American Idol's Danny Gokey is Working on a New Album Set for 2016

American Idol's Danny Gokey has no plans to slow down.  In October, he has just released his debut Christmas album Christmas is Here.  The album produced by the legendary Keith Thomas (Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith) charted at #11 on Billboard's Christian Album Chart.  But there's no slowing down for Gokey, in an interview with Christianbeat, he reveals he is working on his follow-up Christian album set for a late 2016 release date. 

"We are already working on the next album," Gokey announces. "It's due in June, and we will be releasing it in late September or October."

Gokey explains, "We have just started writing. It's getting a little daunting because I hate being rushed, but we have to keep with the guidelines. It's a grueling process, because you can't wait for an idea to hit you, you have to create it. I've been asking the Lord, 'what are songs in Heaven that you would release?' He's the author of music and the author of entertainment. I feel like the world has taken entertainment and they have capitalized on it and used it and abused it. I really feel like I want to rise up to the level."

He continues, "I do believe that the church can make the best entertainment and the best music, and I want to tap into that and say 'Lord, what are some of the sounds of Heaven that haven't been released onto Earth?' I guarantee you there is a sound that reaches the world that even the Church probably wouldn't understand right now. I want to tap into that sound, because we are called to go beyond our four walls."

As for his Christmas record, Gokey reveals that it is his dream record:  "Ever since American Idol, my fans have been asking for a Christmas album, telling me my voice would be perfect for these songs," says Gokey. "If someone was a fan of what I did on American Idol, they are going to really enjoy what we did with this project. 

"I got to take classic holiday songs, and just like I did on Idol, I add a little soul to the mix and make it a fun collection of what I do best.  My wife says this is her favorite album that I've ever done."

Each song on Christmas Is Here reverberates with the emotional honesty and life-affirming messages that have become hallmarks of Gokey's music. On Monday September 25th, Gokey released the album's first single "Lift Up Your Eyes," a new classic - written by Gokey - that can stand alongside holiday favorites thanks to a voice that catapulted Danny into the homes of millions.

Music has shaped Danny Gokey's life, providing a sense of purpose and direction. Since earning two chart-topping albums and a Barnes & Noble Top 5 autobiography, Danny launched Sophia's Heart, an organization founded to provide hope and help to homeless families in crisis. Danny is proud of the way Sophia's Heart has expanded to care for a growing number of families each year, including a thriving inner city Music & Arts program in Danny's hometown of Milwaukee, WI. 

Tags : danny gokey danny gokey christmas is here danny gokey new album Danny Gokey news danny gokey christmas American Idol