Iconic Artist Releases Christmas Record This Fall; Studio Project Follows - 2013
Steven Curtis Chapman has signed a recording agreement with Provident Music Group, which will begin with the release of a Christmas record titled JOY (Reunion Records/Provident Label Group) on October 16. The iconic artist has amassed 46 No. 1 singles, 57 GMA Dove Awards; five GRAMMY awards and more than 200 songs recorded on 17 original albums spread across an illustrious 25-year career. In 2013, Steven will follow the Christmas release with his first full studio release of all new material since 2007’s This Moment.
Terry A. Hemmings, President and CEO, Provident Music Group shares, “Steven and I have been friends for many years and I have always respected his character and integrity. He possesses the heart, passion and energy to do the work he's been called to; not only in music, but in caring for others and utilizing his gifts for so much more. We’re excited to provide him a place to tell his story, while coming alongside him with the resources and channels to allow that story to be heard and experienced by many. We believe this will be a great ‘new adventure’ for all of us.”
“Many know that the last few years have been a difficult journey for my family and me, following the loss of our daughter Maria,” says Chapman. “So many have prayed for us and encouraged us, and having the opportunity to write, record and share this new music really feels like the beginning of a new season...a season of joy.”
He adds, “In writing and experimenting with different ideas, my management and I discussed doing something for my friends and fans this year, perhaps releasing a small side project direct through my website. But as momentum picked up on some Christmas songs, I felt it blossoming into a full release. Then unexpectedly and suddenly, when it didn’t seem it could be made available this year, the door opened for the chance to partner with Provident, and do so with a long time friend I truly respect, Terry Hemmings, so I’m excited about the chance to write a new chapter.”
“I have nothing but the deepest respect, admiration and gratitude for my friends at EMI. I am so grateful to the people there for their belief in me, and the amazing things God accomplished through us together these past 25 years. Bill, Peter and the entire team there are remarkable and remain valued friends.”
The first release through the new partnership at Provident Label Group is a 12-track Christmas title called JOY, slated for release on October 16. Chapman has three previously released Christmas projects: The Music of Christmas (1995, RIAA Certified Gold), Christmas is All in the Heart (2003, a Hallmark limited, sold-out run of 400,000) and All I Really Want for Christmas (2005, RIAA Certified GOLD).
“One thing I’m particularly excited about with this new music is the fact that I got to go in the studio and capture the magic that happens when musicians are together in the same room, making music, and having more fun than anyone should be allowed to have doing their job,” offers Chapman.
“We found this great studio in Lexington, Ky. (my birth state!) and gathered together some of my favorite players, slept over in the rooms there, set up a Christmas tree (I wore my favorite Charlie Brown Christmas t-shirts everyday) and went at it.”
Audiences will have the chance to hear new songs from JOY when Chapman joins the 12 Gifts of Christmas tour this November and December. He joins Laura Story and speakers, including his wife, Mary Beth Chapman, Patsy Clairmont, Luci Swindoll, Marilyn Meberg, comedienne Anita Renfroe and illusionist Harris III. For full tour information, visit www.12gifts.com [3].
“There are still bittersweet moments of tears for us at Christmas, and I’m sure will be until we see our daughter and our Savior face to face," Chapman notes. "But each year the memories seem sweeter, the bitter gets less bitter, and the laughter gets louder...and there’s joy again...full on joy!”
Following the release of JOY and the 12 Gifts of Christmas tour, Chapman will return to the studio to begin recording his first full studio release since his 2007 This Moment.