In a year defined by momentum, transformation, and a bold expansion of their creative reach, Presence Music Band enters the Christmas season with a collaboration that feels both timely and timeless. Their new single, “Who Knew (Gift Wrapped)”, featuring acclaimed Christian hip hop artist Blake Whiteley, is a stirring fusion of modern pop, worshipful energy, and introspective rap that reframes the familiar holiday narrative with vibrant emotional clarity.
The Duluth based high-energy pop collective has never been a group content to simply entertain. From their early days performing for youth camps to their evolution into a full-time touring act represented by Aligned Talent Agency, Presence Music has built a reputation on authenticity. Led by husband-and-wife duo Brandon and Leah and supported by Andrew Cpin, Jacob McCormick, Merrill Miller, and a rotating lineup of gifted guest artists, the band has carved out a mission that reaches far beyond the stage. They are storytellers of pain, healing, and hope; musicians who aren’t afraid to step directly into life’s messiest chapters and offer listeners a reminder that grace is often born from struggle.
Their catalog reflects this heartbeat. From collaborations with KJ-52, 7eventh Time Down, and Anberlin, to radio breakthrough moments with “Down in the River” and their May 2025 single “Where Would I Be”—now gaining national traction on KLOVE and Apple Music—the group has earned steady recognition across Christian pop and worship circles. Their songs echo with themes of depression, suicide, addiction, recovery, and the relentless belief that no one is beyond redemption. This emotional honesty has resonated with audiences across the Midwest and beyond.
With “Who Knew (Gift Wrapped)”, the band takes that ethos into the heart of the holiday season. At its surface, the single is infectious. Bright pop hooks and crisp production by ZK Productions lay the groundwork for a sound that feels celebratory and immediate. But underneath the shimmer lies a depth that gives the song its staying power. Written by Leah Monson and Blake Whiteley, the track connects the cradle to the cross, reminding listeners that Christmas is not simply a cozy tableau but the beginning of a rescue story.
Whiteley’s verses cut straight to the truth. His delivery is raw yet reverent, offering a confession of undeserved grace and the staggering love of a God who steps willingly into human brokenness. As he explains, these lyrics were not crafted for the sake of another seasonal release. They were born from personal reflection and a desire to reclaim the heart of the holiday. “We spend so much time chasing things that fade,” Whiteley shares. “But Jesus gave us something eternal. These lyrics came from realizing I didn’t deserve His grace, but He gave it anyway. The best gift isn’t under a tree — it’s the One who hung on one.”
The juxtaposition of Presence Music’s soaring melodies with Whiteley’s grounded and passionate storytelling creates a dynamic chemistry. The result is a single that feels simultaneously celebratory and convicting. “Who Knew (Gift Wrapped)” becomes more than a Christmas song. It becomes a lens through which the listener can rediscover the magnitude of the incarnation, the sacrifice that followed, and the hope that continues to ripple outward.
Industry momentum is already building. With national radio support through Kingdom Impact Group and distribution via NRT Music, the single is well positioned to resonate across both worship and Christian hip-hop markets this holiday season. It lands at a moment when audiences are hungry for artistry that lifts the spirit while speaking to real life, and the track delivers exactly that.
Live audiences won’t have to wait long to experience this energy firsthand. Presence Music is set to embark on a national Christmas tour alongside Aaron Shust, Mark Schultz, and The Voice winner Todd Tilghman, bringing their message of hope to cities across the country. A Wisconsin Christmas tour follows, anchoring them in the region that first fueled their rise. The band will also amplify the release through extensive social media campaigns, partnerships with Courage Music Marketing, and expanded streaming outreach designed to reach both longtime fans and new listeners.
The release of “Who Knew (Gift Wrapped)” closes out a remarkable era for Presence Music, who continue to broaden their influence through both their live presence and their growing discography. Their breakout track “Down in the River” connected with more than 100 radio stations across eight countries, earning placement on premiere playlists including KLOVE, Air1, and Apple Music’s New in Christian. With winter and spring 2026 tour dates already scheduled alongside Ryan Stevenson and Stars Go Dim, the band shows no signs of slowing.
Yet even as their platform expands, their purpose stays the same. Presence Music remains deeply committed to the people listening. Their songs are crafted for those navigating valleys of depression, addiction, grief, or uncertainty. Their performances are built to be more than spectacles. They are moments of connection where burdens lift and hearts remember they are not alone. And their collaborations, like this one with Blake Whiteley, continue to reflect their desire to bridge genres, generations, and personal stories with the common thread of grace.
“Who Knew (Gift Wrapped)” is a testament to that mission. It is a reminder that the greatest gifts in life often arrive disguised as struggle, humility, or unexpected transformation. It is an invitation to step beneath the glitter of the season and rediscover its soul.
With soaring conviction, infectious energy, and a message rooted in eternal truth, Presence Music Band and Blake Whiteley have delivered a Christmas offering that resonates long after the lights come down. This is a gift worth unwrapping again and again.
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