Breakout CCM artist Cade Thompson's new release, New Normal, is a stirring call for faith to overcome fear as today's high school students face a range of challenges like no generation before it. 

"When I met Cade I knew he had his finger on the pulse of this generation's dreams and fears," said Jay DeMarcus, founder of Red Street Records and Rascal Flatts band member. "I've become a sounding board, encouraging Cade to give voice to his passion," DeMarcus continued.

"I've been so impressed by Cade's vision and desire to reach his generation with the message of hope in Christ," said co-writer Matthew West. "I've loved writing songs with him and it's exciting to see his story and his music begin to resonate with people and make an impact in culture. This song, New Normal, is the kind of message the world needs to hear right now, and Cade is just the guy to deliver it."

"From the real possibility of school shootings to social media bullying to pandemics, anxiety and depression, today's kids live with unprecedented levels of insecurity, confusion and unrest," Thompson said. "If this is 'normal life,' we need a New Normal."

Not far removed from Cade's own school days, the 20-year-old singer/songwriter takes listeners back to the emotions he experienced as a student when his school went on lockdown. But more than acknowledging the uncertainties related to mass shootings, New Normal encourages and empowers young people who live in the internet age along with all that goes with that.

• Active shooter drills are implemented in over 95% of American K-12 schools today. (Everytown)
• 66 school shootings since 2018 (Education Week)
• United States had 57 times as many school shootings as Canada, Japan, Germany, Italy, France and the United Kingdom combined. (CNN)

New Normal's way forward rings out in a line from the song's chorus:
In this world there will be troubleBut take heart, take heartHe's overcome the world Thompson has had an affinity with music since his toddler days and was fortunate that as a sixth-grader a music mentor came into his life who emphasized the importance of seeking God through the Bible outside of a worship setting. This understanding placed him on a deeper course of encountering the love of the Father and seeking his presence more intently. This has resulted in a strong connection to his generation sonically and lyrically. Shortly after finishing high school, Thompson moved to Nashville and signed with Red Street Records. He is in the studio writing and recording his debut album.  Produced by Red Street Records, which was founded in 2018 by DeMarcus, New Normal follows Thompson's breakthrough songs Provider and Every Little Step. New Normal is available at WeWantaNewNormal.com.