GRAMMY winner Chris Tomlin announced today his plans for a new studio album and tailgate concerts both launching in July.
The new music roll out begins today with two digital songs, “Thank You Lord” with Thomas Rhett & Florida Georgia Line (Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley) and “Who You Are To Me” with Lady A (Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott and Dave Haywood). Both songs, available HERE, will appear on his Chris Tomlin & Friends album set for digital release on July 31.
Chris Tomlin & Friends is Chris’ thirteenth album and is executively produced by Florida Georgia Line. Corey Crowder produced 12 out of 13 tracks with David Garcia producing one track and Ed Cash co-producing one. The album also features Brett Young, Russell Dickerson, Chris Lane, RaeLynn, Cassadee Pope, Blessing and Bear Rinehart of NEEDTOBREATHE. BILLBOARD exclusively announced the news this morning. The Chris Tomlin & Friends project was born from a chance meeting between Chris and Tyler Hubbard that led to them writing songs together and Chris joining Florida Georgia Line for a moment during their shows in Atlanta and Las Vegas last year.
“Who You Are To Me,” written by Chris Tomlin, Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott and Dave Haywood, who also co-produced the track with Corey Crowder, will be going to Christian radio for add’s in July. A lyric video for “Who You Are To Me” is available now.
“I am so excited to finally get to share this music. The project has been unbelievable and unlike anything I have ever done before. The relationships, friendships, and the collaborations have been a gift. For me, the best part is that everyone created this music to bring glory to God,” said Chris. “What a joy it has been to do this with friends; writing songs and telling stories that we hope will move people in a new way.”
“This is a very meaningful project for us,” shares Tyler. “BK and I both grew up leading worship in church, singing several of Chris’ songs throughout the years. He’s been a huge inspiration to us, and to have this full circle opportunity to collaborate with him on this album is a true blessing.”
Brian adds, “From the first time we met, we built an immediate friendship that has quickly grown into a brotherhood. Something divine happens when we all write and get together in the studio that feels bigger than us. We are grateful for Chris and his belief in us to share this message with the world.”
“Everyone brought their own unique experiences and talents to the table and it’s what made the songs and their message so relatable and powerful,” shares Chris “One of my personal hopes for this album is to take a step towards bridging Christian music and all other genres. I believe themes about faith and God are relevant and needed regardless of the style of music or streaming platform genre classification. Since I was young, I have felt a calling on my life to help give people a voice to worship God. I want people to have the opportunity to worship every day of the week not just on Sundays; while they are in their car, at work, running, or just listening to whatever shows up on their playlist. For me, this record is a step towards breaking down the walls of the Christian genre and allowing the music to be accessible to a wider audience. That’s my understanding of the Gospel. Music about faith, God, salvation and forgiveness doesn’t only have to come from the Christian genre.”
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Chris is launching “Tomlin Worship Tailgate” – a way to bring friends, family, churches, and communities together in worship in a safe and socially distanced way. The shows are set for July 24-26 in Louisville, KY, Huntsville, AL and Rock, GA. Tickets on sale Tuesday, June 30 at www.christomlin.com. Additional weekends to be announced soon. Premier Productions is the official tour promoter.
“These tailgate events provide a safe way to come together and remind us how simple songs of worship can connect and give us a voice together in some of the hardest times,” shares Chris. “This night is about gathering all streams of the church as one voice; so bring your families and friends and pop the tailgate down and let’s worship together under the summer sky.
