Crystal Lewis and The Katinas have entered separate distribution partnerships with Syntax Creative covering both their back catalogs and new music.
Lewis begins the partnership with Together We Can, an 11-track bilingual album featuring Tori Kelly, Kate Flannery, Arturo Sandoval, Charles Jones and Nikki Leonti.
“I’m so grateful for my partnership with Syntax Creative,” Lewis said. “After several years of manning every aspect of digital distribution on my own, I’ve been so delighted to not only have help, but also to benefit from the expertise and experience that everyone at Syntax provides.”
Lewis has released more than 27 albums across nearly three decades. Her catalog includes seven Spanish-language projects, two live albums, two Christmas albums and a children’s album. She is also a Grammy nominee and multiple Dove Award winner.
Her influence extends beyond her own recordings. Syntax Creative CEO Timothy J. Trudeau pointed to Katy Perry and Tori Kelly as artists who have publicly credited Lewis as an influence during their formative years.
“Crystal is a true musical stalwart,” Trudeau said. “In addition to being hands-on with building her own record label, she has also been instrumental in helping launch the careers of several other household-named artists.”
Trudeau was less formal when summing up the partnership.
“It’s an honor to work with Crystal Lewis,” he said. “In other words, put some respect on her name.”
Lewis’ single “She Was Here,” featuring Kelly, looks at the influence of women who came before them. The collaboration adds another layer to the idea, with Kelly singing alongside one of the artists who helped shape her own musical development.
The Katinas Prepare New Music
The Katinas’ Syntax Creative agreement also covers the group’s existing catalog and forthcoming releases.
The five Samoan brothers have recorded and toured together for more than 30 years. The group consists of James Katina on bass, Sam Katina on keyboards, Joe Katina on drums, and vocalists John and Jesse Katina.
“After thirty years of making music, we are grateful and honored to announce that we are partnering with our long-time friend, Tim Trudeau and the team at Syntax Creative,” Joe Katina said. “The digital space provides new opportunities for growth for us as a band. We believe that our partnership with Syntax provides the best opportunity for us to reach more people with our message and music.”
The group’s next planned release is “Mama Lo’u Tina,” a tribute to the Katina family’s matriarch. The song is performed in Samoan as a nod to the family’s Polynesian roots. No release date has been announced.
Lewis’ “She Was Here” featuring Tori Kelly and the album Together We Can are available now through Syntax Creative.