The following announcement is from Sojourn Worship & Arts Pastor Mike Cosper:
Recently, Sojourn music was given an exciting opportunity. After finishing the studio work for the first of our Isaac Watts records, we were approached by a major label and offered a record contract. The offer was an invitation to partner our music ministry with their label and attempt to “break” into the Christian music world – Christian radio, internet media, and more.
After much prayer and consultation – including legal counsel that specializes in entertainment law – we have decided to walk away from the offer at this time. There are a variety of reasons for this, many of which involve minutia related to contracts that aren’t worth spelling out and are subject to confidentiality agreements with the label. It’s sufficient to say that though the deal was generous by industry standards, and though we have warm affection for the folks at the label, we believe that it is better for our mission and goals to launch this record alone. We certainly aren’t saying “never” to a record deal – even a deal with this label – but we are merely saying “no” for now.
This means that our record will be available to Sojourn in about a month. We plan on making it available online and national-wide in the first week of June, when Sojourn will be leading worship at Advance09.
We want to say a quick “thank you” to all who have prayed for us in this process, and to all of you who have waited patiently for the record’s release. We can’t wait to introduce you to these songs.
Grace and peace,
Mike Cosper
pastor of Worship and Arts

Great stuff Mike — thanks for the explanation.
We will continue to wait impatiently (not a typo) for the release. In the meantime can you please tickle our fancy and grow our anticipation by giving us a teaser or two from the album.
Mike,
Thanks so much for the update. When I heard about the delay, I figured this was the reason. I’m glad that your music has received that kind of attention, and I’m excited to hear that the new album will be available in time for Advance. Thanks again for providing such wonderful resources for other churches from your ministry.
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Good call. Looking forward to the album, and really excited to see you guys at Advance09.
I just saw the album artwork on a related page. Beautiful!!
Mickie Winters and Neil Robins created the artwork. In a future blog post here on sojournmusic.com, they’re going to talk about the creation of the cover art.
I am so thankful that we have musicians and artists that are willing to challenge themselves to create genuine, meaningful, heartfelt pieces. You are definitely a blessed bunch.
So since you won’t be signed to a major label, does that mean the new album will be up on eMusic!?!
If so, that’s good news!
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