Returning to the studio on the heels of last year’s Dove Award-nominated Lifestyle: A Worship Experience live project, Gotee recording artist The Katinas are set to release Roots October 7. Produced by Pete Kipley (Rebecca St. James, MercyMe), Bryan Lenox (Michael W. Smith, dc talk), Kene “Ghost” Bell (tobyMac, Out Of Eden), Robert Marvin (Stacie Orrico, ZOEgirl) and The Katinas, Roots features 11 tracks, all co-written by members of the group.
The project includes a guest appearance by Amy Grant on “Still In Love,” as well as appearances by Tommy Sims on “Faithfully” and Gotee recording artist John Reuben on “Freedom.” Additional cuts include “Are You Ready?” “Come Back To Love,” “Changed,” “Joy,” “Movin’,” “Hey World,” “One Moment” and “Someday.”
“From being more involved on the production side to co-writing every song, this is the first time we’ve played such an active role in creating a record. It’s very personal, very close to our hearts,” said Jesse Katina. “It was also a real blessing to have our friends Amy, Tommy and John join us in the studio. Their gifts made recording this album even more special for us.”
“The title Roots is about honoring our heritage,” added Joe Katina. “Now that we have families of our own, it’s our desire to pass along the truths that were instilled in us by our parents.”
“The Katinas have delivered a melodic record of timeless songs building on the foundation of ‘Thank You’ and ‘Eagles Wings,’ accessible pop/R&B with an emphasis on accessible,” said Toby McKeehan, founder, Gotee Records. “This is looking more and more like the Katinas’ coming out party—classic songwriting meets a band that’s come into their own.”
In conjunction with the new release, a limited edition Christmas EP, featuring The Katinas’ performances of “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” “Mary, Did You Know?” and “Joy To The World,” is free to customers purchasing Roots through January 1, 2004. In addition, The Katinas’ Destiny and Lifestyle recordings will be offered at a discount price of $9.99 each.
“Freedom” is also featured on Gotee’s summer sampler CD, 25,000 of which are being distributed at various Christian music festivals around the country. Prior to an extensive fall touring schedule, The Katinas recently wrapped-up a series of concerts in Australia and New Zealand and are also slated to appear at Creation West, as well as Promise Keepers events in Columbus, Ohio, and Raleigh, North Carolina, among other events this summer.
The album’s first Christian AC single, “Changed,” and first CHR single, “Freedom,” will be serviced to their respective formats this month, with a retail single featuring both songs available August 19.
With eight Dove Award nominations, including a Dove Award for their contribution to the 1999 Exodus multi-artist project, The Katinas have performed with such artists as Quincy Jones, Vince Gill and Kenny Rogers. In addition, the group has been featured at Billy Graham Crusades, Luis Palau Crusades and Praise Gathering, was a featured performer on this year’s telecast of The 34th Annual Dove Awards, and has toured with such artists as Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith and CeCe Winans.
Roots will be distributed by Chordant Distribution.
Related Articles & Links
Artist Update: The Katinas
Latin Music Spotlight: Katinas
Katinas at GMA Week
The Christian Activities Katinas Forum is at: Katinas Forum
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ThaKatinasKlub
