You’ll hear some familiar voices when you listen to Casting Crown’s lastest album, The Very Next Thing.
The album, which released on September 1, features more than 20 of Trevecca’s National Praise and Worship Institute (NPWI) students singing background vocals. The students went into the studio to record the vocals last fall and are featured on three songs: “For all You Are,” “No Other Name,” “Make Me a River.”
The students are also credited in the liner notes as National Praise and Worship Institute at Trevecca University.
Upon hearing the final product for the first time, students couldn’t help but feel proud.
“I was just overwhelmed with pride for everyone and I felt so much love for God for the opportunities He is giving me, our program, and our school,” said Kennedy Bryan, one of the singers on the album, said.
Months after recording for the album NPWI student Gabby Smith still isn’t able to sit still knowing that she was a part of something so big.
“I felt really humbled to be a part of something so big,” Smith said. “I’m only a college student in choir and to think someone like Casting Crowns would choose us to sing for their album astonished me. Also, I’m excited about how the album will be used to share the gospel and change lives all across this country. Now how can you sit still knowing that?”
Smith said she was also eager to meet music industry expert and Casting Crowns’ frontman Mark Hall when the NPWI students recorded the background vocals for the group’s new album.
“He was just a genuine and authentic man,” she said. “He seemed to only care about us, and not really much of our sound."
Odds are this won’t be the last you hear from these students. NPWI students continue to get opportunities to record with artists and otherwise grow as musicians and worship leaders.
“I’m excited to continue to showcase that our students are doing so many great things,” said Mark Hosny, director of NPWI.
The Very Next Thing was released on September 16. Get your copy here.
By Rylie Mitchell
Media contact: Mandy Crow, mmcrow@trevecca.edu, 615-248-1695