New York City's KOCH Records has announced the formation of a new Christian music division. Barry Landis, president and CEO of Landis Entertainment & Media Partners, will direct the Nashville-based Kosmos Records imprint, which plans to release three to four new projects each year.

“Barry is the perfect partner for us as we enter this market,” said Bob Frank, president of KOCH, a label for independent artists. “His track record can't be beat, and we expect to come out swinging at the Goliaths!”

Landis added: “I am very excited to be partnering with Bob Frank and his great team at KOCH. Today's music landscape is being shaped by independent thinking, and Bob and the folks at KOCH are the leaders in independent strategy and tactics.”

Landis has been involved in the careers of such artists as P.O.D. and 143 Records'/David Foster's Plus One during his tenure as general manager at Atlantic's Christian unit and Donnie McClurkin, Take 6 and The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir while at Warner Alliance. In addition, Landis was president of Word Records where he signed the 2005 New Artist of the Year (Building 429) and was responsible for the resurrection of country music star Randy Travis' career with the hit “Three Wooden Crosses.” Landis has more than 50 No. 1 hits to his credit.

The name Kosmos was chosen from the Greek word “world” in the New Testament, particularly in John 3:16. “I want it to be a reminder of God's love for all of mankind and that our music should be made to appeal to everyone,” Landis said.