LOS ANGELES—Anchored Music, a dynamic community of artists, worship leaders and storytellers, launches today with the highly anticipated release of “Disarm,” featuring breakout artist Joe L. Barnes. Penned by Barnes, Stefan Cashwell, Emmy Rose and Jessie Early, “Disarm” was produced by Steve Rice and Anchored Music.
Barnes is a worship leader and writer at The Shepherd’s Tent in Covington, Georgia. Maverick City Music’s Dove Award-nominated “Promises,” which he co-wrote and is featured on along with Naomi Raines, has amassed more than 127 million YouTube views. Barnes also co-wrote Maverick City’s “Ruins,” as well as songs recorded by Tasha Cobbs Leonard and JJ Hairston.
"It's obedience, it's devotion, it's a heart posture, it's a consistency of time with God and out of it come the expressions,” said Barnes. “When you spend time with God and you're deeply involved on a heart level, you'll find yourself singing—because you can't help it. It's like, 'I have to get this out,’ so you sing. 'I have to get this out,’ so you dance. 'I have to get this out,’ so I bang stuff—I crash the cymbals and I smack the drums, I beat the floor...”
“Disarm” follows the recent release of “God is Good” by Anchored Collective and Arsnøvä. Written by Quintin “Arsnøvä” Pooler and Jordan Michael Rodriguez, “God is Good” was produced by Arsnøvä and Anchored Collective—an ongoing collaborative project branching from Anchored Music, with the goal of redefining modern CCM. The song features a techno-pop musical bed, while the lyrics herald the timeless message of God’s unfailing goodness.
“In this specific time of my life, I have come through a lot of inner healing and have had many revelations about myself through the eyes of God,” said Arsnøvä. “Overall I have grown into a space where I can fully enjoy every moment I stand in. This is simply because God is so GOOD. This is the space that this song comes from, a pure heart that is expressing gratitude in a genuine and raw manner.”
The “God is Good” dance contest is currently running on Instagram and TikTok, including a tutorial for an original dance created for the song. Participants are able to submit their own dance footage prior to October 15. "God is Good" also marks the debut of the Anchored Collective Artist Series, which will feature pop-oriented songs correlating to Anchored Prints Christian apparel designs. "God is Good" is currently the company's most popular clothing line.
Helmed by entrepreneur Sam Schinhofen, CEO, and Christian music industry veteran Steve Rice, executive vice president, the Los Angeles-based Anchored Music purposes to create, promote and distribute cutting-edge worship songs and experiences that will help equip listeners in their passionate pursuit of God.
“Anchored is dedicated to encouraging, strengthening and supporting musicians, writers and worship leaders in their ministry calling,” Rice said. “After decades of working closely with Christian artists and writers, I am more aware than ever how important the ‘why’ is—the mission behind the art. When Anchored invited me to help develop their vision, I saw their commitment to the ‘why’ and their desire to blaze a very unique trail. I believe in these new songs and the role they can play in the lives of a new generation of worshipers.”