Over the course of the past five decades, the Gospel Music Association has awarded the “New Artist of the Year” trophy to countless recipients who went on to become some of the biggest names in Christian music. Among them are artists like Point Of Grace (1994), Jars of Clay (1996), Jeremy Camp (2004), Brandon Heath (2008), for KING & COUNTRY (2013), Lauren Daigle (2015), and Zach Williams (2017). To say that this year’s crop of nominees is in good company is an understatement.
Here’s a brief introduction to the five fresh acts up for this year’s coveted “New Artist of the Year” at the 51st Annual GMA Dove Awards, which you can stream for free with K-LOVE On Demand this year.
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Cochren & Co.
Cochren & Co. is the moniker for Indiana native Michael Cochren, whose soulful pop has been influenced by everyone from Billy Joel to NEEDTOBREATHE. In his short career thus far, he’s earned opening slots for TobyMac, Jeremy Camp, and Crowder, among others. Already known for hits like “Church (Take Me Back)” and “One Day,” Cochren & Co. is set to release its debut full-length album, Don’t Lose Hope, on January 22, 2021.
Switch
This Oklahoma-based band was named Billboard’s "No. 1 New Artist of the Year" in 2019. Originally called Life.Church Worship, Switch broke out with progressive hit single “Symphony,” the title track from their debut album. The collective, who faithfully leads worship at Life.Church, changed their name to Switch in 2018, as a nod to the youth in their student ministry as they attempt to teach them the value of “switching” from their parents’ faith to a faith that’s uniquely their own.
We The Kingdom
We The Kingdom has already notched a No. 1 hit song with “Holy Water,” the title-cut and lead single from their debut album. The group is literally a family band, led by Ed Cash, who’s spent his career writing and producing songs for mega stars like Chris Tomlin and Amy Grant. For We The Kingdom, Ed is joined by his brother, Scott; his daughter, Franni; his son, Martin; and family friend Andrew Bergthold. “Holy Water” also scored the group a Dove nod for “Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year” and a nomination in the prestigious “Song of the Year” category.
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Elle Limebear
After studying photography in college, Elle Limebear joined her dad—iconic Delirious? frontman Martin Smith—leading worship around the globe. With her debut, Lost In Wonder, Limebear is now embarking on a musical journey all her own. She and her husband of three years, Tom, reside in Brighton, UK, where Limebear serves as both a worship leader and youth pastor.
Chris Renzema
Singer/songwriter Chris Renzema wears his heart on his sleeve with poetic lyrics and thoughtful melodies that define his first label-affiliated album, Let The Ground Rest. When the new collection, featuring the single “Springtime,” released in April, Renzema celebrated by giving away more than 70 gift cards good for a cup of coffee at local coffee shops across the country.
You can watch the 51st Annual GMA Dove Awards on Friday, October 30 at 5 PM Pacific (7 PM Central / 8 PM Eastern), or stream it for free with K-LOVE On Demand.
