Industry veterans form church-focused Doxology Records

With a strategic focus towards the music of the church, an unprecedented group of Christian music veterans is launching Doxology Records, a Franklin, TN-based, independent, artist-focused label. Former Myrrh Records vice-president of A&R Dan Posthuma will serve as Doxology Records' president/GM, and has brought together a "who's who" of experienced executives and producers serving on a board of directors, including former 11-year Word Records head Roland Lundy, who will serve as chairman of the board. Doxology Records' first release will hit stores in June through Chordant Distribution.

Doxology's emphasis will be on finding artists who are eager to use their talents in serving the contemporary church and its mission. "We want our artists to give the Church songs of encouragement, testimony and invitation," says twenty-year industry veteran and Doxology Records president Dan Posthuma. "The label name has helped us define our mission. Our songs will lend themselves to both individual and corporate expressions of worship, but the name Doxology reminds us that the emphasis is not on the performer or performance, but the individual's response to the work of the Spirit."

Formerly vice-president of A&R for Myrrh Records, label president Dan Posthuma has served in various capacities within the Christian music industry. Posthuma began his career as music director for the Bill Gaither Trio and Amy Grant, and in subsequent years, produced records for artists such as Leslie Phillips, Margaret Becker, and Bryan Duncan. While at Myrrh, Posthuma was responsible for signing and developing acts such as Fernando Ortega, Crystal Lewis, and Mark Schultz.

Assisting in Doxology's mission will be a board of directors of some of Christian music's most respected leaders. The board will be headed by former president of Word Entertainment Roland Lundy, who has been an influential leader in the Christian music industry for over 20 years, having overseen the careers of such top-selling and respected artists as Amy Grant, Sandi Patty, Point Of Grace, and Jaci Velasquez.

"There definitely is a need in the music industry for both the major labels and independents," commented Lundy, who adds his sales and distribution expertise to Doxology Records. "Both have their own particular strengths. The smaller label can move more quickly, and is able to focus, making sure all its functions operate in unison. Smaller labels can often do a better job of nurturing their artists, as well as developing their own particular uniqueness. I believe this industry will benefit from the kind of focus that Doxology will give to our artists."

Completing the board alongside Lundy are industry patriarch Bill Gaither, Integrity Music's CEO Jerry Weimer, independent producers Michael Omartian (Amy Grant, Reba McIntire), Dan Huff (Faith Hill, Lonestar) and Monroe Jones (Third Day, Chris Rice), and former banking executive, John Newcomer.

"I've known each of these guys a long time," remarked Posthuma on the array of talents that comprise the board of directors for Doxology. "I've made music with most of them. They are like-hearted and like-minded men, whose wisdom I will rely on in finding artists and songs that we believe in."

"Music styles come and go. And when creative people find Christ, they will always express that newfound faith with the music they love. But for it to have timeless impact, sooner or later it's got to connect with the church," says Gaither, emphasizing Doxology Records' desire to serve the church. "When artists learn how to connect their music with the broader church, they will then write songs that, years from now sitting around a piano, will create instant community. Those are the artists and the songs we want for Doxology."

Doxology's first release will be new artist, Allen Asbury, who was discovered by board member Bill Gaither. A former youth pastor and graduation of Christ For the Nations, Allen has performed the role of Simon Peter in the international, award-winning production of The Promise for the last several years. Produced by Chris Harris (Jaci Velasquez, Anointed, CeCe Winans), Asbury's record focuses on intimate and passionate ballads and pop songs centered around themes such as prayer and heaven.

Doxology board of directors member and multiple award-winning producer Michael Omartian says, "Allen's voice and stature command attention, but his gentle presence speaks of grace. He's a man with an extraordinary gift who has responded with the heart of a servant."