Introducing ……….Chris Ekiss

Provident Entertainment/Sony Music and Essential Music Publishing announce the recent signing of CHRIS EKISS to their family of artists and songwriters. Additionally, this singer, songwriter, and worship leader has released two new songs – the worship-filled “Christ For Everyone” along with his debut radio single, “Save My Soul.”

“Save My Soul,” co-written by Ekiss with Colton Price and Jeremy Johnson, is accompanied by a just-released music video, as well as a lyric video. He also filmed a Song Session with Essential Worship for “Christ For Everyone,” which he co-wrote with Price and Matt Armstrong. Be sure to check out the live recording.

“Y’all, I am beyond excited that these songs are out in the wild today!” Ekiss exclaims. “These songs share the story of how beautiful the Gospel is and how the love of Jesus Christ truly changes lives. I’m so grateful for my Provident and Essential teams, my dear friends who helped write and produce these beautiful songs, my Round Table family, and the overwhelming support from my church community. I’m especially grateful for the support of my little family, Sara and Pete, who share so much joy for Jesus and inspire me to do such important kingdom work!”   https://www.instagram.com/chrisekiss/?hl=en

Jonathan Smith Signs With Sony Music Publishing

Multi-award-winning songwriter and producer JONATHAN SMITH extends his partnership with Essential Music Publishing and signs a new long-term deal with Sony Music Publishing Nashville. Essential Music Publishing will continue to serve as Smith’s exclusive publisher within Worship and Contemporary Christian Music and Sony Music Publishing will focus on Smith’s songwriting projects across the country music genre.

Smith, also a two-time GRAMMY Award® winner, has produced and written many of today’s biggest songs, such as Worship/CCM hits “House of the Lord” by Phil Wickham, “I’m So Blessed” by CAIN, Zach Williams’ “There Was Jesus (feat. Dolly Parton)” and “Chain Breaker,”and “Glorious Day” from Passion.

“Our relationship with Jonathan started from a cold call to ask him to join a co-write, and after that day of writing led to an incredible cut with Kenny Chesney and another with breakthrough talent Nate Smith,” says Rusty Gaston, CEO, Sony Music Publishing Nashville. “We are massive fans of Jonathan’s work – it is the heartbeat behind his craft that leaves a unique mark on every one of his songs. We couldn’t be happier to partner with Jonathan and Essential to lead his country music charge.”     https://www.instagram.com/smith_jon/?hl=en-gb

Self-titled Debut EP from Lydia Laird

Songwriter and vocalist LYDIA LAIRD is thrilled to release her self-titled debut EP  with Provident Label Group. The seven-song project includes “Hallelujah Even Here,” her first single, the poignant and personal “I’ll Be Okay” and closes with “Here Again,” her powerful rendition of the worship song originally recorded by Elevation Worship.

Produced by Jordan Sapp, Jonathan Smith, Nick Schwarz, and Jeff Sojka, at first listen to the EP the audience will quickly hear Laird’s powerful vocals partnered with heartfelt and yet fervent lyrics. She sings earnestly of hope, honestly addressing pain in life along with the power of the Gospel. She says, “My prayer is that my music invites others to be honest and vulnerable with God and ultimately helps them come to know the unconditional love and grace of a Saviour who cares in a deeper and more personal way.”

It was from a dark place that inspired Laird to write “I’ll Be Okay,” a song proclaiming truth amid uncertainty and speaks to her own experiences with depression and anxiety—mental health issues that are near to her heart. “I’ll Be Okay” also put her on the industry map, ultimately finding a home with Provident Label Group and Essential Music Publishing.