Louder Than The Music

Carolina indie-rocker John Mark McMillan is to release his album 'The Medicine' in July after just signing a recording and publishing contract with Integrity Music. John will release digital audio/video singles, a digital EP and limited edition vinyl EPs leading up to the July international release of the album, which will feature new songs and bonus video material.

Starting today the first single from the album, 'Skeleton Bones' and a music video for 'How He Loves' are on sale at iTunes. The North Carolinian whose music has been described as "gutsy poetic rock 'n' roll" has already built a faithful following, drawn unparalleled praise for his three independent releases, and his major label signing has been greatly anticipated.

Of his decision to sign with the Sony Music distribution partner, McMillan comments: "Besides the fact that the Integrity crew seemed super excited about the sounds we were already making, we decided to sign with them because they expressed a genuine desire to re-imagine worship music in general, and a willingness to pursue unconventional approaches to creating it. We feel like Integrity is the place where our team will have the freedom to take risks and the support we need to grow as artists."

'The Medicine', originally released independently in 2008, will be released as an exclusive limited edition CD in July with four bonus tracks and live video performances. Among the bonus material is a moody performance of McMillan's modern classic, 'How He Loves' and the swaggering, raucous 'Carolina Tide', an allegorical narrative of resurrection told from the perspective of a second chance love, admittedly inspired by Springsteen's 'Thunder Road' and the Biblical story of Ruth.

In addition to the iTunes singles, limited edition vinyl EPs will be available exclusively at live shows including McMillan's concerts with Shane and Shane, the Robbie Seay Band and Gungor.