Louder Than The Music

NRT Music recording artist Presence Music is giving Christian radio an early introduction to the Christmas season with "The Darkness Didn't Know," a powerful new single featuring Avenue Music and Christian artist and producer Joel Vaughn. The song is being serviced to Christian radio via PlayMPE ahead of its November 6 digital release, launching a national radio campaign designed to introduce the song to stations and listeners as holiday programming begins to take shape.

Josh Lauritch of 55 Promotion is leading the national radio campaign, with industry experience including work with Elevation Worship and Forrest Frank. The partnership represents a significant step forward in Presence Music's expanding radio strategy, bringing dedicated national promotion to one of the band's most personal and meaningful recordings.

Written just three days after Presence Music vocalist Leah Monson lost her brother, "The Darkness Didn't Know" was born from a season of profound grief and a determination to remember that God's character remains unchanged even in life's most difficult moments. The song follows Jesus from His birth in Bethlehem to His sacrifice on the cross and the victory of the empty tomb, offering a Christmas message that extends far beyond the manger.

With its central declaration that darkness could not comprehend the redemptive story God was writing, the song brings a distinctive perspective to seasonal Christian radio programming. Its contemporary Christian pop production, emotional storytelling, and message of enduring hope provide an opportunity for stations to connect with listeners navigating grief, loss, and difficult seasons during the holidays.

The early radio rollout builds on Presence Music's growing history of engagement with Christian radio. The band's previous Christmas release received airplay on SiriusXM, while its collaboration with KJ-52, "Down in the River," secured more than 100 radio station adds. Presence Music has also earned editorial playlist support from Spotify, Apple Music, GMA Dove New Music Friday and K-LOVE Fresh Sounds, reflecting a growing audience across multiple Christian music platforms.

The campaign will continue into December as Presence Music joins Mark Schultz and Britt Nicole for a nationwide Christmas tour December 3--20, performing the new song for audiences across the country. The tour also gives listeners an additional platform to hear the single while reinforcing its message throughout the holiday season.

Led by husband-and-wife duo Brandon and Leah Monson, Presence Music has steadily expanded its national footprint through touring, radio, and collaborations with artists including Stephen Christian of Anberlin, Jason Lancaster of Mayday Parade, and 10-time Dove Award winner KJ-52. The band dedicated 100 days to music, touring and ministry in 2026 and was nominated for the We Love Christian Music Awards' Next Big Thing award.

Produced by Joel Vaughn and mixed by Doug Weier, "The Darkness Didn't Know" brings together a deeply personal testimony and the timeless message of Christmas. With its early introduction to Christian radio, Presence Music and NRT Music are positioning the single to reach audiences throughout the holiday season, reminding listeners that even in the darkest circumstances, the Light of Christ continues to shine.

"The Darkness Didn't Know" is being serviced to Christian radio now through 55 Promotion, ahead of its November 6, 2026, digital release on all major streaming platforms. Listeners can pre-save the single now at https://sc.lnk.to/pm-TDDK to be among the first to hear the new collaboration from Presence Music, Avenue Music, and Joel Vaughn.