If you were to draw up a blueprint for a successful music career, the final plans couldn't help but resemble Newsboys' trajectory. They've defined Christian music for more than two decades, only to blow up expectations as they've recreated themselves again and again. Impossible to pin down, these musical shapeshifters move fluidly between rock and pop, worship and dance, to the delight of their legion of fans. Their live shows exhibit a kind of energy that, if it could be bottled, would power entire cities.
While the recognition for all their hard work is nice, the band isn't in it for the accolades. Instead, lead vocalist Michael Tait, guitarist Jody Davis, keyboardist Jeff Frankenstein and drummer Duncan Phillips do what they do out of love: love for God, love for their fans and love for the simple act of making music. Love is an emotion they believe we need more of in this increasingly dark world. They're so passionate about the idea that they titled their new album Love Riot.
"When I speak from stage, I often talk about love," says Tait of the album's inspiration. "Darkness has been so prevalent in our culture. Let's have a love riot—it's time."
For inspiration for their latest musical endeavor, they looked around at the good that's already being done, people who are shining examples of love both in their own backyard and around the world. The album celebrates those selfless acts, while also aiming to inspire the Church to refocus on this cornerstone of our faith.
"What makes Christianity different than every other faith is that it's built on love," Phillips reminds. "We were shown the greatest love from our Savior, but the Church hasn't always done a great job of loving people."
Love Riot hopes to change that.
The album is highlighted by the first single, "Guilty," the theme song of Pure Flix's upcoming motion picture "God's Not Dead 2."
"As a band, our primary goal is to communicate a powerful message through music," says Newsboys' Michael Tait. "With 'Guilty,' we wanted to deliver an anthem that carries an important message for today. 'Guilty' is a song for all Christians, as we seek to honor God each day in every way, no matter the cost. We pray it will help encourage and empower Believers—in our country and around the world—to live boldly for Him."
In addition to the song, Newsboys are set to return to the big screen with a special appearance in "God's Not Dead 2," the sequel to the 2014 hit Pure Flix film in which the band made their onscreen debut. "God's Not Dead 2" hits theatres around the country beginning April 1, 2016, and stars Melissa Joan Hart, Jesse Metcalfe, David A.R. White, Sadie Robertson, Robin Givens and Fred Thompson, among others. The music video featured here includes a first look at footage from the film where key characters wrestle with their faith, and seek out answers to their questions about who God is.
From the brand new album "Love Riot." In stores everywhere now!
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