Christian Retailing

Entertainment One launches worship label, partners with Martha Munizzi Print Email
Written by Christine D. Johnson   
Thursday, 31 January 2013 08:21 AM America/New_York

eOne.WebEntertainment One has announced the launch of eOne Worship, a new music label. GRAMMY nominee Martha Munizzi and newcomers BJ Putnam and Bryan Popin all are slated for project releases this year. 

“I am excited to partner with eOne Worship and be a part of the team with my friends and co-worship leaders,” said Munizzi, a Dove and Stellar Awards winner who has sold more than a half-million albums. “I’m looking forward to new music, collaborations with artists and opportunities in 2013 with eOne Worship.”

The label is targeting fall for a new release from Munizzi, who is launching her Epic Worship School of Ministry in the spring. Through the school, she plans to mentor future worship leaders and pastors for ministry. In addition, she hosts Epic Worship nights in her hometown of Orlando, Fla., once a month. 

"I have been sensing God leading me to develop and mentor future worship leaders, pastors and musicians, and we are so excited to see Epic Worship School of Ministry now become a reality!” she said. “My desire is to not only help people develop a strong foundation of leadership, but through our Epic Worship events each month, help lead them into God encounters that will ultimately impact the local church.” 

With multiple projects on the schedule, eOne Worship kicks off the year with the singer-songwriter Putnam, who is lead worship pastor for the multi-campus Church for the Nations in Phoenix. More and More Live, co-produced by Putnam and Israel Houghton and recorded live at the church, releases March 12. 

Popin’s new album, produced by Bryan Lenox (Michael W. Smith, Natalie Grant), is due out in early summer and features performances from Munizzi, Jason Eskridge and Jesse Campbell (The Voice). Having worked with artists from *NSYNC to Chaka Khan, Popin leads worship in churches and at conferences with pastors such as T.D. Jakes and Jentezen Franklin. 

“We couldn’t be more excited to be working with BJ and Bryan, and it is such a privilege for us to get to partner with Martha Munizzi who has been a leading voice for the multicultural church,” said Aaron Manes, label director. “As cultures unite, we cannot ignore our traditions, but what is occurring in the church is a new voice of collaboration across both racial and musical lines, especially when it comes to worship music. There is a really beautiful and holy thing occurring in our church communities. We are excited to give a voice to the music of today’s multicultural church and partner with pastors and churches to serve the greater body.”

Putnam, whose voice and songs can be heard on albums from Darlene Zschech to William McDowell, joins Houghton on tour this spring as a special guest. Visit www.Facebook.com/eOneWorship and www.Twitter.com/eOneWorship for tour dates and cities.