The Soundtrack of Faith: ASCAP Crowns Brandon Lake and “Praise” as Christian Music’s Most-Played
In a powerful affirmation of his cultural and spiritual impact, songwriter and worship leader Brandon Lake has been named ASCAP’s Christian Music Songwriter of the Year for the second time, solidifying his role as the defining voice in modern worship. This accolade, alongside the Song of the Year honor for the anthemic “Praise,” which he co-wrote with Pat Barrett, crowns a year of remarkable achievement for the five-time Grammy winner. The awards, based on actual performance data, confirm what congregations and radio listeners have already made clear: Lake’s music, including hits like “Hard Fought Hallelujah” and “That’s Who I Praise,” provides the resonant soundtrack for a generation’s faith.
The ripple effect of this creative dominance extends to the publishing house that champions these songs, as Essential Music Publishing earned the prestigious title of ASCAP Christian Music Publisher of the Year. Their catalog, featuring nine of the year’s most-performed songs including the double-platinum, chart-topping “Praise,” demonstrates an unparalleled ear for curating music that connects deeply with the church. Together, Lake, his co-writers, and his publishers have not only achieved commercial success but have also crafted the very lyrics and melodies that are lifting voices in churches and homes across the nation, proving that worship music is both a matter of the heart and a testament to widespread influence.
