Four new Syntax Creative distribution partners are expanding the company’s roster across worship, bluegrass and Southern gospel.
The new partners are Mark Five Company, Mariners Worship, Rolling Hills Community Church and Dark Shadow Recording.
Syntax Creative Distribution Partners Bring Varied Catalogs
Mark Five Company is making its full catalog available digitally for the first time.
The Southern gospel label began in 1961. Producer and engineer Rick Sandidge now leads the company.
Sandidge has worked with James Brown, Anita Ward, Aaron Tippin, The Dixie Dregs and Richard Smallwood. His credits also include Donnie McClurkin and The Bowlings.
Mark Five’s catalog features recordings from Perfect Heart, The Martins, The Rochesters, The Anchormen and Rivers & Owens.
“These projects were significant for their time,” Sandidge said. “It’s exciting that a whole new generation of listeners is going to discover our music.”
Syntax Creative CEO Timothy J. Trudeau said archival projects require a different approach than newly recorded releases.
“I consider it an honor and look forward to serving Rick and his artists,” Trudeau said.
Churches and Bluegrass Label Join the Roster
Mariners Worship represents the music ministry of Mariners Church in Orange County, California.
Members of the Mariners team contributed to Matt Redman’s forthcoming song “Mercies (New Every Morning).” The song is scheduled for release Jan. 31.
The church is also preparing a deluxe edition of A Death Like His for the Lenten season.
Mariners Church worship pastor Daniel “DK” Kim said the congregation has written music for its community for years. Now, it plans to share more of that music beyond the church.
“Worship can bring people closer toward God and one another,” Kim said. “The partnership with Syntax will bring an instant touchpoint to the world.”
Rolling Hills Community Church in Franklin, Tennessee, has also joined the roster.
Worship director Leo Ahlstrom said the church wanted more than technical delivery to streaming services. Instead, it wanted a partner familiar with the pace of modern worship releases.
“Having a partner who understands the modern worship movement and wants to make sure our songs aren’t getting lost in the shuffle every Friday is invaluable,” Ahlstrom said.
Meanwhile, Dark Shadow Recording adds more bluegrass to the Syntax catalog.
Instrumentalist and instructor Stephen “Mojo” Mougin founded the Nashville company. It operates as a label, recording studio and music education business.
Dark Shadow works with both developing and established musicians. In addition, its studio hosts coaching and education programs.
Mougin said an industry colleague referred the company to Syntax. That colleague had worked with the distributor for more than a decade.
“Upon the first round of releases that were delivered, we immediately began noticing editorial placement,” Mougin said.
Dark Shadow’s recent releases include new music from Rick Faris.
Together, the four Syntax Creative distribution partners add archival recordings, church music and contemporary bluegrass to the same roster. More information is available through Syntax Creative.