on Soulfire Revolution’s album, "Revival" featured Kim Walker-Smith of Jesus
Culture. "Revival" was released on Aug. 13 in English and Spanish (Aviva).
"Revival" peaked at No.3 on the iTunes Christian and Gospel chart, and the Spanish
counterpart, "Aviva," reached No. 3 and No. 1 respectively on the Colombian iTunes overall
album chart.
Click HERE to watch the official music video for “Revival.”
Hillsong Young and Free
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4. The Underground
Your Alternative Christian Voice
http://theundergroundsite.com
You most likely have heard of Hillsong United or Hillsong Live or Hillsong church. This year the
international church did not only open up a branch in New York, but they also introduced a
group of young, vibrant and passionate worshipers called Young and Free. The newly formed
group released its debut album "We Are Young and Free" on Oct. 1. It was critically acclaimed
by major Christian music critics including Jesus Freak Hideout, New Release Tuesday and The
Underground. The album charted well in Australia, New Zealand and UK. It debuted at No. 1 on
Billboard Christian Chart, No. 22 on Billboard 200 and No. 6 on Billboard digital albums.
Colton Dixon
Colton Dixon is such a rock-star! The former American idolist contestant released his debut
Christian pop album "A Messenger" in the first quarter of 2013. He has toured and rocked every
single stage he's been on. He is definitely a vocalist one must reckon with. "A Messenger"
debuted at No.15 on Billboard 200 and No. 1 on the Billboard Christian and Gospel Album
charts. Dixon's album is also in the Billboard's year-end chart for Christian albums, which is
impressive for a newcomer. He was also nominated for three Dove awards, and went away
with Best Rock/Contempoary Album Of The Year at the 2013 annual Dove award ceremony.
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5. The Underground
Your Alternative Christian Voice
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Tasha Cobbs
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6. The Underground
Your Alternative Christian Voice
http://theundergroundsite.com
Looking back at the year Tasha Cobbs has had, it doesn't get better than this for a new artist.
Cobbs had the one of the biggest Gospel songs in 2013, and she's a newcomer! Her single
"Break Every Chain" which was originally rendered in a Christian pop/rock format and covered
by Jesus Culture's Kim Walker Smith became the song on every lip. She transformed it into a
full blown urban gospel contemporary tune. She also released her debut album "Grace" to much
critical acclaims and has been on top since then. Cobbs recently won at the Dove Awards and
scored herself two Grammy nominations against 2014 Grammy awards. Her single "Break
Every Chain" is still on heavy rotation on gospel radio stations hence why she came up on top
on the Billboard year-end chart.
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