One of the most influential labels in the birth of the modern worship music movement, Vineyard Music, has announced the launch of Varietal Records, an artist-driven label which will provide a new vehicle for Vineyard Artists. The first artist signed to the label, Jeremy Riddle, is set to release his debut project, Full Attention, on March 6 through Word Distribution.

The highly anticipated debut follows the unprecedented success of Riddle’s first radio single, “Sweetly Broken,” which was the #6 most-played song of 2006 on AC Christian radio, with over 2.5 million impressions.

“The Vineyard church movement has always been fertile ground for powerful congregational worship songs,” said Bob Van Meter, Vineyard Music’s senior vice president and COO. “With Varietal, we now have a way of featuring those gifted people behind the music – humble, talented worship leaders who are faithfully serving their local church.” Adam Mosley, Vineyard and Varietal’s product development manager adds, “This whole thing, for us, is an adventure in discovering God. Whether you're a record label, a church, or an individual, one of your primary purposes is seeing what role God wants you to play.”

“The role of Varietal is to blend the best of Vineyard Music's unique tie to the local church with a stable of compelling 'Vineyard Voices' that will bring a fresh new face and sound to the entire Vineyard Music family,” said vice president and chief creative officer, Casey Corum. He continued, “Jeremy Riddle's debut project is a benchmark for what people can expect from Varietal Records. We're very excited to be partnering with Jeremy on this first Varietal release.”

Riddle’s broad fan base includes KLOVE Radio Network’s Jon Rivers, who said, “We have been playing Jeremy Riddle’s ‘Sweetly Broken’ in a high rotation for about 40 weeks... need I say more?”

KXOJ’s Bob Thornton commented, “For just a handful of artists, you remember exactly where you were the first time you heard them. There was nothing to consider but how quickly you could get the song on the air. That's how I felt about ‘Sweetly Broken,’ and how I feel about the future of Jeremy Riddle.”

Full Attention is produced by Bob Hartry and features songs written by Riddle, who is currently serving as a worship leader and junior high pastor at the Anaheim Vineyard Church. The record also features the talents of famed mix engineers Chris Lord Alge (U2, Snow Patrol, Madonna, Prince, Jars of Clay) and Bob Clearmountain (Bruce Springsteen, Sheryl Crow, Bon Jovi, Barenaked Ladies, Switchfoot, MercyMe).

The second single from the project, “Stand In Awe,” is already making an impact at radio. In addition to national radio exposure, marketing plans for Full Attention include inclusion in Word Distribution’s “Spring Semester” retail campaign as well as performances and appearances during 2007’s Gospel Music Week.

About Jeremy Riddle
For the past six years, Jeremy Riddle has served as a pastor and worship leader at the Anaheim Vineyard Church. Regarding his years in the ministry, he says, “My life is meant for more than just making music. [Music] is just one means for pastoring and discipling people. People are the only really eternal things around us.”

About Vineyard Music
For over thirty years, Vineyard Music has been dedicated to bringing great new worship songs to the church, many of which have been recorded by artists such as Michael W. Smith, Rebecca St. James, Third Day and D.C. Talk. Born within local Vineyard churches, many of these songs have been warmly embraced by worshipers worldwide. As part of their commitment to embracing the value of worship and empowering local church worship leaders, Vineyard Music recently launched Varietal Records. The label will serve as a pathway for great songs and talented, passionate worship leaders as Vineyard introduces these dynamic voices to churches across the country and around the world.