John Mark McMillan signs to Integrity

Integrity Music has signed independent singer/songwriter John Mark McMillan to an exclusive recording and publishing contract with digital audio/video singles, a digital EP and limited edition vinyl EPs to release individually leading up to the July international release of The Medicine featuring new songs and bonus video material.

McMillan’s first music from his upcoming Integrity debut is available starting today at iTunes.  Both his first single, “Skeleton Bones”  and a music video for “How He Loves” are on sale at iTunes at http://bit.ly/bMxL8Y.

The North Carolinian whose music has been described as “gutsy poetic rock ‘n’ roll” has already built a faithful following, drawn unparalleled praise for his three independent releases, and his major label signing has been greatly anticipated.

Of his decision to sign with the Sony Music distribution partner, McMillan comments:  “Besides the fact that the Integrity crew seemed super excited about the sounds we were already making, we decided to sign with them because they expressed a genuine desire to re-imagine worship music in general, and a willingness to pursue unconventional approaches to creating it.  We feel like Integrity is the place where our team will have the freedom to take risks and the support we need to grow as artists.”

In July, Integrity will release The Medicine as an exclusive limited edition CD with four bonus tracks and live video performances.  Among the bonus material is a moody performance of McMillan’s modern classic, “How He Loves” and the swaggering, raucous “Carolina Tide,” an allegorical narrative of resurrection told from the perspective of a second chance love, admittedly inspired by Springsteen’s “Thunder Road” and the Biblical story of Ruth.

McMillan originally released The Medicine in 2008, earning applause and admiration throughout the independent music blogosphere.  David Kern on the Intothehill.com blog describes The Medicine as a “collection of unique, spiritually minded, indie rock songs that will play well in the vast spaces of a warehouse church as well as in the intimacy of a small, downtown music club. The Medicine has an epic sound – a grand, impressive, emotional, heart-on-sleeves, rock sound. The kind with aggressive guitars and aggressive vocals. But it’s also air-tight, precise, measured rock n’ roll, with just the right amount of whiskey soaked folk; McMillan is confident in his vocals and his songs are consistent with his vision. Think Springsteen, Tweedy, or Yorn singing about the troubles and rewards of faith.”

Of McMillan’s unconventional approach to worship music, Integrity Vice President/General Manager John Coleman says, “John Mark’s lyrics challenge us to go to new places, yet are firmly grounded in scripture. Musically, he brings a unique style and creativity and gives voice to a new generation of worshipers. We are extremely excited to have him as member of the Integrity Music family.”

More information about his upcoming schedule as well as his personal blog can be found at www.thejohnmark.com. Fans can also stay connected through McMillan’s Twitter account, http://twitter.com/johnmarkmc.