GRAMMY-nominated artist NewSong announced recently ,after wrapping up their 9th Annual Winter Jam Tour, that they will be parting with Reunion Records (their label home) and developing a new label venture (has not been named yet).
"We're grateful for the people who worked to make NewSong successful for more than a dozen years at Provident and its predecessors," explains Eddie Carswell, one of NewSong's founding members. "Over the past five years, NewSong has been discussing how we could produce and promote our own projects and develop tomorrow's Christian music ministries. Now we have the chance to pursue these dreams. As these plans are formalized, we look forward to announcing how we can better serve Christ, His Church, and a waiting world."
"We know that the industry is changing, and we're excited about being part of a new label model for the future," explains NewSong's manager, Troy VanLiere of VanLiere-Wilcox. "Not only has the Lord been planting these desires in NewSong for a long time, but He has been preparing them along the way. During this period, they have hired their own radio promoters, retained their own national and tour publicists, and branded their 'Jam Tour' and 'Xtreme Conference' events, in addition to overseeing the production of their albums. As a result, their past three albums have sold over three-quarter million units and their concert ministry, evangelism outreach, and mission impact has never been stronger."
News of this move comes upon the band's completion of their ninth and most successful Winter Jam Tour ever with over 115,000 in attendance. Besides NewSong, the tour featured an all-star artist line-up including Audio Adrenaline, Relient K, Todd Agnew, and new Sparrow Records artist Jadyn Maria. Dubbed as the "All New Winter Jam Spectacular," the show's format was overhauled to give it a fresh appearance including full video and performances by illusionist Brock Gill.
"Winter Jam 2004 superceded all of our expectations," explains concert promoter Roy Morgan of Premiere Productions. "Record attendances were made in almost every market. We were blessed with great artists, a wonderful behind-the-scenes team, good weather, and an overwhelming response to the altar calls. Winter Jam has truly become one of the largest Christian concert tours in our industry. Premier Productions is honored and blessed to help fulfill NewSong's vision for reaching people with the Gospel message."
Winter Jam (founded by NewSong) has become a huge evangelistic tool to reach the non-Christian community. Traversing the nation throughout January and February, the 23-city tour saw over 5,000 attendees make the decision to follow Christ. In addition to receiving an overwhelming response to altar calls each night, the tour garnered nearly 2,500 sponsors for World Vision children.
"For the past nine years, NewSong's dedication and passion for World Vision in sharing the plight of hurting children has had a worldwide impact on over 32,000 children's lives," says World Vision's Kris Thompson, Senior Director of the Artist Associates Program. "It is an honor for World Vision to partner in ministry with NewSong."
With the start of this new label, new doors will open up for NewSong, and their outreach will expand in ministry and culture.
