Since EMI CMG and Inpop signed their first distribution deal in 1999, the partnership has seen the introduction of some of Christian music’s brightest new stars including Mat Kearney, Superchick, Shane and Shane, Jimmy Needham and Newworldson. The label is also home to newsboys, the iconic band who has sold over seven million records worldwide, earned 25 No. 1 singles at radio and seen five of its albums certified Gold throughout its career. With its impressive artist roster, Inpop has become one of the Christian music industry’s strongest independent labels, selling more than three million units and producing numerous Dove Awards and GRAMMY nominations.

“Inpop has been a terrific partner for EMI CMG. Over the past 10 years they have developed an impressive track record of launching and supporting innovative and creative artists. We look forward to many more years together, said Greg Bays, Sr. Vice President of Sales and Marketing for EMI CMG Distribution.

John Kelly, Chief Financial Officer of Inpop, added: “Inpop is well-placed as a lean, flexible company, and we are thrilled to continue our alliance with EMI CMG and utilizing the strong strategic systems and operations EMI CMG provides. We know they believe in our artists as much as we do and are as committed as our artists are to reaching music fans with the message of the gospel.”

Inpop has several key releases scheduled for the first half of 2010, including the new studio record from newsboys, the group’s first CD with new frontman Michael Tait (formerly of dc Talk) and the band’s 19th album. Releasing on June 8, the CD’s title will be BORN AGAIN. The album’s lead singles “I’ll Be” and “Born Again” are currently going for adds at Christian AC and CHR, respectively.

On April 20, Inpop/EMI CMG will release Reinvention from the sister-fronted pop-rock band Superchick. The album features reinventions of the band’s favorite songs from every album in Superchick’s discography, including those from its Grammy-nominated album Rock What You Got, in addition to several all-new studio recordings.

Singer-songwriter Jimmy Needham will release his third album, Nightlights, the follow up to his critically acclaimed album Not Without Love, on May 18. Produced by Calvin Turner (Marc Broussard, Dave Barnes, Matt Wertz), Nightlights highlights Jimmy’s soulful pop melodies and his signature eclectic sound that mixes pop, rock and blues. The first single from the record, “Yours To Take,” is at Christian radio now.

Just recently released is the sophomore record from Newworldson. The self-titled CD hit stores on February 23, debuting on iTunes’ Top Christian/Gospel Albums Chart at No.3. Its first single "There Is A Way" is also receiving significant success at radio, currently Top 3 on the Christian AC charts. An energetic blend of pop, soul, and gospel, Canadian-based band Newworldson introduced its fresh sound to Christian music audiences with the release of Salvation Station in 2008, which ChristianityToday.com called one of the top 10 albums of 2008. The newly released album captures an even bigger, more dynamic sound than its previous effort, eliciting glowing reviews from both critics and consumers alike.

ABOUT EMI CMG DISTRIBUTION (www.emicmg.com):
EMI CMG Distribution was founded in 1994 to serve as the main distribution outlet for EMI CMG's owned and distributed labels to the US Christian and general retail marketplace, and the international Christian marketplace. Since this distribution division was launched, EMI CMG has had more charting titles annually on Billboard’s Top Christian Charts than any other Christian distributor and has been named Billboard Magazine’s Top Christian Music Distributor 10 times since 1995. In addition to distributing EMI Christian Music Group’s fully-owned labels, which include Sparrow, ForeFront, and Credential imprints, as well as EMI Gospel and Worship Together, EMI CMG Distribution has exclusive distribution agreements with Tooth & Nail/BEC, EE-Taow Records, Gaither Music Group, Green Hill Productions, Hal Leonard, Inpop, Just Me Music, Kingsway Music, Madacy Entertainment, North Point Music, Spring Hill Music Group, Troubadour for the Lord, Universal Music Group, VSR Music Group, Anchor Bay Entertainment/Starz, Cloud 9 Games, Creative Trust Media, First Look Studios, GT Media, Guardian Studios/Bananas, First Look Studios, Kelly’s Filmworks, Pure Flix Entertainment, Rainbow Valley Heroes, Third Day Games and Vivendi Visual Entertainment. EMI CMG Distribution is a division of EMI Christian Music Group, a unit of EMI Music (www.emi.com), one of the world's leading music companies.

ABOUT INPOP RECORDS (www.inpop.com):
Inpop Records is an independent Christian music label based in Brentwood, Tenn. Founded in 1999 by newsboys founder and longtime frontman Peter Furler, artist manager Wes Campbell, and Australian businessman Dale Bray, Inpop is home to some of the best-known bands in Christian music. Distributed by EMI Christian Music Group, Inpop Records has become one of the top-selling independent labels within the industry, having established a reputation for seeking out the best artists in emerging talent and for expanding the Christian music marketplace with sound and ideas. Inpop artists have scored numerous No. 1 radio hits, earned multiple awards and nominations and achieved recognition around the world. Inpop's current roster includes newsboys, Superchick, Mat Kearney, Shane and Shane, Jimmy Needham, Newworldson and Article One, among others.