MercyMe’s Bart Millard and producer Pete Kipley’s Simple Records, an imprint through INO Records, is proud to introduce their second artist signing with 21-year-old Southern Californian Phil Wickham. His self-titled debut project releases nationwide on April 25, 2006.

Growing up in a devout Christian home with strong musical influences from his parents who are veterans of the Jesus Movement bands The Way and Parable, singer/songwriter Phil Wickham brings to the table a refreshing mix of emotional lyrics and shimmering melodies on his national debut. Phil’s musical journey began at the age of 12 when his family relocated from Orange County to San Diego. Soon after the move, his youth pastor asked him to lead worship for the youth group.

“When I started leading worship, the Lord really started blessing it with the junior high group,” he states. “Then the Lord brought different people in my life to show me what it means to minister, what it means to lead worship—just the transparency of self and coming forward in faith and knowing that the Lord is there.”

It wasn’t long before Phil’s heartfelt style became a staple among the local church and people started inquiring where to get his music. It was at the age of 19 when Phil released his well-received independent project, Give You My World, which was recorded in a small home studio.

“I knew this just had to be the Lord,” Phil explains of the positive response to the indie project. “I kept writing, kept on playing—going to school, and eventually to college. I didn’t even know at this time that this was what I wanted to do with my life. I was open to anything.”

Direction became clear when Millard and Kipley heard Phil’s music and asked him to join their Simple Records’ roster. “After Bart and I first heard Phil’s music, we knew right away that he would be perfect for what we are trying to accomplish as a label,” producer Pete Kipley says. “The depth and the beauty of his songs are equally matched with a voice you can never forget.”

Featuring eleven original tracks, this self-titled release is a poignant collection of worshipful songs from Phil’s heart. The first radio single, “Grace,” opens the CD with a passionate plea and hope for humanity to receive God’s grace. The song “Messiah,” a continuation of the message expressed in the opening song, answers Phil’s cry for grace. The project is rounded out with tracks that shine with pop/rock sensibility along with guitar filled anthems and his unforgettable vocals.

"Phil's music is the most refreshing music I have heard in years,” says Bart Millard of MercyMe. “I think the most amazing thing about his incredible talent is it still does not compare to his love for Christ."

To support his release, Phil will be touring eight cities with MercyMe throughout April and May. This summer Phil will be performing concerts across the country including KLTY’s Celebrate Freedom and KXOJ’s Freedom Live. This fall he will jump back on tour with MercyMe. Phil Wickham’s project will be available through Promo Only this week.