NRT Books, the publishing division of NewReleaseToday, has announced the release of Songs of Joy: The Stories Behind the Songs of Today’s Most Influential Christian Artists, a new 31-day devotional from longtime Christian music writer Kevin Davis. Published in partnership with A Frank Voice Publishing, the book marks the second release from NRT Books and brings one of Christian music’s longest-running devotional interview series into a new format designed to help readers discover deeper biblical truths through the music they love.

Featuring stories and insights from some of Christian music’s most recognized voices, including Phil Wickham, Lauren Daigle, Francesca Battistelli, Jeremy Camp, and more, Songs of Joy explores the inspiration behind 31 songs and connects their messages to Scripture, personal reflection, and practical faith applications. Each chapter invites readers to discover the artist’s story and explore what God’s Word teaches about worship, suffering, waiting, belonging, gratitude, purpose, and finding lasting joy in every season.

The book also features forewords from award-winning Christian artists Natalie Grant and Jason Gray, along with endorsements from numerous artists who have shared their stories with Davis throughout his career.

For Davis, the project represents a deeply personal continuation of a ministry that began with his own encounter with Christian music. After discovering Jars of Clay’s self-titled debut album in 1995, Davis began exploring the biblical connections within the songs he loved. Those discoveries helped shape his spiritual journey, eventually leading him to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ in 1999.

Years later, Davis approached NewReleaseToday founder Kevin McNeese with an idea to explore the biblical messages behind Christian songs through artist interviews and devotional reflections. His first Behind The Song devotional, inspired by Third Day’s “Nothing Compares” and its connection to Philippians 3:8-11, was published in March 2008.

Now approaching 19 years of continuous publication, the Behind The Song series has surpassed 1,300 installments from interviews with artists across virtually every genre of Christian music, and remains an enduring part of NewReleaseToday’s editorial ministry.

“Kevin Davis has had a heart of servanthood from the very beginning, with a passion to hear artists’ hearts, pray with them, build true friendships, and share the biblical influences in their songs,” said Kevin McNeese, Founder and President of NewReleaseToday, reflecting on the series’ history. “To see that ministry continue for nearly two decades and now become a published devotional is incredibly rewarding. Kevin has faithfully reminded us that the stories behind these songs have the power to lead people deeper into God’s Word, just as they did for him.”

“This book is designed to be a month-long journey into finding joy in all seasons–a fruit of the Spirit that has sustained me for many decades,” Davis shares in the book’s preface. “These Songs of Joy, and the biblical inspirations behind them, provide encouragement, related Scripture, and an invitation to go deeper into personal application.”

The series has earned the admiration of artists throughout the Christian music industry, many of whom have developed lasting relationships with Davis through his thoughtful interviews and dedication to Scripture.

“One of my favorite things about music is that a good song can start a good conversation,” shared Jason Gray. “Kevin has been creating a space for good conversations to happen for 18 years. I have been so grateful and honored to be in conversation with him over the years.”

Gray’s relationship with the series stretches back to its earliest years. Jason has appeared in 23 separate Behind The Song installments, more than any other individual artist in the column’s history. His contribution of a foreword to Songs of Joy brings that longstanding creative and spiritual connection into the book.

“Kevin has a unique gift of viewing song lyrics through scripture and always bringing it back to Jesus,” shares recording artist Leanna Crawford. “I am always so grateful for the conversations we have, and I look forward to many more!”

Singer-songwriter Laura Story echoes that appreciation, sharing, “As artists and songwriters, we are always dependent on others, in the very best sense of the word, to share our songs and stories. For years, Kevin Davis has been faithful to do so, for the encouragement of others and for the glory of God.”

Beyond the daily readings, Songs of Joy encourages readers to continue discovering music from the featured artists through additional song recommendations at the end of each chapter. A companion listening experience, accessible through QR codes and at newrelease.today/songsofjoy, connects readers with more music from the artists featured throughout the devotional.

Songs of Joy follows NRT Books’ debut release, Mixtape Theology, as the publishing imprint continues to expand its growing catalog of faith-based titles. Looking ahead, NRT Books is also preparing the next installment in the Mixtape Theology series, which will explore the Christian music and spiritual themes of the 2000s. Additional details about the upcoming sequel will be announced soon.

Behind The Song: Songs of Joy is available now through Amazon and Barnes & Noble. For more information and to order, visit www.NRTBooks.com.