If proof was needed that the Christian music industry is alive and innovating, it has come this year in the form of three new record labels designed around their own unique models.
Maxx Recordings is one of those labels, founded by Mitchell Solarek. Solarek has a history in the industry, heading up an artist management business that represents mainstays like Natalie Grant and Danny Gokey. Maxx Recordings aims to take risks and innovate in their methods and the artists they sign in order to connect with the mainstream pop audience, with a roster already holding acts 3for3, Kolby Koloff and Riley Clemmons.
Another startup label, Storysong, grew from the organization Leadership International, which aims to educate and serve church leadership in Africa. Co-founder Mark Wagner built the label itself as a non-profit, with a large percentage of the proceeds from album sales going directly towards clothing, food and educational needs for orphans in Africa. The label has already released two compilation projects, the most recent featuring offerings from artists like TobyMac and Newsboys.
The newest label to be unveiled is M2T (Meant to Thrive) Records, founded by Casting Crowns' Mark Hall and industry veterans Mark Miller and Gordon Kerr. The label was unveiled at Christian Music Broadcasters Momentum event in Orlando, Florida. The first artist on the label's roster was also introduced at CMB, with Mark Hall bringing newcomer Hannah Kerr on stage to share a song and her heart. Her debut EP will release this fall.
You can learn more about each of these labels as they develop below:
